Its almost been a year since Em, Jem, Rich and I were racing around Stromlo in the cold, boggy, wet and windy conditions of the Scott 24 hour mountain bike race 2012.
We were camped up on a hill, a fair distance from transition with a smallish tent, little weather cover, no heat, no light, no power and 6 kids to look after in between laps. The girls did a couple of early laps each and then took the kids home for the night, with Rich and I nominating to do the gruelling night shift. It was tough going being constantly filthy, cold and wet not to mention tired, with little light and alone in between laps. I vividly remember wanting to throw the Camber off the mountain at one point early Sunday morning as I was in a world of hurt and wondering why I chose to ride my bike in the rain and mud up a hill at 2am!
We completed 18 laps as a team, which was a fair effort considering we were down to 2 riders through the night and the track resembled that of a quagmire in many sections with the miserable conditions. Overall an awesome endurance riding experience of which I will always remember, but probably more so for how hard it became at times and how tricky the trails became to ride. I can still hear the horrible grinding sound our bikes made riding through the swampy areas, where your thoughts were consumed with how much money would it would cost at the end of the race to try and fix your poor battered machine.
This year however might be a completely different race all together. Not only do we get an extra hour of racing now being a 25 hour race, but I have also been asked to join the Blackett Homes sponsored team of 6 along with Rich and Joe (Mad Kow racing stars). We will be racing from an official team marquee right on pit lane amongst all the action. Riding kit, heat, light, food, power and all the comforts of home are a given. All we will have to think about is pedalling, climbing and enjoying the high banking flowy berms of the single track wonderland that is Mt Stromlo. Reduced lap distances, limited horrid up hill rock gardens, upgraded trails, riding in relative comfort and most importantly the exciting prospect of a team of 6 for the race could produce some swift transitions!! Sounds good to me!
Another race, another excuse to 'train' more. Bring on early October! and Go team Blackett Homes!
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