i really should have signed up for this event much earlier than now but i guess ironman got in the way and i think i was also worried that it was such a huge event for cyclists i would just make a fool of myself. not being a cyclist and all.
so after the karri valley debacle i only had one weekend to get in a decent ride before this event. i did but it wasnt a hills ride and from memory the weather had not been great. but on the day the weather was perfect.
as usual i arrived early at champion lakes for the most optimal parking spot. it was quite chilly out so i was undecided as to whether i would wear my wind breaker. headed over to the start line and a visit to the toilet. the only negative about bibs is the time it takes to go to the loo. decided it would warm up so rode back over to the car and dropt the jacket off.
i loved this event and the course. i love how you have pit stops for toilet breaks and bottle refills. it is all very civilised. i love how lunch is provided and they actually stop the clock while you take a break. for this alone i will be back again next year.
the first 45k is flat so i managed to find a group at my speed and i stuck to a back wheel the whole way. the first climb was interesting and once up that it was basically a lot of rolling hills and a big flat section along a dangerous highway and a shit surface. that was the worst part. mostly i was on my own but i am always fine with that. it wasnt too hot and there was no wind to worry about. the first dam (serpentine dam) was nice and i stopped for a few photos. i dont know what happened to the second dam (serpentine pipe dam). after the horror ride along the highway i was pretty glad to reach the lunch pit stop. this is at the 104k mark so a good time to get a break.
lunch was an egg salad sandwich and a muffin. i sat under a tree as all the tables and bike racks were full. my legs felt okay and my back was holding up quite nicely. i was tired but i felt i was actually going better than expected. filled up the bottles and headed off without hanging around too long. with only 30k to go i was feeling pretty confident.
the last 30k are a nightmare and the most difficult of the day. it is very steep as you head down to canning dam and a nasty corner comes up on you quite quickly so i was glad to have read about it prior. more photos for the record books and then headed for home. the climb out is not easy. there was alot of swearing. probably on fresh legs it would be okay but this was just painful. after that you get flat sections followed by sharp climbs and then comes the worst part. about 10k from the finish you wind your way up the hardest but shortest climbs of the day. you keep thinking you have reached the top and then another hill appears. alot of guys were pushing their bikes up the hill. i stopped at a cafe parking lot and had a very short break before tackling the last section. just about at the top and the guy next to me throws up his lunch everywhere. full on vomit launch. it was disgusting and i totally lost my momentum and had to walk my bike up the last 30 metres. it was gross and i was disappointed but considering my lack of training i did okay. it was then all mostly downhill and then a flat 5k to the finish line. i was pretty happy to get off the bike. it had gotten quite warm and the body was pretty bloody tired.
i had a couple of really cold drinks before heading back to the car and home. total time was 5:49 and 1500m elevation. longest ride and time spent on a bike since new zealand. definitley more comfortable on the madone roadie than the speed concept trekkie. overall a pretty good effort and it gave me some confidence. the legs felt okay the next day so straight back into training.
i will be back next year for this event. i really enjoyed it and the challenge and no matter what happens there will be no pushing the bike next year.
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