Greg Minnaar/Mongoose DH series #4 - Rico Racing Track - 22 May 2011

Myself and a few other local riders put in some effort to build this super fun track a few weekends before the race took place. Super short shuttle meant we could ride a lot, get in the good practice and have an absolute blast! The track was flat out, it had some blew out berms, fast sweeping course and was really dry. It was a tough track to try and keep it all together on. I had done all the practice needed, and all that was left was to do was to let it all lay down on the track.

First Practice Run

My first practice run down the track on race day was solid in all sections except one. A long sweeping left hander caught me out when I came in to hot, I hugged a baby Gumtree and snapped it in half. A bit rattled after that I sat back and relaxed with the rest of the guys down at the bottom. It was then time to start the race run, I made my way to the top found some shade and about 20 minutes before my start I started my warm up.

Feeling good and in the start gate, the countdown started. I put in a few big pedal strokes, got my momentum and started to hit the fast open corners. I got to the corner where I had crashed earlier and backed off, I really didn't want to throw away a good race run. I got down to the bottom, my run had a few small mistakes and they all added up. I was in the top 5 overall and the 4th junior-a very good result for me, but I was determined to finish 3rd junior and I had a solid time on the board so decided to push it around the long sweeping left hander and try to correct my mistakes.

Second Race Run

We were on our way back to the top of the track for our next run. I found my chill spot in the shade again and relaxed,supported some fellow riders then went to warm up again. I was a few minutes later back in the start gate. The gate dropped and I sprinted my way down towards the sweeping corners. I fully committed and trusted my bike to handle the fast growing breaking bumps, and it did. I railed the corners and berms and soon found myself at the bottom sections where spectators were flocking. The Morewood Kalula took the last rock garden with ease and I was across the line. I moved into 3rd junior after beating team mate Sam Bull and I moved into fourth overall. I was over the moon with my first top 5 finish.


A big thanks must go to Dave "Rico" Dinkleman and everyone else who helped make the awesome track. To Andre from Rush Sports for helping out with the last minute bike fixing, thanks so much!