Trek: Shagged! Strathpuffer Falls to John 'Shaggy' Ross

Last weekend, 17th/18th January, in typically unpredictable and varied weather, John 'Shaggy' Ross took his new Trek 69er to victory in what Bike Magazine describes as one of the top ten toughest races in the World.
Described as having '5 seasons in one day' the weather went from sunshine to rain then snow and back again, creating some tough riding conditions for the competitors. Over 150 teams, pair and solos lined up for what is the only Winter 24 hr race, which promises 17 hours of darkness.  Tapping out consistent sub 50 minute laps for the first 9 laps, Shaggy went into the lead mid race, and going steadily through the darkness saw him jostling for the number one spot with fellow competitor David Powell, who set a blistering early pace. Coming into daybreak, Shaggy fought hard to take the last two laps by force and finished the race around half a lap up on Powell.
Shaggy's next big event is the world renowned Iditabike race in Alaska, in Febraury!! This is a 350 mile bike race in arctic conditions, where, apart from a few checkpoints, the competitors are self-supported. Shaggy has been preparing fpr this race for some time and you can keep up with events as they unfold on Shaggy's blog here- Days of Tundra
To read more on the race take a look here The Strathpuffer 24.

To see more phots of the event, go here- Dave Stewart

The 69er Collective are sponsored by:
Trek Bikes
Endura Clothing
Exposure Lights
Mule Bar Nutrition
Alp Kit Equipment
Bontrager Shoes