Fully sussed Rd 1

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BY: Donna Morris

Published: 13th April, 2013

Wheel Maid Round 1 SW Series

A little delay in writing the report, due to only just coming back to the modern world of the internet!! And landing home after a little break following the opening round of the south west series in Redruth, run by the mighty crew (Fully Sussed). After Sherwood, I had a bad chest infection and had only ridden the bike once, gently and still my lungs where suffering, but I wanted to give it a go. And I wanted to show off my shiny new MTZoom Handle bars and top cap!   

With the Morris gang all aboard, for the first time this year we headed of on the long journey to Redruth. After 5 hours we arrived at united downs. The sun was shining and legs were being revealed!! First time I have seen that this year!! I quickly got kitted up and headed out for a practice spin. I knew the course would be great and knew that there was going to be some hair raising bits too! Correct! Although some very tricky bits, I was very pleased to have ridden nearly all sections.

The first part of the course I loved, a really heart racing course single-track, tricky little bits and a few hairier bits, (well for me anyway!) some tight corners into some steep descents and the leveller was wicked!  I contemplated down to brown and know I could have ridden the first section, but mastering the corner into the next section, freaked me out and I wanted to finish in one piece and not spoil our little holiday. So I jibbed! The climbs were really tricky too, loose stones everywhere. I have never ridden a course like that before so it was a new experience. The sand pit area was another area that I just mentally couldn't overcome the fear of falling back of the bike, so I took a different line and surprised myself by getting up the other side.

 The last technical descent was a little drop off to start, down into a rocky gully. I looked at it and thought, no way. But Mel and Mark rode down it, waited at the bottom, so I boosted my confidence and smashed it!!  The descent and most of the course was made tough by all the rocks and loose stones. Then a sharp little climb, followed by the 2^nd part of the course which was really flowing single-track back to the twisty rooty wooded section.  I got back to the car and felt excited about race day already. Phil then headed out and confirmed my findings and actually agreed I had done well to get round it!! 

We then headed off to the hot laps event. Really cool, a pump track with loads of dudes on bmx bikes doing little stunts and flips. The kids thought it was brilliant and they even had a little go round the middle bumpy section of the track, whilst daddy was racing! (Well trying too!!!) Not really daddy's strength.  We headed to our posh caravan for the night (Travelodge).

Next morning, the weather had changed and it looked dull and gusty, great, where had the sun gone! Thankfully the rain held off but the wind was pretty raw.

 My race was first, kicking off at 10. The field was looking strong, so my aim was to do my best, finish in one piece and not come last!  The whistle went and off up the field we went. I knew I didn't want to be right at the back because the single track and downhill tech sections could get congested. Unfortunately I didn't get completely where I wanted to, due to the tight corner at the timing tent section. Heading down the single track well until we came to a downhill section, where the ladies in front where a little hesitant at so I got caught behind and lost some time but never mind plenty of laps to try and make up for lost time.

 I managed to get past the rider in front of me on one of the climbs until we came to a flattish section before the woods, then she passed me. Now at this point I was thinking to myself I needed to be in front by the timing tent in order to have a clear run at all the technical sections, so up the field I sat behind until the last 200 yards, then I gave a kick and just got in front. At this point I was struggling to get my breath, definitely not a regular occurrence for me, so my old chest infection was causing some trouble. But my legs felt good so I just had to go one pace.

 The 2^nd lap I nipped on and on the last section got a bit speedy down the descent and nearly went over the bars, to this day I don't quite know, how the hell I didn't. (Must have been a hell of a sight for the rider behind me!!)He gave me the, "well recovered" remark at the bottom!! I managed to gain on the second lap and continued to do so, on the following 3^rd and 4^th lap. Unfortunately, my confidence was shattered for the last decent on the last 2 laps so I took the longer chicken route. Looking at my times I may well have been very close and a possible sprint finish with 2^nd if I had of had the balls to continue to ride the decent. However, I finished the race with a very happy 3^rd place behind Alison Holmes and Kim Long. A very tough course all-round, and I probably will be carrying the tail end of this infection around until next weekend!

Next was the highlight of the weekend for us, the under 12's race. Hali-Rae raced her little heart out and completed 3 laps of a pretty tough little loop in about 18 minutes. She never even looked like giving up, she walked some bits and looked at me with a glaze when I gave her the option of just doing the one lap! "NO MUMMY I WANT TO FINSIH IT". Well done Racey Rae! Definitely got daddy and mummy's motivation and determination.

Next was Phil's race.

We always like to attend events in that neck of the woods, with the cracking atmosphere, good organisation, fantastic courses and on the whole good weather! This event was certainly lived up to that. Next round is at Newham park for all information see Fully sussed website. Definitely an event not to be missed.

Thanks to Snapper chick for the pic.

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