Red Bull Fox Hunt - 27 & 28 September 2014

On Saturday and Sunday last weekend Rhona and I took to the Pentland Hills to watch the Red Bull Fox Hunt. The idea of this event is that the World Downhill Mountain Bike Champion Rachel Atherton races 100 odd cyclists down the hill from Allermuir. Rachel being the fox, the cyclists being the hunters. The cyclists go off first with Rachel chasing them down.

Saturday 27 September 2014

Rhona's friend and her Mum were competing so on Saturday Rhona, Kobi and I set off up the hill to watch them complete their time trial to get their start time. It was very exciting.

The atmosphere was building and you could just tell tomorrow was going to be a special day.

Sunday 28 September 2014

On Sunday, Rhona and I decided the way to see the Fox Hunt was to head right up into the hill so we put on our trail shoes and headed up the hill. A bit of training for Helvellyn thrown in for good measure. It was a beautifully sunny, warm day, perfect for fox hunting!

What comes down must first go up, the cyclists had an arduous 45 minute push up the hill before they could enjoy the fun of the descent. Lots of tired faces already, having already done this several times in practice sessions.

Walk worth it though, look at the view!

 Once all the cyclists were at the top we headed back down the hill to a spot where we could see them come chasing down the hill in a pack.

This is much easier than all that cycling malarky...

There's the lady they are all trying to catch...

It was an awesome spectacle with over 100 female cyclists all chasing down the World Champion Downhiller. Not sure she was trying that hard though as she didn't win. But amazing to see so many cyclists charging down the Pentland Hills.

Rhona met up with Zoe, who was buzzing at the bottom along with her Mum, Gillian and her friends. They were all just amazing. It was tough enough running up the and down the hill, can't imagine how they had the nerve to cycle down, at speed!

Well done Gillian and Zoe

Rachel and Rhona

What an amazing day, Rhona said if it comes again next year she is going to do it. I'll hold you to that Rhona! Time for the Fox to have a wee rest I think...

Don't worry, be happy :)