The kids show us how it's done in the Red Kite Winter XC Enduro Series

Set in a private 400 Acre estate near Llanwrtyd Wells, a picture post card setting and sunny crisp weather (until it snowed) made this a perfect intoduction to the world of enduro riding.

This Red Kite Cross-country series runs throughout the winter. The format is multiple laps over 90 minutes. Decide on the day which distance you prefer. The XC course consists of a mix of forest road, single track, technical trails.

18 Sosban Riders including including lots of our now experienced children as young as 7 -  braved the sub zero conditions (-4 degrees C) to complete their first ever Mountain Bike Enduro.  Despite the cold weather, spirits were high and the tension and excitement was almost tangible as we all warmed in front of the log fire with our hot chocolates pre-race.  Once outside and bikes were prepped, discussions switched to clothing - what to wear... some stripped down to cycling kit - some dressed up and put more clothes on that they arrived in - to the point they could hardly move.

Once the lead quad - co piloted by a 5 year old child started the race, we settled into our groups for the first long climb. At the top - riders who dressed up - were now scrambling to get rid of their extra stuffing as they warmed up. The long fire roads were pleasant to ride up - peaceful with beautiful scenery, the single track and muddy trails down through the forest sections were exciting and scary (in a good way) with some opting to walk down, pausing along the way to watch the expert lapping riders descend the trails with grace, elegance and speed - lots crashed but just got up and carried on like nothing had happened. It was good for our kids to see how good these riders are.

Once the first hard loop was over, we crossed through the river to start the second part of the course which was more rolling single track through the forest, followed by a smooth, gentle fire road climb to the top of a mountain where we turned to drop down a fast rolling, almost BMX pump track style trail back to the log cabin HQ to complete the ride.  A nasty mud drop off in the last 5 feet of the race almost caught some of us out but for Simon being there - screaming for us to dismount (with his camera!).

We all did it though - we all completed the event - we rode tough climbs, steep declines, wet roots, ruts, mud sections you just had to slide down and avoided the sinister sports photographers dotted around the course, poised to capture the inevitable crash. 

A fantastic event with good organisation very helpful first aiders and marshals and the home made leek soup was amazing too.

Next event is February 3rd on a different trail held at the same location.

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