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18/12/2009 16:05:43
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dave.sherwin
Posts 78
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Half a pint of Caroulus Christmas ale (10.5%) in the Sand Bar at lunch and I have just entered this http://bit.ly/77h1SC
Already thinking I may regret it!
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18/12/2009 16:18:27
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Plan to sort my entry this weekend. Nick and I did it last year - good fun, though twice as long as a cross race..!
(which is either great VFM, or stupidity  )
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18/12/2009 18:58:31
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MikeC
Posts 344
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just entered, its just around the corner from me.
Now do i use the crossor mountain bike?
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18/12/2009 19:53:27
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andyr
Posts 443
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Same date as North-West Passage audax otherwise I'd be there - it's < 2 mins from my house grrr
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20/12/2009 19:07:50
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NickW
Posts 1386
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MikeC wrote:
just entered, its just around the corner from me.
Now do i use the crossor mountain bike?
If its the same course or similar to last year you'll be quicker on the crosser without doubt there's no really technical riding, just mud in sections and some steps to carry up and a tarmac climb (where the crosser will def be quicker)
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18/02/2010 20:57:48
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MikeC
Posts 344
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As this is my first year and i think Marks and Jasons, shall we all meet early to go round the course together. i always found it helpful on the cross races. Its an 8.30 sign in with a 10am start so i intend to get there early enough to go around the course about 9am after signing in. Had a look on Sunday but i didnt know the course, the steps were steep, long and very very muddy if they are the ones Nick mentioned.
What do you do about drinking, is it best to use a camelbak.
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18/02/2010 23:02:30
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Apparently around 50% of the course is different this year. The orgainsers are also trying to put the frighteners on with talk of 500ft climbing per lap (100ft up steps, which is going to batter my back). No idea if it's true, but a cross bike will always be best if you've got to lump it up and down steps.
Last year I just left a bottle near the start finish, and took a drink as I needed it on the way by. My MTB frame is too small to accpet a bottle and for me to have any chance of shouldering it, and I can't face wearing a camelbak.
See you on Sat for a warm-up..!
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19/02/2010 08:48:43
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NickW
Posts 1386
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If it's anything like last year there's nothing technical or lumpy enough to need a mountain bike or suspension and if it's muddy the cross bikes get through the mud better. I rode the old rigid Kona I've got with skinny cross style tyres, a cross bike would have been quicker still
As Tom said they are also easier to shoulder.
If there's quite a bit of on/off and shouldering I wouldnt bother with a Camelback, I just put a bottle in my jersey pocket and had a spare by the start/finish which I'd put some tape on to identify easily. Tbh, make sure you're well hydrated before hand, like cross races you'll be too busy gasping for air to drink much 
Oh, and like a cross race, make sure you batter it away from the start, you don't want to be stood in a long queue at the bottom of the first flight of steps eh?
edited by NickW on 19/02/2010
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19/02/2010 10:45:50
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TomF
Posts 1040
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I believe the organisers are marking out the course today, if anyone fancies eyeing it up.
I'll just get there for 9-ish, sign on and ride a lap.
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19/02/2010 12:17:51
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Mark L
Posts 180
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Mike
I'll be there tomorrow in time for a 0900 reccy.
Mark
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19/02/2010 19:22:30
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Course pictures here:
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/hit-the-north-setting-up
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19/02/2010 19:40:49
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jay
Posts 111
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TomF wrote:
Looks like we'll be havin a bit of fun in the mud!
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19/02/2010 21:05:51
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Mark L
Posts 180
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Looks like my kit will have to be prewashed in a bucket before its allowing in the m/c!
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19/02/2010 21:29:02
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MikeC
Posts 344
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tried to get a sneeky peep myself today and punctured half way round. Its definately going to be a tough one. Make sure your brakes are sound as you will be using them, a lot.
Me and Jay are getting there for 8.30am so we can do a reccy as soon as we have signed on, everyone else is very welcome and i would recommend it.
See you all tomorrow
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19/02/2010 21:38:28
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TomF
Posts 1040
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MikeC wrote:
Make sure your brakes are sound as you will be using them, a lot.
No worries on that front. Disk brakes that seem to be permanently binding, no matter what I try. Arrghh!
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20/02/2010 16:48:53
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Mark L
Posts 180
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Great fun in the mud today apart from chain snapping after 75 mins.
Strong performances from John, Jason & Mike with Tom joining me on the DNF bench after exhausting his supply of replacement tubes.
Any advice as to how often chains should be changed gratefully received. I clean and lube it after every CX race and check it for elongation periodically.
Mark
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20/02/2010 23:25:33
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TomF
Posts 1040
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First flat on the first lap while in the top 25ish. Rummaged through the spares in the car, and found a 26" road tube that did the job. Flatted again on the third lap. Retired. Grr.
Found a pic of one of our more succesful riders: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakcyclehire/4374112256/
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