The Mini Mega 2009 Is it only in the UK were you can post an article on Pinkbike inviting downhill riders with only 5 days notice, to take a step back from their 9" travel 26" wheeled bikes and participate in a race aboard mini sized children's bikes?
Not only did they come - but they destroyed the hill and took these mini bikes to the limit, and I have never laughed so much in my life! Over the morning we saw some amazing multi-colored bikes arrive on the hill. And as we introduced the riders to the track - the carnage and fun began!
The course After a leman's start, the mini bikers headed to the Downhill route called
CDL. Then, after a fast drop in, the bikes were slung around a flowy berm and then into a small (felt massive though!)log drop into a medium transition. Many riders opted out and took the chicken run though - we saw you on tape boys/girls!!
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| The piled up start |
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| The log drop after the berm |
After the log drop and a small pedally section, it was straight into a steep and very thin, greasy chute - which proved to be the heart of the race carnage - due to some brave overtaking attempts in the race run - resulting in some over the handlebar action and clogging up of the track!
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| The chute decent gets piled up |
Halfway down the chute the riders rode off course and onto the
Mega trail pump and jump trail - this is were we would see the riders face doubles, tabletops, steep berms and rhythm sections.
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| Airing the small double |
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| Lee getting his pedal on! |
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| Entering the steep berm |
After the pump track, the riders and what was left of their bikes, exited onto the fire road for a 200 meter tuck and go aerodynamic position which would propel you onto the black course tabletop for a sketchy finish!
The race The race was amazing and so funny - local builder Richie Parsons and Pinkbiker Matt took the lead followed by a pack of hungry wolves. At the first DH chute a large crash and gutsy rider blocked the track to help the two rippers to extend the lead! Throughout the pump track rider after rider went down with either broken seats, pedals or lack of control. However the fire road was were balls of steal came to play - third place was lost by the guy in black and Santa hat after he was slung over the bars in the rocky gully, which led to third place being bravely taken by the man in yellow - I think that was Adam? I'm not sure! But he was rapid down the final section to take third place!
Results 1st Place - Matt |
| 1st place |
2nd place - Richie |
| 2nd place |
3rd place - Yellow guy |
| 3rd place |
After the race, a jump session went down between Richie and Matt - and it was incredible! The pictures really do show how insane these boys were! Check them out - and they did them more than once and rode away!
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| Richie taking the first double |
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| Matt getting air |
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| Richie over the third |
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| Matt clearing the second jump |
Without further ado - here is the video from Ian Harvey and some more pictures of the Mini Mega Race! Thanks to all who came and shredded - this event will be repeated!
Pictures by Thomas Gaffney, Girl with Matt and Martin Sutton |
| Race action |
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| Serious riding! |
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| Team GB |
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| Tomo on the smallest bike at the race |
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| Team rider of I f###ing love Sam Hill |
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| So much fun |
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| The I f###ing love Sam hill bike |
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| Getting gnarly |
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| Race face! |
-Jumble