Northern Downhill – Mini DH – Report
It was the first of NDH events for 2015 – a mini Downhill at Chopwell Woods near Newcastle. With Danny Hart joining the crowds everyone was on their A game.
Chopwell Woods in Rowlands Gill near Newcastle was the venue for Northern Downhills first event of 2015, a mini DH TT
According to the temp guage in the car it was minus 2 as we pulled into the carpark at9am, a covering of the whitestuff confirming what was going to be a cold day!
Chopwell Trailbuilders had been beavering away for a few weeks prior to ensure the track was in good order, and placing a new boarded section in a part of the course that may have caused issues in the wintry conditions! Carl Davison of NDH fame had been up the day previous to mark the course and was here bright and early with the rest of his team made up predominantly of his family and friends and marshalls made their way to their positions!
The carpark soon filled with bike laden vehicles, unloaded and a steady stream of bikers made their way to signing on, timing gadgets were handed out and practicing ensued!
Northern Downhills’ events are always well subscribed and this race was no different with an impressive amount of female entries too, some saying this was their first race ever!
As I walked the track with my camera in hand the snow turned to sleet, a blur that is the North East legend and former World Champion DH rider came blasting past his bike 2 wheel sliding before finding grip and in a blink of an eye he was gone! Another World Cup rider Scott Mears was also in attendance with his bike shop Cyclefix Washington making up one of the events sponsors providing prize money. Gravitate cycles a shop in the Newcastle was also on hand providing some much needed sponsorship of this grassroots level race!
With Danny Hart joining the crowds of spectators lining the track shouting words of encouragement, the race started at 12 mid day and the Sun made a brief appearance as the future stars of tomorrow the Rippers & Juveniles set off, their enthusiasm wading off the cold they must surely have been feeling! All 4 seasons were endured and every racer managed to get their 2 runs in, After their timing equipment was handed back in and tickets received with their split times and their overall position noted. Some made their way home straight after the race but many stayed, more than I expected considering the cold and wet, but the large amount of riders and spectators that stayed to witness the prize giving is in my opinion purely in support of Carl and his team at NorthernDownhill, prizes were given out, new friends found and promises of entering further events were made! I am sure all NDS’s events will over subscribed and I look forward to being at them camera in hand, but maybe i’ll bring s flask next time!
All the results of this race can be found at www.rootsandrain.com and full details of future races and events at www.northerndownhill.co.uk
Words and photos – Adrian Webb