26/06/2017
What's it like to do a Crudcatcher Challenge? Here's what it's like in Alex's words....
Done a quick write up on the ride. Probably missed out loads but for anyone interested... read on.
As is normal for me I left everything to the last minute so was rushing round on Sunday morning doing the last minute packing. Eventually I get going only an hour late. With the sun shining and classics like 'down under' blasting from the speakers I was actually feeling relatively excited about the challenge.
After we met up in Glasgow and had a quick meal stop it was onwards to Fort William. There was a slight concern for the support vehicles as one had broken down on the way there with recovery not due until the early hours of the morning. This aside, spirits were high and in my head I was cautiously optimistic. I was having doubts I wasn't ready for it but after spending time with everyone these were cast aside. After getting set at the hostel we grabbed a quick McDonald's and headed to bed ready for the challenge ahead.
Day 1 begins, we were all buzzing and couldn't wait to get going. Just one thing. We had a mechanical to sort. So with breakfast out of the way and Gaz's bike fixed it was GO GO GO.
Once we settled into the ride and the pace set it became quite clear that my doubts were well founded. I was struggling. The heat and the pace were just too much for me. A quick blast along Loch Lochy, not one of Scotland's most imaginative names, took us on some great singletrack with stunning views. From there it was onto Laggan Locks, this is where I really knew I was struggling and felt like I was going to be in trouble on this ride. Onwards still and over the Bridge of Oich, at this point I was really starting to get hit by cramp. As hard as I was finding it it was a relatively easy ride the rest of the way along the canal into Fort Augustus where we would spend the night. Being easy the group were setting a blistering pace and I just couldn't keep up with them. That night I was really worried. My calves and hamstrings were agony so I piled in as many carbs as I could physically eat knowing we had a very tough day ahead.
Onto Day 2. A quick spin from the Hostel and we were greeted by the most magnificent view of Loch Ness. Unfortunately from there on, the only way was up. Once again it was absolutely scorching. I was dripping with sweat before we even reached the start of the Corrieyarick Pass. This was probably the toughest thing I'd ever encountered. I was in the lowest gear I had and it was still a huge amount of effort although the views behind us were incredible. At one point we started descending and I thought to myself 'well that wasn't so bad'. How wrong I was. We must have lost about half the height we had gained, but then it transpired that once again it was upwards, but for even longer. It felt like hours of non stop spinning. It was killing me. Along this climb I had my first mechanical. I was having shifting issues on my front mech, which although frustrating I was managing with, but my problems worsened. I started getting chain suck which made pedalling impossible, turns out my front shifting issues had put such pressure on the links that they had burst and were catching in the rings. With the help of the group the broken links were swapped and I was soon back on my way. We were very lucky and at the top of the pass the views were outstanding, we guessed that not many people would have such a clear day and not be able to enjoy the views as much as we did. Thankfully, what goes up must come down, and what a descent, although broken up by big drainage ditches with huge square sided rocks which made the descent slower, it was still steep, techy and thoroughly enjoyable. Unfortunately I'd removed my go pro in order to fix the bike earlier so didn't manage to catch any of it on film. The rest of the day was pretty much a long flat pedally slog for me and I did not enjoy it, the climb had killed me and I had nothing left to give which was a shame as near the end there was some great singletrack but I was too tired to enjoy it, I was clinging to my bike for dear life and just hoping I didn't hit any of the big rocks and damage anything. How I wanted this day to be over. At last we arrived in Aviemore, the relief was incredible, and as we rolled up to the hostel we were greeted by signs of an all you can eat Italian buffet. The day just got a whole load better.
As we saddled up for day 3, the pain among the group was obvious. Cries of discomfort rang out among the car park as one by one we got on our bikes. More chamois cream needed I think. Pedalling out of Aviemore I was once again struggling to keep up with the group pace, a huge sense of doubt and worry for being able to complete the challenge crept over me but nevermind, head down and carry on. I'm glad I did as shortly after I had found a new energy, my legs we suddenly pushing me along at the front of the group and we were making good pace. I wasn't going to get my hopes up too much as the day was much easier than the rest, gentle climbs with plenty of downhill, especially in the later stages of the day. However there were downsides to this day, I had my first off, coming down a fast fireroad section, I decided I didn't have the grip to make the corner, so rather than risk shredding my skin I rode straight into the bushes, this however knocked my brake caliper out of alignment. A quick and easy trailside fix. Then, as we crept into Kinloss the weather took a turn and it started pouring with rain, which put a bit of a damper (no pun intended) on spirits as we hit the coast. A slight mix up over finish points meant that we were on one beach while the crew, with the help of some friendly Canadians, had set up on another beach. Once again, a hearty meal and way too many chips ordered meant we were refilled on calories for the following day.
Once again, starting day 4, we were later out than planned, compounded slightly by me with a last minute decision to change brake pads before we set out, something I should have done the previous night. What should have been a quick and simple job took longer than expected due to the pistons on the rear not wanting to retract fully. Anyway, job eventually done and we headed on our way back to our start point on the other side of Scotland. My legs again had a new lease of life and I had double padded to try and ease my discomfort. Despite my renewed optimism I started to struggle, I think my seat had been set too high all week and it was really starting to be a strain on my achilles, I soon found myself near the back again. Time for some pain killers. They worked and I was soon flying again, overtaking most of the group on the climb up to Culloden Moor. Perhaps this was a mistake, 3/4 of the way up I had the sharpest pain in my left heel. Had I done some real damage? I backed off and eased myself along for the rest of the day into Drumnadrochit, home to Groundskeeper Willie from the Simpsons. The ride there was not easy, the wind was high and we were riding straight into it, I was in agony, I wanted out. Arriving at the hostel, our options for tea were limited and we piled into the local takeaway. Not sure about the nutrional value of it, but food was food and I desperately needed it.
Finally the last day arrived and the finish was in our grasp. We made some slight amendments to the route to ease everyone's suffering, this was due to be the day with the most climbing, but seeing how we had all suffered on Day 2 we decided it was in everyone's best interest to use the Great Glen low route for the most part instead of the high route. Where we did use the high route, it was sheer grit and determination that got us up the hills and we were once again rewarded with brilliant views over Loch Ness and some really fun descents. Unfortunately we had our first casualty at the start of the day, (conveniently) at the bottom of our first big climb. Adam's freewheel stopped freewheeling and threw the chain into the spokes and snapped one knocking his wheel out of true. We quickly set about removing the spoke and truing the wheel, however our efforts were in vain as it was the broken freehub that was the nail in the coffin for Adam's ride.
We were all disappointed at losing a member of the group and the day felt odd with 6 instead of 7 riders. Nevertheless we had to continue, so onwards we went. Although, our progress was somewhat slower than we'd have liked due to high winds again, this made our return along the canal paths into Fort William and our finish slow and weary, but we worked as a team taking turns at the front and blocking the wind for the group to see us over the finish line, even Adam managed to join us for the final stretch and limped his bike over the line with us.
I'd like to thank Gaz for organising everything and being the complete source of enthusiasm. Never grumbling and tirelessly plodding on with seemingly endless energy, it certainly helped keep me going.
Next to Gill and Kev for their efforts in the support vans and keeping us fueled at every opportunity.
Then my thanks moves to Stephen, as even on the ride he was always on the job, organising the kitchen and making sure we were fed and watered at breakfast with some truly fantastic fry ups.
An honourable mention to Adam for doing it on his deliveroo bike, and for organising the BBQ on the way home.
And lastly to the rest of the team, the ride wouldn't have been the same without you, each one of us put in maximum effort. There were times I wanted to quit, you kept me going. Gee - thanks for dropping back and pushing me when I was struggling and doing the same for Keet on the rare occasions we weren't keeping each other company at the back. Then to Tom, if you hadn't been infront of me on some of those descents I'd probably be in a ditch somewhere with my head backwards.
Each of these rides has been challenging in their own way, but all have been for a great cause and will hold some very special memories. They remind me why I love Mountain Biking. As much as I grumbled and complained, threw hissy fits, threw and kicked my bike in frustration, I genuinely hope there is another, what better way to raise money for a great cause than by physically and mentally testing and pushing yourself to the limits. Here's to looking forward to 2019.
