Collection of short riders enjoying the track. Photo credits to Roger Nichols. (far right photos by Christine Dann)
“A big thank you to both our returning riders and the newcomers to our great sport! What an incredible weekend we had, with the weather on our side. Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed the 100km—an amazing effort. For some of us, it was also a great lead-up to the Quilty. A huge thank you as well to all the volunteers who stepped up. These rides simply wouldn’t happen without your support and Pat Lamprey for ride base.” Post ride gratitude from Christine Dann, on behalf of the CCER ride organising committee.
A total of 50 riders were treated to ideal riding conditions at Sassafras on Saturday. The sun shone, the wind disappeared and the tracks were soft, but not too greasy after rainfall earlier in the week. There were 25 riders in the 100km elevator, which had a 72% completion rate, with 9 riders retiring at the 80km mark and 9 riders completing the 100km course. First across the line, winning Lwt and Best Conditioned Lightweight was Asha Lamprey on Ra-Anji Ragner in 6hours and 22mins. Next home in equal first for the Junior divsion were junior riders Piper Braid and Lauren Rattray, showing promising preparation for their upcoming Tom Quilty trip to Queensland. Best Conditioned Junior was won by Padawan El Adien. The first open rider home was Kaye Mitchell riding Beer Street Circe, winning Mwt and Best Conditioned Middleweight. The heavyweight division was won by Allie Bloom on AT Dial Range Farida, who also won the Hwt best Conditioned Horse Award.
There were 11 riders in the 40km ride, which also had a 72% completion rate. Special congratulations to Maree Thorpe and Sandra Cassidy on successfully completed their second 40km rides.
14 riders enjoyed the 20km introductory ride. It was great to see experienced riders, along with the newcomers participating in and enjoying this event. Warm welcome and congratulations to Lilah Riggall on her first event.