The Strathpuffer

meanredspider

Been offered a last-minute spot to fill in on a team for an injured friend. Not sure if my first "proper" MTB endurance race should be allegedly one of the toughest - most of the 24hours is in the dark of a Highlands winter.

Anybody done it and can offer advice? Quite a few of my colleagues have and are doing it again this year so I'll be getting in touch with them.

Northwind

Haven't done it, but a few friends have- good luck! Quite an event. Watch out for Dougie Vipond

If you're not on Singletrackworld, might be worth signing up- there's always a big discussion thread running up to the Puffer. Usually along the lines of ZOMG, what have we done?

meanredspider

Northwind wrote:

Usually along the lines of ZOMG, what have we done?

My place is confirmed - this is my overwhelming feeling :shock:

Northwind

Well, at least you have plenty of time to prepare, right? Oh no, wait...

meanredspider

Northwind wrote:

Well, at least you have plenty of time to prepare, right? Oh no, wait...

Tell me about it - just getting the bike bits I've been recommended - mud tyres, sintered pads and some better lights - is going to be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately the course is only 15 miles away so I'll be popping over there tomorrow to confirm what a horrible mistake I've made. As a year-round 33-mile RT Highland commuter, I've at least got the right clothes and I'm a accustomised to the weather.

snotty badger

We're just heading back from this now, I'm fooked!

It was our first enduro too, had some low points but defiantly loved the experience.

How did you get on?

meanredspider

Yup - you've summed it up pretty well. I'm happy but very tired. I enjoyed it far more than I thought

badly_dubbed

my mate Ewan came 3rd in the solo - phenomenal effort!