At 6am on Saturday 29th January 2011 we had piled into the car to get to our first ever downhill skateboard racing event. The Master of the Hill event was being run at the pump Station in the Blue Mountains.Belle had her trusty Norfin and a full face helmet borrowed from Robbo. Brittany had the Loaded Vanguard which, we discovered, was not going to be able to do the downhill job. I had my Demonseed and an old motorcycle full face helmet from years ago. As it happened Brittany and I had to share equipment which was a nuisance, but now we know.
When we got there we found a locked gate and a lot of young people making their way down to the campsite. The hill is around 800m of beautiful hotmix, a few catseyes, a couple of fast corners and a lot of fun. This was going to be a day where we would get some fitness because what flies downhill has no choice and must walk back up it.
I encouraged the girls to get some practice, but got none myself. In the qualifying I pushed off very fast down the hill not knowing what to expect at the big corner...short story, I met the gravel. I lost my dignity, my pants were wrecked, bleeding from my arm, hip and knee but got back on board to do the honourable 'Cool Runnings' thing and finished the race before getting patched up.
Belle and Brittany were in a group of 5 women and were learning very fast and they continued to get better and better. In the Grand Final of the womens I was at the half way point when Lea Robbo came around the bend with Belle on her tail, Brittany behind her with Imogen and Deanne in pursuit. I was so pleased for them. They took podium spots 2 and 3 in their first ever event. What an absolute blast.
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| Belle in Second |
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| Britt 3rd |
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| Brittany stylin' |
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| Aussie Podium |
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