Matt_B's blog

Thanks to a great team; Brian, Dicko, PS, Craked and GaryinOz

My first 24 hour race and I wasn't sure with my expectations; had a really busy few weeks leading up to it was generally disorganised and a little stressed with it all. Finally got my act together and left to drive down on the Friday evening. Stopped in Sutton Forest for petrol; cold and windy. Got the new Dirty Three album going round Lake George and got myself into the right frame of mind. Cold and windy setting up camp with the guys around 11pm which was OK, way better than rain.

Another great fling for me.
Been watching Dicko and Brian train the house down for months and with a little less time available my training consisted of some solid commuting and a few weekend rides. Two rides over 3 hours since since August. I was interested to see how I would go.
My plan was to stick on Dicko's wheel for the first stage but he took off like a rabbit through the crowd and I had to relax and let him go, looked for Brian and he was gone too. On my own, pretty usual place in the singlespeed world.

Tathra enduro is the start of a week long MTB road trip for @dicko and I.
Got through the brokeback mountain jokes from the nice accommodation lady. Tathra is a great permissive community.
Early in the year picked the 50km, (thankfully) and we got a nice welcome from John from the original owners who have agreed to a whole lot of singletrack on their land. Le mans start with a leisurely jog down the oval and onto the bike.

I love the Fling
I love driving into Bundanoon with the bikes on the side of the road, I love looking at all the bikes on rooftops, people cruising on bikes and people excited to be there for the event.
I love the way the town seems to be all focused on the bike race for the weekend.
I have camped for the past few years and it is also such a nice relaxed vibe, set the bikes up, have a few beers, get a burger or something from the soccer club bbq.
I also like it because its usually something I ride with my brother, who is more of a triathlete than a mtber but he gives it a go.

My fastest time ever by over an hour, and a complete contrast to the Canberra race that shall not be named.

Riding single speed geared 32:18 was way too spinny and i was managing the cramping situation from about 50 kays. Despite the flatness i was working hard the whole way and really felt it at the end when a train came past me and i couldn't jump on - i just waved it goodbye and kept my own pace through.