longboarding comes to lyster

Matt Cassar, one of the organisers of
the Downhill Festival. Baynes Park
Road proved to be an excellent course.

It’s been a busy time for events in the hills, the End of the Line festival last week, the ThreeOneSixOh! Film Festival last night and today the Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival, the first Victorian Closed Road Longboard / Slalom race.

Onlookers were treated to some fierce downhill competition with racers reaching speeds up to 80kph by the time they reached the finish line at Sassafras Creek. Baynes Park Rd, Monbulk proved to be a great course for participants and my thanks to the residents for their permission too.

Organisers were thrilled with the response, both locals and visitors flocked to Baynes Park to vie for the winning prizes. It was terrific to see so many people having a great day out. I was surprised how far afield some competitors had travelled to be part of the competition and it was terrific to catch up with locals pleased to have the event so close to home.

Yarra Ranges Council supported the event with the Youth Services team providing free sausage sizzle, drinks and music. I was very pleased to learn from one of the race organisers, Matthew Cassar, that profits from the day will be donated to Monbulk CFA.

Event organisers, ASRA, did a great job, it’s good to see longboarding taking place in a controlled, family friendly environment.