DYFI Events Fox Antifreeze, Coed y Brenin
For those less competitive, or perhaps intimidated by the high standard of riding present at the majority of UK races, what options do you have to find out how fast you are against your mates? On the one hand, there is Strava - a great tool for tracking distance and earning KOM bragging rights - but missing the buzz and atmosphere of being at a busy event. On the other hand are organised events that aim to give an inclusive, enjoyable experience to anyone willing to enter. This is exactly what Dyfi Events have sought to create.
Alongside their most well-known race, the Dyfi Enduro, which has been running for nearly 15 years, the Fox Antifreeze is shorter, less technical, and aims to be a more inclusive event. This shows in the entry list, with ages ranging from under 16 to over 60, and a good mix of male and female. Like last year, all 350 entries sold... 2/2 for Dyfi Events!
Coed y Brenin is a well known Welsh trail centre, giving the organisers a wealth of options when it came to deciding a route. Some of the best parts of the infamous MBR trail were joined by fire roads and cut throughs to create 11.5km of flowing fun interspersed with rocky tech!
The timing format aimed to spread riders out and avoid congestion, whilst also allowing people to choose between 1, 2 or 3 laps of the 11.5km course. Number boards with embedded timing chips were handed out at registration, and riders released in small groups over an hour and a half. The event is set up as more of a timed ride than a race, and many preferred to stick with a group of friends and enjoy the glorious sunshine!
A big shoutout to the guys at Dyfi Events for organising a great day riding. I didn't speak to a single person that didn't enjoy themselves, and that was clear with the sheer number of smiles at the finish line!
RIDER TIMES can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet: dyfievents.com/fox-antifreeze-2016-rider-times
MENTIONS: @danhearn
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 A cold but dry morning greeted riders as they arrived for registration. |
Alongside their most well-known race, the Dyfi Enduro, which has been running for nearly 15 years, the Fox Antifreeze is shorter, less technical, and aims to be a more inclusive event. This shows in the entry list, with ages ranging from under 16 to over 60, and a good mix of male and female. Like last year, all 350 entries sold... 2/2 for Dyfi Events!
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| Early morning registration inside Beics Brenin, the on-site bike shop. |
Coed y Brenin is a well known Welsh trail centre, giving the organisers a wealth of options when it came to deciding a route. Some of the best parts of the infamous MBR trail were joined by fire roads and cut throughs to create 11.5km of flowing fun interspersed with rocky tech!
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| It was refreshing being at a mountain bike event and seeing bikes of all shapes and sizes being ridden. Also note: fat bikes make bigger splashes! |
The timing format aimed to spread riders out and avoid congestion, whilst also allowing people to choose between 1, 2 or 3 laps of the 11.5km course. Number boards with embedded timing chips were handed out at registration, and riders released in small groups over an hour and a half. The event is set up as more of a timed ride than a race, and many preferred to stick with a group of friends and enjoy the glorious sunshine!
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| A short, technical climb greeted riders right out of the start area. Many made light work of it... |
A big shoutout to the guys at Dyfi Events for organising a great day riding. I didn't speak to a single person that didn't enjoy themselves, and that was clear with the sheer number of smiles at the finish line!
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| ... Some didn't! |
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| As the race opened, riders were released in small groups. This helped to spread them around the course and greatly reduced the number of overtakes needed. |
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| A brief moment outside the dense forest of Coed y Brenin. |
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| There were plenty of female entrants of all ages. |
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| The formidable Cadar Idris looms at the end of the valley. |
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| Most climbs were gentle rather than brutal. Gentle, smooth switchbacks on the first longer climb allow elevation gain with minimal effort. |
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| The staggered-start, chip-timed format meant there was no elbow-to-elbow racing. If a rider was faster than you, they were allowed past. Simple. |
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| The inclusive nature of the event encourages entrants of all abilities. That doesn't mean there can't be a few challenging technical sections in the mix, however! |
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| 'Adam and Eve' is a favourite amongst regular riders at Coed y Brenin, with long sweeping berms and sets of tabletops. |
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| Giving it some air in front of the great backdrop. |
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| 'Adam and Eve' features a set of alternating hip jumps that require some speed to clear! |
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| What goes down... |
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| The lap covered parts of the popular MBR trail but used connecting fire roads to shorten the route. |
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| Marshals were strategically placed to assist with mechanicals and first aid. |
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| The entrants seemed split - some entering to race against the clock, and others enjoying the social aspect more. |
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| Those more dedicated to the stopwatch gave it everything. |
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| The trails really are suitable for nearly every level of rider - a smooth line to the right, or the jump as demonstrated here. |
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| Beautiful forest, glorious weather, fantastic trails and riding with your mates. |
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| One of the rockiest sections lies just before the finish, catching out a number of riders on a weary third lap. |
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| The forest cafe has a viewing gallery directly above the start/finish area, as well as a big menu of burgers, pies, pasties, potatoes and soup. Tables were hard to come by as riders finished their efforts. |
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| Many brought out their pain face for the final uphill straight to the line. |
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| Coed y Brenin is known for being fast and rocky: bad line choice has consequences! |
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| It was all smiles in the finish area and plenty of photos taken by loved ones and friends. |
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| Muc Off were on hand providing cleaning products and a mechanic for the day. |
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| Three types of post-ride beverage: coffee, tea and beer! |
RIDER TIMES can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet: dyfievents.com/fox-antifreeze-2016-rider-times
MENTIONS: @danhearn
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