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12:12 TORQ Results and Photos

by Paul Howard, 01 Sep 09. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]

Joolze's website is now back up and running so you can browse all the photographs. Apologies from Joolze, her ISP withdrew access to the website.

Now into it's second year, 12:12 Torq in your Sleep has quickly developed into a favourite enduro for many riders with the course highly regarded come rain or shine - it was mostly the latter. The balance of trails such as Sponge Bob, Banksey, The Maze, Back To Front and Duck Or Grouse coupled with fireroads and even some blacktop provided a suitable challenge for soloists through to the super fast team riders and the have a go heros - many of whom were racing for the first time. Riders who competed in 2008 were surprised to find some major course changes and wondered how on earth an 8 mile lap could be fitted into a venue not much more than a mile square. At night it soon became apparent how close some trails were as you could see lights going in all directions. Whilst you could be a quarter round the course the riders in parallel were into their final quarter or vice a versa. The good use of the terrain is helped by the Bridge to Nowhere (it's real name is Chimera Bridge), a full size road bridge built in the 90's which is still used for Army explosives training. This allows for the figure of eight course and is a dominating feature.


Is it Halloween or the Batman logo? The Bridge to Nowhere (which gives the figure 8 course) replete with spooky light effects and a pumping sound system. Photo by Joolze Dymond

The Sunday midday race start gave competitors and supporters the choice to travel over on Saturday to leisurely setup their camping and pre-ride the course or hastily set their stall on Sunday morning as the venue rapidly filled. The 90 Soloists had the luxury of a long trackside pit area enabling easy and fast stops to refuel.

The race started on the stroke of 12pm as the hundreds of riders were led out behind a quad bike at a controlled pace to complete a lap of the camping field and back through the arena to spread riders out before hitting the first of the narrower trails. They all disappeared into a cloud of dust to tackle the 8 mile lap at speed, and what a speed it was when the lead group returned after just 33 minutes to handover to their team mates at transition. All bar the Soloists who went round and round and round long into the night!


The race started with a loop around the campsite and arena to spread the field. Photo by Joolze Dymond

Darkness brought it's own surprises such as under the Bridge to Nowhere as you rode to the sounds of a disco pumping out some seriously loud beats and were dazzled by the lightshow. The Blue Grotto became a much talked about feature despite only being 5 metres long. Picture in your mind a few dozen blue lightsticks and flashing fairy lights creating a tunnel through the rhododendrons. It pleased the photographers Joolze and Dave no end as they tried to capture the colourful images. These are normally available by the hyperlink above, but there's been so many hits their service providers server has fallen over so please bear with them until it's resolved.


Solo male winner Steve Webb emerges from the Blue Grotto. Photo by Joolze Dymond

Prior to midnight racers either stormed through the finish to get out for another lap or took the leisurely option to lurk on the hillside just before the finish no doubt to sink their first celebratory beer. The racing was nail bitingly close in some categories with positions separated by mere seconds as you can see from the full results (use the Results link above the item). The podium positions were presented at 1am undercover of the cool night in the marquee. In addition to the prize giving a prize draw saw anything from a trackpump to a Saddle Skedaddle holiday being given away so long as you put your race number board into the bucket.

Male Solo
1. Steve Webb - Singular Cycles
2. Gerald Tudor - Owens Cycles / Scott
3. Adrian Scott - Phil Corley Cycles

Veteran Male Solo
1. John Brooks - Summit MTB
2. Rick Fielder - Pro-tech / Army Cycling Union
3. Christopher Clark - Banjo Cycles

Female Solo
1. Kim Hurst - Owens Cycles / Scott / Sporttorque
2. Elaine Burroughs - Minx / Berks On Bikes
3. Anne Dickins - Oxted MTB

Male Pairs
1. Wiggle / Focus
2. Team Acuto
3. Army Cycling Union

Female Pairs
1. Team TORQ
2. Two Muddy @rses
3. West Drayton MBC

Mixed Pairs
1. Tunnel Hill Trolls
2. XCRacer.com29ers / Altura Patterson Training
3. Beyond the Hill

Male Teams
1. TORQ 1
2. Mountain Trax / Gorrick
3. Progression Fitness

Female Teams
1. Pedal On 6
2. Headonism Hotties

Mixed Teams
1. Lufbra AllStars
2. TORQ 2
3. Ride It

Such a big event could not go ahead without the support of our amazing sponsors, in particular Matt and Sasha at Torq Fitness, and Mountain Trax for continuing to pay for all the race numberboards. Thank you to all.

A not to be missed event for 2010 we're planning to run it on the Bank Holiday weekend again, subject to land booking, so reserve a slot in your diaries. We already have improvements planned for the course and the facilities and as with all Gorrick events we welcome your feedback which you can email to info@gorrick.com. Thank you for all your comments at the weekend and by email so far.

Do you still want to get your racing fix this winter? Yes? Well it's not long till our two Autumn Classics which will be at Tunnel Hill and Crowthorne on the 18th October and 8th November respectively. If that's not enough for you a joint project between the Army Cycling Union and Gorrick should be going ahead to launch a Winter Enduro Series planned for the 29th November, 28th December and 31st January. More details about the Brass Monkeys soon.

SPECIAL OFFER - EMERGENCY ID WRIST BANDS

Gorrick is pleased to announce the support of ICE ID who we have teamed up with to produce a branded WRIST ICE Band for all cyclists who have attended any of the Gorrick cycling events. You will receive 10% off the purchase price by quoting GORRICK as the discount coupon when placing your order.


What is ICE ID?
ICE is an internationally known acronym for In Case of Emergency. WRIST ICE takes the concept further providing a medical alert bracelet that can be worn for all sports, whether you are a runner, cyclist, kayaker, hiker, triathlete or just a person that likes to take a gentle stroll. Every time we leave our homes there is always the chance that something may happen that will take away our ability to speak for ourselves. In the event of an emergency members of the public or emergency services will know who to contact simply by using the contact details on the ICE ID.

For full details on the products and to learn more about the Gorrick offer please visit
ICE ID – In Case of Emergency Identification for cyclists.



Matt Page crosses the Army Cycling Union Troll bridge. Together with Wiggle team mate Lee Willams they led the Pairs race from start to finish. Photo by Joolze Dymond



Fancy dress wasn't compulsory but the Mountain Trax Crème Boulay team decided to look the part to impress their 3rd team member - and yes Mr.Boulay is the one that looks French without trying! [ Sorry lads, I had to publish this one. Ed ] Photo by Joolze Dymond



Four hours of darkness gave everyone the chance to race with their lights on before retiring to the marquee for a well earned free beer at the prizegiving. Photo by Joolze Dymond