Re: Orange X1 'Citrus Fresh' +1 **Up-date**
Ok so a small post Mountain Mayhem 2013 update on the X1
After being a spectator so many times at Mountain Mayhem I decided to put in on my bucket list and give it a go. Last year I was getting married so couldn't take part for fear of breaking a bone prior to the big day, but this year saw my calender free and so I signed up for entry into Mountain Mayhem 2013.
We arrived on the Friday afternoon, my good lady wife Laura was working Mountain Mayhem as she does every year helping to provide important First Aid Cover with the 'North Staffordshire Voluntary First Aid Service' for the event. The sun was shining and we got the tent set up and settled in. Friday evening saw the onset of wind and rain and so the once dry course became a mud pit although not as bad as Eastnor last year. Saturday morning it did ease but the course was already sodden and after the start at midday of the race it soon started to claim its victims. Broken rear mech hangers and snapped chains soon became a regular site and even a broken front axle at the start saw one competitor carrying her bike the rest of the way round the 8 mile course so she could claim a lap. Anyway my turn came up at 17:00 and I ventured out to the paddock area to await my team mate and the obligatory handover of the baton. A few dodgy moments resulting in a couple of off's was all I suffered with just scrapes and grazes to show for my efforts. The climbs were steep and saw even the hardened pro getting off to push. Downhills were great fun with the 'Red Bull' timed section proving to be particularly fast. final time for the 8 mile course was a respectable 1 Hour 29 Minutes. Not bad for a 43 Year Old Rider and a 16 Year old MTB. Needless to say I was pleased as punch.
A few thanks must go out to Tim (justbackdated) who provided me with much info on pressures for my Pace RC38 Forks. John and the rest of the Retrobike Family for making me feel welcome and at home, especially the BBQ and Real Ale. Retro Spud for also proving that despite X1's having a Marmite Stigma about them, they could still hold it out there with the big boys and the ££££££'s Carbon bikes. Sarah (Team Captain) for doing the Run & First Lap, and for keeping us all in check, and the rest of the team and supporters who despite the grim weather still kept smiling made the weekend excellent from start to finish. My gorgeous wife Laura who has supported my love for Retrobikes, and also provided much needed medical care for the riders who came a cropper over the weekend. And lastly Princess Anne, for letting us play in her back garden, lets hope we get invited back next year and that the rain stays away.
Right I will let the pics speak for themselves, needless to say my X1 delivered perfect results, no mechanical failures and attracted a lot of attention during the weekend, at one point it was even called 'Beautiful'
