Published: 14th September, 2010
At the start of the season the idea of doing the Kielder 100 event seemed like a good one! But about a month before the ride, the reality of actually riding
After sorting a few problems with getting cover at work and driving for 7 hours I arrived in Kielder. Stupidly I went to sign on in shorts!! Obviously I have never been to this area at this time of year before!! I only just made it back to the car in one piece!! The damm midges were unreal. I decided with it being a very early start, not to bother putting up the tent, but instead slept in the car. Alarm all set for 4.30, which thankfully went off, and by
As for the race all I can say is "it was bloody tough and I've never ridden for so long on a mountain bike before!! I finally finished in 6th place, after just getting a wee bit tired at about the 70mile mark, where I was in 3rd place. I was fairly pleased with my time of 8.28, as my longest training ride is 3 hours.
Anyone who finished deserves a big pat on the back, but my extra respect to the winner Andrew Cockburn who rode a storming ride and finished in less than 8 hours!! And to Mel Alexander, my team-mate, who won the women's category and finished in less than 10 hours. (Only months after fracturing her pelvis, being unable to ride a bike until a few weeks ago!!). A cracking ride for Mel!!
Lastly my apologies for not hanging around the event after, the midges were keen for my welsh blood and I felt they'd had their fair share!!!
A big thank you to the Organisers for a cracking event which I may do next year, if I can forget how much it hurt this year!
Thanks to my sponsors,
XCracer.com 29ers
Gary Fisher
Accelerade
Exposure
Fireman, dad, racer and team stalwart...
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