Although this wasn't an AMTRA event, I figured it was worth a quick report anyway.
I drove the 1 hour and 5 mins to Castella from my house on Saturday afternoon, caught up with my mates from South Australia, set up camp and settled into a good feed and several fizzy, adult refreshments. We hit the sack around 10:30 in preparation for the event.
I woke to the sound of breakfast being prepared, and Mark delivered me a cup of coffee (in bed). We ate, cleaned up and headed to the registration table. Somehow, I drew pole position, so would be out of the gate in the first three! We pushed the bikes to the cold start area, listened to the riders briefing, then fired up in our allotted times.
I actually left the gate in second spot, and chased down the guy ahead of me. He was under the impression that I was a quicker rider than him, so he let me pass and I enjoyed almost a full lap with no one in front of me! Mick (from EBT forum) passed me towards the end of the first lap, and I chased him back into camp.
The loop was around 9 k's long, all single track barring one straight of about 500 meters. It was twisty, tight and exhausting on these old girls! Lots or rocks, roots and logs to trick the unsuspecting rider! There was also an optional 'red plate' loop of 25 k's, which they said was predominately open tracks. So I took it! turns out, it was 5 k's of open tracks and another 20 k's of single! Needless to say, by the time I got back, I was rooted!
I chased Wade around for another lap or two, but after 4 loops I was spent. It was a hot and windy day, but there was no breeze in the thick forest trail and energy was sapped quickly. Still, with 4 loops of the course and 1 loop of the optional, I was happy with the day. The PE ran faultlessly all day (as I have come to expect), the company was great and all in all a good event.
For those of you who are keen on these Vinduros, get into them, they're a hoot!
The view from bed
All Colors Covered!
Pole position
The PE In Action
Wade In Action
