Reactions by our riders and supporters to MTBA’s announcement about the Australian 24 Hour Solo National Championship being hosted by Rocky Trail Entertainment at our Jetblack 24 Hour event have been overwhelmingly positive. We would like to thank our major sponsor JetBlack Cycling and The Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan management for their support of our tender submission and would like to share some of the feedback and comments we have received over the recent weeks.
The decision to submit a tender for the Australian 24 Hour Solo National Championship wasn’t taken lightly by the Rocky Trail Entertainment team. We had been contacted by several former 24H Solo National Champions with suggestions that we should participate in the tendering process. As event organisers the interests of all our race participants were on our mind when putting together our communication to MTBA.
“Juliane and I are very excited to continue the great Australian tradition that is the 24H Solo National Champs after racing it myself in previous years. The passion for 24-hour solo racing by the top endurance racers in the country competing for such iconic Championship titles will contribute to the exciting racing atmosphere that will await them at our Jetblack 24H event.”
Martin Wisata
Director of Rocky Trail
And it is with that attitude and excitement that we are really looking forward to bringing you a smashing race. In the following we’d like to share some of our racer’s comments:
“Rocky Trail Entertainment are an experienced event promoter that not only put on a quality well run event for the athlete but also ensure an exciting atmosphere is provided for the spectators. They have the best media involvement of any company that don’t look at promoting their event, rather the sport of mountain biking as they seek to generate interest and further involvement. As mountain bikers themselves, Martin and Juliane have a really good relationship with riders and understand the requirements of creating a top experience for all.”
Jason English
Reigning 24H Solo World and National Champion
“The Sydney 24 hour would make an excellent host for the 24 hour National Championship. The Mt Annan course is of an appropriate standard for a national championship, and Rocky Trail have contingency plans available for extreme wet weather. Rocky Trail Entertainment have experience in running multi-format races and would be able to integrate this race without compromising either the teams component or the solo championship. Mt Annan has excellent facilities and infrastructure to support the race, and is reasonably accessible from Sydney airport.”
Ed McDonald
AMB 100 Marathon Winner, Runner-up JetBlack 24H in 2011
“Rocky Trail Entertainment puts on events for riders by people that ride, who are passionate about the experience that is racing for riders of all levels.
24hr Solo Nationals has always had a special feel about it, the community of spirit that brings together normal people to do special things.
Martin and Julianne bring that spirit of community to all their races that I have attended, from 100milers to 12hrs to 24hrs.
Having raced the Jet Black 24hr last year at Mt Annan, I feel that the vibe of the event sits perfectly with the 24hr Solo Nationals.
Not only will it cater for those at the pointy end of the event, but it will also be inclusive and encouraging of those that are out there to test their own limits.
The track is a cracker and will sort out the wheat from the chaff at 3:00am in the morning.
I fully endorse Martin and Julianne in their bid to hold the 24hr Solo Nationals as part of the Jet Black 24hr in 2014.”Brett Bellchambers
Solo Elite Winner JetBlack 24H race in 2013
Photo: GiRo
“Rocky Trail Entertainment are perfectly placed to take on the National 24 Solo title event for 2014. I have been attending their events for over 4 years now and they would have to be one of the most experienced MTB event promoters in the country. They also succeed in creating a fun event that caters to all levels of competitors, they have a regular crew of volunteers who fulfill their duties with enthusiasm and they receive generous support from industry sponsors. I would have no hesitation in recommending RTE for this year’s National Solo 24 to ensure Australia continues to produce the world’s best 24 hour riders.”
Mike Israel
Reigning National and World Solo 24 Champion 2013 (45-49yo)
“My name is Jess Douglas, 3 x WEMBO world solo 24hr female champion.
The grass roots existence and support that a National 24hr championship has offered riders in the past is what I believe nurtured the fascination and continued participation of the discipline in Australia.
Turning up to my first national championship at Majura pines back in 2009 gave me the inspiration and the means to attend the World Champs that same year in Canmore, Canada.
Yet this event was not just about growing World Champions, but rather showcasing the real stories behind 24hr racing, the athletes and their support crews.
The crew at Rocky Trail Entertainment are experts in keeping it real, supporting anyone who is courageous enough to turn up, ride their bike and have fun.
I welcome them the chance to run a National 24hr Championships alongside their successful JetBlack 24hr and personally think mixing teams with Solo riders gives another whole new vibe to the race, the race village and more exciting for spectators as well.”
Jessica Douglas
Reigning 24H Solo World Champion
Jessica Douglas at Rocky Trail’s JetBlack 12 Hour in 2012. Photo: Craig Baylis
“Rocky Trail Entertainment as a brand is exactly what its name suggests. They run fun events with a positive and casual vibe. Owners Martin and Juliane are both avid mountain bikers, conveying the passion of mountain biking at every event they organise. Martin has competed in 24 solo races before, knowing exactly what riders expect. The reason for which most riders enter their first race is precisely for fun and a love of cycling. Consequently, Rocky Trail’s brand has encouraged many riders, myself included, to develop as racers in a supportive and relaxed environment. Not only would awarding Rocky Trail the National Championship encourage rider development but it would also address the Championship’s elite connotations, reducing perceived barriers to entry for regular riders.”
Michael Schmitt
Runner Up U23 Male category 24H Solo World Championships 2013
“We welcome Juliane and Martin Wisata’s tender to integrate the 24 Solo Nationals into the JetBlack 24 Hour race at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan in November 2014 and will continue to support them with the logistics and operations required for such a major event. Our trails were custom-built with major mountain biking events in mind and we have been working very well together over the past years. Rocky Trail’s management team has given constructive feedback after each of their events and have provided us with the appropriate
safety and risk management plans, including a “B-track” wet weather policy, in consultation with the Garden’s events team.
The executive group of the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan supports Rocky Trail’s application with Mountain Biking Australia and we are looking forward to working with them to provide a venue for the JetBlack 24 Hour race as host of the 24H Solo Nationals in 2014 and in future years.”Scott Andrew
Coordinator Functions and Events – The Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan
You must be logged in to post a comment.