DAY 2 : RECAP

by Ash Smith | Jun 22, 2023

Rolling out of camp 2, there was a different energy to the morning before. The first day nerves had started to dissipate and people were starting to get into a bit of Stone King flow. Tired, slightly overwhelmed, but ultimately excited to get going.

To kick things off, SP5 was a point and shoot kind of affair. A really fun, fast and flowy stage in the woods, with a great mix of dirt, slabs, twists and turns. A pick’n’mix of a stage, but with all of the good bits and none of the bad…

SP6 was a whoop-inducer (as coined by Ash himself), a fun way to slide into the day and which led to a different kind of shuttle in the form of a chairlift. Ultimately, a chance for the riders to have a quick power nap and enjoy the surrounding views of the Stone King.

Lulled into a false sense of security, the riders were then greeted by a 4.5 hour transfer. This liaison was a heavy one, luckily it was speckled with views, waterfalls and other alpine delights to try distract the fatigue setting in. The king himself was keeping a close eye on everyone as they circumnavigated – a good omen for those who needed a bit of motivation.

SP7 was a freshly cut in trail, courtesy of Ash and the locals, down the beautiful Piemonte meadows.

To finish the riders off, the final transfer was a steep, tech (mainly) hike-a-bike. The numbers did not look quite so intimidating on that small card that was given out at breakfast, but that naivety is what makes any adventure great, right?

Luckily it was worth it, SP8 led into a beautiful cobblestone turns , through an ancient village and then into some more cobbles. Fast and tech was the theme of SP8.

Finally, like all good rides should, the day finished at the bar.

Time to refuel, rest and have a couple of Negronis to aid a good night sleep.