The Second Singletrack Classic Weekender was bigger and better – and harder than before…
Wild Weekender
From the Archives – Singletrack Issue 59 – July 2010
It seems there are a certain breed of mountain bikers who are attracted to the particular format of the Classic Weekender. They’re all-round riders, they like technical challenges… They’re pretty fit, but they appear to like a beer and a barbecue too. And everyone loves a bonfire. They also appear to like a bit of good natured heckling too.
The forecast for the weekend was typically threatening, but it didn’t stop a couple of hundred riders from pitching up at Lee Quarry, just over the hill from the Singletrack offices. There was much chat about the new downhill course, designed by World Cup downhiller (and coincidentally designer and builder of many of Lee Quarry’s trails) Rowan Sorrell. Would it involve dropoffs of doom? Enormous chasms to cross? The trials course also caused much concern, although it would be fairer to call it an obstacle course than a test of anyone’s hoppity-hop skills. The cross country, at least, was going to be reasonably easy, wasn’t it? Riders who’d not been to the quarry since last year found out that there had been a whole lot of building going on, including technical climbs and the swoopiest of swoopy descents.
In addition to the new trails at the Quarry, there was the new pump track, adjacent to the race arena, where riders could wear themselves out and be frequently outridden by the local 12 year olds.
Race Time!
The five trials sections claimed their share of failures, but most riders made it through with at least a couple of passes (every fail meant a minute handicap on Sunday’s XC start line.)
All eyes then turned to the downhill. It didn’t follow a ‘regular’ trail and was marked pretty wide for much of its length, allowing riders to pick their own lines: some short and steep, or longer and smoother. The course favoured smooth riders who could handle a bike, as well as those with just pure bottle. The only ‘scary’ bit of the course had a longer chicken run, though most riders opted for the steep but fast option.
In the end, Rowan Sorrell romped home a good eight seconds ahead of second place. But would he have the legs for the XC? He is a downhiller after all, isn’t he?
The Saturday evening was spent in traditional style: drinking too much beer while regaling anyone who would listen with ‘I would have been really quick on the downhill, but…’ stories, as the bonfire climbed higher and higher, threatening to singe anyone standing too close.
Sunday’s race saw the usual scruffy first few rows lining up for the XC race as riders with perfect scores from the Trials (and who were in the top 10% of riders for the Downhill) lined up first, ahead of fitter, but less skilled/lucky racers. The waves of racers went off in minute intervals, until the final unlucky lot with 14 minutes of penalties went off, already being lapped by the leaders once they’d got onto the course. Not to worry, they didn’t seem to mind much.
After four laps, the winners came in and the celebrations and (often random) prizegiving took place, with members of the local and County Council on hand to give out the goodies. And that was the cue for the rainstorm, that had been holding off all afternoon, to unleash. As everyone packed away now-damp tents in a gritty gale, they all agreed that it had been a great test of rider vs terrain. The competition bit was secondary.
Thanks!
Singletrack would like to thank everyone who entered, thanks for turning up and hopefully see you gain next year, thanks to the marshalls who offered assistance and heckling in equal measures, big up to the countryside rangers who helped mark the course, move speakers round and scared us in their Defenders, love and kisses to the exhibitors who came to offer a hand and sell their wares, a massive ‘cheers’ to Lancashire County Council for all their help and especially Tony Lund who is the man who makes it all happen at Lee Quarry.
