Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 3 - 04th January 2015...
Discussion
BadgerBenji said:
The overall points have been updated today 
http://www.gorrick.com/racing/endurobm/brass_monke...
I'm 8th in the 4hr vets
Meh! Points? What are they, then?http://www.gorrick.com/racing/endurobm/brass_monke...
I'm 8th in the 4hr vets
I'm bitter and twisted, on account of how I've not placed 40th or better on either of the first two rounds. Harrumph!
I'm blaming my coach, to be honest
(Hi MadDad! 
)Seriously, though! Well done on that placing, Benji
Another 'bump' for this one!
Registration closes TONIGHT, that's 2359hrs Tuesday 30th December 2014, for entry into the race on Sunday 04th January. Race starts around 0930hrs for the two hour chaps, a little bit later for the four hour racers and slightly later again for the three hour (wizened old gits ) class.
Like a damned fool, I've entered again, just to be able to say I rode all three rounds of the series, so I've added myself to the list below. I started out at Round 1 as a complete novice, having never entered an organised event of any description. Not a sportive, not even a sponsored cycle. Two rounds down, I now have a better idea of what to expect, but I'm still feeling like a complete beginner. I've no chance of troubling the podium. Heck, I've not managed to trouble the top 40 (where the points start) in either race, but it's a lot of fun and weirdly addictive...
The list (PH entries wise) so far...
...any more for any more?
Entry costs £22 for the 2 hour race and £24 for the 4 hour race.
Seriously, now - what else could you possibly be planning for early morning on the first Sunday of the New Year? Make a resolution, and come and join the fun!
Edit to add a link to the race website... http://meridabrassmonkeys.com/?page_id=39
Registration closes TONIGHT, that's 2359hrs Tuesday 30th December 2014, for entry into the race on Sunday 04th January. Race starts around 0930hrs for the two hour chaps, a little bit later for the four hour racers and slightly later again for the three hour (wizened old gits
) class.Like a damned fool, I've entered again, just to be able to say I rode all three rounds of the series, so I've added myself to the list below. I started out at Round 1 as a complete novice, having never entered an organised event of any description. Not a sportive, not even a sponsored cycle. Two rounds down, I now have a better idea of what to expect, but I'm still feeling like a complete beginner. I've no chance of troubling the podium. Heck, I've not managed to trouble the top 40 (where the points start) in either race, but it's a lot of fun and weirdly addictive...
The list (PH entries wise) so far...
| Name | Race Duration | Age Category |
|---|---|---|
| BadgerBenji | 4 Hour | Male 40-49 |
| yonex | 2 Hour | Male 40-49 |
| Daddy Cool | 2 Hour | Male 18-39 |
| yellowjack | 2 Hour | Male 40-49 |
| - | - | - |
| - | - | - |
...any more for any more?
Entry costs £22 for the 2 hour race and £24 for the 4 hour race.
Seriously, now - what else could you possibly be planning for early morning on the first Sunday of the New Year? Make a resolution, and come and join the fun!
Edit to add a link to the race website... http://meridabrassmonkeys.com/?page_id=39
Edited by yellowjack on Tuesday 30th December 10:48
Well, as Sunday draws ever closer, I've had my first puncture on the 'winter' Maxxis Beaver tyres. New Year's Day, too, in the dark and the slop. Anyway, I limped it home, and sorted the puncture, and the rest of the bike, this morning.
I gave it a good wash down, WD40 on the derailleur pivots, chain lube on the gear cables, rotors degreased, brake pads lightly sanded to clean them up, and a brand new Shimano chain fitted. The rear tube now has 14 (!!!) patches on it, and the latest puncture was something very jagged that punched right through to the tube on one of the centre line tread blocks (ie: the thickest part of the tyre). So I've also super-glued the cuts in the tyre that I hadn't noticed through the gloop, and I took it out this evening for a blast to check for correct function of gears, and to bed in the brake pads again.
I still have an issue with "chain suck" on the inner ring at the front, and I'm baffled to be honest. It's a relatively new chainset, and in the early part (first hill) on tonight's ride, it was terrible. I couldn't get a full revolution of the chain without it jamming up, repeatedly. I even considered bailing and heading for home, but I switched to some hills I could get up using the middle chainring. Later, toward the end of the ride, I managed to get up the very same hill on the 'granny' ring without an issue, grabbing a 'PR' into the bargain. Anyone got any suggestions for what might be causing this, or how I might solve it permanently?
I've got my fingers crossed that, provided I keep it clean and well lubed, the chain/chainset will hold up at least long enough to complete the two hour race on Sunday. [touch wood mode] The rest of the bike seems just fine. The cassette seems to function OK with the new chain, it changes gear when it ought to, it goes when I push on the pedals, and the brakes bring it swiftly to a halt. [/touch wood mode]
It's just a shame, really, that I couldn't settle my compensation claim sooner. I'd have loved to have raced this series on a lighter, shinier, more modern bike (although I doubt it would have made much difference to my results )
Is everyone else ready for the off on Sunday? All I've got to do now is lay out the kit I'm wearing on Saturday night, then make sure I get up in good time on Sunday morning...
I gave it a good wash down, WD40 on the derailleur pivots, chain lube on the gear cables, rotors degreased, brake pads lightly sanded to clean them up, and a brand new Shimano chain fitted. The rear tube now has 14 (!!!) patches on it, and the latest puncture was something very jagged that punched right through to the tube on one of the centre line tread blocks (ie: the thickest part of the tyre). So I've also super-glued the cuts in the tyre that I hadn't noticed through the gloop, and I took it out this evening for a blast to check for correct function of gears, and to bed in the brake pads again.
I still have an issue with "chain suck" on the inner ring at the front, and I'm baffled to be honest. It's a relatively new chainset, and in the early part (first hill) on tonight's ride, it was terrible. I couldn't get a full revolution of the chain without it jamming up, repeatedly. I even considered bailing and heading for home, but I switched to some hills I could get up using the middle chainring. Later, toward the end of the ride, I managed to get up the very same hill on the 'granny' ring without an issue, grabbing a 'PR' into the bargain. Anyone got any suggestions for what might be causing this, or how I might solve it permanently?
I've got my fingers crossed that, provided I keep it clean and well lubed, the chain/chainset will hold up at least long enough to complete the two hour race on Sunday. [touch wood mode] The rest of the bike seems just fine. The cassette seems to function OK with the new chain, it changes gear when it ought to, it goes when I push on the pedals, and the brakes bring it swiftly to a halt. [/touch wood mode]
It's just a shame, really, that I couldn't settle my compensation claim sooner. I'd have loved to have raced this series on a lighter, shinier, more modern bike (although I doubt it would have made much difference to my results
)Is everyone else ready for the off on Sunday? All I've got to do now is lay out the kit I'm wearing on Saturday night, then make sure I get up in good time on Sunday morning...
FFS man! Im going to dig out a spare 26" innertube to give you!
Anyway, yes, im pretty much all set for tomorrow. Only maintenance ive done is adjust the front mech as twice in the last race it threw the chain on an upshift (never doe sit in normal riding - only when it matters!)
Have a feeling it will be a bit muddier tomorrow - unless all the water freezes overnight.
Aiming to get down a bit earlier tomorrow so its less of a rush and more chance to get to the front of the start line, and also hopefully a few mins to chew the fat with you guys. I'll be in my PH winter jersey again anyway.
Borrowing my mates GoPro again, so hopefully catch some footage of y'all overtaking me.
Anyway, yes, im pretty much all set for tomorrow. Only maintenance ive done is adjust the front mech as twice in the last race it threw the chain on an upshift (never doe sit in normal riding - only when it matters!)
Have a feeling it will be a bit muddier tomorrow - unless all the water freezes overnight.
Aiming to get down a bit earlier tomorrow so its less of a rush and more chance to get to the front of the start line, and also hopefully a few mins to chew the fat with you guys. I'll be in my PH winter jersey again anyway.
Borrowing my mates GoPro again, so hopefully catch some footage of y'all overtaking me.
daddy cool said:
FFS man! Im going to dig out a spare 26" innertube to give you!
Oh, there's no need for that. I've got a spare tube that only has one patch on it. I'm "saving it for best" I might sling an extra spare tube (brand spanking new, no less!!!) into my kit for tomorrow as well.
I was honestly more worried about the tyre cutting up. It's a winter, muddy conditions tyre, but it's cutting up like a Schwalbe Ultremo summer road tyre. Bedding in the brakes on the road outside my house was a mistake, too. The soft rubber compound of the tread blocks doesn't appreciate hard stops and the resultant skidding
I'm just about ready, bike all packed and prepped, maps printed, just my evening meal and a little run south to play on the M25 to get to my bed for the night.
Just hope my legs have recovered after a decent hard road ride on Friday, 4 hrs should let me know the answer
I'll be in my usual Arrows team strip but will look out for you guys.
Just hope my legs have recovered after a decent hard road ride on Friday, 4 hrs should let me know the answer
I'll be in my usual Arrows team strip but will look out for you guys.
Just driven back from Dublin, early start, long day. Kit filthy, no idea what time it starts or where the event is right now Bit of a head cold but got a few miles in over Xmas, legs are ok. I'll be nipping out for a curry and some beer once everything is unpacked then I'll check back to get everything straight.
The plan this time is to complete an extra lap instead of pulling in after two. If I get out of bed that is Did anyone ride this course, what's it like?
Bit of a head cold but got a few miles in over Xmas, legs are ok. I'll be nipping out for a curry and some beer once everything is unpacked then I'll check back to get everything straight.The plan this time is to complete an extra lap instead of pulling in after two. If I get out of bed that is
Did anyone ride this course, what's it like?yonex said:
The plan this time is to complete an extra lap instead of pulling in after two. If I get out of bed that is Did anyone ride this course, what's it like?
I thought I might do a 3rd lap if I make it into the cut-off time again - tomorrow I wont have anyone waiting patiently in the cold for me, so I'm free to inflict more torture on myself. That said, maybe I wont be arsed to do a 3rd. Did anyone ride this course, what's it like?No - never ridden there, so another race riding blind. I wish there was a race around Swinley, I'd actually have a chance then!
I haven't managed a recce ride this time. Blind for me too, I'm afraid.
Kit is laid out, bike seems to be riding OK. All I have to do is get my rotting carcass out of bed in time to get there. Undecided at the moment as to whether I'll ride from home, or sling the bike in the boot and drive up. If I ride up, I might need to beg some space in somebody's car to lob a small backpack while I'm 'racing'.
Timings? Depending upon which part of the page you believe, registration opens at either 0730hrs or 0800hrs.
Two hour race is off at 0930hrs, four hour riders at 0945hrs, and three hour 'grand vets' follow at 1000hrs.
Venue is Windmill Hill, Deepcut, Surrey, GU16 6TU. http://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=51.313890~-0.692634&a... likely location for car parking and the event HQ is the big field bounded by Alma Gardens and Dettingen Road.
I'm keen to get a third lap this time, too. But for the first two rounds I was well over the cut-off time, so never had the option. I'm hoping that I can find some more 'mojo' from somewhere, just enough to get me round the first two laps before the two hours are up.
I was looking forward to this last week, when the long range forecast looked a lot better. Not so much now, what with the recent rain and low temperatures in the morning. But I'm pleased that I entered all three rounds, and it was nice to meet a few new people. Looking forward to seeing you guys there tomorrow, provided we all manage to get there in plenty of time. Good luck, all, and hopefully this won't be too much of a "New Year Hangover"!
Kit is laid out, bike seems to be riding OK. All I have to do is get my rotting carcass out of bed in time to get there. Undecided at the moment as to whether I'll ride from home, or sling the bike in the boot and drive up. If I ride up, I might need to beg some space in somebody's car to lob a small backpack while I'm 'racing'.
Timings? Depending upon which part of the page you believe, registration opens at either 0730hrs or 0800hrs.
Two hour race is off at 0930hrs, four hour riders at 0945hrs, and three hour 'grand vets' follow at 1000hrs.
Venue is Windmill Hill, Deepcut, Surrey, GU16 6TU. http://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=51.313890~-0.692634&a... likely location for car parking and the event HQ is the big field bounded by Alma Gardens and Dettingen Road.
I'm keen to get a third lap this time, too. But for the first two rounds I was well over the cut-off time, so never had the option. I'm hoping that I can find some more 'mojo' from somewhere, just enough to get me round the first two laps before the two hours are up.
I was looking forward to this last week, when the long range forecast looked a lot better. Not so much now, what with the recent rain and low temperatures in the morning. But I'm pleased that I entered all three rounds, and it was nice to meet a few new people. Looking forward to seeing you guys there tomorrow, provided we all manage to get there in plenty of time. Good luck, all, and hopefully this won't be too much of a "New Year Hangover"!
gazza285 said:
What you doing still up man, time for some quality rest before the race.
Still up at 0020hrs, as the wife got called in to work earlier (on call nurse) and she needed a lift home. She's tucked up in bed now, so I'm off to get as much rest as possible. Not ideal race preparation, but real life's a b
h when it interferes with cycling... yonex said:
So I'm the first casualty of the day. Good luck guys it was always a long shot for me after yesterday. Back to zzzzz
NNNooooooo! You've got nearly 2 hours, get your ass out of bed and make a coffee!Yellowjack, you're welcome to leave your bag in my car, as long as you don't mind the (small) risk that I feel like making it into a 3 hour race.
Well, the day started badly when I was loading the bike in the car, and I couldn’t undo the QR15 on my Rockshox forks. The crappy thin Alu was bending (second set of R/S forks where this has happened). Anyway, a rubber mallet sorted it and I was on my way. (Need to buy a new QR though)
Met up with Yellowjack while I was affixing my race number but once again my naughty bladder meant that by the time I’d finished faffing about we were at the back of the start grid, but at least a couple of minutes before the start this time.
Pretty clean start (on slippery grass of the common) before hitting some fireroads where I tried to make up some places. YellowJack had the same idea so we swapped positions a few times. Early on in the first lap there were the same bottlenecks as the previous rounds – fairly simple sections that just proved a bottleneck for that volume of riders, but after 10 mins the pack spread out and that didn’t happen anymore.
I was chuffed early on when we hit the first hill, short but fairly steep, and I overtook 5 riders going up. It was an attempt to catch up with YJ who was now 4 places ahead.
The rest of the course was pretty muddy, this only got worse for the 2nd lap, in particular a very steep downhill section that now had a deep rut in the middle (on the 2nd lap I lost it at the end and bumped a tree, though stayed on the bike).
There was also a very long hill in the 2nd half of the lap that was a bit of a lung buster, but on the whole a very enjoyable course.
I finished my 2nd lap at around 1hr:40m which means I had qualified to go on for a 3rd lap if I wanted, but I wussed out and decided I wanted a coffee and a mars bar more.
Final result is ???? Im not sure – they said I was 45th when I crossed the line, then I was 47th later when I looked on the screens. Full results should be published later, so I expect it depends how many people stayed on for a 3rd hour. Either way, I felt I did much better this time. That said, the speed of the pro-riders: mindblowing.
No pics, but some video to follow later!
Met up with Yellowjack while I was affixing my race number but once again my naughty bladder meant that by the time I’d finished faffing about we were at the back of the start grid, but at least a couple of minutes before the start this time.
Pretty clean start (on slippery grass of the common) before hitting some fireroads where I tried to make up some places. YellowJack had the same idea so we swapped positions a few times. Early on in the first lap there were the same bottlenecks as the previous rounds – fairly simple sections that just proved a bottleneck for that volume of riders, but after 10 mins the pack spread out and that didn’t happen anymore.
I was chuffed early on when we hit the first hill, short but fairly steep, and I overtook 5 riders going up. It was an attempt to catch up with YJ who was now 4 places ahead.
The rest of the course was pretty muddy, this only got worse for the 2nd lap, in particular a very steep downhill section that now had a deep rut in the middle (on the 2nd lap I lost it at the end and bumped a tree, though stayed on the bike).
There was also a very long hill in the 2nd half of the lap that was a bit of a lung buster, but on the whole a very enjoyable course.
I finished my 2nd lap at around 1hr:40m which means I had qualified to go on for a 3rd lap if I wanted, but I wussed out and decided I wanted a coffee and a mars bar more.
Final result is ???? Im not sure – they said I was 45th when I crossed the line, then I was 47th later when I looked on the screens. Full results should be published later, so I expect it depends how many people stayed on for a 3rd hour. Either way, I felt I did much better this time. That said, the speed of the pro-riders: mindblowing.
No pics, but some video to follow later!
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