Race 1

RACE 1 - SPAM MTB 50k - 2 January

From the website "The Winter Challenge is Salisbury Plain's biggest Mountain Bike Event - perhaps the biggest nationwide held at this time of year. The event which had been running for over 15 years, the 50km route, although not terribly technical, is designed for more experienced riders, the challenge being the distance and terrain in the potential adverse weather conditions. Just under 700 riders blew the Christmas cob-webs away The course, often described as a bit 'safe' was generally regarded as just right for the slightly damp weather conditions.

As predicted the muddy sections were a bit claggy as the recent cold snap had given way to milder temperatures, but they were broken up by sections of hard pack tracks and challenging climbs to keep the body temperature up on a chilly January morning!"

I particularly like the bit about it being a bit "safe" as true to form I failed again to finish a MTB race without falling off. This time I managed in full view of the finish line! The bit about it being a "bit claggy" was spot on - both the bike and myself were covered by (mainly) mud.

Its a great event, well organised with a really friendly atmosphere. At the finish the home-made cake and tea offered by the volunteers from Dorothy House Hospice was to die for! For those of you interested SPAM is not the processed meat product - it actually stands for Salisbury Plain Area Mountain biking.

Result - 105 out of 300+, time 2h 44m (45 mins better than my 2010 time!)

PS - I did purchase the photos but after two attempts to get them through my firewall ......