The work on the 4X is going pretty well so far. We’ve now built our first jump, a 32 foot double into a big berm. There’s also a hip over a big rock, a rising flat turn with a step up inside berm, a step down and a few more berms. Still got a lot to do but so far, so good. I’ve got some plans for a crossover section but I need to work out if it’ll fit first. More on that later in the week.
Weather here is bloody hot. No rain for a while now and the bottom half of the track has become a dust bowl. I’m going to experiment with leaf blowers to get the loose dust off the track during the race. If it stays this dry, there’s a risk we’ll have some sandpit turns unless the blowers work. We do have a water supply so we’ll be watering too. Normally we may use some chemicals to retain moisture in the dirt, but we can’t do that here in Vigo. I reckon the hosing down plus blowing/brushing should work out ok.
Guillermo, the organiser, walked me down the DH track to check out some changes to the downhill track. “La Lhosa”, the steep rocky chute you’ve all seen on Earthed, is out for this year. Instead, they’ve built a new section of rooty, rocky singletrack which loops ‘round to the right of the old chute. Just after this are 2 new road gaps made with northshore style wooden take offs. The second, larger road jump lands into a new open section with 2 wide turns and a tabletop, before joining the old track. I get to ride the DH tomorrow so I’ll let you know what it’s like.
Food here is unreal. Been busy chowing down on paella and bocadillo calamares. I like the tentacles best.
