Mash up at Masham Enduro.

Motorbikes. There's something visceral about them and i love it. To me, they are beautiful objects in their own right and they all stimulate feelings of freedom when ridden.  A dirt bike takes this one step further to a state of being completely unrestricted and able to move freely and easily anywhere. Add to this the adrenaline and tension of an off-road competition and you have an intense and addictive recipe. 

Today, even though none of my friends can make it, im towing the bike to the Edge 2.5hr Enduro at Masham. 

The start line, above, with daylight breaking through the rich green English woodland canopy onto competitors peacocking in colourful kit.  Soon the  peaceful scene will dance to life as almost 100 bikes fill the air with blue smoke and dart off through the tree trunks.

I want it to start, the nerves will subside and i'll find my own space, ride my own race, and be free to explore the woodland track. And then we were off...

 The whole course is woodland with roots that straddle the tracks like giant snakes preying on bikers ready to strike and take them out. On the first lap i had an argument with a tree root and then its tree trunk owner, luckily i fared well, it's a good job that even my max speed is s l o w.  

I felt better on this Enduro than the last, more experienced i guess, when you get into your stride the ride and race comes easy, but when you stress and push on everything is harder.   There were three hill climbs of varying heights that the 500cc KTM just flew up.  Every other bike was of smaller capacity,  I was the newest novice on the biggest bike, penis.  :o)  Sitting here at night and reflecting on the day i'm proud i did it, pleased im not injured and satisfied i got to ride through the woods in the Yorkshire Dales.

I finished the full 2.5hrs with clothes soaked in sweat, but i took my time on my last lap as i didn't want to have to commit to another.  Im not sure how i did and how many people didnt finish, but i eagerly await the results... (i wasnt fast, and hope im not last)

Edit ...
I wasn't last and managed 5 laps, the winner did 11, the worst did 3 others were DNF.  I might need a 250cc....

Bask in the glory of my last 'driving miss Daisey' lap time.