Two days down, one to go … and the boys have started drinking. I am drinking milk – first time in 25 years.

Long day. 7 hrs. Feeling strong now. Had to dig deep in patches.

Shattered! Tough last 10km’s. Amazing misty mountain start.

5am, getting ready in tent. Not raining. Route change on account of wet conditions in the valley. Safety concerns around slippery descent of 1,400 riders down single track. 15km’s or so shorter.

Battled to get organised in the on / off rain. All ready for 100km’s in equally wet condition tomorrow. Our position is about half way through the field under general classification. Better under veterans.

Happy finish of day one. 84.4km’s, 5hrs25, 1,245m of climbing. Unbelievable mud, mist, rain and cold in patches. I fell but not injury. Chaos at camp. Will probably take 2 hours to wash bikes and …