Southern XC: Crow Hill, rd 2

After Round 1 of the Southern XC series there was no real doubt in my mind that Round 2 was a must. The course choice and organisation was excellent. Throw in a friendly atmosphere and you couldn't ask for better place to be on a Sunday. I made a slight school boy error a few months back by entering the Hargroves 4 hour enduro which I hadn't realised was the night before the SXC event so I was expecting the Sunday would be a mission to get out of bed let alone race a bike.

Stevens Enduro, Queen Elizabeth Country Park

I missed last years event as I was away so this was one for this years calendar especially as it's on my doorstep. The event was put on by Hargroves Cycles and was part of the QE Cyclefest which allowed you to mock the beardy-wierdies who were demo-ing 650B and 29ers for the first time.

Dyfi Enduro 2013

The Dyfi Enduro is probably the most exciting non-competitive race of the year. I've not come across another event that can match it for the arduous climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking views. Throw in some razor sharp rocks and anything can happen! Entry went live at the start of February and sold out in a record 20 minutes showing just how popular this event is.

Southern XC Rd 1 - Matterley Basin

I haven't raced the mtb in a while so decided to have a go at the Southern XC events. Matterley Basin is a new course for 2013 designed by UK Biking and is better known as the British Motocross Grand Prix venue. The week before the event was pretty appalling weather-wise and  it should have been a complete wash out but on arrival it was clear to see that the course had held up well judging by the look of the other racers. With the sun out there was also a great risk of racing in shorts and s/s jersey! 

Dipping my toes in - Portsmouth Easter Circuits

Given the weather over the past few months I've been riding the road bike a lot, who knew that when I bought the retro Giant Peloton I'd enjoy it so much. It's been my primary source of training,although not ideal,  for the upcoming mtb races. A friend bought a road bike a few months back and did really well at the Mountbatten Circuits. A closed circuit event - what's not to like?

Merida Brass Monkeys rd 2

It's been a few months since my last race which ended in disappointment due to illness so I wanted to leave 2012 on a racing high. I knew a few people who were racing the Brass Monkey round in Deepcut, Surrey and went for it. I was familiar with the course having races there for the Are You Tough Enough races so knew the course would be fast and fun.

Rowans Hospice - The Ruby Ride

A requirement of my work is to periodically undertake pre-qualification questionnaires in order to get get onto the tender lists for the local Housing Associations. One of the questions was what do we do for charity. We've always given to charity however we decided that this year we would make more of an effort and actually take part. Kenn, the managing director has always given generously to Rowan Hospice and therefore it seemed fitting to take part in one of their events.