Session at the Helm Trails. Packed with racers!

Oct 08, 2013

Written by Bart de Jong

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When Dimitris Araouzos met up with me at the car and asked if I'd brought my race bike, I didn't know exactly what he meant. But he said the trails were already full with racers and more were on their way. It appeared that there was no race going on this weekend and a facebook message can spread a fire in no-time. Nothing wrong with people showing up as long as they pay respect to the trails and their builders, something some of them still need to learn. The rollercoaster line was opened when the locals had shown up. When the chain was removed the

racers could give it a go, but only after they'd watched the locals make it through the pack. It's always a challenge making it through a new line and as long as you pull it at the end of the day it's all good.

It almost felt like a jam with so many people around but the weather was just perfect for an outdoor session and everyone must have thought the same thing: Let's ride now before winter shows up. No gate starts, no sprints, no high-low passes, no coaches yelling, just having fun on the bike. The racers were having a good time and added jumping skills without knowing. The

more you ride, the better you get. It's a bonus when it's good fun.

The Helm Trails aren't open all the time. There's a gate surrounding the spot and then the rollercoaster line is chained off and covered up by tarps. It's only rideable when you hook up with a local who has a key. Keep an eye on the Helm Trails Facebook page to see when the sessions are happening.

BdJ