This weekend was the Australian National Singlespeed Championships 2015 – Dec 5th & 6th @ Wombat State Forest, Woodend, Vic. HOORAY!!!
I thought I would post some details about this event because I think it is very special, being one of the few cycling occasions, in my opinion, that genuinely brings all kinds of people together with the focus being on fun first and race second. It does so in such a way that the racing aspect is not the central purpose of participating – although it is for some. It is one of the rare competitions where having fun and being social (and wearing a kick-ass costume) is the norm for participation.
Event schedule
Friday evening – race briefing at the Holgate Brewery (one of the event’s main sponsors). The vibe was relaxed, friendly and very cool with people catching up and strangers chatting to each other like old friends. It was refreshing to be in an environment where the competitors had no ego. Instead, this motley crew had come from all walks of life, yet had come together out of a common link with bicycles (and beer) which meant that conversations were stimulating, convivial and unique.
Saturday Day Racing – 3 Stage race
- Mass start 10 km (1 beer to cut off 2 km) – then rode a short liaison to Stage 2.
Between stages 1 and 2, competitors had 2 hours to self-serve lunch, have a beer and complete the 2nd stage.
- 3 – 4 km time trial (with a game of darts included, where the score of your darts throw was your time bonus in seconds – given that it was a 36C day, hot with adrenalin running, so it was deceptively hard to keep concentration to get off a straight shot! If you got no score on the dartboard (which many did), you had to knock back a schnapps shot.
- 15-minute window to start 17kms final stage with a compulsory beer at the end.
This stage format worked very well. The timing chips used meant that riders had immediate access to ride times and results (so results could be checked in between stages).
Sunday – Social Rides
Event Highlights
There were about 95 riders – with about 15 women, some came to actually compete (race), but most were there to ride socially and to participate in supporting the singlespeed community (and to dress up), catch up with old mates and make some new ones! Being a 36C day meant that riding was much more challenging – especially for those in costumes – many of which were discarded layer by layer as the riding got hotter and hotter! The trails were fantastic -flowing and technical with at least 90% of the trails being single track. The food supplied for lunch was a real highlight – especially the vegetarian option, which was unexpectedly outstanding, wholesome and exceptionally delicious.
Overall, it was a tremendously satisfying and enjoyable event to be part of – one that truly brought a range of riders, supporters and lovers of bikes together. I would highly recommend people to come and take part in the next Australian National Singlespeed Championships in 2016 – which will be epic as it is also the 2016 WORLD SINGLESPEED CHAMPIONSHIPS!! What a great opportunity to get amongst it. I hope to see you all there!!!
Further Singlespeed action
For more information, details and photos for this event – see the Australian Recreational Singlespeed Enthusiasts Facebook page.
If you have never seen, heard or know what a Singlespeed National race is like – this clip from the 2015 NZ Singlespeed Nationals will give you an idea – ENJOY!!