Juice Lubes/O’Neal Downhill Round 4
This was my first race in both Wales and this series, so I was keen to see how
the tracks fared against the northern venues. It was a much larger category
for me this time with 16 entries so I was expecting to be up against some
good riding.
The track was fast with good flow and many features like rocks, roots, jumps,
drops, switchbacks etc. You name it, this track had it. The other good thing
about this track was that it was long – even the tractor uplift took about 10
minutes. At the top the weather was damp and windy with the bottom
section being dryer and looser. The track was amazing, my favourite track so
far in fact and with plenty of good lines to pick up on meaning I could
increase my speed a bit with each run.
The track was dryer on race day and the ground was fast but this track is so
much fun that after a couple of practise runs I didn’t have the usual pre‐race
jitters.
My first run wasn’t great but at least having the right kit means the only
thing it costs you is valuable time, still, I was feeling the pressure to do well
on my second run. I decided to go for it opting for some harder lines and
leaving the brakes alone as much as I dared ‐ I came away with 8th place.
No podium but I was happy with my result in a sizable category ‐ overall a
fantastic weekend, the event was really well organised.
Thanks again to the guys at Big Bear for their support, much appreciated!
