Many people think that snow, ice and bikes don't mix, but with the recent arctic conditions accross the UK we've had to change our ideas!
The snow and ice at Cyclists V Harriers before Christmas provided the ideal conditions for the bikes, and we were able to charge hard and fast round the course (interspersed with running the tarmac sections very, very slowly) to a Walkers CC 1,3,4 & 5. Runner, Davie Miller managed to sneak in for 2nd place. I was really pleased to win the event again - 3rd time now in 17 years!
More ice was to come though, and the big snowfall got the ice tyres out of the garage to go riding round deserted snowy backroads, and icy country parks (even the top few metres of the tide were frozen at Irvine Beachpark!) These conditions proved ideal preparation for this week's Strathpuffer 24 hour, which although a thaw is forecast, is currently being cleared of around a metre of snow to allow the riders easier passage!
It is reasurring that some events manage to go ahead despite the weather, and a belief in the participants common sense, and proper preparations and graft by the organisers (I mean, digging a metre of snow off around 5km of singletrack - hardcore!) keeps the health and safety folk at bay.
Neil Walker
The snow and ice at Cyclists V Harriers before Christmas provided the ideal conditions for the bikes, and we were able to charge hard and fast round the course (interspersed with running the tarmac sections very, very slowly) to a Walkers CC 1,3,4 & 5. Runner, Davie Miller managed to sneak in for 2nd place. I was really pleased to win the event again - 3rd time now in 17 years!
More ice was to come though, and the big snowfall got the ice tyres out of the garage to go riding round deserted snowy backroads, and icy country parks (even the top few metres of the tide were frozen at Irvine Beachpark!) These conditions proved ideal preparation for this week's Strathpuffer 24 hour, which although a thaw is forecast, is currently being cleared of around a metre of snow to allow the riders easier passage!
It is reasurring that some events manage to go ahead despite the weather, and a belief in the participants common sense, and proper preparations and graft by the organisers (I mean, digging a metre of snow off around 5km of singletrack - hardcore!) keeps the health and safety folk at bay.
Neil Walker
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