Lewis reports from the latest Welsh Gravity Enduro Series at Eastridge… and promptly busts his shoulder.
Thanks to Lewis Bradley for the words and video and Doc Ward for the images.
Well…where do we start? The rain shoved off for a bit and the sun came out for round 4 of the Haibike UK Welsh Gravity Enduro at Eastridge.
Where many races are struggling for entries, the Welsh Gravity sold out way ahead of the race weekend and the lucky 254 were treated to three stages and 5 hours of live mash-up timing.
Why was the race so popular?
For one, Eastridge hosted the UK Gravity Enduro a few weeks earlier and put on a good show. There’s some amazingly fun, tricky and technical riding hiding in those woods and a proper big hill that you might not expect.
The WGE’s mash-up format also helps, giving riders as many goes as they can manage to get a great time… it works well and means you can be as competitive (or not!) as you want to be.
The first stage ‘Big Log’Â has seen plenty of action in previous races but somehow felt totally unique. The rocky top section was greasy but has endless amount of grip at the bottom due to the sprinkling of rain before. Not too long and a lot of line choice to keep riders heads puzzling on their way down.
Stage two was on the classic Student Champs trail from back in the day. It’s one of Easty’s best tracks and feels like one every rider could do over and over again. There’s a flat out top section full of jumps and roots and a plummet down the steep switchbacks into the open.
The third stage was one that separated the kids from the adults for sure and was the longest stage of the day. You had to pump and pace yourself as there was a technical pedalling section were it was hard to keep speed. Riders were rewarded with a fast and steep end to the stage that could easily catch you out!
Racing went well for Team Wideopenmag’s Dan Mason who bagged first spot in Junior. Matt Simmonds took fastest time of the day and the elite men’s win whilst Becky Cook took the fastest women’s time of the day.
You can check out the full results over on Roots and Rain as always right here.
Of course, it didn’t all go to plan. I managed a 5th place in elite (my best result of the season!) but somehow manage to damage by shoulder. 6 weeks off the bike for me but a good result regardless. Thanks to the medics and marshalls at the event for getting me off the hill!
