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And away they go! About 200 riders go whizzing of into the course. Part of the course structure at the first lap was to do an extra 1km. This ensured that the riders naturally strung out along the course, before re-entering the arena and starting the lap proper

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It was amazing to watch the pro riders get through the 1km extra loop in about a minute! (not forgetting to mention that the loop had a climb in it!)

Now, as Phil had mentioned, we discussed the night before things like race times and strategies, such as about an hour a lap, get the transition right, and, like robots , fly around the course in an even manner - complete and utter codshite! 44 minutes later, Guy, our lead man flies into the transition area, and passes the baton to me.

Baton safely stowed away in the shirt pocket, I'm off like a mad buffoon! I try and calm myself down on the grass loop out, as I chase down a rider in front of me. I didn't need to do any chasing down, as I have no idea what catergory that rider in front of me is in. But, "what if?" is a strong thought, plus I like chasing down riders... competitive streak a mile wide me!

The 8.5 mile loop is one of the best I've ridden and it is getting better as 1000+ riders go over it over the couse of the event. There is everything you need in a route - flowing singletrack, technical singletrack, climbs, bombholes, overtaking points, river crossing, mad marshals with a disco in the middle of the lap. My endearing image of the loop was the start and finish points as you go through the campsite areas being cheered on by resting riders, spectators and the like.

39mins 47 seconds later, and I pass the baton. 39 minutes? Bleeding heckers! I was going like the wind, and on such a rush! I felt great, felt happy with the training I'd put in for the event, and secretly hoped that every other team member from the 2 teams we entered were on a similar feeling.

And so it went on, lap, transition, rest, lap, transition, rest for both teams throughout the next few hours. Rest periods were a scramble to "shoot the shit" i.e talk about the lap, change into something comfortable , shower, eat , think about resting, seeing mates from other teams, then realise that you're on next ,and start the process all over again!!

Next lap came and went - 40.05. slower, but traffic slowed me slightly

The atmosphere was so relaxed so that did not matter. As long as you let the riders in front know what you were doing, and let them tell you when they were comfortable for you to pass them , it all went smoothly.

lap 3 - 40.53 - tried the river crossing - DEEP! Bridge crossing from now on!

8pm arrived and officially the night ride phase began, so it was on with the lights onto the bikes and a whole new ballgame developed. We were happy with our nightriding skills and hoped that other riders weren't so upmarket in skills possessed. And too a point it was the case. We got a lot of laps in during the night phase. I personally loved the night phase. It was cooler obviously, and those climbs that were there were obsured by light, so seemed shorter.

2am and lap 4 beckons. No rest for the wicked then!

This lap was blur, lights blazing, legs pumping at the maximum I can maintain, and eyes on stalks as I peer through the ligh and into the dust from all those riders. Feeling strong, must ride! Climb? ride it! Singletrack - attack, pick the line, don't waver, hit the bloody line! Come on Mark! Ride!!!!

I pass the line 39.35 later. shattered, sore, dusty eyed, but bloody happy!

(my time above was actually 38.11, but the timing computer showed otherwise on the resaults. A problem that caused a few moans from a lot of riders. I'll stick with the official times!)

A sore knee developed - burning ligaments forced me out of the next two laps, which were bravely covered by the other riders. Gutted, but attentions turned to tactics...

And so it continued.. ride, rest, ride rest.

How are we doing?

2nd and 7th overall!

ride, rest, ride, rest

And now?

5th and 11th!

Crack on lads, lets up the pace!

Daylight broke, and we're all still at it. The Torchbearer solo riders that started at 12am are still at it. The 24 hour soloists are still at it, and the teams above us are still at it.

How we doing?

3rd and 5th!!!

Jeez, we can do this! It was so surreal. We were all tired, but all pumped up on energy gels and coffee. We all entered our own personal dark space in both mental and physical shape.

And so it did continue, all the way up to the end, with us just one lap ahead of the 4th placed team. We need to do the extra lap to finish 3rd, and the B team need to do the same. After, what seemed like an eternity, the race finished and we are all at the finish line in shock that we'd all done so well!

It was at this point I deflated , as 6 odd months of planning, training, internal and external troubles to contend with, all paid off at that point.

3rd and 5th! Even our solo rider , Kevin, did well with 15 laps to finish at 24th overall in the solo 24 category.

And was I a happy man? Too bloody right my old mucker!

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