puffered out

its been a few months now since the latest version of the Strathpuffer and its given me time to reflect on many things. Having missed the 07 race because of fatherhood I approached the 08 race excitedly and keen to have another 24 hours of riding and soul searching. How wrong I was. The start area had been moved to a very exposed top of a hill location which combined with bad weather in the lead up had left it a windswept quagmire. Un relenting we pushed on and after getting towed into the event we prepared ourselves for what was to come.
Now I dunno if I am getting soft or if I was having a bad day at the office but pushing my bike on ice covered fire roads quickly ground me down and even though I pushed on the rot had started to set into my head. On lap 7 my front brake lost all pressure and the lever was striking the bar without making any impact on slowing down, I decided to stop and seek a helping hand, which I found in the guise of the very kind fellow from Giant. Unfortunately by the time my bike was returned my head had unravelled and I could be found huddled on the front seat of the van muttering about the lack of lack of marshals, the stupidity of it and my new found loathing of mountain bikes. It was over.
Reflecting now, I still have reservations about elements of the event but also can realistically question my own preparation, probably one best left alone for the time I reckon.
Meanwhile I bought a road bike and got Velo Club Moulin up and running.

My enthusiasm has crept back.