UltramarathonMike

This weekend I tried something new, OK so it’s not really new but when your shiny MTB has only come out three times since new last Novembers Real Ale Wobble launching yourself into a Mountain Bike Marathon is a change…
But that’s exactly what I did and at 9am on a typical Autumn day I found myself at the start of the 26.2 mile Calderdale Mountain Bike Marathon. The weather was typically autumn and the rain was about to start.
After gathering at the start line (somewhere near the back judging by the amount of people crammed into the narrow lane ahead), we set off and were almost immediately hit a steep climb which seemed to get steeper and steeper and then featured a Llama. Although steep my fresh legs meant I was able to cruise up at a reasonable speed (faster than many of the punters around me at least!) in the middle ring and made the top of hill feeling good. Once out it was straight off road and the mud and mayhem began, I could see the lead riders easing well ahead, but I was managing to keep my pace and grab a few places at the same time.
It wasn’t long before the rain started but that only adds to the fun! The track we were on was a green lane with vehicle tracks made out of large sunken blocks which made for a fast but very bumpy ride, the downhill to a small village and the first checkpoint on a railway bridge barely stopping I grabbed a piece of cake a drink and continued climbing. A short while later we dropped into a small down and then climbed back out onto the moor, the steep up some moor and speedy down was the order of the day. They were great climbs, really pushing the tired legs when all you wanted was a nice cruise downhill. Many of the uphill’s (and some of the downhill’s!) had people pushing there bikes.
I had been chatting occasionally to a local called Graham who had done the route many times, he outlined the route ahead and said we were on for a good time. Last year he was 3hrs34 and he was after a faster time this year, he was on for it as well. This was good as so was I! Considering I was hoping to pull around in around 4 hours things looked good. He predicted we would get passing all those who have gone out too hard and were starting to suffer. He was right.
One of the most beastly downhills of the route hit at about 20 miles, most where off the bikes walking along, some had fallen off, some for safety purposes. I hung on and managed to keep myself on the bike, in one piece and gain a number of places, though the battering I took from the gully ridden, rock laden drop off was apparent. My quads just above the knee (specifically on the right) had taken a battering from all the control work whilst not pedalling. This resulted in the start of cramping when I pedalled. I needed some electrolytes but with only a few miles to go was it worth it? I decided not and pressed on. I was slowed slightly and couldn’t quite keep up with the pack I had joined.
The last climb towards Sowerby Bridge came as a surprise and, like most people, the middle part had me walking as it was just quicker. The tired legs unused to mountain biking couldn’t cope! I crossed the line in 3hrs18minutes, just a few minutes behind Graham.
A great day all around, great company from the chaps I went with (Tom, Ian, Simon and Rich) a well organised event and a great route. What more could I ask for?? OK OK – Sub 3 hours next year!!

A Google Map of the route is here.