 Thefirst round of the Y2K NAMBS series saw Ramsgill as the first venue. The course ran a similar line as last year, although some work had evidently been done and I feel the course had been much improved. The start was in a similar position; on top of the moor high above Ramsgill and from the start you descended across the moor into the boulder field. Last years course forced you through a bombhole and over a rock the size of a small car in a manner more like trials riding than downhilling. This year the rock was optional. and should you try to cross it you had a more reasonable entry run up. Having said this, picking the line through the boulder field was a real black art, there were almost unlimited options as you went through, and even more crashes (including myself). Exit from the boulder field was an ‘up-and-over’ as you leapt the 45 degree slab at the end turning sharply to avoid the rock face in front.Out of the bombfield things got easier for a while as you snaked, on and off camber, over the moors. The jump just before the 90 degree right hander through the gate (all off-camber of course) still caught many people out, and the tapes were broken many times as people made ungraceful exits. Through the gate the lovely left then right the left hand S bend fired you into the woods. Immediately into the woods things got muddy and sloppy with large ruts appearing by the time the Seniors had done their bit for trail erosion. The ruts were deep and caught many people out as they stalled on the regular up and over lumps. Some serious switchbacks added to the fun, as did the large drop-offs, as you descended through the woods. The step down just before the exit of the woods was gone, giving way to a much smoother, faster line which lead you out into the field. The first change to the field was a berm on the mound, which meant you had to go off camber as you descended. The first bomb hole now had an insane jump to fire you clean across it, if you dare… Unfortunately one unwise soul toasted themselves on it so it was closed off for the race. Still, you could have another attempt on your life at the road jump just before the finish line. The road jump was a large step down double that well, cleared the road. This was a popular viewing spot, with many people ploughing the field with their chin, including Karan Van Meerbeck, who went out with a broken collar bone. The timing guns got a little battered, as did the timing car (well they The duel was cancelled due to poor weather conditions, but I think this More info will be available on the new www.ukdownhill.org.uk |
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