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On today's menu was a couple of laps of The Dipper, Pig Track, Red Tank Rd, Bunny Jugs 1 and 2 (more fun and less scary second time around), then took the shuttle up to the top.

Today we learned I spoke too soon about the hills. But more on that in a moment.

On the way climb up Nursery Rd after the hikers' car park, we noticed an area blocked off with "construction zone" tape and warning signs. As part of the Crankworks early next year they are building a massive dual slalom track that looks like a cross between a two-lane luge and a dirt jump park among the massive redwoods. Amazing stuff. Will be one to watch on redbull.tv.

Just wanted to say thanks to kittheknightrider for his tips on where to stay in Rotorua. The Alpin is excellent. Close to the trails, a functional kitchen, free wifi, a bike wash, and very comfortable. Our suite has separate bedrooms for a very reasonable rate. A bike mounted atop the sign is a good clue they welcome mountain bikers.

We arrived yesterday and hit the trails for the first time today.

Highlights of todays riding were The Dipper, A Trail, Tickler, B Rude Not 2 and Mad If You Don't.

Just a few quick points from the weekends race;
- Team BMORC re-grouped for the first time in 12 months, around the anniversary of one member nearly dying in a car accident.
- I got sick on the Thursday before the race and struggled all weekend but still managed some OK times. I popped a Sudafed each day so I guess I'm a drug cheat according to the new banned list.
- The solo 24 riders were sent off first which made our opening lap interesting to say the least - at least I got to chat to Gazza most of the way around.

What an incredible weekend away.
Its been a while since I wrote a race review, but this one is well worth some words - especially as it is still so new on the calendar, and one that ought to be a huge success in the future....

Its very hard to write-up a stage race – so much happens within each stage that putting it all together makes for such a huge long list of events that it’s impossible to get the ‘feel’ for the event.

Instead of writing up a blow by blow account of who won what, and who punctured when, let’s leave it at this:

Just doing a bit of show-and-tell as I thought people might be interested in a lower-cost option than Enve and the other name brands.

I had these built up by Adrian Band at Belrose Bicycles from parts I supplied. Very pleased with the build quality.

Rims:
Light Bicycles bead-hookless 27mm wide tubeless carbon XC, UD matte finish 28H

Hubs:
Hope Pro II Evo 28H 40 engagement points rear 142x12
Lefty 28H front

Spokes and Nipples:
Sapim CX-Ray and Sapim Polyax black brass 14mm, laced 2-cross.

Total wheel weight excluding discs, cassette, rim tape and valves was 1445g.

My first stab at any timed riding event.

If you are thinking of ever doing something like this, do not hesitate, do not delay. Get out there and have a go. What a fantastic day, that I will never forget!

A fantastically run event, registration was easy, bumped into people I hadn't seen in years in the town centre. Most importantly my son won the 5/6yr olds Kids Fling. He's still smiling now.

Not only will I be returning to the fling, though next time as a Master, but I shall be looking for other events in the interim. With a view to trying the CapetoCape in 2015.

I went in to the race with a lot of trepidation given I knew my training was not up to scratch. I blame my wife, and the 3rd child we had at the end of May Jokes aside, I have been on a restricted leave pass which was meant training was restricted to 2 morning rides during the week and 1 ride on the weekend to be home by 10:30. The problem with this is that with interrupted sleep from the bub, I just could not set my alarm early for longer rides.

Well that is the Fling for another year, and as is the usual theme it is a massive day. Being the last marathon race of the season the lead up seems much bigger than for other events. Training had been excellent and after putting in a close to best ever ride at the Kowalksi Classic I was looking forward to a strong performance and to achieve some new highs.

I was brought up to believe if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all. On that basis I have nothing to say about this years Fling.

Some points I will mention, the 1st stage went well, I managed to stick with the lead groups....just! When I set off on the final stage I was 15th in category and then gave up another 14 category places not to mention numerous overall places.

My legs still hurt!