Merida Brass Monkey

[Deleted]

Ok I know it's not cross, but it was muddy and fun. The 2nd race was much better (dry) than the first and I even managed to get some points for the series! Came 15th in the old gits category, well done me.

Another one at the end of January, maybe I'll get my membership sorted and wear my kit with pride. I just don't like to get it dirty, as it's so nice!

Anyone else riding little knobblies?

[andyw]

Nice one. Big field? Meridas tend to get thousands showing up in the summer.

[Deleted]

70 in the old gits category. There were 400-500 overall, I think.

It's meant to be a bit of fun, but I'm already stressing about the weather keeping me from "training". Training for me, being a ride once a week and a trip or two to the gym!

But it's been fun to get the race face back on!

[Deleted]

But you ride off road? Why is the weather holding you back? I reckon riding in snow will be very hard work, and equivalent to two rides ( = more biscuits

[Deleted]

I can't ride off road! It's all snowy and icy, and we live on a ski slope and my mum says I can't go out when it's cold, so there!

I'm tempted, but whenever I've gone off road before in these conditions, everything freezes solid and I've had to walk back. My walk home now would be long and uncomfortable, as Mrs Horta and the Hortistas refuse to come pick me up any more!

More snow is forecast tonight and out my window I've just seen 3 guys cycle past through the trees, maybe I'll give it a go tomorrow...

[Deleted]

I might give this mtb enduro thing a try. horta - are you doing 2 or 4hr hour race on 31 jan?

[Alex Gerskowitch]

I rode the first one in the series and thought it was brilliant. Best two wheeled fun I've had in ages.

It was my first mountain bike race and to be honest I kind of fancied my chances against a load of 'unfit' mountain bikers.

WRONG, some of those lads are unbelievably strong and they really know how to chuck the bike about.

My advice, if you haven't tried it before is to enter the two hour and ride as hard as you possibly can off the gun. That way you'll be able to follow the lines of the better guys and won't get tangled up among the leisure riders.

Thats my plan at least - see you down there

[Deleted]

Steady now. This mountain biking could get out of hand.

[Deleted]

I'll be doing the 4 hour again on the 31st Jan. Hopefully see some of the blue boys out there.

[Deleted]

I'll be making my MTB racing debut on 31st - perhaps against better judgement - I've entered 4 hr race (40+)

[Deleted]

Adam, I don't know if you've ridden this area before, but the sand that makes it drain well, also means that if it's very wet, the sand will chew it's way through brake blocks.

I've got an old bike and run V brakes on the back and a disc up front. On the first round I lost my front brake on the first lap and the rear after 2 laps. They were both brand new at the start!

I'd suggest sintered for disc brakes, they last and last.

[Deleted]

Im driving to this sunday am if anyone wants a lift. Im doing the 4 hr race - starts 10.30 am

[andyw]

who's this then?

How'd the race go? Cold and crisp or cold and muddy like was in london?
More photos www.flickr.com/photos/23318875@N02/sets/72157623327793018/