Seventy-two riders and their support crews made the journey up to Davies Creek on Sunday 15th April to welcome the Cairns Mountain Bike Club’s 2012 Pump’n'Pedals XC Race Series, proudly hosted by the Mareeba Mountain Goats.  After a week of questionable weather, Mother Nature presented an almost perfect day.  With sufficient cloud cover to keep temperatures cool, and adequate precipitation to bed in new sections of trail work, the scene was set for a fast and furious (eye) opener.

A casual glance over the XC menu on offer saw a mouth-watering entrée of short course shenanigans (XCS), followed by a heart-thumping hijinx of solo speed and skill (ITT).  Combined, these two events proved to be an intoxicating concoction for all in attendance.  Thankfully, our own Boys in Blue had traded their RBT accoutrements for the pleasure of alfresco xc dining.

Continuing his dominance from the 2011 Pump’n'Pedals XC Race Series, Dominic Hoyal once again stamped his authority as the fastest creature on two wheels through both courses (I am yet to witness a cow riding a bike, though I have been informed that Mountain Goats have been observed part-taking in such activities).  2012 also marked the official welcome of a Single-Speed category, with Lucas McDonald challenging himself (and succeeding) for top honours.  Christine Keir, atop her new carbon 29er, also displayed a strong performance to secure the Super-Masters Female category.  And who could forget the nail-biting tussle between Frank McGoldrick and Rod Tindale in the Super-Masters Male, and Bill  (The Driver) Handebo and Frank (Where’s My Bike) Falappi in the Sport Male.  A rematch at XC #2 has already been scheduled.  Full results are available below.

Short Course Results

Individual Time Trial Results

Combined Results and Points

2012 XC Points Tally after 1 round

With so much excitement on offer, Davies Creek was abuzz!  As if their efforts in presenting a venue suitable for a World Championships weren’t enough, the Mareeba Mountain Goats also served up a gourmet banquet that our very own Queen would have gratefully paid to enjoy.  Congratulations again to the Mareeba Mountain Goats for a truly memorable start to our 2012 season.

A HUGE thank you also to the wonderful timing girls of Leoni McDonald, Jeanette Powell and Anna McLean.  And to Michael “Normie” Norman for his vast knowledge on event management and his calming influence.

Whilst we have received some post-race feedback already, we certainly appreciate more thoughts and advice.

Remember, race registration is now on-line only!!!  This means we shall not be accepting registration on the day.

See you ALL at the second course of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club’s 2012 Pump’n'Pedals XC Race Series.

William Bird
Race Director

www.cairnsmtb.com