An Ode To Those Who Scratched

Is long distance racing only for the elite?

__NO____!!__

That is the answer from Tom the creator of Norfolk 360. A race designed for starters to the distance and give all a safe place to sleep over night. 

Some riders arrived the night before, and a great atmosphere was created in Claxton Village Hall. Food was had and stories were told. The novices listening to the vets and asking lots of questions.

This morning riders got ready and started heading off from 07:31. Bacon sandwiches were on offer and eaten eagerly. There are riders from all over. From the Netherlands, Paris, Brighton and the rest. These races always bring together a great mix of people and today has not disappointed.

So the start of a new era of racing has begun. 

The Start of a New Race  

All are in from the North.

Its been a great day of riding. Everyone has done so well.

Simon Moore, Alex Kingaby, Simon Brierley and Henry Hall all went out and set a great pace. Reaching Holkham by 11am and putting big distance between them and the rest of the field. 

Simon Moore came in first at just under 7hrs for the 110miles, closely followed Alex and Henry. 

Fiona Shorten was the first female in. Just after 8hrs in the saddle she came in and had a well earned rest with some food. 

Moving further down the field we saw riders come in for the next 6hrs. The central checkpoint location proving a hit but riders all coming together, having a chat and eating together. 

Quote of the day 'We're here for a fun time. Not a fast time'

North Loop - Done

Being a small event, Norfolk 360 only had an entry of 50 athletes. 

5 didn't make the start line.

3 - Simon Brielery - Made it to Diss on the South Loop
15 - Craig Dowse - Made it to Thetford on the South Loop
18 - Kelly Clarke - Completed the North Loop
29 - Lee Putnam - Completed the North Loop
31 - Victoria Turner - Completed the North Loop

We are down to 40, but everyone is a winner in the eyes of Director Tom. 


Scratch List At  11pm Saturday Night

The South loop is well under way. 

Alex took a storming lead in his first ever ultra and came back in at 21:46 shortly followed by Henry and Simon. Here is when tactics start play. All 3 decided to take good rests.

An hour and half later, and Stuart Percival made a quick turn around followed by Ben Crossman with an even quicker in-and-out for the lead to take a dramatic change. Adam Cross followed later on in third position on the road. 

The Sandman is playing his games. Sending the original 3 leaders beautiful dreams to keep their eyes shuts and snoring loud. We are now currently at 5 hours of rest for them.

While at the other end of the dream scale The Sandman has been sending nightmare like sandy tracks for all to cycle and hike through down in Thetford. Some are claiming 2hrs of hikerbike in ankle deep sand. While others have glide across the top like slipping into a freshly made bed with silk sheets. 

As I type Fiona Shorten is the first female back to Claxton. Will The Sandman play his games and lull her into a deep slumber? Only time will tell. 

The Sandman Has Taken Control

In the dark of night, on trails winding tight, 

Cyclists rode fierce, in the race's sight.

But some, alas, fate did not decree,

To reach the end, their journey to be.

So here's to the cyclists who faced the dark,

Who rode with courage, left their mark.

Though scratched from the race, they'll rise again,

For the trail awaits, and it's never the end.

1 - Charlie Hunter-Lain - Completed North+South
14 - Joseba Astoreca - Made it to Thetford on South Loop
16 - Toby Attwood - Made it to Thetford on South Loop

Coming into this event Tom Levy (Director and creator) wanted to give those who had never done an ultra or bikepacking event a chance to do it in safety and with the ability to stop when they were ready.

Was this achieved?

The overly feeling from the central checkpoint was YES! Most wanted to achieve more miles than the did. The South loop with all the sand took it of most the riders. Leaving them enough time to do the West loop but not enough time to get out onto the East. Apart from this all riders left with a smile on their face and a hand crafted Norfolk 360 tile Tom created for each of the riders. 

The format works. Fast riders got to see who was sleeping and who wasn't. Meaning there was a solid battle for the top three positions, which at one point could have gone to any 1 of 8 riders. For others it meant getting to sit down and eat with someone, or catch up with some from the start who they hadn't seen for 10hrs. Multiple times the words 'Wait 2 mins. I'll head out with you' were heard across the hall. Riders made friendships and alliances throughout the event. Helping each other to stay awake on the bike, to fixing punctures and mechanicals (Kudos to Ben Crossman who potentially gave up the win to stop for 30mins to help another rider out) 

You can see the list of winners, but that was never what it was all about for Tom. It was about giving everyone the opportunity to surpass what they had done before and prove to themselves that they are UTLRA!!!

In The End Did It Work?

Tom Levy

Ride the ultra-race experience in one weekend with All Pace Races. The Norfolk 360 is the perfect intro to off-road ultra-racing right in the heart of the South East.

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