Dirty Riever

22nd April 2023

Setting off Friday we packed the car (me triple checking my newly printed “bike ride checklist” to make sure I hadn’t forgotten my helmet, water bottles or even my bike this time!

A long drive down to Hawick with some debate about how you pronounce it (coming from the guy who told me one time that we were visiting his mate in Larnick, yup where is that, I wasn’t buying his “Hay-Wick” suggestion

On arrival we were delighted to have a really nice 2 bedroom apartment with lots of goodies for consumption left in a welcome box.

About 45 min drive from Hawick to Kielder castle for sign on. Rain stayed off for the start but was a chilly breeze. I believe 1443 were signed up for this, so everyone was set off in waves with a timing chip on their bike.

I knew it wouldn’t be long before I wanted to strip the layers off - first climb. Leg warmers off, rain jacket off, trying to stuff everything into the tiny rucksack Paul had made me carry as he refused to carry my kit as well.

Off we went again. What an awesome location but real shame that the low cloud spoiled a lot of the views. Miles and miles of endless trails and fire roads.

First feed stop was 53km in and it was mobbed with hundreds of folk trying to grab some fuel and go to the loo. After Paul ate MY sandwich and MY peperami stick (one bottle/one gel ride seemingly), we were off again.

Lots of mechanicals and punctures (thankfully none for us) along the way and a bit bleak as the rain got heavier so the rain jackets came out again for a while. To add insult to injury of eating my sandwich and peperami stick, Paul also then pinched one of my hand warmers. No wonder he can travel light!

Last feed stop seemed a long way off (102km) and I had to stop for food from my own supplies about 5 miles short of this as I could feel the “bonk” coming. Quick munch and a gel and we were off again,

Last few miles was tough but I was delighted when Paul circled back to say the finish line was only about 1 mile away and no more hills.

Epic day out and the “Dirty” Riever defo lived up to its name this year.