Last Saturday 31st June dawned bright and clear - another perfect day in the Outdoor Capital. Ten under the Ben is an event that although it sounds full on can be as hard or as soft core as you make it. There is a 10 mile mountain bike course that is quite technical as bits of it take in the World Championship Witches Trail at Nevis Range . The idea is to ride as many laps of the course as you can in 10 hours and all this with great views of Ben Nevis - hence the name. You can ride solo (that's for the really fit girls and boys) or you can ride in teams of 2, 3 or 4. I hadn't taken part in 10 under the Ben before and wasn't aiming to break any records but really wanted to take part to join in the craic. Run by a group of local lads - No Fuss Events - I had heard that the event had a really nice vibe. I teamed with another member of the West Highland Wheelers.

For the first time the event was held a Nevis Range, and registration was pretty cool because it was at the top gondola station resturant. I got there just before the crowds and had a really nice evening scoffing the free pasta meal, hanging out with friends and looking at the fab evening views from the balcony (have I mentioned that we have had some cracking weather up here in the Outdoor Capital?)

Saturday dawned bright and clear - it was going to be hot! The event village was teeming by the time we got there at 8am, and it was great to see everyone's tents, gazebos, vans and barbecues set up. The 9.30am start was pretty spectacular because the grandstand for the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup had already been put up so those not riding the first lap got a great view of the start.

I found the event pretty tough but great fun. The course was great with enough tasty singletrack to make you forget the long hot ascents. There was even a team of masseurs to massage aching legs - great value and I am not sure if I would have been able to complete my third lap with out them!

If you are a confident red route rider then I would thoroughly recommend this event. I'll be doing it again and No Fuss do three of the '10 under' series around Scotland - so there will be one near you! Go to www.nofussevents.co.uk