Brass Monkeys Rd2 -Ash Ranges 28th Dec 2010

There are times when I wonder if what I think is a passion for cycling is actually an insane obsession. Tuesday morning was one of those moments. It was 8.30am and I was driving up a snow lined A3 in a thick, grey drizzle. Plus it was only 3 days after Christmas and like half the people I know, I wasn’t feeling that great.

Postie

It was the second round of the Brass Monkeys series at Ash Vale Ranges. The light rain was still trying to wash away the last of the snow as we set off for the 4 hour Enduro. (French) Dave, Ian and I started together as we splashed across the ranges at the start of the first lap. Only a few minutes in I heard the tell tale ‘pop’ of a bursting tyre just ahead. At the next corner I saw Ian examining a badly split tyre. Sadly that was the end of his day and he spent the rest of the day nursing his cold and offering encouragement (at least I think it was) as the rest of us circulated.

French Dave

Dave soon disappeared into the distance as I struggled on in the mud. After the first lap my rear brake pads had gone and the downhills were becoming as challenging as the tough climbs.

The course was a combination of muddy fire-road, slippery singletrack and a few stretches of icy slush! As the 2 hour racers joined us and more tyres churned the mud, the going got harder and harder. 

John D

I several times considered quitting on this insane obsession but I still found myself racing towards the line with the 4 hour deadline looming, desperately trying to extend the agony for another lap! I made it with a minute to spare and started a final leg-aching battle with cramp and the elements. Finally, after nearly 5 hours I found myself shoulder to shoulder with another 4 hour straggler and sprinting for the finishing line.

Gary

Dave had already got some groupie cleaning his bike and Ian packing the car for him, having finished a brilliant 6^th, a suitable reward after the disappointment of his DNF at the first round. I was amazed to find I had finished 12^th which made the day very worth while. 

Billy

There were plenty of other muddy smiling faces in the car park. Well done to James for a brilliant win and everyone else (Billy, Gary, Andy, Stephen and John) who dragged themselves out on a miserable day between Christmas and New Year. 

James

Now safely back home I’m already looking forward to round 3 in January! Passion or madness?

Ben

Happy New Year

Ben Connor

Brass Monkeys Rd2 -Ash Ranges

Just back, pure sweet hell, some pretty serious drop-offs and a lot of climbing.

Results.

2hr Male:-        Billy Turrell              26th    2hrs 29min 25secs  3 laps
                      Gary Brind               43rd    1hr 28mins 57secs  2 laps (mechanical)

2hr Male 40+   Andy Goodyer         18th    2hrs 27mins  58secs   3 laps
                      Stephen Turner        39th    1hr   58mins 16secs   2 laps

4hr Male          Ben Connor             12th    4hrs 50mins 12secs    6 laps

4hr Male 40+   James D'Arcy           1st    4hrs  09mins 09secs    6 laps
                       Dave Cleall              6th    4hrs  36mins 32secs    6 laps
                       John Davies            15th  4hrs  14mins  28secs    5 laps

James up 1 place on the podium

                  
Report to follow.

Xmas Ride 22nd Dec 2010

Brass Monkeys next Tuesday

Round 2 - Merida Brass Monkeys - Tuesday 28 December

After the Winter Warmer, it’s now time for the Christmas Cracker at Ash Common Ranges, Ash (nearest postcode GU12 5EU). Yes, a fun way to work off that Christmas excess and blow away the cobwebs! This is a great chance to ride in a very limited access live firing area, which will be much improved this year following last year’s forestry work curtailing the course. Brass Monkeys is run in conjunction with the Army and is supported by some amazing sponsors, headlined by Merida Bikes. There are 4, 2 and 1 hour age related time categories to choose from based on a 7 mile lap. Many of you have already gathered Series points, but there are plenty more up for grabs this time. There will be Podium presentations on the day plus double spot prizes so make sure you are there for prize giving.
This open heath land venue has all the features that we know you expect from us, like fast flowing single track interspersed with fire breaks. Brought to you by an experienced team with computerised chip race timing, in race live results screen, commentary, photographer, Merida stand and shop, Quaver catering, toilet block, water, bike wash and plenty of parking, and oh yes the heated marquee with live results screen for your supporters!
The event is nearly full, so if you want to enter, do so soon as there will be NO ENTRY ON THE DAY. As before, please bring your MBSA receipt of entry with you in case of any queries. There are plenty of vantage points with great views for safe spectating too if your family and friends want to cheer you on, plus a great pub (The Swan) close by. The pub is open all day from 9am to 11pm and will be serving food. The Swan is only a 200m walk from the venues main entrance.

Sunday Club Ride -12th Dec 2010

Peter and Martin

Climbing Sullington Hill

Still some snow hanging about!

The weather is still keeping numbers low on the Sunday ride and icy roads saw only the off-road group heading out. Deciding on the easiest way up we headed over to the Sullington climb to the SDW via Waterfall Cottage and Sullington Manor. With clear skies we had some great views to take in on the climb up to the SDW and then headed east across Barnsfarm Hill and down the tricky Highden Hill track to Parkfield Farm.
The conditions were begining to get a little sticky so we took the Windlesham House trail back to the firmer trails, so we thought. It was heavy going back up to the SDW, heading west we reached Springhead car park and then dropped down the gully to Clay Lane and back to the shop for nice warm cuppa.


http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59624678

December Shop Ride

Great turn out for this months shop ride, 15 riders climbed an icy Kithurst hill then onto the SDW heading east.
A rest stop at Chantry to regroup and then onto Sullington barn taking the right hand trail towards Long Furlong. Half way down swinging left down the Gun Club road across the A24. After a few mechanicals slowed us down a tad with temps hovering around freezing we were grateful of the long climb to the top of  Chanctonbury to warm us up to a bit. All together again and back on the SDW we dropped gingerly down to the Bostal and across Washington Common to Rydon school and back to the shop for a grateful meal from the chippie, thanks Martin. In all a great ride and no need to clean the bikes after as conditions were firm and pretty crunchy in places.

Regrouping at Chantry post

 Next shop night will be on 5th Jan

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59624699

Club Ride - 5th December 2010

Friday

Strange this climate of ours!  After 4 days of total chaos, roads impassable and double digit freezing temperatures, we woke Saturday morning to the sound of heavy rain and strong winds, open the curtains and barely any snow? Not complaining at least we can ride!

Sunday

A small group ventured out on a relaxed 12 mile loop up Chantry down to the gallops, back up to the SDW and dropping back into the village down the Springhead gully.Next week we will probably be under 3ft of water, see you then.






                                                             

Fun in the Steyning Snow Bowl

Paddy, myself (Gary) and a couple other guys from the regular Steyning Thursday crew, went out for one of the best rides this year. After climbing Lower/Upper horseshoe (which was easier than when it is wet) we descended through virgin knee high powder and carving S bends like on a snowboard. I had a great high speed crash right into a 4 foot snow drift and laughing all the way! On the Southdowns way it was hard to climb due to the snow, so it just ended up being a short 9 miler followed by far too many pints at the Chequers pub after. Perrrrfect night ride ! Thanks to Paddy for the pics;

Snowy Downs

Thought I would venture out today, rode up Chantry to the waterfall and across to Sullington church.
Then up Sullington to the barn, plenty of pushing and some photo stops until the camera gave up. Along the SDW to Chantry Post and down Kithurst to Greyfriars. Snow was up to my knees in some places but was able to ride about half of the 6 miles. The descent across Kithurst was a little tricky but keeping to the sledge lines I was able to get all the way done in one hit. Water also froze at the top where it was -4.

Anyone fancy a little excursion to ride La Marmotte? 3rd July 2011

What can one say? The Daddy of them all, the Doyenne of Cyclosportives, this is the star in the calendar, the most difficult one day event for amateur road cyclists in Europe.

The route traces a northerly course out from Le Bourg dOisans (the town at the bottom of lAlpe dHuez) over the Col de la Croix de Fer into the Maurienne valley, and then clockwise back to Bourg via the Col de Telegraphe and the 2,600m+ Col du Galibier (by its far harder northern side) - finishing with the ascent to the ski station at lAlpe dHuez.

For some reason very popular with Dutch riders, who seem to make up a large proportion of the foreign entry every year (where on earth do they train for this in the Netherlands?!). Not for the timid, it is a case of bon courage if you enter and chapeau if you finish. Anyone entering the elite of amateurs who have climbed 5000m in a day on a bike will be unlikely to forget the experience.

Climbing the Galibier

Marmotte 2010. 

After riding a couple of Etape du Tours that can be logistically impossible I'd always wanted to ride the Marmotte with it's circular Alpine route and Alpe d'huez finish. It's such a easy event to get to that we left on Friday morning and returned Sunday night and never felt rushed. The weather and scenery were amazing and the long weekend break was capped off with some fantastic chalet styled food and accomodation. The 174km route is one of the hardest on the sportive calender with over 16000ft of climbing but with some planning and preparation is an achievable goal for many. With a few water and food stops I 'rode' around in under 9 hrs which even at a steady pace is a long day in the saddle!

 

 

Alpe d'Huez

Around 7000 riders took part and although the roads are not closed the body of riders was always sufficient to make it feel as though the road was your own. The highest point of the route is the col de Galibiere at over 2600metres. The air is thin and the legs hurt but the views are breathtaking. This climb is rewarded with a 40km descent to the foot of the final climb to the line and was the highlight of my day with it's flowing sweeping corners and adrenaline fuelled speed. I struggled up the final climb to the top of the Alpe but was gratefull we were staying at the top as within half an hour of finishing I was showered and enjoying a beer. I'll definitely be back another year and can't recommend this event enough if you have ever felt like a challenge in the alps!

Steve C

The Story So Far Rd 1 Brass Monkeys

Porridgepot Hill was the venue change for rd1 usually home for the dusty , hot Are You Tough Enough Army Enduro in July but despite the sub-zero temps the course was actually faster with perma -frosted berms and drop offs this was going to be a quick course.

Ian

10.30 and the 4hr cats were off with high hopes for James and Ian , and despite a puncture James podiumed in 2nd and Ian with a bodyfull of nuuns in him to try and keep the cramp at bay came in 6th !

Damian

John had a brilliant 21st with no mechanicals which had haunted him most of the year .Damian had a very good 39th ! and poor French Dave suffering catastrophic poor prep only completing one fast lap , next time mate !

Matt

4hr male saw Mat put in a 23rd after saying he lost the plot on the penultimate lap , with Ben finishing just behind him.


2hr vets was the cat I was entered and even after a panic attack on our arrival on which I had found my shifters had frozen solid on Johns roof rack but easily cured with hot coffee poured over them. This was my first outing since August and my new medication and I was well pleased with a 16th place and I felt pretty good so look forward to improving in rd 2.

Paddy

Gary and Paddy both passed me in there 2hr male cats but later said they could have paced themselves better !

Gary

But a great effort lads and good turnout in very cold conditions. James sorry we didn't wait for your presentation hope you understand we needed warmth , I know there will be more opportunity's to see you podium !

Monkeys Rd1 Photos

Ian

Gary

Matt

Damian

James

James 2nd in 4hr 40+