Renewables Race 2010
Aimed at creating bragging rights in the renewables sector and giving HWE an excuse for a party, the Renewables Race took place on Saturday the 15th May 2010 as part of No Fuss Events legendary 10 Under the Ben Mountain Bike Race. The clue to the event is in the title: 10 hours of challenging cross country mountain biking at the foot of Ben Nevis tackled either individually or in relay format by teams of up to four riders. The circuit always balances some steep climbs, fast and tricky descents on single track, muddy bits through trees and energy sapping spells on forestry roads. Times to complete a lap normally range from 50 minutes to 3 hours. The 2010 course was a particulary fine vintage and also passed within 10 metres of the HWEnergy HQ!
24 teams made up of 54 riders had entered the Renewables Race and by Friday night it was clear that the all teams were present and correct. Special mention to John O'Malley from DNV who faced a long day in the saddle having bravely decided to convert from a pair to a solo effort in the absence of his partner. With nearly 1000 riders entering 10 under the Ben it was clear that the event was going to be as spectacular as ever and as the week leading up to the big day progressed it looked set for fair weather on a hard and firm course.
Heavy and sustained showers on Thursday softened things up slightly and with some rain also coming in on Friday and the forecast for race day turning less favourable the trepidation kicked in. Spirits were lifted slightly on Friday afternoon when the guys from Headline sponsors Ben Romach turned up with some of their rather tasty organic single malt purchased for the prize giving!
Saturday dawned chilly, windy and showery and it was immediately clear that it wasn't going to be an easy day on the bike. The anarchy of the Le Mans style start proved interesting - check out the video at www.nofussevents.co.uk if you want a laugh - and then the fun began in earnest. The first lap was around three quarter distance and it was the HWE teams that attempted to take the race by the scruff of the neck: despite a nasty fall HWE 2 led HWE 4 by around 40 seconds with a strong looking pair from Garrad Hassan / Wind Prospect a minute or so behind. Soloist Garry MacInnes from Carnethy started steadily but would maintain his pace and present a strong challenge as the day went on, churning out the laps with impressive consistency. However, at the early stages the fastest man on the course proved to be Simon Bullock from AW Jenkinson who set off at a blistering pace and managed to post the fastest "proper" lap of the Renewables Race day with a highly impressive 58.24 on lap number 2. This pipped a fine effort from Alan "Sid" Ross (HWE 2) by a mere 11 seconds!
It was difficult to keep track of who was where in the Renewables Race and that is something we can improve on next year. Needless to say the rest of the race passed in a blur of personal triumphs and disasters for all the riders - regardless of strength, stamina or ability. The weather wasn't easy and the depth of the mud steadily increased. As more and more tree roots became exposed slips became inevitable. There were uncountable falls and a not inconsiderable amount of skin left on the course. Tree hugging appeared the order of the day and a few people seemed to enjoy playing pinball on their way round the course. Thankfully, there didn't appear to be any serious incidents although Andy Baird from Chillwind took a big fall and his cracked ribs were still causing him a bit of pain at All Energy later that week. Like the true trooper from Glenelg he is, he carried on the race regardless and like the rest of the Chillwind entrants enjoyed a beer and a burger after the event.
The HWEnergy squad had a good chuckle when Technical Director Olivier's rear mech arrived back in transition long before he did although it was just as well as otherwise HWE 1 would have potentially claimed second place overall. Solo rider Davie Robb from NIBE also suffered a puncture laden lap which put pay to his overall challenge.
Special mention to all the solo riders, whether they completed one lap or 9 the rest of us were in awe of their exploits. Alex Diog from DNV put in a strong performance and headed the DNV contingents overall standings at the close of play. Well done Alex.
With many of us struggling to see the wood for the trees, the Grampian Wood Fuel Warriors kept themselves in the hunt for the overall prizes for most of the day but in the end just couldn't quite make up enough time. At home in the forest, "The Wood Man" a.k.a Graham Moss fought on valiantly and joined many of the weary throng, and half the campsite, in the post race beers and barbecue at the HWEnergy HQ.
Unfortunately, notably absent from the party goers were the overall winners of the race: Tom Thorogood and Colin Williams from Garrad Hassan & Wind Prospect. Having delivered an impressive overall race they managed to complete 9 laps in 9.58.41 which was enough to claim first place by more than half an hour. Too busy tucking into cold pasta they missed both the announcement of their victory and the offer of a shower, barbecue and beers. Understandably this was much to their disappointment! We'll send them something nice through the post to put a smile back on their face. Well done lads, a good effort and bragging rights for the year ahead.
Garrad Hassan / Wind Prospect therefore earn the title of inaugural renewables race champions.
Declared winner on the night, and thoroughly deserved given his strong solo effort, Simon Bullock from AW Jenkinson took home the goodies. As nice as a man as you'd care to meet this was simply a warm up for him ahead of a 24 hour race the following weekend. Whilst carefully avoiding the beers he did devour a substantial chunk of pasta and barbecue and was delighted with his Whisky and other prizes.
HWE 4, a.k.a the dreamteam, were only a minute behind Simon but then there were 3 of them. Special guest Ed Lewis from Econergy did some sterling work and Rugby playing student Adam Mercer persevered to compensate for Stuart Reid's bike problems and general softness. Solo rider Garry MacInnes was unlucky to finish a minute behind HWE 4 with Grampian Wood Fuel Warriors not quite closing the gap but giving it a very good effort and finishing in 5th place overall. After their strong start HWE 2's chances were sucked away into a morass of mud, tears and recriminations, coincidentally around the same time the timing chip was passed to Bruno.
All in all, a great day was had. The party didn't quite hit the heights anticipated with many tired and weary bodies spread around and most tucked up in bed by 1am. The barbecue was tremendous and a big thanks to Elaine for organising everything. We also managed to raise around £300 for a great charity www.marysmeals.org - thanks very much to everyone who donated.
If anyone wants to add any of their own particular stories from race day or has good photos then please feel free to email me: stuart@hwenergy.co.uk
Top 5 placings
- Garrad Hassan / Wind Prospect - Tom Thorogood and Colin Williams
- AW Jenkinson - Simon Bullock
- HWE 4 - Ed Lewis, Adam Mercer, Stuart Reid
- Carnethy - Garry MacInnes
- Grampian Woodfuel Warriors - Ian Cowe, Dan Cadle, Matt Young
Full results here.
