Bristol Oktoberfest

Today was the day of Bristol Oktoberfest, a mountain bike race held in the Ashton Court Estate. It's the second year it has been held in October in addition to the summer Bikefest. The weather was perfect and the course was great.

As there are so many riders at the start of the race (4 hours and 8 hours) there is a Le Mans style sprint start. This is that sprint start. Riders sprint, run and walk up to their waiting bikes.

Some have only a lap to do before handing over to their team mate. Some know that they are going to be on the bike for 8 hours, going solo.

I was in a team of four and not fully back to normal since the Marathon last Sunday. A team does make it much easier though.

We had a great day - it's as much about the sitting around and watching others as it is about the racing.

The course definitely gets your pulse going and I felt better for doing it. We managed 12th place in the Old Gits 8 hour team category. We were happy with that!

Maybe a lie in awaits tomorrow morning but then maybe not?

More time for commenting next week!

More shots with people actually on bikes here and here!