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| ALL DOWNHILL: ABCD
Cameron Schmid puts in the hard yards during the Alcoa 12-hour
mountain bike race in WA. |
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Fleet Base West entered several teams in Alcoa’s spectacular 12-hour
mountain bike race.
About 300-plus mountain bike riders crammed together for the 6pm start
at Langford Park, Jarrahdale, south west of Perth.
The 13km circuit was a mix of single tracks and fire roads designed for
all skill levels with night-riding in mind.
The Navy teams were run with military precision. Base camp included two
large field tents, stretchers, dining section, two barbecues, generator,
cyalume lit paths and the world’s longest bike rack.
The six-man team Navy Night Riders ended up claiming the top prize. They
had a tough tussle with another team with the lead swapping a few times
in a close duel.
Team Submarines did exceptionally well, placing fifth in their category
and making an overall improvement by one place from last year.
LCDR James Lybrand (HMAS Collins), ABCD Cameron Schmid and AB Matt Thompson
(CDT4), made up the team, while AB Schmid won the dash for cash.
Navy’s third and final team entry also did very well after 12- hours
of solid riding.
However, it wasn’t all glitz and glamour with HMAS Stirling’s
new Commanding Officer finding out what it’s like after you make
contact with the famous WA pea gravel.
CAPT Steve Davies ended up coming away with a very nasty graze to his
leg which reminded him for weeks of a very memorable night.
CPL Jamie Burton from RAAF Pearce, also entered the race, however, being
a member of the RAAF he was unable to ride as a member of the Navy team.
He teamed up with the Fast Freddie’s, a four-man team who placed
second on the night.
- Navy MTB riders will be participating in the annual Gibb River Road
Ride from Derby to Kununurra (far north WA) from May 29 to June 7. The
ride, in support of Police and Navy Legacy, consists of daily transits
of 100km or more with various entries available from teams to solo riders.
Specific requirements will be necessary for selection in the Navy team
for this event. Expressions of interest can be directed to CPOPT Darren
Dyball at Navy Gym West (08) 9553 5040.
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