The unique course saw riders racing on both asphalt and gravel in a challenging finish to 2024 action. Photos: Richard Bailey.
A great crowd of 20 riders gathered for our slightly whacky McDonald's Christmas gravel crit with a festive mood palpable among the crowd despite the heat.
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Regular visitor Robert Woods summed it up succinctly when he said, ‘I've got no idea what I'm signing up for’ as he registered.
The million-dollar question for all was - what was the perfect set-up for a part asphalt, part gravel crit race? - dedicated gravel bike, mountain bike or test yourself on a standard road bike?
A-grade
A large group of eight riders set off, Lenny and George Griffiths rode on road bikes while their father Troy finally found that he belonged after awkwardly feeling like the ugly duckling by riding a gravel bike for weeks.
Shane Roberts came out to race at the mere mention of the magic word ‘gravel’ with Nick McNair, Robert Woods and Josh Thomson rounding out the field.
They were joined early in the race by Nick Woods jumping up from B-grade on his return from a health scare - welcome back Nick, the grin from ear to ear was good to see.
From the gun it was Lenny who was intent on asserting his authority and so it was as he rode clear in the first few laps with the rest of the bunch working to hold ground.
Impressively, Lenny continued to turn the screws and stayed clear for a comfortable win.
Into the last corner, it was Josh Thomson who was well positioned to burst clear into second, with Shane Roberts third in a tight bunch finish.
20 riders competed in the final race of the year.
B-grade
Down to two riders with the upgrade of Nick Woods, Cam Smith and Sarah Mulkearns were in for a tough night.
Alternating turns throughout the race, they seemed evenly matched as they gradually passed the back of C-grade and pushed on.
Into the last lap or two it was Sarah who made her move and rode strongly to finish first with Cam in second.
C-grade
There was a blend of vehicles in C-grade with Claire Goodman, Will Kettle and Darren Kruger on road bikes, Matt Dobeli and Dazz McKemmish on gravel bikes and Neil Thomson optimistically on his mountain bike.
Interestingly after a lap or two Darren Kruger disappeared to swap to a mountain bike after an unfortunate puncture.
After a steady start, Claire rode clear off the front, which brought Will Kettle to the boil as he bridged the gap and the two of them made their move.
While the gravel riders Matt, Dazz and Neil assumed they'd make up ground on the gravel, Claire and Will rode clear and continued to stretch their margin as the group behind splintered in panic.
Into the final corner it was Claire in front, however, Will pushed to cross the line first from Claire, with Matt a distant third.
D-grade
Rounding out the field were the group of Mel Smolenaars, Kaz Griffiths, Paul Oman and Russell Jeffreys.
In an entertaining twist, Mel Smolenaars worked out that her road shoes and mountain bike pedals weren’t going to work.
Luckily for her, the EMCC Garage Sale provided her a new pair, and the Imelda Marcos of Nanneella was back in business.
Keeping the bunch together seemed the order of the day, while it seemed that Russell's bike had an allergy to the breeze, as he remained tightly attached to the rear of the group.
In difficult conditions, the four D-grade riders worked hard, but who would have the legs to finish?
Mel and Kaz provided a strong lead out, and it was Paul Oman riding through to win from Russell Jeffreys second and Kaz in third.
In another entertaining twist, the Imelda Marcos of Nanneella seemed reluctant to let go of her newest addition; however, the truth was she had no idea how to take them off, Robbo to the rescue.
Thanks to those who helped set up and pack up, thanks to Ray and Dave Oman as race directors and finally a huge shout-out to Scott and Courtney Moller for sponsoring tonight's race.
30°C