Thursday, 7 August 2008

A marathon, mud, and madness


Ok, not so much madness, but there was some! So Penny and Jenny decided that they were going to do this years Selkirk MTB Marathon, Jen did the 25km ride, and Pen did the 50km ride. While the girls were prepping, and racing, Cairn (Jen's husband) me and my cousin Jordan chilled out, played with bikes, and kept Zak and Molly the border collies amused. It was a very wet, and rainy weekend, but not so bad if you were out on the track riding. I think both the girls were a bit nervous, but they did great! Jen finished up her ride first, and was pretty stoked! She really enjoyed it and was already talking of doing it again next year! While we were waiting for Pen to come in, there were a few boys that were running around, and sliding, diving, and jumping into a big mud puddle...it was great entertainment while waiting for Pen!

Pen finally came in an hour later than we'd thought, and as Jen had told us, it was a very very muddy track, so everyone was slowed down. What did Pen think about her first MTB Marathon? "It was the hardest thing I've ever done". She was shattered. She enjoyed it though. She was caked in mud, had thought about quiting at one point, and was on the verge of tears at another...hey 36 miles up hills, through the mud, and in the rain isn't easy, and not everyone could do it...so well done Pen...and Jen!

That said, I'm dying to get out on my bike as it's been ages since I've been out, that's it for now though!


Running for a few years now the MTB Marathon is very popular, especially Scotlands Selkirk course



The crew, Jen, Cairn, Jordan, and Penny (having a glory moment?) also of note is the "Pee Express" standing amongst us, Jordan's bike was the vehicle of choice to get us to the toilets!




Pen and Jen having a serious strategy session.



I have no idea what Cairn is up to...or looking up to.


Jordan looking composed, although you know he's going to get himself into trouble somehow.


Jen sneaking a cheeky wee peek at Cairns bum


You knew it wouldn't be long before Jordan got himself into mischief...tormenting dogs in this piccie

Cairn taking Six out for a wee test ride...


Secret squirrel Penny working on her bike before the race

The main event area with many things to spend your money on.
Penny's race face
Zany Zak, pining for his pal Cody who got called in for dinner


Mad Molly looking for her ball...what's in the puddle Molly? Get it, get it!!
Jordan looking like the Vimto has gone to his head...
Jordan briefly contemplated sleeping in the tarp and bivvy before opting to keep Penny awake all night in the tent with his sleep talk and moans.


The girls getting ready to go!
Penny is away with the crowd....(blue bike & shirt) not a great photo...

but better than this one!!



Jen's off!! (but not fallen off)


They had a kids skills session, where they made Jordan ride round cones...the look on his face says it all....

This was more like for el Jordo...



This kids got style!

These kids are going to have pretty pissed moms....those stains are never coming out!

An old fella...gotta love the old fellas!


Jen crossing the line and finishing up her 25kms in good spirits!


Jen with a coffe, a much deserved coffee....
and a very mucky bum!


Not everyone had an event free ride...check out that mech! It's snapped off the frame!

The dreaded ride....cool, but that hair's gonna honk!

Pen happy to have finally finished, and crossed the line....

But physically exhausted


Pen and I were able to catch an awesome sunset on the way home

Reminded me of a cross between a lava flow, and the aurora borealis! Beautiful.








1 comment:

Vanessa said...

CONGRATULATIONS PENNY & JEN!! Nice work ladies. What's your next event?