With perfect weather and lots of anticipation, everyone was surprised at the huge response with around 200 riders and onlookers enjoying the riding spectacle.

Those lucky enough to get there early tried out the new course and gave it the thumbs up. Some 860-metres in length, it soon became apparent that the course was anything but easy.

After the first lap, climbing and dropping off the steep sections, riders began showing the effects and by the third lap only the very fit were not struggling.

Congratulations must go to everyone involved in the establishment of the course and venue. A great mix of 78 younger and older riders participated in the seven-event program from A-grade to under-13s.

In the under 13s, first place went to Nicholas Lockett, with second going to Tom Delamont.

In the under 19s the placings were Ward Jayden, Jamie Hill and Josh Higson respectively.

In D-grade, Andrew Phillips, Brad Thompson and Josh Cook took out the placings.

C-grade was won by Harry (I’m now going to B-grade) Hearne, with Ward and Steve James taking out the minor placings.

In B-grade Richard (I had to work hard for that) Braithwaite took out first, Alex Delamont, second and Daniel Phillips, third.

In the women’s event, the younger Ella Scanlon-Bloor led the way from Megan (young at heart) Patey with Fiona (somewhere in-between) Martin close behind.

In A-grade, international rider Rod McGee showed a clear pair of heels with Kyle Ward and Wade Carberry trying hard to close the gap.

Not only a trying course to ride, the course showed itself to be a great spectator location with everyone treated to skilled and exciting riding over most of the course.

As the sun set on the event, everyone enjoyed a sausage sandwich with a proper coffee from the Coffee Van.

The next mountain bike racing at Bong Bong is on Friday, November 20.