Mentally Challenged !

Unlike all the races leading up to the Convict, I was feeling mentally and physically drained from the last 5 mths of training and racing. So I knew this weekend was going to be hard, but given it is my 'local' event and the last event of this years first half of racing I knew it had to be done. On top of this, our training group had a couple of recent hit outs around the course and even though mentally I wasn't quite there I was still riding physically strong.

Well this journey starts way back in December last year. After some disciplined training and racing in 2012 I wanted to take this a step further. To do this I had a chat to Ant Shippard, outlined what I wanted to achieve, and asked if he was willing to help me get there. My goals were quite ambitious, but Ant agreed to help and said that he would do what he could to put me into a position to achieve these goals, but all the hard work depended on me.

For those interested, these goals were:

1. Be faster than Jenny Fay in an XCM Marathon

The Capital Punishment is not one of my favourite races. Maybe it was the first years mud fest, or a combination of timed / untimed sections, or the logistical challenges involved with the event.

I had found myself entering this race again this year as it is important race as the first race in the XCM series. But with the XCM series being cancelled / put on hold this year I was lacking motivation for the event. Though after a good result last week at the Willo, I wanted to backup again and get some more race practice before the Marathon Champs next month.

In memory of one of the great mountain bikers James Williamson the 3rd ‘Willo’ MTB race was held last weekend.

I have always wanted to ride this event, as it is for a great cause and in memory of a great rider, but have never managed to make it due to other commitments bad weather etc.

Scott 24Hr - Jet Masters

To follow on from Ant's report, the older constabulary of Jet Racing also had a fantastic time, great success, and the building on some new friendships that make these events something a little different then a marathon or individual event.

Our team was formed from a group of us that have over the last 12 mths come together through racing each other competitively over the marathon season. This was something different, this time all of us would be working together for a common result.

Our team included:
Paul (Slowman) Sloan
Steve (The Black) Knight

After some arm twisting by Sloany, I picked up my entry for the Circus. I love the Wingello trails, but have yet to do this event - something about the cold Southern Highlands in the middle of winter.

Anyway I find myself of the start line, with probably the biggest Jet Racing contingent we have seen to date, the front row dominated by the red Jet uniform. The difference with this race, was that the vibe was alot more relaxed, everyone looking for a good day out, on some of the best trails in the State. Hugh's pre event startline banter also adds to the relaxed nature.

Great day out, again weather was very kind for this one, and the track had dried out to perfection.

Well organised club day as usual - thank guys.

Track was in great condition, and the extra track additions to bring it up to 8.5 - 9km make it worth the drive - well done track builders.

Pretty happy with this result, but had to work pretty hard for it. I think I am definitely cut out for the enduro style, as putting out very consistent medium / fast laps has you catching the fast guys in the 3rd and 4th hour. much harder to catch them in the shorter 1-1.5 hour format.

After some great results already this year, I had set my sights on he Husky to go one better and hopefully get myself on the podium for my category. With the help of the Jet Racing team, training was good and I felt like I had done everything I could for the race. My plan was simple, stay on the wheel of Jason McAvoy  (No 1 rider in Masters) and trust my fitness to get me to the end of the race.

After a good pre race warmup, we made our way to the race briefing. With some promising news that all creek crossings were rideable, 
I thought great - this is not going to be like last year.

Great day for a mtb race. weather turned it on for us today.

A little slippery, but great fun.

Havent ridden Awaba in ages.