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. 

Hope to see you at the next one!

                Thanks also to our sponsors Demon, DC Cycles, J F Hornby and Co, Livingstons Solicitors Limited

Northern Downhill TT Ae Forest 28th February 2016

Time had come for Northern Downhill's first TT of the year and for the first time the venue was Scotland. I had been gutted to miss the first two NDH events of the year, the funduro at Chopwell in January and the Enduro at Hamsterly on Valentines day. I always love going to NDH events as they are so well run, the timing is brilliant, the tracks are always awesome and the NDH team and the riders they attract are friendly and supportive. Rarely do egos attend. 

I went to practice the track the Friday before the race. Having ridden the trail only once last year I had forgotten how fast it was. There are lots of drops and jumps basically without any corners, but knowing Carl he would put a cheeky twist and turn in for us on the day! I know that some riders were practicing on the Saturday and the tape was changed for the race to keep it fair and everyone on their toes. 

I was hoping that the Friday practice would make me less nervous, but my jumping skills are fairly terrible and I was having trouble squashing them all at speed. I felt a bit like I was on a bucking horse rather than taking control of my bike. This obviously didn't help with pre race nerves as I frantically hounded Mr Roots for guidance. 

Race day was quickly upon us and myself and Rufus were riding for the Roots MTB team. It was fantastic to travel in convoy with fellow Flare Clothing Company rider Nicole Mallet who was back at her first race in a long time due to injury. The weather was perfect, a bit cold but beautiful clear, sunny skies. All this meant riding in no mud for the first time in months. Although my bike came back home covered in mud so I must have found some somewhere. Anyone else find that?! 

Nicole Mallet showing us how it's done

Sign on was from 9am to 10.30am and was quick and easy as usual for NDH events. It was great to see so many of the lovely girls I knew from the MTBChix&Trails group, and to meet new ones. I am going to go on about it further down, but it really was!! 

Sarah flying high in a practice run. Photo by Dan

 

Massive thanks thanks to Dan at Roots MTB who kindly offered to be my spanners for the day after a difficult decision by him not to race due to his injury. Heal soon Dan! 

After a limited amount of faffing we headed to the push up to check out the course. The course started with a fire road sprint, an almost 180 degree turn left down onto the Omega Man trail. Carl had taped in a bus stop or two and crossed the lines from the red to the black to keep it interesting. The trail was fairly loose at the top, full of drops, jumps and ended on a fresh line cut into the woods next to the board walk. 

Photo by JWDT Photography

Most riders we spoke to on the way up had been out of the tape, just after the drop on the cross over to the black line. A few others had been in the undergrowth, mental note to self, 'left after the drop'. 

My first practice run was terrible, I needed to put on my race face and attack the track. It was so fast and full on that there was no time to lose concentration even for a second. Did I go out of the tape? Yes! 

I had two more practice runs before grabbing a quick bite to eat and heading up for race runs. Each practice run felt better and more together until I managed to stay in the tape and nail the final left into the woods without hitting the stone wall!

Photo by JWDT Photography

Race runs started just after 1pm. Apart from Hamsterley TT last year, I cant remember having so many women at the start of a race. We all cheered each other on as the starter began the count down for each of us. With each of the five seconds taking a minute, the adrenaline starting to flow freely and your body shaking to burst off the line with the explosive power that you have been practising (well the plan was to follow your training plan right??) When the starter reaches one, you are in the zone. The next two minutes, or for some sub two minutes, is 100% dedicated to getting to the bottom of the hill as quick as you can. Everything else is forgotten other than your line choice, feeling the flow of the trail and being as smooth as possible. I imagine this is how I ride, but my reality is a little different. I tend to bash into rocks rather than float over them, brake before features and squash the jumps badly! But to my amazement I managed to take 2nd place with a 2.08 behind the fabulous Melissa Pearson on a 2.05. 

Photo by Shane Millen Photography

After cheering the other 100 or so riders down the track and de briefing with friends it was time for second runs. 

For some their second run was amazing and they made up seconds, others went flying, some took detours into the undergrowth and for others a red flag. My run was slower, but I was so happy to still be able to take 2nd place with my first time. 

Roland flew down the trail with extra speed as it was his birthday and got a great time of 2.05.

 

 

The 18-35 women results:

1. Helen Gaskell 1.54.54

2. Natalie Sleeman 1.58.69

3. Nicole Mallett 2.01.61

Womens 36+ results:

1. Melissa Pearson 2.05.14

2. Jenny Nuttall 2.08.41

3. Cath Tilford 2.11.75

 










 

What struck me on the day, and I can't stop thinking about it still today, is how fantastic to have so many strong, smily awesome female riders entering and having a go. There were 24 of us on the day, and I was and am proud to have been one of them. It feels like everyone one has stepped it up this year, there are such strong riders in every category. Nicole got an awesome time of 2.02 despite months of injury, Natalie flew like the wind on her second run to finish only 2 seconds behind legend Helen Gaskell! Kelly didn't touch the ground with her 2.02 time, only just missing out on 3rd place and Cath smashing it into 3rd with a 2.11. Emma nailed it with a sub 3 minutes!  Sarah will hopefully get a clean run one of these days and when she does watch out the rest of us!

For some it was their first race, others were returning after months off after having babies. Whether you are a seasoned racer, want to get into racing for the first time or back into it, NDH events are perfect. A lot of the support for them can be found on the MTBChix&Trails facebook group which now has almost 900 members. If you are worried about entering, join this group and you will be wrapped in support and meet a load of cool chics.   

A huge thanks to Carl, Amelia and all of the NDH team for putting on the event and for all their hard work. 

The next NDH TT is the awesome Hamsterely TT on 17th April, hope to see you there! 

Massive thanks to Flare Clothing Company for supplying me and many of the other ladies there in such fabulous, comfy, bright awesome clothing to ride in. We love you Flare!! And a massive thanks to Dan, for being consistently amazing. 

 

Lake District Ski Club January 2016

The Lake District Ski Club

The Lake District Ski Club was founded in 1936, when a group of keen back country skiers found a north facing gully filled with snow. The dream of a ski club in the Lake District was born. Since then it has grown into the amazing club it is today as a result of the hard work of the generations of volunteers who run it. Find out a bit more of the history here.

The LDSC is the highest ski area in England and located on Raise, near Helvellyn. If you search on google maps you can see the tow as a red line just north of Hellvellyn.

For those of you who have never been before, the journey to Raise takes a little bit of effort and planning, but promises to give you a fabulous day skiing in the hills. However, it is not as straight forward as rocking up in the car and jumping on a lift. You will need to be prepared for the adventure.......

Taken looking back down to the mines from the zigzags early in the am

The easiest access to Raise is from Glenridding, on the edge of Ullswater. There is a large car park in Glenridding and public toilets. There is a single track a mile or so up the valley to the mines where there is a small car park for paid members displaying a club sticker in their vehicles. However, there is very limited space at the mines and the best idea is to get a lift / share a car from Glenridding up the track. There is always plenty of chat on facebook and members are great at organising this. The track also gets very icy and you will often need chains or a 4x4 with snow tyres if you are the one driving up. 

Once you are at the mines, now comes the hike! What is so special and unique about the LDSC tow is that it is located at an elevation of 770 m and you walk up to it. 

The hike up can take from 1 - 2 hours depending on your level of fitness and you will need to carry all your gear with you for a day out in the hills. It is a very hard walk in ski /snowboard boots, I know some members walk up in snowboard boots but I would not recommend it, especially as the traverse from the chimney to the Club hit can get icy. You should walk up in good walking boots or touring boots carrying your boots and skis or board on your back. There is space to leave kit in the hut so that you don't have to carry it up next time.

Taken looking over to Birkhouse Moor about half way up to the hut

The most direct route is up the zigzags towards Sticks Pass, which are quite steep and the worst part of the walk I think, so don't let that put you off! Coming out of the zig zags you get your first view of the tow in the distance. 

You then follow the obvious stoney path to the shoulder and have great views over to Catstye Cam the path then follows the old flute to the chimney.

Looking up to the chimney. From here take a 2o'clock angle to your right 

From the chimney the path is less obvious, but you take a 2 o'clock angle to your right to arrive at the Club Hut.

Club Hut

The Club hut has been upgraded over the years, it is a fantastic facility and a very welcome refuge after the hike up! The hut has lots of seating, hooks for your sack and even a kettle so don't forget your tea bags and milk! There is always a good craic on the hill and the hut is a great place to meet people.

Once you have recovered from the hike get your boots on, put on your skis or board and head down to the engine hut which is the bottom of the tow. 

Finally, if you need to pay then head straight to see one of the guys in the engine hut and they will be able to help. A new and very nice toilet was installed in 2009 which is located at the engine hut. It is quite possibly the highest flushable loo in England!

The tow is a button drag lift or poma, 360 meters long and takes you up to an elevation of 830 m. The views from the top are fabulous and your choice of run down is up to you....... 

        The runs are not groomed so the snow is natural and can vary each time you go. 

Looking towards Ullswater

I will be honest, the hike up can be a killer, again depending on your fitness and how often you do it. But there are lots of positives about the hike. The main ones being that it means that we can access the snow throughout the winter, the tow has run as many as 60 days a year. When the other ski areas in England have lost the snow, it is often still there on Raise. Another huge bonus is that your muscles will definitely be warmed up so no additional stretching is required before you click into your board or bindings! 

Another is the ride down.....arguably the best run of the day. Those lucky enough will get to ride back to the bottom of the mines, but usually to the top of the zigzags or into Kepple Cove. For those who are keen enough, the gullys round Hellveylln offer lots of awesome lines and Hellvellyn itself is fantastic when it is condition. 

There are lots of other benefits, but what I love the most is that you get to spend the day in the hills doing what you love with like minded people. 

Common Questions 

Do I need to be a member? - yes you do, the annual membership is either £30 which includes a free day skiing, or £55 which is a full season pass. 

How can I join? - you can either join via the website or take cash on the day to the guys in the engine hut. If you pay on the internet please take a print out of your paypal receipt. 

Do you have ski/board hire? - there is no hire. The nearest place might be Keswick. 

Can I walk up in my boots?- as above, people do walk up in their boots but I do not recommend it! Carry your boots in your pack, or click them into your board of skis to carry them up. Walk up in strong boots, it can be icy so often crampons are a good idea. 

How long is the walk up? - 1-2 hours depending on your fitness, it could take longer

Where is good to buy gear? For women ski and board gear check out F-Riders-Inc, which stocks fabulous brands such as Picture Organic Clothing

Suggested Kit List 

Walking boots/Touring Boots

Crampons

Waterproofs

Hat 

Gloves

Skis/board

Boots

Helmet

Goggles

Map

Compass

Emergency shelter

First Aid kit

Sense of Humor

Food for the whole day

Water

Flask / tea bags / milk

Any spare clothes you need   

Hope to see you up there!

NDH Kielder Funduro 8th November 2015

Northern Downhill Funduro Kielder 8th November 2015

It was the last race of the 2015 season, it was gonna be fun! Northern Downhill put on their last event this year, a funduro race comprising of 3 stages on red graded trails. The overall places were limited to 120 due to daylight hours, so to find out 14 other girls were racing was brilliant. 

Driving up there the weather looked promising, but mid morning the rain started and it did not stop! But what else would we expect at Kielder in November?! 

Sign on was really smooth letting us set off straight away for practice. 

Photo by JWT Photography

Stage 1 offered burms, mud and a cheeky killer uphill.....I think that was just mean! The peddle up to the top of stage 2 followed the Deadwater red trail. Stage 2 was awesome offering burms, drops, roots and jumps. It was the most technical stage, but there were always options round if anyone wanted them. It was then a short blast to stage 3 which was also lots of fun, with burms, roots and race flat out to the timing chip at the end. A perfect introduction to enduro but also something for everyone. Even though it was advertised as an introduction to enduro, lots of skilled riders entered and I knew I would have to push it to get a good result. 

After practice we were forced to take shelter in the van from the ever increasing rain. But race runs came round quickly and riding round with the boys from the Roots MTB race team was brilliant. Unfortunately boss man Dan was still out due to a previous injury, hopefully be back on his pedals real soon.  

Race runs went really smoothly, as per usual NDH races. There was no queuing to start each stage, and hats off to the marshalls for enduring the weather, including Carl who was the start marshal at the highest point in the driving wind and rain!

Photo by Stephen Brian 

My race run went well although I struggled on the up hill during stage 1 and crashed on stage 2! So I was buzzing to find out it was enough to put me in first place!! I was so happy considering my recent health and the other awesome ladies racing, especially Sarah Vayro who was hot on my heels being only 7 seconds behind and Angela Judd only 7 seconds behind her. 

As an extra bonus for the first time this season it was double podium for Team Roots with the Show Pony taking 3rd masters! Well done Brocks.

• In the senior women Caroline Hobson took the win with a. 8.07, Ashley Stephenson 2nd with 8.43 and Charlotte William with a 10.48

• In the women Masters I took the win with a 7.40, Sarah Vayro 2nd with a 7.47 and Angela Judd 3rd with 7.54

• In the senior men Zach Robson took the win with a 6.29, David Donaldson 2nd with a 6.35 and Simon Giles 3rd with a 6.49

• In the mens masters men Stephen Oates took the win with a 6.40, Philip Oates 2nd with a 6.46 and Paul Brockbank 3rd with a 6.52 

First place for me was just amazing and a perfect finish to the 2015 season. My first first, hopefully 2016 will hold more and I can't wait for it to start!  

It was a brilliant race with a friendly supportive crowd. If you are thinking of racing give this a go, you won't be disappointed. 2016 looks to be an awesome season with NDH who are holding the following races: 

• January 17th Chopwell Funduro

• February 14th Hamsterley ND(H)uro

• February 28th AE TT

• March 13th Kielder ND(H)uro

• April 17th Hamsterley TT

• May 28/29 Kidland ND(H)uro 

• June 19th Pately Bridge TT

• August 21st Eastgate Durham TT

• September 10th Kielder TT

• September 17/18 Lecht Funduro / TT

• October 9th Hamsterley TT

• October 22nd Innerliethen TT

Hope to see you there!

Thanks to Henry Armer Fitness for excellent training during 2015 and all our other sponsors for supporting us during 2015. And to the boss man Dan for awesome support during our first year of racing and training. Let the winter training begin ready for the new challenges of 2016! 

Womens MTB Body Armour Review

Independent review of Womens body armour 

Products reviewed: 

1. Troy Lee Designs Short Sleeve

2. Bliss 1.0 LD Top Comp 2015

3. Alpinestars Comp Pro Short Sleev

I recently decided that I wanted to buy some full body armour....but which one?? It is not easy to decide which one to buy and unfortunately (and much to my dislike) it is hard for many of us to buy from local shops. What do we do? We turn to the internet. Here we encounter further problems.

The women's options are very limited and I could only find a few women specific options MTB and snowboarding protection websites selling armour. I asked some fabulous ladies for advice via the MTBChix&trails facebook group and below was the short list.

I couldn't find reviews on these from a woman's perspective either (although it could be that I can't search google very well!) so I thought it might be useful to the next girl facing the same decision as me if I reviewed some.

Please note that I am not working or sponsored by any of the below brands to write this, I just enjoy doing it! Also I was looking for body armour to use whilst peddling around on regular trail rides and for enduro races rather than just downhill.

If you are considering a purchase based on my size review please note that I am a size 10/12, no apparent chest size to mention and am 5'6 tall.

Troy Lee Designs BP 7850-HW Short Sleeve (size small)

This felt really light, probably the lightest out of them all. It fit really well and easy to take on and off. The protection seemed really good at first, full chest, shoulder and back protection constructed of hard foam pieces layered in. The underarms had a opening so I could move and stretch easily in it, and would have felt great riding in it all day. A pack fitted ok on my back. The price is great too at approximately £80.

Problems were however, it did not fit really snuggly and I think after a few wears the foam blocks would have started moving around. Also, unless you had it held tightly down with clothes the protection might not actually give you protection where you need it due to it moving around. You could not remove the blocks to wash and I think it would have been a risky game putting it in the machine!

All in all it was my second choice due to the super light weight, all over protection and price. I would give it a 7/10

Bliss 1.0 LD Top Comp 2015 (size small)

I was most excited about this one, but I was also the most disappointed. It was very heavy, the pads felt like a bath mat but heavier! To be fair once it was on it did not feel too bad, but I would not want to peddle round in it all day. Maybe for downhill at a stretch but the weight would probably put me off wearing it, and certainly not for enduro or regular trail riding. It is a mans vest, so for a man it is probably brilliant, but for ladies....watch out. The price is also very heavy at approximately £200. 

This was the smallest size small and it was huge for me. I would have needed an XS for a fit, they do offer XS on the Bliss website so you might be able to find one. I think that the bath mat protection might have been a bit hot for peddling too, but again I did not try this so I can't say for definite. 

Plus points are that it looks cool and the elastic stretch material was really comfy. The protection is where you need it and the superduper technology means although it is thin, says it will give you the protection in case of a hit, but I did not use it so I can't comment on how well it works.  

So overall, for men I might say go for it, but for us girls, unfortunately only 5/10 due to fit and weight. 

Alpinestars Comp Pro Short Sleeve (size small)

The Aplinestars is my absolute favourite! It is lightweight, super comfy to the point that you forget that you have it on. It fits like a glove with elastic stretch and a rubberised edge at the bottom to stop it riding up. The belt around the middle acts to stop the armour riding up and as a kidney belt. The shoulder pads are substantial and after a pretty heavy crash in the Alps I can vouch that this protection can protect you! It has given me lots of confidence on the trails. 

The back plate is removable via a zip. The pads are removable so you can throw it in the washing machine and it washes really well. It can take a back pack no problem and I have peddled round all day with this on without knowing it's there, other than to give me confidence. 

Downsides might be the price, at £140 - £160 it is expensive. The only other issue is that it is really hard to get on and even harder to get off especially after a ride!!  The chest protection is thin, but I'm kind of clutching at straws as I think it is brilliant. This was my choice and I would give it 9/10 - only because I resemble a flapping fish out of water whilst taking it off!!

Happy Riding Girls!! See you on the trails x

Oh and obviously I am giving no guarantees for any of the products and how they may or may not protect you, this is all just my opinion.