Only One Race...

...and not a good one one at that. Five excuses:- the toe, the hayfever, Tuesday's track session, the bowels and (how long can I use this one?) the Joss.

Didn't feel too bad early on, the toe only hurts going downhill or when stubbed (just once on this outing) just a bit stiff from the track. About 12 or 15 folk behind me on George's Lane (George of "end" fame you will recall) ~ Gordon was well in front by then, when I was taken short. When I finally emerged from the tussocks (not a lot of cover at that point) I was well and truly last.

Still last at Two Lads when some of the guys, who hadn't turned right around the mast detour but had carried on down the wall eventually to the Shooting Hut, rejoined the main race. They soon disappeared leaving me last again. Passed three tail enders going up the Pike and managed to stay in front of them until the end.

Spoke to Albert Sunter back at the Barn. He knew the route (may have cheated by staying on the tarmac past the mast ~ like you do) so didn't go wrong and frightened himself by realising that he was in the lead after the front runners went to Smithills. Being a bit of a descender, he hung on to his lead and was outright winner ~ there's local knowledge for you!

See you Saturday.

EtU