Racing News
Gore 100 Enduro Challenge: Results & Photos
by Paul Howard, 04 May 09. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
The Gore Bike Wear Enduro Challenge has become renowned as one of the tougher challenges on the Enduro circuit. Two laps of the 10 mile course is the minimum distance going upto seven laps for those who just can't get enough of the Swinley trails. Lap times were proving faster than previous years due in no small part to the resurfacing work carried out to prevent trail damage and erosion. The 'ginger stuff' which is dug from a quarry onsite and is therefore local natural stone beds down into a super fast surface albeit with some loose gravel to catch the unwary. Our thanks goes to the Berks On Bikes mtb club members for shifting over 300 tons of material in just a few Spring days. I'm sure you'll agree that Seagull Wood, The Tank Traps and the new Stickler trail (the one with the bridge over the fallen trees) were a blast to ride and should stand up well to the demands of 1000's of riders for many years to come. The lap was very much a course of two halves as we got most of the climbing out of the way early on but with the reward of Deerstalker through the deep berms and tabletops to keep the adrenalin flowing. The ranges perimeter track gave an opportunity to feed or time trial (hopefully behind a powerful rider) your way to Crowthorne, but I'm sure you're looking forward to the day when we don't have to contend with that rotten headwind?!
Swinley Forest has plenty more trails to offer both the novice and experienced rider so we suggest you hook up with local riders or clubs, pay for your day or annual permit to ride and relish in the delights of amongst others; The Full Nine Yards, The Labyrinth, The Jump Gulley, The Long Run, plus all the unnamed trails in the Expert mtb area.
Joolze Dymond will have a full race report in due course, but for now visit her website for all the photographs which you can buy in super high resolution for your record of the day.
Thank you for your kind words at the finish, it's great to hear how you got on and we're pleased to see so many new riders taking part. We'd like to thank Mountain Trax for providing all the prizes on behalf of Gore Bike Wear and all the trade stands for giving their support.
On a final note, a polite request from us at Gorrick and the Swinley Wardens; please take your rubbish home with you. Yes that includes the gel and energy bars feasted on whilst cycling. There is no need to discard wrappers on the ground after use and they may be eaten by the deer which could of course cause them harm. We collected a lot of rubbish from the fireroads and the car park and need to show we are clean users of the land to allow us to return here or to any race venue in future. Thank you.
Nick Onslow has competed at virtually every single Gorrick
since they began and successfully rode to the 3 lap win.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Riding for the Ducati Corse Womens Team, Sara Randle completed 3 laps
with a time difference of only a minute between each one to win the category.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Kaye Patton was another winner to achieve 4 very consistent laps to
finish with a 13 minute advantage to second placed Emma Craddock.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Local racer Ben Thomas treated the 2 lap enduro as a training
ride and upped his mileage by riding to and from home.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Dave Collins made a welcome return to the Enduro keen to thwart
the talented Billy Whenman. Although racing at top speed they
were to be heard chatting away through the new Stickler trail.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Enduro expert Ian Leitch leads the 7 lap pack away and was never challenged for the win.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
Viv Hazelton proudly shows off the 7 lap winners trophy.
Photo by Joolze Dymond
23 Jun 24
06 Oct 24
