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Capital Punishment 100 km

6/3/2015

1 Comment

 

Time for a Comeback

On the first day of my Christmas holiday I broke my wrist - I had a break in the joint of my right radius bone after a high-speed crash on an innocuous corner of my local Manly Dam track. I spent six weeks in a pot and a further three weeks off a bike, before making a return to the road a week earlier than advised. With just five road rides completed, being my 17 km commute, I ventured on my mountain bike and made a return to the Manly Dam and the scene of my crash. My first lap was cautious but by the time I had started my second 10 km loop, the confidence had started to return and I was able to ride the larger rock drops. Nine weeks of inactivity, muscle atrophy and frustration was nearing an end.
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Inadvertantly mimicking the Cycle Studio logo during my first 100km TT
Well the truth is, it wasn't all inactivity. Just 10 days after the accident, I was back on my indoor trainer. After trialling the free Sufferfest videos which are provided by Strava Premium - Blender, The Hunted and The Long Scream - I was suitably convinced by their quality and purchased all 20 videos from the Sufferfest site. On the 24th January, I began the Sufferlandria nine day indoor Tour. I trained on the excellent Watt Bikes at the Cycle Studio in Balgowlah Heights and completed two 100 km Time Trials. On the third of February, I purchased the TrainerRoad software, and combined them with the Sufferfest videos before starting one of TrainerRoad's excellent training plans. I began some Pilates training to work on my core and did a number of Fitness Tests. My FTP (Functional Threshold Power) had dropped but was slowly showing signs of improving. I was hopeful I had done enough to ensure I had maintained some semblance of fitness.
The Husky seemed a little too early and so I waited a week and decided to make my comeback at Capital Punishment, in Canberra. I was there to participate, or more to the point, to survive 100 km without crashing and re-breaking the wrist. It wasn't about being competitive or breaking personal bests, but about riding safely and without incident. Indeed, a long season still lies ahead and I want to be a part of it.
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Even in the car driving down, I started to feel the sense of race anticipation I had craved for over three months. My first commute had left me on a natural high on arrival at work, my first ride off-road had left me buzzing with endorphins, and now I was feeling that nervous excitement that hits you pre-race. On the start line, surrounded by many of Australia's finest mountain bikers, I felt instantly at home. It was great to be back among friends and fellow racers, Mike Israel, Trent Moore, Grantley Butterfield, Clayton Locke and Justin Dewhurst. My heart rate was already over ninety - I was ready.
The race exploded in raw power and it wasn't long before the serpent of speed had thrown me out the back. It was exactly what I had expected and I was now free to settle into my own rhythm, and reacquaint myself with mountain biking. It was some time before the fastest riders from the second group caught me and I quickly obliged in letting them through. I waited a short time before I was able to jump on one of these rider's wheel and allow myself to be sucked along through the singletrack.  The wrist guard was holding firm and all the time, my confidence was building. At last, at around 35 km, I overtook my first rider, a guy in a green shirt, who I would work with until the untimed section at 61 km.
The untimed zone is a 10 km street section where riders need to roll through in a generous 55 minutes. It is a chance to feed, rehydrate, lube the chain and even chat casually to other riders. Andrew Fell (who had suffered a time-consuming puncture) and Chris Ryder of Jetblack, Grantley, Clayton and Justin were all here. I soaked up the majority of my 'gift' 55 minutes before re-starting with Grantley and Clayton. They both powered up Black Mountain and I thought that I would be struggling to stay with them. But after a few more climbs they both dropped back. Grantley caught up again but exclaimed he couldn't find his rhythm and fell back again. I was feeling good and this  was enhanced as I caught and overtook an increasing number of other riders. I hit Mt. Stromlo and knew there was only around 12 km to go. Unlike Grantley, I was able to find the rhythm I had lacked in the early stages of the race. Skyline and the Luge were their usual highlight, although I rode with some caution knowing that I couldn't afford a crash at this late stage. I finished in a respectable 4.21.26 in 104th overall and 28th in Masters. It may have been my slowest ever time in this event but I was just so happy to finish safely and without too much pain. It was a successful comeback and better results are sure to follow.
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Race Winner Shawn Lewis who narrowly beat Andy Blair in the 100 km event
Results
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Camelbak Highland Fling

6/11/2014

3 Comments

 

A Hot, Dirty Affair Dripping with Passion and Pain

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The theme of the 10th edition of the Highland Fling was 'A Dirty 10 Year Affair' and, on post race reflection, I have serious questions to channel towards Wild Horizons Director Huw Kingston. By definition an affair, as the theme alludes to, is an intimate sexual relationship or episode between lovers. Sure, there is a passionate attachment to the race, as demonstrated by the numerous riders who were impressively participating in their 10th event. Although a 'Dirty Affair', in regards to mountain biking conjures up ideas of mud and slime, with the exception of last year, this rarely happens in the Highland Fling, which is held in mid to late spring. My interpretation is to take 'dirty affair' to mean a relationship that is morally degraded, sordid and wretched. At 113 km in length, the Fling is one of the toughest marathon races in Australia. Throw in 2400 metres of climbing (or descending if you prefer to believe the pre-race notes), high temperatures and extra singletrack, which was great fun but extended race time even further, and you have an event designed by the sadistic 'dark side' which left many riders cursing that they had strayed from the comfort of their home. There would be no sympathy for the 1000 plus riders from respective partners and there would be no hiding from the consequences of this annual fling.
The Highland Fling attracts the best mountain bikers in Australia and the competition in all distances and categories is always hot. Pre-race banter was as boisterous as always, and pizza and beer brought out the usual sledging between mates. I was aiming for a Top 15 finish in Masters but knew the course would take longer to complete than normal and this extra distance would be to my advantage. Ben Edols was bringing some impressive form to the race and was keen to get the better of me, while Mike Israel, Gary Harwood, Trent Moore and Guy Cowan were other Masters rivals riding strongly in recent weeks. It was therefore of no surprise when the 100 km race was initiated at a blistering pace along the rolling hills, paddocks, creek crossings and farm tracks towards Penrose State Forest.
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A number of riders from the recently completed Crocodile Trophy came to the fore early on. Martin Wisata was laying down some impressive power and disappeared up the road with the lead bunch. Clayton Locke, competing in the 100 mile event, was looking stronger than ever early on. I was able to hook up with another rider in the 100 mile event, Jason Lam, mentioned that he was nuts, and we stayed in a small group as we approached the first transition. It was at this point that the lead group of four elite riders (Andy Blair, Mark Tupalski, Brendan Johnston and Chris Hamilton), starting fifteen minutes behind us, came flying past in an orderly train.

Luckily, in transition, I was able to quickly locate my support crew, Mark Hardy's partner, Gloria, who I had  only met for the first time the previous night. I grabbed a 2 litre camelbak, which Mark had sensibly advised would be necessary for the 53 km of rough forest trails and the exhilarating Wingello singletrack. Gloria told me Mark was five and Ben one minute ahead and I felt confident I could close the gap as endurance became the dominant factor.
I motored up the first half of the 'Great Wall', but after the plateau I lost traction and dismounted. It was enough, however, to close the gap on Ben Edols. We rode together for some time before I lost some ground and Ben was calling out for me to stay with the pace. I kept eating and drinking and hoped I could keep my opposition in view. Halfway Hill and the Kick were negotiated and I was back with Ben and a number of other Manly based riders.
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Jenny Fay - A winning ride was scuppered by mechanicals in the final stages
Not long after, Jenny Fay, leading the female elite came cruising by. I jumped on her wheel as we climbed out of yet another gully. When I looked round the others were distant figures. I rode the 'Fay train' for a while, conscious not to hinder the leading female competitor. I had visions of taking her out on a corner and then trying to explain the incident to MC Chops at the finish line. As we rounded the next corner of fast firetrail Jenny flew into the rough and my nightmare vision was playing out. I kept checking behind me and eventually Jenny was back on pace and driving forward. We were passing tiring riders at ease but eventually I had to relent and Jenny powered on ahead. I settled back into a less frantic rhythm.
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Peta Mullins - Elite Female Winner
At the second transition, I spotted Gloria again and shed the camelbak and took on a fresh bottle. Peta Mullins and Rebecca Locke, second and third respectively in elite women, rolled into transition just behind me. After the allotted five minutes, Peta, Bec and two other riders began the final 27 km Gu Stage. For the first kilometre of flat dirt road, I stayed behind the two girls as they swapped turns, but soon felt guilty as the speed slowed and took up the pace making myself. Peta swapped turns but Bec and the two male riders were suffering. A singletrack descent called Jack's Jaunt was followed by an uphill climb back to Penrose State Forest. Peta was still behind me but the others had faded. I was happy to keep driving the pace, it was almost a compliment that Peta was content to stay on my wheel. Second place was assured but surely Jenny was not going to fade this late into the race. I was going to inform Peta of this fact but then thought better of it. Peta is mountain and road bike royalty. She didn't need me to tell her my version of how the race was unfolding.
We were now just 15 km from the finish when we suddenly passed a stricken Jenny Fay fixing a puncture. Peta slowed as we both surveyed the scene ahead. She offered her commiserations and then the hammer went down. I followed Peta through the first part of the Rollercoaster, hoping to stay on her wheel as she rode to potential glory. Of course, Jenny could already be in hot pursuit. Peta was to put four and a half minutes on me, a very impressive display of strength and speed. I gave up the chase and concentrated on picking my way through the tail end of the 50 km riders. There were plenty of panting punters on Brokeback mountain but once again I failed to spot any breathless cowboys, although the two male riders sitting on the log under a tree were possible candidates. I'm sure that a direct line up that hill would be far easier than the multiple sandy switchbacks the track tends to follow.
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MC Chops with Peta Mullins after her blistering finish
As I descended towards the event centre, I caught a tiring John Miller, my teammate from our Mont 24 hour success, and we were able to cross the line together. Another fling was flung. I achieved my goal of finishing within the top 15 in Masters with 12th place and 50th overall. Ben was to finish seven minutes behind, while Mike Israel, Guy Cowan and Gary Harwood finished in the three places ahead of me. Trent Moore broke his chain, managed to lose it in the grass and lost valuable time to finish a disappointing 22nd. Peta Mullins won the female elite event for the second year running, while the unfortunate Jenny Fay withdrew after a second puncture and a broken seatpost.
The Highland Fling is my favourite marathon mountain bike race, probably due to the extra distance, the constant hills and the warmer temperatures. This year was a tale of multiple 'affairs' that will keep me coming back for more. It was great to get down and dirty with my Manly buddies in the early stages, before separate flings with two elite female riders I have the utmost respect for - it was an honour to ride with Jenny and Peta. Mountain biking is certainly one sport females can excel in and this was demonstrated in abundance in all categories and distances - kudos to Wendy Stevenson, one of only 11 riders to finish the 100 miler with nearly half the field not finishing; Briony Mattocks for a brilliant 6 hours 21 in her first marathon, Melissa Nuttall who was 2nd in the female open, and in the Half Fling, Linda Corrigan and Stephanie Jackson and, particularly Sara Mills, the 17 year old, riding in a higher age group and finishing third outright.
Official Results
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Peta Mullins - Elite Mountain / Road Biker and Poster Girl
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Convict 100 - Wiseman's Ferry

4/5/2014

3 Comments

 
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Nothing is ever what it seems

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Last night, I was playing golf and my par three tee shot left my club, straight as an arrow, towards the hole. As the ball flew towards the green I began to realise it was dropping towards the flag. It clipped the flag, then circled the rim, before finally settling in the hole. I was ecstatic, and quickly sought praise from all those around. The noise and commotion rudely awoke me from my slumber and I was thrust back into reality. I trudged to the lavatory without fanfare or celebration, no longer the hero of my night-time vision.

The weather forecast for Wiseman's Ferry was for a sudden drop in temperature, as an icy winter blast was due to blow in from the north west, removing any last trace of summer. Evading a freezing night in a tent, I decided to drive up in the early morning and, therefore,set my alarm for 3 am. I awoke at 2.30 and within 45 minutes, I was on the road to the Convict 100, Marilyn Manson pounding from the stereo. I passed a stationary police car on the side of the road and, sure enough, blue, flashing lights brought me to an unscheduled stop. Driving at three in the morning with the car stereo cranked up with heavy rock music, surely meant I was drunk and on my way home, without a Plan B. But, to the surprise of the police officer, I was sober and merely driving to a race. Nothing was as it seemed.

It wasn't long before I was able to make a move on a early climb and muscle past World Champion Jason English, who was locking horns with eventual race winner Cory Wallace, from Canada. Minutes later, the warm-up complete, we were all on the start line, ready to begin. This was to be my 5th Convict race and, for the first time I can remember, I was not shivering in a thick early morning fog. The morning was actually quite mild, and the weather doom-mongers had been wrong once again. Nothing is ever what it seems.

PictureEarly morning focus

This was the centenary edition of the Convict 100 Marathon Race and the historical convict trails, which nestled in the Hawkesbury Valley, lay ahead. I exchanged pre-race banter with Dave Langley and Michael Schmitt before suddenly panicking that I was about to miss starting in the wave following the elites. Luckily, the three of us made our way through the starting gate, but there were a lot of riders ahead of us, not all of whom looked like they really should have been in this starting wave. Self-seeding rearing it's ugly, ignorant head once again. All three of us scrambled to move quickly through the mass of riders, which succeeded until the pace slowed and it was impossible to pick a way through. The steep technical hill climb arrived 12 km in and, as expected, riders ahead simultaneously unclipped, and it was necessary to run past walking riders. I remounted the bike and rode the remainder of the hill untroubled. 

PicturePete Selkrig trying to hide his injury from wife Nancy
Steadily, I began to pick my way through the field of riders ahead. The course was surprisingly fast, and certainly not the mud-fest that had been predicted. The Convict 100 is probably one of the roughest courses of all the marathons I have completed in Australia and the rock gardens seem to go on forever. The convicts who built this road would certainly not have been signed up to build another. Non-mountain bikers would have some difficulty negotiating some of the more technical sections, and the rocky descents are not for the faint-hearted. I heard, after the race, that this was the first time the helicopters had not been utilised to airlift stricken riders to the nearest hospital. That's not to say the race went without incident. Most notably, Pete Selkrig, had a stick wedge in his front wheel at the 40 km mark, catapulting him over the handlebars and tearing the cartilage between his clavicle, sternum and ribs. Incredibly, he valiantly carried on and posted an amazing time, despite ever-increasing pain and discomfort as he smashed into rock steps, as the only feasible way of getting over them. 

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The middle section of the course is quite spectacular. The rugged and remote trails offer up some breathtaking ridge line views that even the most focused riders would find almost impossible to ignore.

One of the unique and most exciting features of this race is the kayak bridge. Sixty eight kilometres into the race, riders are faced with the decision to either ride (left) or walk (right) across the bridge. I always approach this particular section with much trepidation but I feel the best way to negotiate it is firstly, not to stop and overthink it and secondly, to hit it with some speed and a slightly higher gear. The bridge will sway, but more so at each end, and it is important to focus straight ahead. I have made it across this bridge five times without an ignominious fall into the cold water below. Many other riders are not quite so fortunate.

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Crossing the bridge. Picture (left) not recommended; Ben Edols (right) shows how it should be done. (Maxadventure, 2014)
PictureCory Wallace, Convict Champion (Aurora Images, 2014)
After crossing the kayak bridge, I caught a number of riders, including Lyndon Kinsela, on the bitumen road and hoped we could all work together to gain some momentum. Unfortunately, this didn't really happen, and on starting the last, long climb, this group slowed, almost in nervous anticipation of what lay ahead and I was left alone. Unseen by me, Dave Langley had spotted me from the switchbacks above and this provided enough motivation for him to kick again, in order to maintain his lead over me. He was to beat me by 95 seconds. My finishing time of 4.37.39 was nearly four minutes slower than last year and placed me 18th in Masters and 35th of 500 riders overall. Other notables who finished ahead of me were Garry James, Pete Selkrig, Jamie Vogele, teammate Andrew Fell, Andrew Wells, and young Michael Schmitt. Cory Wallace won the elite, ahead of Adrian Jackson and Andy Blair, with Shawn Lewis and the unfortunate Jason English, who punctured at a critical time, rounding out the Top 5. Jenny Fay once again convincingly won the female elite category.

For me, I now have the following weekend free of racing, before the Chocolate Foot STM series starts in Taree on Sunday 18th May. My dilemma with this, is to find a TV in the early hours of Sunday morning, in order to watch the FA Cup Final between my beloved Arsenal, and Hull City, as the Gunners attempt to secure our first item of silverware for 9 years. We are massive favourites but, as I've outlined here, nothing is ever what it seems.

official results
Official video
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Capital Punishment 2014 - Canberra

16/3/2014

2 Comments

 

Mixed Blessings

It appears the stars were not aligned from the outset. Leaving Manly at four in the afternoon, meant I hit the mad rush to get home. More like a listless crawl, as I edged forwards one car length at a time along the notoriously busy Military Road. I contented myself with the thought that several people do this every day of the week while I am lucky enough to be able to commute on my road bike and avoid this purgatory. After an hour and a half, I had travelled a whopping 20 km and 300 km of road still lay ahead. Once past Liverpool, I donned the shades, cranked up the ipod and with the rich, hearty tones of Marilyn Manson, my sanity was strangely restored as I hit the accelerator, finally reaching the speed limit and I began to enjoy the freedom of the motorway. 
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Once registered, I left Canberra town centre but, as I tried unsuccessfully to tune into the Manly-Souths League game, I found myself driving down a 3-lane one-way street. Luckily, the fast-moving oncoming traffic was in the other two lanes and a catastrophe was averted. On reaching the house my Jetblack team had booked for the weekend, I found that the others had already taken to their temporary nests and, conscious not to disturb anyone, I took the only available spot on the floor under the snooker table. Mosquitoes were eating me alive and when I retreated under the cover of my sleeping bag I soon found myself in a lake of sweat. It was already 1 am, and fearing no sleep at all, I found solace in the laundry room. It was cool and mosquito free. I began to worry about redback spiders, who just love these damp rooms and the scratches on the door, which I had assumed were from a cat, now, in my mind, were from the resident rats. Richard Kuklinski, the Iceman, had fed his victims to rats while they were still alive...Resigned to a gruesome death by spider venon, while rats feasted on my eyeballs, I somehow drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

PictureRace Start for Wave 1 (AROC, 2014)
I awoke at five in the morning, and the events of the night now seemed a distant memory. I checked in a mirror, certain I would resemble a victim of the bubonic plague, but there was not one bite or welt. Perhaps, I was merely a victim of my own imagination.

With no time for a warm-up, I took my place in the first of seven waves, alongside the Big Guns of Endurance Mountain Biking. Elite riders, such as Dylan Cooper, Shawn Lewis, Jason English, Brett Bellchambers and Jenny Fay, but also regular foes Garry James, Mike Israel and Trent Moore. As I had expected, the pace was frenetic from the outset, and I struggled to keep in contact with the main group. A rider came alongside me complaining he had forgotten to take a bottle of water and he was in for a long day. I remember noticing him on the start line and had wondered what insane strategy he was employing. The rider was Jamie Ingram, and he was able to salvage a dropped bottle after just 10 km, thus saving him from the damaging effects of dehydration. Perhaps the rider ahead, who had dropped the bottle, was less fortunate. 

As the course wound its way through the wonderful singletrack of Kowen, Sparrow Hill and Majura Pines it became strikingly obvious that my descending was, once again, holding me back. I was playing tag with Eliza Kwan, who was eventually to finish 3rd in female elite. I was able to move past her comfortably on the flat and uphill sections, only for her to close (and even be held up) on the downhills. I sincerely apologise to her for that, and I know that any improvement in this area will dramatically improve my race times.
PictureTaking stock of the 10 km untimed section. (Gbel, 2014)
After 65 km, the race enters a 10 km untimed section, which allows riders to refuel and recover. To be brutally honest, this really works against me as it takes away some of the endurance element, which is my strength. I waited 53 minutes of the allocated 55, before setting off with Justin Dewhurst on the undulations of Black Mountain. Caution was necessary on this section, as the descents were fast and loose. For once, I was not the only one grabbing large handfuls of brake. Initially, I dropped back from the riders ahead, unable to find my rhythm and power. Like an old diesel, I found my legs, and started to cut through the riders in front. On catching Justin, I took my place at the front and he jumped in my slipstream. After a few minutes, he hadn't come round to do his time in the wind and I knew he was struggling. I kept up the speed and next time I looked around he had popped.                                                                                           

PictureJenny Fay and Dylan Cooper (AROC, 2014)

Justin had been three minutes ahead, having started in the second wave, and this provided the motivation to keep pushing hard to the finish at Mt. Stromlo. I climbed the switchbacks with renewed gusto and, as always, thrived on the white knuckle descending along skyline and the luge. I was to take five minutes on the final section to beat him by two. Finishing in 4.08.52, I trimmed 10 minutes off my time from the previous year and placed 96th.

Dylan Cooper and Jenny Fay took line honors in the elite category with Shaun Lewis, Jason English, Naomi Hansen and Eliza Kwan filling the podium. Mike Israel was an excellent 44th, Trent Moore 52nd, Jetblack teammates Andrew Finlayson 32nd and Andrew Fell 69th. Congratulations to Guy Cowan (87th) and Elvio Fernandes (95th), Elvio finally beating me by just nine seconds!


official result
Anthony Shippard Blog
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The Kowalski Classic - East Kowen / Sparrow Hill, Canberra

25/9/2013

5 Comments

 

Dealing with the Steely Dagger of Disappointment

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An icy dawn at Kowen Forest
I clambered from my polyester cocoon and into the icy morning air of Canberra's East Kowen Forest. The sun gradually managed to wrestle the ice from the open fields and was beginning to prise the crisp, white veil from my nocturnal sanctuary. The previous day had brought frustration, as I struggled to finalize my preparations for the rapidly approaching World 24 hour Solo and Crocodile Trophy; but I approached this race with renewed vigour and optimism. I had eased back my training during the week and surely this would have left me fresher and less fatigued than in some of my previous forays.
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Mike Israel, Phil Welch & Pete Selkrig
Without doubt, the Kowalski Classic is a brilliant event. It is almost exclusively raced on singletrack, which has been expertly crafted and designed by the Kowalski Brothers. The race incorporates most of the best trails Kowen and Sparrow have to offer and is ingeniously linked by short sections of fire trail. With highlights being almost too numerous to mention, this race is one all self-respecting mountain bikers should experience. The inaugural event last year was great - this course was even better. At times, the rider is zooming through the trees at high speed which is clearly reminiscent of the 'Speeder Bike Chase' in Return of the Jedi. 
My training regime this year has been geared exclusively towards success in the World 24 hour solo event in October and, therefore, has taken the form of long rides covering great distances. Many of my rides have been undertaken alone; perhaps it is no surprise that few of my friends relish the thought of the majority of the daylight hours being spent sitting on a narrow saddle with few comforts, riding with lycra clad bikers, and not spending quality time with warm, cuddly loved ones or doting kids. My wife is in the UK and I have no children to care for but I do have a lot of bikes and plenty of lycra and a lot of spare time. This has meant that I have regularly been able to ride for over 500 km in a week. Recently, I have teamed up with the likes of Pete Selkrig and Mike Israel, both crazy enough to ride as long, and as far, as I do, resulting in a recent ride of 313 km with an average speed of 29 km/h. Pete is even worse than me, actually much worse, and last week I found myself riding with him for 261 km on Saturday, then riding 70km to a 3 hour mountain bike race, with the intention of riding back 70 km afterwards. Mercifully, my seatpost cracked 2 hours into the race and the return trip home was cancelled. My average distance for each of the last 6 months is well over 2000 km and I have almost ridden more in those 6 months than I had ridden in either of the last two years.

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The Speeder Bike Chase
The start of the race was greatly helped by the fact that riders seeded themselves prior to the event and were assigned a starting wave appropriate to their abilities - so simple but, by gosh, it's effective. This was further helped by the tough climb dished out at the beginning, which helped sort riders out according to ability. Unfortunately for me, I saw my major Masters rivals disappear from sight, not long after we crested the hill and hit the singletrack. Mike Israel, Jason McAvoy, Dave Langley and Trent Moore all powered away never to be seen again. I desperately fought my machine throughout the 85 km and managed to hold the wheel of Robin Mules in the last 30 km which helped me maintain a reasonable time and move up through the lower places. Little did I know, Robin had started 5 minutes behind me, and so he was to finish in 10th, and I finished a disappointing 13th and 51st overall. Mark Fenner comfortably won the Masters with Mike Israel finishing on the podium in a commendable 3rd, while Dave pipped Trent to fifth. Jason was seventh, but he had ridden 200 km the previous day.
Every race provides a lesson which necessitates reflection and self-evaluation. It's easy to look back at a race which was successful and to draw conclusions on what went well whilst providing positive feelings, contentment and vindication for the previous week's routine. It is far more difficult to analyse a poor performance. Indeed, it has taken me until Wednesday night to write this post - usually I avidly complete it on a Sunday. Perhaps I had tried to bury my head deep in the surrounding sand of Manly Beach. With my WEMBO rivals looking stronger than ever, I need to look at my profile only, and how I can improve, and not worry about them. There is no doubt that I need to back right off my training. Unlike some of my rivals, who have been riding for years, I am still only in my third year of racing and putting my body through stresses it has never, ever experienced. My bike fitness level is at an all-time high but so is my fatigue level, resulting in a drop in form, hence the poor result. The warning signs were there, I simply chose to ignore them. The last race before the World 24 hour is this Sunday. I intend to reduce the fatigue and hope for a better result and a return to form in the Chocolate Foot STM Series 7 hour at Awaba.
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Sunrise at Kowen Forest
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Convict 100, Wiseman's Ferry

4/5/2013

2 Comments

 

Life is Good!

One of the main reasons why I re-located to Australia from England was the climate. Initially, I moved to Sydney with the intention of sampling the delights of 'A' Grade Rugby League. After 2 seasons, and the first of two ACL knee reconstructions, I quit League and turned to boxing and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. Later, I started competing at climbing and then, in November 2009, I experienced my first mountain bike race. The latter two sports are weather dependent and, as such, are well suited to Sydney's temperate climate. And how wonderful has this year been in that regard, with Australia experiencing its second-hottest start to the year on record.
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Welch, 2013
So, as I emerged from my tent and my morning slumber, I was greeted by a simply stunning crimson glow above Wiseman's hills. The omens were good for the upcoming Convict race; a race I had never quite got to grips with in three previous attempts. Why, I'm not really sure. The normally manic first 10 kilometres are duked out along fairly flat dirt road and, with lungs bursting, riders are greeted by a brutal hill climb. This was a climb I had invariably failed to conquer. The Convict 100 course then follows long tracts of undulating fireroad, a more technical section of rocky step-ups and a little singletrack and a lot of very rough and fast descending. Then it's the Kayak bridge at the 68 kilometre mark, notorious for giving its victims an embarrassingly early bath. My first ever attempt nearly ended in disaster when the rider in front of me stopped dead half way across the bridge complaining profusely of leg cramps. When he eventually stopped moaning and remounted, I attempted to follow but, as I picked up speed, the bike swayed from one side of the bridge to the other and only good fortune saved me from an unceremonious dunking. But the worst is still to follow, with an endless climb that keeps threatening to end on each corner but then maliciously throws up another wretched ascent. Finally the apex is reached and the final fast, rough and rocky descent is followed by an extremely fast dirt road which awaits those with enough energy left in wilting legs.
Unlike the previous year, I managed to place myself in the first group behind the Jason English's and Shawn Lewis's. I would be setting off with my main rivals instead of leaving with the less competitive riders and having to constantly pass the masses ahead. Like last year, my warm-up had been for nothing, and as I listened to the strangely witty compere, I started to shiver with the sun still not yet radiating any significant heat. The start was not quite as manic as I had endured in previous editions of the race and when I looked at my trusty Garmin 510 my heart rate was still only 130.  As we hit the big hill, a few riders were ejected to the sides of the trail but most continued to plough onwards and upwards. A number of waterbars presented a few moments of anxiety but the climb was smoother and less rocky than in previous years and it wasn't long before I crested the summit. My first race goal had been achieved and I was feeling quite smug and content.
This was my first 100 kilometre race with just bottles - the camelbak is extra weight, meaning more chance of lower back pain and more sweating. I had long since stopped using a camelbak in lap races but had never quite calculated how to survive in events where it is not possible to pick up ready-made water bottles. I carried a 500 ml bottle in my back pocket and a 750 ml on the bike. If necessary, I would fill up at one of three feed stations. Although the sun had risen high in the morning sky, the temperature remained cool and the breeze refreshing and so hydration was to prove less of an issue.
Dave Langley, a rival in my age category, and who had successfully held me off in a race in Taree last week, now passed me and soon disappeared up the track and out of sight. Soon after the 50 kilometre feed station I was then caught by Ben Edols. I discarded my first bottle and began to step up the pace. Ben fell back and I focused on the riders ahead. Soon Dave was back in my line of sight and I was feeling strong. I made a move to pass and Dave was unable to respond except to wish me luck for later. My water was now running low as I approached the kayak bridge, but I was to pass up the opportunity to refill when I saw that no one was crossing the kayaks. I knew others would be ahead and we could work together on the bitumen road section that followed. 
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Maxadventure, 2013
The long hill loomed and the riders with whom I had ridden across to the climb seemed to blow up leaving just two of to ascend together. I had built the climb up in my mind to be long, hard and painful. But it seemed to all pass so quickly; perhaps this was a form of reverse psychology. 

Once I had crossed the sand and water section I was back on the road where Wendy Stevenson was tailing two male riders in the 50 kilometre version of the race. I caught and overtook the group only for them to jump on my wheel until the first hill shook them from my coat-tails and I was left to ride on my own to the finish. 

I had broken my previous best by over 25 minutes finishing in a time of 4.33.52. I had conquered the first hill, had ridden without a cumbersome camelbak, beaten a number of my more serious age group rivals, had negotiated the kayak bridge with ease and had thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful autumnal days riding. And I had a cold beer thrust at me, not once but twice. Without doubt, life in God's Country is good. When you ride a mountain bike in such a beautiful setting life is great!
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Robin, 2013
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James Williamson Enduro Challenge

10/3/2013

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One hundred and five days had elapsed since my last race at Awaba on 25th November. Rain postponements, three weeks residing in a fridge called London and a prolonged spell of man-flu had scuppered my attempts to compete. No matter how hard you think you train, little replaces the intensity of a race. 

And so it was I rolled up to the start line at Wingello in the Southern Highlands. This event is held in memory of James Williamson, World and Australian Champion Enduro mountain biker, who passed away too young while competing in the Cape Epic in South Africa on March 23rd 2010. I feel it is a fitting tribute to hold this annual race in memory of ‘Willo’ and the many participants and numerous volunteers ensure Willo’s spirit is kept alive.

I found myself on the front of the start grid and on the gun I sped up the long, start hill in the first four places. As the hill reached its peak so did I and suddenly I found myself being engulfed by several quicker riders. I tried to settle into a sensible rhythm but my heart was tapping out a beat that was three times as fast as my leg cadence. The last two weeks of base building endurance cycling had not prepared me for this incredible intensity.

Conditions were almost ideal. The track was dry and fast and the sun was radiating a comfortable heat somewhat lacking during Sydney’s summer. I started to enjoy myself as I took up battle with fellow Master’s competitor Guy Cowan and we were to swap places throughout the duration of the race. Hailing from the Helensborough Off-Road Cycling Club (HORCC), Guy was a man I felt I had to beat. HORCC is an extremely friendly and sociable club with which I have a number of great cycling friends. But I now had a mission not to be beaten by one of their number.

With the challenge thrown down I took up the gauntlet unbeknown to my rival who was now cutting up the trails with purpose. After conceding 11 seconds on the first 25 km lap I pulled 3 seconds back during the following loop. My newly found nemesis was in my sights and exactly where I wanted him. During the last 25 km loop I had closed the gap and was sitting menacingly on his back wheel. With 5 km to go I jumped round him taking advantage of a short, sharp pinch climb. My heart rate rocketed and I hoped he was not able to follow because there was very little left in me if I had to muster a retaliatory response.

I took a tentative look around and, to my relief, he had been broken. I kept up the faster pace until the finishing line content with my minor success in my personal duel with a new found friend and rival. Overall, I was pleased with my 11th place in the Master’s category and I’m looking forward to 100 km of Capital Punishment in Canberra next week.

This is my first experience of the James Williamson Enduro and one I will certainly like to race again. Proceeds from the race support a junior mountain bike development camp which will ensure mountain biking is supported at grass roots level and guarantees the continuation of the passion for mountain biking that was ‘Willo’s’ hallmark.
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    Author


    ​Level 3 Road & Time Trial Cycle Coach with British Cycling (BC) & the Association of British Cyclists (ABBC)

    National Master Wattbike Instructor


    Cycle Strength & Conditioning Coach 

    ​Cycle Trip Leader

    Sports Scientist (Honours degree in PE & Sports Science - Loughborough University)

    Postgraduate Teaching degree in PE & History (Loughborough University)


    Silver Medalist in WEMBO's World MTB 24 hour 40-44 solo at Finale Ligure, Italy, 2012 

    Silver Medalist at the Australian National MTB 24 hour 40-44 solo, 2012 & 2013

    I have completed several of the World's biggest stage races, including the Crocodile Trophy in Australia, the Mongolia Bike Challenge, the Sudety in Poland and the Andalucia Bike Race

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