View Full Version : blackmans 4 hour - western sydney
Does anyone know why they don't have a solo category? Or is it a mistake on the website?
schacksta
19-10-2005, 06:43 PM
No mate it's no mistake. There's a couple of reasons behind it which people may or may not be happy with, but them's the breaks I guess...
* We're going back to a relatively short course for this one. There is an australian standard on the minimum track length that must exist per rider (yep, deadset!). That is why the track length for the 12 hr keeps getting longer - because it keeps attracting more people, yet we still need to maintain a rider gap of about 38 metres (I think). So why the shorter course this time then? Well we figured that it's only four hours, and a slow team of four might run the risk of their last rider not getting a chance to do a loop. Now the way it works out, a solo rider takes up just as much space out on the track as a team of four (that one may require a little pondering for some to work out:confused: ), and if we allow solos this time, we limit the number of teams we can have. Make sense? If our stance changes on this I'll be sure to advertise it as soon as I know.
* The second and equally valid point is that this is pretty much just a 'fun' event; a season closer, a christmas party, a chance to let your hair down and come along and shoot the shit with some like minded people, and not be focussed on winning sheep stations. Last year we ran a point to point xmas party at the Oaks - it was a great day but numbers were a bit limited due to the stuffing around with car shuttles etc. So we figured lets do something at our home track this year, like a fun 4hr event. Let's get a local bike shop on board, and lets have a big bbq at the end of the race. Blackman's are on board for this one, and stay tuned for one in the new year as well with Lifecycles.
Hope that makes a bit of sense for y'all. I feel your disappointment, I'd like to ride it as a solo as well, but at the end of the day, this time we're just trying to put on a fun event.
Hope you still choose to come. Single me out and do some chest poking then :)
Cheers,
Schacksta
www.wsmtb.com
yeah i still plan to come...i'll warm up my chest poking finger a few days before the event : )
Can i pay the $95 club membership on the day of the race?
MrCove
25-10-2005, 07:11 AM
Shackywacky
i'd give that post 1/10
far to much accurate detail, no txt spk, spelling was all good and it stayed on topic
we don't want that on here, we want conjecture, unvalidated opinion and inacuracies
..still i don't see why 'we' don't run a solo cat
A
McBain
25-10-2005, 08:02 AM
There is an australian standard on the minimum track length that must exist per rider (yep, deadset!).Ok, I know this is drifting off on a tangent, but: tell them to go stick it. That stupid 38m thing the reason that CORC have to keep making the Mont course into a freaking marathon, which takes it even further from their "track for everyone" idea. A weekend punter might ride a total of 25km in a day, so making one lap that far is bordering on madness.
Shorter tracks means more turnover means having more fun. The WW 8hr series shows this works well.
Rant over. :)
MrCove
25-10-2005, 09:23 AM
Mc
for gods sake, if you and ShakAttack keep this up, the forum will degrade into a serise of observed, thought out and well written responses
please stop it
A
alchemist
25-10-2005, 10:50 AM
McBain will just have to stop being such a weight weenie and carry a water bottle on the longer tracks.
McBain
25-10-2005, 10:53 AM
That would mean getting a frame that makes using a water bottle while riding a possibility (rather than leaving it out of reach and in the path of all the shite coming off the front wheel).
Hmm, a new frame, eh?
Think my question may have gotten lost amongst some of the replies....
Can i pay the $95 club membership on the day of the race?
schacksta
28-10-2005, 07:42 AM
Sorry Ebuk, stupid me thought i had responded to that Q.... but obviously not! :o
Answer: Absolutely!
if anyone tells you otherwise, come and find me, i'll sort it.
cheers,
schacksta
www.wsmtb.com
Edit: I'm told that online entries should be operating by sometime late tonight.
schacksta
30-10-2005, 09:29 AM
Friends,
:) Online entries are open for the Blackman's 4hr.:)
Go to our website and follow the links.
Hope to see y'all there.
Cheers,
schacksta
www.wsmtb.com
I've been trying to register this morning but keep having problems with the online payment system. Anyone else been able to enter yet?
fatnold
30-10-2005, 06:13 PM
I've been trying to register this morning but keep having problems with the online payment system. Anyone else been able to enter yet?
yep..............
It seems to be working fine now.
schacksta
07-11-2005, 06:31 PM
:D Okay dirt fans!:D
Your silence has been overwhelming in terms of online entries:( . For this reason we have conceded defeat :o and opened entries to
solos
I'm told the online entry site will be updated tonight, and at the latest by 9am tomorrow morning. Cost will be 25 smackers - plus day licence if you need one - heck, why not join the club, and save yourselves the cost of day licences for the rest of the year:)
Anyone who entered as a pair and would like to change - email the Mr Vice at vp@wsmtb.com
Okay, go forth, spread the word, bring a mate, and freakin' enter! Don't forget, late entries will attract a late payment fee.
Cheers guys,
schacksta
www.wsmtb.com
Dave@
08-11-2005, 08:08 AM
Hmm, a new frame, eh?
Get one for Alchemist while you're at it, so that he can be properly SOFT!
hdtvkss
08-11-2005, 05:40 PM
schacksta,
just a quick question bout the course. for the 12 hour you guys put in a large table top at the 1/2 way mark infront of the carpark. while thats all good and fine, i was wondering if there was gonna be a wuus line put around it for gumbies like me? even if its a virtual stop start switchback? falling off that TTwith a crowd watching isn my idea of a good time.... i have decent fitness but for somone whos verticaly - bike challenged like myself its quite daunting and i know its silly to say but it probably would stop me from competing there....
i dont expect you guys to be tailoring the course for me, but im sure there are other riders ( esp older guys) that may feel the same way. :o
MrCove
08-11-2005, 07:16 PM
there was a 'wuss' line around it at the 12 hour.......
course should be the 'usual' xc track, no "V" ditch, no "Max's Bridge"
fatnold
08-11-2005, 07:33 PM
there was a 'wuss' line around it at the 12 hour......
c'mon even going over the thing is a 'wuss' line. my old lady did it last time we were out there. hdtvkss, you need to step it up a little. a small triumph like successfully riding over something that you don't like they look of is extremely rewarding. however, unsuccessfully doing it can be a set back.
hdtvkss
08-11-2005, 08:10 PM
c'mon even going over the thing is a 'wuss' line. my old lady did it last time we were out there. hdtvkss, you need to step it up a little. a small triumph like successfully riding over something that you don't like they look of is extremely rewarding. however, unsuccessfully doing it can be a set back.
yer i know im sad :( its only cause i have no real expereince on somthing like that. given the experience id be happy to have a go. i dunno, im just a pussy! :p i wanna get out and learn heaps of that stuff but i really dont know where to start thats small.... thinkin of building some in my parents acreage. hard to get practice.
also, that track just has a habit of beating me up like no other, still love it tho ")
schacksta
09-11-2005, 07:06 PM
schacksta,
just a quick question bout the course. for the 12 hour you guys put in a large table top at the 1/2 way mark infront of the carpark. while thats all good and fine, i was wondering if there was gonna be a wuus line put around it for gumbies like me? even if its a virtual stop start switchback? falling off that TTwith a crowd watching isn my idea of a good time.... i have decent fitness but for somone whos verticaly - bike challenged like myself its quite daunting and i know its silly to say but it probably would stop me from competing there....
i dont expect you guys to be tailoring the course for me, but im sure there are other riders ( esp older guys) that may feel the same way. :o
Yeah mate, just like Mr Cove (our track guru) said... there is a 'b' line.
Cheers mate,
schacksta
www.wsmtb.com
course should be the 'usual' xc track, no "V" ditch, no "Max's Bridge"
Can anyone confirm this? May be going out this weekend for a ride to check it out.
hdtvkss
10-11-2005, 12:35 PM
goin out sunday to have a lap or 2 as well, will it be the longer XC track where you turn right at the top of the hill, or the shorter version where you turn left?
MrCove
11-11-2005, 08:26 PM
through the causeway, up the hill, turn LEFT
may even turn left about a 1/4 of the way up the hill, still not decided
schako and buddy are going out there sat morning to decide
i may take a trip out there later after work
fatnold
11-11-2005, 08:52 PM
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!turn left 1/4 up. i hate that fire trail more than any bit of track anyware. the 8hr option was great. did i mention that i hate that piece of fire trail.
MrCove
11-11-2005, 09:02 PM
you KNOW you want to!!!!
the ST on the way back down is a hoot too
MrCove
12-11-2005, 06:48 PM
..... 8.2 km's....... turn into the 'berms' at the lower end of the fireroad climb..... new climb..... all of the "Tower of Power" section..... something for everyone...... it'll be good
Maybe I'm blind and lost from a big weekend, but I can't find details about the track location. Can someone help me out :confused:
orchie
13-11-2005, 10:01 AM
http://www.wsmtb.com/trackinfo.htm
Grant
So it's at Yellowmundee? Hmmm... it appears my riding partner (and driver) may not be able to make it, if that's the case I'll just ride solo. If things fall through would anyone from the inner west area have some spare space in their car?
Is this event only for WSMTB members? I've never been a member of a club before but this looks like it could be a good opportunity to check the "scene" out...
fatnold
13-11-2005, 06:06 PM
If things fall through would anyone from the inner west area have some spare space in their car?
i'll have space for another bike but not another body if that is any help.
hdtvkss
13-11-2005, 08:17 PM
checked the course out today , look really nice. good job, that new climb is interesting. unforunatley im not gonna be able to enter :( my potential team mate managed to fold in half is less than 8 hour old X9 rear derailer out there today.
good luck to all those entering!
orchie
14-11-2005, 09:02 AM
Go solo! It'll be plenty of fun - I couldn't find anyone who wanted to ride so entered on my own.
Also - PrOd, you don't have to be a member (I'm not yet) but you need to purchase a day licence for $15 which provides you with insurance etc for the day.
Grant
PS Rik - where are you traveling from?
Is this event only for WSMTB members? I've never been a member of a club before but this looks like it could be a good opportunity to check the "scene" out...
No its not. Anyone can enter, you just have to buy a day licence ($15) if you are not a club member. I have a few mates who are going and it's there first event of this kind.
Register and give it a try.
. If things fall through would anyone from the inner west area have some spare space in their car?
I'm going with dreggsy in my van, but your quite welcome to put your bike and self in the back of the van (no seat or belt) if you want.
so how many farkiners are going?
I am entered solo. If you see someone with a grey shirt and white and blue hardtail say g'day.
I'm going, solo, probably on singlespeed black GT Zaskar X ,if my legs feel better tomorrow after the Highland Fling.
Will the tracks be open on Saturday or will they be closed for the setting up of the circuit?
Will the tracks be open on Saturday or will they be closed for the setting up of the circuit?
Course has already been marked out so head out saturday to check it out. The course map for the 4 hour is also on the site www.wsmtb.com
MrCove
17-11-2005, 09:10 PM
latest.....
rode the track today, about 8km's, no big climbs, some tecko sections with smoth lines if you know what to look for, lots of sand washed in by the recent rain, good fun track, the jump in the middle is dead smooth, no need for ANY DJ skills to tackle it just roll up and over, new little climb is kind of fun, could catch a few people out though as it's a tight left hander to start, all the really good bits are in and the hard climb is out
perfect!!
anyone who is undecided shoud just give it a go, plenty of bai out spots if it gets too much, you are never more that about 10-15 minutes ride/push/stagger from the center
give it a go
i'll be soloing, hardtail, bit of a 4x set up, should be fun
Thanks Dunk and FNO for the offers, but a seat would be preferred... ahh well, this should teach me for being a bike hippy and not getting a license! :o
hdtvkss
18-11-2005, 08:59 AM
thinking that ill go it solo. wil lmake my decision tonite. the course looks fun. just 4 hours solo on a mtb in a race kinda makes me nervous! should b good fun though... will be doing it on an old kona hardtail. new cannondale isnt here for a month :(
You'll be fine, 4 hours isn't that long really... and on a fun course like Yarramundi sometimes four hours isn't enough.:D
yeah go solo.... its a race but that doesn't mean you have to race.... set your pace or your target (eg mine is 6 laps so anything 6 and over is a target met or bettered). pace yourself and have fun...
hdtvkss
18-11-2005, 07:32 PM
shit! missed the cut off. can i still enter or is it too late?:o
You can enter on the day, no? My teammate has bailed, so that's at least one spare entry ;) Someone else can confirm, but I don't think you'll have any dramas.
hdtvkss
19-11-2005, 08:03 AM
can somone please confirm that you can enter on the day? need to go and get some stuff from the bike shop if im going to run the event and dont want to spend it if i an not gonna...
alchemist
19-11-2005, 08:20 AM
http://www.wsmtb.com/xc.htm
Entries
Entries available on the day with a $10 late fee applied.
hdtvkss
19-11-2005, 08:42 AM
http://www.wsmtb.com/xc.htm
Entries
Entries available on the day with a $10 late fee applied.
ugh, i fel dumb now! cheers, thanks for that. plan is 5 laps. anything more than that and ive overachieved my goals!
MrCove
19-11-2005, 08:07 PM
solo for me
not really got any target other then just riding consistantly for the 4 hours
just looking out of the window at my bike still with a pinch flat
probably wait till i've finished this bottle of Frog Rock before i start the race prep!!!
A
alchemist
19-11-2005, 08:12 PM
He he, my bike is just back together after donating various parts at various times to the Surly and I've just spent a wonderful evening reaquainting myself with the H screw over a couple of Coopers.
MrCove
19-11-2005, 08:47 PM
...almost time to get the spanners out, probably manage to drain a few more drops out of the frog before i start
hdtvkss
20-11-2005, 08:46 PM
fun event! managed to get 6 laps done in solo, was absolutley shattered on the last climb up to the start finish and the bad cramping in my legs didnt help either :(
much more laid back than your average XC club race adventure and ill be back to do more of them. even got my ugly mug up on the wsmtb site, albeit on my last lap when i was about ready to die!
thanks again. oh, does stu plant ever stop talkin???
oh, does stu plant ever stop talkin???
Unfortunatley, no.
alchemist
21-11-2005, 06:38 AM
Well he did for a little while...
http://singlespeed.smugmug.com/photos/45191888-M.jpg
But it was a very unusual occurance and 4 hours is a mere sprint for Stu's voice, he would have hardly warmed up.
oh, does stu plant ever stop talkin???
That's one bonus of doing it solo....you only hear him every half lap ;)
MrCove
21-11-2005, 07:12 AM
top day
great music, Pil, Anti Nowere League, Doors, Pistols, loads of good stuff
managed 7 laps solo, legs were just dead by the end
great day
A
alchemist
21-11-2005, 05:09 PM
even got my ugly mug up on the wsmtb site, albeit on my last lap when i was about ready to die!
So care to reveal your secret identity? I may have some pictures also.
Alchemist
fatnold
21-11-2005, 08:40 PM
top day
great music, Pil, Anti Nowere League, Doors, Pistols, loads of good stuff
managed 7 laps solo, legs were just dead by the end
great day
A
anti-nowhere league. i wish i heard that. that would be the first playing of that band in a public arena for at least 15 years.
you were flying mr cove. i bet your 5th lap was your fastest when i refused to get off you're arse ;-]
hdtvkss
21-11-2005, 09:16 PM
So care to reveal your secret identity? I may have some pictures also.
Alchemist
ha, yer i have no secrets. just make sure your not eating ! http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/wsmtb/Blackmans%204hr%20Challenge%2020-11-05/20051120_40.jpg
was lucky enough to get to borrow a cannondale rush for the race. put an order in for one today ! :D
alchemist
22-11-2005, 07:04 AM
You were going to quick for me
hdtvkss
22-11-2005, 07:17 AM
was that in the singletrack climb up to the start finish line? i recall a guy in a MWMTB shirt taking pics there.....
alchemist
22-11-2005, 07:47 AM
Thats the place
orchie
22-11-2005, 09:44 AM
Results are up....
Grant
MrCove
22-11-2005, 07:35 PM
this pic just about sums it up
totally fecked!!!!! 7 laps +14mins
bike was awesome though, 15 1/2" Stiffee FR, Fox 36's set at about 120mm, single 38tooth ring, just seemed perfect for that track, especially the bermed and singletrack sections
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/wsmtb/Blackmans%204hr%20Challenge%2020-11-05/20051120_53_adam.jpg
You look positively fresh compared to how I looked after also doing 7 laps. On lap 6 (maybe it was 7) you blew past me just after the halfway point.
hdtvkss
23-11-2005, 07:56 AM
i saw you go past at least once mr cove, after the causeway in the singletrack. on the 1st half of the track. not sure what lap it was tho!
its a very mid-ring track isnt it. i was getting into granny to get up some of the climbs at the end, but the rest seems to be mid ring all the way!
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.