In 2003 I re-sprayed a Scott Pro Racing XC frame with a rattle can and went racing on it. Fifteen years later the paintwork that’s coming will be of a higher quality, my legs are a little more ready but the fire remains the same…
If I had a penny for everything I thought I knew in 2003 I’d be a millionaire by now – what I’ve come to realise over the years is just how much hard work it takes to be anywhere near the sharp end of British Mountain-bike racing. When it goes to plan, everything is rosy, but when it doesn’t work it can be quite hard.
Two years ago I had a great time with a bunch of wins and a couple of local series – Trying to replicate that last year was a challenge for many different reasons and in the end nothing went to plan, so this coming year I’m taking nothing for granted in my preparation. Alongside this I think it’s important to help bring some new riders into the scene and this is one of the big reasons for setting up the Collective. By looking after one another at races we can all be stronger.
I’m also looking to consolidate some previous success by helping new racers gain their own success on the same courses and series. My hope is that if they can learn from all my mistakes they may be able to build on those results earlier on in their racing careers and therefore give themselves the chance to take their racing to a much higher level.
Photos by Dave Haywood.
Glen rides for the.æight.bicycle.cøllective and Southborough & District Wheelers. He races mountain bikes, road bikes, TT and ‘cross at local and national level and is currently racing his 15th and final season. He receives personal support from Helly Hansen, the.æight.bicycle.cøllective, Wildside Cycles, Four4th Lights, Praxis Works, VeeTireCo and CeramicSpeed.
@eightbikeco #aeightracer
GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO RACE WITH US?
For 2018 we’re looking for one or two other riders to be on our race team. The Cøllective is about doing things a little differently. We’re looking to kit our riders out with steel race bikes made in Sussex. Whether that’s for ‘cross, road, crit, TT or mountain bike we’re offering the chance to have a custom steel bike made for you to race on – not just put together, but fully bespoke.
The best part is that we’re not asking you to leave your team or club and that includes racing in club/team kit. We’ve got certain brands that we’d like to work with, but we’re open to suggestions and maybe you’ve got a sponsor or support that you could bring to the table? We have some strict qualifying criteria but don’t be put off by this – if you’re interested in being part of our c ø l l e c t i v e then please get in touch by emailing your racing CV to eightbikeco@gmail.com
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