Mansfield Mad Dash Ends in Twilight Drama

THE Mansfield Mad Dash delivered yet another thrilling sunset showdown last Thursday, as riders battled crosswinds, questionable tactics and a disastrous gravel detour in this week’s handicap race. A big welcome to Bill Bainger (visiting from SA for a few months) who enjoyed his first outing with the MMBCC. Micala Jacobs set off first, riding a smooth, metronomic pace, while the faster riders behind worked in groups, chasing hard. Simon Mulvihill, Heath Hammond and Mick Pearce formed a perfect echelon, slicing through the field like a well-oiled machine. Further back, an unnamed rider made a bold but disastrous move, veering onto a gravel section in the hope that a detour may alleviate the pain in the legs. His bike wobbled violently as he fought to keep momentum. He was left watching helplessly as the race disappeared ahead. Meanwhile, Andy Garrett, the final rider to start, was unleashed upon the course like the Terminator. He devoured the field at an alarming rate and blew past struggling competitors on tiring legs. Garrett's aero silhouette cut through the warm light of the golden hour like a hunting falcon. But Andy left his charge too late. Mick Pearce’s group, still executing a perfect echelon, worked like a well-oiled machine and held the hunting falcon off to take the win just as the last light of day faded. At the finish line, exhausted riders swapped stories of crosswinds, magpie attacks and gravel-fueeld regret. Mick Pearce came in 1st, Simon Mulvihill 2nd and Heath Hammond 3rd. The Mansfield Mad Dash had once again lived up to its name - a race full of thrills, spills, and lessons in why you should never trust a gravel shortcut. The best part being riders get to take it on again next Thursday night - two and a half laps around the Merinda Way Loop. Many thanks to all our dedicated volunteers and to the Mansfield Hotel for their hospitality and generosity.