Mackay & District Mountain Bike Club

Mackay and District (MAD) Mountain Bike Club would like to advise all of its nominated competitors that the MAD RUSH 6hr event has been postponed until 31st August 2013. Please note that refunds have been issued via MTBA. (This could take a couple of weeks).

Due to the amount of rain (with more forecast for the coming week), our tracks at Rowallan Park are washed out and are in no condition to hold an event on.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and hope to see you all in August. Don’t forget you will need to re-register if you still wish to race this event.

Please do not hesitate to contact the club, should you have any further queries.

World mountain bike champ visits Mackay | Mackay Daily Mercury.

What a great event! Blue sky, cool weather, and a great rider
turn out, some traveling from as far as Townsville and Gladstone,
insured we were in for a fantastic weekend.

Stage 1 saw riders take off at a blistering pace to tackle the first
course of the weekend with Wes and Nathan duelling for the lead
for 2 of the 3 hours until Nathan Tilly broke away for the win. Craig
Tomkinson also had a great day taking out the 40+ category.

Stage 2 on Sunday morning saw the riders tackling a different
track with the rock garden thrown in to test the weary riders. The
race followed Saturdays lead with Nathan and Wes leading the riders
out along with the Rafferty’s setting the pace. Although the lap distance
was the same as the day before the lap times were down due to
fatigue.

Overall a great time was had by all. Good riding, good trails, good
food and good spectating. Nigel Copeland lost 2kg, Rob Aitken put
on 1kg (in the form of dirt), Craig Pinkston donated skin from his
knees and elbows to various section of track, and I continued to be
beaten by my nemesis Chris Labes. Next time Chris, next time…

Check out the results on the net, and I’ll see you at our next event,
calendar for the next few months out soon.

Cheers Dave.

July 23 saw a group of Mad riders (or mad group of riders?) hit the road on an overnight trip to Paluma for the Rockwheelers’ 2011 Mike Carney Paluma Push.

It was the 2nd consecutive year I’ve ridden this course – and again Paluma delivered the goods! The Rockwheelers’ really know how to turn on a great event; everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the trails were challenging but inviting.

Whether you’re new to MTB or a pro – you can have a lot of fun at Paluma!!

To make things extra special, Jenni King (Australia’s top elite female mountain biker) was there pushing the boys to their limits!

The special thing about Paluma is that half the riders are returning for their 2nd, 3rd… even 8th time – but the other half of the field are there for their first time! Paluma offers a recreational course (40km) and a competition class (55km+). Whichever course you choose – you’ll absolutely love it.

There would have been over 15 MAD MTBC members there – and I’m certain everyone will attest to the joy’s of the Paluma Push.

Be there next year.

Saturday afternoon saw 30 keen mountain bikers line up for the first enduro event for the club since the trails have been re-built. With riders from every category (newbie/junior, ladies, open 19-29, veterans 30-39, masters 40-49 & old farts 50+) the competition was hot, the riding was impressive and the fun was evident!

Well done to everyone who placed in their categories and especially to the new riders. Check out the photos on the Facebook page, if you know someone in the photos please add a comment tagging them!

MAD MTBC member Deon blazing the trails

Competitors in Saturday’s Dirty Duathlon had an absolute blast riding and running through Rowallan Park!

Over 15 competitors lined up for the start; a 3k run saw them head down the park access road to the bitumen then turn around and head back the same way and through transition where they picked up their bikes and headed out for the ride. A fast and flowey track through the bush ensued, three laps of a 2k course which kept the spectators entertained as riders worked the pedals and breaks down the switchbacks before disappearing back into the scrub. The final run was proper fun! Some of Rowallan’s best XC trail still messed up by the bad wet season – made for fantastic running. Another 3k (thankfully shaded by the trees), popping back out to cross the finish line with the BBQ and cold drink waiting!

The weather was perfect, the trails were brilliant and the competitors were all up for a bit of fun.

Can’t wait for the next one!

The night race on Saturday was wicked! There was  a great turnout and we hope everyone had fun riding our tracks!