by Elaine Powell.

Me and Matt completed the Grizdale Challenge this weekend, the weather was perfect. The course was dry the sun was shining, we were both on new bikes, does life get any better!

The course was 2 laps of the Grizdale forest each lap was 16 miles of thigh burning climbing or super quick descents  After a slow painful 1^st lap negotiating my way through traffic and probably walking up most of the uphill single tracks, my 2^nd lap seemed to flyby. As the field spread out I was able to let rip on the downhill’s and really got into my pace on the up bits.

The last I saw of Matt was when he muscled his way to the front of the start… (I wish I had done the same) in comparison to me he flew round finishing 20^th in a field of 600 plus. I came in 5^th out of the ladies I’m not going to tell you what position over all.

It was a fantastic event it was encouraging to see so many competitors and spectators out enjoying the autumn sunshine. Wonder if  the Mary Towneley  Loop Challenge could become as popular?