Well, it seems as though the XC season is all but over here in Sunny SE QLD, with only the State Championships remaining, all the way up in Rockhampton. Should be fun.
However, the Sunny Series, run by Two Wheel Promotions, concluded with the third (actually the fifth due to rescheduling) race at Illanbah two weeks ago. Due to Aiden's terrible bout of quiche/chilli schnapps/punch/donut/flourless chocolate cake and hommus-induced food poisoning, we were unable to make this round.
However, this was the smallest XC turnout for the elites of all the series, and both our XC Sunny Series leader status remained.
It has been a fun series of racing, and will hopefully set me up for a better year racing national series.
Round 1—Adair
A fun clover-leaf shaped course, with three short (but nasty) climbs punctuating the sweet singletrack. Aiden rode to victory, while I ran through the bunting off course and came in third.
Round 2—Karingal
Yet another fun course—swoopy leafy singletrack, no large climbs but several short-and-hurty ones. All out a good course for the singletrack slayers out there. Aiden took the top spot on the podium in elite men, while I managed to pull a swifty and get there in the elite women's category.
Round 3—Illanbah
Postponed due to rain, this one became round five, which we were unable to attend due to Aiden's mystery-itis (see above)
Round 4—Mt Crosby
Mt Crosby was one for the power climbers, with a long (ish), open, grass climb punctuating the fun singletrack course. Some technical rock gardens and 'bar checkers' kept you on your feet (or on your bike...) while the payoff was the steep, swoopy and ultimately fun 'snakes and ladders' section. Aido once again took out first, while I was a couple of minutes down in second.
Round 5—D'Aguilar
D'Aguilar was a punishing course, and perhaps the most fun I had racing through the whole series...mainly because I played the game and sat behind for a bit. It was nice to have the ball in my court rather than going all out, then reaching back into survival mode. Fun and challenging descent, and a pinch climb featured in the pain fest. Playing the game worked out well—both Aido and I took out the top spot.