This past weekend I returned to my roots and raced the Gorrick 100, this was one of the very first events I went to. All those years ago I rocked up completely unprepared along with my friend Scott and both our mums for support / to drive us because neither of us were old enough to drive at that point. How times change.
It's nice to be able to support an event like this, these regional races are the starting point for any aspirational racer and Gorrick always deliver with a fantastic course. It's also important for me to show the team jersey to advertise the coaching business and my other sponsors. Several sponsors were at the event so it great to catch up with them. I also had several coaching clients at the event so a good opportunity to see them and it's not often I get to race on the same track as them.
The race was held on a gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend so trails were running well and helped the family friendly atmosphere. I know the venue well as I used to live locally and had practised the course with my girlfriend on Saturday who borrowed a demo bike from sponsor Mountain Trax. It was her first time mountain biking but she loved it the course.
I led the race from early on feeling strong enough to open up a lead. After 4 laps I was able to relax the pace a little but keep the gap under control. With the soft loamy soil and rooty trails the course was slow rolling in places and required concentration so it was a tough test for anyone completing the full 7 lap marathon. The Simplon Cirex was the perfect bike for the terrain soaking up the bumpy trails and providing plenty of traction through the loose corners.
After 4 hours 30 I rolled over the line to take the win and the prize of tickets for British Superbikes courtesy of Kawasaki. Can’t wait to head to Brands Hatch in October to watch the racing. I hope next year more riders will be on the start line of the Gorrick 100, you should never forget where your dreams started and the fun you can have at your local event.
