Tough One's Little Brother '09

Sunday 8th November evolved into a hectic day for Stan Watt, as he left the house at 5am for the 41/2 hour drive to Corwen in North Wales for the Tough One's Little Brother extreme event, organised by Steve Ireland and his crew at WOR Events.

By the time Stan had parked, got his bike through scrutineering and on the start line, he just had time to get changed in preparation for a 2 minute silence in commemoration of Remembrance Sunday, prior to race start.

Entered in the elite class, Stan was more than aware that the other 12 riders in class, were likely to be more technically capable for such an event. As the flag dropped, Stan peeled into 10th position and remained relatively careful on the first lap to assess the terrain and course. Passing two riders on the way, Stan started to pick up the pace but was overtaken on lap two and put back into 9th position.

With rain over the previous two days, Wern Ddu Quarry, did pose a challenge with plenty of wet rocks, stony climbs/descents and stream beds to negotiate. There was nowhere nice to land in the event of a fall to rider or machine.

Stan's KTM400EXC performed well although wasn't the best machine for the job. The 250 EXC 2-stroke would have proved a more ideal bike for Stan, making the course more flowing and ultimately easier.

As the race progressed, Stan was able to maintain a good/safe pace and from a result perspective, could have done with a 3hr race rather than 2hrs, as he caught two elite riders in the last three laps who were struggling with their own fitness and started closing in on those riders finished in the top 5.

Although, a good way down from eventual winner Tom Sagar and runner up Paul Edmondson. Stan was more than content to finish 7th in such a specialised event and a great insight into the challenge of the Tough One 100 in January 2010. The first round of the World Xtreme Enduro Championship.

Straight after the race, Stan was packed and gone within 30 minutes for the return journey home.

FRGB

ONE FOR THE FUTURE (Maybe)

Anyone who has young children kicking around on a motorbike, then I suppose or would like to think we are all aware of the 1- dangers 2- the actual fact of them being able to step up to the plate like your current best in the world; Valentino Rossi, David Knight, Ben Spies, Hiroshi Aoyama, etc, etc, is exceptionally thin.

But just incase, this is Cavan Watt clearing his first tabletop, aged 6 years and 2 months, at Rogershill Raceway

FRGB

Front Row GB at THE TOUGH ONE

Stan Watt from Front Row GB is set to build his extreme enduro experience this weekend in the Pro Class (running #62) at The Tough One's Little Brother, set in Wern Ddu Quarry, near Ruthin, North Wales.

Known as the #2 extreme event in the UK, only behind the well known Tough One, which will take on a new concept on 23rd January '10, when it becomes the first round of the World Xtreme Enduro Championship (wxec.com). Limiting the field to the best 100 extreme riders in the world and a slight name change to 'THE TOUGH ONE 100', it will be an exceptional spectacle for the start of a new world championship. Get all the information at www.toughone.com or www.worevents.co.uk.

The WXEC will also include the Erzberg Rodeo in Austria, Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania, Hell's Gate in Italy, Last Man Standing in the USA and the Roof of Africa in South Africa.

Although Stan will be riding a specially prepared Edmondson Racing KTM250 EXC at round 1 of the WXEC in January, this weekend will see him compete on a slightly modified KTM400 EXC.

FRGB

JOINT EFFORT AT THE DIRTY DOUBLE

Talon Engineering, RM Poole Enduro Club and Front Row GB got together to compete (in the loosest of terms) at the VO Two organised challenge at Inside Park, Blandford, named the Dirty Double.

The Team comprised of Rob Sartin from Talon, Dinger Bell from RM Poole Enduro Club and Stan Watt from from Front Row GB. Although all members, have at their time competed in alternative endurance events from Ironman triathlons, John 'o' Groats to Lands End and the Eco Challenge; the Team had not been training to any great lengths and arrived at Inside Park efficiently 20 minutes prior to the start. Getting to the start line safely for the complete cross country event, consisting of a 5km run, 20km mountain bike ride ending in another 5 km run, there was only enough time make sure their numbers were straight and the team was off.

With the everyday glory hunters heading off, like people possessed with some enormous amounts of caffeine, the guys drifted immediately to around mid-pack onto the first hill. Elbows out and a couple of dodgy lines, Rob, Dinger and Stan pushed past those who didn't have the lung capacity their heads told them they had.

Legs burning with no warm up, the Team came to the end of the first lap, to the main obstacles of the bog, the rope obstacle and the jungle and quickly figured out the best technique was to get on elbow and knees and get crawling, passing a few people every time.

Lap two of the run, went pretty much the same way as the 48 teams settled into their pace. A slowish transition to the bikes and the Team was on their way for the 20km bike ride of 3 laps. This was nicely laid out and consisted of the main enduro loop organised by SCEC earlier in the year. The flat part of the course proved good for those who mountain bike regularly but the Team made up places and time on the more gnarly enduro sections.

The multiple lap event, had its share of obstacles with a man-made netted bog, rope obstacle and the jungle, culminating in a 10ft wall and a couple of eager gorilla suited individuals who refrained from any confrontation when challenged, as the team came to the finish line.



After some mild confrontation and conflict with team Fit, Fat and Ugly when they decided it was a good idea to cut across on a few occasions throughout lap two, the Team pushed on and with no major issues finished lap 3 of the mountain bike course and straight into a fairly quick changeover and on their way for a two lap 5km run.

Legs weren't working well and with Stan suffering from a bit of back ache/pins and needles in his feet for most of the first lap Rob and Dinger set the pace and Stan clung on at a steady pace. With a number of teams now starting to clump together on the last running lap, the Team scuttled through the bog, rope obstacle and jungle to come out ahead of the teams around them.

With the gorillas and the wall to conquer, Rob, Dinger & Stan decided it was better to go down fighting and showed some aggression towards the hairy creatures, which was met with distaste and we were told we had to under the last net (see picture).

With the wall to finish, a planned technique worked to perfection with Team; Talon/RM Poole Enduro Club/Front Row GB finishing 3rd overall, even ahead of the organisers own VO Two Team.


1 44 Feat Uk
2 42 Off Camber
3 21 Talon/RM Poole E C/Front Row GB
4 43 Votwo
5 29 The fit the fat and the ugly
6 45 Running Straight to the Grill
7 11 gimbleuk.com
8 22 team curcuits
10 23 Team Endurance


FRGB

NATTERJACK - Final British Enduro of 2009

For the final round of the British Enduro Championship, a change of machinery had arrived for Stan Watt, care of Edmondson Racing based in Norton Canes.

After some deliberation and testing of a variety of manufacturers and engine sizes, Front Row GB and Stan decided that they would remain with KTM for the rest of 2009 and throughout 2010.

After a full season on the much larger KTM690R, Stan is due to compete on the new KTM 400 four stroke for forthcoming hare and hounds and then a possible toss up between the 400 and the 250 two stroke for the World Extreme Enduro series in 2010.

The Natterjack BEC was to be the first outing on the KTM400, which arrived 3 days prior to scrutineering. A short but essential run in period, a replacement rear shock from Steve Plain of Steve Plain Suspension and Motorcycles, the bling KTM items from Edmondson Racing, some decals from Eddie at ProSeal and finally to round the bike off; a set of Talon wheels supplied by Rob Sartin at Talon Engineering.

Although we are truly in what would normally be a wet and damp Autumn, dry and warm conditions have remained, keeping the south coast of the UK hot, dry and dusty from what was already a fairly dry summer.

The Natterjack area near Petersfield renowned for being physically demanding due to the course being extremely whooped and cut up from years of abuse, was partically dusty with the normal stable sand areas being particulary dry and the cross country test cutting up into powder burms.

The course is split in half by the A3 carriageway with the two specials tests located next to the paddock and refueling area, allowing for excellent viewing by the spectators.

Stan got off to a steady start and was enjoying the KTM400, which seemed to have the perfect amount of power for the conditions. Trying too hard in the sand motocross test was making him run slower than intended and towards the end of the day, better use of the smooth power of the KTM400 allowed Stan to improve significantly.

For most competitors, it would not be the special tests that would cause the problem but the fact of 7 1/2 hours riding over some rough ground in a hot conditions not normally seen for his time of year. The top riders of David Knight, Christophe Namantin and Paul Edmondson would take most of it in their stride, even the chest high brick wall to start the cross country test.

Lap two saw Stan lose a petrol cap half way through the check, having to return to the pits for a replacement, he then had to push hard to make up as much time as possible and straight into the motocross test. Even though he still lost 8 minutes and with everyone capable of staying on time there was little chance of gaining a good result on Day 1 and finished 29th.

David Knight went out with clutch trouble so the day was handed to Christophe Namantin followed closely by Paul Edmondson.

Day 2 would consist of a route competed in reverse and some tender riders after the physicaly strains of day 1. David Knight was on a charge and pretty much blew everyone into the weeds. A could test of bike and rider prior to the ISDE. With Knighter well out in front it was down to the usual suspects with Christophe Namantin and Paul Edmondson following on on their GASGAS and 290 Suzuki respectively.

Stan had a much stronger day 2 even with some consecutive crashes on the motocross test, gaining some places, finishing 7th in Expert E2 on the day and 9th on cumlative scores from both days.

Thanks to;

- Edmondson Racing

- Steve Plain

- Talon Engineering

- Pro Seal

- Insignia Signs

- Arai Helmets

- Michelin

FRGB

SCEC/Rogershill Evening Summer Series

The final round of the SCEC/Rogershill Evening Summer Series took place on Saturday 5th September.

A new concept was formulated to get grow some additional interest for competitors and riders alike. The normal two hour hare and hounds would take place around the area of Rogershill Raceway, followed by riders being split into abilities, racing against each other in heats, culminating in an all out final.

The main event got underway at 3pm with the Expert/Pro class straight off the mark. Ben Milward and Tyson Maytom-Jones go the best starts, closely followed Dave Bell, Richard Tucker, Dan Beaven, Stan Watt from Front Row GB and the late arriving Paul Cowshall.

The initial frenzy settled after the first few minutes as the group got stretched out. Ben and Tyson pulled away from Dave Bell, Dan Beaven, Richard Tucker and Stan Watt on his KTM690R. The flowing nature of the course worked well for Stan's KTM690R, who passed Dave Bell on lap 1 and started to close in on Dan Beaven ad Richard Tucker who both had pulled a fair gap.

As Stan settled into a good pace, Paul Cowshall was coming though to make a charge for the front two riders making a permanent pass on lap 4 to push Stan back into 6th position.

By lap 5, Stan was on the back of number X16 Dan Beaven on his KTM and a continuous 3 lap battle pursued with Dan chasing the KTM690R until he eventually drifted off the pace. As Stan pushed hard on his big KTM, Richard Tucker picked up where Dan Beaven left off and another 3 lap chase was on with Stan now pushing hard to remain in 4th ahead of the more nimble and smaller machines.

The trusted 690R was to stay ahead to the finish line with Stan holding 4th position just missing a podium place to Tyson Maytom-Jones by 55seconds and the winner Ben Milward and 2nd placed Paul Cowshall.

With the 3 round series over, Stan Watt from Front Row GB finished a commendable 2nd position overall, 4 points down on Tyson Maytom-Jones

Results

1st Tyson Maytom-Jones
2nd Stan Watt
3rd Mark Cornick
4th Dan Beaven
5th Danny Hall
6th Ben Milward
7th Paul Cowshall
8th Andy Scudamore
9th Steve Harding
10th Richard Tucker

FRGB

Front Row GB at the Dawn to Dusk

Front Row GB can confirm Stan Watt will be competing at this years Dawn to Dusk in the all new 24 hour event.




Stan will be using a KTM 690R and competing in the 'marathon' class where he will have to cover the course for 24hrs as the sole rider.

The event will include the usual 12hr event and also the 6hr event, with all start times relevant so everyone finishes at the same time on Sunday evening 30th August.

As can be imagined, not only is it difficult to ride for such a period of time on such a technical course, it is also difficult to find enough support staff. Anyone interested in getting involved and helping out please drop the team a line at mail@frontrowgb.com or call +44 (0) 289 581 1149


How the weekend will work


The Team will arrive on Friday 28th August at the event location;

Onllywn, Neath, Port Talbot, Wales, UK.

Follow the A465 west out of Merthyr Tydfil
at Pontneddfechan, turn onto the A4109
The event will be signposted from Benwen


Signing on 11.00am-4.00pm Saturday 29th August
Bike checking 12.30pm-4.30pm
Briefing- 5.00pm in the marquee, followed by Sighting Lap on the video screen
Race Start- 7.00pm

The 24 hour race will start at 7.00pm on the night of 29th August. Competitors will start off around a shortened lap of approximately 7 miles.

As darkness descends, the lights will come on illuminating various sections of the course. Over the night time hours the shorter course will steer clear from the technical, tight sections that Dawn to Dusk veterans are familiar with.

The course will then open up to it's full 15-18 miles when the sun rises on Sunday morning. Sunday morning will also see the start of the 12 hour race at 7am followed by the 6 hour race at 12pm.

The weekends racing culminates at 7.00pm on Sunday when competitors in all three of the races will head towards the chequered flag and then the bar for a few well earned drinks, and a bite to eat, to help celebrate a hard weekend riding.

8.30pm - 9.00pm will then see a small presentation in the marquee where the winners will be announced and presented with their prizes.

FRGB

Front Row GB Update

Team Reme Tea til Dark

After finishing a good 7th on the day at the final round of the Team Reme, Tea til Dark summer series, Stan has surprisingly placed his unweidling KTM690 Enduro R 3rd overall behind James Jackman & James Giddings even with missing the first round of the series.

RESULTS

1 JAMES JACKMAN
2 JAMES GIDDINGS
3 STAN WATT
4 DANIEL BEAVEN
5 CHRIS HOWMAN
6 DAVE COLES
7 CLIVE GAMMAGE
8 SIMON BEKEN
9 RICH WARNER
10 SCOTT ELDERFIELD


International Six Day Event 2009

With the fortcoming Portugal based ISDE in October closing in, it is with regret and disappointment that Stan Watt from Front Row GB will not be able to participate as part of the original lineup with Danny Hall and Bradley King.

After the ACU stated the team was NOT accepted to compete at this year's ISDE, Front Row GB had made other commitments that unfortuately cannot be altered. It is unfortunate command decisions by the ACU could not have been made sooner and the late change of plan has prevented Stan from taking part in such a prestigious event.

Good luck to the team and Stan's replacement Tyson Maytom-Jones.

FRGB

Podium Finish At Rogershill Raceway

Round 2 of the SCEC Evening series took place at Rogershill Raceway in Dorset on Wednesday 15th July.

With a potential mix of weather conditions, the event layout was conservatively changed from round 1, the course primarily orientated towards flowing enduro going, with the more difficult sections of extreme routes being omitted and minimal use of the 30 acres of motocross circuits. In wet conditions, the area can become difficult for the best riders, so the decision was made to ensure an enjoyable event for all.

A fast lap would still comprise of 12-13 minutes of smooth and flowing grassland around the normal motocross/arena area, technical sections in both woodland sectors and fast lengths towards the outlying parts of the location.

Stan from Front Row GB, would look to be more competitive, having been supplied a KTM250 EXC for the event, in order to try and push towards the front.

The start was delayed due to a late arrival of the ambulance services, with the Expert/Pro class getting underway 30 minutes late.
After an initial uphill start the first wave of riders hit a gravel pit that looked an easy obstacle, but later reports suggested all groups fell foul of the exceptionally loose uphill stones. As the Expert/Pro riders started to shake out, Paul Cowshall of FUTURE RACING proved to be the pace setter on his brand new 2010 Champion KTM250 SX. Stan eventually slipped into 2nd place within the first kilometre but Paul had already moved into a 200m lead.

The leading pair would stay fairly stable for 5 laps with Stan unable to make up any ground on Paul. Behind the Front Row GB rider, Mark Cornick of ICE CRAFT and Ben Milward of IN CHAINS were seconds apart and only 15 seconds behind Stan. A mass of riders stalled the process at the transponder area allowing Mark and Ben hook onto the back of Stan and a 5 lap scrap pursued.

Near the end of lap six, Stan made two silly mistakes allowing Mark and Ben move ahead with Stan losing well over 1 minute to the two riders.

Stan got his head down for the final few laps and got back into 2nd place when everyone made their fuel stops. A further small mistake and another short delay at the transponder area and the ICE Craft and In Chain riders were back on Stan's tail with only a few seconds separating all three riders fighting for 2nd.

A collision on the last lap between Mark Cornick and Stan Watt was to be pertinent to the final result with Stan damaging sensitive ligaments in his left knee that had been recently operated on. Unable to support the bike with his left leg, Stan made a small mistake towards the end of the lap allowing Mark and Ben through.

Stan was able to hang onto the back of Ben Milward to the finish line, but unknown to the three riders fighting for 2nd, Paul Cowshall in front had run out of fuel 200m from the line and on literally the final push to the transponders was overtaken by Mark, with Ben and Stan on his heals.

An intense and close race with the top four riders being split by 13 seconds after 2 hours of racing. Undoubted, Stan lost an all out win due to small mistakes of no fault but his own. He enjoyed being back on a bike that could be competitive, rather than being restricted by the heavier test machine KTM690 Enduro R.

Many thanks to;

Talon Engineering
Edmondson Racing
Danny at Rogershill Raceway
Ivan F. for the bike
Gary Warr and his helpers at SCEC


FRGB

SCEC Shillingstone Forest

The beautiful forest of Shillingstone, near Blandford Forum, was the location for round 3 of the Southern Counties Enduro Hare & Hound Championship.
The course had been well prepared but unless there was a mountain of more time and many more hands, it would be impossible to completely clear the lengthy 9 mile course, thus making certain areas quite technical, with a number of hidden obstacles under extensive sections of

undergrowth.

The continuing high temperatures and heat wave would surely be a factor for all riders.

With a good mixture of steep drops, bared tree roots, long climbs and technical sections, the lap was in the region of 20 minutes for the front runners and with a full entry list, then it made for an interesting event.

Stan from Front Row GB was competing on what is becoming his usual mount, the KTM690 Enduro-R. With a change of suspension the bike had been running and handling well and Stan was keen to try and get the KTM690 as close to the front of what would be a course suited to the smaller enduro machines.

For the second race in a row, the KTM690 failed to burst into life when requested on the startline, although only taking a few seconds to resolve the issue, the rest of the field apart from Danny Hall on the BMW450 were stretching towards the first corner. Danny Hall passed Stan in the first turn, relegating him to the back of the field at the start of the race.

It wasn't long until the KTM690 and Stan got into a good rhythm and by a third of lap 1, Stan had re-passed Danny Hall's BMW450 and was making in-roads into the rest of the front runners.

By lap two, Stan had pulled away from Danny Hall, after rear brake failure on his BMW and passed a number of riders to move into 6th place. Putting in good consistent times, Stan set about trying to get further up the pack and by lap 6 had moved into 4th position.
Lap 7 proved to be the stumbling block, when the side stand spring on the KTM690 snapped, killing the power.
With minimal tools to fix the problem, Stan relied on a travelling marshal who kindly produced some bungee cord and with some manipulation, fixed the problem and Stan was back on his way.

Time had obviously passed by quickly, as Stan thought he had only lost a few minutes, but this in reality was closer to 10 minutes dropping him back into 30th position.

Stan attempted to get the KTM690 back in a respectable position but running short of time, only managed a 9th.

Carl Tiley took a convincing win on the TM while Mark Cornick took a good 2nd.

Thanks to the travelling marshal for the assistance, to SCEC/Gary Warr for such a good event and Nick Guppy for the photographs.


FRGB