XC Racer Blog Post

Bristol Bikefest

Share on Facebook  Share on Twitter

BY: chris cooknell

Published: 13th June, 2013


BOOM! If there was an App to turn movement into sound then that's what we heard when we saw Iain start at Bristol Bikefest.  The massed ranks of riders have to sprint the first few hundred metres, leap onto their bikes and pedal like maniacs up a gravel climb to join the course proper.  Riding first man off for Weldtite Racing Iain Payne exploded like a rocket, by the time he reached the top of the climb he was so far ahead that I was not sure if anyone else had even got going!  

Bikefest's Saturday race is always competitive, and the strength of the field was clear when Iain finished his lap in 4th place, anyone that gets around him at Ashton Court is a very classy rider.  Ollie Taylor was next off and with a clear track ahead he put in a blistering 25min lap, gaining a place in the process.  Next in line I headed off.  The track was dry and this was fun!  I was careful not to have too much fun - a big spill would ruin the day and could jeopardise the rest of the season. Gaining a place I handed over to our mountain goat Ed Bailey.

We were in for the long run - 12 hours tearing around the best city trails on Earth!  The Ashton Court trail is so well built; at weekends it can be taken by riders of any age, even on tiny bikes.  On race day it becomes more challenging the faster you go.  At full speed you have no option but to be "on it" the whole time.  There are no breaks: carve, crank, pump and whoop your way through the single-tracks then, eye-balls on stalks, start stem chewing and honking up the short rocky climbs.  This is fun!!!

By half way Weldtite Racing were back in 5th.  At the top of the timelaps' screen a ding-dong battle was being fought at a blistering pace between Forme Coaching, Clayton Cars and Southfork.  The latter 2 teams both featured a mix of senior riders well used to top level racing and some unbelievably talented juniors.  Anyone riding flat out being passed by a child only one third of the way to "vetdom" would be excused for feeling ready to give up!



The location for the event field was a great bonus.  Gone was the parking on a gravel track miles from the action.  Parking up or camping close to the arena allowed everyone to enjoy the atmosphere  and feel part of the new bikefest.  A short ride up to the pavilion was rewarded with by a real loo (with a powerful flush!) and real showers.

As the afternoon sun eased and the evening cooled Weldtite Racing were making progress, taking a couple of minutes per rotation out of Crux Cycling and working our way back to fourth.  It looked as if we might just close the gap on Southfork, but our South West rivals put their fast legs on again and pulled away a little.  Fourth place is one better than last year, and a very good shake-down for Mayhem next weekend.  Next year - one better again.

As all of this was happening team mate Julian Grundy was calmly tapping out consistent laps at an astonishingly fast pace.  In his inimitably modest style, under the radar, he stealthily cranked his one-sprocketed way around 21 circuits to become the single speed solo champion of 2013.  Well done Julian - it'll be great to have you on board at Mayhem!

The contrast with some of 2012's big events could not be greater.  Ollie commented that this was first time that he could remember seeing me at a race not wearing Welly boots!  After the appalling weather conditions that had made the big races of 2012 events for the determined, stubborn and stupid (like us!) Bristol Bikefest 2013 was mtb racing heaven.  Let the good times roll!  





Blogger Info:


chris
 

chris cooknell

Chris lives in the cycling heaven of Somerset; lonely lanes in the levels, killer climbs and sweeping singletracks.

http://www.bikecity.biz/

Read More By chris
Disclaimer:

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

Advertise your business/event here »