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I think my last race was the Dirtworks in May. I then had a chest infection and collapsed lung over Winter resulting in 3 months off the bike. I've been back on it for a couple of months but only 1 or 2 rides on weekends only as I've been busy travelling for work (not a single week at home for more than 3 months ...) so had considered pulling out but love this race so decided to continue.

I wasn't looking forward to the Fling this year which is unusual for me as I normally want to go back and try and improve on last years time or position which motivates me to train that little bit harder than before to achieve the desired result. This year was different I had no goal as last year I had a blinder winning my cat and sub 5hr time just couldn't see myself beating that so motivation was zero. The good news is I can't wait for next years Fling so I can beat this years time

So this was my second time out riding the Fling having ridden it in 2011.
My goal going into the race was to get as clsoe to 5 hours as possible with anything under 5 being a bonus. I feel that my main weakness in enduro races is the final third where I feel flat and no amount of nutrition will keep me going, however I have been completing some longer training rides hoping to draw out some stamina for the final push.

I was really looking forward to this event after a good preparation and having crossed the finish line in 2011 feeling like a million dollars. Training schedule had been tweaked from previous races which seemed to work well and was hoping for a decent improvement on last years time. Of course there was the last minute nerves when broke the rear derailler hanger on friday night doing some last minute tinkering, but all sorted with some great nobmob support.

This was my first Full Fling after doing the Half last year. I had memories of hurting after 40km last year so wasn't sure what to expect this year but I'd spent a lot more time on the bike in preparation.

Thursday before the event I decide to commute on my 29er hardtail just to make sure there are no issues. On my journey home I discover that my bottom bracket is stuffed - great! Turns out it's actually eaten part of the carbon frame so its a warranty claim. Plan B is to get the 26" dually out.

Preparing for these events when you have a family and work commitments is always a balancing act. Last year I was able to follow a proper training plan for the first time in the weeks leading into this event and had a really enjoyable race as I cruised through in a bit under 6 hours.

A long days riding. Felt like I was a tortoise on my trance.
The conditions were perfect and I had no mechanicals.
Walked alot of hills to prevent cramps and kept eating regularly.
Just before Wingello I was sure I would quit. Then I got to transition and like some kind of robot filled my water and ate, couple of painkillers and back on the bike after a little lube from the Shimano Van.
I actually rode more of the last stage than I did in the second half of the 2nd.
I made it up broke back mountain and through all the rock garden ridge.

This is the first time I raced the highland fling and it was a great weekend. I am really happy with my result, my fitness was good but I struggled with cramps for the back half.

I started the race with about 100 people in front of me and really wanted to use the first stage to warm up and it was clear that there was many people behind who wanted to race from the start. There were lots of riders passing me but after a couple of kms the testosterone and pace of the riders around me settled down and there were some good packs forming to ride with.

Coming into the Fling it had been touch and go whether I would race as I didnt have a bike, however that was solved one week out from the race which was fortunate, however having not touched the MTB in 3 months since August, I was definitely out of shape on the MTB front, however I still had some goals, which was a Sub 5 Hour Fling.

I made a pretty determined effort to get under 3 hours. Not quite there but very happy with the ride.

I made it hard for myself at the start, again confusing start time and rider briefing - I thought I would be lining up in plenty of time but of course everyone lines up well in advance of the rider briefing. This meant I started well back only just inside the starters shute. It wasn't a problem passing riders but it meant I had no-one to work with, and the only way to do a good time at the fling is to work with others.