To have categories or not to have categories ?

After the success of the opening round of 661 Mini DH Ladies class, with 27 ladies racing.  The question has been asked of whether there should be age categories in Women’s DH racing.

Sunday’s race was split into 2 categories, a Pro-Am and ‘Open’ class, unfortunately no guidance was given on what a Pro Am rider was so only 2 entered this category but hopefully more guidance will be given prior to next year’s round.  This category gave the everyday riders a fair chance against the highly skilled semi pros that come to enjoy the excellent atmosphere.   And the top 3 overall women were given the Pro Am honours with the next 3 highest placed females getting the Open prizes. 

However with our numbers on the increase and by way of encouraging more, is it time to have age categories in Women DH racing?

To some it may seem an easy yes / no answer, but it isn’t.  For example, if there had only been 1 entry in the Pro Am class there was nothing stopping me entering and even thought I came 2^nd to last overall in the ladies, I would have got podium!  In the horse world that I come from we’d refer to that as ‘pot collecting’ the strategic entry to gain a prize.

Then there’s the issue of age categories, if women are divided into age categories like the men from the last race the numbers would of been:

5 Vets, 9 Masters, 8 Seniors, 5 under 18’s.  Is a race with only 5 in a class as much competition as a race with 27 in a class?

I will admit to being totally torn on whether to split the ladies and if so how.  So I thought I’d blog to explore MY feelings on the subject.

Tainted Victory

So if we had age categories I’d have come 9^th out of 9, rather than 23^rd out of 24.  What is the better victory, a top 10 place or knowing I’d not been last? 

No-one wants to get a podium by default.   In DH podiums are hard fought in the men’s categories, with 10^th of seconds deciding who comes first or last.  Getting placed is about pushing yourself to the limits not simply turning up and clocking a time on the day.  If age categories were introduced to the women’s race without sufficient numbers this could happened.

If you hold a BC racing licence then your placing in a DH race accrues you points towards a national ranking.  The more points the higher your national ranked.  With smaller classes more women at these events would get the higher point’s associated/awarded to top 10 positions, giving them advantage over other less well attended races (if I’ve got the points system wrong please correct me, I don’t have a licence so not clear on this).

Competition to improve competition.

If there were smaller age categories then this could result in less competitive classes.  Rather than ladies fighting for every second it’s easy to sometimes put in only the effort needed to win.  If for example in the masters, only me and another much faster rider had entered, knowing I’m pretty slow is the other rider going to take the same risks as they would if there were other faster riders.  Also running in small classes at locals will not prepare people for riding in larger classes at Nationals and International events.    

Mental outlook and racing

As we get older our outlook changes, I for one know mine has.  I now have a job where I’m relied upon and part of my income comes from self employed work where if I’m ill I simply don’t get paid or could be sued for breach of contract! This is in my head and sometimes I find myself not taking the risks needed to decrease my times as I can’t afford what will happen if things go wrong.  When I was younger I was so much more carefree, if I didn’t get to work I was replaceable, and I didn’t have a mortgage.  If I couldn’t pay my bills I could try battering my eye lids at mum and Dad and hope they’d bail me out (not that I ever did that).  I simply didn’t have the responsibility which plays on my conscience now.

Physical difference.

As I’m getting older I’m noticing not only do I not bounce like I used to, but it’s harder to maintain fitness & strength and takes longer to recover.  Back in 2000 when I came 3^rd in a 50km MTB marathon, I’d worked until 2am the night before and still managed to put a great performance on the bike the next day.  Now, midnights about the latest I can manage whilst still resembling a human the next day.  OK so if I’m racing I’d not be looking at partying prior, but it shows the changes that happen as we mature.  This year when I damaged my shoulder in an ‘off’ in the 6 weeks recovery all the fitness I’d built up over the summer left, and I’m still trying to build it back up now in Nov.  I burn out quicker, when I used to get tired it would happen over a period of time, now it’s like a switch going from energy to no energy.  Documented differences in sport performance as we get older are well documentated so is it fair that I race against people at their physical peak age wise.

The same can be said for the younger girls, junior females race in the open ladies cat, if is fair that girls who’s bodies aren’t fully developed are pitched against mature adults.

Why Split?

With the normal women’s category at races, many entrants are chasing shadows.  On my 2^nd ever DH races I competed against Tracey Mosley, now she’s a lovely person and is friendly and supportive.  But she’s also amazing on a bike and at a skill level I could only dream of obtaining.  I doubt that some of the guys would have wanted to be racing against her.  But I did! It was however a pretty much given that Tracey would win, and with the performance she put in she deserved it, riding a trail bike with back pack J.  But is it fair that I compete against such talented and experienced riders, Tracey was a guy she would of been put in the Elite / pro category, but as us women race in 1 class we don’t have that advantage, categories would give women the same level playing field as the guys. 

How to split?
Why split on age? And why do we need to have a podium if we do?

Could we not celebrate our differences without diluting the race, we do change as we get older it’s a fact, but then those racing want to race others and win fairly.

So here are a few options that might work 

Option 1

Run races categories on experience and performance, for example

Novice = Riders who have never been top 3 at any DH race

Open = Riders who have been podium more than once at a local level (National B) event.

Intermediate = Riders who hold a BC license with more than 200 points, race at National Level.

Pro – Am = Riders who have raced at national Level and achieve podium place.  Riders who race at international Level.  Any rider who feels their experience or achievements places them in this category.   

Of course these cats would need more details this is just a guideline, sponsorship would not dictate what category a rider was placed in to promote investment in the sport.

Option 2

Keep the official class as it currently is, with the ProAm and ‘Open’ category and award BC points in line with this, but give out awards to the best placed in each separate age category, this doesn’t involve a podium, not 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd with a cup.  Just a pair of socks or a beanie to each best in their age group.

Option 3

A handicap system similar to the horse racing world.  Rather than using weights add or subtract seconds based on age.  So race us in 1 category but equal the field through time difference.  With smaller classes this could even be used to incorporate the pro-ams!

This is just my ranting on the subject, but with more women racing and over a broad age/ability range I can see the question being raised more over the coming years.   

Manning up and moving on

661 Ladies Category

Last year I didn't enter the first round of the 661 Mini DH at the Forest of Dean, partly because I never intended to race in the winter (wet slippy tracks, slippy roots, risk of getting snowed in at home) I had a whole list of excuses.  But my main one was because I'd been warned that the race was on Ski Run.

It's not that the track is mega hard, I just had a hang up with it. I'd tried to ride it and couldn't, after that I'd simply avoided the track.  It needs some level of commitment to get down and that's something I really lack on a bike.

Roll forward to this year and it was time I manned up and I had another go down the track and to my surprise found it to be OK,  so there was no excuse for me not to enter the winter 661 Mini Series this year.

My relationship with Ski run is rather hit and miss, I either get down fine and love it, or hold on for grim death, off balance and petrified.  In direct correlation to this are my feelings of racing on it, part of me wanted to as it represented an  improvement in my riding, the other part was petrified as Ski Run with added race nerves could be a match made in hell. 

So I had mixed feelings when the track was announced as Ski Run, as the race chatter built up during the week I was carried away by everyone's excitement just that one nagging fear of my hit & miss reputation on Ski Run. 

Saturday practice started with a track walk with Katy Curd, looking at lines with her laid back and confident nature is a real cure for pre race nerves.  Then it was time to get on the bikes, Ski run track was already busy so I headed off to another track to warm my muscles and get focus, before heading over to Ski Run.  I have to say how happy I was with practice, having now done a few Forest of Dean Races people have got to know me and give me some time to ride down rather than setting off after me (very grateful for this guys).  My first runs were terrible, nerves taking over and flow totally lacking, but the more I rode the more relaxed I got.  I had no massive hang ups by the end of the day other than not knowing what lines would be open race day (track wasn't fully taped on Saturday).

After a fun night in at a local pub, and breakfast cooked by Lindsey Hanley, we all rolled out to FOD for race day.  I was feeling a lot more relaxed than normal, I think the bacon butty had helped.  However when I started heading up the hill nerves hit, I simply didn't want to ride. I thought about going to warm up on another track but as I neared the top I wondered if that was a good idea, I was avoiding the problem not tackling it and with some lines taped in that I'd not really ridden I did need to practice. 

I simply rolled down on my first run, missing all my lines and not making a turn. I was livid with myself, I'd was confident and happy the day before so why the shaking wimp riding today.  After a stern talk to myself I pushed up and this time rolled down slower but focusing on what I was doing not what I was feeling... it worked I hit the lines I wanted and made the turn.  My next few runs were aimed at increasing the speed and still hitting the lines, until I decided to do a run on to the forest road, I washed out on some roots, the back end totally slipping out, as I dropped down the chute slightly sideways. I was too scared to scream or swear.  Walking back up to look at what happened, the roots were now looking nice and polished, as several bikes went over I witnessed wheels sliding and some recovered some didn't.  At my slower speeds I didn't have a hope, the lack of forward momentum meant that my bike didn't straighten before the steep drop onto the forestry.  This is were DH comes into it's owe, you see next to the roots was an older established line, of a couple of roots then a rock step, riding up to it, it looked less inviting than the smooth level roots to the side, but for me it could work.  I watched, studied and worked out what I'd need to aim for to make the line and pushed up.  My first run was entertaining, I looked for the features that would line me up and aimed for them, I felt the suspension move as my front wheel pumped over the roots, then it dropped away to make the step, the rear naturally followed and before I knew it I was heading down the chute to the road, with a small collective of expletive's and a cheer from below.  The line worked, no slipping, it was grippy the whole way through and felt more natural for me to hit than the roots.

Now I'd got my main lines sorted it was race time...

I'd not got time to do a complete ride to the bottom but knew that part of the track pretty well (I thought) so was happy.  My target time was 2mins 22 seconds, the time Hannah had done at her first race on Ski run (and her first ever DH race)

My first race run was pretty uneventful, I was short on a couple of my lines meaning I had to brake excessively to make corners.  I had a lovely skid on the forestry road as I was going faster than my practice runs (according to my Hubby it looked impressive). The step down areas felt pretty OK and the run down felt pretty confident and good.  As I crossed the finish line I listened for my time 2:19. I was dead chuffed 3 seconds below my target.  My challenge was set for run 2 as 2:15.

So after cheering on friends, a can of coke and enjoying the atmosphere, I was back up the top and looking forward to run 2. 





As per normal I elected to go last, and as our numbers dwindled at the start I felt more focused than previously.  As the beeps dropped I was off, this time I pretty much hit all my lines up top, but elected to miss one as I could see the ground had changed and didn't trust it, this meant over braking to make a turn (seconds lost, but not as many as if I'd come off) I hit my line to the right of the roots perfectly and therefore had plenty of time to modulate my speed for the drop onto the forestry, impressed with myself for not swearing this time, however I over braked on the forestry road to make the line as I dropped down the track (mistake 2, again lost seconds) as I cycled down I hit a new line that had appeared during the race, but looked at the surface and over brake as I came onto it rather than trusting the bike to grip (yep more lost seconds), as I cleared this section I knew I'd lost time so pedalled as I crossed the timing split.  Then dropping down to some roots I hated but did my best to look forward and not brake, clearing the roots, I over braked for a berm (even more lost seconds) and tried to pedal, that when I realised my total lack of fitness had kicked in, as I pedalled for the first jump my legs felt like lead, I rolled the first jump, dropping a gear as I went to ease the tiredness, lifting off ground of the last tabletop, and pushing into the berms I found my thigh muscles on fire as I pretty much limped over the finish spent of all energy.. My time however made me shriek in joy 2:12 Yes! 3 seconds below my target.

I am annoyed with myself, I know I could of gone faster.  Firstly if I'd walked the track race morning I'd have seen the new line that developed and practiced it.   My fitness let me down, but most of all my confidence.  I can ride the tracks, I didn't even have a 'oh crap' moment, in my first race run I got down without any issues, so why the hell can't I let go of the brakes a bit more.  So for my next race prep it's fitness training, and working on my speed. 

If your interested in having a go at Down Hill racing, I'd highly recommend the 661 Mini DH, for more information visit their website here

For information on coaching with Katy Curd, who kindly shared her expertise with us on Saturday Click Here

A Reluctant Year

September was an Anniversary for me!

It was a year since I entered my first DH race and became a reluctant downhiller, and with the start of the Forest of Dean Mini DH 2013-14 series looming my life down hill has come full circle. So I thought I'd be all reflective and write a blog.

I still remember my first DH race like it was yesterday, the nerves and perpetual feeling of wanting to vomit, the sleepless nights and dreams of crashing...  And that was before I got on the bike!

So what made me do this, if you ever see me before a race you'd wonder how I ever survived a weekend let alone a year.  But I have and what a year it is been, I'm not sure if there are words to describe the highs that come with DH racing, and although the biking may be predominately going down, the emotion linked to this sport rarely head in that direction.

Firstly the racing for me is only a fraction of why I've continued with this sport, for me it's been all about the people I've met, who have supported me, advised me, become friends and make DH'ing the amazing sport it is.  I won't name and shame them on here, they all know who they are, I love you all for the help, friendship, advice and encouragement given. 

I can't deny it, I'm still pretty useless on a bike if you compare me to my peers in the sport.  It's only been since September, this year, that I've started properly jumping the DH bike and enjoying my wheels leaving the ground.  I still get scared and I still scream and swear my way down a track, but I don't think that will ever change.  Much to my embarrassment I was referred to at my last race as 'Ms Potty Mouth' by the organisers.  My riding has however improved 10 fold, I've just had 2 days of DH riding where I felt my riding was terrible (fighting the bike, no flow, over braking), but looking back on a bad day this year I rode down a track that last year I was too scared to try!  I'm also pushing myself, I'm looking for the more technical lines, I'm trying different techniques over sections too see what works best for me.  Last year when I looked at a track I'd always look for the easiest way down, now I look for the best way to suit my riding style.  I'm also keen to try different tracks, and have even entered races on tracks I've never seen, this is a massive step for me as at the time of entering I didn't know if I could get down.

My year has also seen me become a Loeka Girl.  I brought some Loeka kit off CRC in a sale in 2011, I'll admit I brought the shorts because they were cheap, in my size and looked OK.  When they arrived I was really pleased they looked better than the picture and after a week riding in the Alps I was so impressed I brought another pair and a top.  So when I saw the company asking for riders to support I applied, not thinking I'd get anywhere, you can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail asking me if I wanted to join the Loeka Girls.  I'm honoured to be representing Loeka, their products are brill, those shorts I brought back in 2011 still look brand new after a wash.  Being a Loeka Girl has enabled me to meet other riders in different disciplines of MTB'ing that I'd otherwise of not met.  I'd also say that by Loeka having faith in me has helped push me when times have been hard and given me the confidence to keep going.

I'm still bashing around on the old faithfull Santa Cruz Super 8, AKA Granddad.  He had a new lease of life with the fitting of a new DHX5 rear shock this September.  I can't believe the difference this has made, it's like having a new DH bike.  This old bike is proof that you don't need all the newest gear to race DH, he'll be 15 years old next year and yes he will be celebrating.  At races he regularly gets recognised, with many people coming over to see what was their 'dream bike' from their youth.      

So my years stats are:

6 DH races
1 injury
6 weeks recovery
and one hell of a lot of bruises
Shockingly no punctures!
countless hissy fits
A lot of swearing ( this is improving )
Meeting and befriending some of the most amazing people ever...

Would I recommend Downhill Mountain Biking to everyone - Hell Yes
Am I still a Reluctant Downhiller - Yes when I'm sat at the top of a track, but when I get down I love it...

Awesome Antur Stiniog

Antur Stiniog opened in July 2012 just after we came back from Morzine, and Darrel and I have been keen to go since, but for one reason or another never got there.

So after a fellow FB diva posted that she was going on the 29th September, we used that as an excuse.  Against my advice of, wait till after Taff Buggy to book, the morning of the race Darrel booked our uplifts.  In hindsight it was a good decision as the uplift sold out by the following day, but the pressure was on for me not to crash on my race runs.

Following the race, it was a couple of days R&R, an XC ride then getting excited about Antur.

Now I'd been disappointed (my own fault) by Bike Park Wales, but Antur Stiniog had no identity issues, its a Down Hill venue, 4 trails; A Blue - Drafft, Red - Wild Cart, Black - Black Powder, and the double black - Y Du.  This doesn't sound much but trust me it was.

We got there at 10 and sign on was a simple affair, with Darrel joking about them not having a no swearing rule YET!  Once the bikes were unloaded, body armor fitted it was a a very short stroll to the uplift, and a surprisingly short (by my uplift experience) bus ride we were being dropped off at the top.  My game plan was to have fun and not push myself, having done that to the extreme the week before so I was starting easy and moving on once I felt comfortable with my riding.  Darrel was also happy to hit the blue with me so we parted to the left to the start of the red and blue trails (the 2 blacks having a different starting point).  We rolled down the trail and learned pretty quickly that everything was rollable, if a feature was a bit more technical there was generally a rollable bit to the side.  The trails had a lovely alpine feel to them with views over the valley.  

I spent my first 3 runs playing on the Blue, Darrel had got a puncture so I had fun trying to hit the trail faster and with more flow.  Once Darrel had fixed his puncture, we hit the red it's a nice step up from the blue, not massively harder but definitely a step up.  A couple of sections I got off and looked at to get my line before rolling them, it wasn't that they were hard, more that the approaches were blind.  On the blue track line choice is rollable drop or track, the red step up was that the other option needed to be popped, so I didn't want to hit that line by mistake.  I got down brimming with confidence and keen to show Darrel how practice had paid off on the blue.

A run up to the top and Darrel followed me down the Blue, and to my surprise he came off :) now I shouldn't smile but for the 13 years we've been together he's never followed me down a track and come off.

So here is the video of this momentous occasions

Lunch was a patch up Darrel's grazed elbow and a chat with Sarah and Co, who's kindly invite had finally got us there.  Then back on the bus to repeat the mornings fun.

Darrel joined the others on the Blacks while I stuck to the Blue and Red keeping relaxed and pushing myself to go faster.  Antur seems great for this, it's the first time I've ever found myself really trying to hit jumps and pop off drops and after a few runs I was confidently getting my wheels off the ground, and not taking the easy lines.  I lines I'd had to look at on the red in the morning I was trusting my judgement over and using my brakes less each run.

OK I only stuck to the easier tracks, but without and pressure I was doing what biking is all about, having fun with great company.  I really loved Antur, the whole vibe was nice and relaxed, the trails are amazing, long and rough.  Darrel's verdict on the Black was; awesome gnarly DH!  I'll give my verdict on them when I go back because I'm definitely going there again.

I didn't video much, so here's an edit of my very tired final run down the Blue...

 

And a few pictures kindly Taken by Neil, please note wheels OFF the ground...

 

 

 

 

 

Bike Park Wales - My Review

This Sunday I had my first chance to ride Bike Park Wales, so I thought I'd pass on my thoughts and experience.
There has been a lot of buzz over this development, from rumours of ski lifts, a European Style Bike Park within the UK,  to stories of the Old Dragon DH days, one thing was obvious a lot of people were waiting for this new centre to open.
As Darrel and I drove to Cardiff we could look up on the hill and see the tracks start to weave their way down.  As I've just made the change to  DH having a facility like Bike Park Wales only 1 hour from home was really exciting, it would be somewhere I could go and practice after work.  As although based slap bang in the middle of Wales, there aren't many open DH tracks near us.
My impression from the internet hype was that Bike Park Wales was going to be a DH centre, and yes all the tracks do go Downhill and there is an uplift.  But that's were the similarities end.  I'm gutted I'd never read this article prior to going.
http://www.chopmtb.com/2013/01/14/check-out-the-plans-for-bikepark-wales-its-like-a-whistler-for-trail-riders/
It's basically a trail Centre were the emphasis is on going down, not up. 
Not having read this information prior to going, we packed the DH bikes, Full face lids and body armour (mistake 1).  I was hoping for trails that would test my nerve, with tricky sections I could practice technique on and really push myself to my limits.  So as we loaded the bikes on to the uplift we decided to start on the Red and warm up before hitting the Expert level Blacks.  The red we choose was Wibbly Wobbly, a lovely track which in the open had some great rock steps to practice dropping off and, the section in the woods was pretty much straight forward surfaced trail.  Fun but not the heart stopping red I had been expecting.  We hit the first forestry road crossing decided to push up for another run down one of the blacks.
This is were we hit mistake 2, Bike Park Wales is really not designed for pushing up, it was a killer for me.  My shoulder is still not fully healed so pushing on steep slippery ground was hard work at best, with no push up trail it was a case of up the edge of the live tracks. 
Once up top I was keen to try the Black trail called Dai Hard, again I set off slowly to scope the track out, with each pedal stroke I looked for where the track was going to start to plummet down only to see it gently glide down the hill, then the hard-core surface stopped and so did most of the riders up ahead, the track was slippy mud and many of the people on XC bikes seemed to lose direction.  Now the track wasn't difficult just slippy and on my run I ended up stopping and finding it hard to get going but nothing a second run wouldn't have sorted out, but that was my problem.  At no point did I feel the stomach clenching fear, my heart didn't jump into my mouth and my body didn't go ridged with fear.  I just slipped my way down, even missing the chicken line around the 'road gap' and rolling this feature instead.  This was not my idea of a DH black and this is were I wish I had read the above article.  We followed the red 'rim dinger' back down to the uplift stop, and yet again a fun but XC/trail centre trail, I felt very much over biked on the old Super 8. 
After a stop for lunch it was back to the uplift, as we were just paying by run, we had to wait 30mins for an available bus, and luckily got one just be for the rain hit, and the shower had pretty much passed for our run down the other black graded 'Enter the Dragon' this had to be my favourite trail of the day, we even pushed back up for a 2nd run, big berms and a nice gradient down, my only concern was a wall drop, definitely not roll able but with no warning, a poor trail rider had met his demise there, this was obvious from the abandoned trail bikes at the feature and the ambulance at the end of the trail. After our second run, I couldn't cope with any more pushing so we took one of the other blacks back down, yet again a nice trail but definitely overkill on a DH bike.  Back at the van we changed and loaded up our bikes feeling disappointed.
Here is why.
My only experience of Bike Parks is the likes of Les Gets and Chatel, these are designed for DH bikes, I'd assumed Bike Park Wales was as well.  I'd selectively and subconsciously  read articles that re-enforced this assumption, quotes like ' in 2018 we'll have a facility that can run a world cup event', and the fact that the Welsh National DH Championships are running there to me gave me the impression that it would be DH orientated, especially as the BDS is running there next year and their other tracks scare me.  Bike Park Wales isn't a DH centre, it's a trail centre, designed to give trail riders the DH experience.   
It's a great centre and an amazing facility, but it's not the DH centre I had wished for.  I will definitely be going back, I'm sure at some point the pure DH tracks will appear, and the trails there are fun but not the heart stopping fear inducing trails I'm starting to love.  BPW will be a great venue for fitness training, as 8min DH tracks with uplift are rare in Wales, and for improving my speed I think the place will rock.  But for improving my technical ability I will be returning to Hopton, it's free and the roots scare the hell out of me.

Taff Buggy - The race

RACE DAY

(Read here for my practice report)

Practice had left me tired and I was shocked when I woke up having slept through to 6:40, a miracle by my DH racing standards of 5PM starts. 

Excited nervousness was the best way to describe my emotions.  I knew I could clear the track, the weather if anything was better than practice and the venue had a great atmosphere.  Once the bikes were unloaded and kit was on, I took my time chatting to Lauren at the vans to clam myself down before a relaxed run down the hill, Lauren kindly offered to follow me to make sure I was OK and as I cleared the bits I'd had problems on yesterday my confidence was high for the race run.  As 1:27 approached friends turned up to watch and the atmosphere was electric.

I was my normal bag of shaking nerves on the start, as soon as I pulled my lid down I wanted to vomit, I was shaking as the beeps counted down, the lights flashed and  I was off, all be it slowly.  As I worked my way down the top section I took it slowly telling myself it was simply a timed ride but my mind was on the chute and rock garden.  Granddad didn't help by spitting his chain come off at the front on a rough section and as I passed Darrel and Mark, I was manically pushing gears and trying to pedal to recover it.  I came into the chute and turned in the wrong place missing my marker, and as the bike slid down I felt the back come out and shift sideways, I steered into it, letting go of the brakes and pushing the bike to the right with my leg.  A miracle happen, the bike responded to my actions and as I exited the chute straightened out, all that was left was the rock garden, I slowed my speed looking for my markers this time and rolled onto the causeway, keeping my heels down.  I heard a familiar voice yelling encouragement,  I tried to work out how the hell Hannah had made it up to the garden to cheer me on, as I relaxed for the final part of the track, finishing to cheers from Lauren and Louise.  I ran to check my time, my aim had been 4:30, so was elated at the 4:15 on the screen. 

My elation was however short lived as it became clear that Hannah had not made it down, having come off at the rock garden.  We all pestered the marshals to see what had happened and to make sure she was OK, we're a close knit group us female DH'rs and don't like to see each other get hurt.

Hannah appear rolling down the hill, unhappy about her off and that she'd aggravated her hand she knocked yesterday.  We tried to pick up her mood as we took the tractor back up, Louise's shifter was broken so as we only had a few minutes before race run 2 the organisers sent the Hard Tail class down infront of us to give us the time for much needed repairs.  The it was off again.

My 2nd race runs is normally my best, and although I was still very steady up on the top, and gain Granddad spat his chain off when I needed it, I settled into the race and was looking forward to the chute and aiming to nail the rock garden for a second time.  

As I approached the Chute, Darrel was stood at the top yelling encouragement as I hit my markers and let go of the brakes, keeping off them as I crossed the field at the bottom

 

With just the dreaded rock garden left I steadies my bike and lined it up on the first rock, releasing the brakes and letting the bike do it's job as I flowed down the mud covered slabs, and cleared the last still on the bike.  I was pretty much home safe, letting go of the brakes and event whooping in joy as my bike took to the air over one of the jumps, and as I made the final turn and headed down to the finish I could her the other girls yelling. 

 

My time 4:08, OK slow by the others standards but a good 7 seconds off my previous run and a really enjoyable event. 

 

I've got a long way to go before my speeds get near the other competitors, but with each race I do feel I'm improving and I have such a great time, scaring myself to death.

 

Massive thanks to:

 

MIJ Events: for putting up with me at their races, my language is terrible.

 

Loeka: for my comfortable shorts and top,  great whatever the weather

 

 

 



Taff Buggy - Practice

Monday morning has come and passed, I'm crashed out on the sofa trying to feel 'human' and summon the energy to go for a relaxing ride on my horse. 

But the energy isn't there and everything hurts in varying degrees when I move, in fact I don't need to move as my chest feels tight when I breathe, and my throats is a little on the sore side.  This sounds like a moan but honestly is isn't.  I've got that odd feeling that is becoming somewhat familiar to me, the one of feeling like hell but contented and happy about it. 

Now the reason I feel this way is because I raced, my first one since I damaged my shoulder at Llangollen, and what a cracking weekend it was. 

It started off manically and didn't stop until Sunday evening, the whirlwind DH legend that is Hannah Escott started off proceedings with a Friday afternoon dash to Hereford to pick her up, tea and board games (yep, us extreme sports people know how to party), Saturday morning was the normal half asleep loading gear into the van and driving to Taff Buggy, non of us had been and I wasn't sure what to expect.  I'd watched videos on youtube but they never do a course justice and this was very true of Taff Buggy.

It's a lovely place, a proper south wales hill farm with views over the industrialised and densely packed A470 corridor, yet seemingly other worldly.  The race epée centre is at the top of the course, which seems odd for a DH race as most have the hub around the finish, how ever it works really well. 

The course was great, started with a gentle slope down start field with the track weaving over a old hedge line then through a gate and the first of many options kicked in. Every drop had a roll-able line, and there was plenty of options for line choice (with a few exceptions of course), the lower section of the course was great, a fast flowy finish through bracken lined berms and jumps to the finish and uplift pick up.  The course was great for me with bits to test my nerve and bits to force me to let go of the brakes and bits that just made me smile. 

However it didn't start that well, race nerves properly kicked in at 3:20am on Saturday morning, at the venue I got on my bike and was so tense, my body was ridged and I simply didn't let the bike move under me, every muscle was locked.. My first ride down was terrible with me getting Darrel to carry the bike down one section and not being able to ride the rock garden I limped down to the uplift.  Back up the top Lauren kindly offered to lead me down, but I was just so stiff, the suspension on the bike was trying to work but my leg muscles seemed to fight it and block it moving, Hannah suggested I session a smaller section, which helped me physically relax but the mental block was properly down.  The big sticking point for me was the rock garden, it's not that big and the rocks were surprisingly grippy in the morning but I couldn't see a line and every time I tried to ride it I slammed on the brakes or put my foot down.  I watched riders (that normally helps) but couldn't get it.  I got angry with me, Darrel (who was on ground helping) got frustrated with me... I ended up riding down the rest of the track in dismay. I was tired from being tense, emotional from my lack of confidence and I'd fallen off more times than I could remember.

Up the top again, Hannah came over to see how I was getting on, it was now 2:30 and I was running out of time to nail the track.  Hannah is the most upbeat person ever and simply said, follow me.  I tagged on and as I weaved slowly and in dismay behind her I approached the first technical bit and with massive encouragement from EVERYONE, I let go of the brakes and rolled to the bottom, it felt so good to ride down it, I jumped off my bike lying on the grass nearly crying with joy, all that remained was the darn rock garden, so with my confidence creeping back up I followed Hannah downwards.  At the top Hannah, as promised, rolled it as slowly as possible, then stopped at the bottom shouting at me, Darrel was at the top encouraging me and as I rolled in I stopped on the top rock, paused, let go of the brakes and was off... heart in mouth, mouth swearing and cursing as the bike bounced and pedal hit granite.  But I survived and after a small celebration I followed Hannah to the uplift, getting the star treatment of a lift in the Tractor cab rather than trailer.


The next practice runs were great, I felt my confidence building, even an off after the chute didn't bother me, it was a silly off and caused more from my tiredness than ability.  My tenseness lifted and I was moving with the bike not fighting it.  I finished on a high...    

 

Watch this Taff Buggy Video by Alex Cottam

 

 

Shrink it and Pink It

I had an argument with a total stranger (male) recently over women's bodies - all because I made the mistake of saying Women's Specific Bikes are marketing.

Now, I can be an argumentative cow, especially when I get the bit between my teeth.  Women's anatomy is something as a woman I have an interest in and some knowledge based on personal experience.  Being told by a male that I needed a different bike because mine was the wrong build for me having spent months looking for the perfect trail bike was a little insulting.

On my quest for my perfect bike I was told by one sales person that the WSD Cube he was trying to sell me came with 10mm less travel on the rear than the men's bike because women being lighter in weight need less travel.  Now I'm no skinny Minnie and some of my male friends weigh considerably less than me, so how does this make sense...

Then there's my personal favourite 'Women have Longer Legs to Body Ratio', as I'm sure most women who have gone to buy a bike at some point have been told this by bike shops, and it's splattered all over the web.  There are however many studies that show this isn't true,  linky at the bottom of the page if you want to look into this in more depth.  But the fact of the matter is Women are just in general shorter, no amazing extra long legs or short torso, females are as a sex just shorter (OK there is the odd long legged exception to the rule).  I admit I used to wear 4" heels and bootleg jeans all the time to cover up the fact I'm really a 5'1" short arse, which would of made my legs look considerable longer than my body, but it was fake, an optical illusion, bit like push up bras and spanks. 

Now I'm not anti WSD bikes, what I don't like about them is the 'impression' that manufactures give that they are something special and then charge a premium for it.  Some bike shops don't help this, by using perception rather than fact, they limit women customers to a range of bikes that might not meet their needs or requirements. 

If I'd gone down the women's specific route for my trail bike my only option at the time was an Orange 5 Diva.  A lovely bike but not really what I wanted in a bike.  If I'd gone down the women's specific route for a DH bike, I'd not be riding DH!

Is the perception of WSD bikes part of the reason females are such a minority in mountain biking in general? 

WSD bikes all seem at the lower to middle level of mountain biking, and I wonder if it's because women who ride regularly and are in the know will buy a bike on it's ride-ability not on marketing.  Looking at the top female mountain bikers I have met and the bikes they are riding, none are on WSD designs even those sponsored by the leading WSD manufactures.  My female mtb friends all have unisex (AKA Men's ) bikes, we just added our own touches here and there.  

So bike manufactures, don't aim for women, badly, aim for everyone inclusively. 

If your a female looking to buy a bike, don't rule out WSD but don't limit yourself to them.  Bikes are like people they come in all shapes, sizes and geometry.  What's more important that the stickers on the side is how you feel on it.  I'd recommend demo days, a 5 minute ride round a flat car park isn't enough to tell how the bike will handle on a steep technical trail.  I've kissed many frogs in search of trail bike perfection.  My perfect bike is an apparently imperfect, designed for men Yeti ASR 5, in extra small, however on this bike I have competed in XC races, Downhill Races and a road Time Trial (more on that later).  For a bike that doesn't fit, my riding has come on leaps and bounds since buying the little lady, now all I need to do is find the same biking imperfection of a Downhill variety...  

My Beloved ASR5, Shrink'd - YES, Pinked  - HELL YES, WSD - definitely NOT

Link to one of the many article on women's leg length myth.... Bike shop sales persons please note.
http://www.femininebeauty.info/f/leg.length.polish.pdf

Darn Shoulder, anyone got a spare

So I fell off my bike.... 

The bad:

1 cm separation of the AC joint, and a lot of bruising to the bone (I never knew bones bleed)

The Good:

A miracle happened, no lasting ligament damage, apparently this is very rare with such a large separation (AC joint is normally 1-3 mm gap).

I didn't hurt anything else.

The Recovery
I'm writing this for anyone else who has an off, and to remind myself what to do.

Week 1 - 2

I knew I'd had a proper bash on route down the hill, the next day it really hurt, I knew I'd not broken the collarbone but something wasn't right and my shoulder was stuck up by my ear. X-rays and a trip to Hereford confirmed my suspicions, I'd moved my collarbone, with a AC joint separation (what ever that is) and my bones had bled from the impact.

I was give a sling to support my injured arm, and told to keep my arm rested for 2 weeks, no biking for 6 weeks, I pulled a very sad face, said '6 WEEKS' Dr relented and said maybe 4 if I was good.  I wasn't going to listen to this and nearly took my arm out of the sling until a friend showed me his deformed AC joint, he'd not taken the advice.  So the sling remained in place for the 2 weeks. 

During week one, wearing a bra was out of the question, anything touching the top of my shoulder hurt, so halter neck bikinis and baggy tops it was.  Also I realised how 90% of my wardrobe is made up of tops that you pull on, so I think I spent the first week in about 3 different tops that I had which did up at the front.

However I did manage to do some gentle exercises with my arm in the sling and towards the end of the 2nd week with my arm out of the sling.  I did movements really just to stop the shoulder seizing up and to prevent it becoming fixed in the wrong place, no weigh bearing just gentle opening of the joint. 

Wine drinking was limited as pain killers and vino don't mix, I couldn't drive so watched a lot of crap TV and surfed the internet a lot.  Oh, and ladies, if you bugger your shoulder be prepared for the pits of despair, I'm not on about mentally, I'm on about arm pits.  I couldn't move my injured arm to shave that arm pit, or use my injured arm to shave the other.  Shoulder injuries = Hairy pits.

Also expect little sleep, I hurt my left shoulder and predominantly sleep on my left so nights were dreaded.

Week 3

The novelty of injury had worn off, I was pissed off, bored and irritable through lack of sleep, Darrel gave up on the sympathy and the cooking. 

I'd ditched the sling which although was great not to have it, my arm ached permanently and I just couldn't get comfortable. I introduced more exercises, using a very soft/weak exercise band to give my arm some resistance and worked on getting the shoulder joint to move.  I also booked an appointment to see Dave Smith the excellent Sports Physio who had sorted out my other shoulder.  I was booked in on the Thursday and although I knew it would hurt I was looking forward to some expert help in sorting the joint out.  However I noticed my shoulder was dropping and returning to it's normal place.

The more I was able to move my joint, meant with some pain and determination I could shave my arm pits, it's amazing how much growth you can get in 2 weeks... And how the hell do men cope, boy it felt good to have a proper trim.  Talk about celebrating small victories. 

Week 3 however was the worse, I'm always a very up beat person and I found this week the hardest, I over analysed my accident, blaming myself and my lack of skills, I even took to blaming myself for being short as if I was taller then my small sized bike would fit properly (don't ask I was depressed).

I started driving my car, not very well and in hindsight probably not very safely, but living in a very rural area driving is essential and I needed to be able to get around.

However my appointment with Dave picked me up, ok the exercises were simple and minimal and I got home after my hour session, had to take 2 pain killers and a 15 min stint on the TENS.  I religiously did my exercises, Friday morning before work I was there for 30mins just pushing down on the exercise ball, opening the joint and although the movements were small, everything was starting to feel more normal.  I was moving around better and by Sunday had a great time watching friend race DH at the forest of dean.

Week 4

I'd been short listed for a stupid online voting contest (entered during my depressed end of week 2 stage) which gave me focus..   Monday I rode Sherry for the first time, although it was one handed and a plod.  Tuesday I got out on the bike, I was very wobbly and just stuck to the road and a 100m trail... but it was so nice to go out, I'd been pain killer free just using the TENs machine since the Friday the week before. 

I was doing the exercises Dave gave me twice a day now and feeling the difference, this pulled me up mentally, and I was starting to be able to sleep better so less moody.  Dave session was booked for the Thursday and I was hoping for good news, as I'd worked hard and really hoping he'd see the improvement as that night I wanted to go off road. 

I'm a nervous person who's confidence is easily dented and watching the DH racing although I missed not racing I looked at the track and knew my confidence had taken a blow, just walking it I was fixating on parts.  The sooner I could get out and ride the sooner I could work on building up my confidence and getting over my spill.

I was given the OK to ride as long as I was sensible, so Darrel and I set of for Nant Y Arian to do the short loop.  I started of shaky and on the first descent Darrel got a pinch puncture, as we'd only been doing the short loop we hadn't bothered to bring a repair kit, Darrel pushed back and I opted to continue.  I wasn't feeling comfortable on the bike, partly my shoulder was sore and also my confidence was low.  I made my self to continue I couldn't pump the bike over the small steps instead rolling them which shocked my shoulder but wasn't as bad as I expected.  What was worse was my steering, weaving through the trees was more like wobbling and dodging trees.  But I survived and shoulder was better than I expected.

Week 5 (well just)
Having survived Thursday, the following weekend was a Bank Holiday and we'd had so many plans which my off wreaked.  Sunday I was determined to go out on the bike.  I chose Llandegla I love the trails here and know the place pretty well so if things weren't going to plan I knew the short cuts home.  We set of and I have to confess I forgot how rough the red trail is, my option with my bad side was hold on for grim death, braking wasn't easy.  So biting my lip I just went for it on the rough bits hoping speed would smooth out the trails (bollocks is all I can say to that theory).  Despite the pain on the rough this ended as soon as I got on to the smoother trails and we had a great ride, even taking the B-line option. 

Feeling more confident on the Bike, Monday we decided to meet some friends at Afan Bike park, James and Lindsay are a couple we've met through DH'ing and both are determined to see me in the air.  We had a great time playing at Afan, and it's definitely a place to visit again. The bike park / skills section is brill for practice, all routes are short with an easy push up, and by the end of the day I was happily getting the little Yeti in the air forgetting my shoulder and acting like a kid. 

Week 6 and Beyond.
So week 6 I was back on the DH bike, the bigger heavier bike was harder to manoeuvre but that's just a case of working to build the muscles up and get the joint strong again.  My confidence has taken a knock, I'm back to getting apprehensive at the mere thought of DH.  I've entered the Taff Buggy DH race on the 21/22 Sept, this will hopefully settle the DH butterflies in my stomach and get me back in the swing of things. 

My shoulder is still sore, this isn't going to stop over night.  I was so lucky not to have torn ligaments and I think this is down to the work I'd been doing with Dave on my posture and the body armour I had on.  I've got to remind myself not to over do it, as it's no longer in the nagging pain stage I have a habit of forgetting it's a little weak and going to lift stuff, or worse with it only to be reminded by a shot of pain.  I'm still doing the exercises I was given and trying not only to build up the injured area but also the muscles around it.

So next blog will probably be my next DH race report ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
 

Good things come to those that wait

I've discovered that injury is bad for me, not in the obvious way.   As I couldn't ride I spent the evenings on the computer shopping on e-bay (nice new charm purchased for my Pandora Bracelet) and entering silly on-line competitions for a laugh.

I also window shopped for a new DH Bike, the problem with this is I got impatient.  I remembered the difference my Yeti made to my riding and know Granddads too big, seeing all these lovely new bikes I wanted one NOW (stamps foot and folds arms across chest)

So my competition entry focused on achieving my inner child's demands.

I forgot good 'things come to those who wait'. 

I should remember this, when I was a horse mad kid, I worked for free looking after ponies, the owner gave me a head collar for Christmas.  It was wrapped with the gift tag saying the above phrase, and on the other side said 'when the time is right it will happen'.  I still have that head collar, I coveted it for a year hung on my wardrobe door awaiting a horse for it to fit, and yes it did happen.  I waited patiently, saved hard and worked hard to prove I was responsible and I got my horse.  So how could 12 year old Gayle do that but 36 year old Gayle was stamping her foot demanding. 

When I was 12 I didn't even have a horse to ride, I used to beg and borrow peoples ponies, when the horse owners on the yard went for a ride I'd follow on my bike. 


So my competition entry proved fruitful, I've won a tube of anti chaffing cream, and was shortlisted for the Nurofen Big Lives award.  This award would give the lucky winner £1500 towards 'living their big life'.  5 People were shortlisted and the one with the most votes on Facebook won.  Being always broke, waving £1500 just out of my reach is really good motivation.  However I decided to check out the competition, OPPSSSS Nurofen marketing are cunning fellas, so there was little me a nobody on a DH bike who's not particularly good but has fun, the 26 year old world champion professional base jumper,  The British team skydiver, the first woman ever to ski alone across Antarctica, and a girl guide leader who wants to Kayak. 

To be honest me and the Kayaker didn't stand a chance against the other 3 who are pretty much at the top of their game. 

What I learnt.

Despite the opposition I wasn't going to go down without a fight, and boy did I go for it I tweeted, blogged and posted on facebook like crazy.  Alas to no avail, but I learnt a lot.

A) read the T&C's on competitions if they are open to all you could be up against Justin Beiber (or what ever his name is)

B) Getting votes is hard work and I hated it, if you are going to enter be prepared to have to nag and sell yourself lots.

C) There are some amazing people out there, I had some lovely messages from total strangers supporting me, and some of my friends were totally amazing getting behind me and touting for votes on my behalf.

D) Google the other people, see who they are and what they do.  I knew about BASE jumping but never knew there was a world championship in it.  And I never knew about the Artic explorer, she has a book out that gets great reviews so next time I'm injured I'll give it a read.

Serious bit, now.

So I didn't win, and I'd never do a Facebook voting competition again.  I probably pissed off a load of my FB friends (Sorry Guys).  But I learned lots, when a persons injured they go through a 'cup half empty' phase.  I sure as hell did, and I looked at the negatives and not the positives.

Now, I have a perfectly good and capable bike, that was a world cup bike in his day and is more than good enough for me to ride.  So why the hurry.  There's no rush, OK he's a bit big and he's too heavy, why don't I simply hit the gym and try and build up the strength, you never know I might grow a bit and sure as hell need to loose a few pounds. I need to learn the patients I had at 12, good things come to those who wait and when I get my new bike it will be amazing.

Nurofen Big Lives Trust

Please vote for me here read below to see why

After my little crash at Llangollen I realised Granddads size and weight is starting to hold me back a little.

Given that he was only built for me to ride for 1 week in the alps back in 2012 he's done me proud.  Neither I or Darrel ever expected me to take up Down Hilling and Granddad has been instrumental in this, so I owe him. 

He was always a bit on the big side for me, and having been built in a era where DH bikes were build to be tough he's rather heavy.  We could do a few things to lighten him up but there is nothing we can do to make him fit better.  Now I'm trying more technical tracks the fit is really starting to show as I can't move around on him as well as I can on a bike which is the right size.

But more than this, Granddad is irreplaceable, I know from other Super 8 owners experience, that Santa Cruz no longer have the parts to repair him if I break anything, even the mech hangers would have to be hand made if I break one.  This old bike has so much sentimental value to both Darrel and I.  He was Darrel's dream bike for many years, up to the point of buying him.  After purchase our weekends were dictated by collecting bits from the bit shop and fitting them and after he was built many a weekend was spent by me standing on a damp welsh hill side while Darrel rode down (me swearing I'd never be so stupid to do 'that'), Darrel even did a couple of XC rides on him with me. I'm sure my ability to put up with cycling stuff was part of the reason Darrel proposed.

So as I've stuck with this DH lark for 11month and 2 weeks and in that time taken part in 6 DH races, I think it's worth the investment in a new bike. Not a new, new bike (unless a miracle happens - keep reading) but new to me.

Over the months I've sat on bikes to see what fits me and what doesn't so I have a good idea, so while not able to ride I started window shopping.  I was while doing this I saw a few posts on Facebook friends pages for the Nurofen Big Lives Trust, now £1500 would go a long way towards a new bike and it was 2 questions, so I entered not expecting to hear anything more from the.

Roll forward yesterday, I was sat in work eating my lunch when my phone rang, it was a London code so thinking it could be my brother I answered it some-what surprised to hear a ladies voice telling me I had been short listed for the fund.  The final decision is down to the public via a facebook vote, so I'm hear trying to justify why I deserve the money and to encourage people to vote for me so here goes.

I could bleat on about how much I love riding DH and how much a new bike would mean, but anyone can do that, so why vote for me.

There's all the bumf about a new bike and why I need one, which is all true.  But why do I deserve a new bike, I'm not particularly good at DH and being realistic taking it up at the age of 35 wasn't my brightest idea. 

Here are a few unique reasons I should get your vote.

The reason I deserve a new bike is I really want to try harder tracks, I do actually want to get better.  I'm fed up of being a wimp, all my life I've taken the easy options on a MTB, if the going got tough I got off and pushed and I don't want to be that person any more. 

I've got to that age where I've lost my self-consciousness and don't care if people see I'm scared and I don't worry about coming last as long as I don't let myself down by giving up.  This last year of riding DH, I've pushed myself mentally and physically beyond my normal limit and I know I'm a better person both on and off the bike for it.  I'm riding down tracks that I never dreamed I could and although I'm scared the sense of self achievement at doing it has pushed me further than I ever thought possible.  I've found belief in myself, something I've lacked all my life and it's amazing to have confidence in me. 

I would also love to see more women riding and ultimately racing DH, when I first started last year, I was too scared even to talk to the other ladies in my class, I had a preconceived misconception that they were all butch manly tough types (sorry ladies) who would think I was giving women DH'rs a bad name by screaming and swearing my way down a hill.  How wrong I was, they are lovely, welcoming and amazing women united by a love of hurling themselves down steep hills... These women have encouraged me, welcomed me and become amazing friends over the year, and I'd love to introduce more females to this wonderful sport and the absolutely amazing people who take part in it.  By racing and getting more publicity through competition I'd hope that I can encourage more women to ride DH, even pushing for votes to secure this award I hope to encourage more women to realise that DH is for everyone.

£1500 will go a long way towards a new DH bike for me.  I'm not after the newest Carbon V10, that would be wasted on me, what I'd like to buy is a newer entry level bike to show others that you don't need to spend thousand to race.  By getting this award, I can continue putting my money into racing and promoting women's DH through the posts on the Nurofen Facebook pages (part of the condition of the award is that they follow your 'big life'), my blog and through Loeka Clothing, whom I'm an Ambassador for. 

A new bike for me won't just last a few months, it won't be a fleeting experience that  afterwards all thats left is photos in an album and fond memories, a new bike will probably out last me.  My current DH bike has been in my family for 10 years, I still ride my GT mountain bike which I brought 15 years ago.  For me the prize will be a long term investment that even if I change in 5 years time the bike will be passed on to some-one else to start out on.

So please vote for me people here 

Llangollen and Bust

Hi people, bit of a long time since my last blog, I'm not very good at this blogging lark.

So, since my last blog I've been too Morzine again (post still being written on that one) and again came back brimming with confidence.  So I looked for my next adventure/challenge.  At the end of July there were 2 races on the BC events calendar that got my interest;

Race A) the Forest of Dean 2nd round Summer Series race

or

Race B) GAS King/queen of the mountain at Llangollen.

Now the FOD race was on my least favourite track Endo but at a venue I know well, and I could go and practice the weekend before, and knew I could get down it.

The Llangollen race however is on a track I've never seen, Llangollen has a reputation as being gnarly and this race was on the 'easy' track.  So a rare opportunity to race at a private venue on a track I'd have a chance of getting down. 

I chose Llangollen, as much as I loved Forest of Dean it was becoming my safety blanket and if I want to improve I've got to spread my wings and challenge myself.

As per normal with me, nothing ever goes to plan.  I'd not ridden my DH bike since Morzine and the front brake had seized.  Darrel kindly offered to fit his M4 brake to the front, a kind offer but I love my old Hope Minis that don't work properly as I tend to ride stuff I'd normally wimp out of through lack of braking ability, simply put brakes that work aren't good to me riding.

Then the night before my parents had an emergency so my packing the van time was spent helping them out, and worrying about them all night. 

Saturday morning came, luckily I'd sorted all the gear out during the week so Sat morning was a quick pack the van and scarper. 

As we approached the venue the sun was glittering off the tape marking the track, and it was a glorious sight.  I signed on for the uplift and in case I wimped out I entered the race at the same time, having not even walked the course. 

The uplift was fun, never experienced a tractor trailer uplift so a first for me.  Darrel took the lead as we headed down the track, the first sections was fine, pretty straight (not my fav, as I don't do fast) but narrow, so if I stupidly wobbled the bike bounced from one side of the rut to the other.  As it turned down there were lovely bermed corners and an OMG moment.  Even Darrel slammed the brakes, the course designers had diverted off the main track and put the drop from hell in.  From the top it felt like looking over the edge of a cliff, and for Darrel to stop I knew I wasn't over reacting.  After several minutes I couldn't get the nerve up to ride it, neither could Darrel so before I really panicked we pushed the bikes over and continued down the track, it was a great course, the dry weather made the corners slippy and some more off piste bits were off camber and loose. 

It was just the bit at the top that was really stopping me dead.  I did several runs, either ducking under the tape to rind the old track, or pushing my bike down, and as I got more confident on the lower course I was getting more frustrated over my lack of ability on one 2 meter section.  I was lucky to have Ali & Jenny from Campbell Coaching racing at this event, both were happy to pass on advice on how to ride it, and on our 3 or 4th run Darrel nailed it.  So if Darrel could roll it so would I.  I rolled down to the section, parked up off the track and waited for the next uplift to ride it, watching the riders roll down in in various levels of confidence and ability really helped, some went very slow and some darted over the edge, but they all had in common the fact they rolled it.  I stood at the top, astride granddad, and tried, but I just couldn't bring myself to let go.  Darrel kindly rolled it for me hoping to lead me down but NO, one half of me brain was screaming don't you dare, the other was laughing at me for being such a wimp.  At the top of the drop I had a hissy fit, loads of swearing, I even stamped my foot and pouted to the amusement of the Marshall and Medic, who by now had come to watch.  As I stood at the top, the laughing bit of my brain won, with a total lack of commitment I rolled down the shoot, screaming on route in fear, then a yipeee of joy as I realised I wasn't dead. 

Me getting down my mental block

 

 

After pushing back up I rode it again to make sure it wasn't a fluke and happily made my way down the hill, there was nothing I couldn't ride on the track, confident for the next day, but hot and tired we pitched the tent and relaxed to soak up the atmosphere of the event.

 

 

But things happen in 3's and I had more thing to go wrong, it rained, I don't mean a drizzle, I mean full blown all night rain.  I woke up race morning after a poor night sleep dreading what was left of the track.  The Slippy dust was replaced with slimy mud.  As people started practicing for the morning bikes were washing out, and riders coming down plastered in mud. I decided not to practice, I knew the course and as the weather was dry the bikes on track were helping to dry it out, so rather than risk a confidence knocking fall on a slippy wet track I was playing it safe, let the others shift the dirt and once the track had settled I'd be fine.  We walked the track later in the morning and my tactic seemed to have paid off, the track was a nice tacky and nothing had changed for the worse.

 

So at 1pm I headed up with the rest of the ladies for our seeding run, as normal nerves gripped me, but overall for me I wasn't too bad.  As the tractor approached the top of the hill the heavens opened, a proper welsh shower, the view across the valley was totally obstructed as the rain poured and the track was converted to a stream running down hill.  Opppssss

 

So I started my run, it was a seeding run so for me no pressure, just get down and treat it as practice saving energy and risk taking for the race run.  I approached my nemesis drop, as the track diverted off the established trail I modulated  my speed as the new trail was on slippy grass and mud, but I confidently dropped over the edge leaning over the back as the bike dived down, I was clear, but as I headed down the trail I just felt something happen, subconsciously  I must have shifted my weight to counteract the lack of grip but all I remember is heading over the bars, I twisted my body to prevent landing on my head and tucked my shoulders in, but on the tight track there was no room to roll and think I hit the bank.  I got up as quickly as I could, picking my bike up, the Marshall and a lovely guy watching called out to me to see if I was OK, I yelled back then swore a lot, I could feel my shoulder going numb, and just wanted to get down before it seized. 

Me clearing the hard bit on seeding run
 

I wound my way down, very un-confidently as I was a little shaken from the spill, I noticed however I couldn't hold the bars properly with my left hand and as I got to the off camber bits, the bike slid and there was nothing I could do to hold it up.  My left hand may of been on the bars but it was useless.  I slid down in the mud and the 2 roll able drops were agony as the shock went straight throw my shoulder.  I crossed the line, shaking my head, in 1 run I had 2 offs and one paddling with feet down.  I was so disappointed with myself. As the adrenaline wore off it was becoming more apparent that this wasn't just a bruise, I'd done something more and a trip to the medic saw my race day ended as I left in a sling.  However despite the pain, I'd cleared the bit that I'd been freaking out about, and I did a race run at a new venue, all be it ending not how I'd hoped.

 

So it's a week later, the good bits first, X-rays didn't reveal a break, but a rather large gap in my AC joint and my collarbone has been pushed up, further investigation has show I'm very lucky, my ligaments are stretched but not torn.  So a few weeks of rest and some excellent Physio I should be back on the bike.

 

I'm really proud of myself;

• I tried a track I'd never even seen
• I got over a massive mental block
• Despite hurting myself I didn't quit I rode down the hill after my fall

 

It was a really good learning experience, I can do 'big boy' races and I can get over mental blocks.  My fall was just unfortunate, I think I carried too much speed into the drop and didn't appreciate how much speed the bike would gather going over the drop.  Being a bit on the big and heavy side I struggle to do little corrections on granddad, tending to have to throw my weight to correct him, not a good idea on a steep slippy welsh hillside. 

 

So I've got 4 weeks to rest and heals then it's back to racing, accidents happen and in all honesty I've been darn lucky over the years. 

 

Here are a few pictures from Saturdays Practice

 

 

I'd also like to highly recommend the GAS events, it was a great venue and relaxed atmosphere, the whole event was smoothly run.  A massive thanks to Jenny and Ali from Campbell Coaching who let me chill with them pre-race and gave excellent advice on getting over my mental block.