London Phoenix went to France to compete in the world’s biggest mountain bike event – the Roc d’Azur mountain bike races in Frejus, near Cannes.

“This event gets better each year – it’s a great end of season festival of dry and rocky mountain biking” said David, who is already planning next year’s trip.

Three London Phoenix riders attempted the Catford and Bec hill climb time trials on 21 October at Yorks Hill and Titsey Hill in Kent. They are seen here grimacing for the camera on the Bec climb up White Lane (Titsey hill). The next day Alex Christians was awarded the London Phoenix club trophy for best performance in both climbs. Said Alex of his shiny trophy, “I’ve targeted this all season, and I’ll be back to defend it next year”.
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London Phoenix entered two teams for the 12 hour overnight Dusk Till Dawn race in Thetford Forest. The race began well after sunset at 8pm and finished about an hour after dawn. Despite a few mishaps along the way – the odd stack, battery lights running out and chains dropping off it was the unrelenting nature of the course that most riders commented on. “London Phoenix Nights” team (David Steele, Abi Armstrong, Andy Close and guest rider Dave Reekie) came 8th in the mixed team event and the anagrammatic “The Noon Moon Explained” team (Dan Jenkins and Paul Troughton) were 4th or 5th at one point before narcolepsy took hold.

Photos of some of the London Phoenix riders, courtesy of Mark Cozens www.mphotography.co.uk

and these photos by David…

Look out for us or join us at these road events over the next few weeks…

7 Oct: Ride of the Falling Leaves, starting from Herne Hill; Autumn Epic, Wales; and at the Dunton race series, Essex
14 Oct: Ibbo Cake Quest, Surrey
21 Oct: Catford and Bec hill climbs, Kent

…and on Tuesday evenings, riding in around Regents Park.