It was yet again another an unseasonably fine 'summers day' for April, as the competitors arrived and prepared for their race through this beautiful new circuit in Storridge Woods upon Exmoor.

The championship riders roar away from the start flag...

The juniors had raced in the morning on a demanding but reduced circuit, but now the adults were to be trying out the full 15 to 20 minute lap as layed out by Simon Thomas, Mark Tucker and all the other hard working and enthusiastic XEC (Xmoor Enduro Club) volunteer workers.

...those not at the front soon disappeared in a cloud of dust!

This west country event attracted a huge and very strong Championship and Expert entry, backed up by literally hundreds of Clubman and Sportsman riders. Who within 20 minutes of the juniors finishing had already lined up at the start area and were keen for the off.

Was this a pretty race track or what?

Spectators gathered with intense interest as the riders warmed their engines, then the flag dropped for the front row and the top[ boys tore away up a narrowing hard surfaced fire-road before abruptly turning right into a beautiful open natural woodland.

Pete Bulley leads Steve Dustow in the early stages.

No18 Gary Player had got the holeshot flanked by No9 Nick Life and No21 Shaun Dayman. No10 Charlie Richards and No19 Carl Mcilroy were tight behind, with No2 Steve Dustow on the outside. Then the dust rose and it was difficult to see who was who in the chasing pack.

Clubman Steve Tobin out on a trail.

Just as the dust settled it was the Experts being flagged away being led by No68 Andy Muller - who hadn't been seen on a race bike for a while - with No43 Ben Dyer on the inside and No47 Gary McCoy on the outside, as they all blasted hard away chasing the leading Championship group.

Nick Life lead the race for 1.5 hours then disaster struck.

All the clubman and sportsman classes also got off to a fine start as the - what was to become a - 3 hour gruelling event began.

An atmospheric photo - because I liked it ;o)

The woodland track was incredibly beautiful - if a little narrow in places. 
The 8+ mile lap weaved in amongst ancient trees, rhododendrons, laurel  bushes and bluebell banked hillsides, in the most picturesque way you could imagine.

The over 40's battle away.

Not that the racers had much time to appreciate that - their minds were fully occupied with other matters, as the bright sunlight scattered deadly shadows across the track hiding roots and stumps, just waiting to catch the unwary!

379 climbs a steep embankment 

Although a large and dry track, within their first lap, the sportsman had already been caught up by the fast boys who were now starting to lap them. The soft loamy soil in this virgin woodland hid some deadly secrets and going 'off-piste' to overtake was due to make many pay the price of risk!

The woodland trails were very varied.

Initially leading the Experts and on a mission, Andy Muller was one of the first to take a trip over the handle bars, trashing his bike - and doing his body no end of good into the bargain - thus forcing a very early retirement.

The big hill: where many struggled...

At the 45 minute mark Nick Life had assumed his normal front place spot with Carl Mcilroy only 5 seconds to the rear. 4 seconds behind him was No4 Bradley Williams riding in a very determined fashion, but only 2 seconds ahead of title contender Steve Dustow.

The big hill: Young Bradley King had no trouble

There was then a 40 second gap before the next group of championship riders appeared and it was Charlie Richards who had dropped to 5^th 4 seconds ahead of No5 Gary Wright and No3 Pete Bulley.

The big hill: ...nor did Wayne Player

Already one Championship rider was missing, Ian Putt had suffered a similar fate to Expert Andy Muller, as he pushed to hard. Ian was trying to quickly make up time after taking a wrong turn - up the easy but much longer route - and loosing valuable time. His front wheel pushed out in some soft going causing him to high-side it and within a very short time was one of the first casualties at the ambulance.

The big hill: ...but Rob Litson did.

By the time I reached him there to check out his injuries, there was already a small queue of similar injuries all lined up with cold compresses against their fore arms and wrists.

The big hill: Aha, Rob made it this time!

Evidently the mottled sunlight hiding the rocks and roots were already taking their toll on racers unwary of woods riding and the dangers within - but that’s racing!

The big hill: Another rider struggles

At the 1 hour mark No45 Chris Honeywell was leading the Experts but only 5 seconds ahead of No73 Matt Harvey, who himself was being chased very hard by No54 Tony King - and only about 6 seconds adrift. So in both top classes it was still close enough to be anyone's event and the slightest slip could cause big changes.

The big hill: 2 going up - 1 going down.

Such as is with endurance races, incidents happen - both to bikes and riders. Perfect preparation they say pays big dividends, but that’s not always the case!

Jeff Goss retired early when his rear mousse tube gave up the ghost and disintegrated, leaving his rear tyre flapping off the rim.

The big hill: No 141 showing real class.

At the 1.5 hour mark riders started to refuel so changes in the race order were bound to happen until all had made their pit-stops. So it was no surprise at first to see Bradley Williams leading the field by 5 seconds from Nick Life and with Steve Dustow 30 seconds behind in 3^rd spot just ahead of Pete Bulley by 1 minute. Gary Player was 8 seconds down on Gary and just 4 seconds ahead of No25 Wayne Player. - But how was it all going to settle out?

The big hill: ...and Trevor Vercoe made it okay.

With the race two thirds gone and 45 minutes to go, a determined Bradley Williams was still leading the field - and with a 2 minute lead from Steve Dustow. Steve himself was now 5 minutes ahead of third place man, but where was Nick Life?

Soft loam corners weaved amongst the laurels bushed.

Nick had also suffered a rear mousse failure forcing an unexpected retirement and Bradley was determined to make the most of it. Aiming for his first major win and after instructions from the pits that 'Lifer' was no longer a threat he backed off his pace a little, but could this prove to be a big mistake. - Steve Dustow had got wind of it, was now on a last minute charge and gaining ground fast.

Over the edge we go...

2 minutes before the three hour finishing flag both Bradely and Steve came through lap scoring with the distance between them reduced to a very slim 20 seconds - would this be enough of a cushion on a now 13 minute lap?

...and what a superb hillside trail it was.

The crowd awaited with bated breath after they both shot off into the distance for the final time - with new pit instructions ringing in their ears - about their respective position relative to each other. Bradley determined to win and Steve determined to catch him.

Yet another Bluebell decorated forest trail.

On paper it looked like Dustow should be able to do it just - judging by his progress during the last few laps. But mixed traffic still on the course as sportsmen and clubmen racers battled in their own race would prove to be the deciding factor - and Bradley Williams made the most of it - passing at every possible chance - to take a well deserved win.

Steve Dustow finally on a mission - but just to late.

Despite his valiant late effort, Steve Dustow had to settle for second place - as he trailed in behind a sportsman, on the last single track leg towards the finishing flag.

After the bluebell trails were big clearings in the woods.

All riders had worked hard on this deceptively tiring race circuit. It looked fast and flowing, but steep hills, obstacles hidden in the ground - rocks, tree roots and stumps - and technical going, had taken its toll on many. The number of retirements in the pits told the story of those who had found it just too much on the day.

Championship rider Ian Putt was one of the first into the ambulance.

However the organisers had done a stirling job in preparing the track and the whole event. - and as for spectators who had walked around, this just had to be one of the most enjoyable events ever.

Dan Lawry on a meadowed trail.

I was amazed at the amount of riders who had not bothered with a front number plate - and quite a few didn't even put any numbers on their bikes! Well I know that XEC were using transponders, but I still think 'no numbers' is a very bad move and should not be allowed for the following reasons.

1. Having no numbers means spectators can not tell who's who, or follow the racing properly. If helpers and friends can't tell how your doing they'll lose interest - and eventually it will be harder to get friends and helpers to come along due to boredom.
2. It could encourage cheating - how can anyone point out who was cutting the course - or even swapping bikes with a mate marshalling if their bike breaks down.
3. Having no numbers means I won't bother taking your photo as I won't know who the rider is - and nor will most other photographers. So bang goes any sponsorship dreams.
4. I hate to say it but - Health and Safety. How can anyone report dangerous riding, or even worse, report who an injured rider is, if no one can tell who it is!
5. Lastly, what is to stop anyone turning up in the woods and joining in for a free ride around - as no one will be able to tell. If we can all do that we won't need to enter - and that’s bad for all of us, as the club will fold. (I have seen this problem in big Welsh events!)

So please XEC - don't let competitors ride without clear numbers in the future - even though they do have transponders.

But that’s just my own initial thoughts - and thoughts from a few other folk who commented - on riders with 'no numbers' and I would be interested to hear what others have to say - so please comment in the chat forum.

Out of the woods and into the open.

Championship rider Gary Player was in a bit of a fix the start having forgotten his riding boots, he was last seen chasing after large footed juniors and must have been successful as he was leading the charge at the start. - must have been good for his adrenalin!!!

This ridge trail had a big drop to the left.

The engines had all been warmed up and cut for the traditional dead engined start. When one rider jumped off his bike and started running back up the hill towards the pits, - a quarter of a mile away - in full riding outfit and boots. Why? - because it transpired, he had forgotten his transponder !!

Jon Mackeen blasting through a clearing.

Despite plea's from the organisers, who had taken great care to announce; 'Please take your rubbish home, otherwise we can not race here again'. - Why it was even written on notice boards and there were dustbins placed everywhere. - Some found it all just too much trouble, or really just couldn't be bothered.

Which is such a shame, because for any of us to race here again, it meant that someone - a volunteer - had to go around and pickup their sh*t.

Hence this last photo of someone's discarded chips and container - thanks a lot chum. Hope you feel proud when you see this photo !!

Simon Thomas from the XEC club sits exhausted but happy.

Thank you XEC it was a great days racing.

XEC Storridge  -  Adult Results HERE - Youth Results HERE
(Sorry - The results are still not available as I write)

Bradley Williams storms 'The Big Hill' - Video Clip.