As the roadies were putting in their 3-4 minute power blasts up Belmont for the open hill climb, the mountain bikers were taking on an entirely different beast a short distance away in Ashton Court. Oktoberfest is an endurance event, with riders in teams or solo taking on the 4 or 8 hour event - how many times can you go around the (slightly extended) singletrack course perched on the hill side of Ashton Court in the given time? Words by Tim Robinson:
This was my 3rd Oktoberfest and as a final year student my last chance to have a crack at the solo podium after narrowly missing out a few times in the past.
I didn't have the grit to attempt the 8-hour so opted for the more manageable 4hr Solo Men's event. The start line was a mix of serious leg shaving types, and less-serous baggy short types (although I have learnt from past attempts not to write off this sort of man). The Le Mans start running up the hill was exciting as ever and I made it into the singletrack woods on the back end of the main group and then ground it out for the rest of the afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was 2nd after 6 laps. The leader was 15 minutes ahead so I pushed hard on the last lap to ensure I kept 3rd position at bay.
I did 7 Laps in 3hrs 31minutes and had to make the decision that I couldn't squeeze out one more as my last lap was 32 minutes despite burying myself, so no chance of knocking 3 more minutes off it. A great afternoon racing and I have to recommend it for future years, definitely an easy enough a course that purist roadies could give it a good crack. There is also a home advantage of having the course on our doorsteps to practice on.
This was my 3rd Oktoberfest and as a final year student my last chance to have a crack at the solo podium after narrowly missing out a few times in the past.
I didn't have the grit to attempt the 8-hour so opted for the more manageable 4hr Solo Men's event. The start line was a mix of serious leg shaving types, and less-serous baggy short types (although I have learnt from past attempts not to write off this sort of man). The Le Mans start running up the hill was exciting as ever and I made it into the singletrack woods on the back end of the main group and then ground it out for the rest of the afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was 2nd after 6 laps. The leader was 15 minutes ahead so I pushed hard on the last lap to ensure I kept 3rd position at bay.
I did 7 Laps in 3hrs 31minutes and had to make the decision that I couldn't squeeze out one more as my last lap was 32 minutes despite burying myself, so no chance of knocking 3 more minutes off it. A great afternoon racing and I have to recommend it for future years, definitely an easy enough a course that purist roadies could give it a good crack. There is also a home advantage of having the course on our doorsteps to practice on.
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