The BIG EASY report & photos
January 24, 2010 by Terry
Filed under Latest News
Well the weather was lovely at the finish line, pity about the clouds (fog) that hid the view from the riders along the Criffel range.
Over-all the day was a great success with nearly 300 riders taking the challenge they thought wouldn’t be as bad as all those other MTB races that seem to put more emphasis on the effort involved rather than the fun of mountain biking.
However, the ‘EASY’ may have been over stated and the ‘undulations’ could better have been described as a series of up-hills and down-hills… It turns out easy is a relative term and what Terry described as easy was a very worthy effort for most who took part!
It was certainly ‘epic’ country to ride over and starting from the Snow Farm instead of down in the Cardrona valley made it easier than it could have been to cover the same country.
Next year maybe we’ll have a rest station setup about half way with hors’durves to encourage a more leisurely pace??
The Big NOT so EASY certinly lived up to it’s name. There were a few comments at the end that it could of quite honestly been called the ‘Absolutely not bloody easy at all!’
Lots of comments about the awesomeness of both rides and those on the NOT so EASY even got above the clouds for a brief glimpse of the stunning views that should of been on offer for all.
Did anybody get any photos? We’ll put up a free entry to any of our events for the best photo emailed to us.
We’ve had a variety of distances submitted from various riders, the NOT so EASY varying from 51km to 72km!! With the couple of last minute changes we made to the course I believe the NOT so EASY was about 55kms and the BIG EASY 38kms, feel free to send in your own measurements.
Many thanks to the great sponsors- especially the Albert Town Tavern, Jamis, Export 33, Thunder Bikes, and Q92MoreFM.
Mark Watson on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 10:04 pm
Hi Guys
This was one of the best rides i’ve ever done! a fantastic course with quite unbelievable views. The three big things that made the difference were, the finish line activities for the family.
the best down in a race ever. and a perfect length for a race.
thats for a great day
Cheers Mark Watson
Glenn McLachlan on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 9:20 am
Completed the not so big easy. Think that I under estimated this ride and maybe the difficulty was understated. Initial part of ride was pretty tough but when the cloud broke the scenery was quite uplifting and the peddling became strangely easier. Awesome to experience some terraine that I would not normally see in the warm season.
The river run was unexpected but refreshing. A nice extra!
Great race pack & finishing meal. The finish line entertainment for the family was outstanding and appreciated.
Can we have someone remove all the Spaniards from the course next year as I am nursing plenty of puncture wounds to my body after impaling myself on a few due to an unscheduled dismount form my bike!
Great effort by the Highland events team!
Danny on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 11:36 am
Hi all,
Just to say i had a great ride on the big easy did not expect the hills and the 4×4 ruts but the down hill was worth it, would love to do it again next year. And yes you are right it is the ride that counts because that is what Mountain biking is about.
PS No need for an hors’durves stop just some water stations will do.
Tony on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 5:36 pm
Completed the NSBE. Just be thankful for the weather – it’s usually blowing a gale up there.
Two other comments….
Next year how about a single speed category?
…and…
Other good course could be over the top & down to Luggate, under highway via new cattle underpass (at bottom of airport hill) then follow (to be completed) Clutha track back to Albert Town.
Terry on Thu, 28th Jan 2010 8:27 am
far-out, that would be an awesome course!!