First Dirtworks (100k)

My first Dirtworks (and first 100k event) far exceeded expectations. Caught a lift with doc who was also up for his first dirtworks and after an easy drive up on saturday arvo we headed into St Albans which was packed with people and fancy bikes. We found a camp site and immediately bumped into Joe and another couple of familiar faces.

Had a relaxing evening punctuated only by a bit of stressing on my part about whether I was losing air in my new UST crossmark tyre which I'd just put on the rear. After a bit of faffing decided it would be fine and ended up running 30psi in the front and close to 40psi in the rear - much higher than normal but taking a punt that the lower rolling resistance would be worth it. As it got dark the mist rolled in and we were thankful for doc's tarp. I endured a bit of ribbing about my intention to start in the last group but with my expected time of over 7.5 hours I was not to be dissuaded.

The morning was warm and brought with it a massive queue for the toilets (trap for new players) and some amusing chat from the MC who certainly woke up anyone still slacking in bed. A few serious types were whizzing up and down the road spinning away and the sound of trainers could also be heard in the campsite. Nerves built up and a litle bit of 'why am I doing this' was also buzzing around in my head.

At the rider briefing doc and I realised we'd both left our transponders at camp but a quick retrieval by a mate doing the 50k saved the day and allowed doc to shoot off with the 2nd group just in time. When the final group of the MC's 'heroes' (for being willing to stay out for 8 hours plus - another why moment) were released we settled on a brisk but comfortable pace along the road until walking up the first killer hill which was pretty much as expected.

On the way to the hill I passed a bloke on a strange mini-wheeled bike that I think was this one: http://www.airnimal.com/Rhino.php . Quite bizarre but he seemed to be getting along alright! Dunno where he would find spare parts for that thing!

The high pressure in the tyres took a bit of getting used to with a nice slide around a t-junction at the base of the hill almost seeing me into the bushes (but not quite) and drawing a bit of comment from the firey directing traffic. The trail from 28 to 50 had some great sections I'd never ridden with great flowing (almost) single track over spectacular views. Had an interesting moment when a cleat came loose in my shoe on one of the most technical sections seeing my foot fly off the pedal. I managed to stay on the bike and from the side of the track where I tightened it back up I heard a couple of grunts and thuds of people stacking further up then limping past before restarting along with others whooping it up off the small drops.

From 50 to 70 I was on familiar ground and continued to pace myself based on my heart rate only allowing it over 160 for the more technical pinches on. I was feeling good and though quite a way ahead of my expected finish time (and worried about paying for it later) I thought I would plow on as the legs felt good and the heart rate was in check. This was another great bit of track which passed fairly uneventfully except for an almost tumble after being blocked by a stopped rider on a tech section and a very wobbly moment before my right cleat finally released and I got my foot down.

The run down Shepherd's gully was another first and another reminder than high tyre pressures are great on the flat stuff but makes things tricky when the going gets bumpier. In the top half a baby's head pinged my front off line and I veered off track but came to a stop without coming off. As I was getting sorted a train of riders came past and I tacked on to the end of the train. At this point things started to look a bit like a warzone with a couple of riders and their bikes scattered on the track attended by their mates causing the group to slow and go around and finally a rider limping off being supported by a couple of first aid people. Fortunately my early warning meant I was taking it pretty easy and there were no further dramas for me.

After a short road section the bridge came into the sight causing a little flash of terror. I was keeping stops as short as possible so after a refill I was soon in a very short line up to ride it. While I watched 2 of the 4 people who attempted it ahead of me ended up in the drink with one guy hitting the boards hard, getting up to try again, only to go in once and for all further along. At that point Grifter recognised me and said hello cheerfully mentioning that he'd seem at least half a dozen people go in while he'd been there!

When it was my turn I dropped the gravitydropper seatpost and unclipped and got going. After the little slope down to the bridge I kept my speed up and other than a slightly nervous moment when the front tyre bumped off the centre ridge between the planks all was well (and surprisingly easy). I was super relieved and excited to get the wristband at the finish.

The slog up the hill at 75k was as painful as expected and a bit of swearing between my fellow riders added some comedy to the frustration that arose each time a hill appeared after another false summit. Reaching Jack's Track was a great moment and it was hugely enjoyable flying down the fire trail with the skinny high pressure crossmark ensuring a little bit of extra excitement sliding over some steep concrete slabs which were overlaid by a good layer of dirt in the bottom sections.

On the road back I was overtaken by a few people who I had ridden ahead of on the dowhill as I slowed down for a bit of perpetuem from the water bottle (the mojo's cage is helpfully mounted on the downtube!) and although I tried to get on the back of the paceline I couldn't quite make it! Managed to get some reasonable speed by myself though and came over the finish line narrowly missing the massive pothole which caught a few people out and meant they completed the race off the bike.

Overall a great experience which I enjoyed far more than expected. Part of me expected that after the race I may never want to ride again but thankfully I cannot wait for the next one. Very surprised by my time and probably could have gone a bit harder but in a way happy I didn't as it meant the event was fun rather than too painful.