[Closed] Ard Rock '17 Debrief

Added more images today - http://www.unsponsored.co.uk/press/ard-rock-enduro-2017/

More to come.

It was early when I entered but did I imagine a question regarding your riding ability during entry or were you grouped based solely on what time you entered? I was surprised to be in a group with former elite DH riders and people clearly out for a pootle. I was often letting riders ahead of me in the queue knowing that they were podium contenders and would definitely catch me.

I knew that my 'race' was over when I let a proper missile past me on stage one but had to pull over and could not set off safely for what seemed like forever only to catch the riders that passed me whilst I was waiting. Think the seeding thing would suffer as the groups merge on the first climb.

Either way, excellent event. Smoothly run. Marshalls were superb. Stages were some of the best riding I've done. Thanks to all the folk on here who helped/worked at the event. Just a world class experience, If I was to do it again, I would enter a 'fun' class. Just don't have the pointy elbows and desire needed to race anymore.

if there wasn't room for him to ride round me, there wasn't room for me to get out of the way either.

As it is, we only caught up people on 2 of the stages (after leaving a big gap at the top)..each time the overtaking line was more 'fun' (we'll call it fun) and at my expense, not theirs...
Considerate..I hope so....

(When racing 4+ hour XC enduros, I'm quite happy to just bimble behind riders until tehre's a CLEAR spot to overtake..)

Anyway, I've bought a few photos - I love looking back and seeing the terrain from another perspective!
Great shot!
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Gotta love a screamer!
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Squint face...
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DrP

I did the full Enduro on Saturday, it was the first bike race of any kind I’ve ever done. What a brilliant weekend. I found the first few stages quite intimidating, not really the terrain but having so many fast riders around me. I was pulling over, and slowing down may be a bit too early at times. However, I just wanted to survive and make it round. My chain bounced off at a bad moment on Stage 3, by the time a fixed it, got to a spot where I could jump back on the bike and let a group of riders past I think I’d lost over a minute. I came in 29 minutes. Quite please really, I didn’t have to walk down any sections. I was only out on the course for 4 hours 45mins, including spending 45 mins waiting at the top of stage 2.
I was surprised how many people couldn’t ride up hills, I thought that was the point, to ride up and race down. It’s a good thing the time limit wasn’t enforced.

Heard one story of someone getting abuse and called a f*****g t**t literally on the exposed switchback with the orange fence on stage 2 for not stopping, to me thats well out of order,unfortunately thats annoying but to me thats just your luck, I passed a few folk and a lot more passed me with no issues, most of the time I missed a pedal stroke or 2, no big deal, I had one shout "rider", went to pull over and glanced behind me and he was about 50 metres away, just kept going and he never even got near me, some folk think their a lot faster than they really are, saying that I seen some superb fast riding from folk passing me.

I thought everyone (and there were many) who passed me on the intro was great and polite! I probably made almost too much effort to let them past!
Worst I saw was a guy shouting and "Grrrr-ing" at the woman infront in the last 15 yards of 5. Chill out surely, she had no where to go?!

lots of that unfortunately.

as the guy at the start said. Dont confuse ambition with skill 🙂

still loved it. I think switching the days to race day sunday fun saturday would be a lot better imo.

I was surprised how many people couldn’t ride up hills, I thought that was the point, to ride up and race down.

DrP - (mini self kudos for getting [url= https://www.strava.com/activities/1120951955/segments/27619821773 ]2nd on the strava leaderboard for the climb out of stage 4[/url] 😆 Only rode the whole ruddy lot didn't I..)

Good effort DrP, that bit had me pushing if I'm honest.

DrP - that was actually a fun climb! Looked properly intimidating, but quite doable in the dry. My heart was in my mouth on that rocky step near the top though 🙂

Great day out! Very happy with my 22:12.61 - good for 11th in the Sport Vets.

It's very difficult to judge the balance of rider skill levels.
I guess people should enter the intro event until they at least roughly know where they should be.
Unlike last year, everyone I passed couldn't have been more helpful, some properly going off-course to oblige.

That steep chute from stage 3 was missing this time - lots of walkers/sliders/refusals on that last year.

Meh..quite a lot of people pushing up hills, but good on them for getting out..

DrP - (mini self kudos for getting 2nd on the strava leaderboard for the climb out of stage 4 Only rode the whole ruddy lot didn't I..)

What happened to you in the last Strava segment ("the finish line drop I took"). You smoked me in everything except the first climb and that last bit.

Dunno..after 90 seconds my speed dropped to zero for a few minutes, then picked up again.
I can only conclude I went through a wormhole.

DrP

(actually - stage 5 finished about halfway down that segment, so we probably crossed the stage finish line, 'whooped and chest bumped', then had a wee, then carried on back to the tent. More likely than a space-time continueum shift)

(Double edit - on the first climb i stopped approximately 8 times to micro adjust my handlebars.....!)

I did abuse the chap I caught on stage 5 for not riding fast enough and not getting out of my way, much to the amusement of the crowd. In case anyone was wondering, he is a mate and was giving as good as he got.

^^mates don't abuse, they buzz tyres...

Finished just outside the top third in my age group (30-39) - improved my times compared to last year on 3 stages which was pleasing - no mechanicals or punctures

Agree that they could do to try and encourage riders to enter the event most appropriate to them - was held up on stage 2 by two very slow riders through the steep section who didn't seem that keen to let me by once there was space to do so - secondly despite giving one chap over a 30 second head start on stage 5 I still passed him. Other than that everyone I caught let me past pretty quickly - somehow (luck) managed not to get overtaken on any of the stages

Thought stage 5 was a great addition

Could have done without the early morning loo cleaning, combining that with the church bells it wasn't conducive to a good nights sleep

If there's a chap on here with long hair who rides a bling carbon Santa Cruz with purple bits, I apologise for being a bit rude on the switchbacks on stage two, thanks for moving over quickly and I'd have been less rude if you hadn't jumped in front of me in the queue. I guess I need to look less fat, old and asthmatic.
Personally I think the Sprint needed proper gaps as it's only 3 stages plus the fun grass down, so less chance to make up time.

Really enjoyed the sport despite having a rather large off on stage 4. My foot came off the pedal at full chatt and I high sided off the bike which then cartwheeled away.
If anyone went past and saw a rider lying face down on the deck that was me. Not badly hurt, just bruised, grazed with wrenched muscles. I took my time getting up as I don't bounce as well as I used to 😆

Yes Dr P That was me with the sometimes strange tunes on top of 3 .
I hope it added a little fun certainly kept me company for the day .

Right marshal moan coming up .

the start gate is the bit where you start . you know the bit with the electric bit on which talks to the thing on your wrist .
NOT 100 mtrs before the start gate .

I was near the start gate where I could if you needed give you bits of info of what is ahead .
buggered if I am walking 100 mtrs to chat .

I had good number of riders wipe out on the 90 degree entry to the start gate it was put there to stop you getting a run up if you go too fast through you may not trigger the electrickery thing .

so next year come a bit nearer to the start marshal he is there for your benefit and a bit of banter also helps his day

and to the 2 fools who thought it was a good idea to start from the top of the mound just because I was not on station
good thing I did not see your numbers as you would have been disqaulified
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE .

rant over

see you all next year

Had a great day in the Sport, but unfortunately punctured my rear tyre (holed a sidewall - bad choice of tyre - then the presta valve actually broke in the pump!) on stage 1 put paid to any chance of getting a mid-place in the vets this year...

But was with 4 mates, so tried to make sure I reclaimed *some* bragging rights on the other stages 😀

And even made it back before the rain - bonus!

Loved it - third year running. Now to decide if I do it again next year...

Loved it - third year running. Now to decide if I do it again next year...

Not a consideration, my summer plans work around AR. Not missed it yet, id be proper pissed off reading about it on here!

We had a great time shouting "SEND IT" at the big grassy drop on stage 6 on Saturday 😀 and then managed to get in the top third in the Vets on Sunday. First ever event. It was cracking.
Thanks to all the marshalls for the excellent work.

@Lowrey, some of those bell ringers in' t church were volunteers helping cover your safety in' the event. We managed to put up with the extra noise in't village form PA before 7:30am and some real crap live music so a little bit of bell ringing adds to the atmosphere. After all it's been a great event and pretty much has universal local support because it's well run and brings a bit of excitement to the dale. Don't be cummin ere tellin to what t do, next thall be sayin no sheep shaggin. Friday night is bell ringing night then in to the pub, has been that way for years.
See you next year..

Nicely put Sir! Living close to a church I just don't hear it though. Previously the quarter hours have woken me a few times. This time slept right through.

Yes. The guy who does cover versions of songs in the style of Nickelback was invited again. Or just showed up and no one thought to stop him.

I never heard the bells in the van, must be pretty quiet.

Don't be cummin ere tellin to what t do, next thall be sayin no sheep shaggin.

I did wonder what the locals thought of it when I looked down from stage 2 to see the tent city matching the village size. Good to hear it's well received. 8)

Your riding may be spectacular but crikey was I cold in the evening. I was wearing everything I took and still cold. Back down south and in the hammock with shorts and a shandy at 9:30.

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Good weekend, thanks for looking after us on the hills and not eating us or whatever it is you lot do to outsiders... 😉

1st ardrock for me, did the Saturday sprint. Absolutely brilliant weekend. 630 mile round trip, chain off twice, punctured once, 40th in masters.
The marshals, stalls and Friday street made a real festival feel which I've not experienced before at a mtb event. I shall return for the 6 stages next year.

if there wasn't room for him to ride round me, there wasn't room for me to get out of the way either.

this is the approach I've always taken too, the rare occasions when I do pass someone I tell them which side I'm passing, not just tell them I'm there and expect them to do something, which I think is the general etiquette from xc racing too.

Friday night is bell ringing night then in to the pub, has been that way for years.

MT, sorry mate, no offence intended. But I just thought it was a bit odd that the bells were ringing every 15mins and on the hour all night every night.

I'll take ear plugs next time. Thanks for supporting the event. I made a point of trying to say thanks to all the Marshals every time I passed. Having marshaled at a few events myself, its always nice to get a thanks.

Sunday sport for me, barely ridden this year so was on the edge of my comfort zone. Plus was with Phil H when he had his 'nap' on stage four for a bit so just had fun after that as lost a chunk of time. Was quite a few people walking or stopping at the top of bits but was never going to worry the podium so didn't bother me that much.

@lowey no offense taken at all, tried to comment with a laugh. We just don't notice the church bells at night, never occurred to me that you were talking about the clock bells. Think of it as all part of country life. Bharrr, now were me favorite girl (ewe).

Well, overall I had a great day. Was in for the full enduro same as last year. 6 weeks ago I slipped a disc in my back, so with a lot of careful back 'managment' I decided to go and enjoy if as a nice day out on the bike and not be bothered about the time. Huge lack of fitness with no riding in the last 8 weeks really and holding back in places due to my back, I got around in 23:06. Had two comedy moments that lost me around 30 seconds or so. Stage 3, my goggles fell off knocking my glasses to the end of my nose. Had to stop and sort that out. Then on stage 6 my GoPro launched itself off the helmet mount down the hill. Luckily a guy fixing a puncture caught it!

Enjoyed all stages, with 3 being my least favourite. The transition from 4 was a huge improvement. I hope they keep that for next year. SRAM were also very helpful 😉

'till next year!

25:05 for me, lost my chain 7 times on the first 3 stages 👿 Made a ghetto chain guide out of zip ties and accepted that I could only go down stages in 4th gear. Once i'd got my head round that I wasn't racing I enjoyed the last 3 stages, stage 5 was great, if it wasn't for the pedally bit at the start I think i'd have got a decent time!

Definitely going to be booking on the saturday next year (and making sure my bike is working!)

Does anyone Know why they shut the steepish shoots on stage one Sunday earlier riders got to ride proper route.They sent later riders round the blue very little chance to overtake added well over a minute to the stage.Had a great weekend hopefully back next year in main enduro. Quicker refresh needed

Believe there where a few crashes on them?

One guy took a tumble of the chute from top to bottom. He was being worked on by the MRT when we went past.

Whoever he was sending healing vibes. Apparently his helmet was smashed up.

Thought it must have been but there were crashes everywhere on Sunday.

What time did the Sunday stage 1 diversion happen? In was in place by the time we got there from a 0940 start.

Not sure sounds like it must have been fairly early on.Hope whoever it was is Ok

Obviously the time loss due the diversion is what I'm blaming for my lack of podium position. Cough
Saw one guy being put in mountain rescue much later on, hopefully precautionary rather than anything too serious.

Ah - that explains why my stage 1 result was my best then (7:55 start).

added well over a minute to the stage

If each stage had a diversion put in after i'd gone through might have got close.Do you think it can get many more riders racing on the sunday. Would have thought its about at its limit. People I spoke to said it was far busier than last year.

Dont think it was just the diversion that added time it was just very difficult to pass same with a lot of places i suppose.

Interesting to read a lot of people were dropping chains..
I had a few mechanicals last year (dropped chain despite thick-thin and clutch, and puncture..), so made a few changes to the bik:
-pauls chain keeper
-higher rear pressure in the tyre, and it was a brand new tyre too (Hans damph, tubeless)

This year I had NO issues - the chain keeper saved my ass many times, I just know it! Plus, being on a hardtail does ping you about a bit!

Also, the luftkappe Pike mod was brilliant - the forks were just sooo good!!

DrP

I don't think numbers is an issue, more of an issue is folk riding tracks that are above their ability levels tbh.

No way folks should be walking down stuff, none of it is particularly techy.

That steep chute on stage 1 may not have been 'that' techy but if you got it wrong there wasn't a nice place to land. It was a long way down and plenty pointy. It was the only obstacle that gave me a proper wobble.

although find that hard to believe

Easily 40 - 50 seconds difference. There's an uphill traverse!

Last year me and my mates all rode together and did the red chute. There was a few seconds difference between all our times.

This year they set off at 7:55 and did stage 1 in around 5 minutes. I set off in the last group (11:25) when it was taped off and managed a 5:52.

Just got back from an extended stay in reeth. Stayed in a cottage with the family for a few days holiday and rode the sport on the Sunday.

Was pleased to make it down the steepest chute on stage 3 that caught me out last year, but then took a nasty tumble further down, hit a large flat faced rock straight on. Now got a swollen hand and a black thigh!! Lost my chain on the fast double track section and had to tighten up my headset at the feed stop. Ended up with a time of 30 mins.

Brilliant day though, totally unlike any other day out on the bike for me.

I was in last group also. I was basing the extra time on mates who went on Sat.

First Ard Rock, did the sport and had a brilliant time.

Unfortunately a few mechanicals - I took a few band out the rear shock the night before, got to the start of the first stage and was running a bit low in the travel, stuck my shock pump on, and it choose that moment to fail spectacularly and dump all the air or of my shock. If you're the kind soul that lent my mate a pump to help, thank you! But for some reason it was still leaking air, so got in as much as I could and ended up running about 45% sag for the whole thing...

Stage 1+2 were so busy, got stuck in a traffic jam with no way past without pulling a serious dick move, so just enjoyed it.

4 then added me to the list of people dropping chains. Lost the outer plate of my upper guide a while ago, and never had an issue, even on blacks at BPW. But my first pedal stroke on stage 4 after the Marshall yelled 'it's all down hill from here!' and the chain dumped. Gwinned it as far as I could, but had to jump off and get the bugger back on, which was soooooooo frustrating as I was on a charge up until that point stages 5 and 6 were great, loads of courtesy from people letting others passed.

Bloody brilliant weekend, top half of results which was all I wanted. Huge props to the organisers. I'm up here for the rest of the week, but if the trails are like the one the guy from the bike shop sent me on yesterday, I'm not sure I'll be doing much more pedalling!

Now, time to try and find the outer guide plate from a TRS+ guide, and a shock pump...

Reading this thread doesn't exactly make me eager to give it a go (crowded race runs, noisy ****s)... but I might come along next year and run a stall selling chain devices.

I don't think numbers is an issue, more of an issue is folk riding tracks that are above their ability levels tbh.

No way folks should be walking down stuff, none of it is particularly techy.

+1, completely agree! I entered the sport catagory as it was coined as being more relaxed, being our first ard rock we didn't want to be the ones holding people up. Became fairly aparant fairly quickly that we had got it wrong and should of gone on the Saturday. Not saying that my group are lightning fast, but it was frustrating as hell with people stopping on the trails. We kind of got it and too it for what it is, no point in getting upset or pressuring people. Just we got the catagory wrong! Next year if we get through the entry lottery I'm going Saturday race!

As for the stage 1 diversion, I can believe it added a minute. It was a fair old lump added on plus it was impossible to over take and there was a climb in the mix. We were in the 10:50 start so pretty late and there was still some poor chap on the side of the hill awaiting rescue

Reading this thread doesn't exactly make me eager to give it a go (crowded race runs, noisy ****)... but I might come along next year and run a stall selling chain devices.

Na Stacy, it's brilliant, but I'd avoid the sport and do the main enduro. Marshalls are pretty relaxed and allow a decent 20-30 secs between you and folks in front, only one person held me up, a lass on the traverse along the middle of stage one, but I could see she was really trying, and new that there was a wide corner at the end of that bit to pass.

It's defo not too busy.

Hardest part of the weekend was getting people to dance to the band me and my Mrs dancing at the start 🙂 Great weekend marshalled on Stage 1 at the gully on Friday Rode the event Saturday trashed my rim on stage 3 in the mud bath the punted on tubes on 4 and 6 Marshall ed on stage 6 on the jump that was closed on Sunday:-( Great event big up to Shima no for a new shifter and Sam for the brand new reverb

The evidence of the above!

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[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/nobeerinthefridge/36241267462/ ]Ard rock[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/59995395@N03/ ][/url] - [url= https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dariogf.flickr2BBcode_lite ]Flickr2BBcode LITE[/url]

Had a great time, 1st Ard Rock, was in the Enduro. I loved every second of it.
Got passed on almost every stage but made sure I got out of the way (probably too much tbh). Folks may well still feel I shouldn't have been on the Saturday event, but until there is a clear requirement for a certain level of experience or some other seeding then 1st timers have no idea which class to enter.

Anyway, Postierich - we saw you dancing away and there was much love for your "christmas jumper"!!
Sadly my experience of Shimano and SRAM was the opposite of yours. Was told that shifters were pretty much a consumable and I should get one online and that my less than 18 month old Reverb suddenly developing a sag was normal and I'd need to pay someone to service it.
SRAM in particular couldn't have been less interested in helping out.

Contrast that with pretty much every other exhibitor we spoke to who were super helpful and friendly.

Will be back next year and will still be trying for the Enduro.

Si

Special mention for the stans tent btw, doing free tubeless taping and top up, guys must've been scunnered looking at tyres at end of the weekend!...

I also noted there were a number of riders who appeared a bit out of their depth but mountain biking doesn't have any sort of consistent grading system. There's no way for someone who hasn't ridden it before to know what it's like unless a friend has ridden it and knows their ability.

As much as I felt some folk were holding me up, I think letting someone past might have been one task too many for some. Every ounce of their being was focused on survival.

Thought the whole weekend was bloody brilliant. My first Ard Rock, and I'll definitely be back!

I was overtaken on stage one by someone who was absolutely flying. I then returned the favour to several people on stages 2 and 5. There was loads of room to overtake and we were given plenty of time from the marshalls between riders on the Saturday.

Thought the trails were great - nowhere near as full on as a PMBA, so you could just focus on riding rather than being scared. Although there were folk who were out of their depth, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere and the extra riders just added to the atmosphere!

Got a fork rebuild from SRAM and a new rear mech from Shimano mid race - my mech threw itself into the rear wheel on the transition between stages 2 and 3. Thankfully, it was downhill all the way back to Reeth. Unfortunately that meant I had a 4 mile climb up to stage 3!

The band were ace - my worst injury of the weekend came from the mosh pit at the end, just before everyone started crowd surfing.

Didn't hear the church bells, but I must've been too drunk to care ha ha.

And to top it all, I didn't disgrace myself with a time of 22:53 on a hardtail. Result!

*likes*

Getting the timing right on Ard Rock, is next to impossible. Interesting everyone seems to have a better perception of it this year. There were quite a lot more riders. Last year there was a quite a bit of criticism.

Closure of the chute was down to a few minor and not so minor accidents very early on. Assessment was made that on average it was out of the skillset of most riders. There was deff a very different rider profile on Sunday.

I think the chute was ok, but the hard right entrance was a bit techy for those not used to that sort of riding, and I imagine threw a lot of people. Have to be honest when I rode down 1 at the end of Sat I didn't even see the go round. Rode it Sunday out of interest. Not exactly a chicken run... (but I had lots of fence poles tied to my back and couldn't really turn my head a lot which added a special kind of tech)

The chute on stage 1 cost me a good 90 seconds after having to slow right down follow the blue arrows which to be fair caused me to stop and ask the marshal WTF ? as two then passed me i was told to carry on its closed, i did how ever managed to chase the two lads down (both mates which have heard nothing but the fact they were passed) but as others have said I think people with good times from one year to the next should be vetted for the Saturday as watching people push and bail out on Saturday left a little bad taste in my mouth having to set off at 11am Sunday ..stick a cracking days ride but could have been a bit better

Am I allowed to say I don't even remember a tricky chute on stage one without sounding like I'm bragging too much, or was I just not paying attention? Definitely didn't spot any chicken lines on Saturday (or were they put there on Sunday morning after an incident?)

Its hard enough making the entry system fair, god knows how you'd vet riders.

It's an amazing event, long may it continue.

Edit -JB I was thinking the same, but didn't want to be called Billy big baws!

Yeah. Vetting for Saturday entry?

Maybe. But the Ard Rock is not part of a series. There is no prize money. It's a totally stand alone event that grew from a mates race and mad cap idea as I understand it. I don't think the organisers had any idea how big it would get when they started it. That it still has that vibe the first one had in '13 is brilliant and I'd be sorry to see that change, as I think it would if there were entry criteria.

For a start I couldn't mock the people who take it very very very very seriously. And I like doing that. Closing your eyes for fifteen seconds and going to your special place when you get to the front of the queue etc.

Though one of them was also quite hung over and may just have been asleep.

They did achieve a distinct self selection of the ridersthis year, and last now i think about it. All marshals I spoke to on Sunday commented on the very different rider type, you'll never get that 100%.
Also it's a very severe terrain. And if you haven't ridden sometbing like it before then it might not occur to you the world contains that many pointy rocks all in one place.

^^^
There's a point where you've just got to say "it is what it is" and crack on. So few actually have a shot at a top ten finish that it gets a bit silly worrying after that.

It's riding bikes down a hill, if you're getting all wound up about it you're doing it wrong.

Am I allowed to say I don't even remember a tricky chute on stage one without sounding like I'm bragging too much, or was I just not paying attention? Definitely didn't spot any chicken lines on Saturday (or were they put there on Sunday morning after an incident?)

Is not that steep, but it's quite long and surrounded by sharp rocks. Also as all 1 is slag from mining is very loose. Depends what you're used to.

I saw one guy down on it in the first year, face first, just folded his bike up. I was genuinely surprised when he got up.

Dont get me wrong im never going to be the fastest rider on the day but when there is bragging rights involved with friends thats a whole different ball game ..

Ive not made a brew at work since 🙂

I do think its getting bigger every year and may end up with a Friday Sat Sunday next year to accommodate

I do think its getting bigger every year and may end up with a Friday Sat Sunday next year to accommodate

I was pondering similar today. Would have to if they (for example) reintroduced a sportif format, which was dropped from this and I think last year. That would also draw some of the less gnar-rad-tasting riders to an event they could enjoy on its own merits etc.

Third year doing the enduro. First DNF. Not enough riding following a fractured elbow and just didn't have the fitness so bailed at the pub (knew from the way I felt that the climbs up to 3 and 4 would see me riding the stages in no fit state to concentrate properly...). Discretion, valour, and all that.

Head wasn't fully in it either - one bit on stage 1 and one corner on stage 2 had me off and walking when I rode them blind easily last year...

I'll be back next year though...

Well, I've done the Sprint for the last two years as I've not managed to get into the Enduro. So I'm a bit jealous of those that got to do stages 4 and 5. I practiced 6, pointless for the Sprint but great fun.

I was a little surprised to catch riders after a couple of corners and even more surprised to see walking at a slight uphill (not a mechanical) but on the upside it makes you feel a lot faster than you actually are if you get to do lots of passing.
I'd wager that most people complaining about traffic, (including myself, I whinged a lot) are unlikely to trouble a podium at most races and overtaking safely is after all a part of Enduro.

Also what other race could I turn up at the 3rd stage a little tipsy from a couple of pints at the pub stop.

At no point did I consider getting off and walking any part of the stages. Having said that, it was definitely some of the more intimidating / steep riding I've done blind.
Not sure what that sys about my riding level!!

Anyone know how the guy who was passed out in the road outside my house on Sat night was feeling on Sunday morning?! His mate and I had to drag him out of the traffic, looked like a great time at the bar

Late to the party, but still buzzing from the weekend. 2nd time there riding the Saturday Enduro - ditched the Maxxis Exos (front/rear punctures on 2 and 3 last year) for a pair of Hutchinson Toros and managed a respectable time of 21:36 and 39th in Vets. Got held up a couple of times - Stage 2 by a couple of guys who'd squeezed past on the transition and asked if their mate could join them in front of the queue... followed by another 3 or 4 who rolled up. Just glad I got past most in the open bit after the steep switchbacks then caught the rest in the rocky bit at the end in time to heckle them to get off the brakes 🙂
Frustration on Stage 6 at the guy who seemed to think not letting people past was part of the racing. I'd already passed two of his mates, called 'rider' at increasing volumes while trying to find somewhere to pass, marshalls also called 'rider' to him, eventually overtook on the outside of a corner and cut him off. He had ample opportunity but just stuck to the middle of the trail... don't know how you can reinforce these matters of etiquette without increasing queue times... maybe a little reminder signpost at the start of each stage? Pushed a lot of the climbs - for me it's about conserving energy and being able to give it the maximum beans when it counts.
Some of the best racing/riding of the year again - already looking forward to and planning for next year. Some of the best organisation and logistics of any event I've ever been to in 10 years of racing enduro events. Earplugs a must for camping!

I have axes to grind.

Stage 1. Started well. Overtook someone and then got stuck behind someone who went so slow at one point I had to stop! Caught him up again where they stopped and got off on the finish line. WTF!?! I was quite cross.
Stage 2. Was okay but forgot to put my gloves on so spent the whole time thinking about that, plus half way down I got stuck behind someone else.
Stage 3. Nearly crashed big time. Feet off pedals audible 'ooos' from spectators.
Stage 4. Forgot to pedal on the latter half so lost loads of time. Annoying as looking at my time I'd covered the tech sections well.
Stage 5. Awesome fun. Fast but could have been faster and made a big mistake going into a tight corner.
Stage 6. Fast but made a few dubious line choices. Could have been faster.

I need to get better at the whole 'rider' thing, rather than being nice and not forcing folks to move over so next year (if I do it) it'll be a case of **** 'em! Both riders knew I was there but that's racing I guess!?! And if I do, it will be at my own pace inbetween the stages. I need lots of rest and proper food by all accounts.

Anyway, organisation was great, trails were great, climbs were sh1te but no avoiding them so I'll fit more appropriate gearing next time and the folks I did speak to were great. Loved the comment from one chap to his mate pleading with him not to have children as he was too thick. Made me laugh.

Dan

Interesting watching quite a lot of video and reading on here too - the "rider" call thing seems a bit of an issue when catching people. It's probably worth making a decision where you want to go and say "on your left" or "on your right" and going for it, which has always been my preferred method.

Just telling someone you are behind, when they're possibly at their limit so not able to look round or deviate from what they perceive as a safe line probably doesn't help.

On local trails I use the on your left or right thing (mostly to walkers). But again, looking back at videos of others, I should and could have been more purposeful in calling out 'rider'. The guy I did get past moved over after hearing a very middle class 'I'm behind you, but I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to get past you' comment.

You live and learn.

Out of interests do Ardrock seed or attempt to separate faster and slower riders?