100km Cherry popped

Having not trained for this event, and never ridden 100km before (in a week maybe), I was a bit scared about this one - so was the wife. I had dreams (nightmares) of cramps, crashes, mechanicals and helicopter rides.
Getting there early Sunday Morning when the light hit the surrounding hills, I think I did a little Shepherds' Pie in my knickers. I moved to the start line hoping to see some NobMobbers who like me wanted to complete rather than compete: and there 'The Pack' as we were apparently reffered to by the race officials, was formed.
The first hill surely wasn't going to be as bad as everyone said, but when someone stops right in front of you with no notice and your using new pedals for the first time, walking the hill suddenly became a good option.
Riding at our own pace up or down the hills and having regular regrouping breaks was the order of the day and it seemed to work a treat. Everyone had a laugh and encouraged each other as the kms ticked away. We were constantly grinning from the variety that the track presented.
I think we only had one mechanical, apart from my grinding gears the whloe trek, and no flats!
At the 70km stop, MOST of the pack started walking the hill but I felt pretty good and decided to have a crack. Suddenly, I was pumped and couldn't stop. I felt bad for leaving the pack, but Christine predicted it and Stuart was telling me to go all day. I was forced to stop at about the 80km mark for 20 minutes as the helicopter rescue took place. When we were allowed to move on, and with no NobMobbers in sight, I felt a bit competitive, and decided to race the last 20km. I felt really good as I hammered home, beating the nearest rider by 20 minutes.
No cramps.
No crashes.
No mechanicals.
100km - yew!
It was great to see Stuart, Christine, Evan, Nic, Greg, Jay and Andy crossing the line together and I thank them all for such an awesome day! I can't beleive how much fun I had. I'll be back for sure.