What a brilliant day.

Firstly let me say that this ride was much more difficult than I thought it would be.
The main loop was 70k's of mainly tight, 1st and 2nd gear, single track or sandy trails.
It took me 2 and a half hours to complete 1 loop and I was shagged after it.
And i wasn't alone.
But it was top stuff.

I didn't get too take as many pics as I wanted to as my mind was focussed on the task at hand.
But here they are.

The field. 300 starters.


First stop after 10 k's and time to remove the jacket.


300 bikes cut up sand tracks.


A couple of Kato's heading up the first "challenge" stage.


Mud so sloppy it spread like paint.




Second check point.


Back to base.



There were times when I thought, mmmm, I may not make it.
The terrain was very demanding and I started to get a lot of arm pump and a bit of cramp towards the end.
But plenty of fluid and the odd stop saw me through.

But, fun was had.
As it was a non competitive event, I have no idea how we faired compared to the field.
Which is just as well.
Suffice to say there was more ahead of me than behind.

It was a great mix of riders.
Lots of young guns on the latest weapons mixed with a number of us older folk on more, shall we say, "softer" bikes.
Some guys were seriously quick.
It was awesome just watching them.

Hats off to the RTRA.
The organisation was brilliant and I will be back for more next year.

In fact I had such a good day that I am on the hunt for more organised rides to complement my casual trail riding.

 

Looks like it would have kicked my butt. I'm so out of shape that I get tired just tying my boots. Thanks Neil Looks like a great place to ride........well except the mud?

 

70km loops sound like fun. LOL. At least the recent rain has kept the dust down. Looks like you had fun and came home in one piece.
Did you run the DOT tyres or apply something special just for the WE?

 

I use these tyres all the time.
http://www.mxretreads.com.au/
I don't think they are approved for street use but most of my bike would not pass a police inspection.
When new they are a bit scary on the road but you get used to it.
They work well in the dirt and are cheap enough to change often.