Attendance theories, gravity experiments, and otters
Madcat ride attendance remains one of life’s great mysteries. Some rides limp along with one or two names right up until the day before, then suddenly everyone’s available. Other rides start stacked and then, strangely, people drop out like flies the week prior.
Completely unrelated, we’re sure, to the forecast 39 degrees.
This weekend kicked off with a strong 23 names, which was efficiently whittled down to 16 by the time it actually mattered.
Splinter Group 1 – Thursday Night Pioneers
Dean & Robbo
Dean and Robbo headed up Thursday night to lock in the best campsite and enjoy some quality alone time together (no judgement).
Friday morning we learned this forward planning included a significant misadventure. Dean had a major off on a “nasty” downhill (so they say), leaving both rider and bike very much out of action and in need of a full R0bb0 Rescue.
Medical treatment involved sitting Dean in the river, feeding him beer, and keeping an eye on him. After careful consideration, it was agreed that attempting to sleep in a swag with smashed ribs and a sore collarbone was a terrible idea, so Dean sensibly headed home.
Friday – Arrivals & Disappointment
The original plan was that early Friday arrivals would head out for a couple of hours and clock up some kilometres.
Instead, people arrived whenever they felt like it.
Some arrived true to the Trailer Queen theme, trailers proudly in tow.
Others, disappointingly, ignored the brief entirely and rode up on their bikes like this was some sort of normal ride.
Once news of Dean’s incident circulated, riding plans were quickly replaced with BBQ, river sitting and beer drinking — for safety reasons, obviously.
Saturday – Ride Day & Otters
After a very quiet night involving “one or two beers” and a lot of shit talk, we agreed on an easy breakfast and a 9:30am departure.
Against all odds, we actually left on time.
Two groups were formed:
- Level 2 Tourers
- Level 3 Legends
Both groups successfully ended up at the Kevington Hotel for lunch, with some riders also opting for a swim.
Level 2 Tourers – Honourable Mentions
A relaxed ride over dirt, rocks and bitumen, with several memorable moments:
- Andrew M
Pulled off a classic stationary off thanks to a rookie mistake. No one saw it… until Andrew told everyone. Rookie. - Michael N
Attempted the slowest race ever up a rocky pinch at Enochs Point, stalled, and discovered what it’s like to have absolutely nowhere to go. - Steve C
Left his backpack at Enochs Point.
Realised 20km later.
Turned around and rode 35km back.
Didn’t realise he’d gone past it until he hit Eildon–Jamieson Road.
After the U-turn, he crashed on the downhill that Michael had crashed on uphill — proving the hill claims victims in both directions.
Level 3 Legends – Pride Over Comfort
- Jonathan A
At the Kevington Hotel it was suggested Jonathan was seeing $50 notes on the ground and repeatedly trying to pick them up, resulting in multiple offs.
When offered the chance to ride back with the Level 2 group, he was clearly offended and continued with the Level 3s with the heaviest bike he could find, out of principle. - Lee C
After a solid off on Mt Terrible Track, Lee completely lost interest in riding and was thoroughly spent. It was decided he’d be better off resting and enjoying the scenery, with Russell A keeping him company, while yet another R0bb0 Rescue was underway.
Huge thanks to Hal and Jeff for ferrying Robbo back up to the crash site and providing transport so Lee could jump in the car.
Back at Camp – The Important Stuff
Everyone eventually made it back to camp, hit the river, and settled into another classic Madcat evening:
- Talking shit
- Arguing about March flies vs “Marche” flies ( if we had internet MARCH FLIES )
- And discussing Lee’s interest in otters at surprising length
Another successful Madcat weekend: fewer riders than planned, more rescues than expected, and plenty of stories to tell.
Wouldn’t have it any other way. 🍻🏍️
Story by Wayne
Photos: Everyone in the camp site