Spectators Impression - Delta Park Night Racing

[KDEE]

So last night I went to watch and give moral support to Nancy Drew. I didnt ride because, I am fat and unfit, have no lights and am scared of riding in the dark at this stage

 

What a nice atmosphere and all round fun. Its impossible to meet anyone you dont know from the hub because it gets bloody dark out there!

 

Observations..

 

1. If you are spectating, bring your own light.. otherwise things like tree stumps and bricks will jump into your path when walking to various spots and you will fall down.... without a bicycle..

 

2. Lights are a big plus when racing in the dark, 2 small lights are better than no lights.

 

3. Charge your battery before you get there otherwise you will swear for the  entire hour because yellow light will just confuse you.

 

4. If you choose to ride without a light when there is no moonlight, make sure you are fast enough to ride behind someone with good lights... otherwise you will wander of the trail.... a lot.

 

5. The tree stump / barrel combo ramp/jump/ride over looks easy when you are watching... doubt if its that easy when you are riding in the dark. Refer to point no 4 above, if thats you, you might as well close your eyes and prey..

 

6. One lightie decided the best way was to completely jump the above obstacle... a sickening thud of tyre and rim was heard each time he landed.. it appeared to be the slower line though as he kept overshooting the turn right after the obstacle.

 

7. The squatters/people at the bottom of the course sitting around a fire think the riders are mad...

 

8. When spectating, try and avoid standing at the exit of a corner in the dark... riders will get a fright when they suddenly see you and nearly fall of..

 

9. If you fall of your bike on a flat section, dont assume there will be no spectator to hear you berating yourself for riding like a poofter..

 

10. The hill along the fence is a lot longer than it looks... specially when you are walking and tripping over bricks and tree stumps..

 

11. Riders with just helmet lights are the funniest to watch as the head goes one way and the bike goes another. They also look the strangest while riding in the dark as you can only see a light six foot in the air bobbing along until the rider is right near you..

 

12. If something on your bike goes twcheet twcheet as your wheel goes around, you can be heard around the entire course.. This of course is good if you get lost in the dark..

 

13. The two young race snakes who led from start to finish were indecently fast in the dark.. Aah to be young and fit again... actually just fit would be nice..

 

14. Mtb riders have spare energy to swear... a lot ... when they are tired... impressive vocabs as well.. All directed at themselves I must say..

 

15. Track left, coming right, rider on the right all seem to be acceptable forms of letting slower riders know you are coming past.. Passing in a 90 degree turn through a gate is going to lead to a sense of humour loss though...

 

16. Finishing in style always feels good, until you half wheelie into the rider who has just finished in front of you.

 

All in all a very pleasant evening out. A nice evening for the family even with weather so balmy.

 

Props to Rockhoppers for organising and getting Fast fuel to sponsor a end of ride drink and sachets. Fast fuel also supplied the lucky draw prizes.

 

I will be getting some lights and be joining in and just generally being the last guy to finish..

 

 

[Dirtbreath]

Unfortunately had to leave before the start but this is really cool. I watched a bit and there were quite a few families with young 'uns who did the route bfore the race.

 

Bring your kids for some fun even if not to race.

 

Well done Rockhoppers!

[Pickled]

That was a brilliant read

 

[markStockton]

Excellent post KDEE, a number of points where pertinent to my night racing experience at a different venue last night. Especially 14 .

 

Important note, there is no such thing as having to much light on a night race.

 

[Thug]

  Well written KDEE but you have left out a couple of things....

 

- For those slower riders who prefer to keep their heart rates below

three figures, it is advisable to get hold of a face mask to cover

those orifices that inhale Oxygen lest your lungs start looking similar

to a mine workers' that has spent the last 25 years in an asbestos mine, and

 

- For those with a serious respiratory problem whilst their heart rates are seeking out uncharted rhythms, its advisable to include an oxygen bottle in your camelbak. This is particularly advised if chasing those aforementioned youngsters.

 

 

 

[KDEE]

 

Indeed, well written..

 

Dust wasnt too bad last night... although walking around doesnt create much dust though. Must admit, spectating kit list will include a buff facemask in future..

 

Point 2 applies equally well to those fat and unfit lads like me who still cannot give up smoking!

 

 

KDEE2008-10-16 03:37:36

[AndreZA]

And if you're going to the shops and not straight home afterwards, wash your face because you will look terrible from the sweat and dust.

 

 

[MtBryda]

Excellent post KDEE' date=' a number of points where pertinent to my night racing experience at a different venue last night. Especially 14 .

Important note, there is no such thing as having to much light on a night race.
[/quote']

So, Mark, what was said?

[markStockton]

 

Excellent post KDEE' date=' a number of points where pertinent to my night racing experience at a different venue last night. Especially 14 .

 

Important note, there is no such thing as having to much light on a night race.

[/quote']

So, Mark, what was said?

 

Which portion of what lap? There was a lot of verbal abuse directed at myself.

 

[intern]

Sounds like fun I must get some lights and get on down there!!

[bored girl]

It is fun I took it bit easier last night.....but next time next time.....I WILL get those 12 laps

 

And I saw the above spectator lurking round the barrels

bored girl2008-10-16 05:05:00

[KDEE]

Hey BG, I wasnt lurking, it was just dark

 

Through process of elimination, I now semi know who you are and what bike you ride..

 

Next time i will clap and shout for you as well.... Although a voice in the darkness shouting 'Go Bored Girl' is going sound a bit daft...

 

[Andrew Steer]

I need to get to some of these - sound like a jol!

Are they every week?

 

[Andrew Steer]

And how longs the lap?

[Thug]

Yes, every Wednesday evening.

 

 

[Nancy Drew]

It is fun I took it bit easier last night.....but next time next time.....I WILL get those 12 laps

 

And I saw the above spectator lurking round the barrels

 

BG... you DID get 12 laps last night! I checked the results straight after