Dirtworks 100

Another great event from the Maximum Adventure crew. How great was it to arrive at sparrows fart to warm weather?

My race plan this year was was all about self control. My aim was to beat 5 hours and the first part of the plan was to start slowly and not get all involved in the sprint over the first 10km or so. I always find it amazing how everyone smashes themselves right from the start. Second part of the plan was to keep my ego in my Camelback and walk the big hill at 13km. Every year my ego gets in the way and I climb the hill only to aggravate my back injury which stuffs the rest of my race. The last part of the plan was to smash it out for the last 50km.

I started in the first group after the Elite riders and stuck to the plan. I was riding well within myself all the way to the big climb and was quite comfortable going from the front of the group to mid way by the climb. Unfortunately I started the climb and started negotiating with myself about when to hop off and walk. 'Wow, this is easier this year. The track is smooth and tacky.'' So I kept climbing past all the walkers. Then there were the shouts from some of them "rider coming through" and my path was clear. Ego took over. I couldn't stop now they were all calling out to clear my path. I made sure at least I was in my easiest gear so I wasn't smashing my back.

Once over the top I slowed to make sure I recovered properly and then just kept a good rhythm till I hit the drink station. I filled a drink bottle and did some back stretches then off I went. The next 20km or so was uneventful with most of it at a good speed in the big ring without much stress on my body.

I arrived at the halfway point in 2:35 which was right on target and was feeling great. I filled the Camelback with water and Gatorade powder and off I went. I used the next couple of km to eat my vegemite and honey sandwiches as the road is smooth. Normally I use plastic zip lock bags for my food but always fumble about trying to open them and get my fingers in with gloves so this time I broke my golden rule and tried something in an event I hadn't tested in training - paper bags. "Oh crap" I thought when I realised the bags had fallen apart from my sweat. I ate sweat sandwiches!

Once at the top of the gentle climb I was on the Great Northern Road we all ride regularly so was ready to smash myself. Early on though I felt crook so had to take it easy which was annoying. It was my first time through there on a hard tail and it wasn't too bad but Shepherds Gully wasn't as exciting as it is on a Dually.

I arrived at the 70km feed still looking good to achieve my 5hr target and kissed my wife and baby and filled a drink bottle then decided to wade through the river as there were a few in the queue waiting to ride. It didn't impress the spectators but my wife told me later it would have been slower to ride due to the queue.

On the road section to the next climb I started feeling sick. I took it easy up the climb but kept feeling like throwing up. My legs felt fine and I was able to stand on the pinch climbs but was definitely in the hurt box. At about 80km I started walking the climbs and could no longer eat or drink without throwing up. It was very disappointing to have to ride very slowly to the end of the event when my legs were feeling ready to go for it.

I finally reached the finish, grabbed a beer and inhaled it. My nausea had gone.

Oh well, I hadn't achieved my goal but that's what keeps us training! Maybe next year?