Rütenbrock 2010

Published Aug. 15, 2010 at 8:10 a.m.
Yesterday there was a race in Rütenbrock in Germany. Rütenbrock isn't too far away, it's 50 km between here and there. Last year, I rode over there with Harry to take part in the event. This time, Judy and I rode together. It made for a very enjoyable day out.

The cycle paths between here and the race are (mostly) rather wonderful. This one, for instance, which goes on for many kilometres, during which you can pretty much ignore the few cars on the road alongside.

There were four Mangos in the race. Peter's Mango Sport RE, Harry's Mango Sport, Wilfred's Mango+ and my own yellow Mango classic.

It was great fun. The Rütenbrock circuit is quite unusual in that it twists and turns on roads through the village. The road is a bit rough in places, and the corners are very tight for a three wheeler, with speed bumps and posts to negotiate as well. It's quite common to end up on two wheels on some of the corners. This makes it fun. Also, there's a great atmosphere. The course goes through residential areas, and people sit in their gardens to watch and to cheer the contestants on. Fantastic.

Judy took many more photos during the race:

(also viewable here.)

Peter made a video of the one hour race:


So did Harry. I appear in this one myself at 2:11, and Harry comments about my giving the low-racers too easy a time:


I was right behind both of them for the first few laps, Peter got away, and then Harry did too.

Wilfred also blogged about the race.

Ymte won the race - he often does ! Daniel Fenn was perhaps best placed to beat him, but due to a mechanical problem he had to stop. It seems there was a bit too much weight shaving off a wheel hub...

Wilfred also made video. When it's ready and the results posted I'll add these to the post. I think the four of us in Mangos were all in the top third of the results, and "top third" is about as good as it gets for me, so I'm happy.

After the race Judy and I rode back home again. Judy's computer recorded 111 km for the day's riding there and back (and once around the track to see what it was like), which is a new record for her in one day.

And for me, well it's ten months almost to the day since I got my own Mango. By the time we got home, it had just over 9100 km on the computer.

Judy rode her Sinner Spirit. You can see the different Mangos available here or read about the adventures of my own Mango over the last ten months here.


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