Andrew, I'm sad to hear this will be the last HTN having done all of the previous events. Having read through the comments above I can see why, what a load of hassle.
If people judge these things on a few photos of a course then I really don't think they get it. It's a race around North Manchester, what are they expecting? Of course there's not going to be a Jacobs Ladder descent, it's a 6 mile loop of the local woods…
It'll be a blast. The craic will be on. I'll enjoy shouting abuse at some passing racer as he doesn't tell me which side he's passing me on, then I'll probably make myself sick trying to keep up with said passing racer for 100 yards just so I can see if he can ride the bombhole. He will probably ride it and I will probably go arse over ****. If he does fall off/bottle it I will get a small sense of satisfaction. Then, at the end of the day I will go home and drink beer having ridden round in circles for 8 hours – 8 hours in which I am not thinking about work, doing the garden, getting the car MOT'd etc. And next weekend I will go and ride down Jacobs Ladder, however I might have a winge about it on here as there will be no one to race down it.
Keep up the good work mate. I'm just grateful that there's a race on my doorstep…
I second this statement 100% have done HTN before as have many of my club and all loved it, it will be a sad day a well organised event which gives you a chance to hassle cyclocross riders on the DH and get passed by them running ends!!!!
Stop moaning about the course and enjoy riding what ever the trails are you ride!!!