Event: BikeNXS' Summer Sizzler
Venue: Hilton Falls Conservation Area, Ontario
Date: July 13, 2003
It's been almost a good 3 months since Iceman's last event, Gnarly Charly last April. I wonder what he's been up to. Anywayz, it was good
seeing Iceman again.
Rock Fest
I haven't done Hilton Falls before, but from what I've heard from other riders from last year's event, the trail gives the line "rocky road" a new slant.
I already had my expectations managed, but actually riding this trail is something else.
I've never riden a trail that's 'choc-full-of-rocks' for nearly its entirety.
I can't count how many times I dismounted and carried my bike.
I kept thinking to myself...who designed this trail? a trials rider? a free rider with 6 inches of suspension travel? Do I need body armour on this one?
The trail had more rocks than a lunar face. What's it like? Imagine riding on a giant Crispy Crunch chocolate bar sprinkled with nuts.
I don't know how the hard tail riders managed it but even with my 3.5 inches of full-suspension travel, I got thrown off my bike more than a few times.
It was like doing a rodeo ride.
I'm just glad I always managed to land on my 2 feet...a face plant on sharp pointed rocks isn't exactly what I had in mind. Next time somebody tells me his marriage is "on the rocks", I'd have a deeper empathy and sympathy for the couple.
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The summer sizzler turned out to be a little cooler than last year but the trails definitely provided some hot rocky sections that challenged all participants.
Many eastern riders that were used to Durham Forest, Dagmar and Ganarska were provided with a real technical treat. Riders had to raise their riding skills to tackle the limestone rocks of Hilton Falls. It was a great summer day for our second summer sizzler. |
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Wooden Bridges
A nice touch was the addition of the 2 wooden bridges. Missing the first one would have meant a 2-ft drop into the river.
The shorter 2nd bridge had a dip in the middle which made for an interesting crossing.
There was no water to fall into on this one...not sure if you land on rocks or ground though.
But it was a good diversion from the rocks.
...just showing off
I thought I was toast after the first lap (12k) but I felt much stronger and faster on the 2nd lap. I even managed to ride over more rocky sections.
I guess familiarity has its benefits...that, or maybe I was just showing off to a Fly Gurl who was gaining fast on me.
She eventually passed me which was a good thing since I managed to study how she picked her lines over the rocks.
It's also good because a slightly faster rider pushes you to keep a stronger pace.
Conclusion
Every trail system has its own personality just like every bike having its unique characteristic. Hardwood Hills reminds me of steep brutal hills, Mansfield is sweet winding singletracks, Kelso has the funnest downhill run, the Snakes and Ladders, Durham Forest has a good mix of roller coaster single track and drop-offs. Hilton Falls? Without a doubt this trail is all about rocks.
Having finished this course, I feel that I've kicked up my riding skill another notch....BAM!!!
See you all at the Durham Durango!!!
-- TheLoneRider
Lessons learned:
- Over rocky sections and there's no line, go fast and roll over the rocks (this requires a leap of faith and some technical skill). Not enough speed will cause the tires to stop dead on a big rock, compress the fork and throw you off the bike.
Wish List:
- How about a more detailed map? From the online map, I thought Tremaine was an exit from the 401...so I kept going straight looking out for the Tremaine exit.
- How about more arrows for trail directions? While in the middle of the first bridge crossing, I wasn't sure if I had to go left or right. There was no right turn but without a visible arrow from the bridge, anticipation was lost and so was my momentum.
- How about a feed station on the half-way point?
- ...not sure if there was a bike wash, but that sure would have come in handy.
Special thanks:
- Jean - for looking after my 2 little ones in case I crash *really* hard
- ...this awesome family for setting up my daughter's bike while I was still racing (sorry...I'm so bad with names)
- BikeNXS - official results page
Reader Comments:
David Joudrey (July 14, 2003)
I finally broke that top ten that I was looking for (the fast guys must have stayed home, he he he). I didn't stick around after since my face and neck were hurting pretty badly from a "face plant into a rock" (I have a lovely green and purple cheek and eye now).
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