Conquering a Cliff

Well, what a weekend I've just had, it started badly with an tummy bug all the week before meaning I missed out on Zumba and Insanity all in the hope I'd be fit and healthy to ride the Conquer the Cliff DH race.

I'd been looking forward to this race for ages, I'd wanted to do it last year but it clashed with the Diva weekend.  So when I saw that it was being run again this year I planned my weekend around going.

Friday saw the arrival of Hannah who was staying over as Aberystwyth is only an hours drive from our home.  Her arrival triggered the reality of racing and we sat eating tea talking bikes and races.  The weather forecast was abysmal, enough to make fellow Diva Emma question coming, however we nagged her Friday night and she conceded that if she didn't come she'd regret it.

Saturday morning was an early start, with the gear loaded in the van we headed out to the west coast of Wales, surprisingly arriving to a blue sky over Aber.  Signing on Hannah and I collected our numbers and headed up  the track, at the bottom it was fine, a few steps on a relatively simple gravel path.  However this changed further up and the only thought going through my mind was 'how many steps'  I tried to keep calm and walked all the way up to the top, hoping the steps would look better when approached downhill.  Walking the track downhill didn't really change the steps, and I also noticed the wooden bridges were slippy with damp.  I got to the bottom wishing I'd practised riding steps, the whole course was slightly alien to me, being totally man made for walking, flat corners and changes in surface.

Now the reason I'd entered this race was 2 part, a) it's a race and relatively local b) the uplift is on a funicular railway.

The train is clearly not designed with the Downhiller in mind, and could only be described as Jaunty, ( in other words old fashioned and slow). I found myself wondering how many practice runs we'd get in before racing with the uplift speeds and some people opted to push up the hill.  At the top I rolled down the first section before the bridges, pushing back up to warm up on the relatively easy bit before hitting the bulk of the steps.  My first run down with the intention of hitting the steps found me halted as a rider had come down on the first bridge hitting the stone wall.  I pushed back up again hoping to get a clear run, this time I made it to the bridge, the slippy surface was off putting and I panicked at the narrow steps with a stone wall to the right and hand rail to the left, with a bend, it was all too much for my nerve so I jumped off and ran down them, hopping back on continue.  The 2nd bridge was much grippier and the steps dead straight so gritting my teeth I rolled off them, surprised at the anti climax that was riding steps.  I headed down feeling much happier and confidently rolled the final run of steps to the finish.  I did 3 more runs down, but due to the slippy bridge ( I got held up on every run as some-one had gone down on the bridge) and the curve in the steps I just couldn't bring myself to ride them.  My race tactic was to hop off and run them, however Lindsay wasn't impressed by this plan so it was up again on the train to follow her down.  This run the organisers had nailed some carpet to the bridge to give much needed grip and with Lindsay in front, a whole heap of expletives I went for it.  Lindsay, not realising I'd tagged right onto her rear wheel stopped to check I was OK as I bumped into her, to a cheer from the medics who had watched me struggle.  I thanked Lindsay, happy that now I could clear the whole track we headed down to wait for our race runs.

Getting used to the steps at the finish

By the time my first race run came around the weather had properly changed to a steady drizzle, in normal reluctant DH fashion I set off last of the ladies.  I happily hit all my lines, heading down the track, up the top I stuffed up a tight flat turn, as I came into the dreaded steps.  The Jedi bumped happily over the uneven steps prior to the bridge and I just kept my heels down and weight over the back letting the suspension do it's job, however I was over zealous in my eagerness not to brake on the slippy bridge and pretty much brought the bike to a halt on the last step.  As I pootled over the steps I pushed my heels down, gritted my teeth and sent the bike over the first steps, once on there was no going back as the Jedi happily hopped down the steps, again the Medics and Marshall cheered encouragement to me.  I was off over the second bridge before I knew it, relieved I was over the worst part and enjoying the ride down to the finish.  The track had been loosened by all the riders and my lack of experience on flat turns and gravel ensured that my time was slow but I had a great time, the atmosphere at the bottom was electric despite the rain and I was beaming as I crossed the finish line.  I was so happy I didn't even catch my time.

So after a chill watching the Elite racers and hard tails it was back up on the train to get ready for the 2nd run.

Being up the top of the hill felt like a different world compared to the finish area, up the top it was quiet with gulls calling, the odd spectator and the beeps counting down the riders as one by one they headed down.  As our turn came round I again opted to run last, not wanting to hold the other ladies up, I also got to ride down behind World Cup Rider Manon Carpenter.  After a short red flag, following a rather horrible looking over the bars off by Hazel it was my turn to go.  Manon shot off after her beeps and I was in the 20s count down.  I left the start in the drizzel taking the lower drop off the well as before but keeping the bike more balanced as I headed down, letting off the brakes on the loose gravel a bit too much as again I stuffed up the tight turn.  Trying to make up for lost time I let the bike go down the first steps before the bridge, loving how the Jedi seemed to relish these drops.  At the bridge I was forced to brake as the carpet had wrinkled up exposing the very slippy wood under.  I heard the commentator say Manon had finished, amazed at the speed she'd got down in.  Again I lost seconds but putting my mistakes behind me I attached the 2nd bridge which I really enjoyed riding, putting my heels down and weight back I pushed the bike out as it came over the top step, to which the bike responded by floating down the steps, I barely felt the wheels touch the concrete.   Heading down the gravel path I took in the amazing view below me, the Music getting louder as I came down the hill, again I stuffed up the tight flat turns, hitting the last row of steps I let go of the brakes totally trusting the bike to do it's job, turning to the finish line I stamped on the pedals loving the run and glad to be back after my off at my last DH race.

I loved riding the 2nd Bridge Steps

The race was a great event, despite the weather people had come out to watch us ride down the Constitution Hill Path in force.  I got to meet 2 world cup riders, Matt Simmonds (who kindly helped me with getting my bike on and off the train) and raced against Manon Carpenter who was amazing to see in action.  Lindsay took a well deserved 3rd place, Hazel despite her off in her second race run maintained her 2nd place with Manon taking top honours.

I got to ride the the railway up the hill, and act like a wild teenager (making up for a non misspent youth) riding down footpaths and jumping steps.  I will be back next year, but have some practising on gravel, flat turns and steps as homework from this race.

So, my next adventure was to be a return to Taff Buggy, sadly this race was cancelled.  So now it's fitness training as in a few weeks we head to MTB heaven, Morzine for the Passporte event.

Bad Day at the Reluctant HQ

I'm writing this blog with a heavy heart and one bruised body.

After just over 2 absolutely amazing months on the new DH bike, I was feeling really confident.  However the week after Easter was a stressful one at work and come the weekend I really wasn't feeling like riding my bike.  But I'd made the commitment to race the Taff Buggy Series and that was what I was going to do but my heart wasn't in it.  I should have followed my gut feeling.

Saturday morning came and I really didn't feel right, none of the pre-race excitement was there, we took a leisurely drive to Taff Buggy and met with Emma, who also lacked the normal enthusiasm.  So after a track walk we signed on and got on the bikes.  I simply couldn't ride, I was tense, stiff and was totally lacking the mojo to push myself.  My first run down saw me going round most of the Obstacles  and not warming up or settling.  My 2nd was mildly better but still a long way off being able to race.

So after a bite to eat I decided to put my body armour on in the hope that it would boost my confidence and put me in a 'this is serious' frame of mind.  It helped, I was clearing all the sections in some form or other, I just had the rock garden to ride.

Last year this man-made rock garden took me all day to clear but I'd managed it and raced it.  So after walking through it a couple of times to know where to put my wheels I got on Jed. I rode confidently onto the rocks, hitting my first and second markers perfectly to give me a clear run through, then it all went a bit odd, I realised early that I was too far forward and pushed off the bars to get my weight back but it was too late I was passed the point of no return and I think in trying to push my weight back I'd also pushed the bike into a worse place and stalled it.  I was going down, I spied an area of ground without rocks to land and with all my strength directed my body there.  Then all I remember was a cracking noise and feeling ground impact with my face, then Jed landing on my back, bouncing off my body and landing somewhere in front of me.  I expected to pass out, I waited for the blackness to drift over me but it didn't happen and somehow I was sitting up with Darrel running over to me, in my daze I stood up and stumbled off the track sitting down the other side of the tape pulling my broken lid off my head as it felt incredibly tight, like it was pushing my head in.  My nose hurt and I was waiting for it to start bleeding.  Darrel was fetching my bike and my first concern was that Jed was OK, I tried to stand up to see for myself and as I instinctively went to push off my hands, I realised I couldn't feel 2 fingers on my left and a stab of pain shot up my arm.  I remover my glove to see 2 really nasty looking purple marks and not much in the way of knuckle, it didn't hurt it was totally numb.  I didn't want to hang round to long, I knew before long stuff would start to hurt and I wanted to ride my bike down to get the lift up.  People stopped to ask if I was OK, I just wanted to get down before my body realised what I'd done to it.  Emma came along to see how I was getting on and as she came over realised something was wrong, looking at my hand she gave the excellent advise of removing my wedding ring off my now looking more sore fingers.  I limped down, on the last mildly technical bit I had to push as the vibrations through the bars were getting more uncomfortable by the minute.

Getting back up to the top, I met the guys from MIJ and the paramedics, who suggested visiting A&E.  I handed back my number and after a quick loading of bikes said fairwell to Taff Buggy and headed to Prince Charles Hospital.  I have got to say everyone there was lovely, the nurses looked at my hand and sucked in breath especially as I said I'm sure it's not broken.  My gut feeling was it wasn't, I've broken bones and I know there is generally a specific pain when that happens.  After a short wait the X-rays were back and Gayles Gut 1 - Nurses 0.

YIPEEEEEE  No broken bones, just a very bruised and sore Me!  After some pain meds, and a quick chat to the nurses I was on my way home.  However I knew in my heart that racing was a no go.  Sunday morning had me wide awake at 6am, my mind had at last turned on to race mode, but I was in no state to race, I knew it was the right decision but I wasn't happy about it.

Sunday morning was horrible, I was feeling bruised, could tell I had slight concussion, had a headache and I was down.  I got up and pottered around the flat, retrieved my lid from the Van to assess the damage and apologised to Jed for letting him down.  I felt that my whole racing plan for 2014 was up in the air, I'd really set my heart on the Taff Buggy series and now I didn't know if I'd ever have the courage to race there, all because of one 5 meter section of rock garden.  After a while I gave up and crawled back into bed for a cuddle with Darrel and some much needed recovery sleep.

Late morning I awoke, still feeling like crap, but knowing I'd made the right choice not to race.  Friends messaged me and texted me which really cheered me up.  It was decided that my lid would need to be replaced so I can now justify buying a new one to match Jed (Black and Red) and with all the lovely kind words I was feeling more positive.

The problem is, since I've had Jed I've had the most amazing time, I'm so much more confident and I love riding the bike.  Last weekends uplift saw me happily chasing down after my friends at FOD, and I really felt like I belonged.  I was on top of the world and felt I could ride anything, but when your on the top the only way is down and that's what happened!  I've had 2 months of bliss, me and Jed were bound to have a disagreement at some point, and now we have the fun of making up.  I'm hoping to get to Bike Park Wales as they have several rock gardens to practice on, and I'm already looking forward.  Next weekend will see me strapped up and trying 4x for the first ever time,  Thursday I've got another hour of hell in the form of a time trial.

Another odd off shoot from all this this is the bruises forming all over my body, the colours are amazing, angry deep blues, sore looking pinks and reds, the odd greenie hues and then my favorite, the purple that seem to suggest that the bruise goes deep into my flesh.  My knuckle is swollen, with a pale green/purple hint and 2 red marks that give a menacing hint of something painful lurks beneath.  Through out Sunday they appeared rising like some bizarre deep sea creatures floating to the surface.  There will be no bikini or short skirt wearing from me for the next few weeks until they disappear.  But with each new bruise Darrel is being sweet and loving, so I'm lapping up the affection.  OK I failed, but I failed trying and I did give it a good go.

So it's Monday PM and I'm miles happier.  I was due a bad day and although yesterday felt like a black hole is really wasn't all that bad, just felt it at the time.  DH is a risk sport, injuries are part and parcel.

Oh, and hi to the guy on the Kona I met on saturday who reads my blog, it was lovely meeting you :)

Dipping my toe in the Deep End

Another Monday, another blog to write while sitting on the sofa under my blanket nursing sore legs.

This is getting to be an all to familiar scenario, the reason for this weeks blog was the opening round of the Pearce Cycles DH series at Hopton.  I'd only entered the 1 race as these races are a level up from the races I'd previously done and I didn't know how I'd cope.

Early signs were that I wasn't going to cope very well, the weekend before the race I found the nerves gripping as I took my bike for some brake pads at the excellent Plush Hill Cycles in Church Stretton.  While chatting to Kate about the impending race, I could feel my stomach tighten.  As the week progressed my sleep got more sporadic and after a nightmare week in work I felt far from prepared for the weekend ahead.

Friday morning saw me resort to 'comfort cooking' some people comfort eat, I comfort cook, which wasn't too bad as I had Lindsay and James camping at ours for the weekend and also bribed my parents into looking after my horse with a home made Lasagne.

Lasagne for all!!!! 

Friday evening guests had arrived and we headed to Hopton for a track walk.  My first reactions were ARRRR at a small diversion at the bottom, but other than that I was pretty happy.  My biggest fear was fitness, this track is a lot longer than any of the Forest of Dean mini DH tracks, not only did I have to do 2 race runs but also be fit enough to practice.

Saturday arrived with a cloudy sky and cold wind but dry, as we pulled up to the race HQ.  Meeting up with our normal DH crew of Morris, Hannah and Hannah (yep 2 Hannah's) I signed on, and walked up the hill with Lindsay to check out the diversion bit, watching a couple of riders negotiate it somewhat uncomfortably.  It was time to get on my bike for my first run down.  Darrel agreed to ride down with me as we waited for a gap in the uplifts to give me as clear run as possible, this never happened Pearce uplift service is very efficient and I just had to go for it.  Warning the guys behind to give me space I was on track.  I missed all my lines, took some I'd never noticed, swore a lot and stopped where I could to let faster riders passed.  Darrel waited for me before the diversion bit to lead me down it, and I was off.  Now normally I'm really bad at new bits, I tend to slam on the brakes and have to build confidence up to ride them (this normally involves watching loads of people ride the section and several attempts to get the courage to go down it) however I trusted my ability and I went for it, as the bike lurched over the braking bumps I survived and headed down the lower part of the track over the jumps feeling strangely happy to have cleared the track on my first attempt.  The rest of the day saw me slowly take runs down trying to get the confidence to go faster, but being unsettled by the massively faster riders who repeatedly got stuck behind me (all were really nice and thanked me for letting them pass), I was looking forward to my race runs and having the track to myself.

As the day came to an end I decided to try an alternative line down the track, maybe trying a new line on tired legs wasn't the best of ideas, it resulted in me coming off so determined to end on a positive note as soon as clear I pushed up and rode my original line again, coming down cleanly and with a hint of confidence.  I'd survived practice now I just needed to survive 2 race runs.

Practice run 

After a horrible nights sleep, not helped by some neighbours having a fight at 3:30am on the street outside our home, I woke up with a headache and feeling sore.  I told Darrel to go off and practice without me, I was happy to play on the higher sections of the track rather than push my fitness and do a whole practice run, I knew the track and just wanted it to myself.  After 2 runs down the top section, I got red flagged on my 3rd run (where I'd intended to go further down) rather than waiting and wondering what ill fate had hit some-one I skipped onto one of the other DH tracks, rolling down happily without the worry of some-one flying up behind me.  I then pushed back up and waited for my race run, actually wanting my race run.  As the ladies were in the middle of the pack I had plenty of time to watch the other riders negotiate the top rooty section, as my start time drew nearer friends and Darrel arrived up the top and it was time to get ready.  Due to my race nerves, and concern about being caught on track the starting team had kindly allowed me to start at the back of the masters men, therefore giving me a 2 minute gap before the ladies categories started.  So after cheering Darrel off, I was putting my helmet on and pushing onto the start for my first race run, as the beeps dropped I heard the starter call Lindsay up, 2 minutes was not a big enough gap with Lindsay on my heels, inside I screamed as the lights went green and I was off.  As I headed down the track I struggled not to look at the now polished roots on the top section, using the marshal's as a diversion I happily said hi as I rolled passed, stuffing up my lines as I pasted the speed trap, a little shocked to see a guy standing in the trees, I headed down to Simon (My familiar and friendly marshal of GAS racing fame) yelling a welcome to Simon as I headed down the track, I heard people cheering me, I got lost a bit missing my line but I just kept going on as I got to the rock step, I yipee'd as I let the bike go over the edge,  into a tight section, being amazed at how nimble the Jedi is for a DH bike, now relaxed I was starting to have fun, after the forestry road crossing I headed for the jumps, though not confident to let the bike into the air I struggled to keep the Jedi on the ground having to kill speed and getting annoyed with myself over it. The braking bumps in this section had grown massively since yesterday and my now tired legs were on fire.  As I came to the off piste section I hit all my lines and knew I was home at last happy to let go of the brakes as I took the two table tops at the bottom of the track letting Jed take to the air I crossed the finish line, my time was painfully slow 5:05 but I had loved every minute of it and Lindsay hadn't caught me as I cheered her and the other girls over the finish.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

There was a 2 hour gap before the next race run, this wasn't enough time for my legs to recover and I was concerned over whether I could manage another run, but I was 5 seconds off a 5 minute run and really wanted to knock those seconds off.  So back up the top and again behind the guys I was looking forward to trying harder.  My second run was more focused, I concentrated on where I'd missed my lines and cheered and whooped my way down encouraging my exhausted body to push harder, as I passed the rock step I could feel my legs trembling, my thighs were on fire and I knew I was carrying weight on my arms to try and support my legs.  As I crossed the forestry I worried if I had enough in me to carry on, pushing deeper for any energy left in the tank, I was more and more relying on the bikes suspension to get me down, as I came to the now deep braking bumps I gave everything to hold my weight off the front, feeling the bike pitch as I re-joined the original track for a fleeting fraction of a second I thought I was heading over the bars, but the bike did it's job and in seeing the finish line I dug even deeper and stamped on the pedals to cross the finish, to hear the commentator say I'd made my goal, OK not as fast as the other girls but a 5minute run on a long track for me was great, I collapsed on the grass, exhausted, weak and ecstatic.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

The other girls came down, Ami having an unfortunate off on her final run still manage to hold onto her 3rd place.

In all my first foray into a bigger more demanding race was an experience I'll never forget, I loved my final race run and if I'd been fitter I know I could have taken more time off.  I was miles more relaxed and was able to bring the focus and wanting from my last race onto the bigger track.  And to totally top the weekend off I got my first podium, coming 2nd in the Masters Ladies, ok there was only 2 of us in the category but I felt I'd earned it, I gave my all and found strength I didn't know I had to get down that track.

My First Podium for Team Loeka / Fix Distribution 

I have to say a massive thanks to all the Pearce guys, I can fully appreciate why this series sells out in a matter of hours, they run a great event and I will be back next year.  Massive thanks to all the riders who gave me space on the track, and didn't complain.  Humongous thanks to all my friends for their support.

Loeka and Fix Distribution - I was so pleased to get a place on the podium for you guys, Dave of Fix Distribution brought me and the Jedi together and that bike has given me so much confidence in the 9 weeks I've owned it.

On a sad note however my off in practice had my beloved Loeka shorts, that I've owned since my first Morzine trip 3 years ago, get snagged on a branch and torn.  I'm hoping my mum can repair them as they are so comfortable, but given the abuse these shorts have had I'm seriously impressed with the quality of them and they are a credit to Loeka who's gear is always so well made.      

So Easter weekend will find me heading to the Forest of Dean for some uplift fun from Flyup Downhill, then it's back to racing on the 26th / 27th April with the opening round of the MIJ Taff Buggy Series.



 

The ending of the begining

So, I did it!  I rode all the rounds of the Naked Racing 661 Mini DH series at the Forest of Dean and I'm alive to tell the tale.

However yesterday marked a massive change in me.. so much so that after the race I had to go for a walk on my own to process everything that had happened over the last 2 days.  A little bit of me had died, I felt numb, I even sat on a tree stump and had a little cry.. emotions had over whelmed me.

So here's why

Saturday came, and after picking up Hannah from Hereford we all happily headed to the Forest, we were meeting up with some of the other girls for our normal Saturday practice and banter.  However once we got to the woods nothing felt right for me, I rode Jed down the track and although he felt great I just didn't seem to warm up or relax.  I popped over to corkscrew with a couple of other girls to try and get riding properly which helped, but the new top section on Ski run caused everyone problems.  I was sure I could run down on my feet faster than how I was riding.  Seeing Hannah have a massive off didn't affect me ( I was more concerned about her) but the fact that loads of riders were coming down on this section just made me feel happier at my own incompetence.

Bruised but still smiling 

After Hannah's off we all decided to head down for a bite to eat and a rest, so Darrel led me down the lower section of Ski run, and this is where it all started to changed for me.  I loved it, the blown out techy part of the track felt sooo good, the bike popped and soaked up the rough like nothing I'd ever ridden before, I felt disappointed as the track smoothed out.

After lunch, I had a practice on the 2 jumps at the bottom of the track as I have a massive hangup on the road crossing jumps there following an off a while back.  Once I was happy there I headed back up to the top to again practice this section and try and get my lines.  Each run up top however found me not getting my lines and after a much needed reality check from Steve one of the Malvern guys I changed to a safer easier line, followed by another smile inducing run down the now fun middle section.

My previous time on Ski run was 2:13, so Saturday night I set the target of 2:10 as normal posting it on facebook, although on a harder top section I felt this was realistic given the new bike and better fitness.

Sunday morning was hard work, an early start made earlier as the clocks changed had Darrel, Hannah and I in the van heading back for race day.  On arrival at the race I headed up to the top to practice leaving Darrel to help Hannah at the van.  I did a first run down slowly but hitting my lines, another run down and although painfully slow by comparison I was feeling more composed, so not wanting to knacker myself for the race I followed Lindsay down the whole track, again loving the middle.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

A relaxing and much needed uplift in the bus and some friendly banter with Emma kept me surprisingly calm, and I was the most relaxed I'd ever been at a DH race.  I opted to let Emma have my last place off the start, saying for her to yell at me if she caught me and I'd let her past.. My turn came and as the beeps counted down I was off  it didn't last long as I'd got within 5m of the first Marshall to be red flagged, I stopped and to the bemused face of Emma and the 2 girls running the start I came back.  Emma went off and I got back in to position to start my run.  All to soon the beeps started and off I went, looking for my lines I shouted happily to Simon as I crossed the forestry road and aimed my bike up over the rough and rooty ground, as I crossed the pushup path I was loving the run, the bike was going where I wanted it to and felt in control, I cleared a rooty bit I hate and came round the 2 switch backs aiming up for the tabletop and road crossing, letting the bike go in the dry I was in sight of the finish.. it was over too soon.  As I came round the back of the start tent to hear my time of

2:03...

I was so happy not only had I beat my 2:10 target I had beat it by 7 seconds.  The possibility of a sub 2 minute run was being dangled so temptingly in front of me it would be rude not to try.

Back up the top for run 2, was banter with the ladies then mass of stretching and jumping to wake up tired muscles.. before the beeps started.  I had to find 4 seconds, I had pretty much ruled out finding them on the top bit but as my light went green I left the start tent. Remembering my coaching with Katy I kept looking up and where I wanted to go, every time I braked I cursed myself, as I cleared the top part I yelled at Simon that I couldn't stop to chat :) as I turned into the woods taking the wrong line I found Jed pointing at a load of roots, those 4 seconds sat heavy on my mind and again remembering Katy's training I let the brakes go and looked up, the bike simply rumbled over them, still on the wrong line I dropped down a rocky section turning to the first of the step down bits, trying to stay off the brakes and keep looking up as as I cleared the blown out part I pedalled to make up for the braking letting the bike pop over a small lip before heading back into the woods, again trusting the bike I simply locked on to my markers as then looked for the next one.

Me chasing 4 seconds

Making a mistake as I headed into the first switchback rather than slamming on the brakes I remembered Katys pointers on position and forced my eyes round the bend, moving over the bike and leading my body round with my knee, the bike turned and I swivelled round the next bend, totally laying off the brakes as I headed towards the table top pushing Jed into the berms before the road crossing I was loving the run, it was no longer about survival I was counting the seconds.. when I could I pedalled or pumped and kept my focus on what was in front of me.. as I crossed the finish line all I could think of was had I lost those 4 seconds.  I slammed on the brakes, unclipping my lid to pull it off to hear.. as Cooper called out my time

Image supplied by MnDphotography

1:57

Happy doesn't put into words the feelings that rushed over me..
All the other ladies had great runs, Emma & Hannah knocked an amazing 20s off their first run times. After a quick post race cocktail and chatter we went to enjoy the sun and watch the rest of the racing.  Gradually as I sat in the sun it hit me, I'd surpassed all my expectations and I'd wanted it.  As I'd raced down the track on my final run I'd found focus, I'd been looking for those seconds, I kept a level head, no longer was it a case of getting to the bottom I'd pushed myself and I'd loved it and those 4 seconds didn't stand a chance.

Some things will NEVER change, post race cocktails!

As the tape was being cleared away I put my lid on rolled over the last table top and down the forestry road on Jed, I knew something in me had changed.  That lady who raced DH with the sole aim of safely getting to the bottom had died, she died somewhere up the top of Ski Run at around 1:45pm on the 30th March.  As I rolled along the forestry road on Jed, I stopped and looked back at the scene, people walked past me smiling, some congratulated me, none of them could see the change, even Darrel and all my close DH friends didn't know what had happened.  I needed to be alone to grieve the death and embrace the future..   I pushed up a track and sat on a tree stump, a tear rolled down my face, it wasn't sadness it wasn't joy, it was something else, but it over whelmed me.

So it's now 24 hours after I sat on the tree stump, and I'm so happy.  In hindsight the death of 'Survival DH mode' had been slow, it started last December when I first raced Ski Run, so it was fitting that it died on Ski Run.  Buying Jed and the coaching with Katy were the push it needed.  It's not a sad death, at no point have I felt sad, my attitude to racing hasn't changed my attitude to the race itself did.  So I dedicate my sub 2 minutes run to all my DH friends (including Darrel and yes Ms Katy Curd you too) you have supported me and help me develop and progress, but watch out guys cos I'm coming for ya now :)

My next race is the Pearce Cycles opening round at Hopton 

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

Image by Void Media

In a forestry far far away.......

So having wanted this weekend to come quickly (which it didn't, the prior week just had to drag its feet like a reluctant child), when it actually came I had changed my mind. 

In the week I'd made a very rash decision to buy a British Cycling Racing Licence, to go with my new bike and not so reluctant attitude to DH.  OK so in theory, it's a bit of paper with my picture on stuck between to sheets of plastic!  Wrong, it means I just got serious, I'll (hopefully) be collecting points, and if  I ever get my skills up, I'll be able to race in the British Downhill Series. 

The new bike also to me meant I'd be expected to go faster. 

The course had been released as Corkscrew, which to me is one of the least technical tracks, it's not tight or twisty and the bottom has limited lines, it's just rough and rooty. I also thought it was the best track for my first race on the Jedi, I wasn't used to him and being unsure of how he handles a point and go track was in my favour. 

So I was up the top of Corkscrew on my lovely shiney new (to me) Canfield Brothers Jedi, ready to roll down for the first time.  And it went fine on the top section, I was feeling comfortable on the bike, and even starting to lay of the brakes a bit.  So after a few runs down to the road getting my lines sorted , we decided to go for lunch, as the bottom half of the track was still busy I opted to roll down another DH track which I enjoyed and relaxed on the bike a bit more.  

We had a relaxed lunch break and as riders started to thin out, we made our way back up to practice the lower rougher section.  Pushing all the way to the top to warm up our muscles, as I rolled down I was just filled with dread at the thought of the rooty lower half, I really don't know why, I can ride it all.  As I started the root steps down to the forestry road I unbalanced on my bike as my muscles tensed.  As I crossed the road I slammed on the brakes... I just couldn't do the roll into the lower section.  No reason, other than my own stupidity... 

I pulled over off the track and sat with the other riders watching them filter off to the lower section.  One of the best things about DH is people help each other, no-one laughed or criticized my stupidity, and Ami and Rachael even offered to ride with me sandwiched in the middle to help me down.  Forest of Dean guru Ieuan (4 seconds behind Danny Hart) Williams offered to lead me down, even offering to go slowly.  I had a hissy fit at my own idiocy, the numbers dwindled and I calmed.  Ieuan got ready to start and knowing I'd have a clean track in front of me I nipped in behind him with Darrel on my heels.. I honestly don't know what I panicked about, the Jedi was brilliant, absorbing all the bumps and despite my tense and bad riding didn't send me unceremoniously sprawling across the mud.  After getting to the bottom, I actually wanted to ride it again, this time not so tense, so I pushed up and rolled down, working on looking up, not at roots, and getting used to how the Jedi acts on the rough.  After a few runs I was even getting my lines naturally.  As it was now 4pm, and I did need energy for the race tomorrow we decided to head home.  

Nick Morris (AKA twiglet) posing in the car park

Sunday 5:30am came way too soon, and despite a good nights sleep, I woke up with a massive feeling of dread.  I loaded the dishwasher with last nights dishes and even made Darrel a mug of real coffee (grinding beans etc..) to try and find some solace in mundane tasks.  It wasn't working, I felt sick and just full of impending doom.  All the kit was loaded in the van so it was just a case of picking up the items like my knee pads and SPD shoes that I had worn home last night.  I put my knee pads on to make sure I didn't forget them and my SPD were next to my trainers by the door.  As we drove down the road, the horrible feeling that something was going to go wrong got worse.  We approached Crickhowell (approx 1/2 way) it clicked.  I'd not put my SPD shoes in the van, we pulled into a lay-by and a check revealed me to be correct. It was too late and too far to go back home, I was going to have to ride flats, which I've never done, like ever.  I took up MTB'ing on SPD's, and being clipped in is 2nd nature to me and stops me doing stupid things. Oddly I relaxed, that feeling of impending doom melted away, I was annoyed at my stupidity, but all I could think is I knew something was going to go wrong and forgetting my shoes was not as bad as slamming into a tree flatout :-) 

Jed, number board on and ready to race

As we waited for the bike shop to open, Darrel decided, if they had a pair of nice SPD's in my size he'd get them for me, and take the cleats out of his.  So after my normal 2 visits to the ladies, I was walking alongside Darrel, who kindly pushed Jed, up the hill to the start in a nice new pair of 661 SPD shoes, to go with my new bike.  I wasn't expecting my first run down to go well, normally it doesn't so as I rolled down the top section to warm up I was please to hit my lines and feel relaxed.  After a couple of runs on the top half, I was feeling happy so with a cheer to Simon the road crossing marshal I darted into the lower section, feeling confident on the Jedi as he gripped to the churned up mud.  As I went down I failed to notice that one of the roots had hollowed out the other side more, as I popped over it, the bike washed out to the side, rather than recover I let the bike slip off the track, so I could have a look at where I'd gone wrong and let 2 faster riders have a clear run.  It was a simple fix, I'd normally dropped to the left to land on the flatter part of the track, but this had worn and now the root needed to be taken more to the right.  Happy and confident that Jed and I could do this I continued down, getting my lines and feeling happy.  I was made even more chuffed when a random guy came over and said I was looking a lot more relaxed on the new bike today, and starting to let it do it's job... With a massive grin on my face I pushed Jed up to the start.  

Now, I'm not going to say I'm not nervous, but I'm not going to bore you with it either.  Starting a DH race will never be easy, I'm sure even the pros would agree this.  But it's a fact of life that you got to start to race to race.  So once again I was on a start mound waiting for the beeps to drop.  Then I was off, I stuffed up my start, changing down a gear instead of up, annoyed with myself I looked ahead to find my line to the right onto the table top, letting the bike go in the air this was quickly followed by root, corner, brake, jump, braking bumps, root corner jump it all seemed to speed by, I cheered to Darrel and Simon as I over braked off the forestry road, still no 100% trusting Jed, as I hit the roots, concentrating on the one I needed to stick left on, as I dropped over it the bike stayed on track, hitting my lines over the other roots and over the corner, I could hear the commentator calling my name as I was on the short home straight.  Pedalling across the finish line, my heart was thumping so loudly I didn't catch my time.  I was just happy, the bike was amazing and I was down in 1 piece.  Nick came over to ask me what time I'd wanted to beat, 1:50 had been my previous, Nick informed me I'd done a 1:46, on such a short track 4 seconds was great, new bike, less grippy track it's hadn't been in my favour to beat last years time. Darrel came down with some food and we sat relaxing watching the guys come down.  

Me and Jed on our first ever race run together

Relaxing in between race runs

1:30pm and I was back at the top, yet again waiting for the beeps.  I'd put in a great first run, so no pressure on this run as I heard the start I was off, this time I know I was faster on the top section, everything felt smooth and comfortable as I headed down the track, I over braked on the large root drop I needed to keep left over and off balanced myself, as I headed down I missed a marker, and instead of going on the line I'd been practising I found myself on a middle line into the largest of root drops, I didn't mean too, however I must of cursed myself out loud 'S*$t I'm on the wrong line' in reply I hear a guy yell back 'don't worry just keep going your doing fine' so I did, dropping off the roots I pedalled to try and make up the lost time, hitting my line and letting the bike head down I knew I was going slowly and let off the brakes, making the turn onto the now very slippy finish straight pedalling again as I crossed the line, I was so happy.  1 second off my first race run time, it doesn't sound much but to me it was.  

It's no all about the racing :)

We stayed to watch the rest of the race and enjoy the atmosphere. 

So my review of the weekend and why I got so stupidly nervous.  

A) New Bike, I'd only really had 1 proper days riding on him and that was with the too soft forks.  I didn't know how he behaved on different terrain and with the new spring in the forks he again acted totally differently. I didn't know where the bikes strengths are, or weaknesses.  Also Granddad has been part of my identity, know one was ever going to take me seriously on a 15 year old bike.. Now I'm on a bike that says I mean business... 

B) Putting pressure on myself.  I now had a really good new bike and a racing licence, so I should be fast and competitive 

What I've learned is: 

The Jedi is an amazing bike that I'm going to have a great time on, it's way more competent that I gave it credit for and I love it.  

Having a racing licence means nothing, other than I have a number after my name on entries and might gain some points.

Racing DH is one of the best sports ever, and I really love it.

So my exciting life doesn't stop here, I've got 4 days to recover then the bit I'm really scared about.  I've got a training session on Friday with World 4x Protour Champion, DH rider and Haribo lover Katy Curd.     

Massive thanks to Loeka for my lovely kit, Fix Distribution for supporting me and getting me and Jed together.  Everyone at Naked Racing for putting on such an excellent event and to all the riders and spectators who made the weekend so great.  Special thanks to Darrel for not racing to support me on my new bike and for buying me some lovely new SPD's

Grateful thanks to Mark @ Photo-bike.com for supplying me with these images from Sunday. Gotta love my facial expression on the bottom one :)  

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

Image supplied by Scott Kendall

2014 Start as I mean to go on

Firstly Happy New Year!

I purposely avoided writing a ‘what I’m going to do in 2014 post’ partly as blogs seemed to be full of them and secondly my mildly pickled brain, over the Christmas madness,  wasn’t in much of a state to decide what I would or would not be doing in the next 12 months.

One thing I did know was that I’d continue to be racing DH, and not so reluctantly as before.

Which brings me nicely to the weekend just gone.

My first race of 2014, was the 661 mini DH round 2 at the Forest of Dean. 

The week prior to the race hadn’t been my best, I’d been knocked for 6 with the cold from hell, to the extent that I did consider whether I’d caught man flu.. So rather than practicing my DH technic I was veg’d out on the sofa drinking lemsip.  The internet buzz mainly concentrated on which track we’d be going down, with a fair amount of speculation as the track wasn’t release until the Thursday.

I have to admit to begin happy over the track being Sheep Skull, it’s my favourite track, but my only race on it wasn’t the best experience. 

Friday night we packed the van and sorted out our gear, I was surprised how calm I felt normally by now my nerves have kicked in.  I went to bed and fell asleep still no nerves, until 2:25 am, I woke in a cold sweat, sleeping restlessly until the alarm went off. 

Arriving at FOD I was more excited than nervous, I’d not seen some of the girls since the last race and we chatted as we pushed up the hill, Darrel joining us.  My first few runs were the normal sketchy stiff mess that I expected, but as I made my way down the course I relaxed and enjoyed the track.  I did struggle a bit with my lines but was happy I had routes through all the technical bits and when we followed the track in a complete run to get some lunch, I loved riding the lower section. After a quick can of coke (nerves stopping me eating) we headed back, i wanted to just run down the middle section in 1 complete run so set off after Darrel.  I was feeling confident and happy as I went passed Danny Hart who was doing a track walk with the ripper category, as I passed them felt the bike loose grip and instinctively knew I was going down.  I held the bike up as long as possible to scrub off my speed before giving in to the inevitable and hitting the deck.  I’d simply got caught out on a really short off camber section!  Pushing up I had a good look at where I’d gone wrong, a very simple mistake I’d just come too far over to the right.  So I set off again and cleared the section.  Following this we did a few runs down the lower half before calling it a day and heading home.  

Sheepskull Practice 

Next morning, the atmosphere at FOD had changed you could tell it was race day!  The weather had changed as well, yesterday we only had one shower in the afternoon, but today it was persistent and relentless rain.  I’d slept reasonably well and didn’t feel too nervous as I waited my turn to do a practice run, I was practising with Darrel so we’d agree I’d follow him down to the 2nd forestry road crossing.  As I set off after him on the top pedally bit of track I froze.  It was like I’d totally forgotten how to ride a bike I got to the first crossing and wanted to cry.  Darrel had long gone so I pushed up and went down again, a bit better but to say I was stiff was way off the mark. I was trembling with nerves and my body was ridged with fear, as I kept riding the same bit of track.  I gradually relaxed, as the track became more familiar I rode on more of an autopilot and as long as I didn't think too much found things improving.  So I braved crossing the push up and riding the middle section and it really went tits up.  The rain had actually given the track more grip as tyres were able to cut into the saturated slime, but that off camber bit caught me out again, and again, and again.. Yep my first 3 attempts all resulted in me sliding off track! I couldn't work out what I was doing that was so wrong, as I watched rider after rider clear this section. I leant Granddad up against a tree and in-between riders walked the section.  My theory on what I was doing wrong is based on  my horse riding experience, I was using a tree stump to the right of the track as a marker to aim for, and as I'm one sided to my right this just took the bike over the couple of inches off the grip.  I looked for new markers and tried them out until I was able to clear the section and keep upright, though I wasn't trusting this bit of track and going rather slowly.  Due to the time taken up here I didn't have a chance to practice the lower sections but was happy there yesterday.

So 11am saw me in line to start my first race run, the rain was still falling and I looked more like a drowned rat from my offs that a DH racer J

My first run was nervous, and as I got to my nemesis I slowed to ensure I stayed on the bike, slowing a bit too much and having to really pedal to get to the roots which was where I got a surprise.  Fellow Loeka/Fix Distribution rider Clare (at her first DH race) was just at the bottom of the bomb hole line through the roots.  I’d never caught anyone on a race run so backed off to let her clear the roots before I entered this technical section, calling to Clare as I dropped onto the road, she stopped to let me by as I dropped down the lower section calling to her to ‘tag on behind’ and ride with me.  The rest of the run was fine, I love this bit of track it’s pretty much point and shoot with a pedally bit in the middle which killed my cold reduced strength.  I headed happily down to the finish.  I’d survived run 1 listening for my time I was 7 seconds quicker than my fastest time last year, in conditions which were much worse.  I was ecstatic.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

After watching Darrel compete in the Hard tail class, it was again a quick lunch of coke and a sedate push up to the top. 

2^nd race run is seeded from the first race run times with the fastest girl going first, as I’d caught Clare on my first fun we agreed that I should start before her, hopefully giving us both clear runs.  I felt so odd not to be the last in my class as I headed off as soon as the beeps changed.  My second run was clearer, I really enjoyed the first section relaxed enough to take purposely pump the bike into jumping onto the push up track (secrectly hoping there was a camera there to capture the moment) and headed down to the middle section that had caught me out that morning.  I still didn’t trust the track and over braked, but hey I got through clear as I lined up for the bomb hole and dropped across the road yelling hello to Simon the Marshall.  As I disappeared down into the woods I was carrying more speed than before and stupidly over braked as I looked for my line, having to pedal to get my speed back up as I exited the woods on to the flat section and heaved on the pedals, all it seemed to do was move the suspension rather than propel me forwards, as I was about to run out of steam the track headed down again.  I dropped down a chute, braking in the slime to get onto the home stretch letting the bike take me round the berms as I could hear the noise from the finish line.  As I passed Rob (another Marshall) I knew it would only be seconds before I was home, my whole body was aching as I entered the last few meters, crossing the finish line with a grin. 

Image from MnDPhotography

1 second faster than the mornings time, which given I was knackered and still suffering the after effects of my cold, I was so happy.

DH for me isn’t about coming first, it’s about improvement so setting faster times each attempt is key.  The only thing that could have made the conditions worse on Sunday was snow, it rained from when we left the house at 6:30am until 1pm.  I struggle riding in the wet, especially if there are rooty sections and I'd never really raced in theses conditions so it was a great experience. 

And for the 2nd time I wasn't last.

Team Loeka/Fix Distribution

Now for the Thanks; 

Loeka and Fix Distribution for supporting me this year

All the marshalls, photographers and spectator's who stood out in the rain to watch a bunch of mad people. 

Naked Racing for putting on another excellent race



Next race is the 661 Mini DH round 3...... 

To find out more about my fellow team rider Clare Curtis check out her blog 

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.