Story for 54th 3 Peaks CycloCross

Three peaks first ride. I've been marshalling the race as part of the rescue team for the past 20 years but never actually ridden or walked the entire route. Normally I head to one of the check points by the easiest route and never via Simon fell. 

So I got a place in this years race what to expect how to train ahhhh. I only got my place at the last minute so wasn't a lot of time to train but started doing some running and a few longer rides but how do you train for something like this. 

So the day arrived and the nerves started, I was supposed to be mid pack at the start but just couldn't get through the masses so started at the back. Maybe my first mistake but let's see how it goes. The start was fairly stready but not a lot of room to make up places. Then it's off road with the first climb 'Simon Fell'. I'd heard a lot about this in the buildup and to be honest I was expecting worse but it is a hell of a climb. Then the bit I found the hardest the steps up to inglebrough cramp sets in but keep on going and it subsides. 

Check point made and the mickey taken by the team members then it's the first downhill section, this is ace then ooops over the bars in a nice boggy section. No injuries as it was nice and soft. 

Cold cotes comes and goes quick and th n is a fast road section to wernside then more bloody stone steps, the legs really get a pounding here. 

wernside check point and a drinks refresh by a very technical first section of the descent and then the speeds rise. Fly through the checkpoint at Ribble head and then more road riding to penygent. The hill looms in the foreground and as I arrive people are already heading to the finish. Last hill lets go for it. The crowd cheer you on no matter who you are which helps the legs but the long drag is heavy on the sole and it seems to take for ever to summit.

last check point and the energy returns and it's full pelt to the finish the track is heavy with small bolder sand the arms get a real pounding. Back on the road it's a last push to the finish but the legs are getting tired only a mile left and then the finish I've done it I feel revived and full of energy yes so what's the time 5hrs 11 mins, slight disappointment creeps in I wanted sub 5hrs but hey there is next year.