2017 Cairns Cycling Club Cyclocross –
Well if you didn’t come down to the track on Saturday you missed a fun Saturday afternoon of CX madness! Our third CX event had lots of spectators and with about 50 attending there was a real buzz in the air. It’s great for all the family & our first event highlighted this with up & coming stars having a go. Tyler Deed streaked ahead & showed he is already a master of this course. The Ingram girls found lifting the bikes over the hurdles a little difficult but with coaching from Dad, they had the detour around them mastered and it was all smiles at the finish line.
The CX bikes then lined up & a couple of new bikes made an appearance with Damien & Gavin both on new CX acquisitions! The rivalry between these two was evident & the race for the line for 3rd & 4th was hotly contested. Gavin had style over the hurdles while Damien had his own different style that brought great cheers from the crowd. Will Bird again showed us how it should be done & made it look easy in 6.52mins, although closely followed by Grahame in 7.04mins – his CX training is paying off! Times were a little slower than the last Event, maybe due to the slightly softer conditions or was it the new “Mount Perkins” as its now been named! Will Bird had no trouble with the new Hill, looking as if he had springs in his feet flying up two steps at a time, to the amazement of onlookers.
The MT Bikes then lined up & put on another great display. Without Linc to lead the way Scott Beaven took up the challenge & lead them home in a respectable time of 7.27min followed by Justin Bell in 7.46min. Kath Deed & Sue-Ellen Beaven both conquered the hill & finished with big smiles.
Pairings made, the scene was set for the Pony Express. We made it longer this Event, with 6 laps in total & all decided to do 3 laps each. By chance again each team had a CX & MT Biker. After two laps the leading team of Gavin & Scott had the pleasure of wearing the fluro WIG although I don’t think Gavin found it a pleasure! With flying white locks they powered around the course but the rivalry was again showing with Damien & Justin Bell nipping at their heals. Gavin & Scott had the advantage over the hurdles but Damien & Justin powered around the bitumen giving us another nail biting finish. This time the leaders just stayed ahead & came home in 45.21min v 45.26min – it was actually closer but Damien virtually stopped before the line – a rookie error or was it the disintegrating shoe!
After a short recovery break for riders & time for spectators to replenish food & drink supplies, the optional last race was started under a beautiful full moon. Tyler set off at a fast pace & held the older riders at bay right to the end, crossing the finish line with another punch to the air! A couple of graceful falls at the hurdles may have been tired legs or too much laughter & not enough concentration but either way they provided good entertainment for the spectators.
Jonesy was as always “the voice of Cairns Cycling” with his witty comments floating down from the tower to delight the spectators & bringing the activities to life in such a colourful way.
Thank you to all who attended & lets get the word out there this is a great event to be part of. If we don’t get the numbers it will die so lets see an even bigger crowd on Saturday August 5th – Lock it in your diaries NOW!!