The downhill course ran from the top of the quarry right down to the bottom of the hill. It started at the top of the black/red berms and ran down some grass banks (which proved to be very slippy on Sunday) It then dropped down a steep drop past the pump track. It dropped down the hill past the cattle grid and wound it's way through the trees, and back to the the track. During this time it was announced that Nick Craig and his son Tom had arrived to compete...
12 o clock came round and after a quick rider briefing, it was time to begin the Trails section of the racing. First was a hillclimb, I cleared it every time on practice, but failed on the run that counted, so that was one penalty point. Second was riding over a skinny log surrounded by a pond, a lot of people failed this, but I handled it well. Next up was the steps, Ride up 3 steps, then ride down them. Easy I know... But being on a race bike, the BB was low and I snapped 2 teeth off the big chainring, and also snakebit the tube. I quickly banged in a new tube, but this exploded. The wheel was thrown across the quarry in anger (winning me prizes for 'best strop :P) After fighting the tyre back onto the rim, with a new tube in, I set off for the forth Challenge, a ten second trackstand, on a small raised bit, it was quite a challenge as there was large amounts of pressure from the crowds that had gathered, but I succeeded and continued on to the fifth and final challenge, riding over the see-saw. There was a large cheer as a rode the see-saw with speed and popped a small wheelie off the end.
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| Hillclimb |
So after the trails I had picked up 1 penalty point which would give me a 1 minute penalty on the start of the XC on Sunday. 4oclock soon came round which meant it was time for the downhill race. As I was riding down the course I could hear people shouting 'come on bear' or 'go big bear bikes' which was a real boost. I finished the course in 2:44 which was 38 seconds behind the leader. This result meant I picked up 5 penalty points. I left the quarry that night in 80th position.
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| Downhill Drop |
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| Downhill course |
The bike got a quick wash when we landed home. Sunday morning came around very quickly and we loaded up the bikes and set off agin for Lee Quarry. The weather was slightly better today and I was really looking forward to the XC race as it is more my thing. We drove up into the bowl of the quarry and parked near the pump track, I quickly unloaded my bike and set off to practice the XC course. It included some of Lee quarrys toughest climbs, and the dreaded puncture alley. 12 o clock saw the start of the race, and 6 minutes later I set off, leading the pack of people with 6 penalty points (including Tom Craig) and held my lead untill the second touch climb where people were stood in my line, and Tom slipped past me. The race was now on, I had my target and began to reel him in. By the beginning of the second lap, I had caught him up, and now it was a battle, Tom would pull away on the climbs, but anything technical, i'd be on his back wheel. I tried a sneaky pass on a berm, but couldn't pull it off. Climbing into the bowl, I backed off to have a gel, so I could hit him hard on the 3rd lap, but Tom only had to complete 2 laps as he was in the junior category.
Overall it was a great weekend and will definitely be returning next year (but entering the correct category) And would recommend it to anyone who can ride a bike... Also a big thanks to my Dad for taking me to and from Lee Quarry and supporting me over the whole weekend, and for supplying me with the bike :)
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