A GOOD START

I was hoping for a decent time for the Howies Dyfi Enduro this year and to at least get in to the top 50 riders like last year, but I wasn't expecting to come in 31st overall, 23rd in category, out of around 700 riders. Well done also to Jon, who finished within 4 hours, and also Scott and Zoe for finishing well (their first Dyfi attempt).

I had planned to use this year's Dyfi as a start to my last 3 months of training for the Twentyfour12 in July, and to highlight any part of my riding that I needed to work on, but as I started the first climb I felt strong and reached the top within minutes of the first wave of riders, so I decided to go for it and try to keep my place.

For me it was a fairly uneventful race until the end, no spills, punctures or mishaps, unlike many other riders who fell victim to the exposed rocky shale descents that defines the Dyfi Enduro course. I kept a steady pace but pushed hard on the climbs and took it easy on the descents, a strategy which seems to work for me.

There were a few changes to the course from previous years, with an added steep climb and an even steeper descent which made the ride more interesting. With 10km to go, and within the top 30, nearing the top of the bonus climb for the first 200 riders, I started to suffer with cramp and I had to ease off on the climb and spin. I managed to keep going but unfortunately got overtaken by a couple of guys so I dropped out of the top 30. Still, I had more than surpassed my expectations and was pleased to finish the last descent and the race in 31st in a time of 3 hours 24 minutes.

TWELVE WEEK COUNTDOWN

Today marks the start of the 12-week countdown to my first 24-hour solo attempt at the Bontrager Twentyfour12 in July and what better way to start it is with the Howies Dyfi Enduro tomorrow. It also marks the day when I'll be starting my new 12 week training plan for my solo attempt at the Twentyfour12. Not that I've not been training for the last few months!

Looking at the plan I can see that there are a few savage rides and weeks ahead of me, all geared towards improving my endurance and all aspects of my riding, and maybe near the top of the list, to condition me to get used to being sat in the saddle for so long! I'm under no delusion that anything I do will make it easier, but I hope that the preparation will at least give me a chance to see it through to the end and complete the race.

So, off I go to get my kit ready for an early start tomorrow, and what I hope will be a good start to my racing season.