For the second year, I was invited down to the wonderful Wingello State forest to cover the James Williamson Enduro or the Willo as it’s more commonly known. I would have to say that this is one of my favourite races on my calendar. The forest scenery that they race through is truly magnificent and both years that I have been there a fog has blanketed the area adding to the atmosphere and ambience.
Being the First race in the National XCM series the race draws in some great riders from around the country but despite the competition, there is great camaraderie. The event is held in memory of James Williamson who did a lot to progress the sport. Proceeds raised at the event go towards the development of young riders. To find out more about the charity and James swing over to the James Williamson Enduro event website
After the event and after everyone else had seemed to leave I stuck around the forest for another night and explored the area. Despite the areas of pine forests being cleared by the Forestry Commission it is a stunningly beautiful area. It backs on to Morton National Park and the forest gets wilder as you get closer to the edges. Lyrebirds roam the forest floors and seem to spend most of the day singing away.
- The toughest glasses around made a showing down there.
- The James Williamson enduro or the Willo held yearly at Wingello State Forest
- Trekky on his way to the win
- The James Williamson enduro or the Willo held yearly at Wingello State Forest
- Andy Blair on his final lap
- The male elite podium, Andy Blair, Brendan Johnston and Jon Odams
- The upcoming young guns led the day’s charge
- Thick fog blanketed the area
- Inside the Great Wall
- Trekky crosses the finish line
- Looking down on the King of the Mountain hill climb
- The elite podiums
- And they are off.
- Inside the Wingello State Forest
- Inside the Wingello State Forest
- Inside the Wingello State Forest