British National Championships Weekender

Me, Leo, James H (and wife!) headed over the border to Moelfre for the Nationals this weekend. Awesome weather and a top weekend had by all. The atmosphere was chilled, but the riding spot on when it counted. First off we saw the tail enders on the DH races, and the skills on show were pretty awesome. Seeing a DH-er go shoulder first out of a 20ft drop reminded me of how I must look sometimes!

Then Saturday evening saw team rider Ste enter the finals for junior in 4X. On practice Ste was looking smooth, and got his crash out of the way nice and early! Come race time, he came 2nd in the B final to come 6th in class which was a great result at the nationals. Some of the racing was vicious and the "cutting up" lines were being used to the max! Even saw some elbows, and overall a good eveing fuelled by beer. Good photos and filming for the DVD, we did choose the best film spot as we were joined by a "professional" camerman!

Good chat and beer into the early hours were followed by a misty start to Sunday, which soon burnt off, and we waited for the DH race proper. And we waited. And waited. And waited a bit more. The Stop/Start gate cable had been damaged by the XC race apparently, ridiculous state of affairs!

Anyway, alas the "juniors" began to fly down the hill and the times were dropping by the second. Some of the clearances of the slab jump and glory jump at the quarry were awesome. Interesting to see the different lines, the speed and a few riders carrying too much speed and nearly taking out the crowd! Respect to those still riding with punctures too! Onto the seniors and the times were similar, so big up to the top young guns! With the top guys (and gals) going through the last few riders were bombing down the hill. Peaty even made (for me unexpected) an entrance but didn't look that awesome, plus he had a mini crash at the river crossing. A new national champ in Marc Beaumont.

All in all, we left the camp and I spent most of the way home pondering.......will I ever enter a 4X or DH race (and what DH rig should I buy!!!)? Or do I just do this stuff for fun....? I don't really have the skill (yet untried!), but are my balls big enough?!!... To answer the question, perhaps the "Open" category really appeals....?

The debate continues...