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Chain Reaction Marathon Marshbrook.

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BY: Richard Jones

Published: 18th July, 2012


Chain Reaction Marathon Marshbrook.


Like many others last week I was shocked to hear the news of the last round of the National Point series being cancelled. This suddenly left a hole in my weekend, however with plenty of other events on; it was only a matter of a few hours until I had entered the Chain Reaction Marathon in Marshbrook. The moment I realized it was being held in Shropshire and was using the fantastic Eastridge-wood trails I was excited and raring to go. 


Sunday quickly came around and we arrived at the venue in good time. Luckily the large field full of cars was holding up very well and there was little sign of mud. We quickly got suited and booted and headed down to the start finish arena, this however was rather moist and in fact in the center of the arena was a large puddle with a floating rubber duck. 


I made my way to the start promptly as I didn't want to be held up in any lead out issues. After a brief wait we where slowly lead away following the lead out van along the first section of road. Roughly 3 miles passed until we turned of onto the first gravel climb, the lead van pulled over and the pace was quickly set by Dan Fleeman. 


I had no intentions of trying to race this event, I had entered the 75k and after a brief look at the climbing profile I knew that it would be a test of stamina. I quickly settled down to my pace and watched many ride of into the distance. It was brilliant to be riding in such a beautiful area and there were countless times where I could have just stopped and stared at the vast openness of rolling hills that spread out in front of us but instead I had to concentrate on keeping the pace up. 


The moment I hit the first section of singletrack I hit two burmed corners and then went to drop of a small fallen tree trunk, not to sure what happened but then next thing I knew I was rolling around on the floor. I jumped up and brushed myself down, still a bit surprised at what had just happened however couldn't stop laughing at my stupidity. 


A lack of photos from this event, so instead another picture of a Marshbrook muddy bike. 


From this point I settled down and set about enjoying the ride and the fantastic trails. I was happy for who ever to pass me and knew that there may be a chance of catching them later. Riders such as Ant White flew past me after 40 minutes and stayed in my site for a short time. Neil Hayward from Torq stormed past me just before a steep single track decent, so steep that the whole decent was spent smelling his boiling brakes. 


I was then alone again until a young rider from Inverse joined my wheel. We both rode together taking turns to set the pace for the next hour and spent most of this time chatting about all things cycling. The first food station was dealt with quickly as we both stashed our pockets with some bars and the odd Bourbon Biscuit. 


The trails where very wet however they didn't seem sticky or claggy so although I was becoming extremely wet and muddy the conditions were still easy to negotiate. 


2 hours into the ride and we had began to rejoin some riders, some of these looked tired already and the realization of the distance had set in. Up in the distance I could start to see Neil from Torq again, I increased my pace and joined his wheel. 


We began the road section towards Eastridge woods and once again chatted the in and outs of this years racing so far. We where both pleased to enter Eastridge woods and were not disappointed, the route took us around some of the steep rocky, Rooty down hill trails as well as much of the Red trail center trails. 


I knew that whilst having so much fun on these trails it would be easy to loose the correct trail so close attention was paid to ensure we stayed on route. However after a while we found our selves rejoining many riders, I assumed this was the short routes we where re-joining. By the time we reached the top of a very large climb it dawned on Neil and me that we had already rode this trail a couple of minutes before. We had gone wrong some where and didn't have a clue where, we back tracked only to also find lots of other lost looking riders. Over time there was a large group of us searching for the elusive trail to get back on track and after 15 minutes of searching we were away again. 


At this point I wanted to get back so increased the pace a little, the second feed station appeared and another opportunity for a Bourbon Biscuit. The route back was easier from this point with a large section of hilly road that brought us a good way and then onto some open fields. 


Finally we rejoined the smaller routes and I could sense we where almost there. The trails back to the finish where once again brilliant and left me wanting more. 


I came across the finish line in 4 hours 4 minutes having had brilliant days riding on some magnificent trails and with some brilliant company. Thanks to every body involved and thanks to Neil and the Inverse Rider. Top Day Out!


Richard Jones

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