Glentress Seven update- Less than two weeks to go

There are less than two weeks remaining til the inaugural Glentress Seven – a new seven hour race at the popular Tweed Valley trail centre.

The race is part of the TweedLove festival, a week long celebration of all forms of cycling, with events taking place for all ages and abilities from the 11th to the 19th June.

The Glentress Seven, being held on Saturday the 11th June, is the first time the trail centre has hosted such an event and Forestry Commission Scotland has given the okay to make the course a bit special with a very high percentage of new or normally off-limits tracks being used for the race loop.


The course uses the best existing tracks as it heads out from the event village at The Hub, but after the initial climb things will get very unfamiliar in places.

The Trailfairies have been doing a massive amount of work to get things ready in time, and the course is now almost finished.

New sections include a new hand cut link called The Growler, still carefully hidden in what’s likely to become known as ‘the dog sector’.

A course map will be available on the day when all will become clear, but please note, the new sections of trail will be closed again after the event.

“This is year one for this event, and we’re starting as we hope to go on – with a course that’s big fun to ride and an event village that will make the day feel like a festival”, says organiser Neil Dalgleish.

“The main descent is huge fun – it’s got loads of flow, through a big variety of trail types. A favourite section is a high speed natural section which slaloms through some open glades – there’s nothing else like it at Glentress. Careful if you’ve got wide bars!”

Speaking of slaloms, the course has a spectacular open finish down the dual slalom course above the Hub car park, which is being transformed into a car-free event village for the day.

It’s likely that this is the first and only time the Hub car park will be used like this.

The Hub café and facilities are due to be closed at the end of 2011, so it’s a chance to enjoy a big party atmosphere in what has been the heart and soul of Glentress for the last ten years.
In addition to the race, the other trails will mostly be open as normal, so racer support crews can get out and ride too. The event village will have a pump track, stalls and stuff for kids too.

The Glentress Seven
11 June 2011
More info and event entries at
www.tweedlove.com/events/the-glentress-seven

TweedLove Festival
11-19 June 2011
The Tweed Valley
www.tweedlove.com

PCC - Glentress Dirt Crit

Well, thats my son Fin signed up for his first series of mountain biking events - PCC Dirt Crit

The PCC Under 16 Dirt Crit series is now in its 5th year. The club aims to repeat the phenomenal success of the previous years event, a truly grass roots experience open to all young riders who want a taste of racing in a friendly exciting atmosphere in local Glentress Forest. The Dirt Crit series is open to riders from 6 to 16 years of age (age on 1st Jan '11).

I'm almost as excited as he is!

Date	Description
Thurs 16th June '11	Race 1
Thurs 23rd June '11	Race 2
Thurs 30th June '11	Race 3
Thurs 11th August '11	Race 4
Thurs 18th August '11	Race 5
Thurs 25th August '11	Race 6 & Series Prize Giving

Race One - 16th June
Race Two - 23rd June
Race Three - 30th June
Race Four - 11th August
Race Five - 18th August
Race Six and Prize Giving - 25th August

Date	Description
Thurs 16th June '11	Race 1
Thurs 23rd June '11	Race 2
Thurs 30th June '11	Race 3
Thurs 11th August '11	Race 4
Thurs 18th August '11	Race 5
Thurs 25th August '11	Race 6 & Series Prize Giving

The Glentress Seven - Saturday 11th June 2011

I've just entered The Glentress Seven - Solo Sen Male section

This is the new flagship event for TweedLove, now in it's second year.

It's a similar format to 10 Under the Ben, but only 7 hours long with an 11k lap.

I'm really looking forward to this one, There should be a lot of competition between the MTB-Borders crew.

10 Under the Ben - Chain Reaction Cycles Report

No Fuss Events, supported by Chain Reaction Cycles, held the 10 Under the Ben endurance mountain bike at the Nevis Range, Scotland, over the weekend where almost 800 riders attempted to complete as many laps as they could on the 10-mile course, over 10 hours.

For the past seven years, 10 Under the Ben has been a firm favourite on the UK Endurance race calendar and has enjoyed dry, dusty and sun-drenched conditions…2011 was a little different!

The No Fuss crew had many a sleepless night towards the end of last week, with the weather seemingly hitting the slopes of Aanoch Mor relentlessly for the 36 hours leading up to the race.

On Saturday morning, nearly 800 participants gathered at the Nevis Range to take on the challenging course, and with a huge range of abilities and machinery on show, the transition area was an eclectic mix of serious racers and weekend warriors – all of whom were in high spirits despite the huge challenge ahead. And of course, the rain!

The course for 2011 saw No Fuss introduce a number of new natural sections into the course – a welcome addition, but with the weather, the question was would they hold up? The ‘Le Mans’-style start from the far end of the car park became the focus of the morning, with bike positioning, arrangements for transition changeover and race strategy being the main talking points.

Like 2010, the sun shone (well tried to) just enough to get the race underway, but within an hour the rain had started once again and the natural sections of the course were starting to break up, becoming a tough technical test. With a few minor adaptations the route around the foot of Ben Nevis held up with some wise work by Spook and Fraser from No Fuss to keep the race going.

The mix of solo, pair, trio and quad entrants provided a sight to behold for the transition at the end of each lap. Refreshments, re-clothing, repairs and course updates all happened at lightning pace as competitors tried to make their way through the start/finish area as fast as possible.

Greig Brown followed up last year’s victory with another win in the Solo Male category ahead of Chris Lever and Kenny Kentley who finished third and fourth, respectively. In the Female Solo race, Hannah Barnes took the honours, improving on her second place last year. Sandra Scally came second with Annie Lloyd-Evans finishing third.

Robert Friel and Robert Wardell (Team Tanned and Handsome) took the Pairs victory ahead of Mike Coward and Jason Hynd (Velo29 Cycling Team) who finished second. Mark Bolton and Carl Draper from the aptly named ‘Bringing up the Rear’ team took third.

Wayne Barr, Matt Lock and Ally Booth (Velocity 44 Stirling) topped the Trio podium with an excellent 12-lap effort in a time of 10:02:56. Anthony Windle, Sam Farrar, Gemma Sargent (Arragons Cycles Race team) finished second, with ‘The 3 Mustgetbeers’ team of Robin Munro, Eddie Balfour and Drew Graham taking third.

James Shirley, Gavin Shirley, Liam Maynihan and Geoff Martin (Glencroft Rabble Orange) worked in harmony to bring home the win in the Quad category ahead of Bob McGuire, Jackie McGuire, Ian Nimmo, Elke Schmidt (Squadra Porcini) and Ian Robson, Kevin Rutter, Michael Wooldridge and David Turner (Fourplay).

Congratulations to all who took part – we hope to see you over the summer (what summer?) at the next No Fuss Event.

That pretty much sums it up

10 Under the Ben - Official Photographs

The official photographs by R and R Photo are Here

Here are the ones of me;

And Andy

Hairy Coo Grass Roots Mountain Bike Race - Date announced

Saturday 8th October

I took part in this last year, and although it's a bit shorter than I like, it was fun, and at a time of the year when there's not much else on.

Hairy Coo is hosted by Comrie Croft Hostel which has its own network of handmade trails in the surrounding hills. The day offers a chance for riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy going as fast as they can!

This year the racing is on a Saturday, with 3 start times on the programme.
First up, the Wee Race, an hour long blast on a course that’s FUN but not too demanding.
Next is the Bairns' Race, where the youngsters get an hour to enjoy themselves on a trimmed down version of the Wee Race course - Might see if Fin wants to do this one.

Finally, the BIG Race, which is a test of fitness, speed and skill, likely to be won in around 2 hours.
The winning male and female riders in the Big Race receive bespoke trophies made by Jane Drysdale of Carnelian Crafts, plus some cash. There are many other prizes throughout all the races.

The races involve riding off-road on variable surfaces with some steep sections (although the Wee and Bairns races are gentler).

It is an independent event with full insurance and first aid cover. No race license is required but a hard shell helmet is obligatory.  Also make sure that your handlebars have plugs in the ends. No helmet, no plugs...no start.


There will be on-site catering.

10 Under the Ben - The Results

Results are up  here

70th in the Solo section.  How I wish i'd gone out for one more lap now :( 

It seems like a lot of people called it a day early.

Friends Solo results;
70 Russell Carson - Corbie Linn Riders
Lap 1: 00:50:10
Lap 2: 01:13:08
Lap 3: 01:26:09
Lap 4: 01:51:00
Lap 5: 01:43:22

84 Andrew Tuft - Jim McDonald Ate My Dad!
Lap 1: 00:47:59
Lap 2: 01:09:34
Lap 3: 01:23:19
Lap 4: 01:42:52

David Macmillan of Singletrack Bikes in Galashiels finished 85 with 4 laps

Congratulations to big Jock who won the vet pairs section with an amazing 12 laps!

10 Under the Ben - The Event

Well it was wet, and muddy, and good fun until about 1pm when it wasn't.

Andy and I arrived at the Nevis range car park about 8.30am, and set up the gazebo as our base / shelter for the day.

The sun was shining, but dark clouds were looming.  We dropped off our bikes at the start line, and prepared for the Le Mans start (well, we hung about at the back getting cold)

After a delay of 15 mins, we were off and running. 

As usual, the first lap is shorter but steeper, to spread out the field to avoid bottle necks.  This did not work very well as there was a hold up at the first two single track sections.

I was looking forward to riding the two freshly cut sections on my second lap, as they were rocky and rooty.

With lap 1 under my belt, I continued straight onto lap 2.  I had two wee tumbles on a muddy section, but apart from that, it was an uneventful lap, and I was feeling good.  The weather was holding out, but with all the recent rain, the freshly cut trail sections were already becoming un-rideable, so i walked them once again.

Lap 3 was a different story.  Halfway round the lap, a brake caliper bolt came loose, and deposited it's self somewhere on the trail.  I tightened up the remaining bolt, to stop it vibrating loose, but this meant i couldn't use my front brake for the rest of the race.

I made it back, but it was a slow lap. 

I met up with Andy back at the gazebo and we had lunch. 

Just as we were about to head back out for lap 4, the heavens opened.  We quickly put on our waterproofs and peddled off into the gloom.  It was another slow lap for me with my rear brake now beginning to fade. 

When I got back to the gazebo, Andy had already decided to call it a day.  I headed off to do at lease one more lap, but by the time i had come back round, I'd also had enough.

Cold and wet, I handed in my timing chip, got my miniature of whisky, and headed back to the campsite for a warm shower, and a beer or two.

5 laps, equalling my totals from 2008 and 2009 (2010 i was in a pair with Andy and we did 8 laps) is not a bad result considering the weather.  Will I be back next year? you betcha!

10 Under the Ben - Registration

Just got back from the Nevis range where i registered for 10 Under the Ben.

The weather is shocking - High winds and driving rain.  The forecast is a bit better for tomorrow, but not alot :\

As usual, the pasta party was in the Snow Goose restaurant, at the top gondola station.  Unfortunately, visibility was poor so there were no great views this year.

There's still a covering of snow on Aonach Mor, even in May.

At registration, I was given a copy of the No Fuss Year Book 2011,  (My picture appears on page 10) and my race number for tomorrow.

I'm now back in the caravan at the Glen Nevis Campsite, and going to have an early night - i'm not really looking forward to tomorrow with this weather, just glad i'm not in a tent.

10 Under the Ben - We're on our way to the Highlands

Well, the caravan is loaded, and we're about to set off on the 360 mile round trip to An Gearasdan for tomorrow's 10 Under the Ben.

SMBO Innerleithen - 5th June

Just entered with my friend Gary Douglas in the Open Mens Pairs section.

This will be the third category I've entered in 3 SMBO events this year!

Hoping to do better than the last event.  I was doing very well here last year, until a broken rear derailleur spoiled my day.

It will be Gary's first trailquest event.

Details of the event can be found here

24 Hrs of Exposure - UK Solo MTB Championships

Well, what a wet weekend!

Kind of glad i pulled out, as i don't think it would have been much fun.

Don't know what happened to Kev, but he didn't take part either.

Well done to Richie and Lisa.

Pictures from Richie

Maybe next year...

Next event 10 Under the Ben 21st May 2011

24 Hrs of Exposure - UK Solo MTB Championships

Findlay's getting out of hospital next weekend, so i've pulled out of this event.
Plus the fact that i couldn't even manage 3 hours last weekend, never mind 24!

Good luck to Richie, Kev and Lisa, hope this weather holds up.

SMBO Peebles

Round 2 of the Scottish Mountain Bike Orienteering series saw us head up the A72 to The Gytes in Peebles.

After my son was run over by a car last week (he's OK no permanent damage, luckily), and having spent the last 7 nights sleeping on hospital Z-beds, I nearly pulled out of this one. 

Fortunately, my friend Dawn said she'd enter with me as a pair (at a supposed more leisurely pace! yeah right Dawn!), so with many text messages from me at the sick Kids Hospital in Edinburgh to my friends in the Borders (who had Internet access) my entry was changed to a pair.

I was feeling very tired. 4-6 hours of broken sleep is not enough for me.  I had not been on a bike in over a week, and seemed to have gained some weight while staying in hospital. 

I also had forgotten about my broken chain from the last event, so i didn't have full use of my gears.

Again, we got the map prior to the start,  There was one route that seemed obvious to me regardless of the value of the points.  Once we got the points sheet, we were off, again I forgot to start my stop-watch.

All was going well, with only a couple of wrong turns, (and a near head-on collision with a fellow cyclist by Dawn), until we decided to leave our bikes, and run up a steep hill to get to a point.  On the way back down, i twisted my ankle.  I managed to run it off, but it could have so easily been game over.

With 1 hour to go, we were about as far away from the finish line as possible  A strong tail wind had been kind to us all day, until we had to head back in the direction we had came from.  This wouldn't have been a problem under normal circumstances, but i was dead beat, and had nothing left.

To make matters worse, the most direct route was out of bounds, so we had to re-trace our earlier route.

The time seemed to fly past, and our pace slowed even more as we reached the 3hr mark. 

Arriving almost 27 min.s late cost us 195 points, taking our total from 240 to 45, and giving us a position in the mixed team event of 8/8

There seems to have been some errors in the final scores, which have now been corrected.  This did not affect Dawn and I.

My friends Keith and Lynne again secured 2nd place with a score of 315.  Toni was joined by Walter for this event to finish 3rd behind Keith and Lynne with 304 points.

Final results can be found here

Next event, 24hrs of Exposure 7th May 2011