The race was then moved to ourimbah, not so rocky now...But would the event still encourage riders? Would the race have the vibe? So how can I make you believe it was a BIG yes... Does martin have the best playlist and the funniest Mc at any event? Yup he sure does.
I took my morning spin class off and tried to not cook my legs in Friday arvo spin class, And with a friendly invite from Juliane I was pumped to race, I turned up a lil late after a crappy night sleep, and do apologise for my shortness to all the friendly faces I seen, a small reccy to check out the right lines to the dropoff.
The start.
Mc craft had a firm grip on a rider called jared Hughes, they were chatting about his win in the KOM category of the Tour of Timor, And then mentions him racing the 4hr... That interview was to be the last time I saw Jared. I cruise up to the start, 'hi matt Fleming' geez I hope he's not doing 4hr solo.
We get our Gangman style on and the countdown begins, itchy nerves had riders rolling before the gun went, but we get away cleanly the negotiate a sketchy hairpin through event centre and into the single track where some rider rag dolled it to the ground causing chaos, stomping on and by the time of the fired road all the leaders where long gone.
Time to ride strong and smooth, that's what equals fast at ourimbah, the track was pretty busy with riders not sure of this concept, so the decisive move is to over take on the back plateau, everyone thought that was a good idea, it blocked any gap I went looking and to add salt to the wound a tree went into my rear derailer. And a whole lot of colourful language emerged. I told you I had a crap night sleep. So I stopped to pull out a chainsaw to remove the 6foot long branch I was dragging along, and catch up by jelly leg climb. Grabbing a few spot before the rollercoaster. The new piece of trail at the bottom was a shock, but good for cornering skills. Over redbelly rock I'm hunting down more positions waiting for the climb to overtake, but my rear derailer activates its dyson abilities once more. I lose my shit again, while Brian price does his best to cool me down, such a knowledgeable rider and guy I've spent along time chasing and admired went I tried to race Agrade at any WSMTB round.
I walk the climb get back on, I pull the belt tight on my cranky pants and set to smashing myself.
Up short meadows and through browns, I avoid the gap jump, to the disappointment to my mate Wayne with his camera (pics will appear soon from anyone who hit the jump). Lap 1done.
Lap 2 was my fastest as I found the middle ground between xc pace and 4hr pace with no energy powder, only gels and bars from TORQ, and a stupid tight bottle cage. The ups and downs of ourimbah begin the energy levels fluctuate just as much.. I hit the gap jump..... Nope I dog it again.
Lap 3 consisted of me talking to myself 'hit the jump hit the jump' into browns I try to find some leg power after the climb, a huge Yeewwwwww to warn Wayne I was on my way. Sh*****t I launch gripping tight and not just my hands... And land safely, that's a big deal after last weekends efforts.
Lap 4 I hit it again this time without the look of constipation. Lap 5 Wayne has left and I'm back on the B line.
Closing in on the end of the race, the game of refuelling is crucial as I watch the clock. Aiming to finish just after the 4hr mark is ideal, no idea of my position or how far any rider is in front or behind, 8laps done at 3hrs 55, I slow at timing to ask if I was far enough of the next place rider to stop, as I open my mouth MC craft grabs the mic, I'd managed to stay out of trouble with him all day which is rare, later to find Fleming was his pick on guy for the day . "don't worry if crafty has the mic stopping is not an option" I say and roll on. My last 3laps where 2seconds apart, very happy with that. I come around to the finish line to " well done chops 2nd place" yewwww. I was truly stuffed after that, and took to the nearest deck chair. Jared took 1st and matt Flemming was to pull out. And my mate Jorge got 3rd. To the podium for some beer XTR bling and a fridge magnet trophy.
Very happy with the mental hurdles I cleared to race that well and just to escape the world on my bike is pure bliss.
Well done to everyone that was out there having a ball.
Biggest thanks goes to martin and Juliane for inviting me to race and holding events with so much passion, we are all very lucky to have these people in our lives.
Just chops
:)
