They had waited long enough and were just grateful for the opportunity to kick dust again.

Many new regulations had to be implemented to manage the pits and registrations. In the pits, the 1,5-metre social distancing was adhered to.

Registration was done in one’s car which turned out to be great fun. It felt like being at a drive-in, all we needed was the popcorn and the massive screen. But, of course, we were here to race.

The nerves were eating at some of the riders seeing that this would be the first one after five months of lockdown. Plenty new sticker kits had to be purchased and it looked like the first race of the year.

But the guys and girls were biting at the bit and ready to storm the route.

Riders started in groups of five which generated some dust clouds due to the lack of rain.

For some this was going to test their fitness levels and how well their bikes were prepared.

Jamie Watt, the route director, designed a route that confronted riders with a technical challenge over the first section, but then allowed them to stretch their legs on the faster parts.

High speeds on the red route were short-lived though as the route took riders up a steep gorge and over Signal Hill and then back up again.

Only on descending Signal Hill back towards the pits, did riders catch their breath while still pushing to hold their position in the field.

An extra loop was added for the green class because their 10,8-kilometre course took the riders just over 20 minutes to complete.

By the time I got back to the pits from my photographic adventure on Signal Hill, many bikes were already loaded on bakkies and trailers for the return trips home.

Riders were happy to relax and have a cold one.

Competitors agreed that the routes were tough but enjoyable and that they will be back in 2021.

Once again thanks to the LEC marshalls for giving up their time to keep everyone safe and bring back riders and bikes that broke down on the track, and to the timing guys and all the ladies in the pits keeping things running smoothly.

The next event will be a doubleheader at Casterbridge in White River.