NPS 2 - Cross Country (Dalby Forest, 10th May)

The second round of the NPS greeted us with a shock. A shock because far from the the neat, fast and clean roadie-like lines of Sherwood Forest last month, Dalby was a 'proper' cross country course - lots of technical sections and lots of climbing.

The NPS XC 2 podium presentation from Rob Enslin on Vimeo.

During the practice session on Saturday both Mark and I were having doubts about two particlulary hazardous sections: the drop-off and the three-tired root descent. The real problem was not our riding ability it was our deep mental analysis - focusing on the what-if too much. We had to abandon a second parctice lap due to rain... further adding to our anxieties.

We enjoyed slightly lavish accommodation (by our standards) - Innkeepers Lodge - organised by Mr Bike Wikipedia - Nick Evans, from Beyond Mountain bikes, which included breakfast. We headed back to the forest park to attempt another practice lap before racing at 3pm. The practice lap was perfect for both of us... just as we'd predicted.

At 3pm, we lined up at the start. Mark on the front line, Tom on second row and me at the back. I stupidly forgot to pre-enter on time so lost a start line seeding. With a big circular field to start the race on there'd be plenty of time to come round some of the riders.

We set off to start 4 laps with Vets (including Steve Jones) shortly after us. I never saw Mark again as he sped off with the front riders (perhaps he could include a short commentary as a comment below?). Meanwhile I was still trying to get through the field and being held up by the traffic - having to come to a standstill to wait my turn to continue. With the climbs taking their toll the field began to spred out. I continued to pick off and pass a rider at a time. The drop-off and three-tier-root sections were fine - in fact I hardly noticed them anymore. By lap two I caught Tom who seemed to be struggling with cramp. He later retired from the race completing two laps.

I continued a fairly good pace till the end. Finally finishing 12th. Speaking to Hoppy (Paul Hopkins) I discovered Mark had won the race. He'd finally managed to achieve what he'd been trying to for so long. Huge congrats to him.

NPS XC2 Winner Mark Hutt from Rob Enslin on Vimeo.

My ride stats:

Time: 01:33

Average HR: 179 bpm

Maximum HR: 203 bpm

The final placings:

1. Mark Hutt AW Cycles 01:28:48

2 Dan Lewis 01:29:35

3 Christopher Rathbone 01:31:12

12 Rob Enslin - AW Cycles 01:33:32

Some weekend photos:

[Speaking to the winner, Mark Hutt, on the way home. George Budd joined in via Facebook]

[Pit stop on the way home]