The Tough One

As is the case these days people take me various places to get me out in the fresh air and so speed up recuperation. Yesterday's visit with GS owning neighbour to an Enduro race at a quarry in Oswestry was a bit different. The event was called 'The KTM Tough One'. Anyone heard of it? Walking round (well slipping and sliding mostly) when we got there showed the course to be a mix of trials sections and faster motocross stuff. Most of it was unfenced so spectators were free to get onto the course and dodge the riders as part of the fun. Main race was 2 hours starting at 4pm - so by 5pm it was pitch black and not only were the riders having to cope with these conditions, spectators were too. The riders had some pretty ingenious lighting rigs and the winner, David Knight, had some particularly effective kit (5 lights in all inc. helmet) and was easily spotted speeding along. In contrast those riders with direct lighting did not fare well when tackling/stalling on the steeper sections as they deteriorated. By the end of the race there was total mayhem - but with Knight miraculously getting past the blockages and finding grip where there seemed to none. I was totally in awe at the skill displayed by these guys and the stamina they must have just to finish. Pictures from rim of quarry in daylight and Knight at night. ho ho. And how do I feel today? Totally knackered, its put me back at least a week!

Swinn