PMBC State Round #1 Nannup 25th to 26th April 2009

PMBC will be holding the first State round of the 2009 season in the Lewana Plantation, Nannup on the Sat 25th and Sun 26th April (ANZAC long weekend). The Nannup track was designed specifically for the 2005 National Round held there and is by far the best DH that WA has to offer. Sam Hill was one of the lead designers of the track, and it offers way more vertical drop than anything else around. It also offers some of the biggest variety of obstacles, with a huge double jump (optional), to fast fire road at the top, one of the best rock garden sections around, then into single-track (very technical) down through the deep-dark woods, complete with terraces, step downs and fully walled berms! So yes, we are running the traditional Nannup track (might be a few new little tweaks--depends on maintenance needs for the tracks preparation) that we've used for the past 4 seasons. That said we've applied to DEC for the rights to develop a brand spanking new track for this years State Champs at Nannup.

Online Rego: is now available for the race, see https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?ID=1791 for further details. In 2009 the option to register online and then pay at the race (this way if you don?t want to use/have a credit card, you can still register online) is the preferred way to pay and register so please tyake advantage of this facility. If you can't enter online, you can print out a form from the toolbar on the home page, and post it in with a cheque or money order by Friday 18th April. Please make all cheques out to Perth Mountain Bike Club, PO Box 3434, Midland Post Shop 6056. We will have rego available at the race, however a $20 late fee will apply. This sytem will make it easier for everyone and will avoid huge lines that never seem to move.

Cost:
Under 13s = No fees
Juniors (15s ? 17s) = $60
Under 19s = $70
Seniors (All categories) = $80

* We realise this is an increase in cost but due to the remoteness of the track our costs go up to get everything there. Also, the hire costs of all the equipment is increasing?inflation hurts us all. The club is also interested in progressing and aqcuiring further resources such as an instant timing board to display rider times at the finish. This all means extra cash has got to come from some where?unfortunately race fees rose slightly. On the other hand, this is still a good deal for two days of full shuttle services (3 busses with new trailors) on the best track in the state!

You will still need to bring your MTBA card or receipt to the officials tent to get your shuttle sticker. Anyone who does not bring proof of membership will have to buy a day licence for $15.

This event will be fully shuttled by three buses utlilizing the new bike trailers for both days. We had a huge turnout last year and are expecting this year to be even bigger. There will be cash and prizes up for grabs for all categories.

If any new people are feeling a little hesitant about coming, don't be! This is one of the best events of the season and you will experience a fun-filled weekend. The track is such that anyone can ride it due to the B lines put into all the tough spots, so come down and see what all the hype is about.

Getting There:
The track is located at the top of Ellis Creek Road, which is a dirt road running off the southern side of the Nannup - Balingup Road, in the Lewana Pine Plantation, half way between Nannup and Balingup.
If you are coming in from the Balingup side, go down South Western Highway to Balingup, then turn onto the Nannup - Balingup Rd. Go approx 15 kms and you will see the Cheese factory on the left. Ellis Creek road is just past on the left, follow all the way to the top.
Coming from Busselton, take the Vasse Highway to Nannup. Go past the Lawn Bowls Club and turn left onto the Nannup-Balingup Rd. Go approx 20 kms and Ellis Creek Road will be on your Right Hand Side. Follow to the top. If you see the Cheese Factory on your right you have gone a couple of Kms too far!!
We will have signs on the roads so keep an eye out. The best thing to do is look it up. Google maps are really easy to use,
go to http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=nannup+balingup+rd+and+ellis+cre... and just keep zooming on the area, it has all road names as you zoom in.

Accommodation:
If anyone is needing a place to stay over the weekend the best thing to do is contact the Nannup visitor centre on Tel: (08) 9756 1211 or you can visit the website at www.nannupwa.com. The race track is also very close to the township of Balingup. Some people stay at Dunsborough, Busselton or Bunbury and then drive in each morning.

Event Schedule:
Saturday 25th :
Practice 10:00 - 4:00
Late rego 10:00 - 4:00
Sunday 26th:
Practice 8:00 - 10:00
late rego 8:00 - 9:00
Racing 10:30
Presentations around 3:00

If anyone else has any questions post them up and I'll try to answer them as quickly as possible.
Thanks

Steve ?Clubber (of Seals)? Buursema
PMBC VP DH