After weeks of dry weather during November, the heavens opened up late on
Saturday night and continued throughout most of race day at XEC’s
Middleton Court enduro on the 18th November.
Despite very careful pre-planning and continuously checking track
conditions right up until the adult race start, the first lap extra loop
just after the start almost brought the whole event to a standstill.
Championship rider Andy Elliott resurfacing
after
over 1/2 hour in the start loop mire!
The morning youth race – on a slightly shorter circuit - had been a
complete success, with 13 successful finishers out of 17 starters.
Rob Cross took the youth 125cc class win with 7 laps from 2nd
place Sam Cross on 5 laps.
In the 85cc’s, blisteringly fast Steve Holcombe took the class win with
7 laps from from Sophie Thomas on 6 laps and her brother Dominic in 3rd
place with 5 laps.
It had been a tough event for the youngsters, but all those who finished
that I spoke to said they had really enjoyed it.
Even the flat straight bits were awash after 14 hours
continuous rain.
The downpour had continued a pace all morning so to ensure the complete
track was still rideable for the adults, riding marshals were sent out to do
a full lap just before the start and all reported no problems.
However – a few people riding around does not truly emulate race
conditions and when the flag dropped to start the adult two and a half hour
main event, things turned sticky very quickly!
One of the dangers with any technical type going in a mass start race is
the problem of riders bunching into a jam at a tricky point. Sadly the first
loop just after the start was one such place. The first Championship rider
through – Tim Lewis – was absolutely flying, but it was soon apparent
when the next two appeared quite a while later, that there must be a
problem.
Pausing at the stream crossing, - possibly wondering
how deep?
But by then the Experts had already been sent off on the same loop – a
few riders struggling could be seen from the start area and the start
marshal then had the difficult decision of whether to let the more able
groups also follow suit. Or to give them an entirely different race by
missing out this first part completely… and suffer the consequence of all
the hassle that would ensue! Not an easy decision for many reasons… many
would have complained that the clubmen were then in front of the experts –
and not as tired because they didn’t have to ride the ‘tricky’ bit.
Also there was the safety aspect to consider. If riders were given a
different route at this point, they would have to merge at some point with
fast experts who were gradually escaping the mire. It appeared that the
decision taken, was to only let the slower/less able classes to by-pass this
by now obviously nightmare section and they were allowed to ride straight
through the level woods to rejoin the track at a suitable safe point.
The XEC marshals all deserved medals. - These two had
worked tirelessly all day 'oiking' lesser riders across a very small - but
very slippery ditch.
Soon after another ‘log jam’ of riders occurred after a long uphill
straight on a slippery right hand turn - again into the woods. This corner
should not have been a problem, but as soon as one rider got it wrong
everyone bunched up and riders with difficulties had nowhere to go.
When racers bunch like this it prevents anyone making a mistake from
turning around and having another run-up. Consequently everyone then tries
pulling away from an unsuitable position and do not have enough momentum to
climb or ride any obstacle.
Burt once again the marshals acted quickly to save the race and this
section was also completely cut out of the event.
Motorway slip way yes please - Hare 'n' Hounds
slippery way oh no!
Track organiser Simon Thomas did say at the start that if the track
conditions become bad, they will continuously cut out what they have to –
even if it means finishing with a one mile lap! This was late November and
it was meant to be a tough event, but the relentless rain had quickly
deteriorated the track - even since the pre race marshals rode around.
Simon and his team are very aware that the first loop just after the
start ended up being a disaster - despite all their planning and hard work.
Un-characteristically XEC have been very unlucky weather-wise this year –
rain pouring down at 4 of their 5 events, but I am sure they have learned by
it and taken all lessons on board for next year.
Finally getting some speed up - as long as you're
brave enough!!
I think it needs to be remembered that like many clubs, Xmoor Enduro Club
are all volunteers, they put in a serious amount of very hard work to try
and put events on and do their best. If it wasn’t for the enthusiasm of a
just a few – no events would be put on … and I don’t mean just by XEC
either. It is easy to criticise when things go wrong – especially with
hindsight.
Despite the obvious start mayhem, the race ran well. The circuit was
eventually contained to a much smaller than originally planned, but still
very challenging track, which tested true enduro skills of all rider levels.
Tim Lewis totally unfazed by everything thrown at him literally blitzed
around to a phenomenal 10 lap win from Bradley King on 9 laps. Also on 9
laps and third place finisher was young Jamie Paget.
Bradley King showing some style blasting to 2nd place.
A special mention must go to Andy Elliot who turned out in the
Championship class aboard a nearly 30 year old twin shock 250cc 2-stroke air
cooled drum braked ‘Gori’ enduro bike.
Now although from the results it may be thought that Andy and his old
bike didn’t do to well for a championship rider - 6 laps. I would like it
noted that Andy – like one or two other riders – got well buried in the
first loop and due to other riders blocking the exit was trapped for about
¾ of an hour before he could get going – and didn’t the engine sound
sweet when he got going too!
Darren Kiff won the experts with 9 laps from Steve Rogers with 8.
(For a full list of all results, please scroll to bottom of page)
This horrible deep doo doo place was cut out after the
1st lap!
STOLEN
The Xmoor Club was very disappointed to find some ‘kind’ person had
stolen their trailer with all the metal stakes and marker tape from deep
within the track site only 3 days before the race. This put an enormous
burden on everyone involved with the club who all had to go the extra mile
to obtain more stakes, more tape and build another trailer in two days so
the course could be properly marked up.
Besides all the time and effort, financially this cost the club over
£600. XEC are a non profit making club with low entry fees, but sadly due
to this, the costs may have to slightly rise next year. So if any of you
know someone with lots of metal stakes for sale – and marker tape - cheap.
I am sure XEC would be very pleased to find out who it is.
If you have any info regarding this please contact the club via their
email address - xmoor@tiscali.co.uk
Report and Photos: Adrian Harris
Additional Photo: Debbie Tucker
