andyfev's blog

What a great event... My second only CP only wish I'd done more

I'll keep my race debrief short...

Pre-training = Going in to the event I'd covered a huge 302km so far this year
Objective = Stay alive
Expectation = Struggle to stay alive
Outcome = Awesome... knocked 14mins off last years time and significantly improved overall and category placings

On the back of a decent Capital Punishment result this year I was hopeful of a sub 3hr finish. I started in wave 4 towards the front and made progress through the traffic until my seat clamp failed leaving me with no choice but to jump off and fix it whilst loads of riders I'd worked hard to pass went by.

This would happen a total of 3 times and by such time I knew a sub 3hr was out the window. I also knew the energy I'd spent making ground up would cost me. Sure enough, the last 15km were hard with the last 7km really hard.

Team: Slow N' Reckless
Who are we?: A group of mates riding for fun

Background:

Early in the new year I posted a forum topic on training advice (http://nobmob.com/node/45423). Very kind NoBMobbers gave me some great articles and advice. My plan was for a 7 week training programme with the goal of a sub 3hr finish at CP. This was going to be a tall order given I'd only ridden twice since November 2013.

My first words after finishing was "none of that was enjoyable".

My biggest mistake, and I had a few of them, was using this event as an excuse to get out on the bike more. Up until 6 weeks ago I'd put in only 200km since November last year. Between purchasing a renovator and attending to our little boy, now 18 months old, and our 3 month old baby girl their isn't much time left in the day. So that's the first excuse out of the way

What an awesome event. I rode this event last year and had an absolute ball so continued the fun again hitting up the single lap option. I wasn't disappointed...

The decision to change the course route during the week proved immensely successful. The trails on offer were amazing I loved the track last year but I reckon this route took it up another notch or two. No really steep climbs but no real opportunity to step off the gas either. The technical climbs were unreal and the downhill sections were both a challenge and a buzz.

After a disappointing 2nd round at Awaba I'd spent 2 weeks preparing for this event and it made a real difference. Last time finished 28th from 33 this time 15th from 31 (C grade). This was my first ever time at Singleton.

Track was awesome, super dry and quick. Although there are no real climbs I was always on the gas so no chance for a breather. My heart rate average was 87%... Hopefully more time on the bike will help bring this number down.

Super happy

http://www.hmba.asn.au/files/Results/2012/Race%2...

I hadn't prepared very well for this event having not ridden my bike or done any form of fitness for the 4 weeks prior to the event (partly due to the rain and partly due to a neck injury after an OTBs earlier in the year). With this in mind I deliberately started at only 80% work rate knowing that I’d struggle towards the end. In true form, I lost nearly 2 minutes on the final lap as I hit the ‘wall’

First time racing at Awaba and in the HMBA XC series. Haven't ridden much since April due to both the rain and injury. The HR was racing averaging at 163 bpm and I felt every beat! Hope to get some more K's under the belt so that I can improve my position next time round.

Thoroughly enjoyed the track and had an awesome time hanging onto to the back of a few riders who managed to get away towards the end

First ride in 3 weeks since popping my L5/S1 disc twice in April. Managed to finish completely lower back pain free. Lost 10 minutes repairing a snapped chain at the 3 km mark. Really enjoyed the technical climbs and technical downhills and dig'd the Appin coursed.

Well done to the Chocolate Foot team for such a great event, will definitely enter again next year if it's on!