Top To Bottom on Two Wheels

If anything invites rain to Thredbo it's a bike race or any other kind of race for that matter. Considering the extremely wet summer that Thredbo has been experiencing the weather last weekend was a surprise.

The Red Ass Downhill ACT/NSW State Series 2011 (Round 1) was held in Thredbo last weekend. The heavens, although not totally closed-up did not drop any huge downpours. The result was a reasonable track without deep mud or any dust storms. And, bonus, no flies.

Fastest time was 6:22.13, not near a skier's time but terrifyingly quick over the sometimes very steep & rocky course travelled between Eagles Nest and the Kosciuszko Express Base in the village.

The 2011 Australian Interschools MTB Championships are on in Thredbo next weekend (Friday 18th March to Sunday 20th March 2011). This event comprises more than just Downhill by including Four Cross, Cross Country (short and long course).

The Drop - From Eagles Nest to Village

Kosi Express laden with mountain bikes

Upper True Blue

Upper World Cup

Airborne

Optical illusion - it's downhill

Difficulty of constantly going in and out of shadows

Long queue winding back around to get on the chair

There were easy, medium and totally gnarly sections on the course

Candelo Village Festival - a must do.

The forecast is - surprise surprise - for more rain showers!

If you're not interested in interschool mountain biking then there is the annual Candelo Village Festival - a one day event (March 19th) - which is a great musical festival together with arts and local culture. Check it out at: http://www.candelovillagefestival.org.

My best wishes go out to the entire Japanese people in this time of utter unbelievable horror and devastation.