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Project Leeds Grassroots
Hamsterley
Writer: Dan Cassidy, Photos: Martyn Ridley - 22nd May 2004
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All I could taste was garlic sauce. Going out in Darlington the night before the race was beginning to take its toll. The van was filled with the smell of stale kebabs and beer. As we counted the garlic sauce stains on our t-shirts we made our way up to Hamsterley for the Downhill.
We were using the laser timing equipment and it worked no problem. Our mechanic was kept busy all morning and I saw him set up at least 5 bikes gears and brakes, do you people not have tools?!...
The day had attracted some fast riders with particularly impressive runs from Ogden and Campbell Cole. I was blown away by Martins 1.31.09 and Ian produced the goods in his category with a 1.33.43. In the under 16's the battle for first place was as heated as usual with Aaron Forster hitting a 1.39.71 and Ryan Martin on a 1.39.77, it doesn't get much closer than that. Bet you wish you had put that extra pedal stroke in Ryan.
Saturday night saw us setting off back to Darlington. We opted against going out in the name of safety. Instead we played football with my little bro. It got a bit rough and ended up with Jo having to go back to Leeds after getting injured. It always upsets me to see a grown man cry.
Sunday saw the first Dual event we have hosted and it was the most fun ive had at a race. The new course was riding well and with a few hours extra work we had it running sweet. I saw some real talent on the track and I know rob captured some good shots so get in touch with him for some professional images. Highlights of the day for me were the multiple lines that appeared just before the last corner. Shouts to Dave, Bud and Dave for finishing these off. Paul Thornberry was unreal all day, as well as winning both rounds he was hitting some mad lines in the midsection. This included in him transferring off a berm between 2 trees, hitting his head on one of them then landing on the back of a double. I think I actually screamed, apologies to those of you within earshot. John Parkin managed 2 consecutive 2nds, much to his surprise and in the under 16's John Parmly took rnd1 with Ryan Martin claiming rnd2. If you haven't seen it already I suggest you watch the weekends action on Hannah's video.
Ah what fun was had cheers to all of you that turned up, you made this event.
Shouts to the usual Project Leeds boys, Dave @ vizbiz, Martin Ogden, Bobby, Craig, Hannah, my ever useful dad, halo rims, Top Shelf, the dude with the Land Rover pick up and Darlington locals for not beating us up.
Well that pretty much rounds things off at Hamsterley for a while, next stop Project Wharncliffe.
Check out Project Leeds
Thanks to Dan Cassidy for providing us with the report, and Martyn Ridley for the images!
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