Hi Paul. No I haven't ridden one.
I had the opportunity about a month ago, but had zero interest in the bike brand, so passed the offer by.
Out again today taking part in an Evans Ride It event with a couple of other KTM riding lads. Normally I struggle to maintain momentum to ride with them, but one has been suffering for weeks with a bad back and the other has changed jobs, and hasn't been out riding.
It was a bit painfully slow today, and in the end they opted for the medium route, whilst I rode the slightly longer route.
I was very surprised by just how muddy that it was in places, and thee were many lengthy puddles which had me wondering if the bike was actually going to make it through. Several were above pedal crank level, which is getting very close to the cable block level on the CX motor.
I can't say the ride overly inspired me though, as Evans events have too many road sections interlinking sections, which is something that Wiggle events somehow manage to avoid.
The Hutchinson tyres are absolutely amazing, and never gave even the slightest hint of letting go on the countless roots and adverse bank sections.
I made a few interesting observations about my riding when compared to many others, and seemingly the very tight single track or rather non existent track riding that I do locally, pays dividends when avoiding deep sections of water.
Crossing wet roots at severe angles with drops after also seemed to be another area where I scored, as did manualing over fallen trees.
The weather for the most part was superb, with just one severe downpour for the last few miles.
I'm not really sure at the moment when the next event ride will be, as the forthcoming rides are places that I ride anyway. I might possibly do the South Downs Evans Ride, but that that would just be for the social crack of it.
Both lads hung onto my Camel Bak and with them pedalling as well, I pulled both of them half way up this.
I might well pull the bike down over the next week to give it a thorough first service and detail.
I guess that is one advantage to still having the Full suspension bike as well, I don't have to rush it.
.