Stinger a Long day out

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Published: 18th February, 2011

2 Grand Vets and 1 young whippet; the 'Long's' are more at home in a boat rather than on a bicycle or in running shoes but we got the MTB bug last year and the Stinger looked a great event to do!

Breakfast on the morning saw us wondering if we should take a boat rather than bikes as it seemed more appropriate given the torrential rain. We had done a bit of running practice but the 2 G.V's were regularly overtaken by senior citizens on mobility scooters so we knew it would be tough.

The start caused a few butterflies but I managed to maintain my position throughout the run and wasn't overtaken by anyone - Yes, I started in last place! Actually I was overtaken by an excited Alsatian who had most of the other runners too, including Rich, the 'Long' whippet, some way in the distance. I remember looking at the lead runners going up the steep field towards the woods and their pace resembled a fast walker on an airport horizontal escalator compared to my slow plod / walk. My smooth soled trainers didn't help much in the mud either; think Sebastian Loeb on slicks and you'll get the picture. Bambi on ice had nothing on my frantic animated break dancing movements!


Kim keeps Steve at bay

Anyway with the 2 'Long' G.V's finishing last and next to last (yes, I was beaten by my wife Kim) the MTB bit came next.  Now this is where I could claw some places back! I had just done one of the truly excellent Fully Sussed skills courses the previous day, so no more tree root terror or steep descent jitters followed by a refusal and crash for me!  It was time to put my learning in to practice. The cliff climb went well, then into the woods, a gentle rooty, slippery descent with no trouble and then an uphill muddy bit. Stomping on the cranks at this point resulted in a metallic nasty noise, a momentary 500 RPM from the cranks then that awful toppling feeling followed by the splat and full face plant. I'll never understand why ladies actually pay money for mudpack treatment.


Steve before disaster


I picked myself and the broken chain up from the mud, cursed loudly then made my way back to the portacabin to declare my retirement.  During my leisurely walk, I saw the lead riders hammering through the woods; they had obviously found a continuous ribbon of clean tarmac to ride judging by their speed. Jay Horton (veteran male Certini/McCaulays) leading having already done the first run, with Russ Turner (relay mixed pairs Certini McCaulays) hot on his heels with fresher legs having Amy Yetton as the runner. Pete Robinson (relay male pairs RHC) followed, with Harry (the silent assassin) Smith (relay male pairs Certini/McCaulays) in stealth pursuit.  The Certini/McCaulays boys were certainly up for this one.

At the finish of the bike race, Russ was first in and off went Amy to tackle the final Stinger run. Jay was second in followed by Harry who handed over to Rich Long for the final run. Pete followed closely behind Harry and with fast runner Chris Sutton who had recorded the 2nd fastest initial run (19:36) out of the transition area like a rocket, it looked very possible for him to hunt Rich down and take the win in the relay male pairs. However, despite taking well over a minute out of Rich's time it wasn't quite enough and the win went to Smith/Long (Certini/McCaulays) Team RHC 2nd and The Pair of Slackers, Charlie Maguire/Phil Coad 3rd.


Amy Yetton

With an impressive Stinger run of 14:38, Amy secured the win for her and Russ in the relay mixed pairs, 2nd place going to Amy and Paul Sole (Kernow Riders) and 3rd to Debbra Bradshaw and Gwyn Jones (Team Hosen).

Those Filthy Foxes, Emma Sargent/Louise Hawkins took the relay female pairs hardly looking out of breath at the finish. The solo female race went down to the wire with Katie Lenton taking the win just over a minute ahead of Nicola Noble with Janie Paice 3rd.

Certini/McCaulays Steve Ferguson had to settle for 2nd in the solo male category giving best to James Bovey (MDCC) with Liam Newton 3rd.


The Beast of Newnham - Jay Horton

Now, in the veteran female category, Anne Maskell (Cyclelogic) was just finishing her final Stinger run as my other half, Kim was beginning her final bike lap! After much encouragement and several offers of bicycle lights from spectators in view of her times, she plodded on eventually starting her Stinger run just as the prize giving was about to begin. She finally finished at about the same time as you long distance travellers would have been at Birmingham on your way home. But she finished 2nd out of 2, only an hour behind Anne and got her mug, which is more than I did!

The veteran males finished with a resounding victory for Jay Horton and yet another 1st for Certini/McCaulays with Jason Pascoe (Fit N Well Massage) taking 2nd from Darin Porter (Tri-Logic) in 3rd.


Be afraid - James Bovey

So, for us it was definitely a 'Long' day out but a hugely enjoyable one despite the weather. Massive thanks go to Jay & Maddie for their relentless efforts to put this event on and of course Martin Salt and all the generous sponsors.  Also we must thank the Marshalls without whom these events just wouldn't happen. I am always pleased to see the St. John's Ambulance team present at these events as there's a high probability I might need their help!

Finally, we hope to see you all at the next Soggy Bottom at Newnham on Sunday 13th March.  If you have a partner/colleague/friend/son/daughter who's never ridden one before but quite fancies giving it a go but may be a bit nervous then encourage them to come along. I can absolutely assure you they will not be last. That place is reserved for the grand vet 'Longs'!

All Pics: Charles Whitton. For a full gallery go to here