FLYING HIGH: Lithgow’s Matt ‘Skinny’ Walker goes airborne over one of the jumps. lm082012skinny2
MORE than 200 riders from all over the state tested themselves on Lithgow’s new world standard downhill mountain bike track over the weekend.
The Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club joined forces with Rocky Trail Entertainment to host round three of the NSWMTB State Downhill Series, sponsored by Red Ass Mexican Foods.
Named the Pony Xpress, the track is situated in Sheedy’s Gully and it met with rave reviews from those who dared to try their skills on the testing lay-out.
On the Saturday, visitors were met with some of the worst weather Lithgow has been infamous for, but thankfully Sunday’s weather was much kinder with everyone enjoying the finals.
The trail was constructed using sustainable trail design techniques which have received interest from the International Mountain Biking Association.
“The track was designed in consultation with Lithgow City Council,” Lithgow’s Craig Flynn said.
“The new trail will bring the exciting sport of downhill mountain bike racing back to Lithgow.
“The event was a plus for local businesses with restaurants, motels, clubs, garages and shops all gaining the benefits from the 200 plus riders, their families and friends.
“We have had nothing but good comments from all the visiting riders, although they were not too keen on Saturday’s weather with strong icy winds blowing off snow.
“But it would not be a Lithgow event if we did not turn the shocking weather on for at least one day.
“They were particularly taken in by the beautiful bush setting, the tracks and the views from the top.”
On Saturday there were practice sessions with riders getting familiar with the track layout and then for those who qualified, it was full on with riders wanting to be the first to conquer the Lithgow track.
Lithgow and the Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains clubs were well represented and results from the weekend will be published when all the events are collated.