Progress Report 6

EVENT: ALL TERRAIN MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE — Sanctioned by MTBA

EVENT DATE: MARCH 23, 24 & 25 2001.

LOCATION: JINDABYNE NSW AUSTRALIA

PROGRESS REPORT: 19 MARCH 2001

(for previous progress reports tune into www.zestproductions.com.au)

* Summary of event description (skip this topic if you are already familiar with the ATMBC).

The All Terrain Mountain Bike Challenge (ATMBC) is about freeride mountain biking, about riding a bike where most of us have trouble even walking. It’s not about who gets from point A to B the fastest, instead it’s 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 ‘North Shore’ style riding and a huge dirt gap jump. There’s also $5000 cash in prize money up for grabs.

* Count Down

With only four days to go before the ATMBC, things are hotting up. The course is ready and competitors start arriving in Jindabyne today.

The local newspaper is running the ATMBC as the front-page article and anticipation for a spectacular event is escalating.

Local support and involvement for the ATMBC is immense with over 70 volunteers confirming their participation, enthusiasm and interest towards the event.

Course designers, Mike Atkins and Mike Shaw, have confirmed all systems are go with the main event site and X-pression Session in perfect condition.

* International competitors confirmed

World leading freeriders Dean Collingridge (Norco) and Robbie Bourdon (Kona) from Canada are confirmed starters for the ATMBC. The two high profile riders, who have featured in numerous mountain bike videos, will add an international flavour to the event and ensure a large field of international riders for the 2002 ATMBC.

Collingridge and Bourdon are well known for their awesome riding skills and will no doubt push the Aussie competitors to produce their very best.

Also confirmed is New Zealand ace downhill rider Scottie Sheldon who will be flying the flag for the Kiwis solo as fellow competitor, Glen Sisarich, was forced to withdraw from the ATMBC at the last minute due to mechanical problems.

* New sponsor joins ATMBC

Tasco binoculars have joined the party by supplying excellent quality binoculars for the ATMBC judges.

The judges will view the riders from the opposite side of the valley to where the riders descend. This will give the judges a complete view of the entire course.

* Planet X television space

Planet X extreme sports program on the Ten Network (Australia) has confirmed television coverage of the ATMBC. Special thanks to Phil Burns and Neil Thew for spearheading the television coverage.

* More photos!

Attached to the email version of this progress report are more photos of the event course.

* 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 it’s original goal and has in turn been able to further upgrade the event to Australia’s first ever major freeride mountain bike event and one of the few events of it’s 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.
Kellogg’s will be supporting mountain biking and the ATMBC as a course identification sponsor.
Impulse is our most recent sponsor and has taken up a course identification sponsorship.
Wilfred’s Café and Silvertop Snowy Mountains Retreat are ATMBC financial affiliated sponsors.
Tasco Binoculars, Mitre 10, Appalachian Log Homes, Perisher Blue, Bolle Eyewear, Pom’s Balcony Bistro, Snowy Helicopters, NSW Sport & Recreation, Morrell Adventures and Snowy Mountains Television are all supporting equipment sponsors of the ATMBC.
Jindabyne Mountain Bikers Club.
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne Partnership and Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) as event supporters.

Please Note: Sponsorship positions are still available. For details contact event project manager.

* Website

For more information and progress reports about the event tune in to www.zestproductions.com.au

Thanks for your interest,

Nolen Oayda

Project Manager.