Jozza Guns: Northern Downhill Funduro Hamsterly July 2016

Northern Downhill put on another awesome race, this time an evening funduro at Hamsterley. It followed the best parts of the red and black trails round the forest in a 10 mile loop, taking in approximately 1250ft over 7 stages.

I was really looking forward to this race and didn't have the nerves as usual. It is such a chilled format and riding with friends made for a great evening. I rode the practice loop with Roland and Brocky from Roots Mountain Biking Team to scope out where the track was taped. There were no big surprises and the trails were so much fun. I had only ridden there a couple of times before and will definitely be going back.

Photo by Stu Jackson - Roland - Stage 1

On arriving back at the start, the atmosphere was really chilled with everyone chatting and preparing for the race to start. We hooked up with Max and the fab girls, Laura Trevor Richer, Tess Tartapan and Lindsey Davison. After checking the timers worked we set off together for the race loop, chatting and laughing. It felt more like an afternoon riding with mates than a race!

Photo by Stu Jackson

It was a lot of fun and the 7 stages flew by. With 7 stages I was't sure how much energy to save, but they were only 1 - 3 minutes long so I still had plenty of energy - well just about - to reach the last stage with enough steam to race it.

Photo by Stu Jackson - Brocky - Stage 2

My favourite stages were 2 as it was steep in parts, rooty and technical and stage 7 as it's the brilliant accelerator and nitrous. I love those trails!

Awesome shots again from Jerry Tatton JWDT photography

The boys had a stacked field to get through, but Brocky did amazing with 6th, Roland was kicking himself at 20th place. The girls rode so well, with Laura and Tess racing their first enduro, and Lindsey racing her second ever race!

Tess Tartapan photo by JWDT photography

Lindsey Davison

Thanks to Dan of Roots MTB for his support all the way round the course and Stu for the photos.

In the girls Lindsey Davison came third with a 12.13.36

Laura Trevor Richer came second with a 11.19.62

I came first with a 10.44.03

And Tess Tartapan was only 6 second off a podium!

Well done to all!

The next race is Eastgate TT in County Durham on 21st August. It is a track with with huge grassy slopes and natural shapes, and I've heard that there is a pub at the bottom!

There are more TT's this year:

- Kielder on 11th September

- Hamsterley 9th October

- Innerleithen on 23rd October

Check out the other NDH events at Northern Downhill Store. I can't recommend them enough, fun, chilled out atmosphere and brilliantly organised. Whether it's your first race or you are a seasoned racer, you won't be disappointed.

A massive thanks to Flare Clothing Company for creating the best kit to ride in and Dan at Roots MTB for always being amazing.