Sleepless in the Saddle 2005

This years race was held in Catton Park just south of Burton, and proved a real test for our team of 4. Our appropriately named team, Saddle soar, managed a mighty 28 laps of the course in the 24hrs giving us a surprisingly high 64^th place out of a total 71 mixed teams. (if you had seen the opposition you would also have been pleased)

The off road course certainly tested our mountain biking skills, with 2 near vertical drop off’s and much windy single track around the trees. We just had enough time to work out the route before we were doing it in the dark (and wet). I found myself on the floor a few times, the highest scoring being a self-scored 9.8 for an over the handle bars somersault with ˝ pike into a nettle patch – where are the camera’s when you need them. Although any team sympathy quickly moved onto our female member who then managed a highly respectable 3 handlebar dives in one dark lap.

Despite having a few teams ahead of us, I would recommend it to any cyclist interested in something different – a great atmosphere and lots of stands for the gear obsessed. I’ll be asking for volunteers for an running club team next summer – have your excuses ready!

For Full results - click here

Alex