Ok, so it’s been just over a month since the last post of this trilogy. Since then I have had two races, the first one, we all got decimated by the Welsh pro’s, including Kye Forte making the transition from BMX to Downhill. I ended up with a poor, 7th place, not too keen with that, and the second race – the weekend just gone, a healthy 2nd place, and a 1st overall in the Master category for the Woodland Riders Winter Series. To say that I am stoked is such an understatement!
For those of you that have read the prequel to this post, you will know that I am currently on a mission to improve my riding skill and speed for both racing and enjoyment. I was looking into organising a training day with Rich Thomas, and unfortunately I am still waiting for this to happen. However, what I have done since I last posted is purchase a well recommended book called ‘mastering mountain bike skills‘ by Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack.
Second race in to the Woodland Riders winter series, and another 3rd place. Good work…..or is it?
Coming away from the first race I was left feeling like I had cheated the system. With only four people in Masters, it was almost certain that I would be getting a into the top three. Now I could have just said that’s that, hoped that no other competitors joined us, and taken 3rd each race, or, I could make something of the existing competition, try to close the gap between 3rd and 1st place, and in the meantime try to catch my mates in Seniors and Veterans.
This is not trails, But it’s not road. But it is two men riding road bikes in a trials discipline way!? what is to come of this crazy riding!
This style of video was launched around 2 years ago by Martin Ashton, But this is a whole new level of
tri-oad! It will be interesting to see how many more of these videos pop up in the near future with road components begin built lighter and stronger they will be able to stand up to a little more abuse, But this is crazy levels of stress on all parts of this bike that aren’t meant to be put under stress!
Last weekend played host to the first of this years Woodland Rider’s winter series. This is a four part series and is currently the only race series down this way (Cornwall/Devon).
This year brought new aspects to racing for me. I am going to be 30 this year (yeah I know, ouch!) which means that I am now in Masters category, this is great news as I lose some of the close-knit competition from the Seniors.
Back in November last year, a few of us South West AR representers took a trip to Triscombe, in fact, we went up twice in as many weeks because it was so good.
This place is fantastic, end of! With at least 8 tracks there including the steep Brendog track (which isn’t actually his), and an amazing, friendly uplift service, it is probably one of the best places to go in the South West.
However…. it doesn’t all smell of roses. Triscombe is currently under threat because the council want to sell the land that is home to these downhill tracks.
If this goes ahead, you may never get to sample these great tracks. If you have already been then you’ll know that it is worth saving, if you haven’t, then you need to get there quick!
There is a petition already running to appose the council’s plans, if you could take a minute to sign up I am sure it would be appreciated by everyone that uses the facilities there.
So glad to see Akrigg back on his bike, he’s still got a way to go but by the looks of things he aint going to let anything stop him getting there. Enjoy
That’s right, a whole uplift trailer to the two of us! That also meant a whole hillside of dh tracks (including a Dragons and a National) to two riders!
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