Epping Forest Epics

Cazza · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 68

Hi there

Just to let you know that the Beastway Circuit starts again on 24th May 2006. I've never done this before, but am going to have a crack at it this year. This is its last year, as the site is being bulldozed to make way for the 2012 Olympics, in November 2006.

There are six weeks of riding to be had and the ride lasts an hour, with competitors completing as many laps as they can in that time. Everything I've read on the website says that you can push yourself as much or as little as you want, with less experienced (or scared-cats in my case) riders going at a less ferocious pace.

Caz

Mick_the_Greek · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 293 Location: South Woodford

Just to confirm, intend to do same this year, did three of the rides last year, great fun, actualy beat Mukesh on one ride, got a puncture on another and I don't talk about the third. Kept my ribbon on the sadle for ages, starts last year were by age group so I more or less started on my own, great being old. any others up for it.

girl_from_pitt · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 28

i'm with you all - racing to win Smile

who will pick up the pieces ???

Dan the Man · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 51 Location: Leytonstone

I'm going to have a go this year. Hopefully see some of you there. Razz

smellyengine · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 174 Location: Chingford

I could well be tempted...it's not just during the week though is it?

Simonc · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 64

I shall be there Wednesday, looks like I will be on the SS as the other bikes have gone into storage.

Been reading the rules, do you really really need a bell?

Who else is going?

Cazza · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 68

Bike is being overhauled at the moment. Bearings have gone and break cables all needing replacing (goodness knows how, since I feel as if I've not been out on it much at all lately). I am also going to Ireland tomorrow, rather unexpectedly, so won't be able to make the first Beastway.
I am up for Wales. Does any want a lift. I don't fancy driving all that way on my own and sharing petrol costs would be good.

Cheers

hewmun · Joined: 28 Apr 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Sydney

The results are up here.

An hour commute to the track via canal paths and I arrived just before 7PM. Hung around a while looking for familiar faces. Nope, and it was raining too. Not the ideal conditions for riding but I was at the track already and thought what the hell, I'm not here much longer and racing in the mud and rain is all part of the British riding experience so I signed up. Race number 88 was no longer available so I got #123. Milled around a bit outside and then spotted a familar yellow jacket on Mick as he returned from a practise lap - ha ha! the thought of some friendly competition warmed me up.

My first ever race start was a bit confusing, maybe because I wasn't really paying attention to what the director was saying so I eventually started at the back of the last pack. A nice roll down the tarmac and less than 100 metres later I hit the singletrack right behind Mick. I had never seen the course before and was thankful for Mick's always helpful track advice. Unfortunately partway along the first lap he started suffering drivetrain issues (chainsuck?) and from there I was to discover the rest of the course for myself. Within the first lap I also started having my own chain slippage issues up every climb and this condition would last the rest of the race - an excellent excuse to walk. The track was nice and fast, a couple of short rises that could be walked in about fifteen slippery steps, lots of cruisy bits, short downhill runs which crossed the roadie track and a partial lap of the BMX track complete with berms and humps.
The first lap was always going to be the hardest for me because it was both my warm up and learning lap so I was pretty puffed when I passed the start/finish line to start my second lap. Many other people were having drivetrain issues in the mud so I thought I might try do a smart thing and ride through the long puddles on the edge of the straight to give my chain a clean. Err, not a smart thing to do as all I managed was to have both shoes fill with water from the spray off the front wheel. The rest of the race was much the same grind (literally) but got a bit better as I became familiar with the track although the rain started coming down a bit heavier and my vision was not too good due to mud, steam and failing light. The leaves on the trees were drooping with the weight of the rain but I didn't mind their slaps in the face as it helped clean my glasses. My chewing gum however, remained crunchy.

I got the bell at the end of my third lap and crossed the final finish line after my fourth lap. I wasn't feeling too bad but I guess it was only an hour long ride. Results aren't very pretty but I have been able to convince myself that I've done well - consistently consistent.

smellyengine · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 174 Location: Chingford

Well done everyone!

Mick_the_Greek · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 293 Location: South Woodford

Just like to thank Leon for his comments on the ride, all true, though somehow it was fun. Thank god for the showers but by the time I got there they were only lukewarm ,maybe if I was quicker I may have got hot water. Solved how to get the mud off my clothes, didn,t bother to take them off washed me and the kit in one go! Felt sory for Leon having to go home by bike. As to my times all I am prepared to say I managed 4 laps. Come on the rest of you , show me how it is done. I will be there next Wednesday, and if Aleric reads this , yes I did manage to distribute some Epic MTB Greece cards out in the rain.

alaric · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Nea Makri, Greece

Simonc · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 64

Mick.

Hate to admit it but I bottled it due to the rain. Sat in my office with rain pounding against the windows, sorry but the option of going home and eating a large curry just somehow seemed more appealing than cycling round a piece of wasteland in east london:)

See you next wednesday

Mick_the_Greek · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 293 Location: South Woodford

Fitting mud tyres for this Weds ride! See you all there. I will be there from about 6.20 pm, with practice lap about 6.50 pm.