This weekend was the Dragon Downhill rounds 10 & 11 at Gethin Park (near Merthyr Tydfil). Last year the course was all in the forest and all about a foot deep in proper Welsh mud. This year, however, even though it was the same course, much of it was now out in the open due to clear felling and it was nearly all bone dry. Excellent!
Saturday practice was okay, but even being on the very first and the very last uplift lorry we only got 3 runs in. Admittedly I did have to swap over my front brake after the lever seals blew and pissed DOT5.1 everywhere at the top of my first run, but that only cos 15mins (this was later explained by Jason c (organiser) who booked only 3 lorries as 10 days before the event he had 80 riders entered, so 3 was plenty. 95 late entries played merry hell with the planning!). First runs were dry, fast and a top laugh. The course was excellent! Fast open bits, tight technical bits, a rock garden a fun drop off. My 3mins 57sec s made me not last and faster than Bob (my sister), so I was happy. Second runs for me were the same, dry, but 10 minutes after I went the heavens opened, spoiling a few peoples second runs, including Bob’s who was late up for her run so ran after the Senior Men. Ah well, Bob had a laugh anyway.
Sunday (have I mentioned I hate getting up at 5am?) was forecast to be wet, but happily for all of practice and first runs it was dry and dusty, lovely! My 3min 45secs was a good solid banker (and faster than Bob!). Unfortunately 20mins before my second run the heavens opened. Never mine, my slide down the hill (in part on my arse) was still fun!
It was really good to get out and see everyone and have a top weekend on the bike. An amazing course, a great atmosphere (thanks to the two people who drove into the ditch for the amusement!) and much much fun. IF you’ll excuse me now though, I have some muddy kit to wash!
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