Thanks again for the advice, it was very useful preparation for the event!!! I had a great day out and really enjoyed myself, the organisers were great, taking time to explain how things worked and the other riders were very helpful with riding tips and gear selection etc. The results aren't yet out but I'll be very surprised if I'm not last, but thats all part of the fun :-)
Thanks to everyone at the Merthyr event!!!
Can't wait till my next one now...