NZ National Downhill 2014 - Sarah Atkin FTW!

Sarah going for the win. Photo "borrowed" from BikeNZ website.

The big news from the recent National Downhill Champs held in Rotorua is Sarah Atkin’s inaugural Elite title. Wellington local Sarah took the top step emphatically with a 6 second lead over Alanna Columb, and almost 7 seconds ahead of Harriet Letcham, both from Queenstown. Some would say, ourselves included, this has been coming for a long time and it’s great to see Sarah riding strong.

The Elite men’s field was stacked as usual and the title was taken out by Hawkes Bay’s George Brannigan, with Wanganui’s Sam Blenkinsop less than a second back followed by Switzerland’s Nick Beer.

So sending a massive congratulations out to Sarah and to all other club members who took part in the event! Check the full report over on the BikeNZ site.

Christmas Shuttles x Longest Day Ride

It’s a while ago now, but we neglected to mention it earlier. Saturday the 21st marked the fifth annual Longest Day Ride and we thought it was a good opportunity to get our Club members together for some Christmas Shuttles. Besides an amazing excuse to ride your bike all day, those participating in the Longest Day Ride raise funds for Arthritis NZ.

And what a day! The super keen were up at Polhill for a run at first light and shortly after 9am, the late risers were met at Miramar. After a couple of hours there, we moved on to Wainui, then to Karori Park followed by Mt Victoria and then finally back to Miramar for the last runs. By about 8pm, the last handful of riders were calling it quits and yarns were being spun around the BBQ.

At its high point we had about 30 riders and surprisingly there was only one incident all day involving one lad riding off Hippys. You’ll be pleased to know he wasn’t off the bike for long.

We’re also pleased to announce that $350 was raised for Arthritis NZ. Many thanks to all those that came along and to the drivers.

Welly Enduro Series

For a full calendar of events, results and points standings head over to wmtbc.org.nz/enduro

Round 1 Report - The Escape from Mt Crawford

Round 1 of the Enduro Series at Miramar was a blast. Over 90 riders on the day, so great conditions and relaxed vibe. The riders in the Felony class soon mastered the top of the track diversion (nick named “Ball and Chain”) and everyone got three runs under their belts.

The Sufferfest Hill Climb up Jail Brake lived up to it’s billing. Riders must have been hitting their max heart rate by the time they hit the rock drop.

Karl “The Weasel” Patterson backed up his performance from last year and took at the Felony class Enduro and the King of the Mountain. Whilst in the Women’s it was Sascha Smith taking the double in the Women’s.

A huge thanks to Placemakers Evan’s Bay, The Rock FM and Burkes Cycles for supporting this event, and of course to The Yeastie Boys who are supporting the entire series.

Round 2 Next Sunday March 9th at Wainuiomata

The second round of the WES will be at WTP next Sunday.

This will consist of 2 runs down different courses, with untimed liaison stages to the top of each course.

Registration from 9am. Race runs should be done and dusted by 1 with prize giving shortly after.

We are running all age group classes, with prizes for each class. Excellent Yeastie Boys beer for those of age, and something equally sweet for those who aren’t.

Enter online >>

Round 3 Revolve Super V

Ladies, don't forget there is one round of the WES just for you - the Revolve Super V. This will be a fun day of shuttles and racing in Polhill. Head over to the Revolve site to enter.

Round 4 cSixx Mt Vic Super D Entries Open Now

March 30th is lining up as a big one. The Mt Vic Super D gets bigger and better each year.
Entries are open now on the club site.

New for this year is the Mini D, a super D for 7 - 12 year olds. This will be held on a different course that follows some of the easier trails down from the top of Mt Vic back to the event village at the Harrier Club.

Steve Wallace and the Mt Vic Trails Crew will have a few course changes in store for this edition of the event that will keep you on your toes. Digs are running mid week in the evenings. Check the  Mt Vic trails facebook page for details.

Volunteers Needed - Get us a volunteer, get free entry.

We need a number of volunteers, particularly to Marshall for our upcoming events and we need your help to find them. To that end we are going to offer free entry to all of those who find us a volunteer.

Here is how it works:

• Find us a volunteer for Wainuiomata, and you get free entry to the cSixx Mt Vic Super D
• Find us a volunteer for the cSixx Mt Vic Super D, and you get free entry to the Makara Enduro
• If your volunteer turns up and does their bit on the day, then we will sort you an entry.
  
• It is that easy.

If you have a husband, wife, brother, sister, father, mother, friend or flatmate who can help out, then please email secretary at wmtbc.org.nz with their contact details.

T-Shirt Order - Get your order in before this Thursday Night

Yes we are doing another run of T-shirts, and you have till tomorrow night to get your orders in.

Men’s and Women’s styles, a range of colours, $35 including NZ postage.

Order yours now >>

Karapoti - Volunteers required.

We have had a request from Michael Jacques for 6 more volunteers required for help on Saturday, including tail end Charlie.

There will be free lunch, T shirt and a free entry to next years event, if you can help please email Michael direct-  Michael Jacques michael@mdj.co.nz