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I've been eyeing the Manchester Midweek MTB Madness races local to me for a few years but never done anything.
Also bought the mtbfitness course a few weeks ago but still to properly start it, need motivation.
Noticed last night that the races are starting soon again...
Put those together and it means I'm now booked in for Lee Quarry 😀
Planning Leverhulme too once entries open.
Never raced before or indeed done a mtb event of any kind so my aims are:
1. Don't die.
2. Have fun.
3. Actually finish the course. Bonus: without getting lapped too many times.
Hopefully it won't rain.
Any tips?
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Strategy is important. You need to get in front of other riders and then ride faster than them.
Whatever you do, finish the race. You will probably get sweaty and feel tired, but you'll feel better afterwards.
Look out for some of the jmc lot as they're on here.
You'll love it.
Afterwards
Strategy is important. You need to get in front of other riders and then ride faster than them.
Lol!
Whatever you do, finish the race. You will probably get sweaty and feel tired, but you’ll feel better afterwards.
This. It always feels good to finish or full of regrets if you don't, no matter where you place. I can confirm the process will / should be:
a) I feel sick
b) I can't do this
c) Maybe I can do this
d) I feel ok now
e) how much longer?!
f) Huzzah!
I guess you've entered the "enthusiast" category?
It's pretty chilled and friendly - and there's a wide variety of fitness levels and bikes involved. You are unlikely to die at any of the Midweek Madness events.
will you actually die? No probably not, it will feel like it though
Will I die?
If you don't feel like you're about to, then pedal harder.
The mid week team tend to run a simple course but Lee Quarry will be the toughest of the series.
Tubeless is recommended as it is notorious for pinch flats
The climbing can be brutal
Lee runs well wet or dry
It's worth riding there before race day to get a feel for the place
On the racing front, you'll be breathing out of your posterior in minutes, just enjoy it and be nice
Racing's for losers.
My favorite Charlie Bikemonger sticker.
Racing's ****ing brilliant. I've not done a huge amount, no more than a couple a year usually, but there's nothing like it for putting your all in, getting an eye in for a different way of pushing your riding, both fitness and technique.
You're probably not going to win, but you're winning. Racing's for winners! 😀
Just seen this on IG, and its all sold out 🙁
its great fun, just push yourself as hard as you can and enjoy it.
Just seen this on IG, and its all sold out 🙁
NOooooooooo
Chorlton sold out. Bummer.
Lee quarry was still OK for entries last night.
Just the Water Park one sold out IIRC?
Just seen this on IG, and its all sold out 🙁
me too, but emailed to see if they need marshalls
XC race ?
1. Don’t die.
2. Have fun. 🙂
3. Actually finish the course. Bonus: without getting lapped too many times.
I've only done about 10 xc races, started about 3 yrs ago age 50. I'm vey much bottom of the pack. As others have mentioned it's really hard but the fun is in the battles for a place here and there with the riders around you. There's a great nervous buzz before a race, a bit like getting ready to go into an exam, and there's a great feeling associated with having completed the race (even if you finish last). For about 10 mins after the race you're in pain as your body recovers, then there's the rush of adrenaline \ endorphins or whatever, you feel great and are just thinking about when the next race is. You'll probably struggle to sleep the night after your first race as your body will be shattered but your mind will be sparking.
The only bit of advice I'd give is from the perspective of someone who is still pretty much a beginner at xc racing (and won't progress much beyond that). Especially for your first race, don't get carried away with the sprint start. Don't worry about people pulling away from you. If you really go for it with everyone else at the sprint start you'll bury yourself and the rest of the race will be a world of pain.
fun is in the battles for a place here and there with the riders around you
This. It's fun cos:
- See that person in front? Catch them.
- See that person behind? Don't let them catch you!
1. Don’t die. ✔
2. Have fun. ✔
3. Actually finish the course. ✔
Bonus: without getting lapped too many times. Haha no way. Those racers are inhuman.
Was only really racing myself but another bonus aim was to finish in the top 80%, which I did if you count the DNF's. I'll take that 😁
Pretty sure I spotted Mark, Chipps and Amanda there as well but was too shy to say hi 😊
Hi!
Nice one. Not too hot and a breeze to keep midges away so perfect conditions (apart from start / finish which looked a bit itchy).
Which bike and kit were you? (I was marshall on the far end quarry floor hummock / hairpin)
Entered any more?
Thanks to you and all the other marshalls etc who I didn't manage to thank at the time 🙂
I was on the red/black Production Privee hardtail, all in black baggies. Would love to enter more but can't make any of the others... Next year!
I noticed the bike (stripes on top tube bend, dropped seatstays - can you tell I'm a framebuilder bike nerd?) but can't picture the rider :-).
Me and Mrs both found we'd forgotten loads of people's names over lockdown. And also nice to see how many kids had grown into polite and articulate young adults 🙂
No need to thank for marshalling - we missed the entries and know the quarry course setup so easy to help out instead. Will be riding at the next one (look for the weird orange home made bike).