Brass Monkey Rd 3 - End of term report

The final round of the Brass Monkey's dawned crystal clear, the organising Gorrick team's direct line to the weather Gods was still open!  (If only Pat Adams and Martyn Salt could get their number too) Brass Monkey's by name and brass monkeys by nature though - this was the middle of January.  The night had not been quite cold enough to freeze the course even if it had frozen some of the portaloos!.

The organisers must have employed an army of trail fairies.  After a 200m fire road start drag we hit the single track.  It sneaked its way this way and that, undulating along gravel banks, through dips, tightly twisting through trees and diving through bermed, snaking trenches.  A few short sharp climbs gave racers enough elevation to ease off the pedals momentarily, but never for long before getting back on the gas. This was course heaven! There was so much "interest" that finding time to squeeze down a gel was not easy, opportunities had to grasped or before the fuel tank was empty.  

The watery Sun passed its zenith and the 2 hour riders were launched into the fray.  The single track nature of the course provided a few hold ups, and of course a few riders to pick off, motivation.  Time flew past on the involving course, crossing the line at around three and a half hours there was no possibility of packing, one more lap.

It's a long way from Somerset to Aldershot.  I'm sure that for many other racers each round has meant a long drive (have you seen the price of diesel!), drawing heavily from the "Bank of Family Forebearance" and missing out on some good times (goals all round for Cheddar Valley Youth Hockey's girls). But has it all been worth it?  After all I know that my local Sunday morning gang can kick my ass, tear my legs off and leave me for a humiliating "plod of shame" 40 miles from home, so I'm not here for the training.  There must be a better reason.  

Racing is fun!  Simply these races are so well organised and well attended, enlivened by good humoured competition and held on well thought through, technical flowing courses that they make for a great day out.  Thanks to everyone that made the series work so well!

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