2010 Police & Emergency Services MTB Games

It was a perfect day for getting out of the office, station or simply taking a day off work. Whilst there may have been some F1 thing happening downtown it was the MTB round of the 2010 Police & Emergency Service Games where all the action was.

A field of 75 riders took to a Joel Read special 10km loop of the Lysterfield National Park. Courtesy of recent rain riders took off into a sketchy, gravel, sandy com games course,  before opening up into a more of a "choose your own adventure" of redgum trail. The trail here descends slowly weaving in and out of the gum trees with multiple paths and terrain to pick from. For the record the dirt is much quicker!

Turning right onto Lamberts track the course opened up allowing riders to catch their breath before tackling the famous buckle trail out towards Wellington Rd. A few intermediate climbs, plenty of roots, logs, jumps and all things MTB'ing. Those with a bit of weekend adventure under their belts would have found this section quite enjoyable, whilst those a bit green, but no less enthusiastic hopefully found these section a good challenge. No matter what you are racing for I always say you should go out trying to master the course. Tackle those logs, hold those lines, find cleaner, smoother, or faster ways to ride stuff. And if all else fails simply put a smile on your face for giving it a go!

A few steeper hills were found on middle trail, before sweeping down the hill on some long twisting singletrack. The open section on Lamberts track was a good chance to rest some weary hands, or backsides and put some pain into the quad muscles. Long straight gradual inclines are mentally challenging as it always appear you are going no where fast. You have to love the fact that corners and singletrack actually make it feel you are going faster.

A quick sprint around the bottom section of the com games course and riders were back at the start to tackle it all over again! Those a little smarter rode quicker, or strategically stopped to sample some of the blue berry scones, and other delicacies kindly organised for hungry finishers. Top show!

Some handy medallions were given out to the place getters including a 60+ and 70+ category. Hope I am still going around when I get there! Courtesy of the "FTF garage of prizes" and some industry contacts a random draw of spot prizes had tyres, helmets and gadgets going to the masses.

Thanks to Joel Read (CFA) for organising all the permits, entries and coordinating the day. He is champ both on and off the bike!

Results and lap times below. Enjoy!

Downloads:
· 2010Police&EmergencyGames (PDF - 38 Kb)