I rode my third successive Jock with a few mates, and enjoyed every minute of it - even the difficult ones. We have to date made this a team ride and try and get everyone to the finish together in one piece. Hilltop was steep but was a breeze as it is early in the race. Boulders was a little tougher as it is warm by that stage but we managed to get over it without having to push. The 3rd stage is always a challenge, it is harder than you'd expect even though it has no named climbs and it was as hot as hell - but it epitomizes why I love to ride. What a sense of achievement upon reaching the end - even if it was a few hours after the pros. I doubt I was the only one at the end that had to wash down the lump in my throat with a well deserved beer. Thanks to the organizers for a great race - bring on Jock 2013.
