Australian Fact-Finding Trip Report

Michael Posted: 26 October 2010, 9:13 AM   A 19-strong mission to test the quality of Victoria's cafes and boutique accommodation has given the state an AA- rating. Some dodgy cafe service and a smoke alarm that periodically went off during the night, were compensated for by superb meals and a heritage farmhouse with a dining room large enough to seat the entire test team. There was a bit of biking on the side, with Marquita Gelderman doing what Australia's world champion Adrian Jackson failed to do: win all three Australian MTBO championships. Double winners were Pete Swanson (M40) and Yett Gelderman (W60). Michael Wood won the M60 sprint for the 3rd time in 4 years. The dosage of caffeine may have to be increased for the longer distances. Full results: http://results.orienteering.asn.au/sd=1288051200&pg=results&ca=1 The assessment will be repeated in 12 months, with specific attention on testing the claim that the Beechworth Bakery is Australia's best.   Jymbo Posted: 26 October 2010, 11:19 AM   Results http://www.orienteering.asn.au/news/?ItemID=6257   Michael Posted: 26 October 2010, 12:36 PM   Thanks for that better link Jymbo. Appears that a "?" disappeared from the link as I copied it. And I overlooked at least one significant result above: Christine Browne won the W40 long distance. She also rode W21 in the medium and was 3rd in that. Chris is from Tauranga, you'll be hearing more about her.   rob.g Posted: 26 October 2010, 1:41 PM   Marquita was really dominant against the best Aussie girls, and Pete Swanson rode past a control by mistake or would have a had a clean sweep of the M40 grade. Sadly, Pete beat Marquita for the first time in years in the long distance race. We had heaps of fun, and are already planning the big one next year, the Australian MTBO Champs and A/NZ Challenge which are on a week after the Australian Champs foot O weekend. We'll have a few days of training on good maps between races, and I'd like to think plenty will give both a go next year.   pete s Posted: 27 October 2010, 2:28 AM   For those of you that have never had the pleasure of coming on an Oz MTBO trip, this is something you should consider - always a great team atmosphere and some real fun and adventures had - as well as some great riding in some awesome tracks and terrain. Rob G and Di Michels did an awesome job in getting this organised and deserve a medal for their efforts. Other notable efforts include Dave King - getting third in M50 Long despite having broken his sternum and ribs earlier in the week in a get off. Also Steve "Cat" Pyatt who survived a 12 metre plunge down a vertical cliff and emerged only with a dislocated finger. He also deserves a tough man award for a) carrying on with the ride we were on and b) competed in all the Oz champs races the 2 days after the fall. The other thing to note is the great team atmosphere that is created on these trips - the prize givings were dominated by noisy Kiwi's cheering each other on - awesome!   raewyn Posted: 28 October 2010, 2:51 PM   I can highly recommend the Beechworth Bakery and one visit is definitely not adequate to sample the range of goodies. Steven can recommend the merguine scooters for a pre race sugar fix but then again the bacon and egg pies will keep you going all day.