Discussion
Well our team entry was confirmed today, is anybody doing this or done it in previous years? For those who haven't heard of it all the info is here http://www.clic24.org.uk/ A month before I go to Le Mans I will be competing in a pedal-powered one! I am very excited, I love challenges like these, especially considering I only got back into mountain biking a few weeks ago and I will be riding a boggo 09' Rockhopper. Any tips for the Mendip Hills courses would be great too!
Full sus is an advantage, as long as its light: its a rough old track. ETA: You have a hardtail. Get some big tyres, and carry spare tubes - huge potential for punctures round there - especially on the first half of the course - maybe consider a suspension seatpost to take the bum soreness away..?
If you're doing a Solo, you need your head checking out, you crazy fool, else, expect to get in about 6-7 laps each if you share the 10 mile course between your team of four.
Its a great track and simply overwelmingly emotional to be riding when the sun comes up - I was lucky enough to do the 5am stint, and I had a little tear in my eye at just how beautiful the place is, and how amazing it was to ride at that time in the morning.
Plenty of camping and banter, and plenty of opportunity to kick back and relax.
I'm hoping to be around on the Saturday, and depening on my plans, maybe the whole weekend, however I'm not competing this year - although I may do a few laps...
If you're doing a Solo, you need your head checking out, you crazy fool, else, expect to get in about 6-7 laps each if you share the 10 mile course between your team of four.
Its a great track and simply overwelmingly emotional to be riding when the sun comes up - I was lucky enough to do the 5am stint, and I had a little tear in my eye at just how beautiful the place is, and how amazing it was to ride at that time in the morning.
Plenty of camping and banter, and plenty of opportunity to kick back and relax.
I'm hoping to be around on the Saturday, and depening on my plans, maybe the whole weekend, however I'm not competing this year - although I may do a few laps...
Edited by neil_bolton on Tuesday 31st March 09:56
I should be doing it this year although some people are dragging their feet about whether they're in or not. We're supposed to be running two teams again, as last year. One of my mates is doing it solo on a fully rigid single speed 
I believe the course is the same this year as the past couple of years. They tried to change it but the authorities wouldn't allow it apparently. Doesn't matter though, as it's good just as it is. It's very rocky in places, so large tyres are a good idea. I ran 2.35 High Rollers last year on my hardtail at 35psi and didn't get any punctures. Night riding is very special, just make sure you've got decent off-road lights if you want to maintain pace through the night
Hope the weather's as perfect as it was last year:
I REALLY better start training though, as I've been very lax about MTBing of late!
I believe the course is the same this year as the past couple of years. They tried to change it but the authorities wouldn't allow it apparently. Doesn't matter though, as it's good just as it is. It's very rocky in places, so large tyres are a good idea. I ran 2.35 High Rollers last year on my hardtail at 35psi and didn't get any punctures. Night riding is very special, just make sure you've got decent off-road lights if you want to maintain pace through the night
Hope the weather's as perfect as it was last year:
I REALLY better start training though, as I've been very lax about MTBing of late!
Moose. said:
timnoyce said:
Is that Gav by any chance? He's the only person I know who would be mad enough to do that so I can't believe there are more people out there like him!
Have we met?!?!Proper quick he was.
wasn't so quick downhill tho
Did the course for the first time today, managed to get quite lost on the first run around and add about 6 miles to the lap 
A brilliant circuit though, very rocky, although I didn't pick up a puncture on the boggo specialized 2.00"s. The long climb is quite heavy, I just ended up crawling up it in a very low gear. The downhill bits are loads of fun although I wouldn't want to fall off on some parts 
A brilliant circuit though, very rocky, although I didn't pick up a puncture on the boggo specialized 2.00"s. The long climb is quite heavy, I just ended up crawling up it in a very low gear. The downhill bits are loads of fun although I wouldn't want to fall off on some parts Decided to try a couple of laps this afternoon to see what it's looking like. The lack of rain's helping as currenly exactly like last year 
Very hard packed paths, so nice and quick. Managed a couple of laps before my legs decided that was enough (doesn't bode well for the event!). Need to get fitter me thinks!
So, if anyone wants to meet-up for a lap or two one weekend before the event, let me know. I live locally, so will be up there most weekends now until the event. There's also a few downhill runs in Rowberrow near the top of THAT climb should anyone fancy it
Very hard packed paths, so nice and quick. Managed a couple of laps before my legs decided that was enough (doesn't bode well for the event!). Need to get fitter me thinks!So, if anyone wants to meet-up for a lap or two one weekend before the event, let me know. I live locally, so will be up there most weekends now until the event. There's also a few downhill runs in Rowberrow near the top of THAT climb should anyone fancy it
Moose. said:
timnoyce said:
Is that Gav by any chance? He's the only person I know who would be mad enough to do that so I can't believe there are more people out there like him!
Have we met?!?!Rumour has it he's SO hardore now he snapped a chain (and that's the middle of the plates not the pins) and a crank recently (different colours now so they don't match).
Small world...especially when PH is factored in!
Moose. said:
Hard-Drive said:
Small world...especially when PH is factored in!
Seems it is How do you know Gav then? I'm guessing sailing?
Hope it stays away for the event!Took my bike into the local shop today to be serviced, new tyres are in the post as are the batteries for my light setup. As for me.... Really looking forward to it though!
I have no clothes for wet riding really so if it does rain I am screwed, not sure exactly how watertight my tent will be either. Look out for the one with a 'Mendipring' logo on the outside!
I have no clothes for wet riding really so if it does rain I am screwed, not sure exactly how watertight my tent will be either. Look out for the one with a 'Mendipring' logo on the outside!
Not looking good at the moment! It's been raining on the Mendips all day today. Course was ok on Monday evening with just a few puddles when I checked and the ground was still very firm. I really hope it doesn't get waterlogged like 2007 (that was just terrible and killed my hubs and bottom bracket!).
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