Sydney Spring Fat Tyre Festival 2008

[BT180]

Who did this last year? Is it something that is suited to race n00bs like myself?

I'm pretty keen to enter a team of 4 for this year's event. We were entered into the Yellowmundee GP as our first ever race but had to pull out because some idiot (me) went and injured themselves.

We hope to lose our race virginity in this one instead.

[alchemist]

Probably a little tougher than Yellowmundee (lots more single track), very laid back with the coolest timing team in Australia. :D

[BT180]

That sounds good - the more single track the better. :)

[WolfCreekPsycho]

You'll love it mate.. awesome riding and in a team of 4 will make for a cruisy day of top trails !!

[GU*mp]

yep, what they said ^^

get involved :)

[wittman13]

This was the best day of riding that I had in 2007. The weather, other riders and track were all great. Free coffee for those that enjoy that kind of thing.

I would suggest that you take a bottle opener for the beer at the end of the day.

[jaslr]

BT180: Is this the festival you're talking about? http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_schedule.html

The one in Ourimbah on Nov 23, 2008?

I'm part of a 3 man team competing in this for the first time. Hell knows how I'll go but I'm looking forward to slogging it out and seeing how my set up goes.

[BT180]

BT180: Is this the festival you're talking about? http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_schedule.html

The one in Ourimbah on Nov 23, 2008?

I'm part of a 3 man team competing in this for the first time. Hell knows how I'll go but I'm looking forward to slogging it out and seeing how my set up goes.


Yep - that's the one. I think we'll end up going on the Saturday and camping there overnight.

Sounds good from what you guys have said above. It'll be interesting to see how I go on the Heckler...From last years photos most people seem to be on hardtails??

[PDogg]

Great fun course, highly recommended!

The Heckler will be fine. The ups might not be as sprightly as the hard tail guys, but with so much flowing singletrack and descending, the cush and extra cornering that full suspension gives you will reward your uphill efforts.

Do it.

[alchemist]

The texan whispers are that entries are nearly full, so if you're thinking about it get in quick!

[BT180]

Got my entry...Who else is in?

[DaGonz]

Got my entry...Who else is in?

Yeah I'm going to give it a crack this year...

Cheers
Gonz

[WolfCreekPsycho]

In !

Have to make sure we catch up BT

[BT180]

In !

Have to make sure we catch up BT


Definitely. You in a team or going solo?

[WolfCreekPsycho]

Definitely. You in a team or going solo?

Entered as a pair.. have yet to tick the Solo box for a race, but may get there in 2009... :)

[Aro]

The texan whispers are that entries are nearly full, so if you're thinking about it get in quick!


Thanks for the heads up, just entered, I'll be the one everybody is yelling "TRACK" at!

[Australia says no]

I just got back from riding the track while a few friends did some downhill runs. It must be said that I had forgotten how good the track is. It’s been at least 5 years since I'd last ridden here and it’s even better than I remember, there is endless grip especially in the rainforest sections and some really cool rocky sections but the rocks are rounded and not loose making them fun to ride up, over or around.

So I just entered then in a mixed pair for some fun and maximum laps.

[BT180]

I've never been to Ourimbah and plan to go there before the race for some reconnaissance. How hard would it be to find the course? I've heard Ourimbah is a maze of tracks and I want to find the right one.

[spikenet]

I've never been to Ourimbah and plan to go there before the race for some reconnaissance. How hard would it be to find the course? I've heard Ourimbah is a maze of tracks and I want to find the right one.

Just follow the arrows from the carpark at the bottom of red hill rd. They should all still be out from the 6 hour. Ourimbah is pretty self-contained so its not a big deal from a navigation point of view.

cheers

[BRETTOS]

I've never been to Ourimbah and plan to go there before the race for some reconnaissance. How hard would it be to find the course? I've heard Ourimbah is a maze of tracks and I want to find the right one.

Hey BT, this weekend will be our only chance to do some recon at Ourimbah. I think Sunday will be best. Anybody else going to be up there this weekend?

[BT180]

Yeah, as per this thread (http://www.farkin.net/forums/showthread.php?t=148786), if you're keen for a ride at Ourimbah this Sunday let us know.

[Slow Puncture]

Hi all,

I' m a noob who normally rides at Manly Dam. How does this track compare to Manly Dam and what do you think will be the biggest challenge for someone new a this event?

Cheers,

SP

[BT180]

Come up with us on Sunday and find out! :)

We're in the same boat.

[rockydog]

Does abybody know Romano cheese is an acceptable substitute for Parmesan in southern continental cuisine?

No, I haven't searched. That's why I'm asking!

[Slow Puncture]

Come up with us on Sunday and find out! :)



So...how did it go??!!

[BT180]

So...how did it go??!!


Awesome! Like someone mentioned previously, the track was well marked out from a previous race, so we just followed the arrows around. It's really good single track that was a LOT of fun...hardly any firetrail at all. Even had a slow run on the downhill track.

One thing I have to say though is – don’t look directions up on whereis.com!!

We did that and ended up on Red Hill road but on the wrong side of the forest...had to back track to the freeway and find the right exit. Lost about 1hour. :mad:

It’s pretty easy to find though.....once you get accurate directions.:D

[Slow Puncture]

Good stuff.

There are directions on the event website too.

[BT180]

lol Yeah, I should've looked at that in the first place. :o

[alchemist]

Entries closed! If you missed out check out the WSMTB Pivot Cycles 4 hour (http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=148004) instead

[Mr. Pink]

If the rain forecast in the next few days eventuates are they likely to close the track this weekend? I was thinking of heading up there on sunday but don't want to go all the way only to find it closed.

[climbo]

chance of a shower, a few mm of rain, it shouldn't be closed at all.

[64ponty]

Hi, I missed out on an entry to the race due to miscommunication. Does anyone have one to sell? I'm after a solo if that helps?

Please PM me or sms mobile 0418277345 and I'll call you back

[64ponty]

anyone reading this thread?

[toby]

so should I be busting out the wet weather tires or sticking with my Racing Ralph's?

Looks like the rest of the week is going to be wet wet wet...

[dangersean]

Its been bucketing down for the past 12 hours, rain is supposed to increase today and continue on through till Sunday.

Wondering... If the course is absolutely soaked on sunday, will they let 450 riders churn it up for the day?

If we are let loose, what tyres would you suggest for XC in the wet at Ourimbah?

[toby]

hmmm inside word on the course is its very muddy... i'm going Ignitors all round instead of the RR. Open tread tire is best!

[BT180]

I was wondering that too - will the race still go ahead?

Who's camping out there on Saturday night?

[njleach]

probably just drive up from syd early Sunday morning given the forecast...and think of changing monorail's to something more heavy duty :confused:

[njleach]

anyone tried the maxxis medusa's?

[Dreggsy]

I'll be camping there,
I cant be bothered driving from Manly at stupid o'clock in the morning

[WolfCreekPsycho]

Its only Wednesday guys... didnt it do this last year ?? Turned the track into a grippy tacky wonderland.

Keep an eye on http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60901/IDN60901.94777.shtml

[DaGonz]

I'll be camping there,
I cant be bothered driving from Manly at stupid o'clock in the morning

Yeah I'm starting to lean that way. Dinner at the Wyong Fush'n'chups ?? :)

Cheers
Gonz

[BT180]

We're planning on camping, although if the weather stays the same I might see if my air bed fits in the back of the Golf! :)

Do people usually go to the local eateries for dinner instead of messing about with camping stoves/fires/etc?

[Dreggsy]

Yeah I'm starting to lean that way. Dinner at the Wyong Fush'n'chups ??

Cheers
Gonz


Affirmative!!! is it any good?



We're planning on camping, although if the weather stays the same I might see if my air bed fits in the back of the Golf!

Do people usually go to the local eateries for dinner instead of messing about with camping stoves/fires/etc?



Eating locally and will be putting up a 6 person tent as my car leaks so if you need floor space come see me.

I was planning on doing a lap on the single speed at night anyone else keen?

[Aro]

Looks like I might be taking along my two youngest kids as the wife will be away with our eldest, not having been there b4 what am i up for? I'm in a team event so there will always be me or a mate with them but is there anything around for kids? ie grass areas. My two are 2.5 & a 5yo, so 8 hours of nintendo ds aint going to cut it! Will try to get my old lady to collect them mid morning for the rest of the day but may not happen.

Anyway, be wary of my kids impersonating speed humps on the track!

[spikenet]

hmmm inside word on the course is its very muddy... i'm going Ignitors all round instead of the RR. Open tread tire is best!

Did some laps today and track is in great condition, best its ever been! Few puddles but very little mud. If the rain continues to stay away the track will be perfect for sunday! I ran Ignitor front, crossmark rear.. no problems.. really looking forward to sunday now!

[QZ13]

Hey Dreggsy

We're going to let the Gimp out on Saturday arvo for one lap only. He can't ride in the dark though, the lights melt his rubber suit.

Needless to say then Society members shall be high on the mounain from the afternoon onwards.

[ebuk]

Eating locally and will be putting up a 6 person tent as my car leaks so if you need floor space come see me.

I was planning on doing a lap on the single speed at night anyone else keen?

Heading up Saturday as well. Dunno if my little tent is all that waterproof, so I may come knocking in the middle of the night :).

Trying to pack the SS in the back seat with the Spark. If I can get them both in I'll be keen on the night lap.

[QZ13]

^Tell me if you need me to take a bike for you or I can drop over that rack?

No plastic and no gears in the bus though

[ebuk]

^No plastic and no gears in the bus though

When the bike is named after you it's allowed to go anywhere ;).

[Dreggsy]

When the bike is named after you it's allowed to go anywhere ;).

Plus it's magnetic,

see you all high on the mountain.

[DaGonz]

I'm unfortunately going to have to pull the pin.

If you're interested in a Solo Entry, send us a PM and I'll see what we have to do to transfer it

Cheers
Gonz

[Dreggsy]

I'm unfortunately going to have to pull the pin.

If you're interested in a Solo Entry, send us a PM and I'll see what we have to do to transfer it

Cheers
Gonz

What a bummer mate, whats wrong?

I'm in a corporate 3 team for Inside Sport.
the 2 other guys are "frothing"
One of my team mates has only ridden manly dam , we reckon he will wet his pants after doing a lap of Ourimbah.

[64ponty]

Trying to pack the SS in the back seat with the Spark.

I'm also thinking the SS might be the go on sunday. Any suggestions for gearing? I've never seen the track. 32 x ??? (20/21?) How many big hills?

Cheers

[alchemist]

. 32 x ??? (20/21?) How many big hills?


What are you soft!? Or riding a clown bike?

32:18 will be fine, 32:16 if you're going to push for the win

[64ponty]

Mate, just trying to get an idea. I've never ridden a SS in a race before and as I said I have no idea of the track. Considering I'm going solo, I would like to be able to ride for the entire day. Add the fact that it might also be wet and muddy...

[orchie]

Mate, just trying to get an idea. I've never ridden a SS in a race before and as I said I have no idea of the track. Considering I'm going solo, I would like to be able to ride for the entire day. Add the fact that it might also be wet and muddy...

Don't mind alchy... he's always grumpy before 12pm :D

[RED_RACER]

I'm unfortunately going to have to pull the pin.

If you're interested in a Solo Entry, send us a PM and I'll see what we have to do to transfer it

Cheers
Gonz

Thats a bummer, I was planning on sitting on your wheel for as long as I could manage....

[DaGonz]

What a bummer mate, whats wrong?


I don't seem to have fully shaken whatever it is that whacked me before the fling. So I'm taking the novel approach (for me anyway) of sitting this one out rather than attempting something I'm not going to be fully fit for.

...probably a good thing really in some ways. If I can't get my money back or similar before tomorrow I'll at least hand the entry back (I don't think I can get a refund?) so someone else can race at least

*shrug*

Cheers
Gonz

[alchemist]

Thats a bummer, I was planning on sitting on your wheel for as long as I could manage....

I can take his wheel up and you can sit on it all day if it helps. ;)

[64ponty]

I don't seem to have fully shaken whatever it is that whacked me before the fling. So I'm taking the novel approach (for me anyway) of sitting this one out rather than attempting something I'm not going to be fully fit for.

...probably a good thing really in some ways. If I can't get my money back or similar before tomorrow I'll at least hand the entry back (I don't think I can get a refund?) so someone else can race at least

*shrug*

Cheers
Gonz

I might be interested in the entry. PMed you.

[tjb]

Top course, tons of prizes and giveaways! Vibe was good on the track I thought despite the tight singletrack. Nice work by Wannaride crew.

[Kitoff]

Well done to Chris Wilson and the Wanna Ride crew! It was a fantastic race - such a chilled out vibe, no pressure, no egos, unreal trails for Sunday runch. On another not, I had the pleasure of riding a lap or two with Jason English and Hamo; what a couple of legends! Both of them were on the rivet and going for the win, but they were both still as polite, helpful and courteous to other riders as if they were just out for a punt around. That's how it should be - respect to them. Hamish, you are a VIKING.

[BT180]

I’ll echo the sentiments above. It was our first race, so we were a bit of a n00b team, but we felt the vibe out on the track was really good. When I pulled over for faster riders to pass I always received a thankyou or a cheers mate – no matter if it was one of the pro riders, or anyone else.

We had an awesome time. Was a bit cold yesterday, but once you were out on your lap it was the perfect temp and I actually rode better after the rain as there was more grip. I think I was the only person out there with a Minion front tyre and a chain guide/bashy?!! That didn’t help the lap times for sure.

All in all it was great experience...We camped out there on the Saturday night and the biggest lesson learnt was next time, don’t drink so many beers around the campfire the night before!

[T-roy]

What a day, so much fun.

If the kid with his leg in a cast is on here, sorry man forgot to give you my email, keen to get that photo you showed me.
Cheers

[oldbean]

Results anyone?

I heard that Katrin van der Spiegel won the Solo Womens, but that's all I've heard.

[alchemist]

Results anyone?

I heard that Katrin van der Spiegel won the Solo Womens, but that's all I've heard.

Solo Men
1. Jason English 15 laps 8:09:20
2. Hamish Elliot 15 laps 8:25:59
3. Hugh Stodart 14 laps 8:31:27

Solo Women
1. Katrin van der Spiegel 13 laps 8:47:11 (who was Hamoed into an extra lap by hugh)
2. Vanina Vergoz 12 laps 8:57:44
3. Justine Leahey 11 Laps

More tonight, got a few errors to sort out.

[October26]

What a day, so much fun.

If the kid with his leg in a cast is on here, sorry man forgot to give you my email, keen to get that photo you showed me.
Cheers

That was David, he is on here but if he doesn't contact you I will get the photo off his Dad.

[October26]

Top course, tons of prizes and giveaways! Vibe was good on the track I thought despite the tight singletrack. Nice work by Wannaride crew.

I didn't see a single giveaway. Devastated. Too much time riding and not enough time hanging around transition I think!

[WolfCreekPsycho]

What a great day. I enjoyed the mix of weather just to keep things mixed up and make sure every lap was different, especially the graveyard during and after that downpour.

My somewhat faded memory tells me that this was the same track as last year, but an earlier email from the lads at wannaride said they had taken a km and 1 hill out.. was that the case ? I was hoping they would take out that pinchy climb up out of the forest that drops you on to firetrail for another climb (around the 9km).. I rode the alternate trail on the Sat before it was bunted off.

[FreddyKruger]

Compared to all the BMC working week courses, I think Ourimbah is the toughest. Appin comes close and, although more technical, it’s not as hilly.

Even after 9 hours of sleep last night, my brain is still not operating properly today. It’s as if all my energy is going into my physical recovery. Conclusion… cycling makes you stupid :-)

[oldbean]

Solo Men
1. Jason English 15 laps 8:09:20
2. Hamish Elliot 15 laps 8:25:59
3. Hugh Stodart 14 laps 8:31:27

Solo Women
1. Katrin van der Spiegel 13 laps 8:47:11 (who was Hamoed into an extra lap by hugh)
2. Vanina Vergoz 12 laps 8:57:44
3. Justine Leahey 11 Laps

More tonight, got a few errors to sort out.

Thanks!
...

[jaslr]

I was part of a 3 man team that had such a great day! I was one of the very polite people that got out of the way of other riders, but I was very thankful for the genuinie "thanks mate", "keep it going buddy, you'll catch me!" that I received from everyone. I think there may be a good shot of me at the bottom of the rollercoaster section, just where a lot of faster riders had caught up and we all 'trained' it down the rock-to-pallot. It looks like I'm leading the pack but really I'm about to be lapped and looking for a spot to pull over so the A-class riders can go zooming past!

Mentally, I was very prepared but physically, I wasn't really! The downhills were fine, the inclines were a bit tough but it was my second visit to the track and my first ever race and I absolutely loved it! (even though I completely knocked over the last bin full of rocks as I came through transition). My bike was a little heavy and I would've loved to have decreased my travel for the inclines but she held up marvellously!

I was given 2 repair kits, my team mate received a c02 adaptor and plenty of gu20 but I would've loved to have received a few tyers! Alas, we left straight after the men's pairs were called to beat the traffice.

[spikenet]

Yet another two thumbs up here... did it last year as a triple , this year as a pair! Certainly contrasting weather from the 07 heat!

At first I thought the intermittent weather was going to suck but in the end I loved the way the track changed during the day, it was superfast at the end of the race!
As much as I dislike the "meadows" ending (that was originally going to be excluded) I was glad we did the full track, it really sorts you out at the end of the day!

Our race was quite eventful, I had a big crash on the first lap just past the meadows at full-speed.. luckily not to much damage but am feeling it today. My partner ended up with 3 flats on seperate occasions.. this put us out of serious running but we had a ball anyway! The majority of people were good with trail etiquette and certainly in the latter 1/2 more then happy to let you by with minimal fuss!

Our pit had 4 teams of various size teams which made the "rests" fun and we all headed home with some sort of givaway.. definately be back next year! Many thanks to Chris and all the organisers and sponsers.
Hope to see lots of faces from this race at the 09 XC ourimbah club rounds!

[Dreggsy]

Best. Race. Ever.

I entered a couple of workmates (who are not quite pro surfers) and myself to do the corporate 3's.
They had never seen a MTB race before and one of them had only ever ridden Manly dam.
The best thing was seeing the massive smile on their faces at our transition point.

I got a flat on my first lap, I must have burped a tyre somewhere so i had to pump it back up and another totally tacoed his wheel and snapped a pivot bolt, he still managed to get through the lap.

We ended up in 3rd place only 2mins behind 2nd place.
Maybe next year some kind of podium should be in order?
then we will be able to shake hands with everyone in our category, as we only saw 2nd place walk away with their prizes.

An awesome event, A big thanks to EVERYBODY involved
Wannaride, CBD, Kona, and most of all SuperTOD i mean the trail faries who did all that work in the last few months. I cant wait to see what happen with the new stuff you guys will be able to build now that there is a new LEASE of LIFE on the land.

[njleach]

yeah the race was really well run - as good if not better than last years!

good to see the big names there like Hamish Elliot and Jason English at the track - gives us mere mortals a sense of what kind of pace the pros can hold over 8 hours - incredible!

yeah the weather was a bit all over the shop but the changing track condition mixed it up and kept you on your toes lap after lap

everyone was really courteous and the atmosphere both on and off the track was great - a bit thanks to Al (who was looking after Kerry in the womens solo) for letting Mum and I use your tent throughout the day - and for the great company - hopefully we'll see you again at next year's race!

highlight of the day - crossing the finish line! :D

[zed42]

Yeah the track was a bit more challenging than I was expecting after, but I do most of my riding at Sparrow Hill in Canberra where everything is nice and smooth and flat.
It was definitely awesome to give something new and challenging a try. I kept wanting to do another lap just so I could have another go at whatever bit it was I didn't manage to ride the previous lap :D

[ebuk]

Fat Tyre Fun!

Ourimbah has to be one of the top tracks going and surprisingly it takes less time to get there from the centre of Sydney than it takes to get to Yellowmundee and will take less time when the 80k construction zone on the freeway is finished.

First and foremost, thanks goes to the volunteers at rego and timing, to the trail team - the added bermage and bridges were a big bonus - and to the organisers and sponsors.

I really enjoyed the day. Loved the weather with the rain, sun, rain on each lap. Encountered zero trail agro with only one dumbass passing move by a nobmob rider (unusual for these guys so I'll put it down to over enthusiasm). Saw some major crashes, thankfully no one hurt.

Was the first time I had used a heart rate monitor and had planned to ride below 80% max as much as possible. Did that easily with only 20mins in 8.6 hours over the 80% mark. So it was a great fitness ride.

We had (as always) a great camp set up and shitloads of laughs all weekend.

Suggestions for next year would be to move the presentation, as you couldn't see or hear much if you were standing more than 5 metres away and maybe make the start further down to spread the field out some more before hitting the single track.

[saxonwrx]

What a great weekend!

Thanks to my team, the organisers & everyone involved! As everyone has said so far, there was no aggro or attitude & why should there be - these guys prove themselves on the track so why beat their chests off the track?

We had a dropout a few days before - a fall out of a tree onto a chainsaw - cringeworthy but he's OK. A teammate's girlfriend filled in with a stellar effort. It was her first race and she's only ridden trails a handful of times. Way to go Em!

Track was sensational as always.

Big up to Hamo!

[ladytoast]

Does anyone have the results? I didn't get a chance to check them before we left. I'm keen to know the open 3 results.

Cheers

[BT180]

Does anyone have the results? I didn't get a chance to check them before we left. I'm keen to know the open 3 results.

Cheers

According to the email from Chris yesterday the results are being reviewed for timing mistakes and will be posted this-afternoon.

[Mick01]

I notice the results are now up on the wannaride website...

http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_results_2008.html

[BT180]

I notice the results are now up on the wannaride website...

http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_results_2008.html


Awesome!! All we wanted out of our first race was to not come last...Our Open Three team ended up coming in the top half of the field!! :) :)

:cool:

[T-roy]

That was David, he is on here but if he doesn't contact you I will get the photo off his Dad.

yeah if you could get that photo that would be great
cheers

[Captain Kirk]

Does anyone know where the photos are from the race are posted?
Are they meant to be on the event page or the individual photographers sites?

cheers.

[BT180]

I'd assume there'll be a link on the left side of this page when they are ready - http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_results_2008.html

[BT180]

I'd assume there'll be a link on the left side of this page when they are ready - http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_results_2008.html

As predicted there's a link to the gallery now. It doesn't seem to work for me though. Either it's getting updated as I type this, or my computer is farked.

Can anyone else access the link yet?

[WolfCreekPsycho]

Link works... but the page itself hasnt been updated so is a link to the Results 08 page.

When you heading down here for another day BT ?

[bt100]

Try this link

http://www.wannaride.com.au/event_fattyre_gallery_2008.html

[BT180]

Link works... but the page itself hasnt been updated so is a link to the Results 08 page.

When you heading down here for another day BT ?

Kentlyn? I'm pretty keen to head out there soon if you're keen to show us around again.

Although this time of year it's getting hard to find time....:(