Only managed the dates for one race last year..
Think I could squeeze more in this year though – was just wondering if there’s any takers from round these parts?

DrP

Yup I signed up for the series and am gradually introducing the dates to the family diary.

Ooh good idea, I’d better see if i can do the dates. Time to go check.

I may do 1 in jan because the others are clashing with CX races which ive promised myself to prioritise this year, then should be ready for gorrick XC in the new year.

I only managed one last year, hoping to do all of them this year, but if the weather is awful I’ll leave it….

A couple probably in Jan.

Not booked any in but enjoyed the ones I did last year, so might be on the cards. 🙂

Yep, I’ll likely do some of them, cement mny place in mid table mediocrity.

Yep, I’ll likely do some of them, cement mny place in mid table mediocrity.

I resemble that comment! I am aiming for mid table mediocrity and it’s quite a stretch! 😯

Never done these, what’s the thoughts on 2 hours vs 4?

(apart from the obvious)

Entered all three rounds, I dream of mid table mediocrity.

I think four hours would probably kill me.

Entered all three rounds, I dream of mid table mediocrity.

There are four this year aren’t there?

I was consistently top 10 a few years ago. Sad times.

Entered all three rounds, I dream of mid table mediocrity.
There are four this year aren’t there?

you are correct, wow an extra round of pain.

Entered round 1. was hoping to do all 4 but don’t think I can make the one straight after new year as I’ll probably still be on holiday

Quite fancy giving them a go. Not sure I’ll manage all of them. Any of the rounds better than the others?

How do the courses hold up? Likely to be a mudfest?

Am in for round 1 on the 2 hour. Watching previous vids on the tube suggests first corner is a bit err busy…

PSA…..Round 1 will now take place at Minley not at Tunnel hill

I’m keen for these. Not sure how many i’ll get to, but i’ll try. I quite enjoy the 4hr format.

In for the 4hr this year – fancied a change after 4yrs in the 2hr…

GB

The ACU boys will deffo have their work cut out with course prep, what with all the damaged trails due to forestry work @ Minley. The Gorrick crew did a great job with what was available for the XC last Sunday though.

I’m in, booked the lot, Grand Vet so I’ve got to do 3 hours 😯

Is the course longer? Do people normally do a pre race practice lap?

Course is just under 7 miles according to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merida-Brass-Monkeys/390368177678648

Brass Monkeys courses are quite a lot longer than the Gorrick XC races, usually 7-8 miles as opposed to 3-4 miles.

Generally they are in locations that drain well and therefore don’t get particularly muddy, but heavy rain immediately before an event will mean mud and slop in places. Gorrick/Brass Monkey courses tend to be better than almost anywhere else that doesn’t have a rocky base in the case of inclement conditions. Be mindful that if it is wet, a lot of the terrain is quite sandy and you can easily go through a set(s) of brake pads.

Most people don’t do practice laps for these longer races due to the extra course length.

The course locations do change from year to year, and even at the same venues sections or even the entire route may be ridden in a different direction. However I have found Ash Ranges the least rewarding of the venues in the past, but since the last event there they may have added extra trails in there to make it more engaging.

adsh – Member

Do people normally do a pre race practice lap?

Stuff that 😀