This months session saw only 47 riders make it out to the hill, our lowest turn out in a long time. I think it would be fair to attribute this to the last moment date change; due to working and family commitments on our event crew and nothing to do with anyone being scared away by the dreaded rain! Our apologies to those who missed out because of the change of dates. We are taking steps to try and make sure this doesn't happen again.
Ok, down to business...
Trail : Ridge Run, with alternate corners after the ski jump. Conditions : A mixture of slop, wet roots and a generous helping of loam.
The week prior to the March Guild was a sunny affair, with just about every trail on the hill dry and very gripy for about the first time this year. Everything was looking great for the weekend until the nice weather girl came onto the tele' and told us all we were going to get wet! Some of us pulled our fingers out and fitted spikes, the rest of us sniffed at it thinking it wouldn't be too bad, sticking with the dry tyres we had just retrieved from a dusty corner in the back of the shed! As it happened the trail was a mixed bag getting more slippery throughout the day, thanks to the showers. But the variety of surfaces gave grip at some point whatever choice of rubber you were touting. The top section was a slimy tram line of a rut all the way down to the gas line drop The moisture in the loam elsewhere actually seemed to help hold it together and other spots more sheltered from the wet stuff maintained their surface. N. Carson coming down hard from the gas line drop. Photo credit Stu Hopkinson.
With longer days we were able to push the practice start time back to the later 1 o'clock start time we aim for, allowing more of a warm up for the riders and a better chance to check the track out. The riders used this extra time wisely and most spent time sectioning the lower fresh and loamy corners to get them dialed before timing started. Time well spent that would prove its worth on the stopwatch later in the day. Most notably on the off camber tight line option on one of the final corners that got so worn away by the end of warm up that a completely new complex of roots had appeared in place of all the loam that was roosted away. Andy Hughes mastering the off camber loam. Photo credit Thomas Gaffney.
Not everyone managed to ride the slide to success. Rider after rider through the warm up met their match and ended up taking soil samples. Unfortunately not everyone came away from the corner un-harmed. Lee Gratton of the Squadron managed to tear a big hole in his arm whilst getting chucked off the bike, a quick trip to the hospital and some embroidery later he was discharged with a cool future scar and a lolly pop. Event Leader 'Stinky' Harry took the time to drive his car back and everything went smoothly... If your reading this Lee, Harry says he likes you car, but you might want to look at your bumper and to expect 6 points to appear on your license! Unknown rider taking time out to test the soil PH. Photo credit Kitman.
Time to move onto the best results from the categories. This month we had no 'rippers' or women participate.
Youth (15 and under)
1st - Tom Austerberry 2nd - Dan Summers 3rd -Tom Goodwin
Tom, Dan and the other Tom were the only youth riders to break the 1 minute barrier. Tom Austerberry, on his brand new Orange rig was 6.7 seconds faster than Dan Summers and Tom Goodwin was only 0.3 of a second behind Dan.
Senior (16-39)
1st - Sam Maddison 2nd - Aaron Tolly and Andy Hughes, joint 4th - Elliot Machin
Sams first run down the hill was interrupted by a sit down on the last corner and in usual Maddison manner resulted in anger and shouting once over the finish line, so he marched back up the hill to have another go! Sure enough, later on in the session Sam came down and put in the fastest time of the day: 47.3 seconds. Aaron and Andy managed to score identical times and Elliot would up 4th only 1.6 seconds behind Sam.
For most of the session Dale was the fastest 40+, but as is getting to be a common result, Mick got his act together and took fastest Veteran with a 55.6 . Bob was 3rd fastest 2.3 seconds behind Micks time. Can anyone knock Mick off his high horse and take him to school this year? Only time will tell...
Ian of team boons video is worth a look as always, this time further improved with his recent purchase of a new camera!
Last, but not least, the massed media was on the hill on saturday! Have a look through these great galleries:
"I've never even tried to clear it before, it just happened!"
Rider: Peter Gill, Photog: Stu Hopkinson
3 degrees Celsius, heavy mist and murky, that's how the top of the hill looked with Harry, John and Mick ready and waiting when I arrived at 9am, a quick check to make sure Harry hadn?t wet the bed and we got to work. Suddenly things got a whole lot brighter when Sam Maddison showed up on his new team Orange, first ride out and it looked superb with it?s perfectly colour coordinated orange glow sending geiger counters off the scale around the country. We spent 5 minutes warming our hands on the bike and headed off for a steady run down the Red course to check it was ok and we kicked off the trail prep and marking.
Seems Sketch shrunk in the wash over Christmas
Rider: Luke "minisketch" Cryer, Photog: DrifterJon
We figured it might be a quiet day with the weather and forecast rain but by the time we got to the top of the hill things were getting pretty busy. Si Paton was set up with the Descent-Gear.co.uk stand and the rain was still holding off, result.
Descent-Gear giant Si Paton tests his fresh-out-of-the-box 22shhh!
Photog: DrifterJon
So the course was standard Red including the original long right hand corner that's been disused for a few years, crossing the fire road into the rooty Ss. It was going to be a real test of fitness with a long, flat out trail finishing with a slippery sting in the tail. Adding in the bring your hardtail promo we had and it was shaping up to be an interesting day although we were all grateful that there were no skinsuits on the hill this time!!
Runs kicked off and in the spirit of hardtail pride Mick Whyte then posted a 1.26.9 to set the hardtail bar nice and high. The course may not be the most technical we have on the hill but it had lungs popping up and muscles screaming for mercy for all but the uber fit riders. It was eyeballs out all the way and great to see such a mix of bikes from full on DH race bikes to 24? wheeled, singlespeed, fully rigid boneshakers, there?s a few dentists in work for the next couple of weeks.
In the end Andy Hughes stormed it to take the fastest time of the day at 1.19.1 while vet hardtailer Mick held on for fastest time in his category. Top senior hardtailer was John Lee with a 1:25.6 pulled out right at the end. Ride of the day, though, has to go to Tom Hodgkinson who not only got the fastest time in Juniors with a 1.24.9, but simultaneously took the fastest hardtail time of the day. He's either been practicing, or someone needs to put him on a big bike!
In the Ladies cat, Elite racer Harriet Latchem took time out from winning regionals to sprint the Red course in 1:29.5, a full 15 seconds clear of Becky and Nadia. Winter training obviously pays off!
Back in the middle of the field, Richie Parsons crossed the line headfirst, Stu Tite notched up his best ever RG result with a top ten overall placing and third fastest hardtail, and Luke Cryer showed that he's not all no-footers and cheek by posting a very respectable 1:27.8 The day also saw our first ever young rippers cat with newbies Josh Laywood and Jessica Pearson showing that everyone can get involved in the Guild. On the right course it?s be great to see these young guns going for it again.
Slippery conditions didn't phase young Jessica!
Photog: Stu Hopkinson
So have we proved a point? Full sussers are faster than hardtails on our little hill? Maybe, but judging by the buzz that filled the hillside there?s no shortage of fun whatever you ride.
Frozen solid ground, frozen fingers, sheets of black ice in the ruts leading in to the steepest part of the track and the infernal Screams Vs Highrollers debate.
Before we started timing, all the focus was at the roots. A steep chute into an offcamber lefthander over roots that wanted to take you straight over the tiny catch berm, and if you made it that far, another two diagonal slippery snakes to shoot your front wheel away from you.
First down the hill was the RG Squadron's latest recruit, Lee Gratton. All those tumbles in practice had clearly paid off, as he drew a line in the snow at 57.7 seconds. Big guns Andy Hughes and Elliot "Pants on the outside" Machin both failed to go under a minute at first, struggling to stay on the bike and stay pinned when you never really knew if the front wheel was going to hook up or not. Then, thirty minutes in, Adam Halling sent a shot across the bows with a 57.8. Adam was confident he had plenty left in the tank. Some time later he delivered, taking a half second lead out of Lee with a 57.1 and concluding with a storming 56.6. Lee's only reply was a 57.6, putting him in second a full second behind a perfect ride from Adam. Andy Hughes put in a strong show towards the end, scoring a 57.8, but not enough to usurp the winter warriors.
Luke Weston visits the 80s
Photo credit: Kitman
Meanwhile, over in the junior cat, nine riders lined up to take on the ice. With Joe Ellement, Sam Maddison and Mitch Ingley all over-age and bumped up to Senior, it left a classy Elliot Gill to take command and leaving the rest of the field wondering where they were going to find a full ten seconds from, with Tommy Jeffs coming closest.
Honerable mentions go to;
John Lee, taking the hardtail glory with a stonking 1.13.8 whilst still in his morning suit
Barrack Obama, who, taking a break from climate conferences, signed in as Paul Grocott and laid down a 14.4
Daniel Gibson, who posted a 1.17.8 whilst wearing a christmas present. Seriously.
Dan Gibson makes his presents known before gifting himself to the ground
Photo Credit: Kitman
With everyone retiring to the car to defrost, we wound up early, allowing the Squadron to get a photoshoot with their new team manager, John Lee.
So, it's goodbye to the 2009 season, and with it, goodbye to Aaron, who has turned Racersguild from an idea on the back of a beermat, to the monster it is today. We'll miss you buddy!
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:
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
September saw the return of 'Little Bringewood', a trail dominated by a tyre testing off-camber section followed by a 'thread the needle' mass of roots, both of which take total commitment to hold the fast line. This was the first time Little Bringe' had been run on a Guild day in the dry, a relief at first for many, at least the off camber and roots were dry! However by the end of practice in the morning, before the timing started, the trail was so blown out and dusty the fastest time of the day wasn't a great deal faster than how the trail rides in the pouring rain!
Josh Richardson kicking up the dust through the last of the trees.
As I said the trail is dominated by the mid section with the off camber and roots, however you can't count out the importance of the loamy corners further up, Ian from Team Boon managed to get some shots of riders appearing nearly axle deep drifting in the loam, have a look at the video linked at the bottom of the post to see how much roost was getting shifted!
The final section of the trail is a rutted, rooty 20 seconds through the trees, again on the day very hard to hold a fast line. Looking through the results sheet you can make out the tell tale differences in riders times, as nearly everyone on the day had the inevitable intimate moment with the undergrowth. I won't mention names, I would be here all day! But you know who you are...
Becky Hilton getting it right through the wooded section.
After you drop out of the woods to the flat bottom of the trail your met with a small double to squash the bike over, followed by a berm and evil flat loamy corner to the line. Not a lot to report from this section, but I was entertained to see riders washing out within 6ft of the line from time to time! Good call on Stinky Harrys' part for the finish line position... So anybody with grievances now knows who to talk to!
That's the trail outlined, now down to the riders. This month saw the closest battle for fastest time the guild has ever seen with a joint fastest time of an impressive time of 53.2 shared by Ben Worrell and Lee Gratton, closely followed by Squadron rider Andy Hughes. This month saw more competition in both the Womens and Veteran categories, which appeared to give the girls and the 40+ crowds more incentive to bring their A Game. Close times at the top of the veterans category and a clear victor in the Womenscategory. As usual the Youth category is on the up with a turn out of 16.
Hard to tell, but Luke Cryer here of the youths had a hard day of pinning it only to be unlucky, managing to eat dirt more than once and bounced up to carry on like a boxer all day AND hung about in the evening for an after hours shred!
Finally, big thanks to Alex Smith for snapping away for the day, all photos used in the write up owe credit to him and if you follow the link below you'll see his album from the day, thanks mate!
This months Write-Up is bought to you by either Rich, Richie or Richie_Boy, depending on who you know me as!
Right, down to business! The regulars might have noticed one or two faces missing from the organisation side of the day. Most notably our fried Mr Aaron Neumann, who month in, month out pulls the RG show together for a great days riding. As far as i can remember this was the first month Aaron has missed since the Guild started out in 2007! With Aarons absence, coupled with most of the usual crew holidaying or otherwise busy, it came down to a matter of canceling the whole show for August.
After a weeks worth of frantic Emailing and courier pigeons we started to gather a tatty list of names who were interested in stepping to the plate and keeping the show on the road.
"Stinky" Harry quickly stepped up to run the show, and lets be honest he had some big shoes to fill. A chap called Ian (from either Chase Trails or the FC, sorry I'm not sure there!) came forward and offered to fill the role of first aider for the day. The usual Chase trail XC contingent of Rob "Bobble" and Bruce came to the rescue, with Rob at the top all day, dealing with sign on, start times and generally keeping the rabble in check at the top and Bruce did a great job at the bottom taking times down. Big thanks to all the usual Martialls, who again did a great job of keeping things clear on the hill (more thanks to Harry for organising the Martialls!). I took over timing at the bottom for the first half and Bruce took over for the end stint while i got a couple of rides in. All in all the show went off without a hitch! Top bombing!
Harry taking a minute out (or more precisely a respectable 55.8 seconds) from running the show!
This month saw the addition of a new category on the hill, the 40 plus/veteran category. This time only 6 riders fell into the new category, not to say this didn't lead to a good shoot out! Early on Bob Dangerfield set the bench mark for the bus pass brigade with a 58.8 second run and then followed that with a slightly faster run at 58.5 seconds. It seemed like it was all over, but then, positively barreling into the finish, came number 15 Paul Robson with a 57.5 second run. With that Paul stole the show and took the fastest time of the veterans, Bob Dangerfield 2nd fastest and Pat Poole took 3rd fastest in the vets.
Paul Robson on a hot one to take the fastest time in the newly formed Veteran category.
The Veterans put on a good show, but on the other end of the scale the little rippers in the Youth (15 and under) Category came out swinging! This months biggest smile award has to go to Jack Austerberry, who was delighted with is time of 1:33.1, now that may not sound like a great time... But I'm sure you'll agree with me that for his age (whatever exactly that might be), as the picture shows below 1:33.1 is a great time!
Jack Austerberry looking pinned and focused through the tricky berm after the step down.
As impressive and inspiring as Jacks runs were, there's no escaping the speed and style of Sam Maddison. Let us back track a few months to the start of the year... Sam was turning up on his hardtail bike, running single speed and a pair of old MarzocchiXC forks, not that it ever seemed to hinder his efforts. Moving forward a few months and Sam rolls onto the hill wielding a new Iron Horse Sunday! Now we're talking! Straight out of the box Sam takes to it like a duck to water and the rest is looking more and more like history! Sam took the fastest time in the youth category with a 52.0, Alistair May took second fastest with a 'close but no cigar' 52.5 and Elliot Gill took third fastest with a fast 55.8 .
Sam Maddison getting a bit sideways on the way to another fastest time in the youth category.
We've heard from the oldies and the younguns, now its time for something completely different, the womens category. This month saw only 2 entrants, but this didn't stop either rider having a great day shredding the hill. Joan Dangerfield managed to take nearly 10 seconds off her time over the afternoon and went away with a 1:30.7, anyone who rides downhill will know that to find 10 seconds on a track isn't an easy feat! This months fastest fem however was Becky Hilton with a rapid 1:13.4 .
Becky Hilton tucked fast and low over the infamous Ridge Jump.
OK, we've narrowed it down and the only thing left to talk about is the Seniors category. This month 54 seniors hit the hill and whole rolls of fast times started to reel off the timing sheet at the bottom. After about a half hour into view came an unusual looking frame, going at what might as well have been a speed Captain Piccard of the Enterprise would have been impressed by. It was of course Kurtis Knowles (a strange face round these parts, but a well known name around the top step of the podium in the Northern series). Kurtis set the first hot time of 49.4. This was quickly answered by the Squadron rider Greg Hampton with an equally smoking time of 49.1, however Gregs time didn't stick for long and Adam Halling put in a 49 flat. They think its all over? well it was after Kurtis got a chance to answer back with a victorious 48.2 . At the end of the day Kurtis took fastest, with Adam Halling taking second fastest and Greg rounding things out with 3rd fastest. A very closely packed top 3 to close a great day on the hill!
Kurtis Knowles flying his way to the fastest time of the day.
Besides the riding (as if that wasn't enough!), as usual the hill was a-wash with photographers and videographers. Aside from the timing and riding, this has to be the next highlight of the day for me. Its great to come online a day or two after the guild and find the Internet flooded with great pictures and videos of the weekends riding. As usual Kitman was there with his camera and 'drifter' Jon who seems to be becoming a welcome part of the woodwork was also in on the action. All pictures above owe credit to Jon and Kitman, thanks guys! I'm going to leave you with a couple of atmospheric shots from the guys. Links to Kitman and Drifters albums... And last, but by no means least Team Boons video edit of the day!
The English summer strikes again, turning what was an almost perfect CDL timing track in the morning into a sloppy, slimy, gooey mess that even Nickelodean would be proud off. The track started to get a little bit faster through the afternoon, just in time for another downpour before the finish. No matter to some though, over 60 steely tough riders thrashed their bikes down the rooty, flat corners of CDL for a good laugh.
This is actually not a jump, but when you're going that fast you've got no option but lift off. Unfortunately, Andy H suffered a very high speed impaler before timing started. He was white as a sheet from the pain before the medics gassed him up. He's recovering now, with some internal bruising around his kidneys, and finding it hard to do the simplest things. Our best get well wishes go out to you Andy! From July 20, 2009
Ben Worrall, on a new bike - one of Bryceland's old V10s. He slowly worked out how to turn it on, finally breaking the 1 minute barrier with a 58 second run, 3rd fastest on the day. From July 20, 2009
Kyle Dixon, back from who knows where, and faster than we remember him! From July 20, 2009
Wicked angle on a tricky corner compression combo. The top 5 was hotly contested for young and old. James Hopkins was closer than ever to that top spot, finally finishing with the 4th fastest time. Photo by Kitman. From July 20, 2009
We all love the young rippers, like Declan Whyte. They want it as much as anyone, and it will come if they just keep at it! From July 20, 2009
Colby Watts in the U16s entering the lower atmosphere from CDL's one gap jump. Keeping it low and tight for speed! From July 20, 2009
Tom Austerberry set the fastest time for a hardtail with a 1:07, and with a lot of style. And he's only 13! If his little bro Jack takes after him, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Ginger power! (I hope that's not rude.) From July 20, 2009
Results are now officially up, check them out and then relax to some more great pics from our snappers Drifterjon, Kitman, and Dale. Don't miss the Boon video at the bottom!
Right, let's get this out of the way first. Adam built this track, knows this track, and kills this track. Greg from the Squadron who took 2nd fastest time was well impressed and scratching his chin to think where he could find any extra speed to beat him. I reckon Adam would say you'd find it in the gym! (Where he spends most of his time when he's not on the bike.) Wicked shot by Dale.
Another awesome shot by Drifterjon of Adam. He won by a full second with a 47.2 second run. Quite astonishing. Keep in mind Steve Peat took 48.7 seconds, but that was in the wet and on a 5 metre shorter course that he'd only ridden once or twice. Anyone who has seen Adam ride is envious of his speed and body language on the bike, which is remarkably similar to Peaty now that you mention it...
This photo is like Space Odyssey meets Predator - Shane flowing through the foliage. This is the upper section of the New Line course in all it's green glory. Thanks to the sunshine, the ferns have come up and changed a lot of lines. Have you tried riding the Black line lately? Nigh on impossible! Photo by Drifterjon.
There were two stories from today that will go down in the annals of the RG history books. The first was Andy H, Squadron rider and general nutter. His 224 was in the shop, so he brought an old jump bike with Junior Ts. The New Line is maybe the hardest trail on the hill for hardtails. When Andy crossed the line I literally could not fathom the digits on my stopwatch. 48.5 seconds. 3rd fastest. Basically the same as Greg on a World Cup race bike. How is this possible? Seriously!? Photo by Kitman.
And this is story number two. Mad Sam, under 16, showed up with a brand spanking new Iron Horse Sunday. Never ridden before. Replacing his old hardtail with 2003 Marzocchi forks. Sam has got bags of skill, so we all wanted to know how this could be applied to a proper downhill machine. Sam adapted to the bike like white on rice! His time? Right up there with the big boys...50.5. Fastest junior. I can't wait to see his name in lights. Photo by Kitman.
Sam H jumping the tape - which in this case is completely legal and highly encouraged! (My first attempt was FAIL.) Adam taped the ballsy gap jump in the middle of the course so it couldn't be rolled - that's what the chicken line is for anyway. This gap was not easy, and the landing was destroyed by the end of the day from casing. Not hear though...easy clean. Photo by Drifterjon.
This was our sole woman entrant, but thankfully she's becoming a regular at the Chase. Becky is pretty quick and very tough...I saw her go down hard near the finish, bouncing her bonce (head) off the ground and jumping up and running to the finish! She is one class chick! Let's just hope Nadia, Joan, and the others come back to give her some competition. Photo by Kitman.
This is how downhill feels to me, total focus while the rest of the world blurs by unnoticed. Greg H, second place with a 48.3 second run. Greg and Elliot are off to the Fort William NPS next weekend - best of luck guys, the Squadron is due some! Photo by Drifterjon.
I just like this one because it's colourful and perfect. By Kitman.
A gorgeous snapshot of the life of a Midlands downhiller at the Chase (it's pixelated here, prettier if you click on it). Telemark skiers call it earning your turns. We spend approximately 15x more time pushing than riding. That means the riding downhill at Stile Cop must be 15x better than...well...sitting on the couch, going to the pub, riding XC - you name it. Artwork by Drifterjon.
One last pic to capture the feeling of pinning it through the trees, a great day had by all!
