2016 version was amazing, classically organised, great crowd of a wide range of abilities and fitness. Course was hard, make no mistakes it was challenging and grin inducing in equal measure.
At no point did I feel “out of my depth” but one section leading over the back of the lake on the fire road that lead furthest point from the Castle, I did feel like I was one my own and very remote. Mechanical failures at this point would have probably been disastrous yet like most rides of this nature nothing ever seems to go wrong. There was a fantastic support team in place should anything untoward happen, you may have to wait a while to get help, but they’re more than catered for events like this.
Conditions were unsurprisingly cold, freezing in fact, but the first 10k warmed by pace of the groups and enthusiasm. General banter was extremely high, thoughtful pisstakes and encouraging grunts the order of the day. I bailed at 130k too, not because I was knackered but because I was late to start. Honestly glad I did because there was no way I would have caught the fast lads at the front. About 65% of the course is fireroad, not the fine grade shingle most forests are covered in, but larger more smashed stones. Tyres and pressures very important choice decisions, I used Gravel Grinders 38C on my CXer at 60psi and whilst teeth rattling on the long decents, smooth and grippy and enough volume for 90% of the course, the other 10% you just have to get on with it.
I’ve not been on my bike for 5months this year, decided to take a break, yet I’m thinking of coming up again next year so that should give all those who are dubious about fitness some solace.
It’s an epic day in many ways, but three key aspects to it are : Terrain and location, Organisation and support, Competitors and banter.
