Well the end of the Mountain Bike Enduro National Points Series has ended albeit abruptly with the last race being cancelled due to lack of funds.
All that aside, I gained from my continuous hard effort by wining the National Points Series being the number 1 National Champion in the Veteran Class.
All of the four venues ridden were wide spread over England/Scotland with a couple of courses that were new to me being used this year namely, Drumlanrig and Grizedale. Both of which were excellent courses and well worth the effort in travelling to attend the same.
Thankfully, good weather ensued on the day for all four courses which were held at Thetford, Drumlanrig, Grizedale and Eastridge.
Each course had its own challenges, Thetford being flatter which does not do your back any favours, Drumlanrig and Grizedale were a mixture of roots, rocks, forest and fast downhills with Grizedale being my favourite venue. Eastridge had its fair share of roots and plenty of mud due to heavy rain the night before. Not my favourite ride of the Service but perseverance paid off!
The Enduro events were also attended by Andy Dolphin who achieved 17th in his category and sponsored by Worcester Cycle Centre with support from the "pit" area by Tracy, with the numerous drinks bottles - in the right order!
Thetford - Round 1
Steve McGrath came 4th out of 49 riders in his category of 50K Veterens and Andy Dolphin came 45th out of 90 riders in his category of 50K.
As always a very fast course with a few moderate climbs, mixture of single track and fire roads and plenty of "whoopty doos" (uneven ground!). Weather was warm but shaded in the forest area.
Drumlanrig Castle, Scotland - Round 2
The very proud "Winner".
The Castle was stunning with the surrounding grounds as impressive. Steve McGrath came 1st out of 30 riders in his category of 50k Veterens on Sunday 11th May . It was a beautiful hot day with the course being gruelling with plenty of climbs, rooty single track and down hills and a "rock garden" section that would have been a rough landing had you come off!
Steve McGrath
Andy Dolphin also entered the event and came a very good 24th out of approximately 50 riders in his category of 50K.
The two guys were supported and sponsored by Worcester Cycle Centre for both events.
Drumlanrig Castle