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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Gary |
Dave had already got some groupie cleaning his bike and Ian packing the car for him, having finished a brilliant 6th, a suitable reward after the disappointment of his DNF at the first round. I was amazed to find I had finished 12th which made the day very worth while.
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| 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.
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| James |
Now safely back home I’m already looking forward to round 3 in January! Passion or madness?
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| Ben |
Ben Connor
Healthy obsession someone I once rode with said although he never did off road in the winter. Looking at the pics and description of the events you guys do maybe you are right ! Respect though.
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