Racing News
Spring Series - Round 2 Preview + latest course update
by Jane Lucas, 13 Feb 10.
Sunday 14th February sees the delayed start of our hugely popular Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series 2010 at the very popular Tunnel Hill west venue close to Mytchett.
Course update Saturday 5pm: Still thinking about coming along? You should definitely make the effort to do so. The ground conditions are exceptionally good with hardly a soft piece of ground or puddle on the trail. The lap is approx 5 miles and regular riders to this venue will find quite a few changes from what they may have become accustomed to! See you in the morning.
Merida Brass Monkeys R3 – Race Report - The Tropical One!
by Joolze Dymond, 03 Feb 10. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
After the first two rounds where weather was a prominent part of the series, how could round 3 be any different! Round 1 saw a monsoon while round 2 saw temperatures dip into serious minus figures. So with all these extremes the 3rd one just had to be tropical, didn't it? Ok so it wasn't quite but the racing was hot hot hot over the hilliest of courses. Joolze sums up the finale and gets reactions from the podium.
Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 3 Race Results
by Paul Howard, 31 Jan 10. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
The heady heights of Parkhurst Hill and Ceasers Camp welcomed 100's of keen riders to the New Year Hangover - round 3 and the final of the Merida Brass Monkeys Enduro Series. The 7 mile lap had nearly 1000ft of total ascent encouraging 'granny ring racing' but it was all worth it for the great descents to follow.
The Army CU, Gorrick and Merida Bikes hope you all enjoyed the Series and the variety of courses and terrain each venue had to offer, we'll be back next winter with more of the same. As for today all the results are now available via the link above this item, and Joolze Dymonds photographs are up too, with her race report and rider interviews to follow in a day or so...
Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 3 Preview
by Jane Lucas / Paul Howard, 27 Jan 10.
Can you believe it? Round 3 is already upon us as we make our way to the hilly terrain of Parkhurst Hill near Fleet and Aldershot. Pre-entries are now flooding in before the deadline of midday on Friday 29th so hurry up if you haven't done so. The course is in good shape and riding well. Read more...
Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 2 Race Report - The chilly one!
by Joolze Dymond, 26 Jan 10.
Just in time for the final round Joolze gives us her view of the races from the cold comforts of the Ash Ranges ditches.
CANCELLATION of Spring Series Round 1
by Jon Lucas, 10 Jan 10.
Having given careful consideration to the weather forecast for the coming week, it has been decided that Gorrick will CANCEL the first round of the Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series which was to be held next Sunday 17 January 2010 at Frith Hill, Deepcut. Read More...
Spring Series 2010 Preview and a Weather Warning for Round 1
by Joolze Dymond / Jane Lucas, 08 Jan 10.
Read on for full details of our 2010 Spring Series xc races supported by Saddle Skedaddle.
Please also be aware that we are keeping a watchful eye on the weather in view of the continued cold spell following the recent snow fall. We will make a decision on whether the event can proceed, at 6pm on Sunday 10 January 2010, so please check here after that time for a further update.
Merida Brass Monkeys Round 2 - The Icy One!
by Paul Howard, 28 Dec 09. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
Full results and Joolze Dymonds photographs are now available to view via the links above. Her full race report will be here later in the week, in the meantime here's a very short recap of the Christmas Cracker...
COURSE UPDATE: Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 2 - MONDAY 28th December
by Jane Lucas / Paul Howard, 27 Dec 09.
Venue and Course Update 27 Dec, 5pm: All the snow and ice has now melted so vehicle access to the venue is fine, with tarmac roads within the venue for easy access to the parking areas. The course has been reduced a little in length to just under 6 miles due to recent logging activity which has compromised some of the tracks we were due to use. So you can go round and ride more laps! There are a couple of short sections with standing water and one fantastic watersplash. Joolze take note! But mud tyres are definitely not needed as you'll find the trails in great condition. I'd suggest something like a 2.1 Nobby Nic or even Racing Ralph is ideal; for control on the front, and some bite on the rear to maintain traction up the climbs.
A word of caution - do wrap up warm - the top of the Ranges are quite exposed and there is a chill wind blowing. To warm up post race we highly recommend dropping into the Swan Pub at the canal bridge. They serve a great range of very good food and have 'proper ale', I know we'll be in there! See you on the course.
P.s. Entry has now closed, there is NO ENTRY on the day.
Merida Brass Monkeys - Round 1 Race Report - The wet, wet, wet one!
by Joolze Dymond, 01 Dec 09. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
Joolze gives us her exclusive "view from the 'flooded' ditch" on how the races panned out and what the riders had to say afterwards. She recalls it as being the wettest daytime enduro she had the pleasure to stand around in this year, in fact probably ranking in the top 3 of all time for sheer wetness! So there you go, it was even all rideable too.
05 Jan 25
26 Jan 25
