Fort William Fat Tyre Weekend

10 Under The Ben

First up on Saturday was 10 Under The Ben.  I was approached a long time ago to ride in the mixed pairs with a work colleague so this one had been a target for me all year.  The competition was pretty strong in the mixed pairs with fellow VCM team mates Addy & Maddy riding too.

It was up to the boys to start as Me and Addy faced the long out lap before getting into the course proper.  The usual carnage ensued during the hectic scramble off the start but during our lap and a half we made good progress working together and we steadily moved up through the field.
The placing's settled in quite quick and remained pretty static throughout most of the race but Addy & Maddy overhauled the 4th place team to move into and finish a fantastic 3rd mixed pair (Well Done).  Myself and Cherie from Highland Fire-fighters Cycling team kept it steady throughout and finished 5th mixed pair with 9 laps in 10hours 6minutes.  Altogether I was delighted with our placing considering the competition that was present.


Enduro Enduro!
Sunday dawned reasonably bright and so we decided to try and loosen the legs at the Enduro Enduro at Nevis range.  The relatively short route was just under ten miles long with four timed special stages.  The stages were varied giving something for everyone.  I had decided to ride the enduro on my hardtail so I wouldn't get carried away and damage myself as there are a few cycling things coming up that I want to be 100% for.  My thoughts were that if I stayed on I wouldn't finish last. There were a few sketchy moments just to keep me on my toes and I had a few words with myself to not be so stupid and get a grip.  It must have worked as I emerged unscathed to finish 38th out of 111 riders.  Now how much would I have made up on the full sus?
As it was I turned out to be the sole VCM rider for the enduro in which I had to rock the white kit after using the black the previous day!

On reflection it was a great weekend of racing, Catching up with folks I hadn't seen in ages and meeting new faces.  10 Under was as tough as ever and the Enduro was nice and chilled.  Good times.

Now it's onto Haughcross and then the mighty 3 Peaks.  Keep the wheels rolling!