The Stinger

The forecast was good after all the recent rain. Woke up to dry, bright conditions and had a bit of brekkie, then drove up to Plymouth for the race. The first run was nothing too eventful, as usual the MTB riders start to die after the 1^st mile and at any sign of a hill so I started to gain some places. Conditions were not too muddy but fun.  Off the run onto the bike leg and straight out of T1 up a rather steep hill; granny gear required. A fairly muddy coarse but not as technical as the last couple of years.  Good news for me.   Then a little trip into the brambles trying to get out of the way of a faster rider but all part of the fun.  Then through the river crossing, cold legs, and then a hard slog across a soggy field and a nice wet grassy climb.  A four lap course which got considerably muddier as time went on.  Into T2 for the run, as usual not the most pleasant route straight up a steep path.  A few stops with cramp on the foot-path that had been used by the Forestry for the last three months, more like a mud bath. After some walking I start to manage to run again.  A few more banks and trees to climb before the finish line.  20^th in my age group so fairly pleased with that.  Note to the organisers, some extra age groups would be good; I’ve just gone the big 50.  As usual, a well run event and a nice laid back atmosphere.       Phil Knuckey