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It was bike orienteering. I can't believe that people would take chances near horses but, as in any event, people can easily get carried away with competitiveness. You never know when a horse is around the next corner, thank goodness for Hope's!
I wasn't at the Trailtrax yesterday although I often do them, and was the course-setter for the one back in April (although I don't claim to speak for Gorrick).
As c_g says, it's bike orienteering, which means there is no set route, just 20 checkpoints and a start/finish location, and the riders decide their own route.
Add that to the staggered start times, and you've got around 100 riders spread over approx 100 square kms, so not really too much like a sportive with everyone following a fixed route (although some clumps of riders will inevitably form at times before dispersing again).
Most riders know how to behave around horses but some don't, usually ignorance rather than aggression (bike orienteering doesn't appeal to too many of the gung-ho crowd). Sounds like you had the misfortune to meet the ignorants...
Anyway, if you've contacted Gorrick then I'm sure they will take notice.
I'll mention it to the other course-setters to suggest that participants be reminded at the start of the next event, possibly emphasising the advice about talking to horses when approaching from behind as well as slowing down and giving space.
Hey, I think your events are Ace, really I do. Nothing short of an excellent day on the bike IMO.
Just pass the message home is all I ask, if they act like dicks after the message has been given in the breifing then hey, but just feel it needs a bit more air time thats all.
If they aren't races then they need to adjust the winning conditions:
"The winners will be those with the most points. Ties will be decided by firstly, the shortest completion time..."
Haha thanks for the compliment bikebuoy (although I can only take credit for part of one event!). Hope the incident didn't spoil your ride too much.
But you're right, and as a regular participant I wouldn't like to see the events get a bad name from a few people who don't get it.
There isn't really a pre-event briefing, more a chance for each rider to ask questions of the course-setter just before they start. Usually this is map or rules related, but it won't hurt for us to remind folks about trail etiquette. I've missed my chance this series as the only event I am setting has already gone, but I'll raise it with the others.
There are mentions of respecting other users and giving way on the website [url= http://www.gorrick.com/trailtrax/info.php ]here[/url], but it sounds like a more prominent reminder wouldn't go amiss!
forgive this quick hijack - i need a really good country pub not too far from Farnborough to take some foreign guests? any ideas.. im after top notch quintessential english type fayre...
quick look online spat out Duke of Cambridge in Tilford - any good?
Smashing ride round the QECP red on Sunday evening. Still to fat and unfit to enjoy the first half as I would like but am getting faster on the second half 🙂
So is this stuff that was created for the enduro race around the red route or is it out the back somewhere?
If a group ride is being planned be sure to give me a shout I get a bit lonely every weekend on my own 🙂
Strava is your friend for the enduro trails, though not 'official' all within qecp, stage 1 & 2 head down to burton, 3 cuts across from lumberjack to the second car park in the park and stage 4 was the final descent with some minor tweeks
The Race Report might help you with this... http://ride.io/news/qecp-night-day-enduro-report/
Southern Test Valley advice please. 🙂
Wanting to check out the ridge that leads to Pepperbox Hill (A27) so would it be best to approach from the Northern side, ie West Dean?
Am figuring that if I park at the Test Way car park on the A3057 then use minor roads? Alternatively what's the bridleway climb like from Rowden's Farm?
Thank you in anticipation. 🙂
Hampshire people, I'm so impressed with QECP after the night enduro! I have to admit that I didn't expect the steep bits to be quite that steep though... I strava'd the stages if you want to find them - watch out for some of the roll-ins to the fireroads though, they're pretty 'interesting'! 😉
Got my fix of the Enduro lines last night. Started off gentle then my mate took the lead, so I felt obliged to floor it too! Got some very good Strava times too 8)
Would loved to have raced, but have a feeling I would have pushed too hard in the dark, my eyes aint great and I often see things late in the dark lol!
I wasn't at the Trailtrax yesterday although I often do them, and was the course-setter for the one back in April (although I don't claim to speak for Gorrick).As c_g says, it's bike orienteering, which means there is no set route, just 20 checkpoints and a start/finish location, and the riders decide their own route.
Add that to the staggered start times, and you've got around 100 riders spread over approx 100 square kms, so not really too much like a sportive with everyone following a fixed route (although some clumps of riders will inevitably form at times before dispersing again).
Most riders know how to behave around horses but some don't, usually ignorance rather than aggression (bike orienteering doesn't appeal to too many of the gung-ho crowd). Sounds like you had the misfortune to meet the ignorants...
Anyway, if you've contacted Gorrick then I'm sure they will take notice.
I'll mention it to the other course-setters to suggest that participants be reminded at the start of the next event, possibly emphasising the advice about talking to horses when approaching from behind as well as slowing down and giving space.
FWIW I think it may be the short length of the events (3 hours the one I did) that causes the rushing. No excuse for individuals being d**** but it did feel like a sprint rather than the marathon (Trailbreak events were only 1/2 an hour longer but felt much longer for some reason, I was usually riding 5 hour events).
Having done them quite seriously (winning a few series)with Mrs B for several years, we never felt it necessary to barge past horse riders or walkers so I'm afraid there's only so much organisers can do.
^ Sure, but a briefing before everyone sets off would No?
Anyway not wanting to dampen the event, nope, just respect for others would be a cool message. Maybe it's got "lost" in as the event has grown.
Still think it's a great event, and as expected I've heard nothing from them.
Having done them quite seriously (winning a few series)with Mrs B for several years, we never felt it necessary to barge past horse riders or walkers so I'm afraid there's only so much organisers can do.
This is true. I've done well in the Trailtraxes without being an idiot (at least in relation to other trail users!) and most of the competitors I've met are well-behaved too. It is always hard to legislate for the outliers who don't listen.
I often get brain-fade towards the end of the event as the pressure of the time-limit approaches, this is the case regardless of the overall length of the event, so I'm not sure a longer event would make much difference. Regardless, it's my own fault if I'm running out of time, no excuse for being inconsiderate.
Still think it's a great event, and as expected I've heard nothing from them.
I'm not sure you will necessarily get a reply, but I've raised the issue and there will hopefully be a reminder about trail etiquette at next month's event at Cliddesden. Do come along - you won't have to listen to me droning on at you at the start 🙂
[quote=bikebouy said]^ Sure, but a briefing before everyone sets off would No?
It's not a mass start event. People can turn up, register and start riding when they want (between various category start/end times). So there's no ideal point to do a rider briefing without giving the same spiel out lots of times.
Perhaps some reminder signs up might help but some people won't care no matter what you do.
There's no ideal point to do a rider briefing without giving the same spiel out lots of times.Perhaps some reminder signs up might help but some people won't care no matter what you do.
One or both of these may happen. I don't want to promise, as it won't be me doing it.
You know what I ought to come along, I did one about 3 years ago and me and my mates fell about laughing, we really enjoyed it.
Off to the the proper interweb to seek out the details..
😀
Will be out for a spin this weekend, first ride in ages.
@chief is your Strava login/track easy to find, available to all ? (I tired searching for your login name here)
bikebuoy if you are coming along for a laugh I'm sure you will enjoy it!
If you don't have much experience it can be hilarious in a farcical kind of way, especially in a pair where you can't decide which of you is in charge...
Having said that I now have plenty of experience and it still descends into farce more often than I would like 😳
Competitive or for fun - either way, 3 hours will disappear before you know it.
And you always finish at a pub 🙂
jamabalaya, I'm on strava as threehatsal - though the stage segments should show up if you use the map explore thingy. I put them in because I was waiting for the results and wanted to see if it where I'd come relative to my expected mediocrity - and found out that I was indeed in the middle! But races are mostly entered by fast riders, right (crosses fingers)?.. 😉
@chief - thanks. I'm going to do a few races this year hopefully, I never knowingly let anyone get behind me on a ride.
I really must get to QECP, I used to live 20 mins to either there or centre of Surrey Hills (or ride from the door) so never made the effort as I lazily rode where I knew. Now its 30 mins vs 60 so QECP I must discover.
For anyone planning a trip to QECP:
http://www.qecptrailcollective.co.uk/2014/05/red-trail-closures/
There's oil in them thar hills: [url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27529175 ]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27529175[/url]
they have been pumping oil out of the south downs for year!
http://binged.it/1niWS0x
and
http://binged.it/1nyxRtX
and
http://binged.it/1niX7sF
Just a couple of locations near me I know about bet there is loads more.
I do a ride out towards odiham where there are oilfields. on a hot day it stinks.
Perhaps some reminder signs up might help but some people won't care no matter what you do.
Been a few years now since I last did one, but I'm pretty sure there were always words to this effect on the sign on sheets and/or maps. But as you quite correctly say you just can't legislate for eejits (see the sportive vs. road race video).
I do a ride out towards odiham where there are oilfields. on a hot day it stinks.
Know exactly where you mean, used to ride in those woods and enjoyed the descent from the minor road to WP.
Anyone familiar with South Wonston? Local history q. 🙂
No Hampshire riding for me this weekend, me and my whippet mate are up at the farm in Harrogate and have been riding both stages of the Tour. The weathers been quite atrocious, but these Yorkshire folk think were just pansies, suppose they have a point. Yesterday it belted it down all day, our stage one shenanigans started soaked and ended soaked, hacking up and over Kidstones with rivers of water teaming down towards us was hilarious, the stint down to Masham was blinded by spray. I got cold and ended up with a dicky tummy from it, so today's stage started off tentative but ended really well with only a couple of sharp showers to content with.
It's been nice to have a mate to ride with up here, two Hampshire Downers hacking the Moors and Dales of a very verdant Yorkshire and they've taken the Tour to their hearts with loads of painted bikes and many campsites gearing up for early July.
Were off to the pub to drink copious Black Sheep and stand by the open fire to dry off our sodden skin.
😆
Copy of the email sent to bikebuoy a week ago (real names removed):
Many thanks for your email and drawing our attention to this matter. Please excuse the delay in replying, but we always spend some time doing some investigations of our own if we receive any reports of problems.
Anyway, briefly, we are in complete agreement with what you say that such behaviour whilst passing horse riders is unacceptable. To be honest we were surprised, as these events are small scale and spread over a large area and are generally done by regulars who know better. It is clearly stated on the web site and entry form that riders need to ride with respect for others, but we intend henceforth to mention this verbally at future events and put up large signs to that effect too.
Kind regards,
Gorrick
So ... where are you all riding this weekend? 🙂
I might get out on the bike on sunday am, been off the bike for a couple of weeks whilst the new ink on my arm dried! please can someone recommend me a not too far ride in the Basingstoke/Winchester area?
Do you not know that area well? I can probably suggest some tracks but you'll probably know them!
Not sure where I'm going, last ride was exploring an ancient trackway and takings pics. 🙂 😳
Thanks for the reply the Gorrick Team. Much appreciated but not really required, just pointing out an observation.
Anyway, I've entered one of your events and am really looking forward to it now. It was recommended on here and I did a couple a few years ago so thought I ought to have a play.
All good 😀
As for riding this weekend, well last weekend I did stage 1&2 of the Tour up in that Yorkshire, Saturday was horrible rain all day, Sunday was much nicer, Monday was a gentle tap over the moors to loosen the legs up.
This weekend I'm off on Saturdays Rapha rideout, I'm in London see and need to ride in a group otherwise I'll just hack to the cafe, Sunday I may head South of the river and explore Biggen Hill way...
Have fun in Gods own County 8)
CG I've a microscopic knowlege of basingstoke but my knowlege of the surrounding area is merely microscopic 😀 I am getting better tho as the use of my garmin is helping in that I can plan before I go and dont have to look at a map every crosspath.... I'd like to go round winchester way but not sure where to star
I'll take a pootle over to Head Down on Sunday to watch the DH race.
I'd love to do more, but I'm nursing a 14" (and growing) bruise on my abdomen courtesy of the final descent at QE!
Ouch! Mork, that sounds painful. That final downhill bit on the red I find very tricky to go at any decent speed. I tend to get my front wheel turned to far in to the corners and start to lose it. Never managed a good run down it and I can see how easy it would be to come off.
Daftvader if you want an off-road ride around Winchester then head out onto the SDW, head up to cheese foot head and then just keep pedalling. Watch out for the cows that hog the gate before a field about a mile from cheesefoot, scary buggers.
Cpl of hours on the XC bike for me tomorrow then the same on Sunday morning, Sunday evening I will get up to QECP if I can find some bloody bolts to fit the new single ring I bought, would be nice if they were supplied wouldn't it 🙁
daftvader - will report back later with ideas for Winchester routes, will all by XC stylee. Gpx's any good for you?
daftvader - Alresford is a good start point especially for the trails on the Southern side of the A31 where you could incorporate a bit of the SDW around Cheesefoot Head. Or you could use that as a starting point.
Years ago we had a Forum ride starting from Alresford and, even if I say so myself, it was a bloomin' good route with plenty of hills and descents.
Hants Council do some routes around Winchester. To the NW of Winchester there's some easy trails around South Wonston, Sutton Scotney, Barton Stacey.
To the West of Winch you have Farley Mount Country Park, there's a nice rooty descent off Beacon Hill but haven't been there for donkey's. You can use Parnholt Wood which will take you to Kings Somborne and at Horsebridge you can pick up the Test Way.
It's all good old xc riding in a lovely County.
hi CG will have a look on the map later, mrsvader wants to come along and take the dog for a walk with minivader whilst I am off playing so it may have to be Alton or qep start and be around the 10 mile mark. a gpx file would be great if poss. will have to figure out how to put it on the Garmin but doubt it'll be that hard
Well it ended up with Slackalice and I goinf or a small jaunt around the countryside surrounding qecp.... till 1 mile in the seat camp on Slackalice's bike broke. Que a quick return to qecp and Mr Alice flying off to Waterlooville halfords for a new clamp. After this excitement we decided to just do the red route at the park, and spent the majority of the time gassing! Still was a pleasant afternoon and we managed to get some riding done 😀
I am also thinking of trying to organise a "midweek mincers ride at afan" anyone interested? Possibly looking at either the 1st or 9th of july
And what fine conversations we had DV! 😀 Interspersed with moments of control, balance and the cycling equivalent of flailing on the greasy chalk in amongst the trees 😆 At least the roots were dry! Many thanks for your patience whilst I dashed off to Halfords for a (temporary 😉 ) replacement! Do Thomson do green ones? 😉 Or maybe two orange coloured bikes with green bits is a bit too much? 😉
Ive never broken a seat clamp before, but it is light. Here's a pic of the broken one for those that may care to cast a mettalurgist's eye…
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http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g456/Timb63/Bikes/PYGA%20650%20120/IMG_0579.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
As for your STW "Midweek Mincers at Afan", I'm up for this and now having consulted the family calendar, I could do the 9th. I'll be in Norfolk on the 1st, introducing the boy to his next school in preparation for our relocation later this summer.
Blimey! Hope you're OK alice. 🙂
Thanks C_G, I'm fine was literally just riding along when it went 'PING!' and the saddle dropped an inch before the external bush/stop on the dropper post stopped on top of it.
Most odd, I'm a fan of the torque wrench and strangely or coincidentally had loosened, cleaned and retightened the clamp bolt whilst checking the bike over at home this morning.