Wartrail Mountain Bike Challenge

Newsletter - 2008 results and planning for 2009

We had a very successful event in Dec 2008. We had two days of ideal weather; the new routes were designed to maximize our fantastic scenery and large variety of single track and farm access roads. The riding was deceptively tiring but technically not too difficult. It was great to see old mountain bikers return and to aunt ourselves with new riders. All riders experienced, inexperienced, fast and slow enjoyed the routes in their own particular way, which indicated the balance of the route was good for a wide variety of riding stiles. So if you want to experience the spectacular vistas or be challenged by the variety of terrain, this is the event for you.

Day 1, The Balloch Loop (59 km) was fast and exhilarating with district roads, technical single track and big climbs to keep all on their toes. Day 2, The Wartrail Loop (49km) was completely changed from the past to take in more farm tracks and single track, with very little district road. This proved to be a huge improvement but still not to be fooled by the distance. The two days were hard as can be seen by the times relative to distance. The strong and not so strong managed to finish both days with smiles and the satisfaction of a new experience to tell family and fellow riders.