Rainforest or Shine - Shimano GP RD#3

The sun was out (for once) and the chill winter air had racers on their toes as they prepared for a day of racing on one of New South Wales favourite trail destinations, Ourimbah. A trail centre many a Sydney sider has grown up and honed their skills on had racers arriving in droves packing out the car park in what was one of the biggest turnouts to a Shimano Grand Prix 4 & 7hr ever.

The pit area was a frenzy of activity with racers at registration, the might of the Jet Black team in attendance as well as Cell Bikes, Gloryfy and Fox and Shimano both available on the wrenches. After a little socialising sure enough the start rolled round.

Heading up the big hill fireroad and through the pits racers entered one of the most enjoyable tracks on the circuit. This track had it all and a sighting lap was well advised as the trail took on two types of terrain, rainforest and natural bushland.

The course could be broken down into four sectors the opening section was a mix of fast flowy tacky rainforest trail which included the famous roll in. A feature that may actually have been easier than it’s B or C line options.

The course then climbed up onto the opposing ridge line for some fast dusty flowy singletrack and high speed straights, not to mention one rather fun wall ride.

The second half of the course started with a descent back into rainforest like surroundings with beautiful boulders perfectly placed trackside and some incredibly enjoyable turns.

The course then returned to the valley floor where no surface was safe. Slick greasy mud, hidden roots and plenty of line choice to think about before the final return to dusty trails and a long ascent to the line.

There were some epic battles throughout the day but the highlight was surely the one for the overall. With the four hour dominated by traffic the train of solos and the attacking individual riders in teams were mostly separate but that all changed when the four hour finished. Having already asserted himself in the lead of the solo’s Jason English then proceeded to take on the team of Torq’s Tristan Ward and newly returned to racing Billy Sewell for the overall.

English once Sewells PE teacher brought it down to the wire heading into the final lap practically tire buzzing Tristan Ward. Giving it his all Ward put down the third fastest lap of the day for the overall win. An impressive feat from Ward tallying up such a time nearly seven hours into the race and countless laps down. Equally impressive was English’s ability to hunt down the pair, who, with their shared work load were only just able to pip the Solo champion.

Laura Renshaw showed equal strength in the solo womens 7hr with a two lap advantage on her nearest competitor.