Alan Coldray Reports from the Forest Of Dean Enduro
This was a 4-hour/4lap enduro in the Forest of Dean and we were looking forward to it, there is some lovely single track in those woods (if you know where to find them)
The 4 hour / 4 lap guys and girls were called up to the start line, there wasn’t much of a race to get to the front of the queue as everyone was saying it isn’t race it’s a marathon.
The few who went to the front were off like a shot when the whistle went, the rest of us set off at a good pace.
The start was the usual up hill race to the single track that was a tight fit for all the riders but as soon as we were through this onto the forest track it settled down nicely.
Everyone soon got into his or her own rhythm and pace. A few overtook me but I thought I’d get you back later there is a long way to go to which I did later..
The forest track climbs led to some great technical single-track descents. Then back up a few steep but ride able tracks, which led onto further single track that seemed to get better on each lap. There was only one muddy section about 15 meters long that was like Velcro and tried to stop your bike dead otherwise the surface conditions were perfect.
The worst part was the off camber single track with off camber roots, very interesting for some who wanted to do a little tree hugging instead of sliding down the hill.
A few more people had off’s due to the track getting a little cut up in the trees but they always had a soft landing on the pine needles and loam.
We then started to lap the slower guys but they generously moved out the way with a friendly thanks.
On the third lap I began to cramp up but eased up and carried on.
The last lap was the best lap with the tracks at their best. And the end was in sight.
Finish at last.
Lynne had a few scary moments but hung on and had a very good race lapping the slower guy and girls and finishing 1st.
I finished 16th which I was happy with
All in all this was a great event with really friendly marshals and an even better atmosphere in the riders.
Lynne Coldray, final position 1st
Alan Coldray, final position 16th
