On Sunday I was fortunate enough to attend the Trials venue at Captains Flat and compete in the Australians Women's Cup 10th Anniversary event.
The forecast cold weather and big drive down to Canberra were a concern, but seeing the unbelievable roll up of young ladies and not so young ladies come together was an endorsement for the future of the sport in Australia and made the trip well worth the effort.
Support for riders again was evident with both Don Murray and Paul Arnott present with their vans full of necessities for bikes or riding gear for the driver.
A nippy morning made way for a beautiful sunny day and the evergreen Trevor Bennett and his band of willing helpers as always, put together a challenging course for all competitors.
Rider briefing included a brief background history of the 10 year old Sherco Australian Women's Cup.
A very special mention was made highlighting Motocentral's Don and Deb Murray as the major sponsor for the last seven years in the running of this event.
Bev Anderson-Tranter was the most fitting lady to step forward and give a very informative history of this annual event.
The passion and enthusiasm she has for Trials was so evident in her presentation. The huge growth of women's participation in our sport under her guidance and encouragement to others continues reaching new heights each year.
Riders from all states except WA, as well as a New Zealander were present and following rider briefing we saw all twenty seven competitors come together for a photo shoot for participation in this 10th year anniversary meeting.
Throughout the day I had the opportunity to see a number of the female riders I have never seen compete before and was very impressed at the standard and skills they are showing.
A couple of girls that I must mention that caught my eye were Felicity Harvey, and Bec Wines. Also Ina Halls showed great courage and determination in many of the very challenging higher grade lines she was attempting. I'm sure there are others that I did not get to see that are making their coaches or parents proud of their involvement.
Peter Wines and his daughter Bec rode the event together and actually won the parent and daughter award. After seeing her ride nearly as skilfully as her dad on many of the sections, I'm sure Peter must be very proud of her.
If there was an award for the jumping out of your skin happiest having the most fun it would have to go to Deena O'Connor. She really was looking so proffessional for a first timer in her full Sherco riding gear, Deena was ability assisted by her husband,minder and trainer Martin.
From Queensland were Angela Sophias and Nicole Casey who were all smiles and enjoying their riding on the couple of times I was at sections with them. Angela put together a very strong ride to be only a touch behind the very consistent Suzie Ferris.
Adina Reed riding a borrowed Gas Gas Raga looked a little fazed on her first lap as she would have found the Raga quite a different mount to her own bike. I never saw her after the first lap but judging by her vastly improved subsequent laps she must have quickly found her groove and posted some very good scores.
Another rider to keep an eye on is Gabby Gundy from NZ, she looks like she has a bit of the Jake Whitaker determination in her approach to riding. Reminds me of a young Kristy McKinnon from a few years ago.
Bev Anderson and her daughter Brooke as well as Bev's brother Barry were riding together. Impressive to still see Bev cleaning some of the more challenging sections, shows she still has some of that world class ability she showed everyone in Europe and America when she was Australia's number 1 female competitor.
Throughout the day it was obvious some of the Canberra riders chose to forego their ride and observe, I am sure their generous attendance was very much appreciated by all the riders, thank you.
At the end of day's presentation it was pretty clear everyone had finished an enjoyable days ride.
The final wrap-up saw Kristy come forward as a very comfortable winner for this years event. Congratulations.
This annual event with the ever increasing number of female competitors really highlights the positive direction our local clubs, commissioners and MA are steering women's Trials.
Giving all these ladies the opportunity to be coached by the ten times World Trials Champion Laia Sanz at the training school this weekend will surely see much improvement in rider standards and put some real enthusiasm into some of the promising young talent we have here in Australia.
In conclusion I would like to thank Don Murray for the offer to both Luigi Garzoni and myself to attend this event and ride the new Ossa and Sherco's that he now has available.
If you are looking for a new or second-hand bike give Don a ring at Motocentral and organise a test ride with him or one of his many motorcycle suppliers all around Australia.
I'm sure you will be very impressed with the new Ossa, I certainly was.
Steve Holzhauser.