The Official Black Run Post Event Press Release
Straight from Aston Hill HQ
Words and photos: Neil Cain
Podium shots: Dave Franciosy
Aston Hill Black Run Race/Mother's Day Special,
Sunday 14th March 2010
Many Mums were left alone with their flowers and
boxes of chocolates last Sunday as their offspring
deserted them in search of speed, glory and a nice
burger at the Aston Hill Black Run race.
Sunday morning, early o'clock. The car park was
already full with the campers of those from further
afield (competitors came from as far away as
Manchester) ready to sign-on once gates opened at
8am.
Anticipation was increased by the slightly delayed
start, and by the time things kicked off at 11.15am
the atmosphere was positively buzzing; it turns out
that 175 riders had begged, blagged and stolen their
way to enjoy the sunny weather and fantastic trail
conditions.
Cafe in the Woods were serving up great grub from
the back of their beautiful VW Camper, flags and pit
tents were gently flapping in the breeze and Monster
were handing out freebies whilst the gorgeous
sound system was rockin' it out of the back of their
huge Chevy pick-up. Apparently even London's KISS FM
heard the event was happening and gave it a mention!
The course was running beautifully and the injured
John Holbrook - off the bike after an interface
issue with a Spanish rock - made sure the local's
advantage was limited with some re-routing to
include some fresh, loamy lines. The weather Gods
were smiling as well - despite a drop of rain on
Friday, it had otherwise been a dry week and
the conditions were tacky with plenty grip; carving
corners and chucking up roost was the order of the
day.
Hardtails were first off with Ben Deakin (Royal
Marines Commando/Muc-Off) showing us all how to keep
it on the ragged edge of controlled, blitzing the
Hill in 1:42.58 and beating his nearest rival by
nearly twelve seconds, putting him 17th overall at
the end of the race. The other categories followed
on fast and furious, with Harry Molloy getting the
fastest run of the day and taking the
Expert/Elite category in 1:34.16, beating Nathan
Vials (Borderline Solid UK) by 0.34 and Oli Bunton (Funn,
Superstar) by 0.53. Aston Hill committee members
Rich Abbott and Nicky Belton (Mud and Snow) stormed
to first places in the Vets and Ladies categories
respectively, Youth rider Jono Jones won his cat and
beat all the Juniors bar Sam Wakefield (Swiss and
Swallow) with a 1:39.89, making him ninth fastest on
the day. Connor Fletcher won a rather sparse
Juvenile category (come on Juveniles - where were
you? Oh yes, it was Mother's Day...), Dan Burchell
romped home to win the crowded Seniors and Anthony
Gaskin was crowned winning Master.
Mikrotime did their usual
sterling job and the complete timing list can be
seen at www.mikrotime.com/mtb/ast2010/ast1001.html
Numerous photographers were on hand through the day
? Mr. D Franciosy was the man-in-the-yellow-vest and
his photos are available to download from here: www.flickr.com/photos/davefranciosy/collections/72157623501701021/
The Aston Hill Flickr group also has plenty of
shots (www.flickr.com/groups/rideastonhill),
as do these fine fellows:
www.bucksmtb.co.uk/gallery_astonhillblackrun2010.htm
www.duncanp.pinkbike.com/album/Aston-Hill-Black-Run-Race/
www.picasaweb.google.co.uk/103814073483082561112/AstonRace2010
The icing on the Black Run cake were the great
prizes. A big thanks to all the sponsors whose
contributions were gratefully received. Times are
still tough and supporting an event don't come
cheap, so it's even more important to give these
guys some props!
Nema Clothing (Chocolate
Distribution)
www.chocolatedistribution.com
Troy Lee Designs and KaaBoom (Fisher Outdoors)
www.fisheroutdoors.co.uk
Bell helmets (Madison)
www.madison.co.uk
Dees Cycles of Amersham Cycle Care of High Wycombe
www.cyclecare.co.uk
Descent-Gear
www.descent-gear.com
Rich Abbott once again made the trophies from
genuine Aston Hill wood - those of you that were
quick enough to get one now have a piece of the Hill
on your mantelpiece!
A big nod of respect needs to go out to all the
marshalls, Cafe in the Woods, registration ladies,
Extreme Medics, BC commissaire Si Paton, Mikrotime
and the Aston Hill organisers and members.
Finally, a massive well done to all who raced. It
was an awesome day of top-notch, balls-out racing
(including the super-stylish ladies) and you guys
and gals made the event. Now go and be nice to your
Mum, get her some more flowers and make her a cup of
tea - she deserves it.
Next race is the Eastern and Central Champs in
September on an as yet undecided course. Keep your
peepers peeled and fixed on
www.rideastonhill.co.uk.
Many thanks and
kind regards,
Neil
Secretary,
Aston Hill
Podium Photos:

^ Podium, Youth Category

^ Podium, Veterans Category

^ Podium, Seniors Category

^ Podium, Masters Category

^ Podium, Ladies category

^ Podium, Juveniles category

^ Podium, Junior Category

^ Podium, Hardtail Category

^ Podium, Expert Category