I got asked the question by the UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire) Cycling team
"Did I wanna do the BUCS (British University and College Sports) Champs?"
I said yeah I will be doing it but don't worry yet cos the road champs isnt until around May.
"No, the mountain bike champs?"
What a crazy weekend that was!
We travelled down on saturday, after a week of wondering why I had said "yes". All sorts of questions rushing through my mind seeing as I have never ridden or even raced a cross country mountain bike course.
As it turned out the venue for the BUCS champs was at Molfre (a formidable Down Hill mountain bike course). Our race would consist of a 1.5mile climb up the 18% fire track and zig zag down the down hill course, and then blast across a soggy field and back up the hill. 6 times.
As it turned out the venue for the BUCS champs was at Molfre (a formidable Down Hill mountain bike course). Our race would consist of a 1.5mile climb up the 18% fire track and zig zag down the down hill course, and then blast across a soggy field and back up the hill. 6 times.
A few practice runs, and I started getting the feel for the course and began looking forward to the race on sunday. Trying not to think too much about what it would be like racing agains 139 riders.
A beautiful sunday afternoon for the 1pm race, I was grided in the 2nd box (I dunno how!). and managed to get right up with the elite guys for the epic ride up the hill but lost them down the other side after decking it on a tricky section (made harder by all the spectators pouring water on the course!).
My 6 laps consisted of catching all the decent riders up the hill and losing them all on the way down.
My 6 laps consisted of catching all the decent riders up the hill and losing them all on the way down.
It didn't end in complete disaster either, I was the first rider from UCLAN and 
finished 19th overall.
finished 19th overall.Was a good experience for me, but I am not sure if I will be that quick to jump back on the mountain bike!
Matt
