The First half of the Reiver before food stop 2 is definitely the hardest as far as terrain goes. The first 100km have the roughest sections, steepest climbs (with the forest drive decent the best ) and the coldest part of the day. After the first stop though, where I had a chance to take off the morning leg warmers, change the base layer for something cooler and fuel up I got into my stride. I never feel great in the first 40k but it gives you a chance to watch all the first timers burn their matches too early knowing you’ll either pass them later or never see them as they ditch the day for the 65km or 130m options.
The second half is not as hard geographically (unless of course you count the remoteness) but it is as hard by virtue of having to be done with 100km already in your legs. It was a bit tough going this year as 30 miles were into a headwind and the bit of tarmac and tailwind that took us hardy 200 riders into the Stonehaugh final pit stop were very welcome.
One companion that was with us all day was the sunshine, which does create dusty trails (and faces) but is always more welcome than any form of precipitation and that sunshine stayed with me all the way back to the finish line at Kielder Castle and KM 200! An honest Reiver!
Last time I did this event I thought “once is enough!” but even after 10 hours of gravel on this day and aches and pains everywhere I was already thinking about next time, although maybe it’s my turn to cut of for the 130!
Anyway check out the pics and flick below as I get ready for part 2 of my 2 week challenge: The Fred Whitton 2 weeks later.
