The Dyfi Enduro 2013

I've wanted to take a spin in the Dyfi Enduro for years, its arguably one of the best old school Enduro's in the UK. Last year I was close, I had an entry but a month before broke my ankle so couldn't do it - gutting.

This year the event's 900 places sold out in under 20 minutes so you had to be super quick to get an entry. The plan was for me, Rachael and Paul G to do it together. Later on Jess managed to get a spot by some FB horse trading and joined us.

First longgg climb, DJ just behind my camera position (I stopped to dance)

High up on the route

What an amazing event starting from from the middle of Machynlleth, and being led out by a police escort on the initial road section. It could only be the Dyfi that sees you 'ragging' around mile after mile of forest trail and then coming across a DJ blasting out dance music as you pass. On top of the first big climb there was a drumming band, again only on this event! Later on when really flagging you enter a really dark section of the woodland and there's Willy Wonka and lots of Oompa-Loompas wanting to high five you as you try and dodge the little beggars....

Paul doing his Michael Jackson at the feed station. Paul consumed 18 sausages rolls here!

Free broken specs at the feed station - much larking around, I blame the energy drink

What can I say about the ride, well its tough, and I can honestly say that I've never done so much climbing/ascent on a bike in a single day (about 2000m), man some of those Welsh fire roads are long. Sadly we didn't make the first 350 cut (first 350 riders do a longer course). Even without this extra bit it was hard day on the bike. Abi cheered us on at the half way point (thanks for waiting 2 hrs!), but wouldn't let me stop to chat, so up another climb we went....

We all stuck together and had fun and I was happy with our 6 hour finishing time. Today as I sit here writing the blog with heavy legs, minor bodily chaffing I shouldn't mention and sipping tea from my Dyfi mug with a smile on my face I think, yep a great day to remember............

Happy Monkeys, proud of out finishers mugs

Next year we'll be going for placings now we know what to expect!