Introducing Megalomania - video

The word megalomania is derived from the Greek words megalo-, meaning large or great, and mania, meaning madness, frenzy. It is also an excellant Black Sabbath song (see at the bottom) This is a suitable name for the new track at Bushcombe which is a speed freenzy and large open corners.

Winter training indoors - video

When people talk about winter training indoors it usually means turbo training. A few club members decided that this did not help their skills so with the help of a few cones they set up a skills course indoors.

Leckhampton Solo Video

Video of one of our student members riding around Leckhampton

661 Mini Downhill FoD: Round 1

Sunday 4 December saw the return of the 661 Mini Downhill mountain bike series at the Forest of Dean for 2011/ 12.

Cranham track closures - Updated

Some of you will be aware that the recent change in ownership of some land within Cranham Woods has resulted in some of the long established MTB tracks coming under threat from closure. I have been on a bit of a fact finding mission to see what the state of play is and how we can minimise any loss of trails in this area.

661 Mini Downhill FoD: Round 1

Sunday 4 December saw the return of the 661 Mini Downhill mountain bike series at the Forest of Dean for 2011/ 12. The race, which attracts 300 riders, enjoyed strong participation from a number of Cheltenham-based enthusiasts keen to make their mark on the field. Cheltenham and County Cycling Club were represented by a team of 4 racers.

A strong crowd lined the full length of the classic "Ski Run" track to watch the action up close. Good weather conditions ensured very tight racing - where only the smallest mistake could cost several positions in the final reckoning, although a "best of two runs" format gave everyone a second chance if needed.

In a packed Senior Men (18-29) field of 91 entrants, Cheltenham and County rider Alex Hazle acquitted himself admirably after a four year break from racing, with a time of 1:16.34, placing him 51st overall, 10.74 seconds off the winning time.

In Veterans (40 plus), young-at-heart Roger Smith continued his progression in the racing scene with two consistent runs within 1 second of each other, with a best time of 1:26.38 putting him 18th in class in a field of 24.

In the Masters category (30 to 39) Cheltenham and County had two entrants in Adam Powell and Rich Dade. Both were keen to put in strong performances and after two runs, Rich Dade managed to edge the local battle with a time of 1:13.70 placing him 13th in category, just 4/100ths of a second faster than Adam's time of 1:13.74 which put him 14th out of a field of 51.

Overall some really solid results to build on for club riders at the next round of the series, which takes place at the end of January.

Words -  Rich dade
Image - Loz Webb (Roots and Rain profile) 
Full results and photos - Roots and Rain