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Location: Parc Cwm Darran, Deri.

30/10/11

Every cross race has had almost summer-like weather conditions and it was inevitable that this luxury would come to an abrupt end. This weekend saw this end and produced one of the muddiest cross races I have ever ridden. I have not ridden any of the Welsh Series cross rounds this season and only rode this one due to missing the entry date for the National Trophy round in Leicester. Sunday’s round was at Parc Cwm Darran which is situated high up in the Welsh Valleys and the last time I rode at this venue I can remember it being one of the coldest cross races I have done.

Thankfully though the weather was quite mild temperature-wise but the rain continued for most of the morning. By the time I arrived at the venue the rain had stopped and I had a quick lap around the course – what a mud fest! After the one lap I decided that was enough practice of the course as it was so muddy there really wasn’t a racing line. A quick blast with the hosepipe to clean the bike up, wipe it down and oil the chain and it was ready to race. I had my spare bike and wheels ready in the pits but no mechanic if something did go really wrong.

I lined up on the front row of the grid only to be pushed back to the second row because of my lack of series points. The race started and I soon found myself at the front of the race leading through the deep muddy field. I managed to bring series leader Joe Lally with me for the first lap and after that I decided to attack and solo off the front. I managed to get a good gap and felt comfortable in the race, although by the last lap the course was almost impossible to ride in some sections.

 

Luckily my bike held up well in the tough conditions which left me to ride solo to victory – crossing the finish line after almost 60 minutes of ploughing through the muddy conditions. It was great fun racing the local event and seeing lots of friendly faces which you don’t always get at the National Races.

I am now going to have 2-3 weeks rest from the bike as it has been a long season and you need to allow your body some quality recovery. I am going away to Mexico for two weeks hopefully for some warm weather recovery not only from riding my bike but also my job. When I return I might jump back in the deep end and race the National Trophy in Derby the weekend after I return!

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Happy Riding!

Ben

Thanks to Roy Bevis for taking the photos!

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