SelkirkMtb Marathon 75k – Big Climbs and Heart Racing Descents

The monster climbs would leave my mouth dry, but I wouldn’t mind as the heart racing, no brakes required descents would more than make up for the leg busting hills I was about to experience on the Selkirk Mtb Marathon.

Two weeks after the Dirty Reiver 200 I was ready for another challenge and an event I had not done before. Rich Rothwell and Keith Forsythe two tip top endurance riders had mentioned the Selkirkmtb marathon so I thought why not give it a go.

I registered for the 75k and even though I had been doing the #30DaysOfBiking challenge my mind felt as if it was ready for the next epic ride even though my legs were saying something different.

The event would take place in the Scottish Borders at Selkirk and head out up to Innerleithen through the various forest areas.

As I made my way to the start line after my 200 mile drive up from Halifax that morning, my camera was out taking the usual pictures for my blog of the riders at the front. I chatted briefly with Phil Simcock, Rich Rothwell and Keith Forsythe.

As the lead car lead us out of Selkirk along the road we were flying. I was near the front while the car was leading us out and as we turned left onto Bowhill estate the car gave way for the eager mountain bikers to be let loose at what lay ahead.

It was like releasing the chains of some caged animals they were off like a shot never to be seen again. The climb in front was impressive and it would go on for quite awhile and here you could see the gaps opening up. I was behind the bunch of riders from the front but I certainly would not be going full throttle as the legs were still warming up. 75k don’t really sound much but when there are over 2000m of climbing that sort of distance is enough.

My ride would take me through some of the most amazing scenery the Scottish Borders had on offer on this fine day. The forecast early on in the week had been miserable but the weather Gods were kind to us.

The course is well marked and there are ample pit stops that are well stocked. The mix of trail is spot on from fireroad, singletrack, moorland crossing and very fast eyeballs out descents. I can only imagine how fast this course would be in bone-dry conditions as unfortunately the wooded singletrack descents were mainly mud baths, which became a hindrance as it clogged up your gears and put extra weight on the bike.

The salsa spearfish handled the terrain with no problem and I had no mechanicals I was running Specialized slaughter 2.3 tyres both front and back and they worked well together. My gear set up is always the reliable sram XX1 32t from 42t rear.

It was great to meet like-minded mountainbikers all loving the same thing. Being out there and doing what they love to do i.e. ride bikes obviously some faster than others but still loving it no less.

I finally reached the finish line at 5.15pm having left the high street at 10am my mind and body were intact and I felt great. It’s brilliant being able to ride these events and finish them without thinking bloody hell I wish I hadn’t done that. The winter training definitely pays off.

I met up with Keith, Rob and Angus after the ride and we all went for an amazing curry in Selkirk at the Taste of Spice, which I would certainly recommend. The food was perfect and it was great to unwind/rewind and listen to their experiences on the course.

Listening to Keith Forsythe’s tales are funny and I’m sure if the Strathpuffer champion ever comes round to writing a book it will make a great read for folk like me who love cycling stories…hmmmm maybe I’ll sort it for him 😊

So, if you are thinking of doing the Selkirk Marathon next year then my advice would be do it and experience the leg busting climbs but you will then be rewarded with the fast and furious descents and the last 5k is worth every moment of pain you endure at the Selkirk marathon.

It often gets mentioned that if I didn’t stop to take so many photos I’d probably finish the ride much quicker. Maybe these people are right but then I wouldn’t be able to share these experiences with you and treasure the fab memories of being out there…..

#Keeponriding