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All Terrain

Mountain Bike Challenge

LOCATION: JINDABYNE NSW AUSTRALIA

PROGRESS REPORT: 8^th FEBRUARY 2001

* Summary of Event Description

The All Terrain Mountain Bike Challenge is about freeride mountain biking, about riding a bike where most of us have trouble even walking. Itís not about who gets from point A to B the fastest, instead itís about taking on the most radical line and powering through it with total control and kick ass style.

The course is littered with rough, rocky, steep Australian-bush landscape (approx 300m vertical decent over approx 1 km). Lake Jindabyne dam wall is located alongside the event course and the spectacular backdrop of the lake and Snowy Mountains match the awesome riding terrain.

Along with the main event there will be an expression session which will profile ëNorth Shoreí style riding and a huge dirt gap jump. Thereís also $5000 cash up for grabs.

* New Sponsor joins ATMBC

Kelloggís Australia has recently confirmed their position as an ATMBC sponsor by taking out a Course Identification sponsorship.

* Australian downhill rider, Andrew Mills, is the first competitor to preview the site

It was a misty and damp day on February 5^th when Mills checked out the main event course. This is what he had to say:

"Yeah itís pretty gnarly, there are lines that I donít think everybody will be able to ride, but it will make it a very interesting course. The best way to describe it is as a 300m vertical drop rock garden with steep chutes. The toughest part of the run is mid-way down in one of the bigger and steeper rock gardens. It should be interesting because itís so steep for so long which will make it very hard to stop and control the bike.

"The course will suit a very technically advanced rider, someone with a bit of courage and luck on the day. As far as bike set up goes youíd be looking at a DH bike, a really relaxed steering angle (slower in the rebound) and see what happens from there, at least thatís what Iím thinking at the moment." Mills said.

All Terrain Mountain Bike Challenge (ATMBC): And as far as armour goes are you still riding in your speedos?

MILLS: Iíll give it a go but I think Iíll put some armour on pretty quick. Full armour and full-face helmet is a definite.

ATMBC: How does it compare to what you were imagining?

MILLS: Itís hard to picture it, youíve got to see it to believe it.

ATMBC: This will be the first major freeride event in Australia, what do you think?

MILLS: Interesting, itís something different and Iím looking forward to it. Itís good to have another different event on, just like the X Games have done. Thereís good prize money up for grabs and plenty of cameras for a bit of courage, yeah, it should be real good.

* Course Preparation Update

Mike Atkins (chief of course and course designer) and Mike Shaw (course designer) have been busting their butts getting the main event course and Xpression Session sites in shape and things are looking good.

The main event course is now clear of brush and obvious unnegotiable obstacles. Although we are trying to keep the course as natural as possible we have also added a few berms, highlighted one very gnarly, long, steep rock garden and cleared a near vertical chute. There will also be ramps to launch off and see-saws (teetertotters for you North Americans) to balance.

Next step is to finish off some man made hits and put up the safety fences, then weíll start getting a few riders to demo the course.

* On-site spectators

Due to council requirements on-site spectators will not be encouraged or catered for. The event organiser would like to apologise for any inconvenience however all the action will be easily viewed on Fox Sports Australia (and possibly on the Prime Network) and RSN television broadcasts and on the Home Video release.

Please note that the event organisers are definitely working towards being able to welcome spectators to the 2002 All Terrain Mountain Bike Challenge.

* ATMBC Sponsorship

The first year of a major sporting event is the toughest for winning sponsorship support. The ATMBC has confirmed support in excess of itís original goal and has in turn been able to further upgrade the event to Australiaís first ever major freeride mountain bike event and one of the few events of itís kind to be held in the World. Confirmed financial supporters include:

Commonwealth Regional Assistance Program ‚ government grant. This was achieved only after the ATMBC business plan was reviewed, questioned and scrutinised by three committees.
Red Bull. One of the largest energy drink labels in the world is proudly supporting the ATMBC as a high profile sponsor. Red Bull plays an active roll in sponsorship of successful events.
Lifesavers. Urban Extreme is representing its client, Lifesavers, as a course identification sponsor of the ATMBC.
Snowy Mountains Backpackers has taken an active roll in supporting the event and has also taken up a course identification sponsorship.
Kelloggís is one of our most recent sponsors and has taken up a course identification sponsorship.
Wilfredís CafÈ and Silvertop Snowy Mountains Retreat are ATMBC financial affiliated sponsors.
Mitre 10, Bolle Eyewear, Pomís Balcony Bistro, Appalachian Log Homes, Snowy Helicopters and Perisher Blue are all supporting equipment sponsors of the ATMBC.
Jindabyne Mountain Bikers Club.
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Snowy Mountains and the Jindabyne Partnership, as event supporters

Sponsorship positions are still available, for details contact event project manager.

Thanks for your interest,

Nolen Oayda

Project Manager.