6hr Bristol Bikefest

Fi Spotswood in action (with bloody knee) Photo thanks to www.photo-it.com

Nearly a week on and I still think about the 6hr Bristol Bikefest with a bolt of excitement. It was the most adrenaline-pumped race I have ever seen, let alone been part of. OK so I didn't quite pull it off and win but I deserved my spot on the podium after a tough battle with Abi Greenaway from Charge Bikes.

So the start didn't exactly go to plan. I was laughing so hard talking to Jenn Hopkins, my fellow Minx rider, about the beer-fuelled UK Singlespeed champs that I didn't notice that all the other 6hr riders were lined up ready to go. So I sprinted down to the start, dropped my bike and lined up with the rest. Only when I turned around and looked back up the hill did I realise I had no idea where my bike was. Little black handlebars poking above the long grass... could have been anywhere.

Still, after half a lap I caught up Abi, who looked like she was taking it pretty easy. I slowed right down and stuck on her wheel for a while but on the climb up the zig zags to the ramp I couldn't help it and overtook. That was probably my big mistake.

She had obviously then clocked that I was soloing too and sat behind me. I was riding quite fast and aware that my heart rate was too high but it felt good. I'd been terrorising those trails all week (I live half a kilometer away) and the singletrack felt smooth and fast and gorgeous.

The next four hours are indistinguishable to me. Nothing happened and I was unaware of any other riders. I pretty much led most of the way and felt great. We were still riding quite fast but it was controllable and I slowed it down in the singletrack because I knew Abi wouldn't pass. We lapped the girl in third a few times so it was just us.

A few times I pulled away and felt my mood really lift. The crowed were going crazy because it was so close and I was enjoying the cheering. At one point I really thought it was over for Abi and took it steady. I couldn't see her behind me. But then she crept back and stuck on my rear wheel again like glue. In retrospect I should have put in a few lightening laps to stretch the gap. But hey, I'm a novice.

The 7th lap was close and although I still felt strong, I hadn't stopped for any food and was relying on the gels that Jenn was passing me. My water was low but Abi was right there and I couldn't afford to stop. On lap 8 we powered up the hill neck and neck. I think she was pretty keen to get into the singletrack first and as we came up the ramp I cramped badly in both glutes and stopped for a few seconds to stretch.

I have no idea what went through Abi's mind then but she pulled some speed out the bag and put in 2 astonishing laps. I couldn't catch her and on the final lap as I realised it was game over a smile of relief spread across my face. I rode steady but the fight was over and I came across the line to cheers and a big hug from Abi. It was a great second place and a well deserved first from Abi. But I will be back...

Fi Spotswood races for Minx-girl.com and will be providing SheCycles.com with regular updates from her TransRockies race later this summer. Look out for her articles coming up soon.