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Off Camber-tastic

The second Brighton Big Dog took place on 14th August. Following the scorching weather of the 2008 G2 and 2009 Big Dog event we were due some rain and 2010 delivered in bucket loads.  

The two weeks prior to the event witnessed frenzied activity in Stanmer Park as the route was planned, amended and finally decided. Overhangs were removed and the trail was raked ready for the big day. Sponsorship deals and prizes were organized and mugs and shirts collected from the printers.  

The first event of the day was a childrens mtb event organized by Brighton Excelsior Cycling Club. As this was in full swing the stall holders and shops were putting up their stalls, the organizers were sorting out a multitude of last-minute hassles and the Course Planner and marshals were putting up the final tape and arrow markings for the main event. Susie the event Dr and keen local mtb’er had a guided lap of the course with particular attention to the well-known trouble spots while the commissar made last-minute recommendations for signage. Ominous dark clouds gathered overhead.  

The riders on the first lap set off in dry conditions. The fastest lap time of just under 32 minutes was posted on the first lap and the first leg team riders hooned around. The second lap began to get interesting as the rain came down hard. The course was rapidly turning to mud and the sections of off camber rooty delight soon became a nightmare for anyone not familiar with riding across muddy wet roots – lots of muddy wet roots. Team riders who did the second lap were easily spotted in the change-over area as two white eyes poking out from a suit of mud. The third lap was no better and the inexperienced riders could now be seen walking their bikes along the many technical sections. A brief respite from the weather and the course immediately began to dry out however the two most technical descents were now witnessing many spills and tumbles as back wheels were locked up and skidding doesn’t enable very much control. 

By now everyone knew what to expect and began treating the singletrack with  respect as marshals shouted warnings and worked to prevent pile-ups on the steepest sections – the chicken runs became increasingly popular. All bikes were covered in mud and riders were stopping on the fire-roads to de-mud with suitable twigs and sticks. The solo race leader commented that his bike now weighed more than him! So it continued as teams and solo riders kept going around battling both the conditions and their desire to give-up. 

The day continued with showers and sunshine until just after 6pm when the last rider crossed the line. It was over all-bar the shouting of the prize giving ceremony. Everyone clapped and cheered as the podium was occupied by the top level althetes and in the background the more human competitors were assessing their placings and wondering if they could do better next year.

The site emptied as competitors left for a clean-up and then on to the after event Party on Brighton seafront. The organising team stayed to clean-up the site and gather the tape and arrows from the course – top marks for marshals Graham and Neil who returned from the course bulging with tape and signs from every pocket and hidy hole on their clothes and bags. It was 8-30pm when the organisers left the site.

Despite the conditions everyone had big smiles as they milled around the prize giving, those who left early will be talking about Brighton Big Dog 2010 for a while yet so the event definately made a mark on everyone who took part. Brighton Big Dog will be back in 2011 and will be as singletrack tastic as ever.

Brighton Big Dog is a non-profit making event, everyone who is involved both behind the scenes and up front is a volunteer – including Freedom Bikes from Brighton who closed their shop for the day in order to privide mechanical support. Many thanks to the sponsors and companies who provided prizes and help; however both Morvelo and USE deserve a special mention, without their hard work the event would not be able to take place.

Riding a bike off road in Britain – how can anyone avoid mud!

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