When Cheddar Challenge dropped off the radar last year we were all a bit gutted. Whilst it was a pretty uncomplicated event it was a good chance to get back to the South West and shake hands with race compadres before the winter sets in, and obviously give them one last thrashing with whatever you've got left in your legs.
Bristol Bike Fest organiser Paul Newman stepped in and took over the running of the event this year. A new beginning which has started small but I'm sure will grow just like the Bristol event has, into one of the highlights on the UK calendar.
Part of what made the event so popular was the course, and here changes are minor. A simple layout with a fast climb, a muddy descent, a muddy climb/walk, a fast climb to flat and then a flat out blast through the infamous Witches Wood, and then a couple of fields and across the finish line - hopefully in less that 19-20 minutes.
Shred riders in action were myself, Dan Maker, Nige Muntz and the pocket rocket Andy Carnell. From lap one we could see how the day was going to unfold with Nige rolling into the arena with a shredded tyre and Dan still el-blocko in the van getting his kit on. That was five minutes lost and we were to suffer another three punctures and a bent mech hangar to cost us even more time through the eight hour burn up.
Did we really care? Well we rode our guts up and gave it our best shot but we ended up in 4th place. A good ride under the circumstances and with some really consistent times from the team we ended the day pretty happy with our performance, so decided to give away three boxes of magazines and a load of stickers to everyone at the event.
Full report in the next issue of shred magazine. Read it at www.shredmag.com. Follow the progress of the shred team at www.shredordead.cc.
Bikemagic comment: We were saddened with the news that the Cheddar Challenge would be held no more. But we're delighted that it's back, and with the team responsible for the Bristol Bikefest now in charge we're confident this event will grow to become the fantastic event it once used to be. See you there next year.
