Today was one of those days at work when you would rather have been trying to keep your breakfast down slugging up some big mountain in the middle of the wilderness instead. It was that good.
Some good things happened today, including the arrival of a package from Dirtrag full of stickers, socks and some back issues, which now means in conjunction with the latest editions of Singletrack and Stopadoodledoo, I have loads of stuff to read.
A link to this useful webpage about how to build a cheap recyclable bike box for taking your bike on the plane was posted today. It’s such a simple idea and looks like a cheap way to transport your bike safely. Compared to some of the professional hard case boxes on the market, which are in my opinion complete rip-offs, this appears great value for money.
The National Cyclocross season is already nearly at a climax, the big finale is this Sunday. This update from British Cycling sums up what to expect. Good luck to Barrie:
The Cyclo-Cross National Trophy series reaches its climax when the fifth and final round takes place at Abergavenny Leisure Centre on Sunday. The Senior series looks to be a straight fight between Barrie Clarke (Giant RT), looking for his eighth series title in nine seasons, and Under-23 leader Steven Roach (Rugby Velo).
Although Roach has beaten Clarke in two of their four Trophy encounters this season, few would bet against the Giant rider retaining his trophy on Sunday, two days after his 37th birthday. Clarke currently leads Roach by a mere two points following his out of form 15th place at Mallory Park, but has benefited from the fact that the likes of Hammond, Ellis and Jody Crawforth (Evans Cycles RT), all individual winners this season, have not contested the full series.
Dave from phased has asked me to post a link to the Russ Appeal, which is a charitable organisation which was created in order to focus the efforts of those wishing to contribute to the charitable bodies (such as the Air Ambulance service) that directly or indirectly support the mountain biking community.
I’ve created a link which can be found up under the good people listings, you can get to it from here too. He’s also asked me to post up the following:
Christmas is nearly upon us and no doubt you are all running round frantically compiling present lists and fending off mad Aunties asking you whether you would like a jumper or woolly hat knitted this year.
Its time to act fast in order to prevent the mass of wool masquerading as a jumper turning up under your Christmas tree, and we at the RUSS Appeal have the perfect alibi.
Why not get Auntie to order you a brand new, custom printed, one-off Jo Burt T-shirt? We still have a number left to sell and they will make the perfect Christmas present for you, your significant other, your biking mates or evening mad Auntie Ethel herself.
Each shirt is printed front and rear with a full colour design created by Jo Burt exclusively for the RUSS Appeal. We had 250 printed and WILL NOT print any more so this really is a limited edition T-shirt.
It gets better. We’ve had ten of these T-shirts signed by Jo himself , They are going to cost a little more and will be available on a first come first serve basis.
100% of all monies received for T-shirts goes to the Air Ambulance, which means that as you hit the slippery winter trails they’ll still be someone there to rush you to hospital should it all go wrong. We hope you never need the Air Ambulance, but please remember they are entirely funded by charity.
Shirts are available in medium, large and extra-large sizes and can be ordered online or by calling the lovely Carol on 01296 747080. Every shirt ordered before the 19th of December should reach you in time for Christmas.
Standard shirts are priced at £27.50 and signed shirts minimum £50 each. These prices include postage. So, get on the phone/interweb now and order one now. Bring some Christmas cheer and put a little bit back at the same time.
Finally, when you’ve opened your Christmas stocking and found a nice 2004 diary inside why not turn to August and pencil in the weekend of the 7/8th for the Ride for a Flight 2004. Phil Harrison is planning all sorts of additions to next year’s fundraiser, including something for all of you freeridy/downhilly types! Further details will be released in due course.
R O T H A R . C O M 