It ain’t nothing but a number…
Martyn started racing for Stif over 10 years ago, when he was 40, back in his ‘prime’ as he would say, after bagging 20 consecutive podiums. 10 years later nothing much has changed. There must be something special in that ‘up Dale’ water because if 2022 was anything to go by he’s not no intent of slowing down…
With his perennial fitness, solid foundation of strength and racing experience Martyn didn’t really have a structured race calendar for 2022. With a few key events he had in mind being cancelled early in the year, he decided to take the opportunity to pursue a little bit of balance and finish a house renovation project so when the time came later in the season he could time a focused attack.
He certainly did that.. striking with consistency again he raced to 4th at his favourite event, Ard Moors 12th at the Boltby Bash and 18th at Ard Rock.
“I loved racing again this year, sometimes it can be a little stressful, as there’s always an expectation to meet, but for the first time ever, I’ve put that to one side and just decided to enjoy it”
Even with a more relaxed approach this year Martyn has still been flat out on the bike, but not necessarily just between the tapes. With plenty of epics in the Lakes and adventures into Yorkshire. This year was also the first time he ventured aboard with his bike. He attended Santa Cruz’s Dealer event in Morzine this Summer, where although he was working, he still found plenty of time to explore the popular lift accessed tracks and some back country single track.
“Riding in Morzine was quite humbling, All the European dealers are conditioned to that type of riding where you’re descending all the time, it was an eye opener. Keeping up certainly meant I was pushing it a little. You just don’t get that amount of descending in the Dales, I loved it!”
“Riding with Danny MacAskill was also a bit inspiring. We’d just be riding along then the next minute he’d be hopping up on to a 6ft cable reel! I didn’t expect him to be as quick on the trail too, unreal to get to ride with guys of that riding quality!”
Earlier this season Martyn was riding a Bronson CC, with the MX wheel configuration. Although he loved the playful nature of this set-up he later switched back to big wheels and big travel, front and rear, climbing aboard a Large Megatower CC. With the Mega he feels he has a bike underneath him that has no limitations in any terrain, a bike that can match his skillset as a rider.
“I sometimes found the limits of the MX set up. A lot of my riding is superfast, wide open descent in the Dales and Lakes. The Bronson weas great in a racing scenario and got up to speed really quick. It just lacks that stable, surefootedness, planted feel at speed that the Mega has.”
Martyn’s set up is pretty simple, his Megatower is a a stock XO1 Reserve build., with only a few modifications. Martyn chooses to run a slightly less heavy duty Maxxis EXO+ tyres backed up by inserts front and rear as a way of maintaining a level of suppleness whilst having peace of mind when pushing the bike really hard in square edged terrain. Surprisingly Martyn also opts for the harder Maxx Terra compound to save a little rolling resistance when booting the bike up to speed. When you can corner like a you’re on rails, it’s a trade off you can afford to make!
Martyn also runs his bars at 760mm and sets his bike up with 40% sag front and rear, keeping the rear rebound quite slow and the front super fast, a set up he runs all year round. When you ride with Martyn you understand why… the force he puts thorough the bike in hard hitting terrain means damping on the rear is key otherwise he’d resemble a turbo charged bucking bronco. Faster forks allow the front to track all that Yorkshire gritstone and off camber roots, for maximum grip at warp speed.
When it comes to kit, like all of our team he loves the new 7Mesh Glidepath pants:
“The fit for me is awesome, they are super wind proof which is ideal in the Dales and I never overheat in them. Apart from the hottest days, I wear them on most rides and races. They’re a godsend when transitioning from one stage to another when racing, you never get cold as your output drops”
When looking forward to 2023, Martyn always believes there’s room for improvement. We’d say if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. But ever the racer at heart he’ll be seeking those gains ready to hit the start line with that undying Yorkshire grit and passion for racing.
“You can always improve your fitness and as you get older you’ve got to work double hard just to maintain your current level. So that’s something I’ll be working at ready for next season.”
Racing is at the core of Martyn, he loves to race, but nowadays it’s not only his racing and results which keeps his passion alive:
“It’s such as good feeling riding with a team of youngsters. I remember riding with guys like Jack when they were kids, now if I can hold his wheel down a trail he can teach me a few things or two when it comes to line choice and carrying speed!”
Like Jack, Martyn now owns a trails bike, having bought one earlier in the year. He’s no stranger to the sport having ridden all over the UK nearly 25 years ago. With plenty of riding from his home and his attitude to riding, we’re sure he’ll be at the sharp end again in no time. When we asked him if this would be a competitive pursuit or just another hobby, his response was typical Martyn:
“These modern bikes are a bit different nowadays, but there’s a trial on Boxing Day though, I reckon I’ll get to grips with it by then, so why not.”
