[Closed] Brass Monkeys this weekend

Me - in the 4hr open. Not feeling particularly fit, nor have many miles in my legs. But it's booked, so that's 4hrs + on my bike, so that's good.

Not ridden there. Mrs Yak rode there in one of this year's southern xc races. Well drained and a bit loamy is her verdict. A few short steep climbs too. There is a massive hard-standing carpark, so no worries about getting stuck in a muddy field.

Was gonna do all 3 but the venue change for rd 1 means its a bit too far for me to travel. So rds 2 and 3 for me

2hr vets for me. Never done one before and not raced xc in a very long time so I suspect I'll be pootling about near the back trying not to get in anyone's way

+1 2hr/first one/not raced/at the back for me also!!!!

2hr Vets for me too. Have been competitive in the 4hr series in the past, suspect I'll be a bit further back in the 2hr as I've not done much short XC this year.

mrblobby - if your TT times are anything to go by you won't be anywhere near the back 🙂

Looking forward to riding Bordon, only raced there once before in a monsoon which made things very tough, but lots of fun singletrack, not very hilly but lots of short sharp efforts as said above.

See you all there!

offthebrakes, thanks, but I suspect a hard start and the cut and thrust of xc racing will soon see me relegated to the back of the field! Hardly ridden the xc bike in a couple of years either so hoping the course isn't super tricky.

Looking forward to riding Bordon.....

I understand the venue has changed again.

Now to be held at Hawley Lake

Surely people are going to start getting a little fed up of these last minute changes and cancellations???

mrblobby - line up near the front and gun it off the line if you can, to try and avoid the worst of the bottlenecks at the entry to the first bit of singletrack. Quite a large proportion of the riders are there for fun or just to finish - if you can get ahead of them at the start you'll save a lot of time on lap 1.

Gaz I heard that too, but can't find any confirmation of it. So assuming it is still Bordon for now.

I'd imagine Gorrick are getting pretty fed up too.

I saw it on the Gorrick Facebook page...

Can't see anything about Hawley Lake on the Gorrick/BM FB pages, they all refer to Oxney Moss.

Is it still there? I saw a screenshot someone had taken of the FB post, but I can't find it myself.

Yep everything I can see still saying Bordon, I hope so, love it there, and should be riding well!

I'm woefully unfit, so I'll plod around in the middle of the 2 hour (not Vets) coughing up a lung I suspect!

4 hours for me, and new location as well. Looking forward to it!

In for the 4 hours... Just getting over the worst viral illness I've had in a long time however... 3 weeks of profound breathlessness and lethargy...yay!

DrP

Aren't we all a positive bunch?! #RaceForLastPlace

#Raceforlastplace - it's still a race, right? 😉

Hmmm I definitely saw it at lunchtime yesterday. I'm pretty sure I wasn't dreaming

I'm in the 3hr GV category - a couple of team mates doing the 4hr, not done one of these before so looking forward to it, taking a guess at tyres with a Ron/Ralph combo - anyone any idea if this will be okay?

m in the 3hr GV category - a couple of team mates doing the 4hr, not done one of these before so looking forward to it, taking a guess at tyres with a Ron/Ralph combo - anyone any idea if this will be okay?

I rode there in May at the Southern XC on the same combo. Could have done with a little more grip at the front. would have sooner my Mud X on just for a little more confidence (the fast skillful brigade will be tutting, I know - telling you to stick with a Ron). But even after a deluge it wasn't too bad. And I got smoked off the line anyway.

Great venue, and the Monkeys are my favourite series. Gutted to be missing it this weekend.

Thanks mccraque, might take a mud x on the spare, just in case!

I've only got Ralphs at the moment, sure it'll be fine 😕

Aren't we all a positive bunch?! #RaceForLastPlace

Vague aim here is to just not be shit.

I've got geax suggarorororos on my bike (29er singlespeed).
I'm leaving them on because i have a theory..
That theory is I can't be arsed to change my tyres.

DrP

That theory is I can't be arsed to change my tyres.

This is why I'll be on Ralphs too.

I've got Thunder Burts on still, which were fine in May, but I will dust off the Rons I think!

I really can't see it being Mud-X conditions (furiously touches wood).

I will use the above tyre theory....and will on ground controls.

Whilst I've not ridden there, I do ride a lot nearby, and it's never mud-x conditions imo. Drainage is good and the soil and underlying ground has a decent amount of sand. Definitely no clag.

If you had the choice would you ride a 120mm steel hardtail or a 150mm full-suss (both are 26)?

Steel hardtail every time. None of these events feature anything that even remotely justifies the bigger bike, it'll just be miserable. IMO.

120mm steel hardtail.

Not sure I'll even have a working bike. One wet muddy training ride last week and I'm still trying to nurse my rear derailleur back into life, my remote lockout isn't locking out, and I've got some serious brake rub. Starting to remember why I stopped riding in the winter 🙁 And no, I'm not going singlespeed or riding rigid!

njee20 - Member
furiously touches wood

😯

Can't be there this week but will be at the next two for the 4h, good luck everyone.

One of our club's very good riders is in the 2h, and one of the ladies in her first MTB race so at least the shirt is represented.

singlespeed rigid here, in for the four hours only because I'm getting a lift with Dr Pnuts and I'm not waiting for him to finish if I only do the 2hrs.

I will not be bothering the mid pack. Really gone off riding bikes lately. 🙄

I'm in for the 4h singlespeed race. No doubt at the back of the pack as ever!
He bike is a rigid SS 29er but debating whether or not to stick the suspension fork back on after getting a real battering riding it in Surrey Hills last week 🙂

As for the venue, I hope to god they don't move it to Hawley Lake. The last time I raced there it was a right horrible boggy mess and a pretty crap course to boot.

Really gone off riding bikes lately.

A 4 hour enduro on a rigid singlespeed will soon get that love back 😉

The last time I raced there it was a right horrible boggy mess and a pretty crap course to boot.

I don't remember doing a Gorrick there, but there have been other off road events - which were iirc duathlons and therefore not at all technical (included lots of muddy fireroads)

I last did an MTB race there in 2000! Did a couple of off road tris there and, as Jon alludes to, they were pretty crap. Oxney Moss would be vastly better!

Wrist Op tomorrow so off the bike for a couple of weeks. Would have made a fitting off-road comeback too 🙁 . I raced last year's and it was great fun. Enjoy it all of you.

I don't remember doing a Gorrick there, but there have been other off road events - which were iirc duathlons and therefore not at all technical (included lots of muddy fireroads)

It wasn't a Gorrick event, I can't remember whose event it was but it was awful.
From what I can remember there was something of a debate at the end of the race as they had the most bizarre system to decide the winner of the 4h race. Where normally it would be most laps completed in the time or most laps up to 4h with the fastest time winning, I think they decided that only laps completed within the 4h counted and the winner was decided on who had the fastest last lap or something like that 😯

Either way, it was rubbish 😆

So... Statement on the BM Facebook page says the race is now at Checkendon!!! I despise Checkendon

[i]MERIDA BRASS MONKEYS ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to widespread, ongoing Army training manoeuvres across the area, we have this week been told that we cannot now use any military land at all for Merida Brass Monkeys Round 1 this coming weekend.
We have therefore had to try and source some non-military land at very short notice - with insufficient time for the usual official pre-application paperwork that is required at most venues.
We have been greatly helped in this by Steve Jones of Banjo Cycles and, as a result, Merida Brass Monkeys Round 1 this Sunday will now be held at Hammonds Farm, Checkendon which is a privately owned established mtb venue. It is halfway between Wallingford and Reading on the A4074 and the nearest postcode is RG8 0QT.
Although we envisage a shorter course than usual for a Merida Brass Monkeys event, the team will ensure that you have an enjoyable opener to the Series. As you can imagine, we have had an extremely difficult, uncertain couple of weeks and we appreciate your understanding.[/i]

Guys,

Check out the FB page all change soz but better than nothing!

Well that's pretty much doubled our travel time.
BLX

DrP

Would u rather it postponed until Feb ?

What tyres for checkendon then? 🙂

saguros..

DrP

Using the same theory as before, I believe ground controls are the right tyre 😉

Obviously I'm disappointed that it's not bordon, but given the circumstances, well done to Gorrick for finding a venue.

Shame. I'm not gonna go. Hate Checkendon and its miles away. Well done to Pants and team for finding a new venue at such short notice though.

Would u rather it postponed until Feb

I definitely would.

Better to have something than not, can't please everyone!

Totally agree - and I think what you've done is the best bet!

I'm not sure if I can face riding Checkendon for 4 hours it'll be absolutely mind numbing, especially on a singlespeed!

Will we be able to get a refund if we've pre-entered?

Well, it's a bit of a trek now....but I've entered! (2hr vets - that's enough!)

What's Checkendon like to ride then? Bit closer to me so I'm not complaining yet 🙂

When I used to do events fairly regularly, it was very mixed. I quite liked it in the dry, but in the wet, Chiltern clay and fallen leaves weren't my favourite combo, and cost me a rear mech at least once.

But I'm tempted to say that gorrick / brass monkeys have done a great job in finding a venue; and indeed in continuing to promote local events so well and consistently, that for riders to pull out and ask for refunds if they're concerned the venue might not be 'the best' would be a shame. Consider it payback for the many fab races and venues they have and do use.

And I'm aware that sounds hypocritical and probably is given my eventing days are now largely gone.......

Mentioned this elsewhere...

"been told that we cannot now use any military land at all for Merida Brass Monkeys Round 1 this coming weekend"

*any*? !

I've never seen a Sunday so busy that all the MOD land around this way is in use all at the same time.

I'm smelling something fishy as previous cancellation at Frith apparently turned out there were no ops going on that day.

What's Checkendon like to ride then

Flat with woody, twisty singletrack, and flat out straights. A bit slippy in the wet. It's a real power course with no descents to recover on. Just hammer the straights then be efficient through the tight stuff. I find it fun, but hard as I prefer climbing, but i'll treat this as a good 4hrs working on my weaknesses. I'm entered, have the time sorted, so I'd race anywhere really 🙂

+1 to theotherjonv too and our support of a decent local race scene.

Nothing fishy about it at all! It's all to do with SSSI and SPA areas along with what is and what is not available at the time. It's just not that simple.

On a positive note, that's halved the travel time for me. Shame the course does not sound quite as good but would rather the event went ahead.

pants - Member
Nothing fishy about it at all! It's all to do with SSSI and SPA areas along with what is and what is not available at the time. It's just not that simple.

Ah, thanks for the explanation. Not that I understand the complexity of it.

And +1 for sorting out an alternative 🙂

Some day I'll actually come along! 😀 . This one is a bit far for me.

First race for me since the 90s...! Is the consensus for the new venue still hardtail (26) over full sus (29)? Really appreciate thoughts!

So are you racing or what GazHurst?
Beggars can't be choosers and unless you have enough land for an MTB venue that you would like to volunteer for future events we should all be grateful that this venue has been made available at such short notice! 😆
Seriously though, I know I'm spoilt by the riding in my doorstep and truth be told I would prefer something nice and hilly that I can peddle to from my front door, BUT I cannot thank Gorrick and Steve Jones enough for sorting this out so that I still get my race at the weekend - it might even be fun you know!!

So are you racing or what GazHurst?

Well I suppose i'll have to now you've piped up won't I 😯 How could I possibly face the ribbing I'd get if I didn't 😉

Is the consensus for the new venue still hardtail (26) over full sus (29)?

Whatever in your opinion covers the ground quickest for the race duration, bearing in mind tight woody/ rooty singletrack, then quick straights, some in the woods, and some bumpy edge of field.

If your full sus a nice light short travel one, then maybe that. If it's a big gnar-monster, then the hardtail.

r1chardh - I got your text last night...I'll text you later when I got out of work

Based on prior experience - whatever one has best mud clearance and you have skinny mud tyres for 😉

I'm smelling something fishy as previous cancellation at Frith apparently turned out there were no ops going on that day.

Covert ops, Snipers, that kind of thing maybe?

Thanks for the tips.

Well I suppose i'll have to now you've piped up won't I How could I possibly face the ribbing I'd get if I didn't

Ha ha - bingo!!! 😉

 

Well I suppose i'll have to now you've piped up won't I How could I possibly face the ribbing I'd get if I didn't

Ha ha - bingo!!!

Are you doing 2 or 4? Im going to follow you around all the way 😆

Are you doing 2 or 4? Im going to follow you around all the way

What is this 2hr you speak of, is there a kids race???

What is this 2hr you speak of, is there a kids race???

Arghhhhhhhhh

Got nervous and ordered some Ron's to replace the Ralph's for the weekend. Should I have gone for the Beavers? Been pretty much ok on Ralphs for local trails so far this Autumn, and not too far from Checkendon.

Forecast looks pretty good for the weekend too.

Racing Ralphs or Rocket Rons are fine round Checkendon. What might be worth thinking about though is running Snakeskin sidewall versions if you have them - many racers efforts have been dashed round there as the Chiltern flints are razor sharp and pretty much throughout the woodland singletrack sections.

Ah yes, good point - slashed a saguaro there last year.

I'm racing in the 4 hour ss category. Bordon was a bit far but now Checkendon? Noone told me of the change of venue. If I don't find this thread I might have got to Bordon me and my mate.
Full gas for me!! (cause everyone seems to be sick or untrained :p)

Ah yes, good point - slashed a saguaro there last year.

I'm screwed then.....
Unless.... Nah, screwed...

DrP

Forecast looks pretty good for the weekend too.

Was that only two days ago? 😕

So I'm guessing it's a bit of a swamp now?

Checkendon is 5 miles from me but I'd pulled out due to my heart murmour which has now cleared up. [u]If anyone has an entry I could use I might be interested![/u]

Regarding tyres and what the course is like - rooty and slippery. Robert Jackson who generally wins or podiums Grand Vets suggests Nobby Nic front at least and to straight line the corners as much as possible.

Any of the gorrick lot reading this...? I didn't realise there was a single speed category! Numpty... Can I switch my entry to that tomorrow at all??

DrP

Don't fret too much about tyres, over a 4hr race your legs are going to determine everything. Just run as low a pressure as you dare, that way your ride will be nice, soft and grippy. I used Ralphs for a whole winter as an experiment and they were just fine. Currently spend most of my time hurtling into corners on skinny cx tyres at 23-25psi; plenty of grip to be had on them too.
It's all about the legs.

My biggest tip is to do a little spin on the turbo tonight, stopping every 10 mins or so to have a proper stretch. Scrambled eggs on toast at silly o'clock in the morning then off to have fun in the mud.

Enjoy yourselves. I'll be doing a much more sensible 45 min race, but at my usual av heart rate of 182bpm it will still be brutal.

My biggest tip is to do a little spin on the turbo tonight, stopping every 10 mins or so to have a proper stretch. Scrambled eggs on toast at silly o'clock in the morning then off to have fun in the mud.

Puts down strongbow... Stares disappointingly at the co-co pops... carries on watching TV..

DrP