TWO Jersey cyclists have completed 24 hours of non-stop off road riding in dirt, rain and dark in one of the UK’s toughest mountain bike endurance events.
Robin Ovenden and Kieron Mills cycled a combined 29 laps of an average ten mile course at last month’s Mountain Mayhem 2008 – and despite thick mud, heavy wind and persistent rain they finished in 14th and 21st place.
Ovenden said: ‘Before the event we had set our sights on firstly finishing, but secondly finishing somewhere in the top half of the soloists. By the time the dust had settled, or the mud had dried, I managed 15 laps and Kieron had done 14 laps. To illustrate the level of competition and the conditions, of the 122 solo riders who started only 72 finished.’
Both riders have taken part in Mountain Mayhem in previous years as part of a four-man team, but decided to go solo this year. The event was held at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire. Also racing in the team event at Mountain Mayhem was Jersey CCC, comprising Colin Malzard, Michael Boarer, James Patterson and Mick Olliver. They placed 21 out of 250 entrants in their class, and an overall 41 out of 650.
• Picture: Kieron mills and Robin Ovenden at the end of the race
