24/04/2024
My first event report of 2024ā¦ grab a flapjack, a sports drink and skim this.
Dirty Reiver 2024 ā A quintessential Gravel ride.
For Dirty Reiver 2024 the gravel gods were giggling and happy. They granted us -2 degC for the start with a hint of sunshine and light, fresh winds. It could not have been better for Northumberland, renowned for its bleak, harsh conditions.
And here I was again, at the Kielder Castle start line with 1000 other gregarious gravellers. Some dressed in yak cardigans and mitts from Nepal, others shivering in light weight Le Col Lycra and fingerless gloves. State of the art carbon bling contrast to the pink steel hardtail with a fix wheel.
I was feeling good, confident of a fine day zooming around Kielder Forest with like-minded riders.
It was a mellow neutralised start, but adrenaline was oozing through everyoneās arteries. A couple of miles in and the race really kicks off. The pace surged as we hit the first rough descent. Chains were snapping, tyres were popping, bottles were escaping their cages, and my top tube bag spewed its guts. All I could do was watch in horror as my flapjack, salt and gels few off into the chaos of riders hurtling downhill. I huffed and sighed, knowing that I was now in a bit of trouble, and Iād have to come up with an alternative nutrition plan as the day unfolded.
The scenery was outstanding, made even more special by the clear air, magical sunlight and mackerel skies. It made the miles go fast. Riders spread out and small groups formed. I was lucky to have fellow friend and gnarly athlete Rai riding with me and we found a few wheels to stick with. The first feed station at 52km came around quick. I gulped Redbull and electrolyte drink to keep caffeine and salt levels topped up. All was amazing. We were back on the bikes within minutes and hammering down a short section of paved road. I was chuffing along with power to spare and, wearing Redbull wings, I took the front and dragged a gang of riders along for a hard interval. A few seconds before turning back onto the gravel I looked down in disbelief as my rear tyre spurted out white sealant and flattened. Ā£$&**k! I hate punctures. Despite my preparation with rc-X rated tyres Iād managed to find the only 3cm nail in a 1000sq miles. The peloton rode off whilst I did the walk of shame and started the fix. It was a messy job, but I was back in the zone soon enough. Fortunately, a couple of punchy riders from Brixten came through, I jumped on and we shared some high tempo pacing over next 50km of fantastic tracks with some seriously long climbs and utterly crazy, fun descents.
Feed Station 2 loomed and at +100km I was thankful for a stretch, more food and extra liquids.
I needed to ease back on the pace now, fatigue was creeping in, and we were only halfway through. I found Rai in a daze, finishing a cup of lumpy soup. After a quick shake down we set off together with a sensibly conservative strategy to cover the next 50km. More dreamy trails, a visit into Scotland, bigger climbs and a feeling of being lost in a baron wilderness lead us peacefully to Feed Station 3 at 150km. Now the legs and body felt really wrecked. However, the excitement of having to cover ājustā 50 more km made it feel way more achievable. The water at Feed 3 was disgusting, basically 90% Milton bleach and was undrinkable. Being dehydrate, in addition to the forced nutrition plan change, made the last 2 hours way more challenging. I was fighting cramp, struggling to consume solids and gels were sickly. But I did what I do and slogged on. Eventually I hit the shores of Kielder reservoir which had a fabulous flowing trail around the perimeter that forms the final 12km. I had a rush and cracked up the effort, whooshing along, enjoying the switch backs and smooth path.
And there it was the final 100m rise to the castle. I thundered under the arch: 196km ridden, 3550m descending, lots of heart beats, plenty of grins, and with a chip time just under 9 hours I was smiling and chuffed to have completed another mega day out on the bike. After a couple of litres of water, the real recovery process commenced: Chips, burgers, beer, pringles, peanuts and gin were consumed. Happy Days ;-)ā¦ More and loads more of all of this please but, I still have no idea what a Dirty Reiver is??
www.curvecoach.com
02/12/2025
16/04/2025
28/03/2025
23/03/2025
21/03/2025
20/03/2025
25/02/2025
27/01/2025
13/07/2024
24/04/2024