Summer Brass Monkeys
Discussion
If it's anything like the winter Brass Monkeys series, it's a great mix.
At the top of the field will be the serious racers, teams like Banjo Cycles, Four4ths, etc will probably be there. Then there is the competitive end of each age group slugging it out for honours on the podium at the end of the day's racing.
BUT. I raced the 2014 winter series. When I say 'raced' what I mean to say is that I paid my entry fee and rode around with a race number strapped to the front of my bike. Do not worry about looking like someone who got lost on the way to the local park. So long as you get out of the way of the leaders (they're obvious - very quick and not shy of shouting a warning that they're approaching) when they lap you, you'll be fine.
RFID 'chips' on the number boards, electronic timing and results, usually a 'party atmosphere' at the race control tent and the timing caravan, with music, food and usually Four4ths lights will have a trade stand and a local (Alton based, I think) bike shop are there for those 'last minute' components and spares.
I'm not sure exactly where the Summer Monkey course will be, but the Caesar's Camp/Hungry Hill area appears to be fairly open in terms of overtaking opportunities. That wasn't the case with the winter venues where there was a lot of tight single track, a fair amount of foot down queuing at entry points and you needed to take full advantage of any 'fire road' stuff to get your passing done. The course will be shorter this year too. The organisers have no choice on that as a large chunk of the MOD training area that's usually used on the race lap is currently out of bounds while the MOD ponder what to do about "elevated levels of heavy metal contamination" present in excess of safe limits. That bit IS securely fenced off and clearly signed though, so nothing to worry participants.
If you do go on up, and you're considering racing, just give your machine a decent once-over before you do. On top of the usual puncture kit, etc, carry a split link and a chain tool (I had a brand new chain fail on me at Battle on the Beach this year) and be sure that you've got good life left in your brake pads. If the current forecast is correct you'll be OK with 'summer' tread tyres as it drains well out that way, and Saturday is meant to be dry all day.
Thanks for the reminder by the way. This might just answer that tricky question of "what shall we do for you for Fathers' Day?", although the suggestion that my wife and sons should spend Sunday morning standing on a sandy heath in Hampshire handing me bottles and cereal bars when I pass might just test the boundaries of their patience somewhat...
...I've no idea if I'll be able to get a 'pass' for this one at the moment. My wife has never attended a race before now, and 4 or 6 hours standing around waiting for me to flash past once per lap probably wouldn't top her list of "fantasy ways to spend a Sunday morning" to be fair. Thing is, if I entered anything over the 2 hour race I'd be in dire need of someone to hold on to spare bottles at the very least.
At the top of the field will be the serious racers, teams like Banjo Cycles, Four4ths, etc will probably be there. Then there is the competitive end of each age group slugging it out for honours on the podium at the end of the day's racing.
BUT. I raced the 2014 winter series. When I say 'raced' what I mean to say is that I paid my entry fee and rode around with a race number strapped to the front of my bike. Do not worry about looking like someone who got lost on the way to the local park. So long as you get out of the way of the leaders (they're obvious - very quick and not shy of shouting a warning that they're approaching) when they lap you, you'll be fine.
RFID 'chips' on the number boards, electronic timing and results, usually a 'party atmosphere' at the race control tent and the timing caravan, with music, food and usually Four4ths lights will have a trade stand and a local (Alton based, I think) bike shop are there for those 'last minute' components and spares.
I'm not sure exactly where the Summer Monkey course will be, but the Caesar's Camp/Hungry Hill area appears to be fairly open in terms of overtaking opportunities. That wasn't the case with the winter venues where there was a lot of tight single track, a fair amount of foot down queuing at entry points and you needed to take full advantage of any 'fire road' stuff to get your passing done. The course will be shorter this year too. The organisers have no choice on that as a large chunk of the MOD training area that's usually used on the race lap is currently out of bounds while the MOD ponder what to do about "elevated levels of heavy metal contamination" present in excess of safe limits. That bit IS securely fenced off and clearly signed though, so nothing to worry participants.
If you do go on up, and you're considering racing, just give your machine a decent once-over before you do. On top of the usual puncture kit, etc, carry a split link and a chain tool (I had a brand new chain fail on me at Battle on the Beach this year) and be sure that you've got good life left in your brake pads. If the current forecast is correct you'll be OK with 'summer' tread tyres as it drains well out that way, and Saturday is meant to be dry all day.
Thanks for the reminder by the way. This might just answer that tricky question of "what shall we do for you for Fathers' Day?", although the suggestion that my wife and sons should spend Sunday morning standing on a sandy heath in Hampshire handing me bottles and cereal bars when I pass might just test the boundaries of their patience somewhat...
...I've no idea if I'll be able to get a 'pass' for this one at the moment. My wife has never attended a race before now, and 4 or 6 hours standing around waiting for me to flash past once per lap probably wouldn't top her list of "fantasy ways to spend a Sunday morning" to be fair. Thing is, if I entered anything over the 2 hour race I'd be in dire need of someone to hold on to spare bottles at the very least.
Edited by yellowjack on Wednesday 15th June 15:37
You don't have to have a 'someone' to do that. There are often lots of unattended pumps/bottles etc in the 'service area' at the end of the lap. It's just that if you want to be competitive it would help.
My bike only has one bottle cage for instance, and that'd see me right for 2 hours (if it were not too hot a day). I could probably squeeze another cage into the frame (not thought about it before and would have to check) which would stretch to 3.5 to 4 hours worth. Beyond that a Camelbak might help, in addition to the bottle(s).
At Battle on the Beach earlier this year I took a small backpack with tools, etc in it. I was VERY glad I did because when my chain went 'pop' at the end of lap 1, my Leatherman pliers saved the other two laps of my race. I was way out of contention, but at least I got my three laps completed having driven 250 miles to get there. You could combine tools, pump, and tubes with a Camelbak bladder in a small backpack and be pretty much self-sufficient out on the course. The rules (usually) state that you must complete the full lap if you need to get back to fix or replace anything on your bike, no hike-a-bike shortcuts across the middle of the lap, so carrying everything and accepting the (small in terms of total bike/rider weight) penalty of the extra grams will pay off if you end up using any of the items you carry in there.
My bike only has one bottle cage for instance, and that'd see me right for 2 hours (if it were not too hot a day). I could probably squeeze another cage into the frame (not thought about it before and would have to check) which would stretch to 3.5 to 4 hours worth. Beyond that a Camelbak might help, in addition to the bottle(s).
At Battle on the Beach earlier this year I took a small backpack with tools, etc in it. I was VERY glad I did because when my chain went 'pop' at the end of lap 1, my Leatherman pliers saved the other two laps of my race. I was way out of contention, but at least I got my three laps completed having driven 250 miles to get there. You could combine tools, pump, and tubes with a Camelbak bladder in a small backpack and be pretty much self-sufficient out on the course. The rules (usually) state that you must complete the full lap if you need to get back to fix or replace anything on your bike, no hike-a-bike shortcuts across the middle of the lap, so carrying everything and accepting the (small in terms of total bike/rider weight) penalty of the extra grams will pay off if you end up using any of the items you carry in there.
...or just enter the 2 hour race, and free yourself from the worry of support and extra fluids.
It was the 2 hour category that I entered on that winter Brass Monkeys series, and the 'Battle on the Beach' in March this year was a fixed three lap format and I did the three laps in 03:01:20, including 12 or so minutes to mend that pesky chain. I've no experience of racing in excess of three hours myself, and so I probably shouldn't be proffering advice on endurance MTB racing to be fair...
It was the 2 hour category that I entered on that winter Brass Monkeys series, and the 'Battle on the Beach' in March this year was a fixed three lap format and I did the three laps in 03:01:20, including 12 or so minutes to mend that pesky chain. I've no experience of racing in excess of three hours myself, and so I probably shouldn't be proffering advice on endurance MTB racing to be fair...
I did the 2015 Summer Monkey, and the entire Winter 2015 Brass Monkey series - the 2 hour races in all of them. They are all well organised and well attended events. The starts are usually pretty hectic, invariably resulting in a logjam 1/2 mile in, when everyone gets to the first tight section. Sometimes they will modify the first lap to reduce this.
Dunno how "pro" you are on a MTB - as a 39 year old amateur myself, the Monkey races can be quite disillusioning, as the category is wide (18-39) and half the pack will be sponsored riders half your age that are seriously fast - consequently im usually in the bottom 3rd of the results. Doesnt bother me though - i always like riding with good people as it gives me something to aim for. Instead i just aim for another "amateur" i can see ahead, and aim to get past them, then repeat till the end.
All the Gorrick/Merida races are variations of the same bits around deepcut usually - they make up good courses, and theres some variety of obstacles and surface.
The standard Gorrick "Classic" races throughout the year are much more "fun" and based around amateur racers, and consequently i tend to be entering in the top 3rd section of results.
No chance of me doing Sunday though - ive done something to my knee so cycling/running is off the cards until it gets better.
Bit of footage from last years summer monkey to give you an idea:
https://vimeo.com/130787114
I had shocker of a race - someone had sabotaged the course with shiny new tacks - got two in my rear tyre (hence the end of the video...)
If you do it - good luck!
Dunno how "pro" you are on a MTB - as a 39 year old amateur myself, the Monkey races can be quite disillusioning, as the category is wide (18-39) and half the pack will be sponsored riders half your age that are seriously fast - consequently im usually in the bottom 3rd of the results. Doesnt bother me though - i always like riding with good people as it gives me something to aim for. Instead i just aim for another "amateur" i can see ahead, and aim to get past them, then repeat till the end.
All the Gorrick/Merida races are variations of the same bits around deepcut usually - they make up good courses, and theres some variety of obstacles and surface.
The standard Gorrick "Classic" races throughout the year are much more "fun" and based around amateur racers, and consequently i tend to be entering in the top 3rd section of results.
No chance of me doing Sunday though - ive done something to my knee so cycling/running is off the cards until it gets better.
Bit of footage from last years summer monkey to give you an idea:
https://vimeo.com/130787114
I had shocker of a race - someone had sabotaged the course with shiny new tacks - got two in my rear tyre (hence the end of the video...)
If you do it - good luck!
I went out that way today. Rode around a bit, and must have done at least some sections of the race lap.
It was a bit moist in places, but nothing that won't dry out by Sunday if there's no more rain. When I turned up there was a pair of portaloos in a copse of trees lying on their sides. Four that looked like they might be for Sunday's event were upright in a neat row. By the time I left they too were lying on their sides. I also got abuse yelled at me by two young lads as I left as well, in response to my asking if they were OK (seemingly struggling with one of their bikes, I offered to help). Connected? I think it probably was. Why though? What possible pleasure can be derived from knocking portaloos over? Weirdos.
I'm seriously considering racing on Sunday now, but NOT the six hour race. Nowhere near fit enough for that I'm afraid. Four or two hours it'd be then. Depends which one I make the sign on time for I suppose. If I go at all...
It was a bit moist in places, but nothing that won't dry out by Sunday if there's no more rain. When I turned up there was a pair of portaloos in a copse of trees lying on their sides. Four that looked like they might be for Sunday's event were upright in a neat row. By the time I left they too were lying on their sides. I also got abuse yelled at me by two young lads as I left as well, in response to my asking if they were OK (seemingly struggling with one of their bikes, I offered to help). Connected? I think it probably was. Why though? What possible pleasure can be derived from knocking portaloos over? Weirdos.
I'm seriously considering racing on Sunday now, but NOT the six hour race. Nowhere near fit enough for that I'm afraid. Four or two hours it'd be then. Depends which one I make the sign on time for I suppose. If I go at all...
Race lap was all marked out by this afternoon, when I took a ride out that way.
It'd have been rude not to, really, so I rode it three times. I'm not feeling confident about my pace on it to be fair. Nine riders had a crack today and I was the slowest of them all when you look at 'moving time' on Strava.
It's a tough lap too. Lots of long fire road sections, especially on the first part of the lap, but also big chunks of technical single track which are hard going. Tight corners, off camber rooty bits, changes of direction concealed at the top of fast climbs, and a couple of small climbs where I struggled to get traction in the mud with my 'summer' Racing Ralph tyres. It's a challenge alright! (As it should be being a MTB race ).
It'd have been rude not to, really, so I rode it three times. I'm not feeling confident about my pace on it to be fair. Nine riders had a crack today and I was the slowest of them all when you look at 'moving time' on Strava.
It's a tough lap too. Lots of long fire road sections, especially on the first part of the lap, but also big chunks of technical single track which are hard going. Tight corners, off camber rooty bits, changes of direction concealed at the top of fast climbs, and a couple of small climbs where I struggled to get traction in the mud with my 'summer' Racing Ralph tyres. It's a challenge alright! (As it should be being a MTB race
).Anyone ride this?
I'm afraid to say I bailed out of this. Glad I did as well. My fastest lap the evening before was over 38 minutes. Most folk who've uploaded to Strava seem to have been lapping consistently sub-30 minutes, some quicker than 25 minutes for their faster laps. I wasn't in such good shape beforehand and would have wrecked myself trying to keep up with that little lot...
I'm afraid to say I bailed out of this. Glad I did as well. My fastest lap the evening before was over 38 minutes. Most folk who've uploaded to Strava seem to have been lapping consistently sub-30 minutes, some quicker than 25 minutes for their faster laps. I wasn't in such good shape beforehand and would have wrecked myself trying to keep up with that little lot...
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