This Sunday, September 18, sees a major mountain biking event at the Armidale Pine Forest.
New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) are hosting their leg of the Mid-North Coast Series of races. This series is called the GNaTPACK series, which is named after the towns that make up the series. Races are held at Grafton, Nambucca, Taree, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Kempsey. The Armidale race is the seventh and final race of this series, with big cash prizes handed out at the series presentation after the race. The race, named Attitude at Altitude, will test the competitors from down the coast. The air is thinner in Armidale and the track is steeper and more technical than the other tracks used down the coast in the earlier races.
NEMTB hold two major events each year: This Attitude at Altitude race; and the 12 Hour Enduro in March.
Over 100 riders are expected on Sunday from all over NSW. The MTB track at the Pine Forest has been improved over recent months, with extended trails through the northeast section. There is also a new downhill section called “Spicks n Specks” where riders can have some fun. Added to this are new structures and berms all around the track. The track has increased in overall distance from 9km to 11km and is marked with black arrows on wooden posts.
Several local riders are in a strong position to place in the series. The Harris family are dominating their age divisions. David Harris (40-49 male), Holly Harris (U19 female) and Michael Harris (U15 male) are in unbeatable positions. Lisa Harris (40-49 female) is also close to leading her division. Jo Benham is leading the elite females. Bella Hosking (U15 female) and Peter Platts (U 19 male) will both be looking for a place.
There will be a race precinct set up under the powerlines in the southeast section of the Pine Forest. Access is via the second gate going south on Pine Forest road. Riders of all abilities are invited to compete. The cost to enter is $30 for adults and $15 for riders U 19. The race starts at 10.30am. Riders who do not have an MTB Australia licence will also need to buy a day licence for $20. There is a kids’ event at 9.45am around a shorter track, which costs $5 to enter (Dirtmasters free).
Racing should be over by around 1.30pm, with presentation soon after. The Elite Men complete four laps of the 11km track, with other age groups riding two or three laps. This is one of the highlights for the year for NEMTB and it should be an impressive show of speed, skill and endurance.
Catering will be courtesy of Drummond Memorial Public School. There will be a portable toilet on site and the Armidale SES will be looking after marshalling and first aid. Free camping is available Saturday night, with everyone welcome to have a practise ride on the track on Saturday. Registration can be done online via the link on the NEMTB website. For further details, contact Matthew Benham on mbenham@newa.nsw.gov.au or 0488 711 027. There are also details on the NEMTB website: www.nemtb.com.au
