TheCorrective

Corrective Racing: Round 2

2010-07-08T21:14:00.000+01:00

To follow on with last weeks timed sessions we will be riding against the clock at Bushcombe this Thursday. You will be glad to hear that I went up on Saturday and cleared all the nettles and grass from the track so no stings or scratches. I modified a couple of corners as well making then a little easier, still plenty to challenge everyone though (and ridable by all).

I hope that we can run the full length of the built track so looking at times around 45 seconds, if lots of people turn up or it is too slow a turn around we can shorten the timed section.

You can think of the times as a race, or just as personal challenge. I find that I ride completely differently against a clock compared to just cruising.

I will be getting there at 6pm to put out a little tape and get some practice in, but remember club members can ride there any time in the week.

I hope to see lots of you up there on Thursday

Forest of Dean video

2010-07-05T21:02:00.001+01:00

We have been lacking in DH action recently so here is a sweet video taken at FoD featuring a club member and a few of his mates.

Stolen Bikes!

2010-07-04T20:53:00.000+01:00

We just heard this terrible news from a club member, if you hear anything please Contact Us or the police (0845 090 1234).

All three bikes have been taken from my garage last night. Whoever you are able to post to would be much appreciated, though I don't suppose they'll be seen again round here. A reminder of the bikes and their distinctive bits:

Specialized Enduro Expert 2008:

Sunline v1 bars

E13 double chainguide and bashguard

Hope Pro2/ DT Swiss e510 rear wheel

Otherwise standard

Specialized Demo 7 2008

Blue Race Face Atlas bars

Nukeproof Neutron pedals

Sun Ringle EQ31 rear rim

Otherwise standard

Commencal Absolut 4x VIP

Fox 32 Float R forks (grey) - c. 2006 model I think

Superstar wheels with gold superstar skewers

Airbase Gold stem

Green ODI ruffian grips

Sunline V2 bars

Shimano XT brakes/ 180mm rotas

Shimano SLX chainset (single ring 32t)

E13 chainguide

Sram X9 shifter

Sram X7 derailleur

Gold superstar pedals

Corrective Racing: Round 1

2010-06-29T20:36:00.001+01:00

With the new club freelap system we thought it is a good excuse to start some Corrective Racing. Round 1 started the mini series with the technical track Marshal Law on Leckhampton.

Rich took the fastest as expected, with 26 secs, but Stuart put in a surprising 28, with no chain and on a bike that has not been seen for a year. In true start of series style the timing was not quite up to scratch (Alex really should have read the instructions) but it was good to hit a track under pressure, makes you ride sharp.

Freelap night is what we need to keep things fresh!

Results:
Rich T - 26sec (hard tail)
Stuart B - 28sec (chainless)
Alex H - 32sec
Gary H - 33sec
Rich D - 35sec
Roger S - 37sec (hard tail)
Pete G - 45sec
Tim P - DNS (but rode the track for the first time)

Kona Mash-Up June 2010

2010-06-14T10:09:00.004+01:00

Unfortunately the timing for the event was a bit of a failure with many times missed and the whole last stage cancelled. The racers in the technical event had 2 run times published, enduro guys - 3. The Cheltenham & County Cycling Club racers managed to get a few good times with Rich Teague likely to have got a podium if his runs had been times and Rachel Vicary coming first in the womens.

Full times and results:

Enduro and Technical Windy Point

Rachel Vicary 4:33 1st place (womens)

Rich Teague 4:10 9th place
Rich Dade 4:24 21st place
Mike Teague 4:24 23rd place
Garry Higgins 4:32 28th place
Julian Davies 6:14 63rd place

Missing times for Simon Everitt and Charlie Williams

Technical Black Run

Rachel Vicary 3:12 1st place (womens)

Garry Higgins 3:01 14th place
Rich Dade 3:02 15th place

Enduro Jetlag

Rich Teague 3:48 2nd place
Charlie Williams 3:55 8th place
Mike Skidmore 4:28 35th place
Julian Davies 6:41 78th place

Enduro Joyrider

Rich Teague 3:45 4th place
Charlie Williams 3:45 5th place
Simon Everitt 4:28 23rd place
Mike Skidmore 5:12 51st place
Julian Davies 7:25 82nd place

Saturday's Route, Graham's Gulley

2010-06-13T22:53:00.000+01:00

An epic summer route taking in Alstone, Dumbleton and Cleeve.

View the route at Garmin

Practice makes perfect!

2010-05-26T00:17:00.001+01:00

We all know that practice makes perfect, but how often do we make the time to actually hone our bike skills? Practising that corner that you find difficult, pushing yourself to go over a slightly larger step/ drop or simply trying a new trick.

Practising also helps with bike set-up as you can repeat a small section whilst making alterations to suspension settings or simply changing the cockpit. It is amazing how much a difference a few degrees of change in brake lever position makes.

No matter what level a rider you are there is always room for improvement. If practising sounds a bit dull then just think of it as play biking. This play biking is what the Thursday Corrective Sessions are all about, with Lecky and Bushcombe offering plenty to play on.

If you do not already come along join us and see your bike skills improve.

See you Thursday

XC Routes - Summer pub routes

2010-05-25T22:28:00.004+01:00

The Tuesday evening pub rides are now in full swing, so to celebrate we have five routes for you to enjoy.

The Plough, Prestbury
27.9km with 1076m climbing.

View the route at EveryTrail
View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

The Jolly Brewmaster, Tivoli
30.95km with 605m climbing.

View the route at EveryTrail
View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

Craven Arms, Brockhampton
35.98km with 598m climbing.

View the route at EveryTrail
View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

Black Horse, Cranham
40.37km with 764m climbing.

View the route at EveryTrail
View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

Colesbourne Inn, Colesbourne
38.22km with 607m climbing.

View the route at EveryTrail
View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

XC route, Salperton

2010-05-19T08:50:00.002+01:00

I have driven past Salperton a lot recently so I thought it would make a good excuse for a route.

37.37km with 762m of climbing.

View the route at BikeHike
Download the GPX (right click and save)

Bushcombe update and ride

2010-05-17T22:19:00.003+01:00

A lot has been happening up Bushcombe since the last update. The usual Wednesday dig/ ride sessions are still on going with the work dependant on the weather. As we approach summer there will be more riding and less digging.

The track is progressing nicely, we have been taking advantage of the damp weather over the last few weeks and been digging in new berms, drops and jumps. Currently nearly half the track is ridable and has many interesting features. As the weather dries out again we will work on clearing the remaining sections.

This weeks (20th May) Corrective Thursday will be up at Bushcombe, people will be up there from 6pm. If you arrive late a contact number will be displayed in one of the cars.

Enjoy a few bad quality photos of some of the stuff that is being built up there...

XC route, HONC 2007

2010-04-28T12:42:00.001+01:00

Here is the final instalment of the HONC routes, from 2007. We will resume shorter routes from next week.

View the route at BikeHike

Download the TRL files

Cleeve Scree Videos 2010

2010-04-24T20:37:00.009+01:00

Here are a few clips of our riders running the scree slopes on Cleeve Hill.

Bushcombe Wednesdays!

2010-04-21T21:45:00.001+01:00

Starting this Wednesday 6pm (21st April) there will be dig/ ride evenings. The initial aim will be to work on the new track with some riding. As we progress with the track there will be more riding and even some timed sessions later in the summer.

A few of us went up at the weekend to try out some of the sections, considering it is still in early development it was very fun. The track was a lot faster than expected and provided a good challenge for a range of abilities.

Currently there is still a lot of hawthorn that needs trimming so pruning equipment and rakes will be very useful. A few corners need cutting in as well so mattocks and hoes are also essential equipment.

I hope that we can make this a regular evening so we can keep progressing the trails at Bushcombe. Remember if you have an idea we have the land!

XC route, HONC 2008

2010-04-20T22:06:00.002+01:00

Here is the third instalment of the HONC routes, from 2008.

View the route at BikeHike

Download the TRL files

Suspicious cars at Leckhampton

2010-04-19T22:01:00.002+01:00

The latest car acting suspiciously at Leckhampton is a Blue Ford Focus registration M900 CHE fully furnished with the finest alloys.

One of passengers look liked a previously recognised character wearing a grey cotton tracksuit, it was matching, how coordinated and sophisticated. He had black hair...

If you are followed home from Leckhampton please report this to the local police (0845 090 1234) and lock your bikes up in your house for a while. Cars have been known to return only hours later to take the bikes. Carefully choose your route home so that you cannot be easily followed and keep an eye over your shoulder.

Daisybank needs you! - Updated

2010-04-16T21:20:00.000+01:00

It is the time of year to put a bit of work in at Daisybank dirt jumps. Last year a few evenings work provided lots of airtime and progression of skills.

This year the plan is to fix some of the drainage issues and profile the final berm. Repair and lip treat the 2nd table line. The double line will be finished into a 6 pack. If there is time we would also like to tame the novice line a little. Conditions are great at the moment so lets go up and sort it!

A few people will be up there from ~~6pm on Thursday 8th April~~ 4.30pm Friday 16th April, until dark. Come along if you want to help or want to make your own suggestions. Everyone welcome as it is not a club site.

Bring whatever equipment you have in your digging armoury.

These are a few snaps of the work so far. We did get more done but the lack of light prevented more photos.
The new kicker for the 1st on the double line

The start of the kicker for the second kicker and the lengthened 2nd table.

The lengthened final table and the start of the new hip line off it into the tight berm (cheers to the lads who suggested and started it)

The new freeride wheelbarrow in action.

New MTB Race Captain

2010-04-14T22:25:00.002+01:00

We welcome Rachel Vicary as our new mountain bike race captain. This is a new role to support the development of racing at all levels, off road. As a keen racer herself she aims to promote the following:

1) To dissmeniate information about MTB racing events to you all -including XC, 4X, Downhill, Enduro etc
2) To promote racing. While not distracting from leisure riding, ensuring that those wishing to push themselves a little further have something to aspire to and have support/encouragement from the club to do so.
3) To facilitate racing - hopefully by co-ordinating events we can make it easier and cheaper to organise transport, accommodation etc
4) To promote our members' racing achievements - not only within the club but externally too.
5) To build up racing expertise - making the most of local tracks for our own mini practise events and ultimately getting experts into the club for training sessions etc

There are many local Cheltenham riders, young and old, that race but who are not part of the club. Hopefully we can also use this role to reach out to them and bring them into the club. As this is a new role, I am of course, still scoping out what needs to be done.

If you race or have an interest in doing so please email Rachel, or just contact TheCorrective

XC Route, HONC 2009

2010-04-13T20:52:00.004+01:00

As promised here is the route for HONC 2009.

View the route at BikeHike

Download the TRL files

XC route, HONC 2010

2010-04-06T20:44:00.006+01:00

Not quite an exclusive, but we have the route for the HONC 2010. We will publish previous routes over the next few weeks as a bonus treat.

If you are downloading to your navigation device for the event please download the latest files from the HONC Website.

View the 100k route at BikeHike
View the 50k route at BikeHike

Download the 100k TRL files
Download the 50k TRL files
Download the 100k GPX files
Download the 50k GPX files

Bushcombe track walk 31st March

2010-03-31T21:59:00.001+01:00

Now the evenings are getting later we have the daylight and the opportunity to make B-Side something special for the summer. We are meeting at 6pm at the viewpoint car park so we can walk the new track route and discuss the work required.

No need to bring any tools to this one as it is an exploration trip. Once we all know where the track is going we can come up at our leisure to complete it. Remember anyone is welcome to come and view and work on the trail but due to insurance reasons you need to be a Cheltenham and County Cycling Club member to ride. We have worked hard to secure this venue, please do not ruin it with illegal riding.

The new track requires a bit of hard graft but has some really exciting sections. We've got a serious amount of space at Bushcombe and are keen to get loads of lines up there to make it the best riding experience for all, so if you've always wanted a big road gap, some twisty woodland singletrack or a sweet jump-line - discuss it with us and then come and build something that you want to ride and progress on!"

View Larger Map

I have been watching this video, it features some trail work that we should aspire to...

More Mountain Biking >>

Requests for Bushcombe

2010-03-30T10:41:00.001+01:00

I am sure that you all have many ideas about what you want from the Bushcombe site.
There is a post on the CC-CC forum so all club members can make suggestions on what we should build. Of course we will be asking for people to help build these ideas!!

Do not forget the walk of the site tomorrow (Wednesday evening). Come along even if you cannot/ do not want to help dig, there are many other ways you can help.

Make your track suggestions HERE

XC Route, Dumbleton

2010-03-29T21:26:00.001+01:00

This ride has quite a few road miles but takes in a few of the local hills, if you are feeling energetic you could even take a 'short cut' up Bushcombe Lane.

45.75km with 692m of climbing.

View the route at BikeHike
Download the TRL (right click and save)

Moelfre Uplift Day

2010-03-27T20:49:00.004Z

After the success of Cwmcarn, the next uplift day on the 27th March at Moelfre.

For those that do not know, Moelfre is about 100miles away (so easy in a day trip), the track contains about 1 tree but is flat out and very fun. On a sunny day it is the closest you will get to riding in the alps. You can ride it on any bike, I have been on my hardtail which was only slightly slower than my 224. Uplift is on a tractor trailer and you will get somewhere between 10 and 15 runs.

These uplift days are very low key and open to all, there is no elitism as everyone is there for a good laugh. I have seen 11 year olds on the same trailer as guys who race world cups!

More information can be found at borderline-events

To get you warmed up here is a video of a race there last year...

MTB skills course round-up

2010-03-22T19:12:00.002Z

Wow! what a day! The skills course at Woburn Sands was a first for some and the second instalment for others. Everyone picked up lots of new skills from the day and Tony was able to point out what was needed to make everyone ride really smooth by the end of the day

It is really great to see the progress of everyone from when we started to when we finished - in fact I was blown away by it. But now I am very tired with my head buzzing full of thoughts relating to todays events. Let's hope I can sleep.

Tony's posted a write up on the day which can be found here along with some photos and videos...

MTB skills course

2010-03-20T18:40:00.004Z

We have arranged a CC-CC skills day at Woburn Sands (near Milton Keynes). This is a great venue whether you want to improve your XC skills or some hard DH / jumping techniques. It doesn't matter what skill level or age I can vouch that you will learn lots and take loads away from it. ContactUs if you are interested.

The course be with Tony from www.ukbikeskills.co.uk who has recently been called the UK's best coach by the guy heading up the Off Road Development at the CTC. With Bushcombe going to be ready soon this will be great to make the most of that and any trips away you might have planned for this year.

Ok I hope you will not be doing shady jumps like this in the course, but it is the only photo I have of Woburn (and demonstrating a complete lack of skills). There are loads of single tracks sections which are ideal for training on.

This video includes the guy that is running the course:

woburn singletrack from tony doyle on Vimeo.

Just found this video, the second half shows some of the trails at Worburn

More Mountain Biking >>