[Closed] Bonty 24/12 - your stories and photos?

Well, it was a great event with a harder course than last yr.

I did the 24hr course in a team of 4.

It was the Clif climb that did the damage, along with the subsequent short efforts to the end of the lap & the sticky mud that made things really tiring.
I found the slippy roots extremely difficult; particularly the last wooded singletrack section although it was satisfying when I did successfully negotiate them.

I managed all the climbs without walking, and my lap times ranged from 53mins to 1hr6mins. It was frustrating that the places where you normally make up time after the climbs were either really draggy or really slippy! I was suprised by the amount of people walking up the climbs.

Good fun though. Seemed to be a nice atmosphere there although there were a few people doing the obligatory overtakes with no warning on singletrack where there was no room.
Also had a bloke wanting to pass shouting 'on your right', so I moved left to let him pass, he then shouted at me 'ON YOUR RIGHT' so I moved further left. He shouted it again quite aggressively and was right on my left shoulder by this point so I shouted at him that he was apparently wanting to 'go left', not right. He was quite sheepish at that point and apologised! No harm done though.

Bike highlights were:
- seeing 2 Spesh FSRs like mine - one in red/black & one in blue/yellow
- bloke with a commuter rack on his hardtail!
- bloke on an Apollo full-sus. Still going at the end too.
- Bloke on a Marin Quake DH looking bike! I bet he enjoyed the climbs.

also lots of bling bikes there too.

People highlights

- girl with a tutu - excellent!
- bloke with pink/silver tinsel hanging from his saddle and a pink 'toot toot' horn.
- bloke with false leg with Red Bull can taped around the metal section (much respect).
- Kent Police for not getting cheesed off with me shouting 'Ello Ello Ello' at them everyime they went past.
- all the very polite faster riders
- girl who shot past me in the night exclaiming that she'd be eternally grateful if I let her past as she was going for Queen of the Night. I hope she got it. She was ripping along something chronic.
- Bloke in a smart jacket & megaphone asking me about my preference of shopping at TK Maxx.

Many thanks to all the organisers, caterers, stand people, timing people, loo cleaning people, warm shower providing people etc.
Ooooh and thanks to the music tent people who helped keep me going up CLif climb with some banging tunes!

Ooooh and thanks to the music tent people who helped keep me going up CLif climb with some banging tunes!

Yeh that got me up the climbs too! Ditto Stumpy1 - Also the guy with big rubber false ears on! Was I dreaming or was there a tandem around?

24hr team of 5 'trail snail racing' here.

megaphone abuse man was hilarious, we were camped just up from him.
my favourite from him was the 'ron jeremy' lookalike abuse (he really did look like ron jeremy though!!)
and 'pedal if you're gay' aimed at my mate julian wilson of this parish..

all in all i preferred last years course, but it was still good,

atmosphere is always good, and i only had issues with one rude rider who didn't get what he wanted anyway.

Did 12-hour solo, my first, on my hideously ugly Maverick ML7, and really enjoyed it after a few years of team racing. Totally different vibe when you're not pinning it every lap and lovely watching the course change gradually over the race. Liked the course, trying to nail Cottage Return thing faster and smoother every lap, comedy. People really friendly too. Just a good weekend.

@ BadlyWiredDog - Yup I saw you as I remember that "Ugly Maverick Bike" 😉

Yup, brilliant event again. Only rode the course once on Friday to scope lines with the team (me and Paul were on mechanic/stop watch duty), but was fun course apart from that Clif Bar climb. Moment I got there I was pleased not to be racing!

Would echo the comments of the guys above from the other perspective - I was running the AQR Holidays 12hr pair who ended up 2nd, but they said everyone was really supportive of the fast guys which is what makes or breaks events I think. They really appreciated the shouts of encouragement when they were trying that hard. I mean, everyone was trying hard, but it's just riding around in circles at the end of the day, isn't it? 😉

Jazz Singer Lady was back again at midnight after the 12hr, which was BRILLIANT. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Looking forward to next year already!

just got up - was my first 24 solo; think i've got the bug.

I might have trapped a nerve in my sholder - if i try to lift my arm above shoulder height i get shooting pains down my arms 😕

managed 10 laps and started cramping something chronic - went back to the tent to get rehydration salt/ make some cofee and fell asleep in my chair - woke up 15 minutes later and felt rotten. so i went to bed for a couple of hours got up nd did another 5 laps. including my fastest of the race.

agree that it was really friendly - only had one person cut me and another soloist up on the cotage return, over took me on that rocky slope into right hander, and promply knocked the guy infront of me off the course and shouted 'cheers lads'. would've helped if he'd announced himself first!!

pushed my SS up a few of the climbs but i did ride two complete laps just to prove it. loved the tech bits on the roots particually the one at the end - i was surprised by how many people were struggling. do they not have trees where you live?

My first 12 hour solo, in the Torchbearer, as the other one was full! Came 3rd in the end, which I was chuffed with, 13 laps. I was so worried about pacing myself and eating enough that I plodded round for ages, then on what I thought was my last lap I started to push a bit and dropped from 1hr to 52 minutes and had to go out again! Wish I'd sped up a bit earlier, my legs weren't tired afterwards! Still, easy to say with hindsight 'aaah, could've gone faster' I'm sure I'd have been a wreck if I had!

I know I chatted to loads of people to keep me entertained, so ta if that was you, I was in black/yellow Beyond Mountain Bike kit on an Epic, muttering about forgetting my granny ring on the Clif climb every lap!

Didn't Torq do 21 laps in the 12 hour!? Crazy! Apparently Ant O'Boyle doubled two of the bombholes and jumped over someone riding through it. That's properly mental!

@ BadlyWiredDog - Yup I saw you as I remember that "Ugly Maverick Bike"

🙂 I felt like the Last of the Mohicans, there always used to be four or five Mavs' around, but I think I was the only one waving the flag for ridiculous seat-post angles.

It's properly quick though, even with the DUC32s up front - spaced down for proper geometry. Apologies to anyone who came up behind me during a slightly wobbly 30 minutes or so when I was shivering and all over the place. Then the gingerbread kicked in and suddenly normal service was resumed 🙂

Had a late entry for the 12hr solo, so after not riding for 3 weeks i decided to singlespeed it (oh dear!)

Started ok, banging in a reasonable 3 laps in a row before refuelling, then another 2 laps but started to slow and had a quick trailside munch before continuing on to complete the 6th.

Calves started to show signs of wanting to cramp up was feelinf very tired and concentraton levels were low, so pulled in to rest, refuel and freshen up.

Whilst trying to change my wet socks my hamstrings cramped up(ouch) several times infact and i decided to stop there and enjoy the rest of the weekend without breaking my self.

Sp my 6hr event went ok.

Fantastic venue, yes a little harder than last years course and not a stinkingly quick or fun, cottage descent was again awesome and without a doubt the best bit, also enjoyed the rooty final single track, though never got to try it at it's slippiest.

Really social event, good tunes, nutter of a singer on sat night for some entertainment and awesome service as ever from the hope guys.

All in all great, just shame i didn't know i was doing it till 2 days before, as i'm disapointed in my own efforts.

Took a few pics sat eve but few turned out good enough to post up.

Massive thanks for the Dartmoor Boyz from letting me gate crash there party and provide the usual great company.
In no particular order..
Si for collecting me and tent use.
Del for the Glenmorangie, etc.
Jim, for general entertaining banter.
Tim for bringing the scary staring dog and encouragement for not doing badly.
Dave for adding to the giggles.

And of course the ladies for being errrrrr ladies.

Was also great to meet up with peeps i've not seen for a while and the the ones i never have.

Sunday Jambo collected me and took me away for a very damp session in woodlands at the summer jam.

There was a few timed runs for tic tacs lots of wetness and after a few hrs we bailed and got the hell out of there.

Top weekend and i've taken the day off today as i'm wasted, tired and my lower back is screaming at me.

Pics.

found numbers...357, 395, 714, 680, a lady with the one of the numbers 301/307/501 or 507.(on a black caldera), someone in hemel hemstead team lycra and one in a summitcycles top.

Oh, and big thanks to the Team Movelo guys for keeping my water bottles topped up and congrats on a cracking race for them, just shading second over the 69er Collective on the very last couple of laps. And to all the nice people out on the course. And I'll shut up now 🙂

I was in a team for the womens 12 hour open. This was only my second event, and my first experience of riding in the dark (which I loved!)
I was very greatful to the people who gave me an encouraging comment or two on the climbs or when I skidded out on the roots towards the end of the lap in the dark. I will definitely enter again next year. 🙂

I had a brillaint time - people I meet were ace, course was alright and weather on Saturday was lovely.

Shame about breaking down on the way home 🙂

See you there next year!!

Anyone do a gps trace of a lap? I did and am not sure on accuracy.
Length and elevation gain would be interesting to compare

Distance 7.82 Elevation Gain 340m

I had a fine time despite a disappointing race. Really well run, nice location (except for the distance in getting there). 12 hour pairs, a few fast laps to start with then an irrepairable flat drained my enthusiasm along with my air. Got out for another couple of laps, steve did a few more, Think we did 11 in the end and retired to drink beer with the fine gathering of old friends there - nice to see you all!

Had an excellent time again at 24/12. I found it harder than last year but then again I have always struggled on the climbs anyway! I did the 12 solo and bettered last years effort by an extra lap which made my weekend.

I managed to get some photos on the Sunday morning after I got some sleep from my solo effort. I am fairly new to photography but may have some that might be good.

[url= http://www.crookedimage.co.uk/ ]Crooked Image[/url]

I got 8.367 miles (on 9 laps, must've been consisent with pressing the button!) and 870ft climbing, so less hilly, but further than Jason. Were we at the same place?!

Deano and I had a good race...14th in mens pairs riding singlespeed. Interested to know if there were any singlespeed teams in front of us? I did 6 laps, Deano did 8. I should have snuck out for another one at 11:45 but could not be arsed....we'd probably snook into the top ten if I had.
Course was hard work, felt like lots of climbing but REALLY enjoyed the bombhole descent and the long fast one back off the top of the clifclimb.

Great weekend.

Sam, your irreparable flat being in your tubular tyres? (I was camped next to the singular-mobile) ...never seen them in real life before. Respect for the all-rigid singlespeeds: the clif climb and then the braking bump-mungous fire road descent back again must have been pretty painful!

Dinger, I can see you've got a photo of me (905), but I can't actually view the images other than thumbnails. Anyone else?

Oh and healing vibes to the three known casualties.

Bloke that needed a neck brace after a spill on the fast landrover track descent.

Guy with broken wrist.

Team Torq lady that mashed her face on a rock.

And anyone else nursing wounds.

My first and last solo24. Got really bored by the end of my fifth lap and only did a few more as a consequence. Much more fun as a team member when you can really attack, rather than stroll around.

Thought there was also a lack of decent singletrack descents, but that's my taste and not everyone wants the same as me. I'd say Cottage was the only part of the course that really made me smile.

I raced the 12 hour solo - pleased to up my position from 16th last year to 11th this time (12 laps both years so I guess it was harder this year)

good bits of the course were still good - I missed the 1st singletrack section before the tarmac climb from last year, and I recall that the bluebell woods section ended in a more interesting way last time - maybe those sections were in a bad way thanks to the wet weather?

Like Badlywireddog (hello BWD) I was camped with Team Morvelo - and their race provided an exciting end to the weekend after I was done riding

There would have been more singletrack descending if the weather had been kinder. That long straight-ish slippery sucker was in instead of more fun, but more fragile trails if I understood what Martyn told me correctly. Tough call for the race organisers, but a good one for the conditions I think.

So had they cut the course down in view of the weather? I thought there was some bit where there were two lines through the trees or something? The only bit I saw was when you popped onto the fireroad at it said 'fun' or 'rubbish', but the fireroad was far far far shorter! I didn't see anyone ride the singletrack the entire race!

Edit: beaten by Cy, my bad!

Great event - made by the atmosphere, company and dry weather on the day.
I thought last year's course was slightly better, but I expect the wet weather changes meant a few good bits got removed.
Last year the first woodsy singletrack before the tarmac climb was good fun, but was omitted this year. However the added section of paintball singletrack after bluebell woods was a good substitute.
Shame that all the height gained on the clif climb was lost on a straight landrover track descent, although that saw a few casualties - hope the guy needing the ambulance halfway down is OK.
Will definitely be back next year.

As per last year, THE event of the year... big thanks to Martyn and crew for such a well run race again.

Very pleased with our AQuickRelease.com team's 2nd in open mixed with 16 laps - and really chuffed with my own laps too... our Sodas were blasting round, my laps were mainly around the 40-41 minute mark except for one night one with puncture stops. Didn't have to use the granny ring once either! 🙂

The moron with the mega phone was That Idiot Carr aka Matt 'the spaz' Carr

he was a legend.. made me smile loads

Just remembered, on my first lap I was stuck behind a rider in a black & red 'Singletrack' jersy who had decided to overtake 3 riders (including me) by going around the course (through the paintball section) rather than waiting in line to ride a pretty tricky, rooty corner.
Admittedly, later on the 'around' line seemed to wear into an alternative to the slippery rooty turn, but on the first lap it was definitely 'off piste'.

I did shout after him that he could 'try riding the course' but got no response.

Anyway, I got held up behind him down the Cottage return & not wanting to be further delayed I went along the road, rather than along the river (which he went down - and there was no overtaking opportunities there). It was loads quicker on the road.
The next lap I went along the river, which was really just a straight mud path) and lost about 4 places to people who stayed on the road.

Last yr the Bluebell wood singletrack continued down some trickier sections before popping out on that track that was horribly wet this yr.
I think that there was meant to be a 3-way choice section that got cut out due to the weather.

The girl with the spangled face was a trooper! It looked like she had hit something pretty hard, but I saw her go past our tent at least twice more. I think I heard someone calling her Lillian earlier in the race. I think that I would have called it a day at that point & found some beer!

Team Raven managed 9th in the 12hr Open male, which we were well chuffed with.

Anyone know what went wrong with the timings about 2hrs in? Our lap times suddenly doubled, making the total time about 14hrs?

As has been said race of the year, such a great atmosphere and on the whole a good course.

See yawl next year.

Video of the start if anyone is interested that I shot as my mate Tim in the green helmet on thh far left was on teh front line!

[url=

Seems to be establishing itself as the most fun (big) event of the year, we had a great time again. The range of options / categories means there's something for all of us; don't know any other event where the fast folk are so polite too! Thanks to all involved with creating it and in taking part.

I think the change of the end of the bluebell woods section was a smart move as IIRC last year's had a seriously off camber rooty section which was a hoot then and would've been super sketchy at best (unrideable by the likes of me) in the wet.

my favourite from him was the 'ron jeremy' lookalike abuse (he really did look like ron jeremy though!!)

aw come on.....I'm not that fat or were you just checking out my "packet" 😉
my revenge was abusing him for being a Ben Elton look-a-like

Great fun event, if it it feels like my bones have turned to jelly!
Grant, we were ninth in the pairs and you had no chance of top ten ya slacker 😉

How much fun was that cottage descent, worth every uphill second for that.

I noticed the odd timings for 3rd/ 4th 5th laps too - didn't seem to impact the figure for overall time on the course. I expect they will be fixed before they are published online

impressively, the results have been up since last night [url= http://www.timelaps.co.uk/results.aspx ]here[/url]
the 3rd, 4th and 5th lap errors seem to have been corrected.

What about the second lap times!? Loads of people seem to have <35 minute second laps, who were otherwise much slower. Did they cut some of the course out for some people or something?

cool - Foxy's riders got 11/29 in the 12hr Open male- esp when the average age of riders was around 44 ranging from 34 to 50 odd 😉

Did they cut some of the course out for some people or something?

Looks like a timing error! my mate put in a 42 minute lap 1st lap and was recorded at 1 hour 😉

Another Photo - didn't get much time to take photos ut snapped a few:

[img] [/img]

I heard over the PA something about 'sorry for the powercut' - so perhaps that had something to do with the weird lap times.

Our laptimes didn't seem too affected.

I took a few night shots on the Friday & Sat night that I will try to post in the next couple of days.

Does anyone know who the male and female were who were sat on the right hand side of the large bombhole half way down cottage decent between about 3 & 5.30pm.

They each fired off a pic of me getting air out of it on my red 29er and i would quite like to see how it came out, my race number was 766 if that helps at all. 😀

bigsi, that'll have been Joolze and Dave, the event photographers. She'll have a gallery up for you to buy if you see something nice soon I suspect. [url= http://www.joolzedymond.com/joolzeD/Home.html ]Joolze Dymond Photography[/url]

Looks like [url= http://www.robcrayton.co.uk/events.htm ]http://www.robcrayton.co.uk/events.htm[/url] will have some piccies up as well soon? 😉

cy - Nope it definatly wasn't Joolze. IIRC the woman was wearing a red tee-shirt.

I did nearly land on Joolze as she was lying along side the small log drop further down Cottage Return on that lap 😆