Scotsman Leads The First TransScotland Mountain Bike Race

On the final day of the first ever TransScotland Mountain Bike Race (Sponsored by Chain Reacion and Meridian Bikes), from over 100 competitors, Scotsman Andy Barlow, of Wyte Bikes and MountainBikingScotland.com guest writer, is currently leading the Mens Solo Category.




The route covers an overall distance of approximately 498km (310 miles) with a cumulative total climbing tally of 14,100m (46,300ft), split over seven linking stages and four special stages, including one night time-trial, in just seven days. Beginning and ending in Selkirk, the route comes full circle via Moffat, Drumlanrig Castle, Dalbeattie, New Abbey, Moffat once more, Peebles and finally Selkirk. The special stages take place at Drumlanrig, Dalbeattie, on the New Abbey to Moffat Linking Stage, and finally at Glentress.

I spoke to him breifly last night as he prepared his bike for the next days riding.
‘How are you doing?’ I asked as the signal faded in and out.
‘I’m bleeding…….’ He said.
Oh no, hope is is Ok.. the signal came back.
‘What?’ with a hiont of concern in my voice.
‘I’m bleedin my brakes!’ he replied ‘then I’m off to bed. The signal wavered and crackled.
‘We have ridden some fantastic trails, all kinds. Road, paths, mud,roots and rocks.’ He added.
‘Some of the route has been extremly difficult, but I am enjoying it all the same. Some great views!’

So onward they go snaking their way across the Scottish Borders, a great line of athletes, hopefuls, trail riders and their entorage of trucks, tents and supplies. Probably the most picturesque of the link stages, day 6 starts with a partial retracing of steps to the source of the Ettrick near Overpawhop.
Climbing over to the Yarrow Valley on the S.U.Way will raise a ‘dab’ but the view down to St Mary’s Loch from will make the slog worthwhile. After a quality section of trail along the south shore of the loch, some hill tracks and a huge climb to the top of Birkscairn Hill, the Trans’ riders will be rewarded with one of the all time classic descents in the south of Scotland.
6km of open hill drove road which follows a long ridge north to the edge of Peebles. After that rush there is a short but tough climb up Janets Brae into Glentress forest and a fun blast down the new blue route to The Hub.


Tonight is the ‘Special Night Stage’
The night stage will start at around 9.00pm. The 12k course will take in a selection of trails from the Black, Red and Blue routes plus a couple of hand-cut descents normally used for XC racing. Afterwards, The Hub café should be buzzing with stories of night-time near misses.
Knowing that Andy has riden Glentress trails for many years he must be quietly confident. I asked him.
‘We will have to see. After the night stage there is a linking stage in the morning.
I still have to make it to Selkirk!!’

MountainBikingScotland.com would like to wish Andy all the best.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"