Merida Brass Monkeys winter 2016/17 race series...
Discussion
Just spotted an email from the Gorrick chaps regarding the Merida Brass Monkeys winter MTB races this year...
So. Anyone thinking of signing up this winter? It's a great little series, and something to keep you riding through the coldest months as you train for the races themselves.
Races are two or four hours long (you choose) unless you're a 50+ Grand Vet, in which case you get stuck with three hours of racing. Prices look like £30 for the four, £29 for the three, and £28 for the two hour races. Juniors pay £18,and it's strictly pre-entry only, I believe.
Get your entries in folks! (click through from the "Let's Monkey Around" panel on the right hand side of... http://meridabrassmonkeys.com/ ...to get to the online entry button)
I've ridden in sloppy Somme-like mud, mildly damp, and cold, frosty conditions. It's a been a hoot every time, and even met a couple of PHers racing them too. Easy for me really, as I can ride to every round, no need for the car. Entry fees and keeping bike components replaced will be a slight stumbling block this season, but I hope to get to at least one of them. Probably my 'home' round at Minley Manor if I can only afford the one...
Gorrick MBC said:
As lots of you have already noticed, entry is open for the upcoming 3 Round Brass Monkey Series, headline sponsored by Merida and supported by a raft of other generous sponsors. The hugely popular Series features some outstanding venues especially chosen for their suitability for mountain bike XC enduro racing on 5-6 mile laps. The superb courses are set and prepared by our very experienced team and go through heath and pine woodland with flowing and testing singletrack mixed in with swooping trails and stone fire roads.
Round 1 – 27 November 2016 at Caesar’s Camp, Aldershot, Hants. GU11 1PZ
Round 2 – 18 December 2016 at Windmill Hill, Deepcut, Surrey GU16 6TU
Round 3 – 8 January 2017 at Minley Manor, Yateley, Hants GU17 9U
Each event will have full facilities, including a heated HQ marquee and trophies to be won at each round and also for the Series. There’s always lots of goodies as spot prizes too.
All you need to do is choose how long you want to ride for, and then complete as many laps as you can before your time is up.
Registration opens at 08.00 and the START TIMES are:
10.00 (finishing 12.00) All 2hr riders including Juniors (aged 14-17). Podium: about 12.10.
10.10 (finishing 14.10) All 4hr riders. Podium about 14.20.
10.20 (finishing 13.20) All 3hr Male Grand Vet riders and Fat Bike riders. Podium about 13.30.
In the past year there have been several changes to the administrative process by which military land becomes available and can be hired for events. These have been followed now by a very significant increase in the cost of using the land. After a lot of discussion we decided that, despite this, we would go ahead with the Series. Although we have done our best to minimize it, we regret that we have had to increase some of the entry prices.
Full details and online entry are at www.meridabrassmonkeys.com and you can see regular updates on The Brass Monkeys Face book and on Twitter @Gorrick
These events are PRE-ENTRY ONLY and are limited to 300 riders only.
MBM Team
...so after months of "TBC" for the event location, it seems that, despite the best efforts of the MOD to put off MTB event organisers, the series venues have been confirmed, and they're all local favourites that have regularly hosted races in the series. Good news indeed!Round 1 – 27 November 2016 at Caesar’s Camp, Aldershot, Hants. GU11 1PZ
Round 2 – 18 December 2016 at Windmill Hill, Deepcut, Surrey GU16 6TU
Round 3 – 8 January 2017 at Minley Manor, Yateley, Hants GU17 9U
Each event will have full facilities, including a heated HQ marquee and trophies to be won at each round and also for the Series. There’s always lots of goodies as spot prizes too.
All you need to do is choose how long you want to ride for, and then complete as many laps as you can before your time is up.
Registration opens at 08.00 and the START TIMES are:
10.00 (finishing 12.00) All 2hr riders including Juniors (aged 14-17). Podium: about 12.10.
10.10 (finishing 14.10) All 4hr riders. Podium about 14.20.
10.20 (finishing 13.20) All 3hr Male Grand Vet riders and Fat Bike riders. Podium about 13.30.
In the past year there have been several changes to the administrative process by which military land becomes available and can be hired for events. These have been followed now by a very significant increase in the cost of using the land. After a lot of discussion we decided that, despite this, we would go ahead with the Series. Although we have done our best to minimize it, we regret that we have had to increase some of the entry prices.
Full details and online entry are at www.meridabrassmonkeys.com and you can see regular updates on The Brass Monkeys Face book and on Twitter @Gorrick
These events are PRE-ENTRY ONLY and are limited to 300 riders only.
MBM Team
So. Anyone thinking of signing up this winter? It's a great little series, and something to keep you riding through the coldest months as you train for the races themselves.
Races are two or four hours long (you choose) unless you're a 50+ Grand Vet, in which case you get stuck with three hours of racing. Prices look like £30 for the four, £29 for the three, and £28 for the two hour races. Juniors pay £18,and it's strictly pre-entry only, I believe.
Get your entries in folks! (click through from the "Let's Monkey Around" panel on the right hand side of... http://meridabrassmonkeys.com/ ...to get to the online entry button)
I've ridden in sloppy Somme-like mud, mildly damp, and cold, frosty conditions. It's a been a hoot every time, and even met a couple of PHers racing them too. Easy for me really, as I can ride to every round, no need for the car. Entry fees and keeping bike components replaced will be a slight stumbling block this season, but I hope to get to at least one of them. Probably my 'home' round at Minley Manor if I can only afford the one...
I'll see... last years series was the last racing i did (2 of the rounds on anti-biotics - bad idea).
Was thinking of doing the Autumn classic on the 6th Nov as a gentle introduction back into it, but havent ridden in 2 weeks due to cough/cold so god knows...
That said, ive just turned 40 so if i did B/M, i would literally be the youngest in the category, rather than last year when i was against sponsored riders 20 years younger than me!
Was thinking of doing the Autumn classic on the 6th Nov as a gentle introduction back into it, but havent ridden in 2 weeks due to cough/cold so god knows...
That said, ive just turned 40 so if i did B/M, i would literally be the youngest in the category, rather than last year when i was against sponsored riders 20 years younger than me!
Whats the plan then, you two - doing it next sunday? If you are, you have to register by Tuesday 22nd.
Weather looks like it could be dry most of the week and into next weekend.
I'm umming and ahhing... done a woeful amount of riding recently so the thought of ~2.5 hours in the cold getting my ass handed to me isn't particularly appealing!
Weather looks like it could be dry most of the week and into next weekend.
I'm umming and ahhing... done a woeful amount of riding recently so the thought of ~2.5 hours in the cold getting my ass handed to me isn't particularly appealing!
Yep, I'm already entered in the 4h singlespeed category.
After checking my shifts for the next couple of months it turns out I've got the days off for each round so the plan is to enter the full series
Quite looking forward to it at the moment, this might not be the case this time next week.
After checking my shifts for the next couple of months it turns out I've got the days off for each round so the plan is to enter the full series
Quite looking forward to it at the moment, this might not be the case this time next week.
I've chickened out of entering so far.Too soggy for me at the moment. I'm getting flashbacks to the Minley round in 2014 I think. Worst (riding) weather ever and I came home with borderline hypothermia. Not sure how well Caesar's Camp area drains after such a soaking. Maybe I'll 'man up' before the Tuesday entry deadline.
The other 'issue' for me is my inner tightwad! It's only a few quid difference between the 2 hour and 4 hour entry prices. So it makes the 4 hour race far better value for money. But whilst I know I can ride a MTB for 4 hours straight, racing for all 4 of those hours is a whole different ball game. The 2 hour race makes the most sense, but I keep being drawn back to the 4 hour race. No pit crew means I'd have to carry extra fluid and tools to be self-sufficient too. I can't persuade the wife to tag along right now, even just to hand me a bottle and an energy bar on each lap...
yellowjack said:
No pit crew means I'd have to carry extra fluid and tools to be self-sufficient too. I can't persuade the wife to tag along right now, even just to hand me a bottle and an energy bar on each lap... Usually at shorter races like these there's plenty of people doing the same thing, you often see some 'interesting' bottle holders in the pit area made up using garden forks and empty milk bottles in use.
I'm planning on using a Camelbak for the first couple of hours, or however long it lasts, then I'll have a couple of bottle as the pit area to grab if I need them. With it being a bit colder I probably won't drink much anyway.
For food, I can fit a couple of bars and couple of gels in a jersey pocket which will do for the race. For tools I'll have a spare tube, tyre lever and CO2 inflator in a saddle bag which should do the job.
My biggest problem is usually finding somewhere to keep the car key so it's dry and doesn't get lost during the race.
I approach these races the same way as I do for 12h races. I just convince myself that it's a bargain to race in the longer races compared to shorter ones as it works out less £ per hour of racing. That'll be because I'm a bit of a tight northerner!
OK. Late in the day, maybe, but I too am in for Round 1.
Much the same as daddy cool, really. 2 hour vet category (40-49), bit of a lightweight, PH jersey, etc.
It was 2323hrs before I got the password reset email from the XCRacer website and confirmed my entry. Talk about last minute dot com! Fortunate that the entry list wasn't full, I suppose. But then I've not known one of these Brass Monkeys races to sell out.
Maybe I'll grow a set and go for a 4 hour race for one of the other rounds, but I'm not sure I've got the stamina required to race for four hours straight...
...bike is booked in for a new bottom bracket on Friday. Have to hope it's all race-worthy by then, or I'll be sniffing round trying to borrow a bike from somewhere!
Much the same as daddy cool, really. 2 hour vet category (40-49), bit of a lightweight, PH jersey, etc.
It was 2323hrs before I got the password reset email from the XCRacer website and confirmed my entry. Talk about last minute dot com! Fortunate that the entry list wasn't full, I suppose. But then I've not known one of these Brass Monkeys races to sell out.
Maybe I'll grow a set and go for a 4 hour race for one of the other rounds, but I'm not sure I've got the stamina required to race for four hours straight...
...bike is booked in for a new bottom bracket on Friday. Have to hope it's all race-worthy by then, or I'll be sniffing round trying to borrow a bike from somewhere!
yellowjack said:
...bike is booked in for a new bottom bracket on Friday. Have to hope it's all race-worthy by then, or I'll be sniffing round trying to borrow a bike from somewhere!
If you have any problems with getting the bike sorted and need anything, give me a shout and if it's anything I've got sitting around I'll bring it with me.I'll be bringing the important stuff in the van with me like tools, workstand, tea and cake.
Cheers, neenaw! Most stuff has either been replaced recently (chain, cassette, jockey wheels, freehub body, tyres) or is sitting in the garage ready to fit (resin brake pads both ends).The bottom bracket started grumbling late last week, and got worse on a VERY wet ride on Monday. I'm pretty sure everything else is at least "functional" enough to race on. Front and rear suspension forks/shock could do with a service though. 2,200 miles on them from new...
...beginning to wish I'd bought a lightweight hard tail now (for racing, at least), but hey? It's a smashing bike, and I'm still loving every minute I'm out on it!
The bottom bracket is now in the hands of the shop, as it's a Shimano push-fit item and there at at least 4 variants on the one shop's website - plus I don't have a (even a ghetto) bearing press or proper drifts to knock it out. I kinda wish it'd have started grumbling earlier so I could have gotten it swapped in plenty of time to ride on Sunday...
Edited by yellowjack on Wednesday 23 November 09:38
Oh FFS! Every f
king year!
"Dear rider,
Many thanks for your pre-entry to Merida Brass Monkeys Round 1 which was due to take place this coming Sunday. We are massively disappointed to have to tell you that late yesterday we received notification that the event cannot now go ahead at Caesar’s Camp as the land is needed for other purposes. We are sure that you share our immense frustration and disappointment at this very late notice. Unfortunately, it does mean that we have no choice now but to postpone Round 1 until Sunday 18 December.
All Round 1 entries will therefore be moved on to that date which will become the new Round 1 and we will endeavour to add another date after the 8 January Round to complete the Series. If you are unable to make the new date of the event, you have until Friday 2 December to let us know, and we will either move your entry on to the 8 January event or give you a refund.
Thank you for your support,
MBM Team"
king year!"Dear rider,
Many thanks for your pre-entry to Merida Brass Monkeys Round 1 which was due to take place this coming Sunday. We are massively disappointed to have to tell you that late yesterday we received notification that the event cannot now go ahead at Caesar’s Camp as the land is needed for other purposes. We are sure that you share our immense frustration and disappointment at this very late notice. Unfortunately, it does mean that we have no choice now but to postpone Round 1 until Sunday 18 December.
All Round 1 entries will therefore be moved on to that date which will become the new Round 1 and we will endeavour to add another date after the 8 January Round to complete the Series. If you are unable to make the new date of the event, you have until Friday 2 December to let us know, and we will either move your entry on to the 8 January event or give you a refund.
Thank you for your support,
MBM Team"
Wow. Who'd have thought it, eh?
No such email for me (yet) but then maybe I'm further down the list to be contacted? Nothing on the XCRacer.com or Brass Monkeys websites yet, either.
And the 18th December? I thought that round 2 was planned for the 11th??? Unless I wrote that down wrong.
I'm tempted to take a spin up on Sunday to see what "other purposes" mean a booked and paid for bike race can't take place. Local MOD mandarins sticking their oar in to discourage MTBing full stop, I'll bet. It's a wonder the Gorrick/Brass Monkeys organisers can summon the will to carry on booking MOD training areas for these races when they repeatedly get fked about like this.
Am I to take it that Round 2 now becomes Round 1, including the date and the Windmill Hill venue?
Still. It takes away any worries about not getting the bike back in time for Sunday now. Every cloud, etc, etc...
No such email for me (yet) but then maybe I'm further down the list to be contacted? Nothing on the XCRacer.com or Brass Monkeys websites yet, either.
And the 18th December? I thought that round 2 was planned for the 11th??? Unless I wrote that down wrong.
I'm tempted to take a spin up on Sunday to see what "other purposes" mean a booked and paid for bike race can't take place. Local MOD mandarins sticking their oar in to discourage MTBing full stop, I'll bet. It's a wonder the Gorrick/Brass Monkeys organisers can summon the will to carry on booking MOD training areas for these races when they repeatedly get f
ked about like this.Am I to take it that Round 2 now becomes Round 1, including the date and the Windmill Hill venue?
Still. It takes away any worries about not getting the bike back in time for Sunday now. Every cloud, etc, etc...
No - rd 2 was on the 18th. Its in your original post above, you crazy kid!
But yeah - i dont know why the MOD dont just say "no", rather than dicking the organisers about.
Just a pisser that the weather was looking decent this weekend, so it would have been nice to guarantee at least one round was pleasant.
Oh well - done a feeble amount of training, so at least i can get out for a ride this w/e now.
But yeah - i dont know why the MOD dont just say "no", rather than dicking the organisers about.
Just a pisser that the weather was looking decent this weekend, so it would have been nice to guarantee at least one round was pleasant.
Oh well - done a feeble amount of training, so at least i can get out for a ride this w/e now.
<scrolls back to top of page to read the OP>
You are so right! It was the 18th all along. So why did I write it on the calendar in the kitchen as the 11th? Doh!
Still no email for me. I'm beginning to worry that my entry wasn't received now. Although they appear to have taken the entry fee, or have at least said they will. Very annoying, not just as a rider, but on behalf of the organisers too. They get to have to put up with the flak and the fall-out from this, with refunds to process and such like. It can't be easy finding alternative venues at short notice and I'm sure no-one really wants to be cancelling or postponing events four days before they're due to go ahead.
Caesar's Camp is supposed to be the Summer Monkey venue (date TBC) in 2017 too. I wonder if the organisers will stick with that event, or look to move it somewhere more "MTB-friendly"?
You are so right! It was the 18th all along. So why did I write it on the calendar in the kitchen as the 11th? Doh!
Still no email for me. I'm beginning to worry that my entry wasn't received now. Although they appear to have taken the entry fee, or have at least said they will. Very annoying, not just as a rider, but on behalf of the organisers too. They get to have to put up with the flak and the fall-out from this, with refunds to process and such like. It can't be easy finding alternative venues at short notice and I'm sure no-one really wants to be cancelling or postponing events four days before they're due to go ahead.
Caesar's Camp is supposed to be the Summer Monkey venue (date TBC) in 2017 too. I wonder if the organisers will stick with that event, or look to move it somewhere more "MTB-friendly"?
The Brass Monkeys facebook page has a message saying "if you have entered, please check your inbox for an important message" - which is a bit weird to avoid saying what has happened.
Someone then replied, and they have just deleted his comment.
Not sure why they are being so secretive...
Someone then replied, and they have just deleted his comment.
Not sure why they are being so secretive...
daddy cool said:
The Brass Monkeys facebook page has a message saying "if you have entered, please check your inbox for an important message" - which is a bit weird to avoid saying what has happened.
Someone then replied, and they have just deleted his comment.
Not sure why they are being so secretive...
It's stupid of them, they know fine well that the news will be all over forums like this and STW. Someone then replied, and they have just deleted his comment.
Not sure why they are being so secretive...
They don't really do themselves any favours!
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff