ClarkyBoy wrote:Callummarshall wrote:Has anyone attempted any of the SES rounds? I was contemplating giving the lite version a bash at glenlivit but was unsure on what skill/fitness level was required. All I got from a Google was that the skill level required experience riding of off-piste rather than just trail centres.
Istoo did glenlivet last year on a bamboo bike he made in his shed IRRC, he will be along to give you some 1st hand!
I used to race in the same era Scotty C (known as Scotty D then) in the 90's when it was a laugh. I quite enjoyed the one SES round i did last year. I had ordered a new MTB so did it on my comedy bike, aka the homemade bamboo rigid fat bike. Was quite fit last summer so manage to beat half the field on enduro bikes, but riding round with my pals in an informal group then belting down something blind as fast as you can is quite fun. Personally I lose interest in race series very quickly as my attention span fades as i would rather be in the mountains or just riding with pals gives me most enjoyment. If you like racing, this is a good format. I have signed up for kings and queens later in the year. A few pals competing in the SES, British and World Series this year, and I cant give the commitment they do, not even remotely. But we all still ride as a group regularly. I love the social bind and love of screaming down a hill on two wheels...
as for fitness and skill, that can always grow. But with all races be as fit as you can be, the lite version will give you 2000ft of climbing and about 2 or 3 3-4min long stages. The full is near 4000ft of climbing and five stages last year, about the same for all the rounds, you do need good fitness for that amount of climbing in a day and pin it down a hill, as you want the strength for the fun bit. But more importantly just enjoy it, plenty of seasoned folk to give advice. Bike, I think i proved it doesn't matter. I do have a whizzy bangy sub 30lb 180mm travel race bike, but rode the race on a rigid home made bamboo fat bike held together with hemp and epoxy. Came 19th out of 40 in the vets category. But that's me being me. Its almost exactly what I would say to someone going on their first SIDC track day.
My middle sons pal is racing this year (13) on a £300 hardtail from Halfords. But he loves it, its cool to see new folk feeling the love.
If you try it and don't like it, fair enough, but watch these events usually fill up a month or two before hand.
@ Callum
If my memory is right, you clocked me in the lotus at Firstdrive not so long ago? If so, Paul is long term pal and riding buddy, he hasnt raced for years but is a nifty rider. If thats your locality, get down to drumtochty or fetty.
