I've been looking forward to taking part in the Pennine X for a year or so now. A couple of guys in my local club had done it in previous years, and recommended it. Coming from the East Riding it's always good (if something of a shock!) to do an event where there are some "proper" hills, and in this respect the Pennine X route does not disappoint. Unfortunately this year's event was very wet, so the moorland leg of the loop running down to Marsden, was a mass of sodden, rutted peat. Pretty much everyone agreed this section was just unrideable for someone of average ability this year. All the guys I was with at the time (midfield) just got off and walked :)
I broke the golden rule of NOT using anything new for an event. I fitted a Maxis Ikon on the front, rather than the usual Maxis Aspen front and rear. I got away with it, the new rubber worked really well, even in peat. I just might keep this setup for the rest of the summer (or what-ever we are calling this current weather...). Poor front mech cable adjustment, caused the chain to fall off the granny at least half a dozen times on the down shifts (always at the start of a big tricky climb!), lesson learnt I hope. Apart from the gear trouble, the bike worked great, with no flats, or other major mechanical disasters.
Must be early on, I'm still clean.
The only issue I did have was a huge off, just before the water crossing, at the appropriately named "stack end" I was totally laid out :( and found myself properly winded for the rest of the ride, good job I saved doing this till near the end. I was in bits! just managed to wobble round the last 5 mile or so, and made it to the finish :) 
I broke the golden rule of NOT using anything new for an event. I fitted a Maxis Ikon on the front, rather than the usual Maxis Aspen front and rear. I got away with it, the new rubber worked really well, even in peat. I just might keep this setup for the rest of the summer (or what-ever we are calling this current weather...). Poor front mech cable adjustment, caused the chain to fall off the granny at least half a dozen times on the down shifts (always at the start of a big tricky climb!), lesson learnt I hope. Apart from the gear trouble, the bike worked great, with no flats, or other major mechanical disasters.
Must be early on, I'm still clean.
The only issue I did have was a huge off, just before the water crossing, at the appropriately named "stack end" I was totally laid out :( and found myself properly winded for the rest of the ride, good job I saved doing this till near the end. I was in bits! just managed to wobble round the last 5 mile or so, and made it to the finish :)
Great event in all. Very well organised, hope to be doing it again next year. Thanks to Gethin, Eddy and Steve for the heads up on the event. Massive thanks to Simon for the lift!
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