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Matt and Steve graciously pause after the first ascent to let me catch my breath.

Matt, action cycling guy.

Steve stops to try to help the bloke with the jamming disc brakes.

I tried on several occasions to cycle ahead to get a good action shot of the others. This is actually one of my better results.

An example of the terrain we rode on. A website Matt found afterwards described the track as one that would deter all but the hardiest of beginners (or something like that). So, pro.

Once out of the woods, we approached the summit of the ride. It was quite busy at the top.

The view from the top was stunning - you could see right out across the coast (not pictured). This is where the route split off into an optional black route. We didn't.

We paused for something to eat at the top. The weather couldn't have been better.

Finally, I get an action shot to come out in focus and it looks... unexciting? Steve and Matt were hurtling towards me at a significant speed at this point.

Pausing to let the camera guy catch up.

After the high speed downhill from the summit, we paused to, well, in my case, stop my hands from shaking. It was cool.

Again, the scenery was just beautiful. In some ways it was a shame it went hurtling by so fast.

Another example of how excitingly narrow, windy and rocky the trail was.

Alright, lads.

Just to prove I didn't only take photographs, here I am with my rented bike for the day.

Drunk with the power of a bike with suspension, I try riding down some steps. Honestly, the angle's all wrong in the photo, it was actually far more impressive a stunt than it looks.