The season started back in June 2009 when I decided bit the bullet and enter the Anaconda Adventure Race on the Gold Coast as a soloist. Training for this event took 3 months of preparation, which included learning how to paddle a Epic V10 surf ski for the very first time, getting the use to swimming again and following that black line, pounding the pavement before, during and after work, and heaps of riding on and off road. I raced in late September and race condition was perfect for that time of the year. The swim leg - I knew I would struggle to stay in mid field but I stuck to my race plan and kept to a good rhythm and tried to stay in other competitor's slip stream for most of the leg. Transitioned over to the ski leg and got out over the break not too badly and made my way up north in the open ocean before catching this long wave into Tallebudgera Creek where I saw Heidi and the kids. Woohoo, what a rush! A quick wave and then it was another 6km before the run transition. Got out onto the run and I ate as much as I could before I couldn't anymore. The run leg saw me doing about 6 river crossings and running over rocky terrain before this mother of a hill that took 20min to ascend. Make it to transition after getting lost for a while, got checked over by an official to see if I was okay to continue as the day got a bit warm. Off on the bike and I made up heaps of time on this legs as I knew where to push myself as I did a reccie on the course not 2 days prior. Over cooked one corner too fast and I slid out causing a big gravel rash on my tricep, hip, thigh and knee. Carried on regardless and came into transition quicker than my support crew anticipated. Changed over for the final run leg and I powered for home catching sight of the family again just before the finish line. I was very happy with the result as the goal was to finish and enjoyed the whole race pushing my limits without being in any sort of pain!
Next race was the Highland Fling at Bundanoon (bottle water free place). My first 100km MTB enduro and what an introduction! Went down to Bundanoon with Howard who was doing his first 50km race. We rocked up at the Pony Club where we were camping for the night. Lo and behold, we were directly in front of my work mate Marty and his riding buddies. The 100km was more like 113km, lots of undulations, steep hills and heaps of single track! A hard slog considering I had a leak in my rear shock for the 1st stage. Got that rectified and had it pumped up too hard for the rest of the race. No wonder my back and rear end was very sore! The middle stage of single track was awesome but a hard grind. Gritted my teeth and hammered home on the last stage as fast as one could. Spent, I crossed over the finishing line with Heidi and the kids there cheering me on along with Howard and Marty. Boy, my butt was sore for over a week!
My first foray into 24 hour mountain biking saw us entered as a triple in the JetBlack Twenty Four Hours Sydney. Entered as Boris, Blockie & Bullwinkle, however Troy pulled out with illness which left Kieran and I with a dilemma as we couldn't find a replacement rider in time. We bit the bullet and decide to man up and registered as a pair - meet Boris & Bullwinkle. Met up with the lads (Mic, Cam & Kieran) at Del Rio Riverside Resort where we set up camp. Also in the race was my work Marty and his riding buddy Brad (Cool for Cleats) plus my dragon boat racing team mate MVU racing in triples with his work colleges. Weather condition wasn't the best as it rained heavily prior to the event. The race got underway under grey skies and not long light showers were about. Kieran led off from the start and the game plan was doing 2 laps before handing over to the next rider. The course was a 9.5km circuit made up of part BMX track, tarmac, gravel road, and single track. Off course, there was the 2km pinch ride up the hill thrown in for good measure. Kieran and I were putting out good consistent laps and we were sitting in 7th at this stage. The plan was to up the ante and lay out 4 laps each at night to give the other rider a break. That never eventuated as darkness grew so did the rain... and boy did it rain! Down pours saw the track deteriorating at a point where there were water running over the track and downhill switchbacks were getting absolutely loose as! I did not complete a lap under darkness as the organisers decide to put a 12hr pause to the race. The organisers worked frantically in the wet conditions into the night re-routing the course and made adjustments to have the race to start again in the morning. Fabulous job the organisers did considering the trying conditions. With 4 hours of racing left I put up my hand of restarting the race for Boris & Bullwinkle and smashed out my 2 laps before Kieran smashed out his. We managed to pump out 22 laps (11 each) and to our surprise with came in 5th in our category. Kieran and I were very happy with our result indeed. Stray Dogs (Mic & Cam) came 3rd whilst Cool for Cleats came 2nd.
The plan was to my first surf ski race in the Kayak 4 Kids race on Sydney Harbour. This never eventuated as 1) one of my neighbours drove straight into my ski and puncturing it with a massive hole in the hull and 2) I got a call up to replace a rider in a Team of 4 in the Mont 24 Hour MTB Race. Luckily, I still had some riding form from the previous 24 hour race and my regular commute to work. My main concern was living up to my team mates expectations and pumping out consistent laps both during the day and at night. Craig and I headed for Sparrow Hill, Canberra early Friday morning to set up camp for the boys. I managed to get in a practice lap to see what I was in for. OMG! Wow, 19km of sensational single track through the pine plantation. Mic and Kieran arrived later that night after work and after some port and chocolate it was off to bed. Race day and it was a solemn start to the race as the organisers held a minute silence and honour roll lap for the late James Williamson for the first hour. Craig had this brilliant plan of riders of similar times would pair up with the quicker rider. That is, Kieran and I paired up and Mic and Craig paired up. The plan worked a treated as we pumped out consistent lap times lap after lap. Night riding saw Kieran and I pumping out 2 each while Mic and Craig slept before it was Mic and Craig’s turn for the doubles. That lap after waking up was the hardest in the dark, luckily the sun came up and my last lap of my double was done in the morning light. Lactic Wastrels came 41st in our category smashing out 21 laps. A fun time had by all.
Last enduro planned for the season is the Dirtworks 100km Classic NSW. My 2nd 100km MTB enduro and I was looking forward to it. I trained quite well for this event clocking up heaps of kilometres both on the road and on trails. Also entered into the event was Howard who was attempting his 1st 100km enduro as well as Ronnie. Marty and his riding buddies have also entered in the event as well my other riding comrades Kieran and Cam. Howard, Ronnie and I convoyed to meet Marty at the river crossing where we met up with Marty’s mates. We got to race site and set up camp in a pretty good spot. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and keyed up for the race. Race morning produced awesome racing conditions as it wasn’t too cold to begin with. The hooter went off and so did 700 other 100km riders in 3 waves. Learning from last year in the 50km, I didn’t go out that hard on the tarmac/gravel section before the 1st climb of the day. I had Howard with me as we worked together. Ronnie dropped of very early on. As there were so many riders walking up the hill and getting churned up it was difficult to have a crack at trying to ride it. So Howard and I walked it until we got to the gate before getting back on the saddle and setting a good pace towards the 1st water stop. Unfortunately, Howard had a minor fall not far from the stop, luckily he was okay and I manage to catch up with him as I started to head off as he came in. I could no longer wait for Howard as I need to push on and the next section required full concentration as it became technical and have some very bumpy sections. Made it to the half way mark and I quickly topped up on food and fluids before setting off again. I worked hard up the fire trail before heading down a rocky downhill section. This is where Ronnie came a cropper down this section and went over his bars. Thank goodness his bike was okay! At the river crossing you have a choice to wade across the river or ride the bridge which is made up of planks over plastic kayaks. Well, I bit the bullet and decide to ride the bridge. Started off well, made great progress and I felt I started that I was slowly drifting to the left. I applied the brakes and that’s all she wrote as I thought. Luckily, I unclipped my left shoe and stuck my foot out managing to land on the kayak. I uprighted myself and to the round of applause by fellow riders and volunteers I managed to save myself from falling in. A quick bow to say thanks and I was off walking the bridge. The next section was hard as the climb as just long and never ending. I manage to run out of water 15km from the end and I knew if I can manage to hold on until the downhill section, I’ll survive. I rode my guts out for the final 5km on the flats as I wanted to break 7 hours. I knew this last bit of road from the 50km last year and I managed to even pass about 6 riders home. Crossed the finish line all spent and I looked down on my Garmin Edge 305 and I saw 6:59. Woohoo! Goal achieved!! I was stoked with the time. Howard came in nearly an hour behind me and you know what happened to Ronnie (withdrawn). Marty smashed the race and did his PB by 25min and managing to finish 36th overall and 11th in his category. Kieran and Cam also PB’ed as well as I managed to catch up with both after the race. On the downside of things, besides Ronnie’s stack, I was told that I missed out on a Niner frame at the presentation!!! I was there packing up and I usually attend these things!!! Spewing!!!!!
The last race entered for the season is the up and coming 25km Careflight Woodford to Glenbrook Classic Sunday 27 June 2010. This race should be a blast and I’m aiming to better my time from last year. Target: 57min. Joining me this year will be Ronnie plus Cam, Craig & Kieran. Mic is still off resting his plantar fasciitis in his feet. Stay tuned for a write of this after the event.
As I mention at the top of the blog, I thought I had finished with the season until I had a carrot dangled in front of me by my dragon boat mates. The whole season I have been chipped at with constant baiting by the veteran paddlers from City Dragons Dragon Boat Club in trying get my back into the boat for one last crack at the CCWC Macau 2010. They seen me paddling in the corporate crew and knew there was still a chance in bringing back this old boy into the squad. They have finally succeeded and with the permission from the lovely wife Heidi, I am giving a crack at trialling for a spot on the crew. Retirement on hold - 2 years since I paddled in anger with the club. Stay tuned for updates on how training is progressing in the coming blogs.
