What a blast we had last Saturday at Peaty's Steel City Downhill Race up in Sheffield! The whole day surpassed our expectations. Honestly folks, believe the hype, it's an awesome event!
An early start for us for the get-in (and sadly missing our 5* breakfast at the Premier Inn!), arriving on site at 7.15am to head up the hill to our pitch. We only had 15 mins to offload the van, proof that you can achieve anything under the pressure of a cavalcade of commercial vehicles waiting to head back down the track, for the 3 out 3 in parade! But it worked, and even at that time in the morning, thanks to the sun already blasting its warm rays on the Bomb Hole, everyone was in a really good mood and the set up happened in really good time. We had great neighbours too, pitched up beside Tom from Broken Riders and the Boys from Cotic Bicycles!
READY TO ROLL
The quiet before the storm ie that lull before the riders and spectators started arriving, gave us time to mingle with the other exhibitors, grab some breakfast and chill out in the sun. In other words, socialise! It was good to meet Hannah from Flare Clothing and the Steel City Crew manning the Merch Stand, they were cool, and breakfast was a delicious Bacon Butty from Whirlow Hall Farm and coffee from the Forge coffee truck down in the Bomb Hole.
BUDDIES, BROWSERS + BUYERS
Lots of great people and friends of 250 dropped by the stand to say hi and check out the products (and have a 250 beer, if age-appropriate). Here's just a few of them...
Golden Era Photographer and all round creative (and super nice guy), Geoff Waugh, stopped by a couple of times, seeking sanctuary from the heat and because, like us, he loves a blether!
Geoff had this to say...
“I was having such a blast at Peaty’s downhill I forgot to drink enough. The banging headache the next day only served as a reminder of what a day I had had! And to get back next year. Such a friendly, entertaining event - I felt like I had been transported back to a downhill in 1995!”
HERE COME THE GIRLS
Jen's friends, Kirsty Twelftree and Emma Carson (riding for Swinley Bike Hub), were there adding some glamour and smiles to the event. We offered both of them 250 Beer and Chocolate Digestives as refreshment, literally all we had to offer, and Emma succumbed but only apres-race, honest...
Emma had this to say about her day at Steel City...
“Such a fun day at Steel City! Bikes, beers and sunshine - what more could a girl want?! Felt good in my rad kit and bike, courtesy of Swinley Bike Hub and “Go Faster” Juice (yeah, the beer) courtesy of 250LONDON! ”
FAST BOY
Another friend of 250, and soon to be 250 Plugger, Will Easey, was on fine form on Saturday! He brought his charm and banter to the stand and his awesome riding skills and speed to the race track, securing 3rd place in the 17-18 Boys Cat! Nice one Will!
Will had this to say about the event...
“Honestly, another race that has shot to the top of my list of ones to be at, the vibes were off the roof, real festival feels. The stands were great, especially seeing 250LONDON there!! Really getting their name out there at the big races. I was so stoked to get on the podium at my first time attending the event, even with damaged ligaments in my hand! Will be back next year for sure.”
SHE'S A WINNER AND SHE'S LOOKING GOOD
Highlight of the day for us was watching Bev Adipura rocket to first place in the Women's Vet Cat, repping 250! We told her if she got on the podium, we'd treat her to a new 250 jersey. True to form, going by her wins the last 2 years, she earned her spot on the top of the box! Check out this awesome chick here...
Bev had this to say about her day...
“The annual Peaty’s Steel City Downhill race is a fantastic fun race but it’s the one everyone wants to win. The prizes are top notch and, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a podium kiss off the big man himself, former World Champion Steve Peat! I bagged top step in the Vet Lasses in 2016 and 2017 so the pressure was on to make it a triple. Practice didn’t go quite to plan, only getting 2 runs down so I wasn’t feeling ready by the time my first time run came up. I went safe, putting me in 2nd spot. I knew where I could make up some time so I pushed harder in my second run, breaking the beam 2 seconds quicker to take the win. Three in a row! I could hardly believe it and to top that, 250LONDON gave me a spanking new jersey which I wore for the podium presentation - what a day! Will I be back to try for 4 in a row? You bet I will! ”
ROUND UP OF A RAD DAY
So there you have it, our day at Steel City DH summed up in a few words but lots of pics! We arrived in a state of "the unknown" but left on a massive high. Thanks to Henry, Steve and all the SC Crew, for putting on such a great event. We're already looking forward to next year. See you there!
250LONDON