Mud

Another soggy day. Woke up about 6.30am and Mike had just come in from a lap and was sat with his head in his hands absolutely caked in mud. I think he felt like giving up but he went on to do another couple of laps before the end of the race. He's done so well - really proud of him. Got a big lump in my throat when I saw him powering to the finish line, making one last effort even though he must have been aching like hell. He did 11 laps in the end - that's over 100 miles in really really awful conditions.

No showers at the event. Luckily Mike got to use the shower in his mum and dad's camper, but the water was very limited so only enough for him and he was the only solo rider out of our group. This is Mike's dad very kindly scrubbing Dan down with a washing up brush!!

Had to stop for a doze on the way home but got back about 4.30 - it's now 7.30 and we've just finished sorting all our soggy wet gear and camping stuff. Mike's bike clothes have had to have several pre-washes before they were clean enough to put in the washing machine!!