The format of Grinduro combines the best elements of a mountain bike enduro with a gravel grinder-style road race. I arrived at the campsite at midnight on the eve before race day. I hadn't ridden my bike for a few months and was nursing a broken toe. That aside I was looking forward to a day in the saddle riding what was promised to be an epic route through magnificent Welsh hills.
I woke up early, made coffee and ate left over Milton Brewery pizza before heading to sign in. The organisers were super friendly and clearly stoked that the event was going ahead despite Covid worries.
A mass start led us out of the campsite, through town and onto epic gravel roads through the Dyfi Forest. There were two timed climbs on the morning ride, my goal was to finish the day in one piece so I ignored these and pedalled through at a relaxed pace. The views from the top were incredible, the weather held out and everyone was smiling and enjoying the ride. The downhill sections were fast and gnarly, most people made it through unscathed, I only suffered one puncture but others were not as lucky. Support was minimal and aid stations were few and far between adding to the sense of adventure and wilderness.
The morning route was 30 miles, looping back to the campsite for lunch. After a bowl of pasta and meatballs and a welcome 15 minute delay to the afternoon ride we set off again. A few miles in I was starting to feel the burn, from the start we were climbing on grass and slate covered trails. Hopes of freewheeling the backside of the hill were dashed as I joined the queue of grinders carrying bikes down a steep, narrow path walled with brambles. The next few hours were a mental battle as much as physical one. 14 miles later I arrived at the start of the final decent. The marshalls warned us that this section was particularly technical and were spacing riders out to reduce the risk of collision. They certainly weren't exaggerating, I held on for dear life and was egged on through terrain that was pushing me way out of my comfort zone.
With cheers and banter from photographers, marshalls and some familiar Bristol faces I made it to the finish where I was served congratulations and an ice cold beer. Basking in sunshine and glory I joined in on the cheering as the remaining riders crossed the line.
Thanks to the organisers, volunteers, marshalls, cooks and fellow riders that made this event so special. A truly epic day.
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