May 23rd 2010 saw the third round of the SXC at Aberfoyle, 20 miles north of Glasgow. The course had been completely changed from the previous year (as had the weather) and can best be described as a course of two halves.

From the start line the course climbed steadily on fire road before a left turn led to a very steep climb up a foot path. This path proved the undoing of many a poor sole as it got steeper towards the end, leaving most riders to run out of gears and an inevitable slow walk to the top. As if this wasn't enough the course then returned to fire road and more climbing. The sun was out and it was a swelteringly hot day, which also took its toll.

From the top of the climb the course then changed for the downward half, across technical flowing single track through the trees, interspersed with a little more flat/down hill fire road

The course favoured the strong climbers, especially those few who were strong enough to stay on their bikes over the steep foot path section (and they were few and far between). The hot sunny weather meant that for most it was more of a case of trying not to overheat, and hoping that they would have enough water to last. The open fire road made it easy to see the field spread out ahead and gave incentive to chase down the nearest competitors, whilst at the same time trying to fend off those behind with the same idea.

Once on the down hill it was a totally different strategy – the root strewn single track proved to be nicely technically challenging, requiring attention and respect throughout, but also allowing a physical rest before the start of the next lap and the return to the up hill.

Jenna Fenwick finished 2nd in the Female Juvenile class, whilst Ryan Fenwick also took 2nd in the Male Youth, followed by Ross Green in 8th and Ben Sinden in 13th. The Veterans' class saw a good turnout of Wheelers with Jason Sinden finishing 12th, Paul Crotty in 14th, Sam Sherwin 22nd and Neil McConnell in 29th.

by Paul Crotty