DIRTY REIVER, KEILDER FOREST

Suzanne ‘Sharpie’ Sharp

20th April 2024

Getting to the start of the Dirty Reiver was full of uncertainty. The last six months have been a rocky road but Kate has adapted training and I’d made the best of it. I signed up for the 200km but we both knew a decision would need to be made at the cut off for the long course 117km in. 

The start was packed, there was no room to move, bikes wheel to wheel and steamy clouds of hot breath filling the freezing air. The ramp down from Kielder Castle was neutralized but frantic, and we hit the timing mat at 4km rolling along shoulder to shoulder. We were straight into a stiff climb and riders flew past at an alarming speed. I held my line, and tried to stay calm and relax but it didn’t last. 

However sensible it might have been to stick to my plan, I threw my hat and heart in the ring and gave it everything I had.  On it continued, up and down rough gravel, muddy tracks, and punchy climbs for the next 6 and a half hours. By the time I got to 117km my legs felt good but my arms were shot. I charged through the course split and didn’t glance left for the long course, I kept my head down and headed for home. I’d been playing ‘catch and be caught’ with 4 guys for the last 100km but we finally saw sense and worked together, averaging 30km an hour in a wild and furious race to the finish.

It was terrific fun and I loved it. I’m not sure I’ll ever be strong enough to complete the 200km but the 130 is well worth the effort and a spicy ride from start to finish.