Mountain Biking Down Under

In early May 08, around about the time the South Island of NZ was hit with its first snow fall for the season ahead, I jumped on a plane to Australia! I left home in Wanaka for Queensland, Australia.

I lived in a tourist orientated town called Airlie Beach (South of Cairns). The place is a very popular backpacker’s destination. There are endless water activities in the area including scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. There are even 74 islands in the Whitsunday’s to go see by boat! The land around Airlie is relatively flat terrain, mostly used by sugar cane farmers. While Freeride and down hill mountain biking is pretty sparse in the area, there is plenty of riding South and North of Airlie Beach.

One particular riding spot I went to was a place called Kitchent Dam. It is 20 minutes drive North of Mackay. This down hill track is regularly used for state races and some local races. A very demanding trail with about half the track covered in rock gardens. It’s been well ridden in so lines through the rocky sections are easier to pick out and they are always adding new features to the track. I’m here in the winter and its 25 degrees plus! …so pushing up after every run is a little tough! Highly recommend a 4X4 vehicle for shuttles.

There is a classic outdoor pub about 100 meters from the bottom of the trail for any refreshments after the riding. The bottom of the trail is actually in the Kitchent Dam Camping ground. This whole place would make for a great long weekend get away for those that can get to it for riding, and hang by the lake.

By Dan

Winter Festival Snow Event

I competed in the annual Queenstown Winter Festival snow race on Coronet Peak last weekend. Conditions weren't good, the snow guns were real noisy and created partial white out conditions between the natural snow showers. The event was run like a 4X, with the first two to finish going through to the next round and the other two being knocked out. It was all a bit of a lottery with the deep soft snow. There was a field of about 90 competitorsracing in 3 categories, Mens, Women's and Junior Men. I was lucky enough to win all my races and take out the Junior title.

A big thanks to Outside Sports for organizing and running the event, Coronet Peak for hosting the race this year, and all the sponsors which made the event such a success. A great event. I might do it again next year.

Cheers

Cam Johnson