NARBETHONG - Victoria

Narbethong –Alpine Gravity Enduro Series 16.11. 2014

The Track

created by Alpine Gravity in the Toolangi State Forrest is a mix of the old Narbethong DH track and some new single-track in the middle. There are 3 distinct sections connected by a couple of short fire road uphills (hence Enduro not DH).

First section some nice fast single-track downhill mixed with some nice drop offs , jumps and roots to ensure maximum concentration from the word go.

Second section is the new bit and it is full of steep technical switchbacks ,no jumps in this one. Due to this section being a brand new build it had no time to settle in and was very soft and dusty on the practice days and turned into a messy mud fest on raceday (you had to be at one with the mud).Give this part of the track some time to settle in it will great in the months to come.,

Third section is the really fun bit. Part of the old DH track some real speed is to be had on this section.

Various jumps in the very high speed sections ensure your attention all the way down. Special mention goes to the corner involving a triple combination of drop- offs and jumps just before the fast sprint to the end.

All up a great track with no boring parts which keeps you on your toes all the way.

Shuttle time approx 20min

Day 1 Friday -Practice:

The forecast rain stayed away and dry, dusty conditions made for some excellent riding down the Narbethong track.

The Alpine Gravity Troopy shuttles and trailers (nice trailers no damage to bikes) were all go at 9.00 in the morning. After a cautious scout of the track the speed and confidence grew with the number of rides.

Place looked like there was a good sale on high end Yetis and I was sure we must be running out of carbon soon. Some nice bikes to be seen here today.

Middle section of the track felt like powder skiing in dust most of the day but showed some improvement later in the day.

Shuttle times and problems with the Troopies made for some long waits (over an hour) for some uplifts but the time was used for plenty of bike and trash talk so all was good.

Happy, dusty, and tired the day comes to an end about 4.00pm and all retire for well earned beers and thoughts what day 2 might bring.

Day 2 Saturday -Practice:

Once again no rain and riders were ready to tackle the track again.

Arrived on the track at 9.30am to get in a couple of great morning rides before the track got red flagged due to a couple of serious injuries.

Maddog’s harsh comment of the day:

“The Europeans can land on a comet and these guys can’t even land a jump.”

After the Ambulance cleared 3 hours later shuttles continued and we managed to get in another 2 runs before another serious smash in the fast bottom section stopped riding for good.

As we were leaving the track about 5.30pm the expected rain arrived with the last Ambulance (which took until late in the evening to remove the injured rider off the hill).

Beer time at the Black Spur Inn and all talk is about the amount of crazy injuries seen today and of how the rain might affect the track the next day.

Day 3 Sunday - Raceday:

Rain,rain,and more rain , the heaviest rain falls in Victoria in recent history turned the track into mud from start to finish.

The Rain only stopped early afternoon and timing did not start until 2.00pm.The riders brave (or stupid) enough to still ride the track had to be at one with the mud to survive the brutal conditions.

(On the bright side speed was a lot slower and ground was a lot softer which ensured a lot less injuries than the day before.)

All up Friday was the pick of the crop considering that on Saturday there was more action in the medical tent than on the track, and Sunday Raceday was washed out.

Thanks to the guys of Alpine Gravity for all the efforts in creating this great track.

Between Narbethong , Buxton and Marysville/Lake Mountain just up the road this is turning into a great MTB area.

Narby we will be back soon.

Team Wombat

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