Bomaderry High/Valley connection take out the Coondoo Classic
1 Jul 11
The 2011 South Coast Public Schools Mountain Bike Championships were held in the Currambene State Forest on 1st June at the nationally renowned Coondoo Track.
This two day event, hosted by Vincentia High School and South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM) is the only mountain bike event held in NSW for students of Government Schools.
Day 1 consists of free training clinics presented by experienced SCUM mountain bikers. Day 2 is a 4 hour enduro team event.
This event has an emphasis on team participation and is aimed at all levels of secondary school riders from elite racers to novices in a relay format.
A total of 15 High Schools participated in this event from Batemans Bay to Kiama and the Southern Highlands.
Bomaderry High was represented by 35 students.
Valley locals Archie Horrox, Danny Thomas, Jacob Radic and Michael Eccles teamed up to take out the Junior Boys (Yr 7 & 8) Championship.
The team finished with 9 laps completed, one more than the 2nd and 3rd place getters.
This was a hard fought category represented by 15 teams.
This is the first year Bomaderry High has won this category so well done boys.
In the Senior Mixed (Yr 11 & 12) category Bomaderry High was again successful with valley girl Rebekah Radic teaming with Natasha Moore, Taite Arney and Jack Payne to take out 1st place with 8 laps completed, one more than their closest rival.
The track had been subjected to a week’s rain prior to the event with occasional showers on the day which made conditions quite challenging.
All students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the day with many novice riders discovering how much fun mountain biking can be.
Another Bomaderry High Student, who had specifically purchased a bike (with numerous warning stickers stating “Not For Off Road Use!”) in order to participate, unfortunately broke/lost BOTH pedals a kilometre into his first lap and then ran, with his bike, the remaining seven kilometres in order that his lap counted.
Feats as this, as well as competitors assisting others due to mechanical problems and injuries were recognized for their endeavors with prizes awarded throughout the event.
Oliver Radic