Bicycling Western Australia’s CEO Jeremey Murry comments, “The Waroona event is not a race and the course is suitable for cyclists of all abilities.  It is a great opportunity for people to challenge themselves in a fully supported ride.”

Individual riders are also encouraged to register and will be placed in a composite team that matches their ability and experience. Further details and registration online: www.bwa.org.au

Bicycle Industries Australia which represents many of the Australian importers welcomed this announcement that will provide consumers with a new generation of well priced and high quality power-assisted bicycles. The changes are expected to provide the opportunity for a people who have previously been unable or unwilling to ride a bicycle to get on and enjoy the benefits. Peter Bourke, General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia said, the new range will be attractive to those who would like some level of assistance, whether that’s because of age, injury, fitness or those who just don’t want to get too hot on their ride to work. ‘When people are looking to save money, get out of the traffic and improve their health, these bikes will provide a very real alternative to driving a car.’

‘The expected increase in people riding will provide many community benefits, through individual health gains, independent mobility, cost savings from reduced transport costs, as well as savings on congestion and less impact on the environment,’ said Bourke

Main points of the new standard:
• Complements the existing standards
• Covers the needs of most users with a range starting at 40km for most batteries
• Power increase to 250W continuous rated power
• ‘Twist and go’ to 6kph allows easy take off from standing start

The bicycle industry is now looking to the states and territories to amend their laws and regulations to allow them to be used on Australian roads.

Source: Bicycle Industries Australia

Photo: German Winora S3 (Mionic XP HR-hubmotor 36 Volt, 250 Watt)

Riders who like making more than just a weekend of their mountain biking endeavours will smile at news that the Bike Buller MTB Festival will again coincide with the Labour Day long weekend and the Picnic in the Park Festival. This year’s festival drew the highest number of competitors yet, with post event feedback suggesting the buzz and action will only continue to grow in 2013.

While full details of the event are to be announced, it will reprise the hugely popular 5hr Brakeburner Enduro, which as a stand-alone stage sold out in 2012. Such is the demand for entry, event organisers are looking at the logistics of how to increase numbers on this Stage 2 ride, which has riders hopping ski lifts to create a unique multi-lap downhill circuit before flying off down the hill to finish at the Party in the Park, a gourmet food and wine festival at the bottom of the mountain.

Other races taking place over the three days include: Saturday’s Stage 1 Stirling Circuit, a 50km XC route over Mt Stirling and back again; the Stage 2b Super-D, a flowing 12km 1100 metre vertical descent, also finishing at the food and wine festival; and Monday’s morning finale, the Cornhill Cranker, a 25km XC that will use parts of the freshly minted Copperhead Trail.

More than 800 riders are expected to ascend (and descend) on Mt Buller in 2013 as the festival cements its place as the pre-eminent mountain bike festival in the southern hemisphere.

The full mountain biking event line up for the long weekend is:
Stage 1 – A Stirling Circuit: 30km or 50km cross country (XC): over Mt Stirling and back again on the incredible new ‘Stonefly’ single track and other flowing trails all in a magical alpine setting
Stage 101 – The Kids Race – 10km: held on the single track around the village – designed to gives kids their own fun MTB experience
Stage 2 – The 5hr Brakeburner Enduro: a 5hr multi-lap enduro down a flowing XC-downhill course where you catch the lift up as part of each 6km lap including part of the new Copperhead trail, until the final 12km descent Super D Mt Buller to the food, fine and music festival at the bottom of the Mt. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 2b The Mt Buller Super D: a friendly 12km top to bottom race down a flowing 1,100m vertical descent to festival at the base of the hill. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 3 – Cornhill cranker: 25km XC: on the flowing singletrack around the Mt Buller village and neighbouring Corn Hill, taking in the new Copperhead trail top to bottom.

Further event details at: www.bikebuller.com

Meanwhile, the Kona Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon is again expected to sell out at 2000 riders, with organisers urging punters to keep a close eye on Rapid Ascent news feeds for when entries will open.

Featuring three challenging yet scenic courses – the 100km main game along with the 50km ‘Shorty’ and 15km ‘Pioneer’ – the event scoots along world renowned single track, providing a heroic mountain bike journey through a range of wild landscapes in what Rapid Ascent reckons is “an Odyssey sent from the gods.”

The 100km course begins seaside at Apollo Bay, quickly hooking inland for the big uphill haul to finish after much sweat, some tears and occasionally some blood, in Forrest, a town that has come to be regarded as a Mecca for mountain bikers courtesy of the bunch of singletrack routes weaving around it’s wild outskirts.  The 50km and 15km events start and finish in Forrest.

Date: Saturday, February 18th, 2012
Location: Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Distances:
• 100km Kona Odyssey, Apollo Bay to Forrest
• 50km Kona Shorty, Forrest
• 15km Kona Pioneer, Forrest
Festival:  Finish your quest with a feast at the bike, food and entertainment expo

Entries are now open at www.konaodyssey.com.au

This is entirely volunteer run and as it starts the day after the Cape to Cape MTB Race, it means it is be possible to ride back to back, with the Margaret River Cycle trek a good warm down event that provides more opportunity to explore, enjoy and relax.

Early bird registration is $950 before June 30 (or $1050 afterwards). Money raised from the event go to the Margaret River Environment Centre, NO Coalition, Surf Riders Foundation and WA Forest Alliance.

More details and registration online: www.margaretrivercycletrek.com.au

Photo © Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association

The 2011 Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge was nominated for the Community Event of the Year in the Coffs Harbour Australia Day Awards, and raised over $28,000 for charity. This event is being organised by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City.

For more information, please visit coffscoastcyclechallenge.com

Riders are encouraged to challenge themselves in their route selection and join in with fundraising for the event. Proceeds go towards vital community development projects, with last  year focussing on the development of a children’s home in Western Kenya where 120 AIDS orphans are housed and educated. Be a part of this great day, and change a life while you peddle with friends.

Date: 2nd June 2012

Info: www.tourofhope.com.au

World Champion Craig Gordon takes the Rocky Trail MTB Grand Prix (Round two) at Awaba ahead of Matthew Reekie and Daniel McDonald.

Gordon smashed out a massive 13 laps in 4 hrs 15 min, followed by Matthew Reekie with 11 laps in 3 hrs 59 min. Third was claimed by an outstanding youngster Daniel McDonald coming in with 11 laps just 4 minutes later.

The solo women’s final result saw winner, Charlie McCabe, a full 18 minutes ahead of Sarah Neumann, both with 9 laps and Julie Witcombe in third with 8 completed laps.

Team Staunch took the win with 13 laps, a good result for Tim Dooman and Alex Pung only 5 minutes off the pace of Gordon. Pung however claimed the fastest lap for the day in 18 min. 51 sec. The Mixed Team 2 category saw the fastest women for the day, Tracey Robinson (25 min. 41) win with racing partner Jason Head with a total of 10 laps. In the Male Team 3, “shanebradsteve” won by 2 laps over the MTB Grand Prix ‘veteran team’, the FOB’s. Placings for 4th, 5th and 6th were very close, within just a minute of each other.

During qualifying early in the day, the fastest individual lap time was taken out by Pung with 4 min. 42 sec. His team mate Doman was just four seconds behind while Gordon completed the lap in 4 min. 48 sec.

The next round of the MTB Grand Prix will be held at Mt Stromlo in Canberra on November 14th. Registration is now open on www.rockytrailentertainment.com

Photo: Peter Blakeman

The versatile computer for ambitious bikers
The PC compatible bike computer BC 1609 from SIGMA SPORT is available on the market with cable or in the wireless model BC 1609 STS or as a complete set with wireless cadence transmitter BC 1609 STS CAD. With the aid of the SIGMA DATA CENTER 2.0 software, the training parameters can be optimally read out and evaluated on a private PC. Equipped with a multitude of functions and setting possibilities, this bike computer is designed for ambitious competition riders.

The areas this device can be used is just as versatile as its functions: whether racing bike, trekking, touring or mountain bike every training target can be reached with the BC 1609. In addition to the general functions such as language selection, backlighting, battery low indicator, two wheel sizes which can be adjusted, and data storage when battery is changed, SIGMA SPORT has equipped this bike computer with many further features.

There are three displays for the biker to read off; current speed, average speed and maximum speed. In addition this model has the functions trip distance and total distance for bike 1 and bike 2 as well as a programmable trip section counter for stages. The second wheel size is only displayed after the second bike has been used, which greatly increases ease of use and clarity of the values. This also holds true when the optional cadence transmitter is not in use. In this case, in a clever solution, the BC 1609 automatically masks the functions after five minutes. The temperature display, which informs the biker of the current value at any time, is new.

The multiple bike functions are rounded off by seven time functions. The BC 1609 shows – on the well-arranged easily readable display – the trip time, time of day, as well as the total trip time for bikes 1 and 2 and also the sum total values of both bikes. A stopwatch as well as a programmable timer complete the time parameters.

The training companion for a Cyclist
The BC 1909 HR wireless model combines excellent, sophisticated design with many ECG-precise heart rate functions as well as bike and time features and a cadence display. These features make the bike computer the perfect companion for all training trips.

A multitude of functions are available to ambitious bikers and to all those who are working toward that goal. Due to the heart rate functions and the possibility of setting your individual target values as well as display of calories burnt, the BC 1909 HR focuses on training according to heart rate values. On the “overhauled” and easily readable display the biker can see his/her current heart rate, the average as well as the maximum heart rate – and all that as exactly as on an ECG. By means of a visual signal in the form of arrows he/she is made aware of exceeding or falling behind target values and can therefore adjust and optimise the training.

The BC 1909 HR is also cadence compatible. It is especially noteworthy that the cadence transmitter is included in delivery. Therefore measurement of current cadence as well as average cadence is possible. These values can then later easily be read out and evaluated at home on a PC thanks to the optional docking station and the SIGMA DATA CENTER 2.0 software. This is also valid for the mentioned heart rate values and the other training parameters such as speed for instance.

In addition to current speed the speed transmitter provides information about average and maximum speed. SIGMA SPORT was able to increase the range of the STS speed transmissions to 90 cm. For all those who prefer the cabled version, SIGMA SPORT offers for the first time an optional retro-fit cable holder. This was implemented due to the wishes of specialist stores and the end users.

Of course tried and true functions such as the masking of total values during the trip, the lighting function, data storage during battery change, five time functions and menu navigation were retained.

The BC 1909 HR is rounded off by a new battery of the type CR 2450, 3V which now provides 3 times the capacity and therefore longer fun when biking. When the battery condition display of the transmitter or the computer head gives the signal that one or other of the batteries is coming to the end of its capacity it can then be changed in time.

The classic, which makes you want more
The BC 509 is a rookie in the Sigma range, in addition to its design and five features and it will be a decent price.

Oriented towards the requirements of families and children, city bikers, commuters and weekend warriors this classic model distinguishes itself among other things by its simple menu navigation and manageable number of functions. The optimised operation guarantees easy setting of the computer. Changing to automatic function cycle, whereby all functions are displayed one after the other, is possible at all times. The parameters can be easily read and are shown well set out on the enlarged display.

Thanks to self-explanatory pictograms of the individual functions, the user rapidly learns operation of the computer. It doesn’t matter whether for a trip at the weekend, a trip to the beer garden or to go shopping: The BC 509 provides the most important features such as current speed, trip distance and total distance as well as riding time.

The Smart One
The Smart One combines basic functions of a classic bike computer, three further speed values plus total riding time.

The large, new display – framed by the stylish and classy-looking black housing – presents all the training parameters clearly and well-organised. Basic functions are values such as current speed, average speed and maximum speed as well as trip distance. These bike functions are complemented by the comparison of current speed and average speed. In addition there are the usual time functions and the optimised operation design of the new TOPLINE 2009 range. In addition to trip time the biker is also provided with the time of day in a choice of 12 or 24 hour clock as well as the total riding time.

For all of you who prefer wireless transmission, the BC 1009 is also available without cable in the model BC 1009 STS. In this model the training values are measured by the new data transmission system STS (SIGMA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM) which, due to its digital coding and three frequency channels, is absolutely stable. With the aid of an optional docking station as well as the SIGMA DATA CENTER 2.0 software both the BC 1009 and the BC 1009 STS can be connected to a PC, set up and read out.

The mountain specialist for altitude lovers
The BC 2209 MHR is the top of the 2009 range.

A multitude of functions is framed by the stylish black housing with its large and clearly-structured four line display. In addition to the tried and tested time and bike features typical of SIGMA SPORT, the bike computer also boasts an altimeter, ECG-exact heart rate functions and a thermometer. Thanks to the wristband included in delivery the BC 2209 MHR can also be used as a hiking computer.

All those of you who are at home in the mountains – whether on a racing bike or a mountain bike – will find a faithful and reliable companion in the BC 2209 MHR. But bikers can also be pleased about their results within the comfort of their own four walls. By means of the optional docking station the tour data can be transferred from the PC compatible bike computer to the private processor and thanks to the SIGMA DATA CENTER 2.0 be read out and evaluated there.

And that is a lot of data: With one glance at the display the ambitious biker is well informed about his/her current altitude, speed and heart rate. One further function can be selected to be displayed e.g. current cadence. Thanks to the cadence transmitter included in delivery average cadence can be displayed in addition to current cadence. As far as velocity is concerned alpine bikers are provided with the functions current speed, average speed and maximum speed. Data is recorded wirelessly with a range of up to 90 cm or per cable with the optional retrofit cable holder. Over and above all that, the range of the cadence transmitter has been increased to 110 cm and that of the heart rate transmitter to 100 cm.

The large, four line display is designed to be well-organised and easily readable. The biker can also rely on the tried and tested simple operation and German menu navigation. The detailed function text display is a further feature which distinguishes this user-friendly device.
One of the ease of use functions is that the last altitude displayed from the day before is resumed on the following day. This means that current altitude does not have to be reprogrammed and has proved advantageous on trips of several days with changeable weather.

In addition three alternatives are available for setting altitude. Start altitude: By pressing two keys the bike computer can be set to a preset start altitude e.g. home. Current altitude can also be set by hand or by entering the air pressure value at sea level (NN). The BC 2209 MHR then automatically calculates the current altitude.

The BC 2209 MHR also features a standby mode so that no power is unnecessarily wasted on altitude when not in motion. The automatic start/stop function guarantees that the bike computer activates automatically when the bike is moved.

As a supplementary benefit SIGMA SPORT provides all hikers a hiker mode whereby altitude, heart rate and temperature are measured on tours without a bike. Thanks to the wristband included in delivery the BC 2209 MHR can also be used as a wristwatch. In this case the hiking mode is automatically activated.

The BC 2209 MHR is rounded off with the new CR 2450, 3 V battery included in delivery which provides capacity of 3 times more than the type 2032.

Sigma Sport Cycle Computers are distributed in Australia by Pulse Sport and Bike Corp

This didn’t mean an easy ride for the 1,000 riders who took part in the Angry Doctor 100km event and the Irate Intern 50km event on Sunday 13 September, as they had to contend with unseasonal hot weather and dusty conditions making this race challenging for every rider, from the elite to the first timer!  The smiling faces showing up at the finish line – nothing more than white teeth on a dusty face – were proof that those single tracks were well worth it!  Some of the 100km riders elected to retire at the 50km mark, the smell of BBQ at the event hub and the prospect of a fresh beverage being too tempting for them: they swore they would be back next year for another shot at the full distance!

The third year for the Doctor has also crowned new champions yet again.  Warren Burgess from Sydney Northern Beaches was just racing in the Open but took out the win over Elite riders in hot dusty conditions in a time of 4:38.  Heather Logie from Canberra showed what an all-round champion athlete she is and backed up from winning The North Face 100 (100km trail run) in May to win the Netti MTB Enduro in 5:27.  Rod McGee did it tough but fast on the single speed coming an amazing 13th place overall in 5:00.  Age doesn’t slow regular Hugh Stoddart with a first in the Vets and 15th overall.

The competition was hot in more ways than one in the Irate Intern with many of the elite riders taking this option and conserving themselves for the Australian Enduro Championships on next weekend.  Matt Fleming won the day in 2:08 for the males, while Kristen Vallance in 2:57 won the women’s category and was also the first female in the Vets.  She had taken the Nasty Nurse the day prior to that as well.  Congratulations to all participants as it was a tough day out there.

Thanks go out to the Walbunja people of Mogo for welcoming the event on their land, the Mogo inhabitants, Eurobodalla Coast Tourism, Mogo School, the Runnyford Fire Brigade, Mogo State Forest, Mogo Council, Batemans Bay Sand & Gravel, and the Fleming family and finally the many, many volunteers: the local mountain biking club Eurobodalla Cycling Club; the local trail bike riders; St John Ambulance, and many more.

The organisers wish to extend their condolences to the family of Greg Slater who passed away of an apparent heart attack during the 50km event.  Greg, a father of two – his son Alex who rode in the event and daughter Madaline – and husband to wife Jenny, was the Deputy Commissioner for the NSW State Emergency Services.  His death comes as a great shock.  Greg was a very active and fit man who had competed in the Australian Ironman Championships four times.

Photo: Krystle Wright (wrightfoto)

As a result the 30 year old confirmed his wedding date for two weeks time to fianc?e, Sarah Riley, could go ahead as planned. It was only in the final metres that Spink outsprinted two riders to the line to win in 4 hours 30 minutes.

“I promised Sarah and I just had to win,” said Spink.

At the last drink station a split appeared in the leading bunch of nine riders with only three remaining to the last sprint.

Spink has miraculously won all previous events at this location but said today’s win could also be attributed to his focus on training in any weather, course knowledge as well as his dual suspension bike which secured his first national title.

“Everyone wants a jersey. It will certainly go up on the wall,” he explained.

Spink had never lost a race on this course in previous marathons however

Just three hundredths of a second behind was Port Macquarie’s Jason English finishing in second place. Third was Victorian Neil Van der Ploeg another one hundredth of a second behind. A disappointed Ben Mather placed fourth after being at the front of the pack. Veteran male, John Darcey was the highest placed other category rider in 22nd position.

The women’s event saw a return to racing for former national champion Tory Thomas from Victoria. Thomas said she was feeling great and attributed her win to the fitness from the Tour de Timor and her need found enjoyment of riding.

“You know that was fun,” she said after riding in the lead for most of the race. “Peta rode well and it’s a shame Jo (Wall) had trouble earlier on.”

Wall’s pedal came off early in the race leaving another local rider, Peta Mullens to chase after Thomas.

Mullens placed second with Melbourne’s Jenni King riding strongly in third.

Young Adelaide rider, James Hanus was the first competitor completed the ROCKSHOX Gold Triangle half marathon in 2 hours winning the under 18 division.

Winners of the national jersey also gain automatic selection for the 2010 World Marathon Championships in Germany.

Overall Results – 105km Male

1 Murray Spink  4:30:01
2 Jason English    +0:03
3 Neil Van Der Ploeg     +0:04
4 Ben Mather     +0:29
5 Nick Menager    +0:30
6 Shaun Lewis     +1:10
7 Matthew Fleming     +1:12
8 Paul Van der Ploeg    +1:33
9 Hamish Elliot    +2:19
10 Troy Glennan    +6:08

Photo: Akuna Digital