Then I guess this blog would not be about life on a mountainbike. The sydney 12hr was a complete failure. Awaking on Friday morning with a itchy throat, it was just the beginning of the end. It got considerably worse that day, I went to bed with a head that was throbbing, only to awake around 4am needing the toilet badly, I walked there but it soon to a (the) run's.
But I was there to push limits. Sitting on the front line with all the enduro kings, hoping at best for a 3rd, with no technology attached to my stem to the amusement of Andy Hall, he was concerned for 'how would u know if your in the red?' I just explained when my heart pops out my chest I just pop it back in.. So we had a few good laughs. The gun goes and so did I, well not as much as Troy glennan or a Bernard rider does, but the first lap was fast and trouble free. Jason English came around me on lap 2, and suggested lets catch Andy before the flat road to the end of the valley.. I didn't answer back nor did my legs.. The sense of feeling crap only got worse, and after a few laps I had to stop for a long toilet break,, and then I was just done, my body ached ecerywhere while riding like a nana. Jason and Andy lapped me, Andy reckon I didn't have enough coco pops for breakfast..
Ok so now I'm getting lapped by riders I should be following and they are having enough fun they can crack jokes at you.. Yup that's a bad day alright.
Each pit stop was longer every lap doubled the fatigue..
But my friends put the life on hold to help me out for the wknd, this was the most painful part of the ride. Not meeting my friends expectations and getting nowhere near mine.. I survived the whole winter without getting, only to fall ill to my favourite race of the year..
5.5hrs in, I pull the pin.
My health being more important. I ended up having to teach 9spin class in 6days following the race.
So the confidence has taken a major blow... Do I enter the Scott 24hr off the back of that? It's $200... Will I make the distance.
I've done 24s before.. Can I still do them? Do I have the fitness.?
I just don't know anymore... Weeks are disappearing so fast with little amount of training, I just love to race.. But there is nothing in the summer to race, I finish uni at the start of November.
I just don't feel I'm fast enough to be a contender.
Just chops.. Lost.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Back on the farm
The sydney 12hr is just one comfy sleep and one chilly sleep away.
A race I'm always pumped for since the epic battle of 2009, with dreggsy. As MC crafty puts it " mountain bike folklore" I'm sure he will want to share the story again on the day, goose bump stuff if you were there on the day at yellowmundie. 2010 took the race to the farm, not ridden since the NZO 24hr rockytrail did what they do best and create an event out of pure passion. Loved the track back then and I was not going to miss the chance, to race on a track that is like no other, and that rewards a consistent rider. Being at the back end of winter I found its a perfect time for me to race, as I've spent a lot of time spin classes while other people don't train so to finish 2nd to Jason English was an honor.
2010 had all the hype of 24hr SOLO WORLDS in October people were keen to test their legs, also on the line was the very special CROC TROPHY ticket, it was a very stressful race with so much pressure on and I felt like I was on a media ban and unable to get time splits to other competitors, after 12hrs of riding and banter from bellchambers the race was done and the ticket was mine.
2011- Could I make it 3years in a row on the podium? Jason is back andy hall turns up, Bellchambers to, beardy as ever. I've brought a pit crew that has never seen a mtb race before. So happy to have the husband and wife team of Heath & Cara to support me again this year.
It was another usual Enduro race with English lapping us all a few hours in. I got to ride my last lap with Andy which was nice as we had our meet and greet while riding our lines one last time. I had a bad case of dizzyness AKA 'I'm really not feeling well andy-'crash' unable to even see straight on the 4wd trail to the end of the valley was not very fun. But he helped me around the track to the end, where we finally get to soak up the atmosphere. Jase 1st Andy 2nd Chops 3rd. 240km.
So here we go again until 1pm today I was not a certain starter with bike issues and race nutrition had also not arrived, SCV imports put everything back on track.
I'm feeling under trained, thanks uni, underprepared not focused and uncomfortable with my bike setup.
My longest race since the convict was a rockytrail 4hr.. For a 12hr a lot has to be right or very little not wrong thats for sure. My TurnerFlux will last that's been proven, not sure about the stuff hanging off it, I do hope I'll annoy some people with my ChrisKing hubs Buuzzzzzzzzz.......
Like I was saying at the start, two more sleeps a great bunch of people want to see me do well, a crafty MC CRAFT a whopping bombfire. And Jason English there again.
I hope your going to the ROCKYTRAIL at Dargle farm, I have front row seats.
C'MON LEGS!!!!!!
A race I'm always pumped for since the epic battle of 2009, with dreggsy. As MC crafty puts it " mountain bike folklore" I'm sure he will want to share the story again on the day, goose bump stuff if you were there on the day at yellowmundie. 2010 took the race to the farm, not ridden since the NZO 24hr rockytrail did what they do best and create an event out of pure passion. Loved the track back then and I was not going to miss the chance, to race on a track that is like no other, and that rewards a consistent rider. Being at the back end of winter I found its a perfect time for me to race, as I've spent a lot of time spin classes while other people don't train so to finish 2nd to Jason English was an honor.
2010 had all the hype of 24hr SOLO WORLDS in October people were keen to test their legs, also on the line was the very special CROC TROPHY ticket, it was a very stressful race with so much pressure on and I felt like I was on a media ban and unable to get time splits to other competitors, after 12hrs of riding and banter from bellchambers the race was done and the ticket was mine.
2011- Could I make it 3years in a row on the podium? Jason is back andy hall turns up, Bellchambers to, beardy as ever. I've brought a pit crew that has never seen a mtb race before. So happy to have the husband and wife team of Heath & Cara to support me again this year.
It was another usual Enduro race with English lapping us all a few hours in. I got to ride my last lap with Andy which was nice as we had our meet and greet while riding our lines one last time. I had a bad case of dizzyness AKA 'I'm really not feeling well andy-'crash' unable to even see straight on the 4wd trail to the end of the valley was not very fun. But he helped me around the track to the end, where we finally get to soak up the atmosphere. Jase 1st Andy 2nd Chops 3rd. 240km.
So here we go again until 1pm today I was not a certain starter with bike issues and race nutrition had also not arrived, SCV imports put everything back on track.
I'm feeling under trained, thanks uni, underprepared not focused and uncomfortable with my bike setup.
My longest race since the convict was a rockytrail 4hr.. For a 12hr a lot has to be right or very little not wrong thats for sure. My TurnerFlux will last that's been proven, not sure about the stuff hanging off it, I do hope I'll annoy some people with my ChrisKing hubs Buuzzzzzzzzz.......
Like I was saying at the start, two more sleeps a great bunch of people want to see me do well, a crafty MC CRAFT a whopping bombfire. And Jason English there again.
I hope your going to the ROCKYTRAIL at Dargle farm, I have front row seats.
C'MON LEGS!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
3hr Enduro at OURIMBAH
Posting from the Athlete lounge at NSWIS.. :)
Sundays race was the latest round of our cross country series. I grab a lift out to the race by james wilson, we arrived with enough to chillout have a chat with wayne gibson, these guys are racing a 12hr in a 2man soon so i was keen to see how they would push each other around ourimbah and it also meant good company on the trails,
My warm up just consisted of the trails to the centre dirt road, as this is very techinical and you can end your race in the 1st km. along the dirt road and up the hill back to the start line. with a 5min call for the all riders to the start line.. 3min call and still no one moves.. so i head over to line up first. with just 2 other A grade riders turning it flattened my mojo. Through the race briefing and the count down was on. 3 2 1 pedal.
Still no mojo.. 3 riders 3hrs no prizes..!!!!!!
So i sit on max's wheel for company and just follow his pace and watch his daredevil lines and catch him on the climbs.. we finish the first lap never being to uncomfortable and timing was elated to see him leading with the crowd questioning each other on what i was doing. Right well the legs are warmed up now, i let him set the pace to the centre fireroad i come along side max at the bottom of the climb for a little chat, muttered some words like have a good day or ride and set to work on the climb and pushing my heart rate to where i can hear myself breathing heavy. I was there to win, but not much work was required, but then thought what if i have a silly mechanical or better yet who can i lap today..
Yes sweet ive found my mojo and i get to thrashing the course and really having some fun smoothing out ourimbah in which takes i think quite alot of practice around that course, i was slamming a gel down a lap and trying to keep the TORQ fuel up so the fun levels stayed high,Timing in formed me that my first 3 laps took 1hr 22min.. I pick up a bottle on my way through, thoughts of doing 7laps has turned to reality lets go to legs, ripping around on my 4th lap i pass wayne on jelly leg climb and get james in the graveyard.
Now its lap 5 totally still having fun, hitting the descents hard because my turner flux just turns bumps to butter..Towards the end of the lap i have to stop and add air to my rear tyre.
LAP 6 and things are starting to hurt a bit now all those punchy climbs are crested a bit slower, after the roller coaster my rear wheel has begun to make a strange tingy noise..over redbelly rock and up the climb out the back where i stop to check for broken spokes.. nope not them.. Through the graveyard i determine its something to do with my brakes, the noise would go away when i applied the brakes but they didnt feel very good either, once out of the graveyard i could look down to my rear rotor. i could see the BOLTS HANGING OUT...oh geez all 3 of them had worked loose. i limped it back to timing, i pick up my torq tool then roll to timing, with about 10mins before the 3hr mark.i take wheel out the skewer off then realise there allenkey bolts.. i run to get one fix it run back put wheel in and with 2nd place may come in before the 3hr mark i went and hit the 7th lap. Happy to come home with the only rider doing 7laps. good times.
I pulled up quite sore in my lower back again, this is worrying me and looking at the variables to have it sorted by my next race.
just CHOPS :)
Sundays race was the latest round of our cross country series. I grab a lift out to the race by james wilson, we arrived with enough to chillout have a chat with wayne gibson, these guys are racing a 12hr in a 2man soon so i was keen to see how they would push each other around ourimbah and it also meant good company on the trails,
My warm up just consisted of the trails to the centre dirt road, as this is very techinical and you can end your race in the 1st km. along the dirt road and up the hill back to the start line. with a 5min call for the all riders to the start line.. 3min call and still no one moves.. so i head over to line up first. with just 2 other A grade riders turning it flattened my mojo. Through the race briefing and the count down was on. 3 2 1 pedal.
Still no mojo.. 3 riders 3hrs no prizes..!!!!!!
So i sit on max's wheel for company and just follow his pace and watch his daredevil lines and catch him on the climbs.. we finish the first lap never being to uncomfortable and timing was elated to see him leading with the crowd questioning each other on what i was doing. Right well the legs are warmed up now, i let him set the pace to the centre fireroad i come along side max at the bottom of the climb for a little chat, muttered some words like have a good day or ride and set to work on the climb and pushing my heart rate to where i can hear myself breathing heavy. I was there to win, but not much work was required, but then thought what if i have a silly mechanical or better yet who can i lap today..
Yes sweet ive found my mojo and i get to thrashing the course and really having some fun smoothing out ourimbah in which takes i think quite alot of practice around that course, i was slamming a gel down a lap and trying to keep the TORQ fuel up so the fun levels stayed high,Timing in formed me that my first 3 laps took 1hr 22min.. I pick up a bottle on my way through, thoughts of doing 7laps has turned to reality lets go to legs, ripping around on my 4th lap i pass wayne on jelly leg climb and get james in the graveyard.
Now its lap 5 totally still having fun, hitting the descents hard because my turner flux just turns bumps to butter..Towards the end of the lap i have to stop and add air to my rear tyre.
LAP 6 and things are starting to hurt a bit now all those punchy climbs are crested a bit slower, after the roller coaster my rear wheel has begun to make a strange tingy noise..over redbelly rock and up the climb out the back where i stop to check for broken spokes.. nope not them.. Through the graveyard i determine its something to do with my brakes, the noise would go away when i applied the brakes but they didnt feel very good either, once out of the graveyard i could look down to my rear rotor. i could see the BOLTS HANGING OUT...oh geez all 3 of them had worked loose. i limped it back to timing, i pick up my torq tool then roll to timing, with about 10mins before the 3hr mark.i take wheel out the skewer off then realise there allenkey bolts.. i run to get one fix it run back put wheel in and with 2nd place may come in before the 3hr mark i went and hit the 7th lap. Happy to come home with the only rider doing 7laps. good times.
I pulled up quite sore in my lower back again, this is worrying me and looking at the variables to have it sorted by my next race.
just CHOPS :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A Day in the life of being an Instructor
Here comes my experience of my typical Tuesday.
The alarm sounds at 530am. The dredded noise never fills me with energy, its cold my bed is warm and im tired from well the TDF or just waking up. I tend to lay in until this can be done no longer. And thats when i spring into action. Im out the door with bag packed, something i never do the night before, as i cant remember what i pack so i need to do this as i go. The gym is conviently within walking distance nowdays but have spent the last few years cycling 10-15min there. On the walk up i go through my plan for the class and how i want it delivered and the extra cues i can find to inspire people to go that little bit harder.
Walking into the gym its all smiles and down to business, To perform to the high standard i expect from myself it usually comes with a routine that is very much the same for each class. So in the less then 15mins i get to get ready all this must be done, I feel at times i come across as guarded and hard to approach, but i feel i have a show to perform and your even getting ready infront of everyone..
I dont wish to feel overly relaxed before a class as i feel this will have my standard drop, for example i cant stand walking into a class with the instructor sitting on the stage mooching about, yup we all gotta put our shoes on, but im sorting my bike set up, getting my legs warm, mics ready.. Its the most uneasy time for me, those awkward minutes while im on my bike waiting for the clock to start, finding my zone so i can perform, not just me but my legs also. Surely u cant just wonder about a room and talk to everyone and then realise why your there oh "oops sorry everyone we better start eh??" I feel my classes come with a certain amout of seriousness and yes this can put some people off. But how much of a result are you gona get from mucking around??? Im here to get the most out of you.
The class had 22 this morning which is a bit quite, but its winter and with a TDF cycle challenge on at the moment its moving popularity around to other classes, As the challenge is 21classes in 23 days.
The class went well and with the new RIDE programme from www.indoorcycling.com.au everyone is challenged with just enough recoverys to get by. Its not the most responsive class but at 615am its all about getting the job and i have a very regular strong crew that perform at there best each tuesday morning and they leave smashed but satisfied.
After each class im mostly found in the stretch area on the foam roller. So just a quick session and then back home for breakfast and TDF highlights.
930boxing comes around real fast and im back at the gym with another game plan buzzing through my mind, i go through pre class routine but only to find that 3 people have shown up. you can spend all day looking for excuses, but whats the point... i know i deliver a challenging class with lots of variety. but with just 3 other guys to train with today. i stepped up and delivered a arm throbbing workout. based more on upper body strength and endurance it was a real battle, The tuesday class is usually a mums class so normaly lots of leg work is involved, but in the time ive had this class, from a strength perspective i have taken them from struggling with 10pushup to them achieving 100plus in a class, but happy to do them is the key element.
At erina FF when they know they cant do something they just dont wana try, but push them gently through a challenge and they build their confidence, Once they have that, Their unstoppable. LOVE IT..
The class was alot of hard work and no one left not feeling it especially the 120 military situps at the end, but all feeling energised. Big groups are great but with smaller groups you can experiment more and have more variety.
Hunted food down straight after this class and a recovery shake as well. and back home i go. to eat for the next couple of hrs and just chill out. More time on the foam roller as my glutes had begun to ache, Tight glutes is a constant battle with me, they then affect my ITB which then affects my knee and a great loss of power in the pedal stroke. so im sitting on the couch extremely uncomfortable. When my mate nick sends me a message id been waiting all day for RIDE???? I quickly get my mtb mojo on and im out the door and stomping on pedals up the road.. FREEDOM. within minutes im the most comfortable ive been all day.
We meet up at bellbird park and hit kinny mtn straight on and i felt real strong all the way to the lookout. Its a must stop every trip on the mountain. So i let nick know the game plan and off we go. but before the agony of central coast hills we get to bomb it down glassons trail with the track being so grippy we push the limits till we scare the shit out of ourselves.
Where crusing down empirebay drive on the tarmac just pacing along nicely on the flat road, Wards hill is close, i wait for nick to catch up so we can hit the climb together. I check with him if its his first time climbing it. "yup" i laugh with a hint of compassion of how much its gooing to suck for him and off i go..Trying to achieve the whole climb in the saddle except for the hairpins.. That might explain tightness behind the knee today.. my saddle feels just a tad high. great on the flat roads but pushing the extension of my leg just that little bit to much.It was ok for the race on saturday for the first couple of hrs, it can be difficult to determine whats causing fatigue 4hrs into a race. Oh the crappy thoughts while training, your mind is just to free to wonder into the worry box.
Once over the climb we continue up to scenic highway and into the singletrack that takes us along the cliff trail. very rightly named.. im not sure how far down it is, but i know of people who abseil off it. and well im so not going to look over the edge while cycling beside it, you ride along the edge of it about 6times i reckon and some corners meet at the edge as well. full focus here... We pop out of all that sniggle (winding singletrack) We have been going for over an hour now. its 430 and its a race to be the sunset home. so we take off down big bertha in a hurry.. caution on the waterbars as crashing can ruin a good day. ripping up the trails and launching off waterbars on the flat roads all the way back to kincumber.
Rolling up to kinny mtn we both let out a sigh drop our heads at the climb that is the only way home. sucking up lots of air as we raise our heads we set to work on the climb and crest the top in one piece, with the light fading fast and if it goes away it means no single track descent. So we push on challenging each other across the top and through the sand. I hit the dsecent infront of nick and try to pick the right lines in semi darkness not quite getting it all right, but no damage to myself so thats all that matters. A quick highfive at the junction and i head for home.
I fly through the shower as i was pretty muddy, give the bike a wash.. well it was the other way around. Priorities!!
Look for food as the right went for close to 2hrs and i was coming down off the buzz real fast. Eating a torq bar on my way to the gym feeling very sleepy. To which kris noticed the second i meet her in the stretch area. chatting away before i realise the time and set to find my pre-race i mean class zone..
Now to get into the room following a constantly late running 530 class is annoying but anyways i cant let it show as any mood i carry the class will follow good or bad.. Lots of my favourite riders where there. Kris,wayne,james,sally,alli,christel,brian and thats just the front row..The army is 22 strong and off into battle we go. we all spend the first song adjusting to going for our ride, i notice everyone was very busy thinking about something, its usually time for people to reflect on there day, I asked for some input on what people wanted play and the only request i got was Ashley asking for tiesto.. So i setup the ride to HARD and we got stuck into it,, quite a noisey bunch which i really like.
I tried to keep everyone from maxing out in the first hillclimb, as Rammstein took the reins in track 4. this tested the limits of everyones legs and the soundsystem.
track 5 was over real quick and track 6 (everyones fear) was here.. before the 1st of 2rounds of effort i had everyone say sorry to there legs... At full force we hit the TT and 2mins later were all in a very dark place.. a small recovery trying hard to have people keep their legs moving.
Here comes round two.. The meaning of tight arse tuesday.. after 2mins 30,, we are shattered. and i went a bit physco but hey thats how i rise above the pain in my legs.
Track 7. 9mins40. Adagio for strings the one ashley requested.. 3peaks one summit.. splinters from hurtboxes were flying everywhere.. A massive effort was put in every rider. its great to see people reach there limit and stop only for me to then remind them on what i want. and they get back on the pedals..
So we all hobble out of the spin room and call it a day.. i make my way to the stretch area for the obvious floating high on life but hammered from a huge day.
The day finishes with a yummy stirfry and a attempt to get to bed early with the legs wrapped in compression..
loving life.
Thanks for reading all the way.
just chops :)
The alarm sounds at 530am. The dredded noise never fills me with energy, its cold my bed is warm and im tired from well the TDF or just waking up. I tend to lay in until this can be done no longer. And thats when i spring into action. Im out the door with bag packed, something i never do the night before, as i cant remember what i pack so i need to do this as i go. The gym is conviently within walking distance nowdays but have spent the last few years cycling 10-15min there. On the walk up i go through my plan for the class and how i want it delivered and the extra cues i can find to inspire people to go that little bit harder.
Walking into the gym its all smiles and down to business, To perform to the high standard i expect from myself it usually comes with a routine that is very much the same for each class. So in the less then 15mins i get to get ready all this must be done, I feel at times i come across as guarded and hard to approach, but i feel i have a show to perform and your even getting ready infront of everyone..
I dont wish to feel overly relaxed before a class as i feel this will have my standard drop, for example i cant stand walking into a class with the instructor sitting on the stage mooching about, yup we all gotta put our shoes on, but im sorting my bike set up, getting my legs warm, mics ready.. Its the most uneasy time for me, those awkward minutes while im on my bike waiting for the clock to start, finding my zone so i can perform, not just me but my legs also. Surely u cant just wonder about a room and talk to everyone and then realise why your there oh "oops sorry everyone we better start eh??" I feel my classes come with a certain amout of seriousness and yes this can put some people off. But how much of a result are you gona get from mucking around??? Im here to get the most out of you.
The class had 22 this morning which is a bit quite, but its winter and with a TDF cycle challenge on at the moment its moving popularity around to other classes, As the challenge is 21classes in 23 days.
The class went well and with the new RIDE programme from www.indoorcycling.com.au everyone is challenged with just enough recoverys to get by. Its not the most responsive class but at 615am its all about getting the job and i have a very regular strong crew that perform at there best each tuesday morning and they leave smashed but satisfied.
After each class im mostly found in the stretch area on the foam roller. So just a quick session and then back home for breakfast and TDF highlights.
930boxing comes around real fast and im back at the gym with another game plan buzzing through my mind, i go through pre class routine but only to find that 3 people have shown up. you can spend all day looking for excuses, but whats the point... i know i deliver a challenging class with lots of variety. but with just 3 other guys to train with today. i stepped up and delivered a arm throbbing workout. based more on upper body strength and endurance it was a real battle, The tuesday class is usually a mums class so normaly lots of leg work is involved, but in the time ive had this class, from a strength perspective i have taken them from struggling with 10pushup to them achieving 100plus in a class, but happy to do them is the key element.
At erina FF when they know they cant do something they just dont wana try, but push them gently through a challenge and they build their confidence, Once they have that, Their unstoppable. LOVE IT..
The class was alot of hard work and no one left not feeling it especially the 120 military situps at the end, but all feeling energised. Big groups are great but with smaller groups you can experiment more and have more variety.
Hunted food down straight after this class and a recovery shake as well. and back home i go. to eat for the next couple of hrs and just chill out. More time on the foam roller as my glutes had begun to ache, Tight glutes is a constant battle with me, they then affect my ITB which then affects my knee and a great loss of power in the pedal stroke. so im sitting on the couch extremely uncomfortable. When my mate nick sends me a message id been waiting all day for RIDE???? I quickly get my mtb mojo on and im out the door and stomping on pedals up the road.. FREEDOM. within minutes im the most comfortable ive been all day.
We meet up at bellbird park and hit kinny mtn straight on and i felt real strong all the way to the lookout. Its a must stop every trip on the mountain. So i let nick know the game plan and off we go. but before the agony of central coast hills we get to bomb it down glassons trail with the track being so grippy we push the limits till we scare the shit out of ourselves.
Where crusing down empirebay drive on the tarmac just pacing along nicely on the flat road, Wards hill is close, i wait for nick to catch up so we can hit the climb together. I check with him if its his first time climbing it. "yup" i laugh with a hint of compassion of how much its gooing to suck for him and off i go..Trying to achieve the whole climb in the saddle except for the hairpins.. That might explain tightness behind the knee today.. my saddle feels just a tad high. great on the flat roads but pushing the extension of my leg just that little bit to much.It was ok for the race on saturday for the first couple of hrs, it can be difficult to determine whats causing fatigue 4hrs into a race. Oh the crappy thoughts while training, your mind is just to free to wonder into the worry box.
Once over the climb we continue up to scenic highway and into the singletrack that takes us along the cliff trail. very rightly named.. im not sure how far down it is, but i know of people who abseil off it. and well im so not going to look over the edge while cycling beside it, you ride along the edge of it about 6times i reckon and some corners meet at the edge as well. full focus here... We pop out of all that sniggle (winding singletrack) We have been going for over an hour now. its 430 and its a race to be the sunset home. so we take off down big bertha in a hurry.. caution on the waterbars as crashing can ruin a good day. ripping up the trails and launching off waterbars on the flat roads all the way back to kincumber.
Rolling up to kinny mtn we both let out a sigh drop our heads at the climb that is the only way home. sucking up lots of air as we raise our heads we set to work on the climb and crest the top in one piece, with the light fading fast and if it goes away it means no single track descent. So we push on challenging each other across the top and through the sand. I hit the dsecent infront of nick and try to pick the right lines in semi darkness not quite getting it all right, but no damage to myself so thats all that matters. A quick highfive at the junction and i head for home.
I fly through the shower as i was pretty muddy, give the bike a wash.. well it was the other way around. Priorities!!
Look for food as the right went for close to 2hrs and i was coming down off the buzz real fast. Eating a torq bar on my way to the gym feeling very sleepy. To which kris noticed the second i meet her in the stretch area. chatting away before i realise the time and set to find my pre-race i mean class zone..
Now to get into the room following a constantly late running 530 class is annoying but anyways i cant let it show as any mood i carry the class will follow good or bad.. Lots of my favourite riders where there. Kris,wayne,james,sally,alli,christel,brian and thats just the front row..The army is 22 strong and off into battle we go. we all spend the first song adjusting to going for our ride, i notice everyone was very busy thinking about something, its usually time for people to reflect on there day, I asked for some input on what people wanted play and the only request i got was Ashley asking for tiesto.. So i setup the ride to HARD and we got stuck into it,, quite a noisey bunch which i really like.
I tried to keep everyone from maxing out in the first hillclimb, as Rammstein took the reins in track 4. this tested the limits of everyones legs and the soundsystem.
track 5 was over real quick and track 6 (everyones fear) was here.. before the 1st of 2rounds of effort i had everyone say sorry to there legs... At full force we hit the TT and 2mins later were all in a very dark place.. a small recovery trying hard to have people keep their legs moving.
Here comes round two.. The meaning of tight arse tuesday.. after 2mins 30,, we are shattered. and i went a bit physco but hey thats how i rise above the pain in my legs.
Track 7. 9mins40. Adagio for strings the one ashley requested.. 3peaks one summit.. splinters from hurtboxes were flying everywhere.. A massive effort was put in every rider. its great to see people reach there limit and stop only for me to then remind them on what i want. and they get back on the pedals..
So we all hobble out of the spin room and call it a day.. i make my way to the stretch area for the obvious floating high on life but hammered from a huge day.
The day finishes with a yummy stirfry and a attempt to get to bed early with the legs wrapped in compression..
loving life.
Thanks for reading all the way.
just chops :)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Ready anytime to RACE.. 4hr solo.
The Rockytrail crew made a call during the week to move the race to AWABA, it made my ears prick up.Thoughts of racing around that awesome track just puts a smile on my face.
I was having a massive monday with my first ever Vo2max test at NSWIS and then teaching a RIDE class at chatswood fitness first.
Tuesday had a cycle and boxing class before lunch and then went riding with my mate nick, it involved trekking across some beaches after riding some awesome trail. we made it back just before dark and before my next class. Around 6hrs of training that day. So wednesday was a slow start. I just kept the legs moving so they where ready for the 3cycle classes on thursday. After a weak moment of crying poor on facebook, well i just want to express my passion and share my energy for cycling in all aspects of life and i really miss not being able to afford to race now that i am going to university, Julianne from RTE emailed me a lovely invite to their race on saturday. It took a while to sleep that night i was so excited.
I made some calls on friday and by about 9pm i had a plan in action and i was digging through boxes after recently moving for a sram chain that was still in its wrapping..The legs wrapped in compression after my 530cycle class, bottles cleaned, bike prepped, i tried not to watch the TDF and get to bed.
RACE DAY:
On the road by 630am and arriving at AWABA about an hour later. Thinking back now im not sure ive ever been so chilled, i kept thinking i had forgotten something as im use to doing that when im stressed, but no, i have everything most importantly i still have my sanity after a testing 12months of life.
I was hoping to flying under the radar a bit by dressing in disguise but it did not slip past any enduro kings that where there. Being social at a mtb race is really the best part. The MC was paul craft, so no one is safe with him around so we had a great chat over the mic and had some laughs about my appearance on cycling central.
START:
On the front row and feeling fine.So here comes the carnage.... Within 5 pedals strokes someone was driving there front tyre into my leg and it sounded he did not recover to well..zooming up through tent city and fighting for the singletrack, i make a sneaky overtake on the entry and jump on board with the freight train of riders. There was no slowing down, about 7riders in a row all at pace, but it was nice, guys being a little bit cautious as we just didnt know when the track was going to give away its grip. so i hung well and charged onto my 2nd lap, where i posted my fasted lap. I felt strong so i got stuck into it as hard as i could go. (Nirvana was found) The plan was to race hard then use my mental strength of knowing how to suffer to finish off the race.
Lap 4 and things start deflating..energy and my front tyre hitting drops and hard corners where not my best friend so i limped it around the course hoping to not just lose my front tyre at any moment, we had some scary moments, especially the fire road in the middle that was defiently exciting and a real test on rider and shifting abilities. I made it back to transition and got on the track pump...
Another bottle and i was off again, time to get on the refuel so i was slamming torq gels and getting on the bottle when i could, this is quite hard around awaba, its why i choose the 4hr.
Lap 5. i was feeling a bit better now. I was battling my mind as i was taking it easy on my front tyre, but i hav pressure now so get back slamming the descents.. waahhoooo. At this point i went around mark tupalski in the 7hrsolo race and a bike culture rider. this would be the point i moved into 2nd place.
Lap 6 After slowing through timing to find out how long was left in the race. 55mins was yelled.
I was truly starting to suffer now. I was having a small cramping issue in my right quad it would only appear on camelback climb. That doesnt surprise you does it? Wow that climb was brutal on saturday. But cramps is something i never get, i took it on as a trophy of going so hard, I moved my focus onto driving more on my leftside.
Lap7 another bottle pick up and time to finish off the race. Smooth=fast here at awaba, i just tried to keep refueling and staying smooth and strong not to mention fighting the bike in the slippery sections.
Camelback climb was a screaming grunting hill of death that cramp was hitting the bone now and i scared a few riders in the process, those two riders where the only company i had, i was starting to think i was out there all alone and doing an extra lap.
Cresting the top of the climb and my front tyre was flat...i just hate stopping.. but is going slower better then stopping fixing it and going fast again???
So i limp it down the descent, shifting all my weight to the back wheel through the corners, i make it to the fireroad before i was to scared to go any further. A lap where i see no one, when i stop i have 6riders past me.. i Co2 it to the max. I know the track well and if i had my time again i would have my tyre pressure so much higher.
I was off like a mad man. Were one of those guys 3rd place? i cant lose now.. Im happy to be beat but i don't like losing something i had total control of.One by one i picked them off.. I am sorry to crash into juan i made the call on his right 4times but he may have heard it as go right and when he did i was about to past through, i look where i wanted to place my front wheel, and i saw a small glimpse of black stump 'blackboy' No one in hell i was going take on that fight so poor juan had to take on the brunt. Mark tupalski was next and he cheered me on as i totally buried myself catching the final rider at the timing tent.
I rolled over the line totally spent and sore all over. Feeling a bit down that id been beaten and it was a different feeling doing a race with no support, which i totally enjoyed during the race as i was out there in my happy place and loved all of minute. You really find who you are and who you can be while endurance racing. Thats the best part of it all.
I catch my breath and roll around to recover then go see julianna in timing. With her massive smile she holds two fingers up.. huh.. You got 2nd chops.. yeeeooowww!!!! 10min behind jon odams 10min in front of andrew lumely.
It was a day made by the Rocky trail enterainment crew on the smoothest of trails.
Thankyou for a great day.
Our prize was a certificate thats a fridge magnet. SO COOL.
Chops is back and still on podium.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Emergency to podium
So, should i change the name of my blog so this stops happening.
The 17th and 18th of march , yup in just one weekend i managed to achieve this feat.
After my morning spin class at tuggerah fitness first i was back in gosford enjoying a yummy breakfast to fuel myself up for the afternoon of work, i picked up some supplies from woolworths then headed over to north gosford for my days work of shaping surfboard fins.
The smallest of drizzle as i set off for the 5min journey, passing a line of parked cars at a computer fair at about 40km/hr THUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. For a split second i think i had only my right hand steering front wheel in the air and going sideways, until the rear slid out and i was on the ground, my bike went left and i was left alone feet and hands in the air sliding along the road on my arse..
I came to a stop and my left shoulder was throbbing, oh the fear of re-dislocation, people came to my aid but i was more interested in just laying there until i caught my breath and calmed my rage, before getting to my feet and limping off the road.
To lots of apoligisng.... sigh.... its not good enough at the time, it defiently does not heal the wounds, or fixes a damaged bike.. i carry on my day and do my hours of work as blood seeps from my left arm, i then make it to the hospital with a 4hr journey till that ended... Air in the muscle they reckon????
When i make it home i replace my rear derailer hanger all looks good so i set the alarm for sunday morning..
8am.... Fark!!!!!! LATE.... i throw everything in the car grab a bottle of water some bread, the track pump, and race out to ourimbah.. Arriving 10mins before the start, rego, get my free torq powder off nick, try to warmup and get to the start line to the amusement of others knowing i hit a car yesterday.
So lets see what engine i have been building.. 2nd into the single track the top 3 changed a few times as we struggled to find the smooth lines, at the top of the rollercoaster i got the lead, held this position till timing, it was great to see the shock of the surpport crew as i was leading.. So whats a bit more pain, absolute full throttle till i had nothing left.
By the end of lap two my rear tyre was leaking, i demanded the track pump after lap 2, i may have swore oops. so i limped around lap 3, then stopped to add air and get rear pressure back up to 30, which made things go sideways alot.. but it survived and so did i just..
To bring home ourimbah xc round 1 in first place...
Im still licking my wounds, and on the search for compensation(im not winning enough prize money)
Just CHOPS :)
The 17th and 18th of march , yup in just one weekend i managed to achieve this feat.
After my morning spin class at tuggerah fitness first i was back in gosford enjoying a yummy breakfast to fuel myself up for the afternoon of work, i picked up some supplies from woolworths then headed over to north gosford for my days work of shaping surfboard fins.
The smallest of drizzle as i set off for the 5min journey, passing a line of parked cars at a computer fair at about 40km/hr THUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. For a split second i think i had only my right hand steering front wheel in the air and going sideways, until the rear slid out and i was on the ground, my bike went left and i was left alone feet and hands in the air sliding along the road on my arse..
I came to a stop and my left shoulder was throbbing, oh the fear of re-dislocation, people came to my aid but i was more interested in just laying there until i caught my breath and calmed my rage, before getting to my feet and limping off the road.
To lots of apoligisng.... sigh.... its not good enough at the time, it defiently does not heal the wounds, or fixes a damaged bike.. i carry on my day and do my hours of work as blood seeps from my left arm, i then make it to the hospital with a 4hr journey till that ended... Air in the muscle they reckon????
When i make it home i replace my rear derailer hanger all looks good so i set the alarm for sunday morning..
8am.... Fark!!!!!! LATE.... i throw everything in the car grab a bottle of water some bread, the track pump, and race out to ourimbah.. Arriving 10mins before the start, rego, get my free torq powder off nick, try to warmup and get to the start line to the amusement of others knowing i hit a car yesterday.
So lets see what engine i have been building.. 2nd into the single track the top 3 changed a few times as we struggled to find the smooth lines, at the top of the rollercoaster i got the lead, held this position till timing, it was great to see the shock of the surpport crew as i was leading.. So whats a bit more pain, absolute full throttle till i had nothing left.
By the end of lap two my rear tyre was leaking, i demanded the track pump after lap 2, i may have swore oops. so i limped around lap 3, then stopped to add air and get rear pressure back up to 30, which made things go sideways alot.. but it survived and so did i just..
To bring home ourimbah xc round 1 in first place...
Im still licking my wounds, and on the search for compensation(im not winning enough prize money)
Just CHOPS :)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
2010 CROCODILE TROPHY
THE hardest and longest mtb race in the world- Really? A race this hard requires proper training and correct preparation. 10days 1200km only twice the length of the longest stage race Id done and 3times the distance. So don't do a 24hr solo race 8days before and maybe do some road riding as well. Since arriving on cairns I have missed that place a lot I had.my sponsor svc imports truck my bike up there to a Great bike shop who let me use his workshop to build.my bike enjoy the floor pump I left behind : YHA put me up for A couple of nights as I tried to climatise To 30deg mornings at 7am, so maybe this is Gona be tough. Race briefing was at a pub that had great wood fire pizzas I truly ate myself silly for 2days. International riders really outnumbered Aussie riders, but I bumped into Cory Wallace So I was not the only mad man after just doing a 24hr but this guy came 2nd in Canberra. We automatically gained Hard men status for racing worlds, but I tried to convince riders this race was harder by pointing out the lack of Aussie Riders. Why? In broken English was asked a lot. 1200km Of dirt roads in north qld against eruo pros is madness. Day one. Into the unknown. We roll out from the lagoon and Thru town I keep to the front mainly to hug any media exposure Which paid off well once it was televised, I'm not doing this Crazy race and not have any proof. So where off on our flat Dirt road race on mtb's. We are meet with a steep road climb Then a stoppage cause some one did not unlock some gates. Now racing again up unridable climb just eat u want 20k intoa A 10day epic adventure, that last word was on the brochure But failed to deliver on day one. Another closed gate haulted proceedings come on eruos I thought u guys invented cyclocross so then we ride thru brutal hills neutralized. Sit around starving for hrs In the sun only for them to re start the race again man it sucked so bad lots more climbing and I felt crap energy wise and legs I would battle with this for days, I crawled over the line depleted. Recover make tent collect bottles find bags change shower And then dinner. Prep bottles and bike bed! DAY TWO. WE ROLL OUT then the race is on and straight up From the lake we camped next to, muddy road climb thru dense Forrest make for energy sapping leg burning jersy soaked riding. Any time the road went down hill the eruos would attack but they were the longest descents ever. Scary fast stuff hard to enjoy when exhausted So I dug deep and thought to myself about my riding buddies back home and how fun they would be having if this was a Sunday bush bash with jak Rizzo shredding the down hill always looking back to See if I was smiling as much as him, then on the hills thought of Crawford Who was always keen for hill repeats, these guys got me thru today. I make it to the finish feeling the effects of being underfueled from the day before. Enjoyable spot to camp at granite gorge with. Swimming hole And lil wallabys to take photos of. Learnt a lesson today, camp near the the trucks so its less hauling bags in the morning.
DAY THREE: granite gorge to irvinebank. Most things are blury nowdays from this race, but it just hit me what made this day memorable in croc trophy language that means a nightmare. I managed to get away from the group I was in which consists of the elite euros and who ever they damage in the first 30km. Most of them were flatting today, we hit some rough riding today I did all the damage on some descents and gullys I had a dirty evil grin on me, yea roadies are u enjoying your hardtails you have just hit turner flux country not even a German import on an epic could keep up I constantly asked him about his 1.9 tyres, I barely seen him in a straight line, so I was charging but came across I bogged water station Ute. Who could not find my bottle and after me losing my shot at them I rode off not wanting to waste my effort of breaking away. I soon paid the price and was fading fast having to ride 14km wit no water, that massive group came flying past and u could not even jump on and hold on, then riding thru mango farms was just torture or was thoughts of bear grylls surviving thirst ideas creeping into my mind. Headwind ride into the finish I did really like the croc blowup banner it really put a smile on ya face having one at the start that kept stuffing up was making the hardest race in the world a joke, not much went right for the organisers.
Irvinebank was a cool spot to camp, I got to know Cory Wallace well from this day on as we shared our Canberra stories wit other riders and we took on the locals in pool holy hell they were good. I rate myself wit a cue but this old guys lived at the pub and had lots of trophies to show for it, this town even had a phone booth so it was nice to call home. Another arvo another massage and tent duties some more time on the slackline but not much, the swiss athletes dominated this toy they brought along just to watch aussies fail at but never give up. Into the tent to endure another day.
DAY FOUR: irvinebank to chillago... Heavy legs get swung over and onto the turnerflux, for another day, from where we were the only way home is through the next 6 stages, its amazing what the body will just do when it has to, todays start was like most the elites stretching the rubber band until ppl start snapping, with a great solid climb to start i was deep into the red zone early, we hit some amazing trails today and i was able to escape alot of riders through the rougher sections, high up on ridges we got great valley views but also of higher looming hills. never knowing which way we would go... we were riding on a disused railway line so the gradients were constant but smooth, with a few skatey descents to keep u guessing what was around the next bend, a feed zone was just before the 42km road section to the finish, a few mouthfulls of fruit, and onto the blacktop i go, catching another we start working together to ride it home, this defiantly dragged out but we were pushing hard to get it done i constantly was looking back to see if anyone was catching, pedal pedal in the big ring on a charge, from know where 20plus riders come flying by---had to think fast to jump on the back it was amazing i was now traveling 5km/hr faster. nothing like a sprint finish to end the day, i hot stuck out the front and tried to go alone with 1km left and was rounded up by 5riders just before the line...we were like fighting for 12-20th but you fight everyday at the croc.
It was nice to see a washing machine and a proper shower and this place even sold icecream!!!! most of the riders headed straight for the pub, i opted to walk as sitting on the saddle was getting close to umbearable by now, a solo 24hr and then humid wet riding out of cairns had done alot of damage. The local pub was cool anyone that had been there had written on the walls or ceiling, welcome to outback QLD, another arvo another "do you want a beer chops" the courtesy of guys i only just meet but been traveling thru hell with really makes the croc something to get out of bed for, YES!!!! the boys fall off there stools with hooray! they had finally cracked me... ill have a beer... but christ one coopers was enough. icecream before bed and into the tent i go, always sleeping well knowing we dont have to pack our tents up due to we were staying in chillago 2 nights.
DAY FIVE:50km out 50km back.one dirt road..... this is where the croc gets hard. just an undulating dirt road with puddles and sketchy road riders, if that dont kill you, trying to hang on to the lead bunch while acting like a yo yo might, if ya not dead yet maybe the mind numbing road that shakes the shit out of you will, oh ok so none of that did kill me, but the battle im about to tell you about was close,
Our small bunch pulls up at the last water depot, this guy on his electric bikes buzzes by...... one of the riders attacked to chase him down, FRANZ not sure what country but a short muscley guy who would look more at home hanging with angry anderson, he had more tatts than him, a fully sponsored athlete for cube, goes to chase this guy down, i attack straight from consuming watermelon and a bottle, why i dont know,,my legs just carried me, maybe i thought we could draft the electric bike rider the 25km home., me and franz work like a dog to catch him, but he then leaves us on the next climb we catch and over take then he passes us on the next climb, stupid electric bike but franz is not laying down this fight. we take turn after turn to reel him back in, must of had 5-7km to go, i put in a huge effort to get on his wheel, and as soon as i did (deeply in the red) franz yells im sure it meant GO GO GO in english but franz attacks... FARK!!!! dude we just got back on, i had to draft the Ebike till i caught my breath then i over took him and chased franz down hitting the tar together the town and finish was now close, we had left the Ebike behined we both ramped up our own wattage... passing the pub i move to his right out of the saddle i give him a big grin and a Aussie C'MON ON!!!!! up the main street attacking out of the saddle till we blew our legs, he gets me at the line. crazy crazy crazy is what i say to him when we both can talk, i ask what was all that about, he tells me back in his country him and the Ebike where at the croc to do battle "man v's machine" so he could not let him win.. lol.. pick the right battles chops..
DAY SIX R.I.P.. No one will forget this day if they were there... i stumble into the camp kitchen for breakfast..its eery quite..no one is speaking to anyone. A lady breaks into uncontrollable tears.. Then im told one of the riders passed away in his sleep. ...................................my words exactly.. The toughest day on a bike ive ever been through, the croc trophy will have you say this everyday..but today was well empty..So they nulled racing for the day but we still had to commute on our bike the 130kms on the pancake terrain in 45deg heat with no purpose to push pedals for this was torture.. I really wanted to take the chance of this day to maybe get some photos of the race, but just couldnt, i found it to disrespectful to the passed rider.
I tried to stay with the main bunch to get dragged along for the day, but martin (Rocky trail entertainment) punctured, i couldnt leave him out there alone. once back on the road we caught up to swisse/aussie michele, a real cool chilled out guy with an ironman tattoo. So we tried to work together to make life easier but we were all cooked, it was so draining sucking wheels n swapping at the front, so sat up and rolled down the road 3 wide and hoped the end was near.
I Found some entertainment with chasing cattle thru the paddocks, we witnessed some large goannas crossing the road, Then a rare Spectacle.... in the distance on the road it stands dominating over once a live animal.. martin and michele both ask what it is... in great excite i say slow down, ITS A WEDGY>>>a what????? i inform the boys an eagle thats wingspan is like 3m.. theirs eyes widen.. omg he was massive.. we managed to get somewhat close before he revved up his wings.. It took 3 massive flaps before he even lifted to fly to the nearest tree branch which creaked under his weight.. we hurried past so not to be his next victim.
We roll into camp. Not even the end of stage banner was up.. soul destroying, julianne gets me another ham and mustard sandwich, but she grabbed a spicy mustard one..god i nearly cried.
We headed off to the river to soak, now this was heaven and a few smiles started to appear.
So we are camped on a farm, our toilet..A shovel.. set up camp have a massage have dinner, then go exploring with cory wallace. A firy sunset into a full moon. So in the middle of the night for the usual toilet break standing in long grass in a spindley tree covered paddock in the middle of north queensland under a full moon making it like daylight with the thought of dingos, made for a quick wizz.
DAY SEVEN.
TO LAURA. 160km. Ripping into another fast start as per usual, after just being dropped, the lead pack hits a closed gate.. Very entertaining viewing, under, over, around, through it..lots of swearing going on.. i catch back on, but these guys were furious and the pack splinters in all sorts of shards...i manage to find myself all alone, but it was rolling farm tracks and being on your own was safer and i felt strong so i punching it up over the top of any rise..i start picking up broken riders that show the usual signs of a battle gone wrong with the lead pack. So i continue on my solo ride doing what i need to each hour on the bike, each food station would come and go, each one smacking me in the face with pineapples on split lips..faark!
from memory around 100km i notice right knee starting to hurt a lil, i look further down and my front chainring is not tracking straight.. chops you have broken your cranks.. oh no this could ruin my knee.. this could end my day my race my croc trophy.. lots of negatives went through my head fast.. well lets go for broke and just smash the shit out of whats left. My solo ride continues till the final feed station 130km is complete 30km to go.. ITs nearly 2years since this journey has passed but you dont forget the croc.. with two other riders we hit a bitumen section over a hill...........we sit up.....stop pedalling....and look at each other.... our heads drop...yes it goes down hill, yes it turns back onto dirt...but hell the road straight as anything that doesnt have a kink in it.. and for as far as the eye could see.. oh its gets better, (code for hell is on its way).. we hit the dirt at around 30-40km.. give it 50m and all 3 of us are hanging on for dear life at 15km/hr...????? confused????? Corrugations that put your insides into a blender..that shook you to your core and all the way back to the tips of ur hair..Minutes before we seen how far this road goes for.. all hopes of being complete in an hour was now out the window, i ate all the food i had n drank wen i could, and me and my turner went to work, and i just kept saying "i wana go home, i wana go home" this journey went on for 20km. finally.... i make it to the finish.. over the line and to the shade and the ever smiling julianne i ask what time i did repeatability until she did the maths... 6hrs 15min i think.. i question it.. she repeats the time.. i mumble the sydney 12hr went for less time then today.. holding back no more..ive spent everything i had to ride 130 odd kilometres solo.. i break down in tears... everything i gave everything. oh its gets better, you know what that means, in the setting sun under a tent sweating on my dinner of chicken schnitzel and potato. toughest day on the bike ever... just brutal..
DAY EIGHT.
TO COOKTOWN>
.
DAY THREE: granite gorge to irvinebank. Most things are blury nowdays from this race, but it just hit me what made this day memorable in croc trophy language that means a nightmare. I managed to get away from the group I was in which consists of the elite euros and who ever they damage in the first 30km. Most of them were flatting today, we hit some rough riding today I did all the damage on some descents and gullys I had a dirty evil grin on me, yea roadies are u enjoying your hardtails you have just hit turner flux country not even a German import on an epic could keep up I constantly asked him about his 1.9 tyres, I barely seen him in a straight line, so I was charging but came across I bogged water station Ute. Who could not find my bottle and after me losing my shot at them I rode off not wanting to waste my effort of breaking away. I soon paid the price and was fading fast having to ride 14km wit no water, that massive group came flying past and u could not even jump on and hold on, then riding thru mango farms was just torture or was thoughts of bear grylls surviving thirst ideas creeping into my mind. Headwind ride into the finish I did really like the croc blowup banner it really put a smile on ya face having one at the start that kept stuffing up was making the hardest race in the world a joke, not much went right for the organisers.
Irvinebank was a cool spot to camp, I got to know Cory Wallace well from this day on as we shared our Canberra stories wit other riders and we took on the locals in pool holy hell they were good. I rate myself wit a cue but this old guys lived at the pub and had lots of trophies to show for it, this town even had a phone booth so it was nice to call home. Another arvo another massage and tent duties some more time on the slackline but not much, the swiss athletes dominated this toy they brought along just to watch aussies fail at but never give up. Into the tent to endure another day.
DAY FOUR: irvinebank to chillago... Heavy legs get swung over and onto the turnerflux, for another day, from where we were the only way home is through the next 6 stages, its amazing what the body will just do when it has to, todays start was like most the elites stretching the rubber band until ppl start snapping, with a great solid climb to start i was deep into the red zone early, we hit some amazing trails today and i was able to escape alot of riders through the rougher sections, high up on ridges we got great valley views but also of higher looming hills. never knowing which way we would go... we were riding on a disused railway line so the gradients were constant but smooth, with a few skatey descents to keep u guessing what was around the next bend, a feed zone was just before the 42km road section to the finish, a few mouthfulls of fruit, and onto the blacktop i go, catching another we start working together to ride it home, this defiantly dragged out but we were pushing hard to get it done i constantly was looking back to see if anyone was catching, pedal pedal in the big ring on a charge, from know where 20plus riders come flying by---had to think fast to jump on the back it was amazing i was now traveling 5km/hr faster. nothing like a sprint finish to end the day, i hot stuck out the front and tried to go alone with 1km left and was rounded up by 5riders just before the line...we were like fighting for 12-20th but you fight everyday at the croc.
It was nice to see a washing machine and a proper shower and this place even sold icecream!!!! most of the riders headed straight for the pub, i opted to walk as sitting on the saddle was getting close to umbearable by now, a solo 24hr and then humid wet riding out of cairns had done alot of damage. The local pub was cool anyone that had been there had written on the walls or ceiling, welcome to outback QLD, another arvo another "do you want a beer chops" the courtesy of guys i only just meet but been traveling thru hell with really makes the croc something to get out of bed for, YES!!!! the boys fall off there stools with hooray! they had finally cracked me... ill have a beer... but christ one coopers was enough. icecream before bed and into the tent i go, always sleeping well knowing we dont have to pack our tents up due to we were staying in chillago 2 nights.
DAY FIVE:50km out 50km back.one dirt road..... this is where the croc gets hard. just an undulating dirt road with puddles and sketchy road riders, if that dont kill you, trying to hang on to the lead bunch while acting like a yo yo might, if ya not dead yet maybe the mind numbing road that shakes the shit out of you will, oh ok so none of that did kill me, but the battle im about to tell you about was close,
Our small bunch pulls up at the last water depot, this guy on his electric bikes buzzes by...... one of the riders attacked to chase him down, FRANZ not sure what country but a short muscley guy who would look more at home hanging with angry anderson, he had more tatts than him, a fully sponsored athlete for cube, goes to chase this guy down, i attack straight from consuming watermelon and a bottle, why i dont know,,my legs just carried me, maybe i thought we could draft the electric bike rider the 25km home., me and franz work like a dog to catch him, but he then leaves us on the next climb we catch and over take then he passes us on the next climb, stupid electric bike but franz is not laying down this fight. we take turn after turn to reel him back in, must of had 5-7km to go, i put in a huge effort to get on his wheel, and as soon as i did (deeply in the red) franz yells im sure it meant GO GO GO in english but franz attacks... FARK!!!! dude we just got back on, i had to draft the Ebike till i caught my breath then i over took him and chased franz down hitting the tar together the town and finish was now close, we had left the Ebike behined we both ramped up our own wattage... passing the pub i move to his right out of the saddle i give him a big grin and a Aussie C'MON ON!!!!! up the main street attacking out of the saddle till we blew our legs, he gets me at the line. crazy crazy crazy is what i say to him when we both can talk, i ask what was all that about, he tells me back in his country him and the Ebike where at the croc to do battle "man v's machine" so he could not let him win.. lol.. pick the right battles chops..
DAY SIX R.I.P.. No one will forget this day if they were there... i stumble into the camp kitchen for breakfast..its eery quite..no one is speaking to anyone. A lady breaks into uncontrollable tears.. Then im told one of the riders passed away in his sleep. ...................................my words exactly.. The toughest day on a bike ive ever been through, the croc trophy will have you say this everyday..but today was well empty..So they nulled racing for the day but we still had to commute on our bike the 130kms on the pancake terrain in 45deg heat with no purpose to push pedals for this was torture.. I really wanted to take the chance of this day to maybe get some photos of the race, but just couldnt, i found it to disrespectful to the passed rider.
I tried to stay with the main bunch to get dragged along for the day, but martin (Rocky trail entertainment) punctured, i couldnt leave him out there alone. once back on the road we caught up to swisse/aussie michele, a real cool chilled out guy with an ironman tattoo. So we tried to work together to make life easier but we were all cooked, it was so draining sucking wheels n swapping at the front, so sat up and rolled down the road 3 wide and hoped the end was near.
I Found some entertainment with chasing cattle thru the paddocks, we witnessed some large goannas crossing the road, Then a rare Spectacle.... in the distance on the road it stands dominating over once a live animal.. martin and michele both ask what it is... in great excite i say slow down, ITS A WEDGY>>>a what????? i inform the boys an eagle thats wingspan is like 3m.. theirs eyes widen.. omg he was massive.. we managed to get somewhat close before he revved up his wings.. It took 3 massive flaps before he even lifted to fly to the nearest tree branch which creaked under his weight.. we hurried past so not to be his next victim.
We roll into camp. Not even the end of stage banner was up.. soul destroying, julianne gets me another ham and mustard sandwich, but she grabbed a spicy mustard one..god i nearly cried.
We headed off to the river to soak, now this was heaven and a few smiles started to appear.
So we are camped on a farm, our toilet..A shovel.. set up camp have a massage have dinner, then go exploring with cory wallace. A firy sunset into a full moon. So in the middle of the night for the usual toilet break standing in long grass in a spindley tree covered paddock in the middle of north queensland under a full moon making it like daylight with the thought of dingos, made for a quick wizz.
DAY SEVEN.
TO LAURA. 160km. Ripping into another fast start as per usual, after just being dropped, the lead pack hits a closed gate.. Very entertaining viewing, under, over, around, through it..lots of swearing going on.. i catch back on, but these guys were furious and the pack splinters in all sorts of shards...i manage to find myself all alone, but it was rolling farm tracks and being on your own was safer and i felt strong so i punching it up over the top of any rise..i start picking up broken riders that show the usual signs of a battle gone wrong with the lead pack. So i continue on my solo ride doing what i need to each hour on the bike, each food station would come and go, each one smacking me in the face with pineapples on split lips..faark!
from memory around 100km i notice right knee starting to hurt a lil, i look further down and my front chainring is not tracking straight.. chops you have broken your cranks.. oh no this could ruin my knee.. this could end my day my race my croc trophy.. lots of negatives went through my head fast.. well lets go for broke and just smash the shit out of whats left. My solo ride continues till the final feed station 130km is complete 30km to go.. ITs nearly 2years since this journey has passed but you dont forget the croc.. with two other riders we hit a bitumen section over a hill...........we sit up.....stop pedalling....and look at each other.... our heads drop...yes it goes down hill, yes it turns back onto dirt...but hell the road straight as anything that doesnt have a kink in it.. and for as far as the eye could see.. oh its gets better, (code for hell is on its way).. we hit the dirt at around 30-40km.. give it 50m and all 3 of us are hanging on for dear life at 15km/hr...????? confused????? Corrugations that put your insides into a blender..that shook you to your core and all the way back to the tips of ur hair..Minutes before we seen how far this road goes for.. all hopes of being complete in an hour was now out the window, i ate all the food i had n drank wen i could, and me and my turner went to work, and i just kept saying "i wana go home, i wana go home" this journey went on for 20km. finally.... i make it to the finish.. over the line and to the shade and the ever smiling julianne i ask what time i did repeatability until she did the maths... 6hrs 15min i think.. i question it.. she repeats the time.. i mumble the sydney 12hr went for less time then today.. holding back no more..ive spent everything i had to ride 130 odd kilometres solo.. i break down in tears... everything i gave everything. oh its gets better, you know what that means, in the setting sun under a tent sweating on my dinner of chicken schnitzel and potato. toughest day on the bike ever... just brutal..
DAY EIGHT.
TO COOKTOWN>
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