It was 4.10 in the morning and I (Nick) was awakened by squawking crows looking for their first meal of the day amongst the sheep dung and the debris of the night befores barbecues. Trying to get back to sleep for the next 40 minutes or so knowing that the twelve hour event was to start at 7am, Doug (landowner) turns up with his diesel 4 wheel drive and burger wagon, when starting his generator at 5am it was the wake up call for most of us that were riding TBEC's 12 hour event that morning. The day started as it seemed to go on, blue skies and very warm with a good atmosphere. With a few riders turning up early morning signing on and having their bikes scrutineered went without a hitch. After a short riders briefing the event was on its way with riders eagerly awaiting the clock to turn to 7.00. You could sense the tense excitement from the paddock area as this was our first 12 hour enduro. Ben and I had walked the course the evening before with a few other riders and it was well set out, apart from the boggy section in the middle of the course which Michael Hall (Team no 5) discovered on his first lap. He returned to the pit area soaking wet,covered from head to foot in mud and sheep shite so apart from that everyone had a not too difficult ride. There were competitors who had travelled from France and Ireland just for this one event and I understand they thoroughly enjoyed their day. Dave Roberts(Chairman)and Nigel Herring (team no 352) lost their bet of £50 that they would complete more laps than Steve Armstrong and Jock (team no 106)after only managing 26 laps to their 41. As the day got hotter so did the race pace and the times were reduced considerably, thankfully there was no rain otherwise, as we all know, Whaddon is very boggy and slippery when wet. Ray Carver (chief marshall) with other helpers was darting around the circuit repairing broken tape and replacing posts.There were a few casualties, one rider sustained a broken collar bone but otherwise just minor injuries were reported. Annie Ward was out and about as always with her trusty digital camera taking excellent photos to capture the 12 hour event (have you ordered yours yet? we have)This was TBEC's first 12 hour event, my main concern was upsetting the locals with such an early start but I understand that we had no complaints, this was good news. The committee have heard from many of you that you thoroughly enjoyed this event and look forward to next years. Many of those that did not ride the event wish that they had, so I think that next years event will attract an even higher number of entrants. I would just like to finish off by reminding you all that this event was thought up and organized by Dave Roberts (Chairman) who was determined to put this venue forward, not knowing what a success it would be for TBEC. I am sure that you all will join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to Dave for all his great efforts, not only for this event but for everything he has done since becoming chairman.

written by NICK ILOTT (50) Heather and BEN ILOTT(51)