It was in the deep end again for diver AB Steven McDonald (CDT1) when he competed with distinction in the Scott 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race at Kowen Forest near Canberra on October 7-8.
The largest mountain bike race in the world attracted more than 3000 competitors who pedalled about 11,867 laps or 241,000km (six laps of the planet and some dust, as one rider put it).
AB McDonald was one of 26 riders from many parts of Australia who represented Navy.
He had previous experience in adventure racing but this was his first 24-hour mountain bike race.
He competed as a solo entrant and registered 10 laps for a credible 50th place on debut out of the 106 finishers in this category.
Also riding on his own, Neil Dall from HMAS Harman won the 40+ solo male category in a field of 33.
The 24-hour race set the scene for the Defence Mountain Biking Endurance Championships with more than 100 Defence staff involved.
Similar to the main race, the aim is to complete the most laps of a 20km course within 24 hours.
Many competitors raced as members of various-sized teams in a relay format, with racing continuing through the night.
After some tight competition, Navy emerged as the champion service team from Air Force and Army.
AB McDonald’s fellow divers and riders, LEUT Tor Sorensen, AB Kevin Paul and AB Lucas Hearn, completed 15 laps, for 16th place in the men’s Three Musketeers category.
Navy had two teams in one of the largest categories (team of six males) with the Pedalling Pussers (61st place with 19 laps), made up of personnel from throughout Australia, and Jack Tar Racing (90th place, 16 laps) from HMAS Albatross.
In the four-male team category, Navy was represented by Team Black Cat from HMAS Albatross, who achieved a credible 59th out of 144 finishers.
In the mixed sixes category, Navy Guns, made up of riders from HMAS Cairns, Yarra and the FFGSPO achieved 21st place with 19 laps.
While not racing in one of the Navy teams, LEUT Corie Redman (RANTEAA) was the fastest Navy rider with a lap of 62min and 2sec.
Navy entrants from ADFA were Dan Boettger (pairs), Scott Jarman, Aaron Schurink (sixes) and Geoff Moon (solo).
