We left at 6.00, collecting Andy on the way, and made it to the campsite just before 9.00. Parking in the first available spot, we sorted out signing on and scrutineering whilst keeping an eye out for familiar faces. Andy was laughing at my uncharacteristic attack of nerves as we got changed. I’m not sure what brought it on, but suspect it may have started from when I took my fully fuelled 640 off the stand on Friday night and realised just how heavy it was! This combined with the fact that this was its first competitive outing, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to react in any “red-mist” situations.
Once kitted up and ready, I settled down considerably, and wandered down to the start with Denise to await my time.
From the start there was a 50 minute liaison mainly on tarmac, with a couple of stretches of fire road to play about on. Dust was an unwelcome, and surprising, nuisance considering the weather we had had at home. I was to regret thinking this shortly.
The first check point was both start and finish for three 60 minute laps of the forest, with the refuelling area, a catering van, and toilets. There was an interesting mixture of surfaces on the lap, gravel roads, sand, rocks, sand with rocks in, rocks with water, and a short muddy stretch. No significant hills to speak of. The first lap got underway with a dust cloud from the start, before turning onto a puddle infested rock track. This I took very steadily, as there was no need to rush. There was a superb run that was tightly enclosed by trees, with gently undulating bumps to keep you alert. Easily my favourite part of the course. The timed special started with a top speed rush, then sandy turns, then more of the rocks and water. I couldn’t bring up the nerve to attack the last bit and don’t expect sparkling times as a result. There were plenty of fire roads to romp along in-between the off-road sections, and the last stretch deteriorated into a sandy track with some entertainingly deep puddles, the deepest just before the finish of the lap.
Returning to the check point, the later numbers were just about to start their lap, so I got to have a quick word with Andy before he set off. With time to have a brew before my next lap, I had just lit a cigarette when the rain started. This killed off any worry about dust at least.
The first lap had given me chance to suss out the other riders around my time, so immediately after the start I nipped past the other two on my minute, while keeping an ear for Lee Walters on the minute after. I hadn’t reckoned on the late numbers though, and found myself getting buzzed by a couple of smokers through the puddles as well! The muddy stretch was now very slippery and I opted to paddle for most of it. At the start of the special test we were allowed to go in whatever order we liked, so I waited for Lee to go first, after ensuring that there were no other faster riders tucking in behind me. I do like a test all to myself. Second lap successfully completed, and back to the check for another brew. Missed Andy this time, but still plenty of people to chat to while trying to light a smoke with a wet lighter.
Lap three was much the same as the second, raining steadily now. In the special I got caught just before a huge puddle, so slowed to avoid getting drenched. The XR that aquaplaned across the puddle reminded me that as I was already drenched, what difference would a bit more make? Muppet!
Back to the check, and more chatting and drinking tea in the rain.
The penultimate lap was down as 90 minutes, and started very much the same as the other laps, with the distinction of me cross rutting badly in the muddy stretch and having to lay the bike on its side to get it out. Part way through the lap we were sent left where we had previously turned right to run an extremely enjoyable loop of some different tracks. At this junction I caught Pipster, who had stopped to find out what the screeching noise was when he applied the brakes on his 950. Lack of friction material was the answer, so we rode the remains of the lap together at a gentler pace. Eventually, we found ourselves back on tracks we recognised and at the check point again! All that remained was the 50 minute liaison back to the campsite. My remaining cigarettes had turned to a soggy mush, so scrounged one off Lee. The caterers had run out of milk, so I had to have black tea. My gear had long since given up the pretence of being waterproof, so I was soaked. Why then, was I so happy?
The road ride chilled me somewhat, and I lost all feeling in the fingers of my left hand. Vibration white finger perhaps? Denise was waiting with the dog as I came in, and had the kettle on in seconds. After a quick change, without filling the trailer with mud, I felt much warmer and set about hanging my wet gear to dry. Andy rolled up and did the same, but the intermittent showers meant we spent more time moving stuff about until we decided enough was enough and piled it all in a heap! The showers turned thundery, and we were treated to a spectacular lightening display from the back of the trailer. Between showers the three of us managed to have some of the excellent food from the catering van, catch up with various people around the site, and drink a full crate of Becks! As the bikes had stopped running, I let Toby off his lead, and he went to make friends with as many people as he could. Being a Labrador means he is always on the lookout for food, and he seemed to find plenty of leftovers. The weather did put a bit of a dampener (sic) on the social side of the evening, and by 10.00 we retired to our luxury accommodation for the night.
Sunday morning seemed a little brighter, but the prospect of putting damp gear on was rather unappealing. I let the dog out while I walked over to the toilet block, and he revisited all the places he had felt welcome last night. I bet people were surprised to find their plates and barbeques so clean when they awoke! The catering van was already up and running so we had a good breakfast to start the day.
Today’s course ran in the forest near the site, and the test was within yards of the start, so spectators got a chance to see we heroes in action. Three 90 minute laps to complete. Rolling up to the time keepers for the sighting lap, I could see the organisers had a sense of humour. This was a slalom through trees test, and I’m riding a supertanker. Ho hum. As it was I got the 640 through reasonably well, but at nothing like speed. After the slalom there were a couple of triple-rut straights through plantations, then an inviting looking open field. I gunned the bike, to be promptly made aware of numerous small tree stumps, hell bent on changing your direction. I spied a path along the edge of the field, and made good use of that. A quick blast along a short fire road, then into a slippery clay two-rut straight, before exiting onto a long straight fire road to get your chin on the tank. Brake very hard for the 90 degree left into 100 yards of single track and the finish. Nice.
The biggest surprise was just how different the terrain was in this forest. This was more like Welsh forestry, with less rock, but more ruts. There was a long stretch of these that had me paddling nearly the whole way, and cursing the fact that I had lifted the gearing back up. Just before the halfway point of the lap, we disappeared into a narrow green lane that Timpo would have been proud of!
Returning to the paddock, I decided to switch my goggles for roll-offs, thinking that we would be mixed up with the later numbers in the test. In view of the exertion to come, I didn’t have a smoke, keeping a little more oxygen in my bloodstream.
At the start, Lee rolled up behind me. “Shout loud which side you want!” I yelled at him. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep them talking.” He replied.
At the green light, I fired off into the trees as best I could, legs flailing furiously to try and keep upright. A short downhill straight tempted me to go faster, but then I lost the front trying to turn at the end of it. Bugger! Angry with myself I took a few chances down the plantations, catching Rik on the second one. Round the stump field, through the slippery ruts (not as slippy now) and full chat down the fire road. Through the finish, and stop, breathing hard. Looking behind I am just in time to see Lee fire his BMW off the berm in front of the timekeepers. Impressive! I should have done that.
The rain has returned as I ride steadily along the track towards the ruts, and I am regretting the change to roll-offs. In the ruts the Africa Twin that passed me earlier has got stuck, so I stop to help him out. We paddle our way through together, alternating between the good and bad ruts, until I see a line I can actually ride. At this point the quick strap unsticks itself from my helmet, leaving me goggle less. Arse.
At the end of the ruts I stop, have a smoke, and examine my options. These get a whole lot better when a marshal stops and offers me his goggles for the rest of the lap. What a star!
Back at the paddock, Denise gets me a brew while she and Clare drink cider. I give the borrowed goggles back and replace the strap on mine, before heading back to the start of the test. This time I don’t notice who’s there and just set off at my light. Through the slalom a bit better this time, and along the plantations I spot the Africa Twin in front of me. A little to enthusiastic trying to pass him before the turn and I end up on my ear, again! He slows to ask if I’m ok, and I wave him on, annoyed with myself, again. Re take him around the field and fire off into the ruts, faster than last time. As I make the turn onto the fast straight, I just glimpse a front wheel exiting the ruts, so I give it everything. Braking almost too late for the left turn, there is an additional set of tyres scrabbling in the gravel behind mine, but I am determined not to be beaten and launch down the last 100 yards, flinging the bike sideways past the finish. As I stop, it isn’t the Africa Twin, but Lee. I apologise for holding him up, but he laughs and graciously suggests that I didn’t.
The remainder of the lap I took at a steady pace, enjoying the riding, and experimenting a little with the bike into loose corners. Rear wheel steering is a joy with the smooth power delivery, but rear tyre wear could be an issue!
Back to the finish to collect my finisher’s plaque (coaster) just as the rain starts again. The paddock is starting to look a little like the Somme as people try, and fail, to get out. I’m not too hopeful of my chances, given that I have a heavy trailer and road biased tyres on the Jeep. Andy and I change and load up, and he scouts out a route for me to try. Easing the throttle in low ratio, the electronic traction control starts working overtime, but we are moving forward, and successfully negotiate an exit. The traffic jam on the road puts paid to any thoughts we had of unhitching the trailer and helping others out, but the Army Land rovers have arrived in force so we left them to it.
A very enjoyable weekend, just a pity that the weather couldn’t have been a bit kinder. That, as we know, is beyond anyone’s control.
Many thanks to the organisers for their work in putting on such an event, and congratulations on a varied and interesting course.
Mark
Once kitted up and ready, I settled down considerably, and wandered down to the start with Denise to await my time.
From the start there was a 50 minute liaison mainly on tarmac, with a couple of stretches of fire road to play about on. Dust was an unwelcome, and surprising, nuisance considering the weather we had had at home. I was to regret thinking this shortly.
The first check point was both start and finish for three 60 minute laps of the forest, with the refuelling area, a catering van, and toilets. There was an interesting mixture of surfaces on the lap, gravel roads, sand, rocks, sand with rocks in, rocks with water, and a short muddy stretch. No significant hills to speak of. The first lap got underway with a dust cloud from the start, before turning onto a puddle infested rock track. This I took very steadily, as there was no need to rush. There was a superb run that was tightly enclosed by trees, with gently undulating bumps to keep you alert. Easily my favourite part of the course. The timed special started with a top speed rush, then sandy turns, then more of the rocks and water. I couldn’t bring up the nerve to attack the last bit and don’t expect sparkling times as a result. There were plenty of fire roads to romp along in-between the off-road sections, and the last stretch deteriorated into a sandy track with some entertainingly deep puddles, the deepest just before the finish of the lap.
Returning to the check point, the later numbers were just about to start their lap, so I got to have a quick word with Andy before he set off. With time to have a brew before my next lap, I had just lit a cigarette when the rain started. This killed off any worry about dust at least.
The first lap had given me chance to suss out the other riders around my time, so immediately after the start I nipped past the other two on my minute, while keeping an ear for Lee Walters on the minute after. I hadn’t reckoned on the late numbers though, and found myself getting buzzed by a couple of smokers through the puddles as well! The muddy stretch was now very slippery and I opted to paddle for most of it. At the start of the special test we were allowed to go in whatever order we liked, so I waited for Lee to go first, after ensuring that there were no other faster riders tucking in behind me. I do like a test all to myself. Second lap successfully completed, and back to the check for another brew. Missed Andy this time, but still plenty of people to chat to while trying to light a smoke with a wet lighter.
Lap three was much the same as the second, raining steadily now. In the special I got caught just before a huge puddle, so slowed to avoid getting drenched. The XR that aquaplaned across the puddle reminded me that as I was already drenched, what difference would a bit more make? Muppet!
Back to the check, and more chatting and drinking tea in the rain.
The penultimate lap was down as 90 minutes, and started very much the same as the other laps, with the distinction of me cross rutting badly in the muddy stretch and having to lay the bike on its side to get it out. Part way through the lap we were sent left where we had previously turned right to run an extremely enjoyable loop of some different tracks. At this junction I caught Pipster, who had stopped to find out what the screeching noise was when he applied the brakes on his 950. Lack of friction material was the answer, so we rode the remains of the lap together at a gentler pace. Eventually, we found ourselves back on tracks we recognised and at the check point again! All that remained was the 50 minute liaison back to the campsite. My remaining cigarettes had turned to a soggy mush, so scrounged one off Lee. The caterers had run out of milk, so I had to have black tea. My gear had long since given up the pretence of being waterproof, so I was soaked. Why then, was I so happy?
The road ride chilled me somewhat, and I lost all feeling in the fingers of my left hand. Vibration white finger perhaps? Denise was waiting with the dog as I came in, and had the kettle on in seconds. After a quick change, without filling the trailer with mud, I felt much warmer and set about hanging my wet gear to dry. Andy rolled up and did the same, but the intermittent showers meant we spent more time moving stuff about until we decided enough was enough and piled it all in a heap! The showers turned thundery, and we were treated to a spectacular lightening display from the back of the trailer. Between showers the three of us managed to have some of the excellent food from the catering van, catch up with various people around the site, and drink a full crate of Becks! As the bikes had stopped running, I let Toby off his lead, and he went to make friends with as many people as he could. Being a Labrador means he is always on the lookout for food, and he seemed to find plenty of leftovers. The weather did put a bit of a dampener (sic) on the social side of the evening, and by 10.00 we retired to our luxury accommodation for the night.
Sunday morning seemed a little brighter, but the prospect of putting damp gear on was rather unappealing. I let the dog out while I walked over to the toilet block, and he revisited all the places he had felt welcome last night. I bet people were surprised to find their plates and barbeques so clean when they awoke! The catering van was already up and running so we had a good breakfast to start the day.
Today’s course ran in the forest near the site, and the test was within yards of the start, so spectators got a chance to see we heroes in action. Three 90 minute laps to complete. Rolling up to the time keepers for the sighting lap, I could see the organisers had a sense of humour. This was a slalom through trees test, and I’m riding a supertanker. Ho hum. As it was I got the 640 through reasonably well, but at nothing like speed. After the slalom there were a couple of triple-rut straights through plantations, then an inviting looking open field. I gunned the bike, to be promptly made aware of numerous small tree stumps, hell bent on changing your direction. I spied a path along the edge of the field, and made good use of that. A quick blast along a short fire road, then into a slippery clay two-rut straight, before exiting onto a long straight fire road to get your chin on the tank. Brake very hard for the 90 degree left into 100 yards of single track and the finish. Nice.
The biggest surprise was just how different the terrain was in this forest. This was more like Welsh forestry, with less rock, but more ruts. There was a long stretch of these that had me paddling nearly the whole way, and cursing the fact that I had lifted the gearing back up. Just before the halfway point of the lap, we disappeared into a narrow green lane that Timpo would have been proud of!
Returning to the paddock, I decided to switch my goggles for roll-offs, thinking that we would be mixed up with the later numbers in the test. In view of the exertion to come, I didn’t have a smoke, keeping a little more oxygen in my bloodstream.
At the start, Lee rolled up behind me. “Shout loud which side you want!” I yelled at him. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep them talking.” He replied.
At the green light, I fired off into the trees as best I could, legs flailing furiously to try and keep upright. A short downhill straight tempted me to go faster, but then I lost the front trying to turn at the end of it. Bugger! Angry with myself I took a few chances down the plantations, catching Rik on the second one. Round the stump field, through the slippery ruts (not as slippy now) and full chat down the fire road. Through the finish, and stop, breathing hard. Looking behind I am just in time to see Lee fire his BMW off the berm in front of the timekeepers. Impressive! I should have done that.
The rain has returned as I ride steadily along the track towards the ruts, and I am regretting the change to roll-offs. In the ruts the Africa Twin that passed me earlier has got stuck, so I stop to help him out. We paddle our way through together, alternating between the good and bad ruts, until I see a line I can actually ride. At this point the quick strap unsticks itself from my helmet, leaving me goggle less. Arse.
At the end of the ruts I stop, have a smoke, and examine my options. These get a whole lot better when a marshal stops and offers me his goggles for the rest of the lap. What a star!
Back at the paddock, Denise gets me a brew while she and Clare drink cider. I give the borrowed goggles back and replace the strap on mine, before heading back to the start of the test. This time I don’t notice who’s there and just set off at my light. Through the slalom a bit better this time, and along the plantations I spot the Africa Twin in front of me. A little to enthusiastic trying to pass him before the turn and I end up on my ear, again! He slows to ask if I’m ok, and I wave him on, annoyed with myself, again. Re take him around the field and fire off into the ruts, faster than last time. As I make the turn onto the fast straight, I just glimpse a front wheel exiting the ruts, so I give it everything. Braking almost too late for the left turn, there is an additional set of tyres scrabbling in the gravel behind mine, but I am determined not to be beaten and launch down the last 100 yards, flinging the bike sideways past the finish. As I stop, it isn’t the Africa Twin, but Lee. I apologise for holding him up, but he laughs and graciously suggests that I didn’t.
The remainder of the lap I took at a steady pace, enjoying the riding, and experimenting a little with the bike into loose corners. Rear wheel steering is a joy with the smooth power delivery, but rear tyre wear could be an issue!
Back to the finish to collect my finisher’s plaque (coaster) just as the rain starts again. The paddock is starting to look a little like the Somme as people try, and fail, to get out. I’m not too hopeful of my chances, given that I have a heavy trailer and road biased tyres on the Jeep. Andy and I change and load up, and he scouts out a route for me to try. Easing the throttle in low ratio, the electronic traction control starts working overtime, but we are moving forward, and successfully negotiate an exit. The traffic jam on the road puts paid to any thoughts we had of unhitching the trailer and helping others out, but the Army Land rovers have arrived in force so we left them to it.
A very enjoyable weekend, just a pity that the weather couldn’t have been a bit kinder. That, as we know, is beyond anyone’s control.
Many thanks to the organisers for their work in putting on such an event, and congratulations on a varied and interesting course.
Mark
- fantastic event ! My first in 5 years; hooked again. Great to put some names to faces. Here's a few photos I pulled off the YEC site. 
.
