Brass Monkeys VFTP

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Published: 28th November, 2011

Louise Robinson provides her view of the first Merida Brass Monkeys Winter enduro


 It's funny how, in the rosy glow of the post-race come down, it didn't seem so bad. Sat here now, on the sofa with a glass of wine in my hand, I am even looking forward to round 2. Six hours ago however, I was in my own personal hell.

Round 1, Merida Brass Monkeys at Porridge Pot Hill was always going to be tough, the clue's in the name, it's not going to be flat! My pre-race preparation was not what would be called ideal. The tail end of a cold and an on-going DIY project at home has reduced my riding time in the last couple of weeks. To top it all, I was awoken at midnight last night by those dreaded words…"mummy I think I'm going to be surrrgh……"

One poorly 6 year old and much washing later I did finally get a few hours' sleep, but not the best race prep however. My weapon of choice is an On-One Whippet, which I seem to have developed quite a knack for throwing round corners. It also climbs really well (which is a very good job considering todays course).

My plan was to get near the front on the start line, go hell for leather for the first quarter of the lap and then settle into a more comfortable pace. The first 10 minutes went exactly according to plan but then I suffered major chain suck on the first significant climb. The chain got so far wedged between the chain stay and granny ring it took at least a minute and a half of giggling and swearing to free it. By this time, what seemed like half the field had passed me and my plan not to get held up in traffic in the singletrack was dust.

The course was fabulous. Hats off to the organisers for such an amazing amount of flowing singletrack and what seemed like a hellishly large number of climbs. The weather was perfect, dry and bright and the course ran fast and smooth. My mechanical problems continued with a stubborn stick that refused to let go of my rear mech on the second lap and more chain suck on the third. However, grim determination kept me going to the end and 1st place in the ladies 2 hour event was mine.

Given the state of my drive chain by the end it is a very good job it is nearly Christmas, Santa - I have been a very good girl.
Louise Robinson Four4th Lights

Pic:Joolze www.joolzedymond.com for event gallery
Results at www.timelaps.co.uk

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