Conondale Classic August 2006

Story and Photos
by
Jackie McDonald

What a top weekend, congratulations QVMX, and thank you to all who had a part in making it a memorable two days. With over 90 riders on the first day and 100 on the next, this two-day event turned out to be one of the best I've ever attended.

The track was brilliant offering riders a bit of everything, including some awesome jumps. The Evo riders must have thought they'd died and gone to Heaven. These guys were incredibly fast and without a doubt exciting to watch, especially on the jumps - the height some of these guys achieved was unreal!.

After testing our tracks earlier this year at Rocksberg, visiting New Zealander Mike Marshall could not resist the temptation to come back again. Mike rode a Husqvarna in the Pre75 125 races on bike #35; unfortunately, his first choice of a Husky 250 pre 78 was a non-starter. Mike told me it had been 30 years since he last rode a 125, and that may be so, but he sure as Hell hasn't forgotten how to handle one. This guy is no slouch on the track, as soon as that gate was down he was gone, winning all but one race in which he came second to #37 Grant Black. Taking up the offer to ride Mitch Semmens Pre 78 YZ 400 on Sunday, Mike placed 2nd in the Evo clubman, and 3rd in the all in 500.

Another rider who is gone as soon as he hits the track is #123 Tony Cavell, this guy attracts a lot of attention when he rides and it's not hard to see why, he is damm good! Great to see the young guys coming out to these events and having a go, Ryan Trubshaw #85 had his first taste of racing this weekend on a 78 - 250 husky, and although he loves his modern bikes, after this weekend, I think he'll be leaving them at home more often than not.

I can't say enough about how good this weekend was, apart from the spectacular scenery on the way here, the rocky creek, which was just behind us in the pit area, the burning campfires, and the smell of burgers cooking on the barbie by the P&C crew, the atmosphere here was incredible. As always, it's great to see the interstate riders, after this weekend I think we will be seeing more of them. Harvey I take my hat off to you and your team this weekend was fantastic and could not have been better. Look forward to the next one.

Jackiemac