French ATB Championships - 18.06.07
3.30am start was a killer, with all the gear packed in the night before all I had to do was pick Hank & Dan up and make our way to Dover to catch the Ferry to Calais. Arriving over an hourly early we managed to catch the next ferry saving us just over an Hour. On arrival in Calais the wind did not look great so instead of looking for somewhere to fly we travelled to the event location, Berck Sur Mere. 1 Hour later and we were there, greeted by the French guys who straight away made us feel at home offering free beer!
The thing that surprised us the most was the lack of kiters around, even though it was a Friday usually at all UK events there are plenty of people about for a pre event bash, the only other kites were Steve & Sarah Smith. With the wind blowing between 10-15 mph the 8.5 was the perfect choice and added with the dumped sand that just seemed to be there for no reason added for some interesting ‘ramp launching. After a wicked session during the Friday with the crew we headed back to the hotel to check in and get sorted out.
At around 11.30 Local time, Rich rang me to say they had arrived, so I headed back down to the beach to catch up with the guys. At this point my body was smashed and really needed sleep so when someone suggested a night fly I really should have said no. This was a great laugh with, Rich, Natz, Dave, Lou, Pete & 2 other guys the time flew by and before we knew it, it was 1am!! With an early start I headed off and left the guys.
Saturday morning we all woke to no wind, and I mean no wind, no movement in any trees. Things were not looking good. Me & Dave went out to the furthest patch and just a laugh on the 8.5’s but not really being able to do much.
The Junior comps were done as and when the wind came. Little Robbie did the UK & Flexifoil proud. With all the other riders on 16 and Robbie on a 16.5 Ion 2 he was able to pull the tricks out getting some lovely grabs right in front of the judges. In between the rounds he became the no wind toy with us running back and lobbing him into the air getting a good 12ft of air and floating back down causing a crowd to form around him.
Unfortunately Robbie didn’t quite make it to the final even though he did exceptionally well in the very difficult conditions, sand & wind, so well done bro you did us proud!
During the day the Women’s event took place with only Clo & Natz competing. The 2 riders were doing the best they could in the soft sand & poor wind, and as the heat went on Clo just came out on top.
Later that evening the guys through an awesome party and I would love to tell you all about it, but as it was mine & Natz’s birthday I was rather intoxicated and can not remember it. All I remember is stumbling back to Pete’s Van in the early hours. Sorry!
Sunday was also no wind so was spent socialising and recovering from the night before. With some kites out we just chilled and had some recreational fun on the beach, which is always a top laugh. Towards the afternoon everyone started to pack all the gear up and make their way home.
Well done to the event organisers for a good event with a superb party and we will defiantly be back next year, but lets hope for more wind!
The thing that surprised us the most was the lack of kiters around, even though it was a Friday usually at all UK events there are plenty of people about for a pre event bash, the only other kites were Steve & Sarah Smith. With the wind blowing between 10-15 mph the 8.5 was the perfect choice and added with the dumped sand that just seemed to be there for no reason added for some interesting ‘ramp launching. After a wicked session during the Friday with the crew we headed back to the hotel to check in and get sorted out.
At around 11.30 Local time, Rich rang me to say they had arrived, so I headed back down to the beach to catch up with the guys. At this point my body was smashed and really needed sleep so when someone suggested a night fly I really should have said no. This was a great laugh with, Rich, Natz, Dave, Lou, Pete & 2 other guys the time flew by and before we knew it, it was 1am!! With an early start I headed off and left the guys.
Saturday morning we all woke to no wind, and I mean no wind, no movement in any trees. Things were not looking good. Me & Dave went out to the furthest patch and just a laugh on the 8.5’s but not really being able to do much.
The Junior comps were done as and when the wind came. Little Robbie did the UK & Flexifoil proud. With all the other riders on 16 and Robbie on a 16.5 Ion 2 he was able to pull the tricks out getting some lovely grabs right in front of the judges. In between the rounds he became the no wind toy with us running back and lobbing him into the air getting a good 12ft of air and floating back down causing a crowd to form around him.
Unfortunately Robbie didn’t quite make it to the final even though he did exceptionally well in the very difficult conditions, sand & wind, so well done bro you did us proud!
During the day the Women’s event took place with only Clo & Natz competing. The 2 riders were doing the best they could in the soft sand & poor wind, and as the heat went on Clo just came out on top.
Later that evening the guys through an awesome party and I would love to tell you all about it, but as it was mine & Natz’s birthday I was rather intoxicated and can not remember it. All I remember is stumbling back to Pete’s Van in the early hours. Sorry!
Sunday was also no wind so was spent socialising and recovering from the night before. With some kites out we just chilled and had some recreational fun on the beach, which is always a top laugh. Towards the afternoon everyone started to pack all the gear up and make their way home.
Well done to the event organisers for a good event with a superb party and we will defiantly be back next year, but lets hope for more wind!
