REPORT: Gorrick R4

It doesn't get any easier having a bad day at the office - even if you are used to it! The Gorrick didn't exactly go to plan - I knew the form wasn't great coming into the race, what with the National next weekend. But I was still up for having a go in the race.

At the Gorrick Series, Expert and Elite riders are grouped together, which means the top ten is always out of bounds. Today was no exception, but soon I was up with the 'leading' Expert riders. Although I felt bad I figured the performance was still good so kept going, riding a couple others off the wheel.

Two crashes later though (the second one being a 180, still clipped in and then slamming to the dust!) and I was out of the race. Too much pain to mention. I can only thank the riders behind for not slamming into me...it was a pretty close run thing as I scrambled off the track!

This morning the injuries are alot better, post-race I thought my back was twisted but it seems the only lasting damage is my panda-hand, that will be fine for Sunday though where I hope to be flying...just not through the air!

TECH: TYRE TESTING

This weekend was spent testing at Afan, riding hard and seeing if my new front tyre - the Kenda Blue Groove Stick-E L3RPRO 2.0 - was any good.

I'd earlier aired it up, tubeless with yellow tape, on my Stan's Olympic Rim and was excited to see what it could do so I tested the Blue Groove on some loamy singeltrack. It performed well, nothing spectacular but nothing scary either. A good start.

I had my reservations before the Afan weekender though. My main concerns were:

• How would a 445g tyre that had thin and porous sidewalls (it took a week to seal, but was easy to get seated with a track pump) hold air on some of the roughest and fastest singletrack around?
• Would the tyre burp and would the sidewalls hold out against rock scuffing?
• Due to the large gap between centre and outer knobs, would there be a significant fall off in traction when leaning the tyre into turns?

Some quite serious questions to be levelled then! Conditions at Afan were to be very favourable though and perfect for the recommended use of a Blue Groove. With only a few wet sections almost the entire trail network was dry and dusty. The rocky stretches were hardpack but there were also a good amount of sandy and loose over hardpack sections. Running at 20psi there was only one moment of panic as I launched a lazy two wheel drifter around a 20mph corner...everywhere else the tyre did great with no worries. There were alot of heavy hits and sidewall scrapers but no damage to the tyre or burping.

I think this could be the front tyre of choice for the race season - I have certainly been impressed despite its less than confidence inspring appearance and stats. The soft compund rubber does the business and there is no wear so far to the tyre after 8 hours of heavy abuse. It should be OK in light mud as well due to the widely spaced pattern and biger side knobs but I will report on that just as soon as I have to ride my bike through a swamp. For now though this tread is staying put.

Get yours from your local Kenda stockist.

EVENTS: UK Tribemeet 2009

For the past six years, Andrew from Yetifan has organised the UK Tribemeet - basically a good excuse for anyone who owns a Yeti bike to show up at a trailcentre and ride their bike with other Yeti owners.

Over the past six incarnations there have been some huge names at the meet, including Chris, Seth and Mike from the factory and in 2008 the global race team (yes, that means Olympian Jared Graves and World Cup downhill winner Sam Blenkinsop).

2009 is no different with the dates set for 22/23 August and the excellent Drop Off Cafe and Glyncorrwyg trails are host. The team will be there supporting the event, taking it easy and enjoying the great riding. As always; keep em peeled at Yetifan for the latest info.

TEAM BIKE Luke Webber

Here's the first team bike of the 2009 season. Each rider builds their choice of Yeti frameset around a unique set of components. This makes for a pretty interesting range of bikes that you'll be able to read about here and checkout at the races. Over to Luke, for the lowdown on his bike...

Here's my Yeti race bike for 2009 - a stock large ASR alloy in 2008 team colours. First a bit of history, I've been racing Yeti bikes since summer 2003 starting out with an ARC that is still in the stable today. However since then I have become a total convert to full suspension, especially when it is executed as well as it is on the ASR.

My first Yeti fully was a Kokopelli. I could tell it rode well but was a bit heavy and unrefined. By 2007 I was convinced and grabbed an ASR. The full carbon back end bought weight down to a competitive five pounds and now I am on another ASR - albeit one with bigger, stiffer tubes and more relaxed angles.

This makes a great difference, not that I can notice the stiffness at 65kg, but the handling is now more predictable when the going gets fast which is good to have considering the nature of current UK race courses.

The shock on the new bike is generally run fully open and around 145psi but that changes depending on where we're racing. Overall, the bike handles great, rips the turns and there are few other bikes I'd like to try out. I'm confident that the ASR is the best bike for racing on and that is a great help on the line!

Buildkit comprises of...
Headset - 6 year old Chris King
Fork - RockShox Sid Team, no poplock
Wheels - Stan's ZTR Olympic, Tune QR, tubeless w/yellow tape and various Kenda tyres
Brakes - Hope Mono Mini Pro
Groupset - XTR shifters, front mech; XT cassette 11-32, shadow mech; Ultegra SL compact chainset 44/34 TA rings; SRAM PC991 cross-step chain.
Pedals: Time Xen
Finishing - Raceface Deus XC SL 90mm stem, Next bar and post, SLR saddle, ODI Ruffian lockons, Gore cables, Yeti cable protectors, carbon bar tape chainstay protector, Tune Wassertrager.

All up weight for that is 22.1 pounds.

I suppose the interesting bit is how light this bike is without stupid stuff on. If I was to go all out there is easily another pound or two to drop, but I like to go riding off-piste and not change setup or risk having a bunch of mechanicals.

The other custom trick I am using this year are a set of road cranks with 44/34 rings and road pedals. After training big miles on my road bike through winter my legs have become used to having a narrow q-factor which mountain bike chainsets don't provide. And while road pedals and shoes aren't great for running, they give a massive increase in power, plus a big platform for cornering.
Rides so far on the bike have been very positive and at Gorrick R3 - the first time the bike was used in anger - there were no problems. I can't wait to get this thing on the podium!

TECH Get Your Groove On

Managed to air up my first Kenda tyre today ready for the new season. I have decided that the Blue Groove 2.0 is the choice for spring racing with a good directional tread. Weighing only 446g there is no point in risking a summer tread which will be compromised in the sand or loamy forest conditions you are likely to face at Gorrick events or the first National in Sherwood Forest. The only downside is a little compromised rolling.

Despite being a standard tyre, this example fitted well on a Stan's Olympic rim with just yellow tape. A dash of sealant inside and around the bead was all it needed to seat with a track pump. At first there were alot of sidewall leaks but a quick ride on the local woodland circuit and rubbing some mud onto the bead and sidewall helped the Stan's dry out.

Next I have to decide on a rear tyre...

TECH Team Kit

Thanks to our generous sponsors for 2009 we're currently getting our first wave of team kit. Coming soon are jerseys and shorts in a design like this...looks pretty cool.


But first to arrive ready for a winter of hard training were lights from Ay Up. The pics really don't do their size justice - they really are tiny compared to other systems and don't lack any punch. Just ask team rider Martyn Brookes who rode them to several King of the Night victories in 2008 and is sure to go for another few in 09.

Next to arrive was a large box from Moore Large who are providing Lake shoes and Kenda tyres along with some other stuff as the year progresses.


First up are the Lake MX330c mountain bike race shoes. These are full on pimp white, mega stiff and comfy thanks to the Boa system. No more velcro straps or heel slip as the Boa goes completely around the heel cup holding your foot in place. The only shame will be getting these covered in muck!


However, for those very occasions we also have the Lake MX140 boots. In a more suitable black, with a high cuff and Event waterproof and breathable fabric it looks like these are the shoe of choice for any 24 hour in the British summer.


Oh, and on the note of the British summer it is just as well Kenda fired through some tyres. Our first batch includes a pair of Nevegal 1.95, which despite a very deep and agressive tread pattern come in at 556g on my scale. The lighter Blue Groove 2.0 slices another 110g from that but forgoes the deep tread in favour of a lesser knob. The sides are still heavily loaded though and both treads are a good width.


Apparantly tyres for dry conditions are coming later (those guys at Kenda are very pessimistic!) We'll post our thoughts on how each tread rides, just as soon as we get them mounted up and rolling.

RIDERS READY: Martyn Brookes

NICKNAME DIBLEY
HOMETOWN STOKE
AGE TWENTY TWO
CAT ELITE
BIKE ASR CARBON

Martyn is the teams top Elite rider and is officially the UK's fastest night rider, crowned King of the Night at 24/12, SiTS, Mountain Mahyem, Bristol Bikefest and the Cheddar Challenge. 2009 will see another busy year as Brookside balances studies with racing and promoting a round of the Midlands XC Series.

This year, Hanchurch hosts the Midlands Championships which will be a big aim. It also helps that most of the course is now complete, so race prep won't involove seven days of hauling hardcore!

We caught up with Martyn to find out about his aspirations for 2009...

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
Well, first on the list is to clean the climb up Snowdon, adding to Jacob's Ladder and Helvellyn which are already in the bag. Oh, clear the triple at Crewe and to pull a backflip in an XC race, that would be cool.

AND ON THE RACETRACK - STU TOLD ME YOU WERE FLYING!?
Ha! Total bull! I went spinning the other day and chundered...

I HOPE THERE WEREN'T ANY HOTTIES THERE...
No, it was in Stoke.

HA! I CAN ALMOST READ THE COMPLAINTS ALREADY.
When I went for the final sprint I gave it full gas. I errupted out of the saddle, gave it the full on BMX style and held it for eight seconds. Then I hit a dead end at 1350 watts...never done that before. After, the wheel was so hot sweat was evaporating on impact!

SO WHAT OTHER STUFF ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 09?
Getting a Seven and taking on the MegaAvalanche. That will be fun.

WITH ALL THESE OTHER CHALLENGES SOME WOULD THINK YOU'RE NOT AN XC RACER, OR AT LEAST IT ISN'T YOUR PRIORITY?
Ha, never have been. Just happen to like racing, that and being as technically perfect as possible. I take real pride in riding a course rather than a path that tape surrounds.

I GUESS THIS REALLY INSPIRED YOUR HANCHURCH RACE COURSE?
No, orriginally Dan Wells and I started to build the single track to promote better skills. When it was first built we could not ride it without dabbing, so new ways of delivering static skills to the trails had to be learned. Over time we kept extending and extending the singletrack, and only a portion is used in the race track. The rest was deemed to dificult and dangerous, which really sucks.

SO WHAT DOES A COURSE NEED THEN, AND DOES ANY UK TRACK COME CLOSE?
Well, no track has to be 100% singletrack - it needs to be a unique challenge. The best tracks so far have been Twentyfour12, Cheddar and Bristol. That track at the Ashton Court Bikefest is super taxing, on some bits you might as well take your seat off! To maintain momentum without stalling on the bends and bumps is super hard. You know it is a challenge when you gauge your limit by the sound your foot makes as it brushes against the fenceline!

SO HOW DOES YOUR RACE AT HANCHURCH FIT ALONGSIDE THIS?
I am just trying to show that XC races aren't all about fitness training, there is more to racing than that! I'd say the greatest skill you can have is the ability to race, you have to have that trained instinct to do well.

Thanks Mart, we'll be looking out for that at the races!

RIDERS READY Matt Dennis

NICKNAME FATTY
HOMETOWN STOKE
AGE THIRTY ONE
CAT MASTER
BIKE ARC

Matt is the senior member of the team, racing in the old-folks category. Unfortunately it turns out that some of these fogies are ex-elite riders and to compete you've got to smash it in the big ring. The reigning Midlands Champ has no problem with this this though and will be the team's not so secret weapon come 24-hour season.

On board Yeti since 2000 Matt can remember the old days and his constant flow of stories will be a great help to send the young 'uns off to sleep! This means Fatty can get on with the important business of riding his bike away from the endless banter under the tent...

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
Ride my bike and have some fun! The best rides - like most things in life - are all natural. I'm talking about the Peaks, Lakes and hidden natural singletrack in the woods.

WHICH RACES ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THEN?
Bristol Bikefest for sure, love that track especially in the dry. Last year we got pipped but this year I am up for the win! Oh yeah, that and there's a big afterparty in the tent. Great for getting tipsy, but not so cool to help the performance on Sunday.

ANY OTHERS YOU'D LIKE TO TRY?
The TransAlp one day but getting an entry isn't all that easy. Maybe I can get it sorted soon...

HOW ABOUT THE XC RACES?
I managed to bag the Midlands XC Champs last year so it'd be cool to get that again. Plus I'm trying out some Natioanl events. It will be interesting to see how that goes...

RIDERS READY Christian Aucote

NICKNAME CHRIS
HOMETOWN DERBY
AGE TWENTY EIGHT
CAT EXPERT
BIKE ARC

Chris is the worker bee of the team - most likely to be seen at every event from XC sprint through to 24 hour solo - he's done them all. Racing Expert for a third year and ready to achieve his potential with Yeti to make it three Elite team riders in 2010!

Known for a love of fast dry singletrack and chocolate cakes, Chris first came to attention in 2006 winning the Sport race at his first National event and continuing with more podium placings. In the following two years attentions would shift toward marathons but in 2009 the focus is clear; to gain a coveted Elite licence. We caught up with Chris shortly before the first landmark event of the season to see how training was progressing...

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
Definately get that Elite licence. It would be cool to get a Yeti 1-2 at an Expert race or two as well. Whatever the case, I'm excited about the coming year!

YOUR FIRST RACE OF THE YEAR WENT TO PLAN?
Yeah, the first Gorrick was just a test to see how the legs were. I had good endurance which was a relief but no power. I suppose it wasn't a worry.

HOW COME?
I'm not sure firing on all cylinders in January would have been a great plan! Since then the riding has been different and Sherwood will be a good test.

AH YES, THE FIRST NATIONAL...
It is always hard to know what will happen there, it is the first race, everyone has been secretly training. Nobody knows what is going to happen until the end of the first lap. Only then have you got a better idea of what the deal is.

We're hoping the deal will be cut in the favour of our Expert riders...it would be cool to see that 1-2 (no pressure!)

RIDERS READY Luke Webber

NICKNAME WEEBLE
HOMETOWN SOUTHAMPTON
AGE TWENTY THREE
CAT EXPERT
BIKE ASR ALLOY

More reknowned for his writing than his riding, for 2009 Luke is putting his own racing first instead of 'talking the talk'. There will still be a few media mogul moments, just don't expect a camera, notepad or laptop to be listed as essential items come raceday. For the moment pedalling a bike pretty fast is his number one priority...

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
To be as fast as I can be. As for results, it would be nice to finish top-11 at the National Champs and qualify for a World Cup.

IS THAT A REALISTIC AIM?
I reckon so. I have been training hard for six months. If I'm not fit now, I never will be.

WHAT HAPPENED TO TAKING PICS AND WRITING STUFF...
I'm still doing that, it's just that this year I won't be travelling around Europe on an adventure with little regard to cycling. Last year I really missed riding a bike myself. It gets quite depressing watching everyone whizz by and not having part of the action.

SO HOW COME THE SUDDEN CHANGE?
I was really inspired staying with the top pros in the World last year. You can't help but take what they do on board. I wanted part of the action and riding hard this year is the first step.

SO WHAT'S THE KEY EVENT?
Definately National Champs. That is the only place I can qualify for a World Cup without an Elite licence. It is a big aim and every other race will be just treated as training. I'm not saying the National Series isn't important, of course I'd like to win a few...but I'm more concerned with continual improvements through those races.

WILL THERE BE ANY TIME OUT FROM THE RACING SEASON?
Definately. I really like those Avalanche Enduro and Mash-Up events where you're timed on singletrack. They are fun to do with a few mates and then relax afterward.

HOW HARD HAS IT BEEN TO BALANCE WORK AND RIDING FULL-TIME?
Luckily pretty easy. Through winter there is little work to do - not so many races, and the sun stays away. So there have only been one or two weeks that have been less than ideal. It is cool having Yeti support for the year too.

YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE BIKES FOR A WHILE NOW?
My first was a 2003 ARC that I saved forever to get, it made all those bad overtime shifts in a supermarket worthwhile. Since then I have guested on the unofficial team at a few events, but having a full setup this year will be a great help for the riders and also the brand. There are also alot of independant riders and teams on the bikes for 2009 and that just shows that they are great bikes in demand. Knowing you are on the best product on the line, that is one less thing to worry about and a big confidence booster.

RIDERS READY Stu King

NICKNAME KINGER
HOMETOWN YETI VAN
AGE UNKNOWN
CAT EXPERT ORGANISER
BIKE DEMO FLEET

Behind the scenes there are a few people who make sure the riders get the kit they need to produce the goods on the track. Stu is the man who brings everything together and is ultimately responsible should anything go wrong - let's be honest, Mark was never going to let any of the riders run the team - it would be guaranteed carnage! Alongside running the Yeti UK bike demo programme Stu will be at all the big races helping out and in close proximity to the burger van.

SO, WHAT'S THE MASTERPLAN FOR 2009?
It's going to be great seeing the team achieve their goals in the 2009 season. Keeping everyone kitted out with the latest Yeti goodies and showing the UK race scene the coolest new bikes!

HOW ABOUT YETI'S INVOLVEMENT IN EVENTS?
This year we're sponsoring Pat Adams' new Nice Price Special event. It is a unique two day race and we're hoping to do OK in the standings too...

AND THE DEMO FLEET?
Yeah, there are a load of demo bikes that will be at all the big races and official demo days for anyone to come and try. So you can see the bikes perform on the track and then test each one out for yourself - find out first hand why Yeti make the fastest race bikes!

WHAT BIKE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Definately the new Seven...Should never have sold the pink ASR though, it was a great bike to do it all on. If anyone leaves their team bike off guard in '09 they'll know who to chase for it!

I SUPPOSE THAT WOULD BE A GOOD WAY TO KEEP THE GUYS FIT!
Yeah! My racing days are over now - besides I prefer to enjoy the sun of Sierra Nevada with CicloMontana.com. Riding for hours in the mud is overrated....I give the team another two years of crap at Mountain Mayhem before they decide there are finer things in life!

MECHANIC Howard

NICKNAME HOOF
HOMETOWN BROMLEY
AGE UNKNOWN
CAT KING OF SPANNERS
BIKE 303/575

Howard is the main man when it comes to getting the bikes preped for raceday. Most of the team riders are experienced mechanics and prefer to sort their own bikes; except when Howard is about. He is one of the few expert race technicians that all riders are happy to let loose on their bike after another muddy lap at Mayhem, only to wake and find that everything works like new...as if the 3am lap didn't happen!

Welcome

Welcome to the Yeti Cycles UK race team site. Over the coming season there will be updates from the team - Martyn Brookes, Christian Aucote, Luke Webber, Matt Dennis and Ruth Owen-Evans. Race reports, latest kit news and some insight from team manager Stu King and mechanic Howard are just a few of the updates you can expect.

Until then, see you at the races.