Storridge Stonker

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 17th September, 2011

Storridge Stonker

Well August was a fairly uneventful month of racing, with the racing calendar having a little breather! So It seemed like a good idea last weekend to get back into a bit of the quick stuff, to get ready for the last round of the BMBS next weekend in Plymouth. I was undecided right up to the Friday on which event to do, Brecon Beast or The Stonker which was based near Worcester. Having done the Beast a few times before I opted for the Stonker, which I had heard about whilst racing at top barn farm a few weeks back. And I thought it would be nice to support my fellow opposition/race mate Ed Mosley who had quite a bit to do with the organising.

The race had been put on by Malvern Cycle Sport and was based on Ed and Tracey Mosley's Family farm. So with one of the course designers been a world champion downhill and the other one not far behind!!! It was never going to be a very mundane course!

My race was scheduled for 2pm, so I left home about 10.30 and it took me just over the hour to get there.

On arrival I was welcomed by a nice bit of sun, but a gale force wind. I headed for the sign on tent and after collecting my number board and a cuppa, got chatting to a few people I knew. There was a small field there but certainly not weak!

I quickly got my bike and bits sorted and headed out for a practice. I sneaked out whilst the under 10 and 12's were racing. Unfortunately I didn't go around the whole course, which wasn't the best prep, but never mind, there would be a bit of surprise for me whilst racing the first lap!

2pm arrived and in the masters there was only 4 of us. We started with the sport riders.

Initially the pace was a little easier than normal, but that wasn't to last. I was soon blowing out of my backside! And really struggling to  keep Ed in sight!

(This is what happens when you leave the Family at home!!)

At the end of lap 2 I had lost touch with Ed and Ben was just behind me. On lap 3 Ben had a mechanical and lost sometime, whilst Ed was rapidly distancing his self from me!

By lap 4 I had resigned myself to 2nd as Ed was well gone by now. I crossed the line happy in 2nd place.

The only thing I was again annoyed about was my chest. It played up yet again. It's happened a lot this season and despite numerous ear bashings off my wife to go and get it checked out, I have been in denial and fobbed it off!! Perhaps I should have listened to her, as she has quite a bit of medical knowledge! A trip to the doctor  Monday morning I have been diagnosed with (EIA) Exercised Induced Asthma!! Great!! I now have an inhaler.

 I must admit I am not overly chuffed with the whole idea, but if it helps and solves this nagging problem, which seems to be affecting during most races, im keen to give it a go.

Unfortunately there is not another race before the final round BMBS, to test it, So it will be a kill or cure at Newnham!!

The event was super, with a really friendly atmosphere and an enjoyable fast technical course.

Hopefully this will return next year and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys top class MTB racing!

Thanks to all in involved at Malvern Cycles Sport for a cracking day!

Dare I feel a tickle in my throat, kids back to school, here goes the cough mixture!

Thanks to Graham Harris & Roger Cook for the Pics off the Malvern cycle facebook site!

Finally thanks to my sponsors
Xcracer.com
Gateway Cycles
Accelerade
Mt Zoom
Exposure Lights

Phil Morris Riding for Xcracer.com