50km X-C MTB Challenge – Part Two

Part 2; Down-Hill.

The time worn saying states ‘what goes up must surely come down’…… and so it does!

After the last climb at 24% incline the maximum elevation of 842 ft was reached at a distance of around 37 km. The plateau consisted of a short 840mt long flattish section that formed the pass between the higher hills to the east and west. At about this time the clouds from the south west monsoon began boiling up the steep valley and the heavens opened up with a torrential, tropical downpour. There was nothing for it, but to take shelter below a deserted rubber tapper’s wooden shack. This did allow me to grab a quick snack of fresh fruit and re-hydrate after the long climb up.

Shelter from the storm

Once off the plateau the trail started to descend, gradually at first but soon the down slope increased significantly. Knowing what lay ahead I had had the foresight to drop my seat post down by around 12cm to allow me to get my weight back and over the rear wheel. This was definitely a smart move, as the estimated 25% gradient proved to be a good test of technical down-hill riding. Pedals balanced level at mid stroke, back side behind the seat post and feather the brakes. The surface was similar to the uphill, with deep ruts, large intermittent rocks and boulders, loose stones and steep drop offs. The rain was still falling and riding into the prevalent wind direction it was driving straight into my eyes. One of the secrets to riding downhill is picking your line nice and early by scanning well ahead. The driving rain made this a challenge. Too hard on the brakes and a skid, easily induced by the slippery surface, could have me careening off the side if not careful. Riding alone, in the middle of nowhere, there was always the thought at the back of my mind – what if? But after the first adrenaline rush the pace, and nerves, steadied and the task became easier. Soon I was romping down the gradually decreasing slope and enjoying the gains of the hard earned ascent.

The view from the top

Once at the bottom of the slope the trail re-joined what passes for the ‘main’ road in these areas – a gravel wash board with rocks and ruts a plenty. The trail now passed through a spectacular canyon with towering limestone karsts on either side. However the continuing rain and low flying clouds did not allow for much of a view or the chance to shoot too many photos.

Now the trail branched off onto a very quiet side section and around one bend I was amazed to see a large water monitor ambling across the track. I slowed down to a quiet stop at which point the large lizard (about 1.5 mt. in length) did a slow u-turn and back tracked off the road. I approached quietly with my camera at the ready and peered into the bush to see a large pond and small river system. Although I had clearly heard the large reptile slide through the undergrowth it must surely now be hiding around the pond area. A short wait proved to be in vain and no further sighting was made. Ah well, maybe next time.

Back onto the trail, as the rain started to alternate between a constant drizzle and hard downpours. The trail surface had been recently re-laid after several flooding events in the area and consisted of a sand/red-soil undersurface covered with a thin layer of fine, small stones. A worse cycling surface you could not imagine! It acted like blotting paper, soaking up all the moisture and really sucked the tyres down deep. I remember my thoughts at the time ‘this must be how it feels trying to swim the breast-stroke in porridge!’

After a really fun roller coaster section skirting the mountains and through a double river ford the vista opened out onto rolling moors where sections of the rubber trees had been recently cleared allowing for some pleasant views, well, at least whilst the rain was not so heavy!

I was now getting back into familiar territory from my regular early morning rides and the rain was just getting heavier and heavier, but I knew the end was soon in sight. A final blast over Donsak Hill and it was a short road section back into home for a well deserved cold beer!

Fact File:
Total Distance covered; 54km
Total time taken (including stops); 4h 5min. Riding time; 3h 5min. Av. Speed 17.5km/hr
Max. incline +24% decline -25%
Max elevation; 842 ft.
Total height; gained 2,938 ft. lost 2,851 ft.


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