When your star rider comes off the first lap shaking his head and saying conditions are treacherous then you know you in for a tough time! Without a word and no hesitation Wilko went out for the second lap leaving me to ponder just how bad it was.
Studded ice tyres were in demand as hard thick ice was covering much of the trail, and so staying upright was a challenge. Fortunately, the weather would proved to be kind and so underfoot, (and underwheel) conditions were to change steadily.
None of us had really done a 24hr enduro before (I'd been part of a five person team but only Spring) and riding as a team of three, and not four, was always going to be tough. The upside is less waiting around between laps, and with a rough model of one lap on, two laps off, were should be able to grab some sleep in the small hours and keep on the course.
With Solos, Pairs and Quads all racing the same route, it's not uncommon to be passing others or in my case being passed by many! Any 24hr race, or longer is all about staying the game, staying on track, in more ways than one. The longer it goes on the more important it is to stay focused and motivated, but pacing it for 24 hours is crucial. Adopting a Tortoise and Hare mentality is good policy, letting the hares go and maybe crash and burn. As Pete said, 'I get the idea that Wilko won't give in or slow down at all'.
The state of the trail always changes and Strathpuffer was no exception. Overnight a steady thaw came through so the icy trail improved with big muddy parts developing and the mud smears helping erode the hard pack ice. In the space of 24 hours and seven laps each (eight for Pete) you get a chance to learn the course, and each lap can appear very different. Parts you haven't ridden before get 'cleaned' and you learn when to run instead of ride. Certainly, my last lap just as dawn was breaking was as enjoyable as any, and I saw bits of scenery I hadn't seen before.
Strathpuffer offers it's devotees 17+hours of darkness. Light output and battery power are crucial items of gear, but good food and drink are equally important as it good bike maintenance. Grab some power snoozes and stay on course. Yes, in some ways it's a drag but there are memorable bits, not least watching Pete fly around the end of the last lap, clocking up our 22nd lap in a little over 24hours riding as smooth as ever.
There were some amazing performances and results, not least from some Solos and Pairs, showing true skill and endurance. I must improve my riding for next year.
A big vote of thanks to Pete and Wilko for their company, contribution and commitment. Strathpuffer is one of those 'must do' events. We learned a lot about the event, tactics, and that Three's not a crowd; but do we ride as Pair, Quad or even Solo in 2012?
Anyone want to come join the team? Strathpuffer is well worth the journey north.
Joe
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An intersting write-up Joe, I've just read your Blog with well over a month since the event. There is a warm glow left after the event and it was something that certainly fits the definition of adventure in terms of the outcome not being certain. So, how do you top the Srathpuffer? I'm not sure you can easily. It's alway good to see new situations with people you need to depend on, rising to the challenge. I too was impressed with Wilko, I was all for pulling the plug, given I was convinced either you or Wilko would come to some harm and you were most exposed not having the studded tyres. So the moment when Wilko made it clear a DNF was not on the cards was a defining moment. Wilko's quote which still rings in my ears, 'Just tell when I can stop'. Showed me I still had much to learn.
Yours in shared adversity,
Pete
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