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This was destined to be a great days riding and Ourimbah didn't disappoint, despite the dodgy weather and cold start. The work that has been done to the track is substantial since I last rode here, this track just gets better and better. What is surprising is it's even better after some rain as we found out later. I finally managed to get team Mantoast together, with Craig and Gary joining up.

Well had to get myself a new helmet today.

Went to Red Hill with Tien and had a really stupid stack. Fell off and did a nice head butt to the sandstone! Cheapo Adura helmet saves the day but has a nice crack down the side.

Went and got myself a new Fox Flux which should offer even more protection.

I really should try and crash less

This was my first Fling. I fell into it by accident during the Sydney to Gong ride, a friend offered me his slot as he was flying out for work and couldn't attend. In the lead up I wasn't sure what to expect. Not sure whether to do the Half or the full, I erred on the side of caution and did the Half. Good choice. What a great day it was.

So I completed my first ever event

Wasn't quite sure what to expect but knew that I would be able to complete it. Just made sure the bike was in good working order, ate well on the lead up and most importantly for me didn't overdo it doing other exercise leading up to it i.e. no spin classes and leg weights!!

As for the race I started in a group with Bernd, Craig, and Andy Bloot who of course left me standing on the first straight. And I also got passed by an awful lot of girls near the start! "Don't worry" I told myself they're all fit...........and can ride a bit too!!!

After getting a cold during the week - i was lucky just to start. I aimed for around 4 hours for the Half Fling, seeing i did the Dirtworks 50 in 3:30.

In the end, my GPS said approx 3:30 riding time, and with no major injuries (despite a stack in the sand), no frostbite (damn those creek crossings!) and no mechanicals - i was quite content!

A relaxing beer at the finish line with Bernd, Andy x 2 and the other NobMob Half Flingers was a good reward - as was knowing I beat Craig Gordon to the finish line! (shhh, no one needs to know he did twice as far!!)

Cheers,
Lance.

I completed my first fling attempt in 3:45. Didn't know what to expect but do now. Planning on 3 hours next year.

Now know to beat the crowd for the first couple of Kms so as to not get stuck in the crowd. Was surprised at how many punters there were. Also surprised at the relatively late start. A couple of hours in the cooler morning air would have been nice. I suppose it takes a good while to get everyone organised that early.

Loved the race, loved the atmosphere, got the competition bug now.

Preparation: 2 weeks, 3 training rides
Terry Hills - 80km
Massive Northen Beaches - 45km
Cascades 2 laps - 32 km

Expectation:
Less than 8 hours, and be able to walk properly afterward

Pre-race food/hydration:
1 small tin of cream rice
2 slices of whole grain with peanut and jam
1 coffee
can't remember how much hydration but much less than 500ml

The race:

After missing out on the Angry Doctor, the Highland Fling was last big MTB marathon race on the calendar for the year so all my prep/training was aimed at a having a solid crack. I had a conservative Scott 24, a good Around the Bay (roadie), a good Sydney to Gong (roadie again) and various training rides with Steve 01/02/03, Bruce and Gaz in between.

As I broke a couple of ribs in the Angry Doctor I hadn't been able to train as much as I wanted for the full fling so decided to give the half fling a go.

After a cold night in the tent and then a long queue for the toilets Chitts and I finally arrived at the start line at about 7.20am and were well back in the pack. When I finally got over the start line and got moving, I started to work through the pack towards the front but there seemed like a lot of slower riders that were in front of me and there were numerous traffic jams for no obvious reason. Cruised into the first transition feeling great at about 1 hour 26 minute having passed large numbers of riders, average heart rate was in the 140s and average speed up around 20km/h.