After two years of mostly inclement weather it was about time that Sleepless had a dry one. However in the weeks running up to the event the heavens opened at regular occasions, saturating the area and despite competitors being greeted by the rare sight of a blazing yellow orb on the day, the going under tyre was soft - to incredibly squelchy! This was undoubtedly going to be another hard slog! With the weather and conditions uppermost in their mind the course designer crafted a short 11km lap that skirted as much of the soggiest bits it could, the thinking being should the weather gods be displeased and unleash another torrent at least it wouldn't be too far to push or cajole your bike round to the transition area. Fortunately the weather was perfect throughout the event, something that we haven't been able to say for many enduros this year, or last come to that!

Robert Dean - Solo male

“That was fantastic; my first 24 hr solo too! I set off so fast it was a bit of a shock to the system and I really struggled through the night and when dawn came I wasn't sure I was going to make it and then the guys who are supporting me at USE and Ian Leitch did such a fantastic job that I just did as I was told in the end, my brain switched off. Rockers ice cream is my secret to my success I think and the Tuesday night rides. I guess I'd been persuaded by Rory from USE to do some longer racing, I was doing more and more miles and this is something I'd never done, I've done virtually everything you can on two wheel, so this completes the circle of silly things to do on a bike! I might even be back for another go next year. It was awful, I can't in anyway recommend it to anyone, it was shocking, but strangely satisfying knocking seven shades of stuff out of yourself, so the plan will be to come back, I mean you can't not can you....

... Still I can't wait till Tuesday; its ice creams all round in celebration!”

We didn’t spend an awful amount of time at SITS this year due to a prior engagement. We did come along on Sunday and took a few shots which are now all on line.

If you want to read more of the report, click on the BC button above.