philberesford's blog

Another awesome day of end of year fun, chatting sh!t and sledging mates at every opportunity.
Another hot race this year 34-35degs?, track was tinder dry and dusty.

Have not been up to Awaba since last years event so it was good to see the place. This was only my second event this year and only the third time on the MTB so happy with the lap times considering.

Think I've found my new distance!

This was the first time out on the dirt since the Fat Tyre back in December. This was my first 50km event. I usually go in for the main event but after spending zero time training or spending any time on the bike this year I decided to downgrade my entry to the 50km. My theory was simple 'I could prolly kill a 50 but a 100 would prolly kill me".

This was my third consecutive DW and once again it didn't disappoint. It very nearly didn't happen for me after having my car taken off me at the 11th hour by the missus. I couldn't get hold of my ride buddy and neither of us had made plans to travel together so thought he had already left. Put a call out on this site and got some kind offers of a lift. Thank you all. However my ride buddy finally answered his phone and travel was all sorted.

Race report, photos and lap info to come...

Awaba = Fun fun fun fun fun with added fun!

First off can I just say, let this be a lesson to all those who think that only a handful of rides in a couple of months and 2 spin sessions the weekend prior is an adequate amount of training for this event. IT IS NOT! I did however think it would be a good day out training for the Fat Tyre in 2 weeks.

ok, with that out of the way...

Yesterday I was way more prepared than DW. I got a lift down with matt_b the day before and got a good nights rest at my friends beach house. A chilly 5am and 6 deg wakeup it didn't take long before all the boys in the house were all fired up for the ride ahead. With the slow cooker all loaded up all that was needed was to set it going, lock up, race and come back all in one piece 7 hours later. Easy right?

Woah! That was tough yesterday

My wife and I have just had a baby last week so my training has gone off the boil over the last 3-4 weeks. So I knew I was entering this event less than 100% prepared, but 100% committed to giving it my all.

The Pony Club had been training hard since last years event and we went with the aim to push for podium or at least top 5 after finishing 11th last year. However I always knew this race was going to be tough one with 39deg being forecasted. The weather certainly didn't disappoint. By lunchtime the mercury had risen to 43deg!!! and the organisers pulled the pin and shortened the event by 2hours. This decision was welcomed by all who were still around to compete.

Race report to come