T’Bar Enduro 2015 Video: Race Report from the Camera Man
It’s one of the best local series of cycling that South East Queensland has seen; an increasingly growing number of participants, an incredibly friendly and respectful atmosphere and some of the best locations of trails – not to mention the greatest weather – that you can find. In fact we’re pretty damn spoiled here.
It’s the SEQ Gravity Enduro series.
When I wake up on race day I get prepared for a physical day on the trails. However it’s not cycling, but cross country running that I’ll be taking part in when I ‘hit’ the trails. Cross country running…with camera gear.
Sunday brought about Round 4 of the series at Jubilee Park, Toowoomba. It also just happened to fall on my birthday! Hip hip, hooray! There were no hangovers though fortunately; I have learnt that one from experience.
It starts with packing out the camera bag, as well as water and snacks for the 4-5 hours out on the trails.
“Hmmm…which order am I going to run around the trails today?”
Yep this photo is definitely not at Toowoomba. You caught me.
Next comes the general pre-race filming of people and sponsors. This part often includes placing cameras in random hard to reach places. Whatever it takes to get the shot right?
The 360 Time lapse GoPro sitting above the TMBC Shipping container.
Then I usually catch a ride up the range in the 4×4 and make my way down the hill while filming riders. As you can see below my energy levels were doing pretty well at this point.
I assure you I would not be jumping like this had I been forced to walk up the hill.
Following the riders down the track I attempt to capture a range of interesting angles with plenty of movement wherever possible. You’ve gotta watch out for those flying high speed bikes though…they’re crazy fast!!!
These shots were from the Rockshox Enduro Challenge in Toowoomba, 8-3-2015.
Filming Gravesy earlier in the year. I am not worthy.
Oh yea, did I mention it gets RIDICULOUSLY DUSTY???
So within about half an hour of the first trail (Mackenzie Frenzy) I had done the following successfully:
- Rolled my ankle once (I wasn’t even running at the time)
- Stacked it on a rock garden and dropped the camera
- Inhaled only a small amount of dust – yay!
My favourite shots by far to film would have to be the ones on the steadicam. The art to a good steadicam shot is being quick on your feet over rocky terrain (unlike the video above). You’ll see a few long steadicam shots in the final video.
Chasing riders with the steadicam to get some dynamic action shots.
Photo from an event at Hidden Vale Adventure Park, 2014.
After running around getting a range of footage throughout the event, it’s time to catch up with the riders and get some interviews.
Filming an interview with first place rider Ryan Leutton.
Followed by podiums and other general event footage.
And here we were thinking Ryan was a nice guy.
Overall it was an awesome day which resulted in some great footage of riders of all abilities out on the tracks having a good time. It was great to be a part of this event once again.
So what’s next? Get that footage into the edit room, cut it all up and what’s the result? Check it out below for yourself!
What are your favourite riding shots that you’d like to see more of? Feel free to leave your comments below.
See you at the next race in September!