Last weekend was my first ever experience of 'Adventure Racing'. Not really knowing what to expect I was a nervous bunny before the start. Infact I'd not really slept well at all the night before, but I needn't have worried - the event was extremely well organised, and I was certainly fit enough.
The first event was a circular trail run, followed by an orienteering mountain bike section, followed by an orienteering run and finally a quick blast back on the bike.
Dan, Sioned and I started the run pretty much at the back of the pack and headed out into the wilds on a hilly course of loose gravel and muddy track. We went out expecting up to a 10km run, but due to the heat, it had been cut back and we found ourselves back in transition less than 30 minutes later. Surprisingly it seems we'd moved up during the run and were probably in the top 20-30 people! So, all was looking good.
Unfortunately then came the bike section - Whilst not being an experienced mountain biker I do possess a certain lack of regard for my own welfare, so was quite happy to throw myself at the hills. Sioned on the other hand has a very sensible attitude to her own safety and appreciates the fact that she's totally inexperienced on a mountain bike, so understandably took things slowly. Our position was quite rapidly eroded and we shifted our attitude from that of 'Competing' to 'getting around in one piece'. This was probably not a bad idea as it happens, as there were three hospitalisations on the day with at least one fracture.
Anyway, all said and done, I had a very enjoyable day out, my bike performed extremely well and I didn't ache at all the next day.
The next challenge is the London Rat Race at the end of September. Dan and I are looking for a spare body if anyone wants to join our team!
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