Improving

Lap 2 of 3... although I didn't quite get lap 3 finished due to the downed rider at 19th Hole.

I'm happy that I posted an improvement, and pleased that it came on lap 2 by a minute and a bit as well.

My flow on the Golf Course singletrack sections was definitely improving, and by lap three I was rolling a lot more smoothly and staying off the brakes through the flat twisty bits in the first half. Thanks Rob for the tip.

What is apparent is that I need to pay more attention to nutrition during the ride. Didn't take on nearly enough. The third time around, I only got halfway up Heartbreak Hill when the legs just stopped listening to me tell them "Shut up, legs!"

The tank starting to go empty might also have been a contributor to a lapse in concentration and going OTB, after getting baulked a little by a stopped rider at the entrance to one of the golf course descents.

Stopped riders in awkward spots at the Dam are a fact of life and you need to be able to cope with them. This time I didn't. OTBs ain't fun and the only thing more embarassing than having an audience was fronting the medical centre to get some sutures inserted in the cut in my chin.

Overall: I'm pleased the trend is continuing in the right direction.