Round 2 of the K Capital Challenge took place at Carrick Mountain – an area of Wicklow previously unexplored by most mountain bikers. As usual Team Worc put on a great event with some serious work gone into trail building and putting the course together. A terrible weather forecast and muddy trails didn’t seem to put people off, with over 100 riders entered for a single lap, 30km race.
We flew off at the start straight into a long fireroad climb with everyone fighting to get into a good position. I was surprised to be feeling pretty good having felt tired the last few days, and began moving up the group as we went. On the first half of the course there were a few nice bits of singletrack but each seemed to end by turning into a long climb. Overnight rain had made the trails really wet and muddy meaning lots of sliding around, but overall the course held up very well and was all rideable. Not having ridden any of it before added an extra element of fun – flying down slippery descents having no clue what was coming up around the next corner!
It was difficult to know how to pace yourself without knowing much about the route, but at least I had my Garmin so I knew the distance remaining – or so I thought! For much of the race I was in a group of 3 or 4 others making it easier to battle the strong wind. Having got most of the climbing out of the way, we hit some really fun technical singletrack across moorland and twisting through the forest. I was pleased to be keeping up with the guys but eventually dropped off the back with both sets of brake pads wore down to the metal. You’d think having no brakes would make you faster but actually it made going slow pretty scary! As the course twisted steeply down through the trees, super slippery mud and no stopping ability meant I had several near misses with trees – dodgy! (even more dodgy riding home across the city centre without brakes!)
I was a bit surprised to come round into the start area after 25km but presumed there must be another loop to do. Unfortunately not! Turns out the course had been cut short due to weather – it was really annoying, I’d have gone a lot faster if I’d have known, I was geared up for a long steady race and was still really enjoying myself! I won the Ladies category and placed 18th overall (results here).
So the course not being long enough was my only complaint but that’s definitely a good sign. It was funny seeing everyone afterwards almost unrecognisable covered from head to toe in mud. Luckily there was a conveniently located stream to jump in and clean off for both bikes and people, followed by lots of hot tea and sandwiches. You’d think it was winter.
Thanks to Robin and Team Worc for another great days racing. I’ll definitely be heading back to the area for another go on those trails!