The following people and organisations support me to ride, race and enjoy every bit of satisfaction that sweet, flowy trails have to offer. They also make a large contribution to the local and international growth of mountain bike riding. Please consider supporting them in return.
The MarathonMTB.com website is the first of its kind to pull together the race dates and rider stories from the booming international mountain bike marathon and stage racing scene. The Subaru-MarathonMTB.com race team is designed to build on this buzz by encouraging riders of all types to experience similar racing adventures and to enjoy the travel bug that accompanies this while they’re at it. With so many riders keen to share stories, the compounding enthusiasm is infectious, making days off the bike almost as entertaining as days on it.
Located on the commuter route from Sydney city to Homebush, the Bicycle Garage, in Lilyfield, is the type of shop that makes your local neighbourhood a better place. They offer a professional, affordable bike fit service, regular shop rides, smooth creamy coffee and are genuinely excited to see more people get into bike riding. Given the passion and smarts of the shop’s staff, it’s no surprise to see more cyclists on Sydney’s roads and a fast-growing “BG” presence at mountain bike events as well.
While Subaru are best known for adventures on four wheels, they are also great supporters of adventures on two. In addition to backing the international Subaru-Gary Fisher mountain bike team for longer than most riders can remember, they also support a number of Australian riders and events. Their support of the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com team provides more opportunities for racers to experience a range of events in places far from home. Give ‘Subaru Active’ a Google to follow thee adventures of many as they unfold.
Radical-Lights are an innovative Australian company specialising in high-end lighting systems. Quality components and fresh approaches to product design and operation make night riding relaxing, exhilarating and something to really look forward to. As well as racing for the brand, I will be working with Radical-Lights on research and development for future projects. This is a company that takes rider experiences seriously to keep their lights, and racers, at the top of their game.
Big players on the world scene, Adidas Eyewear also support a large number of local riders. The well-researched sunglasses use high-quality materials, offer several frame colour and lens options and come in an impressive range of sport specific models. This leaves your focus where it should be – hammering trails, rather than squinting through the trees and wondering what’s ahead.
Australian company, Netti, have long been one of the first brands of clothing new riders come into contact with. They have offered a broad range of women’s designs long before it was trendy and offer a broad range of staples to keep you cool, dry, or just plain comfortable. On top of this, their custom designed options allow keen riders of all types to hit the trails or the tarmac in support of whatever team, company or cause they choose.
The CamelBak name is synonymous with hydration. In addition to being the pack of choice for the Australian military, the brand have been making hydration packs for riding longer than most bikers can remember. Their success in the outdoor market is clearly demonstrated by the vast range of products on offer. This makes it easy to find something tailored to your individual preferences, although with lots of well thought out features and sizes to choose from you may find yourself wanting more than one.
Racing well means recovering well. LineBreak Compression Sportswear provides extra doses of comfort and performance to help maintain the delicate training:recovery balance. A genuine desire to keep user satisfaction at the top of their priority list means, alongside a well fitting range of garments for men, women and kids, reports of outstanding customer service also flood the testimonial section of their online store. The athletes the company support represent a broad cross-section of users in multiple sports communities demonstrating the importance of taking recovery seriously no matter what level you’re at.
DIY MTB are the go to, or phone to, place for suspension servicing and advice. Not only do they have a wealth of knowledge for setting up and maintaining all brands of bounce, but they also bring in a range of parts and equipment to keep the rest of your bike feeling good too. And just to make sure there’s somewhere to ride said equipment, the company are keenly involved in trail building and event organisation in their local riding community, too.
Alongside a strong national presence, the Aussie based Merida Flight Centre racing team also has a focus on developing promising riders from around the country. Merida’s high-end bikes are light and nimble and have undergone a thorough research and testing process before they land in shops. Perhaps this is the secret to the numerous World Cup podiums the brand has achieved.
Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club are the second largest MTB club in Australia. They host some great races for people into cross country, downhill, 4X and enduros, and place a strong emphasis on getting juniors involved in the sport as well. Check the website for info on upcoming races and come along to a track work day if you want to give something back.
