old git
Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 224
Location: Aberdeenshire
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 Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 6:13 pm Post subject: GMCC Monaughty 2007 |
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GMCC's Monaughty Enduro was the clubs second Scottish Championship round of the year and was a much looked forward too event. Following the cancellation of the Melville clubs round at Dumfries and the postponement and subsequent scrapping of the SBEC Little Clyde Enduro due to the weather, enduros have been thin on the ground so far this year. Only one round took place at Selkirk a fortnight ago instead of two and this was again due to the weather though I don't think there were many complaints from riders who toiled on a very difficult course on the Saturday!
Monaughty forest is an altogether different GMCC event from the clubs championship opening round at Lossie forest. Monaughty offers a bit of everything.... dark forest, peaty heather, climbs, flat out fire roads and the dominating feature, for me at least, is the stumps, roots and rocks that have me off the bike a bit too often. A few changes to the course kept things interesting with a deep heather section probably the most notable as a massive rut quickly developed that sucked in riders and ensured all got dirty. There was a quick way through but it took a leap of faith to launch the bike blindly into the deep heather. A change of route midway through last years test kept things interesting but the final half mile section of the test was the same nightmare of stumps and whoops as last year. Also unchanged was the slippy descent through the trees less than a minute into the lap.
The weather forecast was unclear but there was a high chance of rain that eventually did come. A lot more rain than usual for the time of year had fallen and another mudbath like Selkirk a fortnight ago seemed like a possibility. The start area was moved from the quarry and was very close to the check for the first section. Times for the experts looked tight with the Clubmen and Over 40's also a bit pushed too. Sportsman times were generous which was much appreciated though the spare time at the checks meant that the midge's were able to feast.
The experts, clubmen & over 40's got away on time and soon the sportsmen were away 3 at a time. Straight away we were confronted with the "Hill of Death" which followed much the same route but was much slippier than last year (rumours that it wasn't as steep were unfounded). I slipped and stalled all the way down but managed to stay on the bike till I hit the fire road at the bottom and immediately took the fast, grassy, uphill track to the right. As the path narrows the steep drop to the left focuses attention..not a good place to take a tumble.
An almost 180 degree change of direction onto an old fire road and a quick glance shows how high we are with stunning views across the Moray Firth. A sharp left and into some rough going. In what seems like no time I'm on the downhill section towards the narrow, uphill gully that leads to the start of the test. True to form the back wheel ends up in the deep ditch to the right, halfway up and my first dismount occurs. (same as last year...never learn). Onwards and upwards to Barry, Colette & Sarah feeding the midges at the start of the test. Through the untimed test without mishap and then into another new section immediately after the test. I got to the first check with loads of time to spare. The section that took us back to the start the passed quickly but I had a couple of stupid falls. Rain was now falling and goggles were constantly steaming up.
By the time I started my 2nd lap around 20 spectators had made their way down the muddy hill and were strategically placed to laugh at the efforts of riders sliding and crashing their way down. Not wishing to disappoint I joined the guy in front by losing the front end. As I tried to get the bike up another 2 riders behind fell off adding to the spectacle. I managed the gully ok this time and took it easy on the test, determined not to crash. I finished the lap with another couple of crashes and a lot more "nearly crashed" under my belt. I repeatedly went from wearing goggles to not wearing them. They were OK on the fast stuff but clouded over quickly in the slow bits resulting in me hitting things and crashing (poor excuse for lack of competence)
On my third lap I got down "hill of death" and even managed to detour around a fallen rider a few yards before the drop to the fire road. I got to the last bit of the test and fell off losing at least a minute. Exact same as last year. On the positive side I flew through the heather section completely missing the deep rut that I'd followed on my first 2 laps. Had one other notable crash as I turned left off a fire road......wrong gear, way too much throttle and a rock led to a full 360 degree flip (I got off at 90degrees). The bike landed on its wheels then fell in a heap. I finished with plenty of time to spare and watched the experts coming in after 5½ laps. Some of the clubmen looked exhausted with trying to make the very tight times.
Another great enduro from GMCC in a superb location. Compliments to all who prepared the course which stood up really well, it really was a cracker. A few new faces amongst the helpers which is always good to see. As always, many thanks go to all the officials, helpers and marshalls who make these events happen.
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