Racer's Guild goes racing for real - Descent Gear Unclipped

From Squadron Moelfre 2009

You wouldn't believe it, but we had 23 riders from Racer's Guild entered into the Descent-Gear Unclipped race at Moelfre this past weekend! That's like, ummm, 7% of the total entries! We didn't manage to make a central camp - in fact we were spread all over. But everyone did manage to make it to the campfire at some point Saturday night, while our good friends from up north (i.e. Steve) kept us entertained with good stories and occasionally painful one liners.

The first competition for the weekend was the Saturday night long jump. I didn't rush over, as the jump was only about knee high and I didn't think it would be too spectacular. When I did wander over, I just happened to catch some pint-sized juggernaut mid-flight going waaaaay bigger than anyone could understand. That just happened to be the winning jump. Any guesses to who it was? Here's a hint:

Guess Who? Photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Still don't know? Well, who else, but the human coil spring, Sam Maddison. Somebody walked it off...40 ft. Think of the Ridge Line ski jump, and then think of someone landing about twice as far as where the landing is. That might approach his accomplishment! Wish I could remember what he won...

Sunday rolled around early, with a mix of clouds, sprinkles, sun, and an increasing wind which would play havoc on people's 2nd runs in the afternoon. Can't complain much about the weather though, it was alright for the whole weekend.

Sam Maddison taking the Sam Hill Line, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

In Youth, Sam once again got some spotlight in the hot seat for a long time with a super quick 2:35. Youth is a highly competitive category though, so he ended 7th in the end, which is still an awesome result. He crashed on his 2nd run, but rather than throw in the towel he gave it some welly - I saw him motoring down the long pedally section faster than anyone else and yelled my lungs off at him from the uplift. Ed Smith had what looked to be a good result, although I didn't speak to him and know he was having some brake issues. And Joe Ellement tackled the biggest course he's yet ridden being fairly new the sport, which is an accomplishment in itself.

Joe Ellement, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

The surprise in Juniors was Kyle's 16th place finish - with a flat! The boy has definitely got quicker, who knows what he could have pulled off with a clean run! Joe Worral placed 24th, which isn't too shabby either - not sure what his run was like. I saw Tom Harris there as well, but couldn't find his result, if he was there for moral support good on ya!

Kyle Dixon, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

In the womens class, Nadia did very well and went home with a 5th pla...hey that's a podium in a World Cup! Becky was also there and took 9th - I know she was pleased to conquer the steep section during her race run. This was only her second race, but I reckon she'll be back for more!

Becky Hilton, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Masters was right after Womens, which was just Stu and myself. Stu, like Becky, also had a good race run - wish I could say the same for myself! Two little mistakes on my first run and a crash on the 2nd. Can't complain though, it was good enough for 8th. That wouldn't have even been top 50 in Seniors though! On the way home I was reflecting on life, as I like to do, and realized that I am a bit of a choker when it comes to racing even though I do love it. It's one of the reasons I ended up forming the Squadron and spend a lot of time outside the tape around races supporting the Squadron guys - time better spent I think!

Yours truly, photo by Tom Smith. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

The Seniors class was huge - 130 riders and quite a few RG regulars. I'll work my way up - I don't think Stevo was too happy with his run, and James M pulled something in his leg which meant he had to sit the 2nd run out. Hope it heals quickly mate! Turns out he went up the hill to watch and ended up helping me with my bike in that stupid off I had in my 2nd run - he gave me a good shout and I was back on my way, thanks man! John Lee, the pinkbike blogger on week 11 out of 52 before the Mega Avalanche was there in training as well. Shane blew out his rear mech in practice but managed to fashion a single speed up using a zip tie as a chain tensioner! On all accounts he did OK for 84th position!

Steve Tomlinson, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Jay Price took 82nd, no doubt slightly troubled by his massive header which left most of his upper body looking like a big bruise - can we get a picture of his black eye? Twin bro Dan had a very good run at 2:40 (have to say that because he just beat me!) for 54th place. Tropical Dean did a very solid 2:45 for 76th - actually it was a blinding run, but that's more due to his race kit. And Joe da ho Howard showed up - we all thought he was still living it up in BC, but apparently he's back - 68th for Joe with a solid time.

From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Richie was there, and despite his t-shirt that said "can't ride for sh*t", he did a 2:41 for 59th. We had a bet riding on who would be quicker between us, the winner wouldn't have to do the timing at the next RG. Richie lost by a fraction - but we decided Alex (who wasn't at the race) would do the timing anyway.

Richie Parsons, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Now we're getting into the really quick guys. Sam Hill came down riding Gee Atherton's bike - no no wait, that's just Ryan. He caught someone in his first run and yelled at him all the way down. His second went alright though, 22nd place with a very fast 2:32. He was right on the tail of all-out Doddy who muscled out a 14th place finish with 2:29 - only a fraction slower than Andy on the Squadron.

Andy Dodd, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

To find out how the Squadron guys did, pop on over to the team blog here:

Squadron Home Page

(may not be up yet, be patient)

There was some awesome pre-race mechanics and massive race moments - it's definitely worth a read - don't miss it!

It was an awesome weekend made better by great company. I drove home with a bit of a heavy heart - this was my last UK race before I return to the states. The sun was setting and there was a warm light that cast long shadows on the Welsh hillsides along the winding country lanes. It was stunning. I will miss this. The country, the racing, and the people. As much as I'd like to say you British are a bunch of pricks, sadly, it's just not the case - you're actually some of the best friends a guy could ask for. Quit while you're ahead they say - the weekend was definitely a high point and a great memory to cap off a great few years. Cheers guys and gals!

Everyone's Results

Joe Ellement: 65th Youth 3:44
Sam Maddison: 7th Youth 2:35
Ed Smith: 22nd Youth 2:48

Kyle Dixon: 16th Juniors 2:46 (with a flat)
Joe Worral: 24th Juniors 3:02
Tom Harris: Didn?t race?

Shane Botha: 84th Seniors 2:48
Dean Callister: 76th Seniors 2:45
Andy Dodd: 14th Seniors 2:29
Ryan Edwards: 22nd Seniors 2:32
Joe Howard: 68th Seniors 2:44
John Lee: 112 Seniors 3:07
James Molyneux: 86th Seniors 2:49 (injury)
Richie Parsons: 59th Seniors 2:41
Jay Price: 82nd Seniors 2:48
Dan Price: 54th Seniors 2:40
Steve Tomlinson: 118 Seniors 3:12

Stu Hopkinson: 29th Masters 3:47
Aaron Neumann: 8th Masters 2:41

Becky Hilton: 9th Womens 3:57
Nadia Williams: 5th Womens 3:20

Jay Price, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Joe Worral, photo by Scott Cartwright. From Squadron Moelfre 2009

Boon 2009 Productions Video