Anyone riding @ Bristol Bikefest this w/e?

[WBC]

As the title really! Just wondering if anyone is riding at the Bristol Bikefest this weekend? I'm in a four man team for the 12 hour race. Should be some fun. Fingers crossed for good weather.

[pdV6]

Neil was muttering about it a while back. I'm away so can't.

[mat205125]

Where in Bristol is it? Is it a Spandex Roadfest, of are bouncy bikes order of the day too?

[WBC]

It's at Ashton Court (just across the Clifton suspension bridge). It's a XC enduro type thing (6 or 12 hour, solo or team entry).

[pdV6]

mat205125 said:

Where in Bristol is it? Is it a Spandex Roadfest, of are bouncy bikes order of the day too?

Definitely bouncy!

[mat205125]

Ooooooo! Might come down for a look!

[neil_bolton]

mat205125 said:

Ooooooo! Might come down for a look!

If you come down on the Saturday, let me know and we could have a natter - email me if you would like my details.

[g_stacey]

12 hour Solo for me. Just need to put new chain, cassette, rings and front mech on tonight to get running smoothly.

G

[g_stacey]

Never ever again. I mean it. After the ride, I felt sick, dizzy, hot, cold. Cramped up badly for about 45 mins. Couldn't stand or sit. Had to roll out of a camping chair onto the ground. One of the Team Darenth riders massaged my legs with cooking oil! As painful as the cramps. Must shaved my legs! Bought some food when the presentation was going on. Couldn't eat it. Laid there for about half an hour before I could get up. Thats not including the painin the race induced by riding a hardtail, or smashing my shoulder into a tree. Forks lost half there travel and were topping out aswell. I rode my heart, legs and most other vital organs out to win the vets catogary ( was second last year ) only to find they didnt' include it this year. Petty sure I was the first vet though.
Drank loads Sunday. Nick (son also riding) and I had a massive curry Sunday night so must be improving! I really tried to keep drinking and eating through the ride. Hads loads of energy drinks made up and gels. Just coulnd't force enough down. Didn't suffer like this last year. So hot and humid this time.

16 laps in 11.17

G

[neil_bolton]

g_stacey said:

16 laps in 11.17

Christ! Thats good going! Congratulations...

However, believe us now when we say that you needed a full sus round there for that sort of thing ???

Rode Cymcarn last night, and it felt almost like riding Ashton Court with regard to roots!

[g_stacey]

Thanks Neil, I get stick off my son about full sus every time we ride. Hes just built up an S Works Carbon Epic so will try that. I know what your all saying, but the only way I make up time is on the uphills. Think it could be an Epic next. A Stumpjumper would of been fine for the last half of the race when I couldn't sit down, but needing an x large frame they are so light on the front when climbing.

G

PS Have been thinking about a Dust Charger. Dont tell my son!

[WBC]

Big respect to the solo riders! I was in a four-man team and even then it wasn't easy going. We were riding single laps, so had about 1h40m break between laps which was a godsend in that heat. Lack of sleep was my biggest problem, only slept about 1 hour on Friday night due to unbelievably loud snoring from a tent next to me!

Can definitely see the benefit of FS bikes now. I rode my '95 Kona and was glad I ditched the Project II's for something a bit more bouncy! A bit of rear bounce would have been nice too. Some pretty rooty and rocky sections!

I thought it was a great event. Just need to improve the fitness a fair bit before riding it as a solo rider.

Edited by WBC on Monday 11th June 14:17