The second-year sponsoring ‘Ard Rock has been a success for Maxxis in more than one way. Not only did the tyre giant attract record numbers of fans to its stand but the Maxxis sponsored team, The Steve Peat Syndicate, clinched third fastest team at the main event, despite a run of bad luck and mechanicals for team captain Tom Makin, which resulted in him running down two of the stages carrying his bike. Team mate, Dan Farra, also finished in an impressive fifth place despite crashing into a dry-stone wall at full pace.
After finishing Saturday’s 45k Enduro, Tom repaired his bike and soaked up the festival atmosphere before setting out again on the Sunday to complete the same circuit, winning a first-place podium position in the masters category riding on newly launched Maxxis DoubleDown tyres. The ‘Ard Rock Enduro takes riders through 45KM of some of the toughest terrain in the UK, with six timed race stages down old quarries, rock strewn gullies, over dry-stone walls and across exposed moorland, which takes most competitors around five hours to complete.
Captain of the Maxxis sponsored Steve Peat Syndicate Enduro team, Tom is an ‘Ard Rock regular, he comments: “I’ve ridden ‘Ard Rock for the last three years, it’s the best mountain biking event in the UK and it’s really become an annual pilgrimage of mine.
“I think what I love about it is its friendly atmosphere, it pulls in a large crowd each year but although it’s a bunch of strangers, it has a real family feeling. For a relatively new event, I’ve seen it grow so much first hand and each year it attracts more and more big named sponsors like Maxxis. The track is phenomenal! it changes each year with amazing new sections being added and this year we got a brand-new stage, which is possibly my most favourite UK race stage ever!
“I chose to ride the Maxxis Double Down High Roller II 2.3” tyre on the back as its very puncture resistant and gives great, predictable grip on the rocks and the grass, which is essential here. I stuck with my usual go to Minion DHF EXO tyre on the front to save on a bit of weight but went with a 2.5” instead of the usual 2.3” to get some additional grip and puncture protection. I’ve been riding on Maxxis for years now, because the tyres are reliable, have fantastic puncture resistance, are light and there are a wide range of tread patterns to choose from.”
‘Ard Rock is one of UK’s premier natural Enduro events, based in the beautiful wilderness of the Yorkshire Dales. The natural landscape provides the perfect mountain biking experience for riders looking to be put through their paces. Each year it attracts brands and thousands of visitors, who spend four days camping, enjoying live music and entertainment, and taking part in the racing events that the award-winning mountain biking event has to offer.
To find out all you need to know about the new Double Down and the Minion DHF tyres chosen by Tom Makin, click here.
