The Sunday of the National weekend was a 3 hour Trailquest. Based from Duncombe Park next to the lovely village of Helmesley and set in the spectacular North York Moors, the promised rain didn’t materialise and the scene was set for a cracking competition.
I travelled up with Helen, another SPLOT, who I stayed with in York the night before, and after apologising again to the poor chap I crashed into the day before I set off east. The map was a Jens Strain / OS 1:25,000 combo, which is much better than the standard OS showing lots more path detail, however I did find the marking of the rights of way using green corridors did obscure other useful detail.
After a little mistake on #1 pulling up a little short at a faintly marked track junction and a spectacular over the handlebars moment on a steep track on the way to #3 I got into my stride and really enjoyed the event. We were treated to lots of off road riding, and fantastic views over the moors.
I seemed to be always going in the opposite direction to Andy Conn and Charlotte Somers Cox, I was convinced they were using some form of teleport device and saw Andy at least 4 times. I decided to try and eat a solid Eat Natural bar rather than relying on gels, as I have done recently and the difference was amazing, I felt much less hungry and seemed to go better in the later stages and felt stronger on the hills.
The last few controls for me were in the Rievaulx Valley with lots of climbing in the forest that runs down to the river. I knew I was OK on time but starting to cut it a bit fine by clearing all the controls on the way in rather than leaving one. I pushed really hard up the hill back into the Duncombe estate and sprinted down the main drive thinking this is going to be a bit close on time. I punched the finish box thinking perhaps I was up to a half a minute late. Downloading later my time was 2:59:59, talk about cutting it fine.
I was very very pleased with my results for the weekend, 1st in Class (21-40) and 4th overall to some quality riders, all current or past British / Irish Team members. Thanks to NYMBO for a cracking weekend.