When Phil turned 40 (not that long ago really, to be fair to him), we all went down to Shropshire for a bit of a party and a bike ride. We rode the trails around The Long Mynnd and afterwards I concluded that parts of that ride contained perhaps the best stuff I’ve ever ridden in the UK.

Last weekend I found myself riding those same trails again, this time in the Scott MTB Marathon. Sometimes the second time around spoils it, but not this time. The Long Mynnd is as mind-blowingly brilliant as it was last time. A truly fantastic place to ride a mountain bike.

The event itself was typical of the Marathon series – exceptionally well organised and well supported by sponsors. The course, all 75K of it was very tough and just what I needed before I head off to Austria for the Salzkammergut Trophy. A particular highlight was being able to share the ride with Dave Haygarth – even though I’ve known Dave for years we hardly ever get to ride together (all to do with time/distance/duration compatibility issues) so that was bloody good fun. But those Long Mynnd trails….wow. What do you mean you’ve never been? Get thee to Shropshire forthwith.

After the marathon I got changed into clean shorts, pulled my road bike out of the car and me and Phil rode home back to Manchester. 102 miles of flattish roads might sound easy…..

Thanks to the guys at Scott UK for looking after me on the day, Phil for plotting a brilliant and almost car-free route home and to Deb for driving the car, all loaded up with soaking wet kit and a muddy bike so that I could ride home with Phil :0)