Arriving around 3pm and picking up our wheels, a hiace van, we then headed out to inspect the track. With expectations high due to all the talk amongst the mates and just looking around at the hills as we approached the track, we were certainly not disappointed. The finish stretch alone had massive table tops and step up jumps with huge burms.
It took around 2 hours to walk up and down the track and it revealed one of the most challenging but fun tracks seen yet, these guys have put heaps of work into this event.
We headed out to locate our accommodation only 5 mins down the road. Once again Team Crimmins star secretary (Mum) scored well booking us in at Elwick Cabins where all the Canberra crew and some of the other mountain bikers were staying. All settled in, out of the box comes the bike only to find Dad some how forgot to pack the front axle. Oh no!
Friday morning ring around revealed that "No body runs fox 40's in Tassie".
So for the next 2 hours it was a mad dash to every bike shop in Hobart with things looking very grim. I must commend Thomas for staying positive and not wigging it at dad in this very tense situation. We eventually found this great guy at a bike shop that was prepared to spend some time and he made us one up free of charge, big ups to him.
Back in the good books and back on track Thomas started doing runs, as always shuttles started out slow but picked up later. First impressions were right and the track proved to be very hard in some sections. Mid morning Thomas hit up the road gap and was also doing the big drop up near the top. Thomas managed to get in around 6 runs before closing time.
Back at camp we had a great all in BBQ and the youngsters got into their now regular trouble from the manager for making cuttie ruts around his nicely groomed park! No more riding on park grounds!!
Saturday morning as track was closed to junior riders we went into Hobart to check out the markets, very big but same old markets everywhere.
Back to track, afternoon practice went very well and Thomas was really starting to pick up the pace. He was feeling confident and getting the track dialed. Which was just as well because I had my eye on a couple of local lads in his group and they were flying. He managed to slip in around 7 runs. Only bad news for the day one of his good mates Phil broke his wrist "game over" for the trip.
Sunday; Up early and on track I managed to limit the practice runs to three, then the big wait to race run.
After the elites qualified Thomas led the U15's down in a time of 3:37.55, this proved once again too fast for the other riders with Thomas taking out 1st place by 28 seconds.
At the end of racing the presentations were held. First ones were for the race and then the overall series winners.
Thomas was awarded National U15 Mens Downhill Series Winner also being the only rider in all divisions to make a clean sweep and achieve maximum 400 points.
It was then on to the after party to celebrate, this was fish and chips with his mates down at Constitution Dock and later watching all the video footage with the gang back at camp!
Next morning it was up and pull the bike down and back in the box for the flight home at 10am.
Next on the agenda "Thomas' new ride".
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