For the third year running, and indeed since the this race was born, I have raced this 12 hour night-time race and Bedgebury Forest Park in Kent.
Three years ago, I was green, it was my first enduro race and with limited entry, there were only 3 women racing solo. With my track record of keep on keeping on, I won! I had completed 5 laps and at the time had no inkling that this would be enough to win!
It was a learning experience, I hadn't eaten enough I was sick and couldn't eat properly for the following week.
Last year, the set up was a bit more professional. There were many more entries (5 women soloists). We had timing chips on our helmets. I had a proper plan this time, I ate properly, Alaric fed and watered me. The weather was warm, perfect conditions. I managed 11 laps! Unfortunately, I really have no idea who won as the timing got messed up and no-one was presented with any trophies. It was a bit of a shambles.
This year (last weekend) Alaric was racing in a team of 4. I did solo along with Simon and Glen. I had no pit crew and thought I'd just fend for myself. I also had an idea that Glen would have a pit and perhaps a crew and perhaps he could accommodate my food.
Our site was up in the walled garden about a mile from the start/finish, Glen had a pit in the solo pit area (clever huh?) so Simon and I stashed a few bits in Glen's tent.
The route was the same as the last two years, which is good because its a great route and it means you can measure your efforts year on year.
Simon set off great guns and managed to complete 3 laps in about the time it took me to do two (not wanting to be beaten by a girl, but I think wanting someone to ride with). He caught me up and we rode together for two more laps.
It was at this point, I thought I should check out the competition on the leader board. There were 7 women soloists and one of them was only 1 lap behind me - "I should really go out for another lap sooner rather than later"
So, Simon and I completed another lap - the slowest of the night. We took as many opportunities to stop as possible, chatting to the marshals etc. Then we decided to have a rest. Maybe head out for another lap at 6.30am
We rested for far too long. Glen's crew (Ben) was very hospitable. In the end we just go too cold and headed for bed.
I woke up at around 7.30, in time to see Glen come in at second place. What a great effort and achievement. I was still a little worried that my nearest competitor was still out on the trail, as if this was the case, she would have done more laps than me. As it turned out, she was asleep in the back of a van and even missed the award ceremony, phew! I had won!
Next year, I am having my pit in the solo pit area and preparing properly, clothes food etc. I was dreaming of my fleece-lined bib longs that cold night in Bedgebury.