Race weekend is in full swing over in Balingup, Western Australia, for round 3 of the MTBA Gravity Enduro National Series.
A large field of riders have turned to battle it out and they’ve certainly got their work cut out for them as the trails technical and challenging. But when you consider that Sam Hill built most of the tracks himself, would you expect them to be anything else? It’s certainly going to make for a very exciting race later today. But first up lets check out some highlights from yesterday’s practice session thanks to Sean Lee on photobro duties in the West!
Rego was a hive of activity most of the day with higher than expected number of riders turning up to do battle against the clock this weekend. Gravity Enduro racing is certainly alive and strong over on this side of the country.
It has to be said the crew team from WA Gravity Enduro do a brilliant job when they host a race. Everything out here this weekend is super well organized and running smoothly. A local cafe has come out and set up is serving awesome hot food.
“Sam Hill rocked up at about 6pm today and will be riding the trails with no practice. He built half of them by cutting lines in with his moto… so tomorrow should be an interesting challenge with this handicap”
Can you tell these trails were cut in by Sam Hill? Steep, awkward and super natural. Yep, it’s going to be a rowdy race indeed when the riders have to attack these stages at full gas!
Sam Hill will be racing this weekend! He missed Saturday’s practice session but rocked up at about 6pm that night and will be riding the trails with no practice. Sam actually built a lot of the tracks that are being raced here himself. Tomorrow should be an interesting challenge with this handicap.
Reports from most riders is that the dirt is absolutely perfect out there on track. Plenty of loam everywhere, jump tracks are running fast and the steeper tracks are cutting in with loose dusty ruts. You can be assured that after last year’s mud race, everyone is enjoying the loam and dust for a change!
Local pinner Luke Ball hanging it out on everyone’s favorite trail, Boxxer’s Blast.
Riders were making the most of shuttles today because it’s all push or ride up tomorrow. Some guys smashed out 10-12 runs, others just chilled and enjoyed the trails. A lot of riders have been here since Friday doing shuttles.
Mother nature is playing nice this weekend. Apart from the extreme cold at night, today was about 20 degrees and the forecast for Sunday’s race looks like rain won’t be a factor.
This jump saw plenty of attention today. Everyone was loving the big jumps on ‘Boxxers Blast’ trail. Tom Hamley hangs a foot with effortless style.
The top section has lots of fun, small features. Rake n Ride, Edge of the World, Huggies are Sam’s tracks. They’re shorter, super steep and natural, tight, awkward. A few really steep rocky chutes really challenging even the pros. Valley of Dreams and Mr Enduro are super long and physical with lots of variety. Boxxer’s blast is basically 4 minutes of pump track with big berms and jumps. The Elites are racing Boxxer’s Blast last tomorrow so the other riders can spectate. Here, Greg Stanley, puts his skills to the test.
Last year’s state series winner Luke Ball is looking on form, blowing up corners as usual.
The tight, steep forest sections are waiting to catch out unprepared riders.
“The top section has lots of fun, small features. Rake n Ride, Edge of the World, Huggies are Sam’s tracks. They’re shorter, super steep and natural, tight, awkward. A few really steep rocky chutes really challenging even the pros. Valley of Dreams and Mr Enduro are super long and physical with lots of variety. Boxxer’s blast is basically 4 minutes of pump track with big berms and jumps. The Elites are racing Boxxer’s Blast last tomorrow so the other riders can spectate.”
Young gun Blake Pearce is looking fast, with a fresh EWS Juniors Second place under his belt.
Riders were making the most of the shuttles today, saving their legs for the unassisted race tomorrow.
Jimmy Pritchard is another rider to watch out for on track tomorrow. Killer style indeed.
The top of the hill is packed with countless small, fun features.
Steve Janiec is the man behind the scenes, putting a monumental effort into keeping things running smoothly.
The event village and camp grounds are nestled at the bottom of the hill. Live music and movie screenings tonight, however everyone’s really just huddling around the fires because it’s so bloody cold.
“The event village and camp grounds are nestled at the bottom of the hill. Live music and movie screenings tonight, however everyone’s really just huddling around the fires because it’s so bloody cold.”
Did we mention it’s cold this weekend? As soon as the sun drops, jesus, walk a couple of metres away from the fire and your skin hurts!
This jump saw plenty of attention today. Everyone was loving the big jumps on ‘Boxxers Blast’ trail. Tom Hamley hangs a foot with effortless style.
Jimmy Pritchard is another rider to watch out for on track tomorrow. Killer style indeed.
