Ginja Ninja 250 Event Wrap

The Ginja Ninja 250 is the latest enduro offering on the calendar, brought to us by the Central West Off Road Bike Club (CWORBC).

CWORBC have some great trails in their area and the Ginja Ninja was to be held on the Kinross trails close to Orange.

When we arrived on Sunday morning the soil was still damp for the rain they had received, but nothing like much of the rest of NSW and regions of QLD had received. This dampness transferred into slippery pine roots, slippery logs and a sticky clay-dark soil based trail.

The climbs featured plenty of grinding switchbacks, while the descents were far more open, flowing and a whole bucket of ninja-star type of fun.

Credit to the CWORBC trail-ninja team who maintained the trail mid race to ensure it would take the pounding from the 233 two-wheeled ninjas.

My own ninjafication started with an early three hour drive from Sydney to Orange. We arrived with plenty of time before the race and the rego area wasn't busy.

We were directed to look out for the guy dressed all-in-black, with bright ginger hair, my first ninja sighting. As part of my ninjafication I took on the unorthodox art of racing, infiltrating the very last group of riders on the start line, many who where riding an enduro for the first time.

Others weren't as covert, showing their colours and waging their intensions at the front. This wasn't going to be a problem as I had training in stealth cycling methods, the element of surprise and knowledge in the art of fly descents.

The event warmed up quickly after its ten AM start, it was nice to return to the shade and single-track of the forest following transition or a fire-trail section.

A good ninja loves single-track and the Kinross trail delightfully delivered. I had a very good ride, making my way past many other ninjas over the first few laps.

The third, fourth and fifth laps felt right and I was able to flow many sections together. There was a ninja, all-in-black, sighting, flashing through the forest, barely rubber wheels touching the dirt.

Transitioning very close to the fourth hour and with ten minutes still to go I headed out for my final lap to spin my legs over, NOT this ninja, stealth speed all the way.

Ninjas came from as far away as Brisbane, Canberra and NSW South Coast, with most making the 250 minute challenge their first MTB event for 2012.

You could have made it a full weekend with a Saturday Night Dash, individual time trial and then bunked in town.
The event was well supported by some industry sponsors, there were LED lights given away Saturday night and different spot prizes during the 250.

Category winners walked away with a swag of goodies including custom Ginja Ninja trophies. A lucky local walked away with the Merida bike random draw after a couple of no-show redraws.

Look forward to more events from CWORBC and catching you at the next enduro.

Event photos: stenteventphotography.smugmug.com

Event website: cworbc.org.au