Conongrail / Part 5 / Racing P3

Dazza's piece - racing

After the jump the PE landed OK, and I opened the mighty beast up for a blast down to the right hand tree turn. The bike was running great and I could see the XR250 up ahead.

It wasn't until lap two that I had to start to gain on the XR - I don't know the fellow, so he will be referred to as the XR as that's what I was chasing anyway!

The XR had gotten a great start compared to me around 11th and I was 23rd, 24th after the first few turns! Keeping in mind this was over 3 laps...if I could've made that many positions after a lap I'd be a lot closer to the front.

Then a left hand turn - I remember here that I tried to pass a YZ in this turn and the guy in front came across...I had nowhere to go so the PE's front Knobbies grated his boot a little! He knew I was there then :D, The YZ rider gave apologies!

This is what VMX riding is about - having a bit fun, not taking things too serious and using a bit racing etiquette on the track.

"Good on you, YZ 250 rider!"

Down the hill into a rough left hander; a fellow was licking his wounds here as the rough stuff caught him unaware. Into the right and over a little jump got me closer to the finish of the first lap without coming off like a few did in this lap.

Into the left sweeper before blasting onto a back-back straight with a table top scenario on it, then into the right before the steep jump between the trees; this was just as daunting as the first big jump.

On the start of the 2nd lap I was now getting closer to the XR and tried to make a move on him at a right hand turn; close but no cigar. I think from memory that I got him just after this, accomplishing my goal of passing the XR and staying front to the finish.

I think I finished about 16th out of 25. I was happy I wasn't the last rider as my family were watching!

After watching the footage of my ride I realised that I really rode very defensively which didn't help - I have now learnt something for next time!

What is the Conondale Classic? For me it was an experience that was just great fun. I watched 'On Any Sunday' and classic stuff like that and in today's society it is hard to have free fun like they did in those days because people are just too serious - everyone seems to sing the line: "What about me? It isn't fair..." from "What About Me" by Moving Pictures. Oh, and you young people who believe the world didn't exist beyond 10 years ago, search for the Shannon Noll version?

For all you Jurassic survivors who think age is a barrier, give it a go and take a diversion to that 'Ground Hog Day' routine that you live daily. Remember, you don't have to be the best or have the best bike - just have a look at Tent's Aggy... he loved that bike! We all know we're beyond it, but it's about the fun of a new experience!
You never know - you may just excite a passion you once had?

Conongrail is over and thank you to all that have read this.