Almost 700 riders made it to the first ever helping of the Kona Oktoberfest powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport – the new autumn brother of the infamous Bikefest.
After the final edition of the Cheddar Bikefest the decision was made that the new second event of the Bikefest series should also take place in Bristol and carry its own theme: the Oktoberfest was born.
It’s based on the similar mix of race packed action around the fantastic trails Ashton Court has to offer and the laid back atmosphere of the event, the Oktoberfest had a few ‘bavarian’ touches thrown into the mix…
The week leading up the event was dry, windy and fairly warm for the time of year, ensuring the single track loaded course was once more one of the most loved relay courses in the country. With the promising weather forecast and the relaxed event atmosphere lots of riders took the opportunity to arrive on Friday to enjoy the DJ and bar as well as prepare themselves for the 8 or 4 hour lying ahead.
9am the next morning around 200 teams, pairs and solo riders set off to fight out the fastest riders in the various categories on offer. As in years gone by the open male category was heavily fought over with the LVIS Singlespeed Superstars finally going clear and putting in the convincing win over the Progression Fitness Team 1 and Casual Vomit.
In fact, the first five teams are only ten minutes apart from each other with the fight for the podium open up until the last lap of the event. Mixed in with the 8 hour event were two 4 hour events keeping the speed out on course high and the competition fierce.
The categories on offer are simply too many to mention, so point your browser at this link for the complete results of the 8 hour and the two 4 hour events.
The ‘Bavarian’ touch was taken to the extreme by event organiser Paul Newman as well as the signing on and tea/coffee team who were dressed pretty much throughout the event in typical Bavarian costume – a nice touch which raised a few eye brows and made people wonder what the real Oktoberfest must be like.
But there was more – steins (1 litre beer glasses, typical for the Oktoberfest in Germany) as event trophies, pretzels at the bar, Bavarian flags everywhere and to top it all off an oompah music background which was clearly loved by some and hated by others!
2011 will have again a double take of Bikefest with the summer Bikefest in June and the Oktoberfest in October 2011. We will put the details up on the website as soon as they are confirmed.
Photos out on course were once again shot by long standing event regular Jon Brook. His normal playing field are the MTB Marathon events but Jon made his way to Bristol this time round to take pictures of pretty much everybody out on course. Check the photos at www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk/events.html.
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