Ten club riders managed to get their entries submitted back in December, before the popular event quickly sold out. Andy, Jez, Rob, Steve, Lester, Kevin, Mike, Mike, Tim and Adam entered the All Mountain Challenge – a single 35km timed lap around the hilly and technical course, whilst Peter opted for the Sport Enduro – racing down three timed stages and riding all the bits in between!
The weekend started on Friday when the group rendezvoused at a small café at Horton-in-Ribblesdale for an 18 mile ride around Pen-y-ghent. After taking in some stunning scenery the ride concluded with a fantastic 3km rocky, high speed descent back into the village.
On Friday evening after a sneaky stop for fish and chips elegantly eaten in a car park in Leyburn, the group pitched up at the campsite next to the Dales Bike Centre for a social evening with beer and late night bacon sandwiches.
The weather on Saturday was very un-Yorkshire like, the sun was out and the trails were dry! As if the upcoming All Mountain Challenge wasn’t enough Jez, Andy, Mike and Kevin decided to go for a ‘quick warm up ride’ in the morning – 14 miles, 2 hours and over 2000 feet of climbing later they returned...
The morning was also the start for the Sport Enduro, with Peter setting off to tackle the 35km course and it’s three timed downhill stages – finishing an excellent 5th place in his category!
The afternoon was time for the start of the much anticipated All Mountain Challenge. Two hundred and twelve riders all set off at the same time and went straight up the towering Fremington edge climb. The route took in a selection of big ups, exhilarating technical descents and classic rocky undulating trails. The BucksMTB group all successfully completed the course with some excellent results in their age categories and overall course times.
The evening was spent having a refueling meal in a local pub, a few drinks and taking in the 'Ard Rock atmosphere!
After a wet and windy night camping, on Sunday morning some of the group departed for the long drive home. The remaining few stayed on until Monday to get a couple more rides in on the fantastic trails the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
