XC Racer Blog Post

Real Ale Wobble

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 18th November, 2012


A Ride with a difference!!  The Real Ale Wobble!

Yesterday in Llanwrtyd Wells, over 700 liquorice allsorts riders took part in this annual event. Having never done this event before, I didn't quite no what to expect. But a couple of girl, biking friends said they did it last year and it was a laugh, I decided to join them. The event kicked off at 10am and the course was designed to suit all abilities, with mainly fire road connecting technical sections, and a feed station which, was fairly close to all end of routes.

Firstly I will highlight that it was a fun event, I have never seen so many people who, literally looked like they had got their bike out of hibernation for the event. People in white trainers!!! Far from all the gear, no idea. More like, no gear, or idea! Some in fancy dress as well and even a tandem! We all rode the first section which consisted of road, followed by a rocky, muddy fairly steep climb, which I managed to ride to the top without stalling behind all the walkers!! I have to say it was very hard due to the fact that there were more people on foot, than actually riding! After this climb it was rode all the way to the forest entrance. Then a bit of fire road, until the first technical section. Me been a keen off roader and always looking for a challenge I headed off down the tech section, leaving my roadie buddies!! To take the chicken run and meet me at the feed zone. A tricky, muddy slippy descent, then a climb to the feed zone.

Next the feed zone, but not your normal feed zone! This zone had real ALE, you could exchange your tokens which you were given at the start for either Ale or hot drinks and nibbles! We gave the ALE  a miss, but the majority were clearly there for the ALE and a good crack. Had it of been cider, that would have been a different story. I might not have finished the ride in one piece!!!

After a little stop we headed off again and again it was a fire road section and I couldn't persuade my friends to join me down the technical sections so off I went and boy was it fun, and quite a good feeling to have a few compliments along the way!  There was a long draggy climb which had 2 technical sections off it so you rode to the top then took a tech section, which brought you back to the bottom, then climbed again and then took the other technical section which again lead you to the bottom, boy was I glad to get to the top the third time!! Fun technical section, all different and most of all I completed them staying on my bike!! After a bit of confusion, and marshals unsure of men and women( telling me no women had past him!!) I eventually met back with Heather and Vicky. We then all rode the last section together. A bit different to say the least, I have never ridden through such deep puddles, about 10 in total up to my knees!! Soaking wet feet and everything else infact. A bit of road back, and nearly missing the last turning, after us nattering away on the road section. The last bit was down a sludgy field!!!

Finally, we were back to the start after 3 hours of riding and 24 miles on my clock. A great event for people who want to experience a bit of off roading with the main aim of fun. Not for the serious racers, however there were a few guys there who race but obviously, where having a weekend off and having a social for a change!!

Well done to all involved with organising, great soup to finish the day off.

Finally I must say cheer to my dears Heather Evans and Vicky Lloyd for letting me join them. Hopefully next year we can do the same. I would get it in your diary for next year, usually the same time every year. A nice end to the racing year, to let ya hair down and get on the beer.

Donna Morris

Trying to get better for the 2013 season!!

Riding for Xcracer.com





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phil
 

phil Morris

Fireman, dad, racer and team stalwart...

www.xcracer.com

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This blog post was written by a third party and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of XCRacer.com

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