Progression - Where Will Enduro 2012 Take Us?

So we have hit 2012, but where are we heading? To answer this I did a little searching and decided to have a quick look back before looking ahead. The only way to look right back was to get a couple of back issues of Australian Mountain Bike all the way back to 2002, here we go!

Photo: Author Michael Crummy pondering all things enduro mid Sydney 24 Hour last month.

Think Ansett, “Axis of evil”, One.Tel and Lleyton as No.1. In Australian mountainbiking Paul Rowney (Yeti) was attempting to tear the short-track and XC World Cup events apart.

Nathan Rennie was stamping his dominance at the top end of the DH scene. Mass participation events like the Mont24 and RRR were likely to be at the top of many MTBers must do list.

Progression of MTBing was at the forefront in all areas. Freeride was emerging with DHers and some crazy cats on hardtails took on gaps, drops and flips.

300mm travel forks for the DHers, weighty NiMH batteries but the globes were changing from halogen (some DIY systems were outrageous) for those who ride for a couple of hours at night.

Sustainability was being linked as an issue and dedicated MTB parks, like Eagle Park where in the development stage.

I had a mountainbike, a budget mongoose, which I used to get around on just for a bit of fun. Three by eight, V-brakes, coil-elastomer suspension. When I was out on the dirt it would be a flat, stick in the derailleur or a crash that would have me limping home.

But now on my Yeti with UST tyres, set trails to ride and years worth of bike handling experience I’m more likely to get home trouble free.

Progression still regains at the forefront of all MTB areas. Triple flips for the stunt masters. Light LED lights with extensive burn times for those who get out at night.

Then there is carbon fiber that can be spotted even on DH rigs. Areas like the south coast of NSW, country Victoria and SE QLD have an ever-expanding network of trails. There are now a few dedicated sustainable MTB parks now in full swing in every state.

From here it looks like the mountainbiking future is set. Building on the fundamental stones placed sturdily in the dirt over the years. Be it greater participation, stage races and expansion into super D.

You will be riding more of the great trails around Australia.