We did the Rough Ride this weekend. When I say we I mean Carla, Supawal, and me. When I say the Rough Ride I mean the tough Enduro event that takes place in Radnorshire.I opted for the 70km route, did it last year, and it was fantastic. The moorland sections are stunningly beautiful if you have the nerve to take your eyes off the trail for a second, or if you have the time to stop and look. I rode full-sus, and was wondering if I had made the right choice on the outward journey as there was a stiff headwind, and a lot of steep climbs. Things were different on the way back, with a nice tailwind blowing bowling along the trails was magic, and some of the descents were a major source of wow!

It took me 5 hours to complete the course, which is half an hour slower than last year. I put this down to the fact that the ground was not as hard this time. Carla thought the same as she had taken much longer to do the 40km route than she had anticipated bearing in mind her time from the 70km route last time.

Supawal? Well he said he was thinking of doing the short route, but he seemed to be going very well, and was in front of me at the split. When he went straight on I assumed that he was sticking to his short route plan. Turns out he missed the signs. Well that’s what he claims happened!