Round Three at the 2010 SRAM Single Track Mind

The trail here varies from hardpack single-track through dry eucalypt bushland, to damp loam twisting through close-canopied rain forest, to technical rocky descents and creek crossings. Plenty of fun switchbacks and some fun drop offs are thrown in as well, so you know you’ll have a blast every time you ride this place.

The third instalment of the SRAM Chocolate Foot Single Track Mind series is one of those brilliant, sunny winter days. Starting at only 4 degrees C, the temperature made it finally to 20, just right for riding. Hundreds of riders were up early to make the start, bleary but cheery. Maybe the association of Chocolate in the name of this event is enough to induce that endorphin-fuelled loving feeling, or perhaps it’s just the anticipation of a fun day on the bike.

 

It’s usually easy to spot the real race contenders. I look over at the Rockstar Racing tent, the boys there are obviously built for speed; riders the size of jockeys—but with colossal thighs, tend to make good time. But looks can be deceiving and bike bling incentives plus adrenalin can produce superhuman feats. The Clydesdales have a special category this time round, riders with a combined bike and rider weight tipping the scales over 100kgs qualify for special prizes, so the big guys are on a mission today.

 

The fittest member of our team, Amber, is out on track now and (despite a lack of colossal thighs), she puts in a good time. Always smiling and enjoying the trails, I almost expect her to yeeeehah back into camp with a full endo-stop, hand outstretched to tag team me for my turn on the track.

 

Riders with cushy rear suspension often have to pay for the comfort of their armchair ride with bags of energy that the plush ride saps from their legs. My dual suspension bike has a mechanical issue on the first lap, so I saunter down to the SRAM tent with my busted bike in search of a repair. But when it is pronounced dead on arrival they suggest I take out a new model GT, a sample bike they have on display, so I get to experience both extremes.

 

Some rocky, bumpy courses suit dual suspension bikes more than hardtails. Yarramundi is somewhere in the middle with a mix of rough and smooth track so it will be interesting to see my average lap times on the race bike.

Perception of speed changes a lot moving from my dually to this race bike. It’s like getting out of a spongy old Range Rover and into a Porsche. The old girl will wallow around with enough body roll to make you seasick, but still soaking up the bumps along the way. The Porsche ride is firmer; more nimble, cornering is sharp and acceleration is startling in comparison. Not so great over potholes and log-jumps though.

 

Now we’re talking! After 20 metres on this bike I’m thinking I should be able to crank out some way better times.

 

The GT Zaskar is a full blooded speed machine—carbon fibre, triple triangle frame, race geometry, new XX spec components, a very light and racy bike. It’s a slightly twitchy ride in comparison to my ‘all mountain’ bike and the rigid frame gives plenty of feedback from the various trail surfaces. Railing around the bermed switchbacks in the top end of the track is a breeze even though it’s slightly uphill because the of the bike’s low weight and inherent efficient transmission of power. The air sprung SID fork is light, of course, but still tracks superbly through teeth chattering rocky corners—mind you, the rigid rear end would really bash you up over the course of a long ride and take a little getting used to. Damn this bike feels fast though; no wonder the elite guys use them.

 

 © Dave Bateman/Chocolate Foot

The Chocolate Foot team puts on a very professional show with lap information showing in real time as every rider passes through transition. I roll through, checking out the large results board and see my lap time is not as stunning as I imagined. Hell, I thought I was flying out there. Pity. It’s one of those perception versus reality things I guess. Reality bites; it’s time to hit the training track and get ready for Stromlo in Canberra next month.