I rode the course yesterday in the Open category. From the off rain, rain, mud, mud and some technical slippery muddy singletrack downhills and climbs. Course changed from the standard Nutcracker one with 2 new sections in which is where the techy stuff is - the Troll Trail was demanding and a couple of the sections on this I had to get off and walk from no traction and no momentum. With lots of traffic on these sections, I can see it getting difficult. The uphill Grind still features, but on the other side there is a twisty muddy downhill - brakes were no use here just had to let it ride and make sure you didnt get bogged. Straight off this there was the new Mini Grind - short and steep !!

With all the rain the course was tough and already churned up after previous races. I hope because there has been less rain overnight its dried out somewhat. I rode with the same tyres as i did for Mayhem - but really needed proper mud tyres. This was different again to Mayhem. In the dry this course would be an absolute blast.

I did okay - 7th placed on the second lap but then my rear shifter gave up. Shouldve spalshed the cash after mayhem. With no gearing I had to retire so a DNF for me. Am gutted, never had one of these before. I was expecting to do quite well in a relatively small field - Sports and Open combined were less than 30.

So good luck to everyone else, you'll have a good time - grit your teeth and go for it

Mike came 7th in Youth a good result with a strong field - the scottish riders are particularly strong…then they would be with all those technical courses up there and an abundance of porridge!

Spoke to Mike yesterday re course conditions and he said it was getting churned up. Mud tyres and low pressures were a must today.

Hard luck Nick - need to get those gears sorted eh.