Offbeat Downhill
(The fore runner to the World Cup 2002 UK Downhill course)
- Top to bottom it's 3 Km long
- Has a vertical drop of 1800 feet
- Steve Peat's time 04:39mins.
- You don't have to push back up!
Our 2003 World Cup Pictures :: 2002 World Cup Pictures
The Course
The first thing that you'll notice, apart from the obvious size of the course is how much your wrists hurt from hanging on. I have to admit the top section scared me on my first run I sprinted into this section and wished I hadn't.
The Course starts off gentle, then after the first corner it drops away down ever more rutted and rocky. If your brakes don't work you've pretty much had it, most of the pics are of this section which makes up about half the length of the course, it's tops and you'll soon get over the initial shock and rip it up.
The middle is much like your average UK course only you've just ridden over 1.5 Kms of downhill to get this far. Its got a bit of everything even a couple of bridges that both me and Dom nearly over shot on more than one occasion.
The bottom section may not seem much on your first slow run, put some speed on and you'll fly. Its a lot like an extended duel course the jumps aren't massive but certainly let you know they are there when you're giving it some, watch out for the last chute.
The Course
Dom and I seem to get the exact same time when ever we race, The Offbeat Downhill was no exception as I was faster in some parts and he whipped my arse in others. Our fastest time was approx 06:45 Mins, which is fairly quick.
We stopped the clock at the gate and restarted immediately afterwards, although in all fairness it was using Dom's stop watch and the 30 Secs or so rest at the gate makes some difference, that said you always go faster racing but we're chuffed with our time. The NPS results . Some other riders on the hill were claiming some pretty outrageous times god bless 'um.
Admin
We managed to get in seven runs on each of two days we rode, this is about average taking into account punctures etc. The Downhill is only open between 11 and 3 as the hill is open after this to walkers.
The first lift up for bikes at 10:45 and the last one at 14:45. It could be longer, 10 till 1600 would be more like it. Take note Nevis Range. Other There's also a few hundred Kms of cross-country routes of all abilities and a permanent trail quest.
Stuff to take. All three sections are puncture city so take a small day sack with tubes a pump and patches, the usual trail repair kit wouldn't go a miss as it's a long walk down or up if you get a problem. Take a water bottle and a couple of sticky bars along to as its hard work and some cash too as there's cafe's at the top and bottom.
If you smoke don't forget your cancer sticks as they do a top job at keeping the Midges off, or insect repellent. Sun block or a shower proof / windproof jacket is also a must, it's a mountain the weather changes v. quickly.
Uplift
The Gondolas are run by Nevis Range, the staff are extremely bike friendly and were happy to let us on to the cable cars in turn rather than waiting for all the 80 year old ramblers to get on before us.
news for more updates.
The gondolas them selves have "D" rings bolted onto the back, the nose of your saddle fits through to hold your bike on. If you have an extremely oversized saddle it may be worth taking a smaller spare just in case.
The track is designed and looked after by Offbeat bikes the local bike shop in Fort William again as with every body we met from the area they were v. friendly and extremely helpful. They also have hire bikes and a small shop / workshop at the bottom station of the course.
Misc
Accommodation Fort William is 5 Miles from Aonach Mor the mountain the course is on, there are literally hundreds of B&B's. We stayed in Lime Tree House which has a garage for bikes and bike washing facilities, David the owner is helpful and a bloody nice bloke.
Fort William it's self is quite small and quiet but pleasingly touristy, it has enough pubs, restaurants and chippies to keep just about every one happy. Conclusion You would need at least two days riding to really enjoy your self as its all a bit much on the first day, my wrists took all night to recover.
UK Downhill history
The following email extracts came from Foss, he works for Offbeat bikes in FortWilliam. The emails are from mid Aug 2001, they're are still included in the site after updates because I feel it's a little bit of UK Downhill history, brings a tear to the eye. Back eye that is.
From: Foss Email (offbeat bikes):
Posted on: Monday, August 13, 2001, 05:11 PM Just checked out your report on the off beat downhill and very pleased that you had a jolly ! Feedback (especially positive and nice) is always welcome and needed to ensure that the courses future development is in the right direction.
Just a wee update-we have placed a bid for a world cup event for June 2002 for a xc dh and dual using the Off Beat downhill and surrounding Leanachan forest this will mean the building of a new dual course parallel to the bottom of the ob dh and we will find out if the bid has been successful toward the end of Sept. Once again well written report and nice site cheers now Foss.
The latest Boo hoo boo hoo unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful and has gone to Italy. Reasons given were that there is a financial crisis within UCI and they thought it easier to remain at present with the same places. However we will try again as they said that the bid and courses looked very promising. We are still on course to build a duel course for May/June next year though as Nevis range are dead keen! Cheers now Foss.
The very latest yippie, They got it after all, I think Japan done one or something.
Further Info
As I'm sure you know the 1st round of the 2002 Downhill world cup was held in the UK for the first time, it was run on this course. For more information try The Official UK World Cup website.
Sal Rowe
07/08/01
