Race Two – 2012 – Heaven at Clarence Track
Round 2 was shaping up as a wash out. All week bucketing down. Coast got the most. Clarence is west and up around 1100 metres above the beaches. Altitude sickness effected man and machine. Old style MX track with some user friendly table tops being the greatest challenge to old bikes and blokes. Around 66 punters pre-rego-ed with a further 20 arriving over the weekend. Around 2.5 bikes per rider – all colours – all brands – except Hodaka, Bultaco, Can-Am and CCM so if you have one bring it next time.
Weather –
During the week the track got about 200mm of rain. Saturday was complete blue sky and race day Sunday became overcast and threatened a sprinkle only. Not too cold overnight for us happy campers either. Many stayed in nearby towns for a shower and a heater.
Track Condition –
This track has been in the past hard packed red clay, sand and rock. Around the same ratios as concrete with the same effect. With the rain over the week and the use of a large Case Front End Loader we ended up with soft wet sand over 80%. Made for hard going on a 125 but a soft landing in an off. Zero Dust. Plenty of deep ruts and braking bumps in the soft stuff. Machine on hand to back blade said ruts and bumps but they were lurking under the slush.
Flaggies –
Things in this regard are rapidly becoming smoother and faster (unlike the author). Pre Regoed people nominated on entry forms their preferences for flagging. Bob B (# 90) wrote the board up a 6am to get things going quick. Flagging in one of these brackets only takes about 30mins and the time is spend well checking out lines to take and ruts to avoid. Trick is to Volunteer early.
Scrutineers –
Bar pads were better this time so thanks to everyone there. The eagle eyed scrutineers were not only checking the mechanics of the bike but the safety equipment. Helmets are looked at closely. In particular the strap attachments. Rust can make them unsafe. Please checka checka for Canberra.
Practice Saturday –
Kicked of around 12md and ended 4 hours later. 4 flagged brackets that included time for the juniors to show off. Very sloppy wet sand. Some modern bikes in the mix which handled the slop and the jumps much better than us. Plenty of our guys had offs in the slop. Both Carls in the same spot just off the finish line jump. The time was spent wisely by some members with newly restored bikes, jetting changes due to that Altitude sickness were needed by many. One Spanish unit seized – cause to be determined but the wet sand did make bike run hot. One Pre 85 Honda ran very hot when it lost the radiator cap and acted like a steam train around the track. Several near flip incidents were seen in practice too. Over zealous riders on rebuilt Huskies displayed this jump style the best (#5).
Racing Sunday –
Early smooth start – flaggies in position – The Pre 70’s out first on a somewhat dryer track. No rain overnight. Noel on his CZ 380 was clear of the pack. Steve on a BSA keep him in sight. Ladies in the pack and riding smoothly. Pre 75 say an interesting tussle between a mint KTM 250 and an Orange tank XL 150 with a young bloke on it. Great match for 4th and 5th. Dan’s (#30) MT 250 went fiz pop stop – then a slow push back. Husky rider Phil (#777) got is first placing ever – a 3rd. Congrates. Sean (# 5) and Kell (#57) were in front.
When the MT stopped it prompted a story from another rider who said back in the day his mate had an MT 250 and they were rat’in around on some big mounds of dirt. MT mate did’t run an air filter (what for?) but did have the toolkit still under the seat. Small spanner fell out – into airbox – down the throat of carb and into reedless cylinder – immediate stop….
Four strokes are a growing group. Mixed back of big Honda’s and hybrids. Local bloke Neil (#37) used his Yamaha with a Honda motor to get out front and stay there.
The Evo’s and 85’s came out before the lunch brake. Full grids. Wide age range of riders. Some that clearly loved the jumps. Carl (#4) had some competition from new comer Mark (#32) on an RM 250 pre 85. Think both these guys were A graders back in the day and it showed. Over clearing jumps, smooth style and out front.
What was also great about the day was those members who put themselves out to help others. Some lent their bikes to others who blew theirs up – just so they didn’t miss out in points. Others helped with technical issues, race scoring, flagging a 2nd time and offering support to new members. Thanks to all those people – you take it from good to fantastic. And thanks to the committee and Track Owners too.
Injuries
Unfortunately we had at least one incident that resulted in Narelle (#60) being taken from the track by ambulance. Suspected fracture to cheek/eye area. We do hope to get a positive update. Thanks to the young fulla that drove Kell and Narelle’s truck home.
Canberra Next – Kumagutza?
? Lets hope so.
PS - No big words for Ted this time
