Carl took this photographic study of Alex on a ride. I love this picture but we need a caption (nice one please) as Carl and I disagree on the message.

The best caption can have extra sweets on Tuesday or Thursday.

Carl is the judge – not me.

This year’s Big Dog entries are already being filled in and places are going fast so to encourage the racer in you here are a few reports from the race last year to give you a feel of the day.

All the photos were taken by Russ Gillespie and if you visit the site you can order the full size canvas to hang on your garage wall. Smaller photographs are also available and he has offered some small sizes for free. http://russgillespie.com/

There is an additional selection of photographs at the end of the report.

If you would like to add your own race report then email me at the usual address info@brightonmtb.org. If I have omitted any report then my apologies and re-send it please.

So this was my first Big Dog and although I hope it will be the first of many, especially if the organisers can bring that weather again. The course was brilliant, but really tough, the first half just seem to be a relentless ascent, although it was worth if for the descents. I would like to say that my ‘local knowledge’ meant that I was able to shred the singletrack but to be honest I had nothing left in the tank so it was a matter of just sending the bike in the right direction. I really did struggle on those hills! Fortunately my partner was an animal and as result we, as a pair came a respectable 31^st. Regardless of the pain and cramp it really was a great day and every one, on and off the course were really friendly and helpful, some pretty good prizes up for grabs as well. I could have sworn my name was on that green Decade Virsa, was just my size.

I don’t think I was firing on all cylinders but nonetheless I am determined to smash my time next year and now that my legs have stopped screaming it seems like there is no time like the present to start ‘training’ for next year so I am off out. However I couldn’t help but notice that most of the quick riders (overtaking me like I was standing still) were on hardtails with clipless pedals, so just before I go out I think might have a quick nose around the internet to see what I can buy to make me quicker, besides it has just started raining!!

Thanks to all involved in the organisation and anyone who cheered me on as I looked like I might self combust up the hills.
Tom Jackson (231) Continue reading →

As the Maxx Exposure is this Saturday some riders are needed to run as sweeper from the A27 to Truleigh Hill (west to east). The start is around 8pm and several riders will be needed as the field will have spread by then.The section can be split as required.

Lights will be needed and the whole section is probably around an hour at Thursday pace.For this spare tubes, multitools, first aid kits, sweets and directions and perhaps some encouraging words may be required

Quest Adventure have asked for a little help as Jimbo was meant to be doing this but his serious accident (see forum) will mean he will be out of the saddle for ages.  Hopefully  he makes a speedy recovery and is back out with us before too long.

A topic will be started on the forum for this.

Yeti, IBIS, Dekerf, Santa Cruz, Baum, Zerode

A new bike shop has sprung up in deepest Hove and has easy access to the South Downs National Park with its miles of cycle friendly bridleways and mtb routes. We had a brief chat with the owner Stephen Roache at the 2011 Big Dog and he lent a couple of the gang demo Yeti’s for the day.  Although a new shop the owner Steve brings with him over 20 years of experience in the cycle trade and a vast knowledge of both road, mountain and tri bikes (check out the brands below – he knows his onions!). Prestige Cycles have already embraced the local scene with sponsorship of the 2011 Big Dog and weekly shop rides on the mtb trails around Brighton and Hove. Over to Steve.
The Concept
 
Prestige Cycles will cater for all levels of rider, whether they want to buy a run around bike or are requiring full racing specification.  Prestige will be offering a unique top class fitting service using the impressive Serotta International Cycling Institute Machine enabling Prestige to supply custom made or stock sized frames.   The shop concept is to be the up and coming hub for cycling enthusiasts and to act as a one stop shop for cyclists across the board, promoting cycling to all.  Prestige are very pleased to announce they are working in partnership with Baum, De Kerf and Zerode; we are the sole UK importer for these brands.  The other brands we will be stocking are listed below:
 
•         Marin
•         Wilier
•         Yeti
.         Dekerf
.         Baum
.         Zerode
•         Ibis
•         Santa cruz
.         Fixie inc
.         Argon
.         Neil Pryde 
          Guru
•         Surly
       
 
Shop rides are on Wednesday evening from 6.00pm at Stanmer park (more details to follow, check our ride calendar and link on right). Shop rides are not a race but a nice steady ride for about 2-3 hours and provide opportunity for anyone to try a demo bike or riding gear free of charge - (contact Steve at Prestige Cycles first so he can bring what you want to try!)  As well as free demo rides we also offer free loan out lights for the evening; we have some great offers on at the moment for Exposure lights:
 
Exposure Joystick MK4 £90.00 (special offer price)
Exposure Strada  £135.00 (special offer price)

Since this was written a couple of our YETI owners have had their bikes serviced by Steve and have given glowing recommendations. Following a demo ride one of the gang has also purchased a YETI ASR5, personal service and lack of pressure selling were the reasons he gave for spending the money locally.

BBQ rain dance!

Thanks to everyone who came to the BBQ and donated money and time, especially Matt and Alec who provided the food.

£80-00 was raised on the day and this will be donated to the Mary How Trust in Pulborough. If anyone would like to make a donation to this charity you can do so by following this link.

Total consumption; 12 burgers, 30 sausages, 6 chinese pork steaks, 6 marinated pork ribs, 4 minted lamb steaks, 2 bags of fresh prawns, 7 mackerel fillets, 20 rolls and 5 french sticks, 24 cans of beer and 2 bottles of soft drinks.