Mountain Bike Page

Mountain Mayhem 2011 at Eastnor
'Mountain Mayhem took place on 18 - 19^thJune at Eastnor Castle, near Malvern. This event is huge and getting more so by the year. The only place I found to camp was about a mile from the start line. Team NSW went for the fun approach this year and enjoyed the whole event that we normally miss riding solo. This estabilished endurance race attracts 1^st timers and experts, team and solo riders tackle the nine mile course and try to complete as many laps they can with plenty of climbing, single track and rocky sections, it's a demanding course. On site facilities are good with showers, bike wash, trade stands and caterers, that are open for the 24 hrs.
	Will Rollo's bike in need of maintenance after thrashing in the mud on the second lap.
A look near the finish line shows how busy it is around the trade stands
	Patrick Adams, the organiser, welcomes in the finishers at the end of the 24 hours
NSW Team, Will, Mike and Scott (at the front), Steve took the pictures.

This 24 hour race is a bit more relaxed than Mountain Mayhem. The riders seemed to be friendlier and many were in it for the fun of competition, with the course being less demanding especially on the climbing side of things. This year I thought I would give this one a good try, but during the week before I sliced of the top of my left thumb, and I had to change my plan to see how it goes, I could not change gear as it was so painful

Full thanks to St John Ambulance Crew who patched me up from the beginning as I was not sure if I could even ride.

The course was dry, but with rain appearing late afternoon. The course turned into a mud bath, the gears gunged up, and wheels would not turn. The bike became too heavy to carry, but soon the rain stopped and over a few hours the laps became easier again.

This year ‘The Jump of DOOM’ was added to the side of the course, a 3 x 2 plank two bricks high and a row of dinky cars and double decker buses too jump over, this attracted much attention from riders trying to beat the world champion distance and a large crowd
gathered shouting support. (This is an attraction added for fun that turned way too serious). Club member Guy Frankfort put in a good effort only to crash on landing and that put him off doing it again. I had not laughed so much for a while. In the end it was Solo class No 9, who became "Sleepless in The Saddle JUMP OF DOOM 2011 World
Champion", and that winning jump was delivered by me !!!!!!!

Fantastic 24hour race for starters and experienced riders alike, I will ride solo unsupported again next year, the 13 laps I achieved was half the winners ride and with my thumb healed I know there are quite a few more laps in the bag.