Mud, Sweat and Gears Round 4

Share on Facebook  Share on Twitter

BY: JAMES HAMPSHIRE

Published: 23rd August, 2010

I have to admit to having some preconceptions about Essex... but thanks to the SatNav taking us down the twistiest, craziest roads I have seen in the UK, the journey to Codham Park for the Eastern Region Champs took us through one after another of startlingly pretty villages and picture postcard scenery. Although a complete lack of shops made me think that either everyone is eco friendly and growing their own food, or is so minted that they just eat out all the time.

Although I wouldn't want to see my team mates engaging in such activity, it is nice to sometimes just rock up and race, skipping the usual course pre-ride and warm up faff. Nadine wasn't so impressed that I was still chatting on the startline with Trevor Allen (Ergon 24) and Chris Pedder (A W Cycles/Giant) about the Leadville 100 ten seconds before the start mind you...

Instead of the myriad BC categories, the organisers of the Eastern series opt for 'Challenger', 'Warrior' and 'Racer' instead, with the ranking points seperated out afterwards. This keeps things simple and gives you a chance to race against people you wouldn't usually start with. That all gets a thumbs up from me! 7 laps of the hillier than expected course had me hoping for some tight, close racing, but all the short sharp climbs soon spread people out, with my best battle actually being with the 2nd placed Vet rather than anyone in my own category.

Set in a natural ampitheatre, the compact course allowed for good spectator viewing, with the mixture of fast open tracks and tight wooded singletrack combining nicely. My favourite bit was the whoopy, bermy, jumpy sections of trail that made up the last 1/4 of the lap and it was cool to have some course splits with optional lines.

A 4th place finish in the Elite/Expert class (out out 5 mind, but hey you can only race who turns up!) on a sunny day followed by a barbeque at my Sisters house made the trip definitely worthwhile. Hopefully next year the course will be allowed onto the BMX track that lay agonizingly close by!



Big thankyou to Nadine for being an excellent feed zone bitch, Gary Fisher for an awesome bike, the xcracer.com shop for some shiney trinkets, Accelerade and Exposure lights.