I feel that the Highland Fling is a weekend like no other, the race is positioned at the end of what we use to call the end of the season and long enough out of winter it gave people some hope they could train enough for it. The Fling was never regarded as a technical race and therefore the hopes of many would be even higher.
At times in this article i wish crush your hopes in the aid of preparing you for the weekend ahead, Because it is to late to train for the amount of VM (vertical metres) this race has if you havnt been doing more than what race is going to throw at you each week, you better read on to find out how to survive. and if you are a 100miler stay tuned for the special treatment and powers you hold over the whole weekend.
I have enjoyed every aspect of this race over the years. Competing in the Full fling. 2x the 100mile event and the Dash. This year will be my 3rd as MC so lets get down to how to have a good fling.
How To Fling
Saturday
- The Highland fling is not just a race, it is a whole weekend. Arrive early saturday afternoon and enjoy a coffee in Bundanoon before it gets crazy, we use to enjoy no phone reception, it made for a real escape. The Saturday has the Bundy Run + The Dash + The Rolloff WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. The local hall has great deals from all the suppliers and dinner for riders and Presentations for Saturdays events.
- The Dash is your opportunity as a spectator to get up close with the elite riders and local businesses attempting to be the fastest up constitutional hill. Only 1 rider has ever won the Dash and the Fling in one weekend so why not give it a crack.
Camping
- An essential part of the Fling experience when it is your first time, nowhere else in Australia can you be woken by the smooth tones of bagpipes #protip Camp near the fenceline very helpful for middle of the night pitstops and far away from the portaloos you wont hear those creaky doors slamming.
- Curfew: Im sure at some point you will be to loud at an event and upset somebody. Most campers will be looking for sleep by 930pm but you will also see riders enjoying beers past that time, maybe the ones you see cramping on a climb the next day.
- I like to think the 100milers have the red carpet at the fling and i recall being scalded for talking to loud in the camp ground one night to which he informed me he had 100km race the next morning. Well buddy i have a 100miles to do... i never received a reply.
RACEDAY
- You have registered right? last chance in the Hall (bundanoon)
- You Start at the pony club, but you know that because its where you camped.
Now that you have had breakfast and used the toilets im going to assume you know what start wave you are in and your number plate is tied on, read on for your survival guide.
Over the years we have had many types of weather at the Fling. This weekend is looking so perfect for racing, which fits between the hot and cold years we have had recently.
My first piece of advice is sourced from seeing so many riders from canberra wear less than anyone else on the start line.
- If you are cold on the start line you will be warm enough during the race. we are mountainbikers after all, so we thrive on a challenge.
- Self seeding: Keep your ego in check here and don't seed yourself where you think you can ride but where you know you can ride. You will have a good dirt road after the start to be a hero and ride off the front if you need too.
- Listen to the race briefing and remember you have done all the training you can so just do your best to finish what you start.
- The Elites start later so be ready for that steam train to arrive right behind you today.
STAGE 1
- At 27km and 590VM its damn hard as your HR will be 90% of MHR most of the time.
- The dirt road leaving from the start is a false flat so if you think you can ride harder, id suggest save that for later because once the pack makes a hard left and gets close to the farm is on like donkey kong.
- WET FEET. We all hate it but its part of the fling, get off any carry your bike, save the drivetrain at all costs.
- The paddocks are tough so look to be efficient here and start your hydration and eating plans early.
- You make it to Wingello - Told you it was going to be a hard 27km.
TRANSITION
- Only Full and 100milers get a neutral time zone. Half Fling is a non stop race.
- 100milers have a separate pit area
- Use your free 5mins to fill up bottles have a quick stretch or sit up and eat, id suggest do not get to technical with your time so keep rolling and use the adrenalin to keep you fueled for stage 2.
STAGE 2
- 51km 1120VM 40% singletrack
The cream rises to the top in stage 2.
- Eat heaps leaving Wingello
- You now have 20kms of singletrack so stay sharp and hydrated and enjoy how awesome these trails are.
- #protip Never look at a photographer Gil the ninja will be waiting for you.
- An eternity passes and you pop out of the forest and you are very close to a feed station ' frequent riders lounge' if you are a 100miler seeing this for the second time 100kms into your race is a sinking feeling most riders could be finished and you are the furthest point from finishing, best to keep riding.
- leaving the lounge is a hoot as you descend, be gentle on your bike through the creek and give the legs hell on the climb. i seen a red belly snake at the top just 2weeks ago.
- Keeping HR under 90%MHR on the climb will ensure a strong finish to the stage.
- You now realise that you have not done enough climbing in your training, so keep chewing that stem.
- That halfway hill is a long one * a representation of how it feels is below.
- well out past 'outer limits' In the distance you see riders on a dirt road along the horizon. Now is a good time to be not alone find some friends and get a train going.
- Each rider has a duty to uphold to their fellow man in towing any 100milers along this road to Wingello.
The toughest part of the whole race for a 100miler is the 50m od trail past the timing mats. They could turn left where 99% of the field goes or turn right into a world virtually on there own and repeat stage 2 again.
STAGE 3
- 30km 520km - Say goodbye to your average speed.
Once again eat lots leaving Wingello to prepare for whats to follow.
- Paddocks and twisty singletrack along with punchy climbs litter the final stage, oh don't forget the free bike wash again.
- Physically the toughest but mentally you know its the home stretch, you start dreaming of how good its going to feel when you finish.
- Never go light on the fluids, this stage could take you 2hrs +/- 30mins.
YOUR CALL
What???
There is a fork in the road on the Fling journey
Left is shorter and rocky (mountain biking)
right is longer and a smooth road (soft option)
Suck it up and go left.
Over the top and its smooth sailing from here (false) we now make a diversion through another farm and i remember the torrential rain that struct me here as the 8hr mark slipped by in the 100miler i questioned the powers from above asking them 'if thats the best you have'
- FREE BEER: Its not an illusion. We kept it secret last year, 4Pines is back and offering you free beer again. You cant take it with you though.
THE FINISH
- Have a chat to your MC Chops about your journey
- Kick ya feet up and feast on the food by the local schools especially the milkshakes.
- Support the whole event and hang around till the presentation
See you at the Fling
Chops :)
thanks google for all photos.
the professional report on the fling can be found here https://www.wildhorizons.com.au/events-and-tours/events/highland-fling/the-course-and-location/
