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Well that came around fast!
Who's riding? Which category? Which steed.
Did a couple of laps at the weekend just gone, and it is riding very well. Fingers crossed the rain doesn't materialise!
Pairs for me again this year. And as Brighton aren't at home I won't be nipping over the road to watch the game mid race like last time!
Yep, mixed pair with my other half. We're going to have a winner takes all battle against another mixed pair of friends 🙂
No idea what i'm riding yet, worst case my Solaris, but hoping to borrow a Spark FS, as I felt a bit broken on the HT last time at the end.
Was due to ride solo but being hit by a car last Sat has left me with knackered knees so I’m not walking too well let alone riding. 😖
Mixed pairs with other half again here. Was hoping this year might be the year we finally made it past fourth and onto the podium but based on less than usual riding the last few months and how I'm feeling this week I think it'll be a ' turn up and have fun with the big club turnout'.
We’ll be there with the Crafty Horse Bar to keep you and your support teams all refreshed 🍺😀
Pairs...swift or Solaris
Me me me! Male pairs riding for Renvale RT. Riding very Orange Trek Top Fuel and very very Orange socks. Hoping to not end up in A&E this year
I'm not racing, what time is the bar open John_l??
I'll be along for the fun instead of racing this time. Will be nice to actually enjoy a bit of tea and cake instead of feeling sick.
Riding in a team of three this year, looking forward to enjoying more of the event ambience after previous years riding solo/pairs. Will be riding the full-bouncer.
I think I am going to ride my chubby Solaris this year. Suck up the extra weight and kid myself that the inertia from the massive wheels and extra grip will carry me around faster than the carbon hardtail.
The latter will be in the boot for when, after a lap, I realise that was a silly idea.
Nope - face aches enough from Pivot 24:12 accident that I dare not sadly
Me, solo, Evil Following in "blimey that's" green.
I suspect any rain will tend to damp the dust down and actually make it ride better - that's certainly what's happened over the past few days.
@mccraque I was the dick head who crash at the far end of the course. Medics, paramedics, A&E triage nurse, A&E doctor all said 'you're staying here tonight cause you've broken your femur'. The x-rays proved that I had actually just bruised myself and needed a dose of mtfu. It was an impressive bruise though. And yes, you can all laugh at me now.
Yep I'm in. Just a couple of wonders laps or what ever they call it now. Was going to do a pairs but none of my mates are interested.
Waves. Singlespeed pairs.
Yep in - male pairs. Given a decided lack of training combined with a tummy bug earlier in the week, definitely just in it for the atmosphere 🙂
Black 29+ Stooge, might stick the full suss in the car just in case. Neither are exactly ‘light’.
Trails we’re running well at the weekend, the bit of rain forecast tomorrow should make things nice and grippy come Saturday (famous last words).
@mccraque I was the dick head who crash at the far end of the course. Medics, paramedics, A&E triage nurse, A&E doctor all said ‘you’re staying here tonight cause you’ve broken your femur’. The x-rays proved that I had actually just bruised myself and needed a dose of mtfu. It was an impressive bruise though. And yes, you can all laugh at me now.
Oh that was YOU!!!
Pairs for me . I have no idea why I agree to this madness as I suck at riding bikes quickly anywhere .
Black and Lime Green Rocky Element 950
Do I need bar end plugs ???
Do I need bar end plugs ???
No, just cut your handlebars down by an inch or two...
solo 6hr for me, been a few years since i've raced BD, 4 i think. on the Pivot Boompods team, ancient 429c hoping it stays dry as the chalky trails in the wet scares me!
I'm also in - part of a team of three with no aspirations to be quick, apart from to the tea and cake stand!
On a Singular Rooster 29+ because I'm going to be slow anyway, I might as well have a giggle.
*waves*
retro pairs - fiery red and black GT and a Dolomite Klein...
Solo here. Seemed like a good idea at the time!
In for 6 hr solo on the singlespeed..shame they don't actually ahve a SOLO SS category :-/
Oh well..i've done naff all training, have drank faaarrr too much recently, and now it's raining..>
BRING IT ON!!!!!
DrP
Was all pretty good on the course last night.
Although it's rained for 8 hours since then so I'm eyeing up my 'not summer' tyres.
Should dry out fast....
wait for this evening to decide...it's supposed to be persisting down for quite a while
It’s I’m in solo as usual but I’m sitting out the last 48hrs of my insides desperately wanting to become my outsides. 🤮🤮
I May well be taking a more casual approach than previous years based on this...
Worn out racing Ralph will do.
if my iphone is to be believed, all this rain nonsense should stop by about 7pm and that gives us 17 hours of drainage time. It'll be fine.
*Probably.
I have changed my mind about it drying out. I am sitting about 5km away and I think the whole of the downs may have been washed away....
I'm poised over a Shorty at the front and looking at a Beaver for the rear. Vicar.
*looks out the window*
Or the fat bike.
...3" DHF or leave the Chronicle on the front...decisions decisions :-/
I'm putting my mudguards on this evening....
DrP
Oh there is a river running down Ditchling Road... tyre changes might be a good idea but have a feeling there will be plenty of offs!
Crikey. That’s rain. 😳
Well, that was a lot of slippey slidey fun. Roots on the early laps were evil but got less sketchy as it dried out (just as I got less able to function properly...).
Completely knackered. Top stuff 🙂
Amazing race. I rode the Solaris in Fat mode all the way through. Felt assured over the roots. Although did bin it on one occasion. Fire roads were a slog but the techy climbs and descents were awesome.
Apologies to the guy who crashed into me/me into him on the last corner. Having cycled next to you for the last 50m I’d assumed you’d seen me!
Was that lap longer/different than last year or am I just slower!?
It did feel slower, certainly. I was not on form today- the first lap felt more like it should be the fourth and every climb was painful. But the singletrack was hilarious slippery fun, the marshals were great and it was as much fun as always.
Annoyed I didn't clean the 'back to the bridge climb even once though.
I think I might be down to one of about only two or three who have done every race, based on the rollcall at the beginning- just got to hang on another couple of years!
Good event.Feels friendly. Enjoyed first 4 laps and later it was a struggle 😀 Didn't do as many laps as I would like to. Humidity of track seemed right. tires had good amounts of grip and roots didn't feel that slippery. Just one thing - Organizers could update page - Results section and so on ...
They’re too busy boozing in the Fortune of War!
Results are on the Time Laps website.
Been struggling with savage leg cramps all night, and I was only making tea! Thought I might make the party for the first time this year, but I could barely stand by 8pm. So broken.
Good work to all the riders, generally you seemed to be a bit more tired than last year? I don't think there were any big crashes but most people seemed to have come off at some point
https://photos.app.goo.gl/c3KX2EuyHMMCap6F9
First class race and more importantly first class event.
The bike doesn't even need a clean which after Fridays ran is amazing.
Big shout to every one involved in putting this event for all the hard work. It's hugely appreciated many many thanks.
I had a shocker tbh .
up till late on fri swapping tyres , rotors , cassette etc
Didnt finish it so set up the tubeless tyres on sat am . Brand new Spesh Storm control went up OK but pourus as anything ,literally dozens of pin holes where the jizz was seeping out. Arrived in time , but spent far too long pratting about , chatting , getting ready so started at the back pretty much last .had a gentle ride round with wwaswas but found every root treacherous on lap 1 .
Lap 2 (pairs ) was better but burped the storm on the off camber drops and had to re-inflate which all takes time.
I know I am steady but capable and recover on the fire roads and push on the singletrack ,but almost every time someone would nip in front just before the entry , then mince over the roots and round the corners where I know i could be a tiny bit faster .
Lap 3 was better as the riders seemed to have thinned out but the course felt draggy and slow , rode the drops without mincing and cleared the badger climb
Lap 4 . Had 50 mins on my watch to get in before the cut, and failed . Burped the Storm again despite starting with at 28psi but kept on riding with it at 12 psi or so . The final descent like that was interesting to say the least , with the tyre squiriming around on the rim. Missed the cut and finished 2nd to last .
Great course , but tough on old men like me who dont ride anywhere near enough
one gallery up...
https://www.kevinsheldrakephotography.com/Cycle-Races/Brighton-Big-Dog-2018/
I'm sure there was another one, but I can't find it now
https://www.rootsandrain.com/race6635/2018-aug-11-stanmer-park-brighton/photos/filters/untagged/
More here
Well that was a toughie! After crashing my tits off last year I wanted to a) keep it rubber side down and b) complete for the win in the mens pairs.
My usual partner Stephen James had messed his knee up (thats Ride London for you!) so team mate Rich Jones subbed in. I voluneteered him to ride the first lap and he duelly delivered a fast lap, sending me out as leader of the race. I won't lie, the first lap was tough. I rode with the leading solo riders (how the hell they maintain that pace for 6hr I do not know) putting in a steady lap in the greasy conditions. I kept it upright and sent Rich out and maintaining our lead.
By lap 4 we held a narrow 1min lead. This resulted in much stress when encountering lapped riders; deep breaths and calmly asking for passing space. I did feel stressed when a few riders completely failed to yield , but ya know ...its racing. Rich was doing a fantastic job of consolidating our lead whilst I was doing a fantastic job of giving it away. Lap 6 and we held less than 1 min. This was tight.
Into my penultimate lap and the second place team were ~30s behind. I could see them behind me on the long first climb. It was at this point I had perhaps the worst moment ever in a race; as I joined the course another rider joined behind me. He then sprinted past me and swerved hard across me taking out my front wheel leaving me on the ground. There was no reason for it other than a deliberate action to take me out! I was completly dumb struck that someone could deliberatly take out another rider. Back on the bike I rode passed him, gave him a 'you dumb f##k' look and left him for dead.
Into the last lap: legs are ****ed! I'm riding on the tight rope between cramp and speed. Everytime I'm out of the saddle my legs start to sieze and scream in pain. Climbing back out of the University section my legs are spasming, I make it clean up the climb and know there is just one long drag and then DH to the finish. On the drag I keep checking for second place but I'm clear. Start the DH, keep it clean, no mistakes, into the arena and I'm done; crossing the line with the arms held high. I was beyound elated to win this race again.
It really is one of the best races of the year...and one day I will make it to the after race drinks!
It was at this point I had perhaps the worst moment ever in a race; as I joined the course another rider joined behind me. He then sprinted past me and swerved hard across me taking out my front wheel leaving me on the ground. There was no reason for it other than a deliberate action to take me out! I was completly dumb struck that someone could deliberatly take out another rider.
I saw this - both the crash and you laying in a heap swearing - just after hairpin out of transition. I was between laps at our paddock! It didn't look deliberate - more careless, although how he didn't see you, I don't know as you were the only rider within about 50m.
He didn't offer much by way of apology!
@ mccraque I'm sure it wasn't. The circumstances were bizzare as you said, no one around us, straight open field and whomp I'm lying on the floor. Nothing broken so alls good.
Seventh , down two places from last year in the Wonder Dog Lap for me but very happy with that…. Second lap armed with a new number and more determination to beat the time of my first lap but couldn’t manage it, just as well as Timelap didn’t record it anyway.
A brilliant event and atmosphere. Well done all.