Welli Mills WA State DH 4 – The Rehab

Following from Mud Fest at the previous round, the fourth round of the 2015 Peel Districts Mountain Bike Club WA State Downhill Series saw racing return once again to Welli Mills. The track had been mostly destroyed by the last event and a small dedicated crew of volunteers got together to get it back into great shape for the race – and it was in perfect condition at the start of the event. Over 120 competitors were out to see what they could do with it.

The weather forecast looked similar to the last race – rain! However practise on Saturday saw perfect conditions, slightly damp dirt and plenty of sun meant hero dirt and heaps of fun. Sunday morning the drizzle started which saw the event become another wet race – thanks to more time being ridden in and the rehab work from the trail crew the track stayed in great shape throughout though and all riders had a great time on the course.

As usual qualifying was used to seed the riders in each category so that the fastest went down last, hoping to sit in the hot seat. Last rider down gets the pleasure of knowing straight away whether they have done enough.

After a solid victory at the last race Carl Pickersgill (Carine Cycles) was looking to go back to back and with a second place in qualifying was looking hot for final run. Adrian Walsh (1968 Campers) had a great to fill the last spot on the podium – 5th and a time of 2:03.514. Luke Ball (Carine Cycles) returned to some of the form we know him for – his fourth position matching his number plate – 2:02.586. Ryan Litterick had qualified first but was slightly slower in his race run perhaps a small mistake somewhere? He ended up in third place and a time of 2:00.572. Rumour was it that Zak Wilsher wasn’t riding in Dunlop Volleys for once and it didn’t hurt his speed at all – just outdoing Litterick into second place and 2:00.552, his best result yet. Once again though Pickersgill showed his capability, the only rider to go under 2 minutes – and smashing it with a 1:55.778! The fastest time of the day by far. The win now gives Pickersgill a solid lead in the overall for the remainder of the season – Litterick is now in second and over 140 points behind and Prochyra (Giant Bicycles) in third.

The Elite Women’s category was once again huge and with plenty of drama! Current fourth place overall and serial threat Penny Holmberg had a big crash in practise sending the rock drop which saw her unable to defend her previous win here. Natalie Pearson (Albany Urban DH) took the win at her first race of the season with a very strong ride and a time of 3:13.417. Shortl;y behind Louise Wallace (WAMBA) continued her consisten form to second place and 3:18.303. Katarina McDowell came straight from the airport following a Whistler trip – one practise run only was still enough for third place and 3:22.938 – a smart move to keep her at the top of the overall, 50 points above Wallace. Alex Kirby rode smoothly into fourth (3:40.394), and fifth place Kyra Eddy (4:27.286) will want to go faster next time – at least to beat daughter Nerys!

In the Juniors we were once again shown how deep the talent pool is. Jake Marshall won again with a time of 2:00.149 – the second fastest time of the whole day! Nathan Male hucked his way into second (2:08.820) and Aaron Leagas held third in his first race back from injury (2:09.128).

Expert Series leader Shane Rosher (Speedlite Cycles) had another massive ride to win with a time of 2:11.055. Veteran racer Paul de Klerk (FJC) has stood on the top step of the podium many times before and did so once again with a strong ride and 2:13.251. Paul Fage (Albany Urban DH) continued his winning form and rode strongly to the win in Masters (2:36.004) – just edging out Ellis Moore. Sport saw Daniel Costello pushed out of the win by Gary Fabish 2:18.803 – the overall now is a very close close battle between Fabish and Marcus Haddon.

Once again the Single Crowners proved that the smaller bikes can hold their own with first place qualifier Graeme Adriaens (with one of the top ten fastest runs of the day) having a mechanical and Nigel Wade (Shockwiz) capitalizing with his first win of the season – 2:35.757. Tim “I Can Send It” Harman nearly caught him riding a hardtail and sending everything – second place and 2:35.921!

The kids are definitely alright, and with speed and style to prove it! In the Under 17s, Declan O’Connor won and took the overall lead with a time of 2:11.001. Under 15s Jake de Klerk won (2:16.077) which also saw him take a slim lead from Jaxon Sawer in the overall. And in the Under 13s Gus Kyme and Camden Puzey continued the battle – Gus winning on this occasion 2:32.520.

The club will be organising a maintenance day to begin the work for the second track rehabilitation All hands on deck will be appreciated, information will be posted at pdmbc.com.

The next month sees several events:

Club DH #2 at Golden Grove on August 2

Sunday Funday, part of the Kalamunda Classic and held in conjunction with Kalamunda Mountain Bike Collective (http://www.kalamundacollective.com.au/pages/kalamundaclassic) is an event not be missed – with a great fun atmosphere, shuttles and a twist!

WA State Downhill Championships need no introduction. 29 & 30 August. The biggest race of the year to get yourself the rare jersey…make sure you are there either racing, cheering or soaking up the vibe.

Of course all of this couldn’t happen without all the supporters of the event and the Peel Districts Mountain Bike Club – special thanks to all the amazing volunteers on the day – Peny Holmberg is the treasurer and completed a treasurer’s report from hospital! – and the Club Committee for their tireless work. Sponsors also deserve a huge round of gratitude – Hanson Construction Materials , Spank Industries, EMR Suspension Servicing, Morewood Bikes, Mountain Biking Adventures, Rock ’n’ Roll Mountain Biking, Carine Cycles, Malaga Cycles, and WAMBA. The club trailer has had a face lift and all the sponsors can now be seen parading around to all the events!

For full results and details check pdmbc.com.

Words: Sam Russell