In the latest Barnes Bites, Joe takes Fergus to Laggan Wolftrax to set down a timed run on the black downhill section. Don’t be fooled by its trail centre tag though, the black descent offers a real technical challenge.

Apparently the time to beat is 5:50 and although both boys are a little shy of that time they still look rapid. Barnes finishes in 5:57 and Fergus in 5:58, it may not be a big win but “a second’s a second”.

Barnes said: “Part 3 of my 2016 blog is a nice trip to Laggan with Fergy Babes for some timing on the black trail. I have always loved this trail and started up a timing challenge on it a few years ago to get set for the summer races. It’s got a bit of everything and riding smart is the key to an illusive sub 5.50, managing the juices and not peaking to early.

“It’s always fun heading out timing with the boys and there is nothing finer than a lap of the woods timing the exciting bits. We never got into Strava but stick to the classic Casio timing system. If a new record gets set, word soon spreads.”

For more Barnes bites click here.