12th Annual Poker Race - Saturday 10th July 2010
The Broken Hill Mountain Bike Club held its 12th annual Poker Race weekend, at Silverton on Saturday.  Organisers weren’t sure whether to even set up, when they encountered gusty 45km winds, and heavy rain; but when riders started turning up to help set up, the decision was made.  Thankfully the rained stopped (but the wind didn’t), and 42 riders braved the freezing conditions, along with their supporters.  This is the most difficult event on our calendar, and is our only real endurance event for those who ride as individuals.  It also helped that Jo & Chris had the BBQ cranked, and their special soup piping hot, which proved a hit with the crowd.
The introduction of a teams category injected some fun and entertainment into the event, with two of the teams dressing to impress!  This allows teams to ride one lap each, and brings a whole new dimension to the event.
Social class had only one rider, and amazingly he managed to crank out his laps before he discovered he has been riding with a busted frame!
Junior Girls saw the Lenton sisters back in the saddle, and Kirstie was able to hold off Alexis to take the win.
Boys B consisted of Doyle, Max and Patrick; and there was some confusion over which track they were riding, but they all did very well under tough conditions to get their 5 cards.
Boys A showed a very gutsy effort by both Corey and Luke.  Corey set a new junior record to be the first Broken Hill junior to complete his 5 laps on the Heritage Trail.  Luke completed three laps, even though he had a couple of stacks which resulted in a tooth through his lip!
Megan Algate was the only local female who was up to the solo challenge, and posted very consistent lap times for her first Poker Race. This demonstrated her high level of fitness and determination.
Veteran Men was always going to be hotly contested, and attracted some of the big guns from the Club.  The top three were only split by seconds, and they battled for the front for the first 2 laps before David was able to cement his lead into the third.  Heppy also pumped out his 5 very consistent laps, and behind him was Dennis Robinson, who made the trip up from Renmark.  Dennis showed determination and was able to complete his 5 laps, which is quite an achievement.  Mark made the leap from social class into this category, and was able to produce four very respectable laps for his first Poker Race.
Mens B claimed some casualties, with Nick having to withdraw (with an injury he sustained during training), and Stevo and Phil calling it a day after 3 laps.  This left Wayne, Joel and Richard to take the podium places.
Mens A was a hotly contested category, with Benny, Royce and ex-local Steve Chinner all pegged as favourites.  Benny led for the first lap, but was taken by Royce and Steve crossing together in the second.  Brian wasn’t far behind, followed closely by Les and Tas.  Steve was able to take the lead into the third lap, over Royce and Benny; and this was how they finished.  Brian was also able to complete consistent laps, to hold off Les and Tas.
Teams were introduced this year, and were a highlight of the day.  A mix of Central Firefighters & partners (Passme Ilkilya), Perilya (Where’s Wally?), and Country Energy & Family (Bondi Rescue); lined up to compete, and some went that extra mile to put on a visual demonstration on bad dress sense! This category was a great chance for those riders who wanted a bit of fun, and a challenge – only having to complete 1 lap (in theory this didn’t work out for John, who was called away before he could complete his lap; so Phil had to complete 2 laps).
This was pretty close, with Where’s Wally leading for the first lap, until Bondi Rescue overtook in the second lap.  Passme Ilkilya must also be commended for the two ladies that filled the team at last minute, for the two Firies that had to withdraw.  This was a mammoth effort, and they should be very pleased with their effort.  We hope to see them in the future, because they would be a welcome addition the ladies class.
After the event the presentation was held, and it was revealed that the best poker hand of the day went to Benny Goodman.
Fastest overall time, and Poker Race Champion for 2010 went to Steve Chinner.

28.05
4S

MAWSON MARATHON & OUTBACK EPIC 2010

5 members of the Club ventured into the Flinders Ranges for the 2010 Bicycle SA Mawson Marathon & Outback Epic, which was a four day stage event starting in Blinman, and finishing in Melrose.  Nick & Megan Algate, Tas & Kass Johnston, and Shelley & Dave Clarke traveled across for this 360km event, with Nick, Shelley and Tas participating in the Epic; while Megan, Kass and Dave acted as volunteers for the participants – manning the final refreshment stop of the day, over the four days.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and had the Team Broken Hill signed up for the Mawson Marathon, they would have fared very well; but instead registered as social riders in the Outback Epic, and so enjoyed the event with no real pressure whatsoever (except for the nagging pressure in the nether-regions)!
The ride covered some spectacular country side, and we met some amazing people from all over the world!  Shelley was one of a select few who got to witness the famous “Mawson Man” in all his glory, and the experience left her on a natural high for the remaining kilometers of the final day in the saddle.
A great event, and big thanks go out to the many volunteers who made this event possible.  The communities along the way who kept us fed and watered, and welcomed us into their towns.  Special mention to Blinman, Rawnsley Park, Hawker, Quorn, Wilmington, and Melrose communities for their delicious food, and hospitality.

Big thanks to the amazing Megan and Dave; who braved freezing weather and who were favourites’ among the riders, for their rest stop which provided not only nourishment, but bike servicing and morale boosting support for those riders who were ready to give in.
To Nick and Tas for making this whole, unforgettable experience a reality.

Shelley