Bushlove Racing: Makara Peak Grand Loop Challenge

Well it was shaping up as a big night, and it certainly delivered! So instead of rambling on about it, here's a few pictures...

Davo gives the race briefing

...some people will come up with any excuse to get out of riding...

We had the young (Hannah and Jonathan Barnes get ready to start)

...and we had the old (Marco turns 100 this year)

...some people brought a friend along for the ride

The first rider is off... Tom Bradshaw obviously doesn't do lycra!

But the hot favourite pushed it a bit too hard for the win!

Last year's winner Edwin Crossling also got a bit carried away with his mad jumps!

Richard Leacock showed everyone how to ride downhill fast (and stay upright) recorded the fastest downhill split

Some people looked for more unusual ways to go fast!

From the summit, it was all downhill to the finish...

The fastest man round the circuit was Gav McCarthy

Fastest women (and winner of the golden bunny and a kiss from Kah) was Ashley Burgess

But the biggest award of the night, the "Clive Bennett Top 27" award, went to Rachel Ockelford

A huge thank you has to go to all the volunteers who made this event possible. People like our tail end charlie (and keen follower of fashion) Tom Lyndskey make these events happen!

We had nearly 40 riders and raised $180 that will go to the Makara Peak Supporters to keep the park and trails looking good.
We will be back with more fun races later in the year, but there is plenty to keep you entertained in the coming months:

Shane Wetzel (who with Jude Young were up at the Makara summit recorded splits so we could calculate the descent times) is running a 6, 12 and 24 hour race in May out at the Wainuiomata Trail Park
Wainuiomata Winter Weekender

Also for the ladies there is the Revolve Mountain bike series
Revolve Women's Mountain Bike Series

And if you liked these photos, there are plenty more:
Bushlove Grand Loop Challenge Gallery