The day was again sunny which makes everyone especially the riders very happy. Today my aim was again to finish but also finish early enough so I could carry out some much needed maintenance. Today the ride was 88 miles long with 30 sections and the time limit of 7 hours 37 minutes.
I decided to change my approach today. I would ride the first few sections without walking so I could get ahead of Dougie's entourage. When riding the moors I would ride just that little bit slower and not ride in other riders tracks. In the sections I would stick to the line which had water flowing down it and stay away from the slippery moss covered rocks.
The scenery is fantastic especially across the moors. It is amazing to watch the fast guys riding the moors - mostly on the back wheel. The sections were again all uphill rocky climbs with lots of water flowing down them. You just zig zagged up the rocky climb. Today there were some monster steps at the end of the section which I had some big crashes on. It is heartbreaking to get to the end of the section on a clean then crash on a monster step when trying to exit the section. Again there were lots of queues at most sections so you just could not spend much time walking them. Today we rode through a lot of pine forests along single tracks. I was riding past a lot of rock fences covered in moss. I really enjoyed the single track and was able to make up some time. The EVO 300 Super Smooth is going just great. I can't get over how easy it is to ride in the slippery conditions.
I managed to finish 25 minutes early which I spent in the pits doing maintenance. Firstly I cleaned the mud off the bike especially around the radiator. Then I went over all nuts and bolts, checked air filter and chain. John Lampkin has 30 bike stands set up with all tools, oils needed. He also has air compressors and spares if needed. The pits is just a mad house as any rider especially the top riders who have spare time are trying to get there bikes ready for the next days ride. I am not even noticing the bruises now. My shoulder and knee are sore but it doesn't matter just have to push on to finish the six days on time.
Wednesday is 85 miles with a 7 hour 50 minute time limit. I am expecting it to be difficult to get to the finish on time.
Matt Hannaford