Canberra Off-Road Cyclists will once again be staging Australia's lone Solo-Only 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race at Majura Pines on the Easter weekend (15/16 April). Staged from the Innabaanya Guide Camp, the 2006 Solo-Only 24 will provide a relaxed race format over some more challenging courses than are traditionally available at the Mont Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championship. Of course, being Easter, lots of people turn the race into a camping holiday in Canberra and promoters expect dozens of bunny tails, fluffy ears on helmets and, of course, Easter eggs on Sunday!
The race starts 1200 on Saturday. The minimum age for riders in the 24 hour solo is 18 on 15 April 2006. The finishing rules are the same as for the Mont – riders must be on course when the 24 hours are up to get a valid finish.
The event offers Open, U23 (18 to 22), 40+, 50+, Open Single Speed ( If there are enough riders) and special U18 contest.
U18 riders must be aged either 16 or 17 on the 15th April 2006 to be considered in that competition. For riders aged 16 and 17, there will be a combined 12 hour (6+6) in which riders race 6 hours on the Saturday (starting at 1200 with the 24 hour field) and then stop after 1800 Saturday. These riders then start again after 0600 Sunday with a staggered start based on the time they finished after 1800 Saturday. In other words, each U18 rider has exactly 12 hours rest between the two 6 hour stages. These riders will then finish with the 24 hour rider field after 1200 Sunday. U18 riders must have signed permission from their parent/guardian to race and their parent/ guardian (or a delegated responsible adult authorised in writing by them) must be on site as a helper whenever their U18 rider is riding in the race.
Prizes will be similar to 2005 (ie heaps - cash, schwag, race goodies etc) but for 2006 they will also include paid entries to the 2006 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Solo champs (Conyers, GA, U.S.A.) for the overall male and female winner.
