Mini Dyfi Enduro

BY: phil Morris

Published: 2nd February, 2011

Mini Dyfi warm up!!

I have never done the main event as it always clashes with my other scheduled races. But after hearing and reading good reports about the main Dyfi event, I decided that the mini version should be a good event to do and would tie in as a good training ride.

It was a non-competitive ride (if there is such a thing!!) with a choice of 1, 2 or 3 laps (9 mile laps). So I did the 3 lap ride. However, I didn't realise this was the set up until just before the start. A little bit of a shame as im sure it could have been mixed up a bit for a bit of a change.

On the day, the weather was dry but bitter cold, with temperatures possibly only peaking just above freezing. But at least the sun made an appearance!!

The event started at the Corris Craft centre, which had a cracking little caf�, which provided hot food and drinks to warm our bellies!

There was a strong field of riders, including Matt Page, Jonny Pugh and James Williams to name a few, so I knew the pace would be good.

The ride kicked off just after eleven and there was a short road section before we hit the first climb, which was a very long forestry track. By the top of the climb I was starting to feel it!! With the field already starting to spread out, with JP leading the way on his singlespeed! Followed by JW, MP and myself. On the first decent, I took it fairly steady due to the patch of ice. I was taking it so easy, Ryan Bevis passed me on the decent, but I really don't do ice, so wasn't prepared to risk a crash!!

On the next climb I passed Ryan, who was also on a singlespeed. The next decent was really enjoyable, followed by a long forest road climb. This then lead to in my opinion the best section of the course. An excellent decent, through the woods. At this point I was in fourth, but unfortunately James had a mechanical (with his rear derailleur) so I moved into 3^rd. This is exactly how the top positions stayed for the next 2 laps. Jon came in first followed by Matt then myself.

I was quite glad to see the finish as my hands had never really warmed up and my legs were starting to get jaded.

The race was topped off with a nice piece of flapjack and Bara brith!!

Then a couple of miles back on the road to the Craft centre car park and it was mission accomplished!!

A good pace ride around some trails I have never ridden before, even if it was a but bloody chilly!!

I would definitely do the event again as it was a good atmosphere throughout.

Thanks to Donna, Hali-Rae and Ryley for their continued support and shouts despite the cold conditions.

This week now will involve getting my shiny new Giant XTC sorted ready for the first XC race of 2011 on my new bike4. Thanks to Gateway Cycles for sorting such an excellent bike!!

Finally thanks to my sponsors

XCracer.com

Accelerade

Exposure

Gateway Cycles

MT Zoom

Phil Morris