Glentress 7: More Than “Just a Bike Ride”

Tweedlove’s Glentress 7 is no ordinary mountain bike event. It’s seven hours of riding, lap after lap, around a 10km (ish) loop of climbs and descents within the Glentress forest mountain bike trail network. After marshalling the event with the Tweed Valley Crew last year, it obviously planted a seed…

Riders can take on this challenge solo, in pairs, or as a team of three. Some go solo to test their endurance, others to enjoy the freedom of riding on their own terms without the pressure of teammates waiting.

I fell somewhere in between.

For me, going solo was about seeing what I could do in the full seven hours, while also enjoying the freedom of not letting anyone down (still fear talking there, I know). With just my amazing pit crew to keep me fuelled and cheering me on, it was then me versus the course.

Some say, “Its just a bike ride” which helps to minimise the anxiety, but if that’s the case, I’d just go and ride my bike. I chose this event, for a number of reasons, but ultimately to test myself, after doing some training. This was my version of “Everest”. You can read my previous blog on how I changed my mindset and attitude to training.

The Atmosphere

The first couple of laps were hectic. Riders everywhere, some flying past me on the climbs, but others I needed to overtake, especially on the descents when I found myself in enduro mode. Everyone spread out later on and the pace settled a bit too. Everyone got in to their own zone, and it was surprisingly quiet out there. Fellow riders would casually ride by, some would chat, and some were on a mission. I was in awe of every one of them. It’s pretty much all I thought about. I realised after that I didn’t have any negative thoughts or comparison during the race, I was quite happy in my own challenge admiring others on theirs.

The great thing I love about this event is the inclusive nature of it. As a women in her mid 40’s looking to do a fairly average amount of riding, being amongst some inspiring athletes, was an honour and privilege. And, everyone is there fighting their own wee battle, with their own goals and intentions. It didn’t matter, everyone was in it together regardless.

The transition zone, though — that was buzzing. Hearing my name shouted from all directions, from friends, locals and even over the loudspeakers, was overwhelming in the best way. I had my own little pit spot, my bottles and snacks lined up, and my pit crew ready between each lap. It was such a buzz to feel part of such a special event!

Being Completely Present

What struck me most is how present I felt throughout the whole race. I didn’t take a single photo. I wasn’t really tracking how far I was riding, just counting laps. The first time I really looked at my Garmin was around 35km and I did have a moment when I reached 1500m climbing and of course when I broke the 2000m too. Instead, I focused on the moment: the next section of trail, the choice to keep moving, the little interactions with other riders on their own journeys, and did I mention the inspiration I was gathering witnessing so many push themselves so hard. I have so many emotions and thoughts that I can still feel in my body because I was so present.

***“Every now and then, I’d look around and marvel at the fitness, grit, and determination on display. So many people, each in their own battle, each pushing themselves in different ways.”***

Hitting My Goal (and more)

Before the race, I thought 5 laps might be ambitious. So when I set out on my 5th lap, the emotion hit. I was about to achieve my target. I cried… and riding with tears is not recommended…

Allan summed it up perfectly:

***“You know what this is… this is the realisation that you’re gonna do it, and you’re scared of succeeding.”***

For the first time, I felt genuinely proud of myself. It might “just” be a bike ride, but for me it was more. I’m not someone who easily takes racing in my stride, but this was me showing up with intention, pushing my limits, and discovering that maybe I hadn’t even reached them yet.

And out there, on my 5th lap, on the trails, something shifted. I started trusting my body more, realising I could probably squeeze in a 6th lap. And I did!!! Buzzing!

Lessons Learned

I didn’t have enough time to go for a seventh lap, partly because I’d needed rest stops and food breaks in the later laps. But looking back, I know it’s possible — with less stopping, I could have done more.

And that’s what excites me most: realising I did more than I thought I could, and starting to wonder what else might be possible when I set fear and self-judgment aside.

My body was starting to grumble, with some knee and lower back niggles, but my mind was still ready. That’s a powerful thing to discover about yourself.

And yes, I’ll admit it: when I realised there wasn’t time for lap seven before the cut-off, I WAS relieved. But most importantly, proud to have achieved what I did.

***“I did more than I thought possible, and it’s made me curious about what else is possible when I set fear and self-judgment aside.”***

Gratitude

Events like Glentress 7 don’t just happen. They’re the result of an incredible amount of planning, dedication, and energy. A huge thank you to the Tweedlove organisers for putting together such a smooth, challenging, and inspiring event.

**To the valley crew marshals:**

Your encouragement, music, and endless positivity made such a difference out on course and in the transition area. You kept us moving, smiling, and believing we could do it, even when our legs and minds were screaming otherwise. You made every lap worth it!! Special shout out to Fi & Dee: honestly, I could’ve cried every time I saw you - Thank you!!!

So much love for my wee pit crew: Allan, Alicia & Alex - thank you for the bottles, the snacks, the support, and the cheers. You boosted my confidence and allowed me just ride and not worry about anything else. And, I will cherish the moment I shared with Allan just before lap 5 for a long time.

And finally, to every rider out there, (including my coach who lapped me a few times), whether smashing lap after lap or simply giving it a go, sharing the trails with you all was so inspiring!!!

Will there be a next time? For me, YES - for Tweedlove, who knows….

The Numbers That Tell the Story

6 laps
6 hours 21 minutes out on course
5 hours 24 minutes riding time
56 km covered
2,091m climbing
143 bpm average heart rate
70% of time in Zone 3
9 bottles of water
4 pee stops
3 granola bars
2 protein milkshakes
8 jelly babies
A few mouthfuls of pesto pasta
½ protein bar (nope)
3 jelly beans (also nope)
Final Thoughts

Glentress 7 gave me more than a day of mountain biking and numbers. It gave me proof that I can push myself further than I think. It was a journey of trust… and, that goals I once thought ambitious might just be stepping stones. I have left feeling proud and curious for what else I can do. And that feels awesome!!!!

For You

If you have ever just wanted to enter an event, biking, running, anything, the time is now!! Don’t wait for your life to be quieter, or until this or that… if you really want it, make it your priority and do it!

And if starting is overwhelming, then maybe some personal development coaching to talk through the barriers and create a plan is just want you need. You can read more about my coaching packages here or send me an email jen@mindfulroutes.co.uk to ask any questions.

Jen x x x

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