REPORT: Woodland Riders Winter Series RD 2

A very early start due to the clocks going back meant that the weather was looking pretty dull and cold first thing. However luckily the sun broke through which led to a dry and dusty race at the Woodland Riders Racing RD 2. Using the 'Man Track' an interesting days racing was on the cards because of some tricky obstacles and new line choices. Practice seemed very subdued at first, as a few riders looked to be feeling the effects of the Plymouth urban downhill race after party the night before! Competition looked close between Ash Mullane and Ben Deakin, both battling it out in seniors (the most competitive class by far, minus Harry Steer due to a crash at the urban downhill resulting in two broken fingers!). Runs were not in any category order so riders could choose when to go. This certainly made it interesting having all the riders in a mixed bunch, instead of the usual youngest to oldest. A couple of new additional obstacles this year made the track flow a little better, including a new kicker in the top section and a differently taped off rock garden to complete the course. With race runs well underway, the atmosphere was very relaxed. Almost felt too relaxed for a race, but I think this is why the Woodland Riders Racing series is a great series and defiantly worth entering if you haven't raced before. A quick break after the first runs allowed riders to re-fuel and prepare for their all important second run, if the first did not go to plan. After a smooth set of second runs and racing finished, riders as well as spectators headed over to the 'super booter' for the very entertaining freestyle competition. Everything from massive whips, mid air high fives and superman's where being thrown down and is defiantly a great end to a days racing. As always thanks go to Chaz and his team, they do a fantastic job! Also thanks to the marshals who for once were able to almost sunbathe at a race, instead of the usual rain. If you not already entered for the next round then check out our events page to see details of the next race and entry information. To view all the photos from the event click here Results: Hardtail: 1st: Olly Hooper (1:04.029) 2nd: Sam Acland (1:12.082) 3rd: Greg Berry (1:15.609) Rippers: 1st: Luke Hodson (1:32.792) Youth: 1st: Charlie Ross (1:04.398) 2nd: Chris Lamely (1:07.367) 3rd: Alex Plaster (1:10.195) Junior: 1st: Bill Colwill (1:03.010) 2nd: Ty Rutherford (1:04.358) 3rd: Glen Hewitt (1:05.442) Senior: 1st: Ash Mullane (58.277) 2nd: Ben Deakin (1:00.665) 3rd: Jimmy Smith (1:00.713) Master: 1st: Jody Sergison (1:06.265) 2nd: Tim Leach (1:10.381) 3rd: Ben Robarts-Arnold (1:11.643) Veteran: 1st: Jason Smythe (1:04.585) 2nd: Tony Hicks (1:08.681) 3rd: Chris Cooke (1:11.842) Women: 1st: Katie Parsons (1:44.259) Words: Greg Berry Photos: Carl Billinghurst www.woodlandriders-racing.co.uk

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