So as my first proper solo MTB event since 1997 I can safely say I wasn’t tough enough!
Tried to keep up with my mate on the first lap but gave up after 15 mins and instead tried to concentrate on not falling off too much (limited success) and not getting in too many people’s way (fair to middling effort).
Wimped out on many of the climbs and also decided to have a chat with my photographist colleague Mr Swarbrick on my final lap.
Glad to have made the trip and it was a good eye opener for the importance of practising singletrack, plus riding your (MTB) bike on a regular basis; – two things I singularly lack!
Cheers to ACU et al 8)
P.S big props to the sado masochist on the rigid single speed. I was shot to bits on my CF hardtail with gears!