Racer's Guild: March 15 - Results and Write-up

Results are posted. Read 'em and weap!

Balboa is named after the one and only Rocky Balboa. The Italian Stallion was a true fighter and had a fair dose of determination, courage and commitment. All traits that came in pretty handy as you rounded the top tight corner and faced up with the rock double. OK, so it's no Dolph Lundgren, but don't bother throwing sucker punches cause it'll hit you right back and send you to the matt! This is how it's done:

The now infamous rock double beautifully hit. Photo: Kitman

Big thanks goes out to Kitman, who again provides some awesome photography. Check out his site and the full gallery. And here are links to Alex's gallery and Joe's gallery.

Bob the builder, and Mick too! Photo: Kitman

Yep, above is the man responsible for whipping Balboa into a daunting practice track. Mick, in the background, along with a few others also put in some hard graft the week before to bring you the new and improved version. (Although you can thank me and a load of XC beards for the rock double!)

Dan Price demonstrates proper corner entry technique. Photo: mentalalex

Not many had ridden Balboa, and for many of our less experienced riders it provided a challenge equal parts mental and physical. Everyone who gets into the ring with Balboa is gonna come away a better rider for it, and I think that was the best part about the day. Improvement. And sunshine!

Alex W, one of the increasing number of fast Under 16s. Photo: Kitman

Our Under 16s category is growing rapidly, and getting faster as well! Elliot Gill sat in the hot seat all day and looked like a sure fire shoe in for fastest junior with a 1:03, not too mention biggest air off the double, until Ali May and Mitch Ingley came down at the last minute with a 1:02 and 1:01 respectively. Elliot wouldn't be the only one disappointed at the last minute though!

Railed, a corner by Ali May. Photo: Kitman

Nadia lead the women with a great 1:16 and some very smooth riding, while Maria, Joan, and Becky were all around the 1:30 mark, giving each other some competition! It was great to see them all rolling the steep rock sections and not taking the chicken lines.

Nadia, fastest woman - no wait, that doesn't sound right! Photo: Joe Ellement

It was Greg H of the Squadron who set the early fast time for the rest of us. His 55.4 would stick until the very end, when he would get pipped by his own Squadron team mate Andy H whose 54.9 would be fastest time on the day. Adam H came down shortly after, declaring expletive after expletive about how shocking his race run was. It was a 55.1 for second fastest. Adam the grumpy perfectionist!

Sam M, crazy young hardtail talent and riding DEMON - click the photo and check out his eyes and you'll see what I mean! Photo: Kitman

Adam and Sam M, the crazy young hardtail talent, might just be related, we're not sure. Sam didn't crack a smile all day - he was totally focused on going absolutely as fast as fu...dge. Could he be the next Elliot Machin? Not sure, but he's awesome to watch. Hey Sam, we like you...smile!

Dan Green. Photo: Kitman

There was lots of biggish crashes, but only a few injuries. Kyle and his cousin down count, but Sam H took a trip to A and E to get his should checked out after hockey checking a tree in the jump-berm-jump section of Wonderland. We hope to see you on the bike again soon Sam!

Bzzzzzzzzzt! Photo: Kitman