This race was on my list of things to do last year but due to unfortunate circumstances (broken collar bone), this was put on hold along with a lot of other things !
This year I encouraged 3 other riders to join me even though one blew out on my drive up to Bagshot that morning!
The race setup is based on a 9k course with 4 timed sections which are predominantly downhill.
Proof life begins at 40 (recent research says 60) with three 40 year old plus (and that’s a big plus) riders representing Redhill CC turned up early along with 100 other riders from around the country on a wet Sunday morning! Me riding in the Vets (40-49yrs) which surprisingly had the most riders, with Nick and Gwyn both riding in the Grand Vets 50+
The weather was not looking good as we stood under the registration tent drinking tea wondering why we had put our names down for this race and debating when to venture out on a practice lap.
All feeling a little nervous not having ridden this style of race before we were just about to go out for a practice lap when in walked a rider with the paramedic clutching his arm in that typical broken collar bone pose!
A rider out on his practice lap not managing to finish stage 1 without losing the front end resulting in a broken left collar bone! Ouch!
This brought back memories of my break the previous year so made my practice lap a little slower than expected but at least the rain had finally stopped.
After our practice the nerves just got worse as I never really committed to each section. We discussed/dissected the technical sections over a cup of tea & sandwich and decided we would all just take it easy and enjoy ourselves before we made our way to stage 1 for kick off.
I was the first Redhill rider out behind a few Trace Defrein Collective riders from Orpington who kept us entertained in-between stages.
As soon as I heard the word GO all my nerves left my body and the first obstacle out of the starting blocks which I did not manage to clear in practice was passed without notice! The first stage took you through the trees with a tight right hand turn, over a steep mound and down a long wet section. A lump of mud flicked up under my glasses and caught my left eye leaving me blinking vigorously trying to clear my vison before crossing the finish line with a 1.24, the lack of vison slowing me through the second half of the section but loved every minute!! Nerves what nerves?
I waited at the bottom for Gwyn and Nick who both made it with the same enjoyment, Nick wining this stage with a 1.20 and Gwyn with a 1.32
Stage 2 had a few more climbs, the first needs to be hit at speed! I lacked the speed which meant running up and then struggling to clip in at the top losing valuable time with one foot clipped in on the following descent. It then crossed a fire road and down a very large drop that required full commitment and across a technical rooty section before crossing the line with a 1.44, once again Nick taking this round and obviously making the climb with a respectful 1.36 and Gwyn with a 2.35
Stage 3, the longest and arguably the toughest section with its brutal climbs. This one runs into the trees on a ridge line and then drops down a steep run followed by a climb before dropping again to a boggy double track which required plenty of pumping, another two heart pounding climbs and then down to the finish line via another sloppy section which caught a few riders out. I think the last few months in the gym helped me on this one with a 1.36 taking the win over Nick by 6 secs with his 1.42 and Gwyn crossing the line with a 2.49.
Stage 4, my favourite. This one was the most technical with a very tight switch back root drop which required a dab to keep the bike pointing in the right direction and then pretty much downhill all the way with a drop and a few jumps (with chicken runs) thrown in before the finish.
Me and Nick head to head on this one with a 1.37 and Gwyn 2.29
Results
Nick finishing overall 50th and a top 10 finish in the Grand Vets with a 9th
Me with an overall of 54th and 22nd in the Vets
Gwyn with an overall 77th and an 11th in the Grand Vets
Not bad for the first time and with still something left in the tank for next time!
This was a very enjoyable day and a lot different to the racing I have previously done, the likes of the Big Dog and Erlestoke when you’re out on a lap at full pelt for an hour or more. This is set up so you’re riding all day with your friends and only timed on 4 individual stages which in my opinion could be ridden by any Experienced Redhill regular.
I love this race format, put me down for the next one!
Colin