XC Racer Blog Post

Hit The North!!

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BY: Richard Jones

Published: 8th February, 2012


Hit the North


Up until a few weeks before the race I had heard nothing about it and didn't now what to expect.  I read you could ride any bike and there seemed to be very few rules, so of course this opened up the "what bike to ride" debate. 


I knew nothing about the course but settled on my trusty MTB.  I figured that I would be spending the whole of the coming season on one of these so I may as well start as I wish to go on. 


As we arrived at the race the temperatures were reading minus three and the long awaited snow looked to be on the horizon.  However a quick practice lap showed just how much fun we where going to have.  The course consisted of flowing fast bermed turns, technical short descents and the odd few impossible climbs that just had to be walked or run if you were that way inclined! 


The start was reasonably informal yet effective.  I had managed to get onto the front row and was ready for what would be a mad dash up the starting climb. 


As the starting horn sounded I held my ground and pushed hard, amazingly I felt good and continued to ride with the starting group.  We made it over the hill and onto the first piece of single track. 


It was at this point I somehow managed to drop my chain from my front ring; I quickly lost touch of the leading group and slipped back into the top 20.  The chain was back on with in no time and I set about making up lost ground. 

 

The first hour or so went with out many more issues, I often found myself having a bit too much fun on the fantastic course and had to remind myself it was a race. With 40 minutes to go the snow started, this quickly made the course very slippy and added to the already muddy sections.


With three laps to go I had made it up into forth and set my sights on riding hard to find the third place rider with two laps to go I had made it across to his wheel.  He seemed surprised to see me yet it was clear he still had plenty to give.  We rode together up until the final lap when he managed to get past me and a couple of back markers.  I was held up for one second or so but he had gained a good gap. 


As with last weekend's Thetford race I didn't seem to have much more to give so set about making up lost ground and holding onto my forth position.  (Time to start those dreaded intervals sessions to find some of the extra kick that I seem to be lacking).


All in all this was one of the most enjoyable events I have ridden for quite some time: there seemed to be a great vibe and everybody was clearly enjoying themselves despite some difficult conditions. 


Thank you to XCracer for the opportunity to ride such a great event.  I also need to thank my girlfriend Hollie for standing in sub zero temperatures and driving snow for over 2 hours…that had to be cold!  


Richard Jones


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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