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| 5th June 2005 Richard, Mike, Elliot, Huey, Sue and Cas - Rough Ride See the photo album for all the pictures. After a long journey down to Kington, listening to Cas argue with his GPS co-pilot and clinging onto my seat at his foot to the floor style of driving, we settle await Huey and Sue's arrival as they are bringing a tent for me to use. Just as I finish putting the tent up, Mike and Elliot arrive and after more tent related activities, we ride over to the main site to view the stalls and make a few last minute purchases - you know the stuff, energy bars, spare tubes, more energy bars etc. I am on the new dialled bikes titanium prototype and there is a lot of interest in this and it's nice to bump into Cold Tea from mtb-wales and spend time chatting with him. The following day, we see a few more faces including Mark C from uponthedowns fame who is vying for a space at the front of the crowd. We're finally off and I immediately feel my lack of preparation. The first 3 or 4 miles are a constant climb through the town centre and then up to Hergest Ridge. I feel really bad and already feel like quitting. Not a good mental state to be in at the outset. However, I reach the top and the ride along the ridge and the really fast descent revive my spirits. I have already lost touch with the whole of the group and from here on in it's just you versus the trail. I don't think I see anyone for the next 20 klick's until Cas is waiting for me at the split in the trail. He goes for the long course but I know my limitations this year and follow the short route. You tend to notice the same riders as you pass them and then get passed by them and I start chatting to a few of them. We are all in the same boat, not quite sure why we are here, knowing we want it to end but still riding anyway. I finish in a decent time just after Elliot but then there's a long, long wait for Huey, Sue and Cas. They did the long route and struggled with cramp and lack of energy for the last section. We won the keg of cider for the largest team finishing (yet again) and know that we will be back in 2006. It's knackering but it's one of the great events on the mtb calendar and you really should try it at least once. READ
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