The Dyfi Enduro is considered by many to be one of the UK’s top Enduro Events, selling out close to 800 entries in a matter of minutes. With some interesting weather conditions on the day, Alex rode off the front on the first climb and completed the challenging 55km course, to be the first rider to the finish in a mere 2 hours and 45 minutes. Here’s how he got on from his own perspective.
Thank you to Team Bont for this image.
I’ve done the Dyfi Enduro in previous years, but due to other racing commitments, I have had to miss it for the last 3. With nothing in the calendar this year, I managed to pick up a last minute entry and was really looking forward to returning to this legendary event.
I was abruptly awoken on the morning of the ride by the sound of heavy rainfall. Judging by the forecast, it wasn’t going to ease, but I was optimistic as always. After negotiating rather large puddles on the drive to the event arena, I arrived in good time and got my number on my Whyte 29c and decide to go with 2.1” Snake Skin Racing Ralphs, as I knew these would be suited to all most any conditions. The slate in the Dyfi Forest is renowned for being unforgiving on Tyres!
Thank you to Rob Barker Images for this picture.
The event started with a parade through Machynlleth (between two motor bikes and a van), with all the town out cheering us on. I luckily managed to get a spot very close to the front and after a few miles on the roads, we reached the forest, the vehicles pulled away and I had a clear course ahead of me. I decided I would start the pace making so I could settle into a good rhythm, I quickly created a gap on the first climb and over the course of the next 2:45hr I slowly grew my lead. I very much enjoyed the challenges the course offered, including some very steep and technical natural descents and felt I rode these fast compared to previous years, as my technical ability has really come on since my last visit to the event.
I crossed the line as the first rider home in a time of 2 hours 46 minutes over the 55km course with just over 2,500 meters of climbing. A clear sign that some good form is starting to show for future endurance events – which I am very much looking forward to getting stuck into.
Well done to Alex for an excellent ride. Click the highlighted text to see Alex’s Training Peaks data from his ride. Thank you to Team Bont and to Rob Barker of www.robbarkerimages.com for the images in this report.
As always, a big thank you to all the team sponsors. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do:
Whyte Bikes – 29C Carbon Framesets
Schwalbe – Tyres and Tubeless Equipment
Exposure Lights – Advanced Lighting
SR Suntour – Suspension Forks
Altura – Team Clothing
Limar – Ultra light Helmets
Lake – Race Shoes
Jagwire – Cables & Housing
Lezyne – Pumps, Saddlebags, Tools & Bottle Cages
Fenwick’s Bike – Bike Maintainance
Shimano – Drivetrain and Brakes
Tifosi – Eyewear
Raceware – Custom Mounts
Camelbak – Race Bottles
Odd Designs – Bike Racks
USE – Carbon Finishing Kits
Dry Robe – Changing Robes
Sealskinz – Waterproof Socks, hats and overshoes
Stages – Power Meters
Hope Technology – Wheels
