The Latest from WDMBA and sponsored rider, Mark
We have just hear from our sponsored downhill rider, Mark Thomas about what he's been up to on and off the bike in the Welsh hills this month.
WDMBA
The 2nd WDMBA uplift of the new year was again a capacity sell-out with over 60 riders making the journey to the upper Neath valley track at Rheola. Riders came from afar as London and Manchester to ride what was guaranteed to be a wet and slippery root-fest of a track, considering the wet and damp weather last week. However, on the day, we couldn't have asked for better weather at the end of February with beautiful, cloudless blue skies and very mild temperatures even at sign on time… Things were looking good for the day ahead!
With the Bombardier (that's the uplift buss to you and me) departing from the uplift area at 10am sharp with a full load, it showed the riders had come to smash some runs in and were not put off by the awaiting mud on track.
Tyre Choice
As the day progressed, smiles got bigger as the track started to dry out, with lines getting quicker with each run down. However, it didn't get quite dry enough to warrant a tyre change from spikes for most riders. A note worth mentioning was the amount of riders opting to run the very impressive Schwalbe Dirty Dans rather than the usual Maxxis Wet Screams – nothing but good reviews from riders all around.
Efficient uplifts
With the most riders putting in 8+ runs (with some managing 11!) it turned out to be another excellent days uplifting on a brutal, 'proper' downhill track with the WDMBA guys. The buses were both comfy and super efficient once again with much talk bandied about of the eagerly awaited bus modifications due soon.
On a personal level, I had an absolutely disastrous day on the bike, managing no more than 3 runs, and each of them with different mechanicals. My 1st run ended almost immediately with a front flat on the top rocky section of the track, I lost a rear brake pad half way through my 2nd run on the fastest section and snapped my chain on the 3rd. Maybe that's my 'off-day' done for the season? I hope so anyway..
The next uplift is at the mellower venue of Mountain Ash and going on current form, should be another belter of a day! Entries can be found on our British cycling page. Be quick though as entries are already selling fast and will surely sell out before hand..
Mark – Team Tredz Rider.
tredz blog March 6, 2012 Downhill MTB, Events, Offers & Competitions