What do you think of Awaba?

[mongoosedh]

Hi all

I would like to ask people what they think of awaba...I think it was hard but somewhat enjoyable. I dont want people to start saying whats wrong with it and start bitching about it.

Some people might like to suggest what they think would help the track become better. :)

Cheers everyone...And to all the organisers I know that everyone enjoyed it and are very greatful for a weekend of fun.

[willy_c]

Some friggin marshalls. Enough said. If someone gave me a walkie talkie I would have gladly put up my hand for a marshall position. Would have saved some time and possible further injury.

[mongoosedh]

mmm on my run I didn't notice many marshals, in fact now that I think of it I dont think I saw more than 2

[willy_c]

Yep there were none at all. Every time there was a serious crash I was thinking how the hell are we gonna stop riders coming down? It was terrible. A race shouldnt be allowed to run without substantial marshall presence.

[Bartman]

Hate to sound soft but some padding on trees would have been good (kinda like at ourimbah).i think it was needed on the fire road and past the first jump.
otherwise twas swell.

[mongoosedh]

yer and I'm pretty sure that most of the bystanders couldn't do much to help....

[Sam!!]

sick ass track
rock gardens=hard but fun:)

[daanhilla]

I think the question was meant to be more about what you thought of the track itself, not what you thought of the organisation (or apparent lack of)

[nucleon hawke]

I think im in between it being hard and fantastic... I loved the track but it was f**kn hard, how a DH track SHOULD be.

I liked how the track had both flat out sections AND slow tecchy, as much as i dont like the techy stuff it is good as the track tests the abilities of riders.

Wish there was some netting or something near the rock garden and the like.... if you slip up in the slightest you find yourself tumbling down a steep as mofo of a hill. Thats my only negative, other than that loved it!

[Balfa_Oli]

does anybody have results?
oli

[benji boy]

maybe some netting here and there but otherwise one word AMAZING.

[jda]

Lots of loose dirt and off camber corners = fun! :D

The rock gardens and long cliff edge traverse was very challenging, I found it the most difficult track of the series but still had a great weekend besides going over the bars and landing on my head on Friday.

[dh squid]

Very impressive track! congrats to all the builders and volunteers who did a great job! had heaps of fun all weekend no complaints at all. Hope the girl who had the bad crash is ok and was a shame the elite mens finals was cancelled, but i guess thats racing. Well done to all the winners especially to Kent Hamilton who got the fastest time of the day, Well done mate!

[sammydog]

I won't comment on the main question, or the organisation side for now, so as not to bias anything that people want or post, or to high jack the thread.

So anything to say, good or bad, let us know.

does anybody have results?
oli

Results are still with Castec. they are going to email them to me.

actually, as I type the email has come in, results shortly.

[SLEDGER]

I had such a great weekend & fathers day the track was awesome crashed heaps & everybody after today is talking about the future of the track with club races (newie) if available & state round 08.

One word -AWESOME

[mullan2304]

I thought that it was a great track (just slightly biased). When there is a bit of rain it will be repaired and will end up even better than this year.

Good to hear that everyone had fun despite all the crashing.

And hopefully a speedy recovery to Christina and Matt who had some serious crashes. Get well soon.

[Mattydv]

Thanks Mullan.

I just got back from Wyong ER, nothing too serious, they have said it's not a broken neck/back, however they said to get X-Rays tomorrow just to make sure there isn't a hairline fracture etc. in the vertebrate. I'm just gutted nobody got photo/video of it!

[sammydog]

So you went to Wyong?? I think I sent your oldies to John Hunter. I was looking for you up there as well.

Glad your OK.

I'll let jase know as he is a little worried as well.

[jaseh]

Got it.
Glad to hear your all good Matt. Ash was worried about you when I told her you had crashed.

[dwnhil4thewin]

Thanks Mullan.

I just got back from Wyong ER, nothing too serious, they have said it's not a broken neck/back, however they said to get X-Rays tomorrow just to make sure there isn't a hairline fracture etc. in the vertebrate. I'm just gutted nobody got photo/video of it!

hey matty thats probly my fault that there were no pics. id crashed about 3 times in my final run and i heard you had caught right up to me. people probably werent ready for you. oh well its good to hear that its not too serious. i'll try and dig up that pic i got of you on that last jump yesterday.

[sammydog]

While people are talking about the track, please note it is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

There are a few issues identified with the track that we need to repair as well as some safety issues (that people seem to be picking up on).

In order that we can fix these issues before they become major problems, please refrain from riding the trail. We promise it won't be a prolonged period of closure as we want to ride as well.

[johnny]

Some friggin marshalls. Enough said. If someone gave me a walkie talkie I would have gladly put up my hand for a marshall position. Would have saved some time and possible further injury.Instead of waiting for some one to offer you a walkie talkie, why don't you volunteer to hold one next time?

[mr ufo]

Awesome .. thanks to all the people who made it possible ..

.. if only we had a track like that as our National Track !

[mongoosedh]

I have to agree with everything said...we need nets or a barrier or something in the rock garden. I know when I was up there I saw at least 3 people come really close to falling down the hill and on my race run I got owned and got jammed between 2 rocks. If I hadn't I would have gone down the hill....

Yes I think it would be good to have a track like this for the state or even national champs, it would test a lot of people = awesome

[tranceup]

I understand that the trail will be closed this weekend but do you have some idea as to how long for work to start on rectifying prblems. Its a little frustrating to not be able to ride it all after waiting for so long.
If able to at the time i am happy to help.
One thing i was thinking to help minimise some dramas is perhaps clearer B lines. Looked like a few people where trying to hit the a line when maybe they shouldnt have and i wonder whether its cause they couldnt pick the other option ???? That said i spose it comes back to people riding within their ability and that trail will definately sharpen a few riders up.
Netting is a great idea but also a massive job that rock garden is pretty long and i reckon you might struggle to rig something effective up there without a fair bit of cash. What are our options of a B line around the back of that section??

[trouble]

I understand that the trail will be closed this weekend but do you have some idea as to how long for work to start on rectifying prblems. Its a little frustrating to not be able to ride it all after waiting for so long.
If able to at the time i am happy to help.
One thing i was thinking to help minimise some dramas is perhaps clearer B lines. Looked like a few people where trying to hit the a line when maybe they shouldnt have and i wonder whether its cause they couldnt pick the other option ???? That said i spose it comes back to people riding within their ability and that trail will definately sharpen a few riders up.
Netting is a great idea but also a massive job that rock garden is pretty long and i reckon you might struggle to rig something effective up there without a fair bit of cash. What are our options of a B line around the back of that section??

didn't have a good look, but from what I saw slim, having an easier b-line because it's the ciff line,and Im sure they were lucky to find something rideable down it anyway. great track everyone, some netting in the rg would be great but everything ran smoothly a few small glitches like the shuttle trailer... anyway big thanks to all organizer's, great event.

[sammydog]

Netting is in the pipe line for the rockgarden (its only the first two sections that need it). At the moment we just need to sort the logistics of getting it in.

The race highlighted a few issues there which is why we have closed the trails while we sort that (and other) issues on the track. We want awaba for the long term, which is why we don't want to rush things.

[Wayno]

That track had everything Fast flowy stuff the hard technical stuff switchbacks that kept you guessing everytime the jumps that just worked so well and best of all it was downhill, I cannot wait to ride it again. If every club had access to a hill like that how good would our race season be but then no-one would have anything to whinge about.

As for the marshalls I seen them everywhere and they were never to far away when they were needed. Good luck to Christina and Matt, get well soon.

The only dissapointing thing about the weekend and I can fully understand why it happened and not to anything away from Ricky "Rodrigues" Boyer well done mate, but I so wanted to see the final, it was going to be so close.

Well done to my IXS, Gravity boys Brock Newling 2nd (Elite) and Dylan Prohm 3rd (U/19) on the day and both finished 2nd in the series in there classes.

A big shout out to HMBA best track ever.

[caddy]

Yeh I thought it was a sick track, up until my race run anyway :p
Steep, rocky, technical, off camber, loose sweet layout. Was loving it.
I crashed pretty heavy on that rock drop down near the tree jump though and dislocated my shoulder (my own fault) and that made me realise that there really needed to be marshals with radio contact to medics on the track like we have at most other races, because crashes were bound to happen, and in some places they were bound to suck quite alot for the riders, and getting out with a popped shoulder and a gashed open knee (and now the docs are saying possibly a broken patela) really wasnt easy. Id like to thank any of the parents/photographers that were there and helped me get down as well :D

but other than the safety side of the track, I thought it was wicked. I was having an awesome weekend :)
Cheers guys

[cartman]

The workers have done a super job making the track:), i agree that there could have been some martials and padding around in the tough parts, narly top rock garden, not good about the crashes though.:(

[Incontinent]

Great track http://forums.farkin.net/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://forums.farkin.net/images/icons/icon14.gif
Great Site http://forums.farkin.net/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://forums.farkin.net/images/icons/icon14.gif

Track
Loads of great photo taking spots.
Plenty of action and no rest to keep the riders on their game.
A true DH test for the riders, seems to have a bit of everything.

Venue.
I know this is only a new site with many improvements over and above the DH track planned for remainder of 2007 and 2008. Looking forward to see this site grow into what HMBA boys have on the drawing board.

Infrastructure.
Still early days so it's a bit unfair for anyone to criticise at this stage.
For now what Sammydog has stated above with repsect to emergency access to the more difficult sections of the track is a must.
Was mentioned to me that HMBA are considering permanent hard wire of the hill for DH timing. Great idea but a huge task to undertake, shows the level of committment of these guys. (Sammydog, if this is a goer let me know)

From the weekend.
Start area specifically
1/ Could have had bins or rubbish bags up at the start. There were quite a few water bottles etc left up top. I have found in the past that if rubbish bags/bins are provided 98% of the riders will do the right thing and use them.
2/ Starters table would be good (but not completely necessary).
Table may seem lame to some but try holding a clip board in one hand and writing down numbers while talking on a mobile.
3/ A rail or similar for the riders to hold themselves up against in the start gate. A few guys tried to steady themselves by holding on to the post with the wand and almost prematurely tripped the gate.
Venue access.
1/ Would it be at all possible to construct one road in, one road out so there isn't any problems with passing traffic etc?
2/ Grade the access road so "Dozer" doesn't have to walk in next time.

[mongoosedh]

DUDE ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ You summed it up basically perfectly...Appart from the fact that I as well had to walk in.

[dcrofty]

With respect to the number of marshals.

I'm sure that the club didn't suddenly decide "hey we need less marshals, some of you guys go home" they would have had every person available up on that hill.

I have no doubt that if riders could encourage friends and/or family to come along to help as race marshals at any races it would be appreciated. Or if you are injured or aren't riding for some reason and are spectating you could offer to help out. I've done it a few times and its always been a very fun and rewarding day. Quite often you get to be closer to the action anyway.

So I'm sure that the organisers know that they would have liked more marshals. It would be great if riders who think there could have been more could think about if there was any way that they themselves could contribute in future it would improve things for everyone.

[grubby]

I crashed pretty heavy on that rock drop down near the tree jump though and dislocated my shoulder (my own fault) and that made me realise that there really needed to be marshals with radio contact to medics on the track like we have at most other races, because crashes were bound to happen, and in some places they were bound to suck quite alot for the riders.
Cheers guys

are you the guy that i spoke to at the top of the hairpins before the log gap?

i meet someone there with a busted shoulder and radiod it down to the medics. i was told by the rider that they preferred to walk down rather than wait for the medics tocome and attend to them.

[jaseh]

There were about ten marshals from what I've been told, I don't know whether this is enough or not.
Personally I feel there would've been more marshals if it wasn't on fathers day, I would've volunteered to be a marshal on any other day but decided to take my family to the race and spend the day with them.

[Incontinent]

With respect to the number of marshals.

I'm sure that the club didn't suddenly decide "hey we need less marshals, some of you guys go home" they would have had every person available up on that hill.

I have no doubt that if riders could encourage friends and/or family to come along to help as race marshals at any races it would be appreciated. Or if you are injured or aren't riding for some reason and are spectating you could offer to help out. I've done it a few times and its always been a very fun and rewarding day. Quite often you get to be closer to the action anyway.

So I'm sure that the organisers know that they would have liked more marshals. It would be great if riders who think there could have been more could think about if there was any way that they themselves could contribute in future it would improve things for everyone.

Very well put there "dcrofty"
also:-
I'm sure a lot of people forget that 95% of the guys and girls running and helping out at these events are riders themselves who give up the oportunity to race on the weekend so that others can.
I very much doubt they would ever turn down an offer of assistance in some way, shape or form.

[Incontinent]

There were about ten marshals from what I've been told, I don't know whether this is enough or not.
Personally I feel there would've been more marshals if it wasn't on fathers day, I would've volunteered to be a marshal on any other day but decided to take my family to the race and spend the day with them.

I decided to take my wife to the race as a special treat for her birthday, then nicked off to play starter for 5 hours. "she is such a lucky lady"

[jaseh]

I decided to take my wife to the race as a special treat for her birthday, then nicked off to play starter for 5 hours. "she is such a lucky lady"
My partner has no interest in bikes but did enjoy taking some photo's. I would've loved to be a marshal but dragging a 4 and a 2yr old up and down the hill would've been a bit much.
I think I would've got in a bit of trouble if I left the girls with my partner and disappeared for the arvo.:o

[mongoosedh]

I think that before the race starts on either the website or on farkin, someone makes a place were people can sign up to become marshals (sp). I think that it would be better than just spectating because you get to stand in a prime position and if someone gets hurt you can help out and get that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

[Mattydv]

So you went to Wyong?? I think I sent your oldies to John Hunter. I was looking for you up there as well.
They were originally going to send me to J.H. but then switched to Wyong. Folks had to leave the open garden a few hours early to get to me. :o

Got it.
Glad to hear your all good Matt. Ash was worried about you when I told her you had crashed.
Thanks Jase, I hope she didn't get too worried. :p

Final verdict as of this afternoon, no breaks. My neck is alright, the dizzy spells will pass. I just have a lot of very sore muscles. I'm waiting for Mullan to drop my helmet etc. over to see if I need a new one...

Now to convince my parents to let me keep doing DH! :D (That will be another thread)

[jaseh]

Now to convince my parents to let me keep doing DH! :D (That will be another thread)
So hold off on the BAM for now eh.

[willy_c]

Instead of waiting for some one to offer you a walkie talkie, why don't you volunteer to hold one next time?

Thats a nice comment and I will take it on board. I was not aware that there was a race on until sunday and it was spare of the moment showing up. Had I known prior to the race that there were going to be no marshalls I WOULD GLADLY AND DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE OFFERED TO BE A MARSHALL. I know it is difficult to organise a race, and I thought it was a fantastic race. Just something for organisers to tighten up before the next race.

No need for sarcasm in your comments Johnny, my comment was not a crack at anybody. Please spare replies everyone to this post aswell, i am merely clearing up my initial point and replies are not required.

[samsty]

I think that before the race starts on either the website or on farkin, someone makes a place were people can sign up to become marshals (sp). I think that it would be better than just spectating because you get to stand in a prime position and if someone gets hurt you can help out and get that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

I didn't go to this race so I can't comment on the track (although from what everyone is saying it sounds great). Mongoosedh, I like this idea. Even if people emailed the club hosting the event and offered to help it would be such a great help. From my experience being a club ran by only a few people it really is hard to get enough helpers for an event. If more people had your attitude it would be great.

I quite often hear people after an event saying "oh, you should have asked me because I would have helped". Please people, if you or someone you know can help don't wait to be asked. Either email the club leading up to the event or ask at the rego tent when you arrive.

ps. not having a go at anyone at all. I just think it would help everyone in our sport if there were more volunteers. It would be great to have a marshall on every corner.. But, there would need to be a massive increase of volunteers before that could ever happen.

[mongoosedh]

Well I'm only 15 so I might not be able to help. But next round after I race my race and maybe before it I would gladly help out if need be!.

I think everyone that says they could have done it, do something about it next round and ask the club if they are in need of marshals.

From previous experiences, I dont think you need a marshal on every corner, but a marshal that covers a peice of track and is visible to both marshals up the hill and down the hill. If everyone is in radio contact then crashes and the like can be easily sorted out.

I know I might be pushing my luck a bit but it would be really really good if each marshal had a red/orange/brightly coloured t-shirt or flag that they can wave to riders and other marshals to say that there is a crash and they should stop...

My 15 cents

[sammydog]

........Had I known prior to the race that there were going to be no marshalls I WOULD GLADLY AND DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE OFFERED TO BE A MARSHALL.

I wanted to stay away from responding to the issue of marshal numbers etc and start an e-fight that benefits no one, but I need to clear this up.

The numbers of marshals we had on the weekend equated to a marshal every 170m - 200m of track during race runs and a number of volunteer rider marshals (non racers) at all other times. Is this enough marshals?, well that is something we discussed tonight at the club meeting and is something we will further address in the safety audit of the trail.

I don't think a specific number can be fleshed out on an internet discussion, but it is an issue we are seriously looking at.

But to say there was no marshals is grossly in accurate. Perhaps our biggest failing was the visibility of the marshals we had. No they weren't in uniform or safety jackets, no they didn't all have radios. Those without radios were using mobile phones as a form of communication.

At the time kristina went down, I received one phone call from a marshal down the track at Wombat Gap and a call went to the other race director from the marshal at "Battle On" (the point of the crash) by a marshal at that area. Unfortunately that marshal found themselves on a less then stable rock and had to stay put. Help at that point had been called for though..

To compound the situation at that point though, we were still dealing with the situation of Mattydv at the finish line area, while not on the track, the chopper was originally called to transport matty, so the second crash did stretch resources.

Again, I am not going to debate the merits of the numbers we had on the hill. But I will defend the club against calls claiming there were no marshals on the hill.

Rest assured we are, as has been pointed out, going to undertake a safety audit of the trail, and this includes marshaling points as well as safety features on the trail and emergency access.

Why wasn't this done before the race? Well it was, but being the first race, things were made glaringly obvious that would only be picked up on a race day.

Having said all that, I welcome any comments (for and against) the track and organisation, as it does help us grow and make things better for the future.

[mongoosedh]

well said old chap!

[johnny]

Thats a nice comment and I will take it on board. I was not aware that there was a race on until sunday and it was spare of the moment showing up. Had I known prior to the race that there were going to be no marshalls I WOULD GLADLY AND DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE OFFERED TO BE A MARSHALL. I know it is difficult to organise a race, and I thought it was a fantastic race. Just something for organisers to tighten up before the next race.

No need for sarcasm in your comments Johnny, my comment was not a crack at anybody. Please spare replies everyone to this post aswell, i am merely clearing up my initial point and replies are not required.There was no sarcasm in my post, even though it would have been well justified. It was dead set serious. I did not like the lack of marshals at my first Thredbo race, so I volunteered the second time I went down. I understand the sentiments you held, but I did not understand why you seemed to implicitly blame the organisers for not handing you a walkie talkie when all you had to do was offer, instead of making a complaint over the internet. Even though you just turned up on the day, you still could have volunteered.

[willy_c]

There was no sarcasm in my post, even though it would have been well justified. It was dead set serious. I did not like the lack of marshals at my first Thredbo race, so I volunteered the second time I went down. I understand the sentiments you held, but I did not understand why you seemed to implicitly blame the organisers for not handing you a walkie talkie when all you had to do was offer, instead of making a complaint over the internet. Even though you just turned up on the day, you still could have volunteered.

True. And I will volunteer at any race from here in, will possibly even get hold of me own walkie to make things easier even :) I guess the main reason I overlooked volunteering was the fact I had a brand new camera with me and really wanted to nurture it and avoid an incident involving loud profanities.

Overall I think this was probably one of the better races I have been to. Responses from riders seemed to be all very similar, they were pleased with the track and it was challenging yet fair for all riders.

Well done to the organisers. Catch yas out there.

[Dozer]

2/ Grade the access road so "Dozer" doesn't have to walk in next time.

I had my reasons for parking outside (my front end remaining intact was one!).:p The shuttle roads are always a talking point of any Dh venue and this one was no different. I wasn't difficult to use, I just planned a smart attack and numerous people took my lead on Sunday!
The track is true DH. I was constantly amazed at how much time and planning must have gone into mapping out how to get across and down the hill, a fantastic effort!
From my point of view, the track needs a few tweaks but it is early days. The steep rock garden section could do with some stabilising and a berm of some sort built at the exit of this section should keep some riders upright and not through them off the hill.
I would love to have a hill of that calibre in my backyard. I am doing some very extensive research this weekend in my area to look for a monstrous rock garden area and make some of my own marvels of the bush!
Fantastic track, very well built and extremely testing for any level of DH. A huge thumbs up from me!:D

[noballz]

The numbers of marshals we had on the weekend equated to a marshal every 170m - 200m of track during race runs and a number of volunteer rider marshals (non racers) at all other times. Is this enough marshals?, well that is something we discussed tonight at the club meeting and is something we will further address in the safety audit of the trail.


Doesnt MTBA have rules about how many marshalls are required. If you didnt have any could the race have been run?

Talking about track changes is anything planned for the rock drop with the pallet on the right for the B-line. Call me paranoid but I fear that someone is going to take the A-line and land on someone who has taken the B-line, namely me.

[mongoosedh]

Should never happen, because the rider that is behind, who would normally be taking the A-line can just take the B-line and pedal a bit. Because neither of them want a collision. If the rider that had to slow down wants to complain they may do so and have another run. That is what the rules a for.

[johnny]

True. And I will volunteer at any race from here in, will possibly even get hold of me own walkie to make things easier even :) I guess the main reason I overlooked volunteering was the fact I had a brand new camera with me and really wanted to nurture it and avoid an incident involving loud profanities.

Overall I think this was probably one of the better races I have been to. Responses from riders seemed to be all very similar, they were pleased with the track and it was challenging yet fair for all riders.

Well done to the organisers. Catch yas out there.Good on you mate, if only a minimum of 20% of riders had that attitude, there would be a line up for people to help at races! Top work!

Hope the camera held up and you got some prime snaps!!

[the F.H.B]

"Should never happen, because the rider that is behind, who would normally be taking the A-line can just take the B-line and pedal a bit. Because neither of them want a collision. If the rider that had to slow down wants to complain they may do so and have another run. That is what the rules a for."
It can and does unfortunatly, I came though the B line on the log jump towards the bottom and a guy came though the A line and had to take evasive action (which in his case unfortunately invovolved skidding to a stop on his helmet and eating about a kilo of dust).
Where possible they should blend in the B lines in later so a committed rider can complete the A line first then clear the slower rider somewhere less dangerous.

[mongoosedh]

I think I saw that, you right it does happen. But that rider did the right thing it would have been better than crashing into you unfortunatly.

I saw another couple of riders 3 in a row. First one went B-line around the jump, the second guy did the jump slowly and then pedalled out of it and as the second guy was completing this a third rider came rocketing in and slammed on the brakes and had to roll the jump. If he'd boostd it, it would have been baddddddd. :(

[Refreshinglygood]

so, overall sounds like a pretty good response for a track that had never even really been ridden on.

Few bits and bobs to tune up, but sounds like HMBA did a pretty good job???

[mongoosedh]

bloody awesome!!! Were you there? if so then please vote!

[Refreshinglygood]

No, didn't make it. been a member of HMBA for a little while though, so I am very interested to hear how it's all going.

Especially under the new regime of that bogan Sammydog.

[Dozer]

Especially under the new regime of that bogan Sammydog.

Hahahahahaha! :D Bogan's usually come out fighting, be ready for it!

[sammydog]

Dozer, I know where he lives, I don't need to e-fight. Dirty work is best done away from the public view.

Refreshinglyfatarse, we are starting the XC side of things this week (planning), we would be honored to have your input at any stage if you are so inclined.

As for the B-Line issue and how they integrate with the rest of the track that is, as has been alluded to before, under review. It is likely that a few sections will have major changes and possible re-routing to solve these issues.

The comments provided though for specific sections of trail though are being noted for us to look closely at. Hopefully when we re-open and you guys come back to ride, you will see that we are serious about rider safety and associated issues. The track is intended for the long term and we want to get it right.

[Dozer]

Can you make the left hander before the stump jump not so............ahem..........crappy! It was a good test for everyone and it is part of the game but it made the next section a bit weird...........

[sammydog]

That whole section was under question before the race.

Whether it stays in or is removed completely is up in the air, I'd like to keep it, but an alternate race line has been flagged out that will solve that issue.

It may be we fix that section, "Lenny's Lefty" and the entrance into "wombat" but leave it for non racing riding. Either way we need to fix the landing area as well.

[tranceup]

Overall i reckon the track looked awesome and but for some poor timing would loved to have had a larrup, i am loathe to suggest removing any of the challenging bits and agree with sammy that if we can keep the really hard stuff as a non race line it would be beneficial for safety and speed in races. I for one am stoked to have this new track in our backyard its gunna really help the locals hone their skills and fitness on a longer track. Mullan i saw one of your runs and i gotta say you were killin it, all the inside building knowledge is gunna do you well
Dozer, youll probably find the rock gardens in question further towards glenreagh and theres plenty of other nice spots up there whos names escape me at the moment (used to go canyoning around one spot i was thinking of), plenty of nice sandstone out that way. Your track up there aint to bad as it is and if you can get it to go further down that beautiful hill who knows what youll find!!

[Dozer]

Dozer, youll probably find the rock gardens in question further towards glenreagh and theres plenty of other nice spots up there whos names escape me at the moment (used to go canyoning around one spot i was thinking of), plenty of nice sandstone out that way. Your track up there aint to bad as it is and if you can get it to go further down that beautiful hill who knows what youll find!!

You're on the right trail there. Glenreagh has got some serious stones and it may have something to offer. I'm heading out there very soon to see what I can uncover.

[Refreshinglygood]

Yeah, I'm up for some trail building.

Whats this, I know where he lives crap Sammy.

What are you going to do???

Attack me with your superior wit and intellect, or over power me with your massive physical power, and presence.

[sammydog]

Yeah, I'm up for some trail building.

Whats this, I know where he lives crap Sammy.

What are you going to do???

Attack me with your superior wit and intellect, or over power me with your massive physical power, and presence.

You know me, I'd pay someone else to do my dirty work.

[mullan2304]

I have a plan that will solve all the issues brought up by Lenny's lefty and the Wombat jump. Personally I really liked that part of the track and with the right action. It will end up being a really good race section I believe.

[sendog]

I think I saw that, you right it does happen. But that rider did the right thing it would have been better than crashing into you unfortunatly.

I saw another couple of riders 3 in a row. First one went B-line around the jump, the second guy did the jump slowly and then pedalled out of it and as the second guy was completing this a third rider came rocketing in and slammed on the brakes and had to roll the jump. If he'd boostd it, it would have been baddddddd. :(

That was me that had to roll the jump. I was thinking of trying to boost and clear the rider but thought better of it. I was stuck behind him for the whole track after the jump over the log shouting " RIDER"

[shauno/hillbilly]

Hey Guys,
Also loved the race however i thought the car park could have been bigger as we got parked in on saturday...maby something for next race.

Thanks shaun:)

[sammydog]

Hey Guys,
Also loved the race however i thought the car park could have been bigger

Try a lot bigger........luckily we have the cleared areas to solve that one, and a gravel pit on the otherside of Mt Faulk Rd to use in the future as an overflow park.

[mullan2304]

Were definetly going to have a larger carpark for the next race. However, we did get the bobcat in to clear a second carpark on Saturday that never even got used.

Keep the feedback coming so we know what to modify.

[mongoosedh]

There was also a carpark that was off to the left about halfway in. As I was coming out I notice that a couple of people were in there, it didn't seem too bad.

[sammydog]

Thats the one we built in a hurry on Saturday arvo, it wasn't signposted and I guess people didn't know it was there.

It actually has the potential to be much bigger than the carpark used on the weekend.

There was about 4 cars in it at luch time on sunday though.

[mongoosedh]

when will the next round be? or any news on when it will be open?

[sammydog]

It is unlikely we will hold a club round there for the rest of this season. HMBA club rounds will continue to be at Killi for the time being (unless we notify otherwise).

The trail is closed indefinitely. First step for us will be a Trail Audit this weekend, as we have stated elsewhere, this will be to ensure that the sustainability, safety and overall design of the trail is up to scratch. We also have a big list of conditions of occupation, that we need to ensure we are compliant with.

We begin this process this weekend, how long it takes we don't know, but the trail won't be opened until we get it right.

Once we open again, we will let everyone know. Until then it would be greatly appreciated if it was left alone.

We also have the XC trail network beginning design work this weekend.

[mongoosedh]

sounds like its going to be good!

[mongoosedh]

any updates?

[Mattydv]

Umm, it's still there? :confused:

Sammy's got a lot to deal with atm, especially with the new bub. If there's any updates or notifications to do with Awaba, here will be the first place that it will come up.

However if you feel like being pedantic, you can also check the HMBA forums.

[sammydog]

The best place to check on updates will be the HMBA website, and its Awaba page.

We will notify people of its opening, but the trail has been closed for a reason. We need to make sure we get the venue spot on the first time in order for it to be there in the long term.

There will be a small crew from HMBA out there on the weekend auditing the trail and from there we will be able to give a better idea of what time frame we are looking at.

[mongoosedh]

i meant updates on the trail like saftey nets and things, not when it will be open.

[Squidly Didly]

i meant updates on the trail like saftey nets and things, not when it will be open.
Dude, Sammydog's already said that a small crew will be out there to do an audit this weekend. Give them a break. It hasn't even been a week since the big race there.

[mongoosedh]

yes i understand i'm not trying to push him for anything I know that its a big thing to do what they are doing and I have huge respect for them