Decision Vindicated
John Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913 American financier)
The wise man bridges the gap by laying out the path by means of which he can get from where he is to where he wants to go.
My decision to race in the 6 + 6 event was relatively easy. In 2009, after merely five short mountain bike races, I inadvertently entered my first 24 hour event. At the time, races sold out quickly and so it was imperative to enter immediately to book a spot on the start line; but this was not the case for 24 hour races, even a National event which doubled as a qualifier for the World Championship in Canberra later in the year. My wife reminds me of the restless sleep I had that night, as I wrestled with my somewhat reckless decision. I had never ridden longer than six hours, had a heavy all-mountain bike, no lights, no nutrition plan, two weeks to train and absolutely no idea what I'd let myself in for. I entered the race, snapped my chain after 3 km, re-started at the back of the entire field, ran out of lights, was supplied new lights by the benevolent Jason Dreggs, then finished 5th in my age category. I was sick for a week afterwards but, undeterred, I have since competed in nine solo 24 hour events, with the highlight being finishing 2nd in the World Championship on the Italian Riviera in 2012.
However, in October last year my mountain bike path changed radically in the space of two races. An unsuccessful chase for glory, pursuing age category rivals, Jason McAvoy (5th overall) and Benji Morris (8th overall), during the World 24 hour Solo Championship in Australia, led to my withdrawal after 19.5 hours and one of the lowest moments in my short racing career. Fortunately, I flew to Queensland days later to compete in the Crocodile Stage Race and found a certain degree of redemption. What is more, I loved this style of racing. Race hard for around 5-8 hours, recover, sleep and do it all over again the next day. In order to satisfy my new found passion, I raced the Sudety in Poland in July and the Mongolia Bike Challenge in September, two of the most challenging stage races on the mountain bike calendar.
Stage racing is my future and I intend to compete possibly in Brazil and Portugal next year. It therefore made far more sense to race in the shorter 6 + 6 event rather than flog myself over 24 hours. Mt. Annan is also an extremely brutal course to race on for extended periods of time. It is relentless; in 2011, after running third to Jason English and Ed Mcdonald and easily leading my category I completed my last lap after 20 hours. Safe from being caught, Ed and Jason made a pact to lay down arms, ceased hostilities and also finished early. Surely this said it all, with two of the World's finest 24 hour exponents happy to have an early mark. With more singletrack cut in, this year's edition was sure to be even tougher than ever. Throw in temperatures set to peak at 43 degrees and tough competition from age group rivals, Ian Bridgland and the ever-improving Ash Turner and the 24 hour held little attraction.
| I planned to get to the venue early Saturday morning but a nail had nestled into the rear wheel of my Hyundai and so a hasty tyre change was required. On arrival, there was no time for a quick lap but a warm-up was not really required in the circumstances. Starting two minutes behind all the 24 hour competitors, meant the track was chaotic and the ubiquitous conga lines developed. Risks were taken to overtake off-track as frustration spilled over from all concerned. |  |
 Sara Mills laying down the power (Outer Image Collective) | Having finished a lap behind Canadian Cory Wallace in the same format the previous year, my goal from the outset was to win the 6 + 6 outright. After the slower start negotiating bike traffic, I settled into race pace. The first section proved most taxing with tight, pinch climbs through the trees before emerging onto the newly cut singletrack. The massive wooden berm was awesome fun but I didn't feel the love after that. There seemed little flow, perhaps the course needs more time to bed in. I missed the fireroad descent, complete with the off-camber corner and the sudden adrenaline rush it provided as reward for negotiating the first section of track. |
| It wasn't too long before the heat started to take its toll on riders. Ed McDonald passed me but expressed some dissatisfaction with how the race was progressing (he was to last just 10.5 hours). I went over a loose berm, lost my front wheel and unclipped in order to maintain control of the bike, resulting in cramping in the calf. Later the same problem occurred while passing a slower rider and then having to let him pass me while I relaxed the offending body tissue. It was, therefore of some relief to finish the first day after 10 laps and 6.29 hours. |  Now that's a berm! (Outer Image Collective) |
I started the recovery process as early as possible. I drank my remaining Optimiser mixes and as much water as I could stomach. But I had a raging hunger which none of the food I had brought could satisfy. My wife and I decided to venture outside the Mt. Annan gates. It was eight o'clock and the sign on the gates said they shut at five. I decided it was a risk, but our hunger needs came first. We drove to the nearest food outlets, bought sushi and some chicken and returned to Mt. Annan Botanic Gardens to find the gates locked. Our panic subsided when we were let in by a park ranger. Lucky, but our decision to leave had been justified and our bellies were about to welcome a hearty feast of protein and carbs.
 Hot, dusty and dry (Outer Image Collective) | With my category already won, I started the second day intent on staying in the top 3 overall. Jason Pearce of Quantum Racing had a 7 minute lead and we were both one lap up on third. The first few laps were completed in cooler temperatures which were a relief to us, never mind the 24 hour competitors who were looking seriously worse for wear. I wasn't feeling particularly strong but I knew these 24 hour warriors were essentially in survival mode. I felt smug in my decision to race just 12 hours. Despite this, the last three hours were still tough and the body wrestled with the mind, pleading for the ordeal to end. |
Fortunately, transition offered some solace from the torture. Encouragement was shouted by several members of the mountain bike extended family, with Kylie McAvoy, Di Gbel and Craig Barnes particularly vocal. Dave Langley, my fierce master's rival, was pit support for Wendy Stevenson and Ian Bridgland, and was regularly jumping up to hose me down with icy water, which was wonderful relief from the scorching sun. Timing would then shout support and finally, I would pass Nancy, helping her husband Peter Selkrig win National glory in the 50-54 age category, my own Jetblack team and my fantastic wife, Greer who would have my 'delicious' chocolate water mix waiting (most of the time!), before I exited transition for yet another lap.
| I crossed the finish line with the clock showing 12.29 pm. The Czech beer was highly welcome to celebrate the end of one of the toughest races I've been involved in this year. Victory in Masters was never in doubt but I felt considerable satisfaction with my 2nd place in the overall standings, beaten only by Jason Pearce, who remained strong throughout. This was a result and a performance I could be proud of - my decision to ride the 6 + 6 vindicated!  24 hour podium (male 45-49) While several elite riders suffered in the conditions, Jason English continued his dominance of this event to claim his seventh National Title to accompany his five World Championships, while Tory Thomas held off Liz Smith to win the female National title and finish an incredible fifth overall.  Great Rocky Trail Prizes! |  6 + 6 Master's Podium Did I regret not racing the 24 hour and a chance of winning Gold? Never! In my age category (45-49), Ian Bridgland and Brisbane's Darren Caruso duked it out for most of the night but both suffered in the heat, Ian pulling out after 18 hours, and Darren not having the strength to hold off a charging Ash Turner who ultimately claimed victory.  Seven times National 24 hour Champion - Jason English |
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