Buck's no training training regime

Well considering my total lack of training for various reasons this year this turned out OK. In the month leading up to today I had ridden to work twice, did a few laps at the Mont, 38km at Terrey Hills and two road rides which were both shorter than 70km! So the only goal today was to finish the race. Given the conditions leading up to the event I had thoughts of calling it quits after the canoe bridge even before we started

I started in the last group with Lozza and just cruised on down the road at a ridiculously slow pace. We must have been near last by the time we started walking up the hill. There Lozza was stuffed so I rode the rest of the race myself. There were no issues with the track up to the first water stop. It was a bit stickier than usual of course but no real issues with standing water etc.

The sections leading up to Clare's Bridge was very very wet in some sections. Huge pools of standing water. Legs were getting a bit tired from all the rock step ups leading up to the 50km mark though. I stopped a few times to stretch the legs out but fortunately never had any full on cramps at this stage. Rolled into the second water stop in around 3hr 20min.

The climb up past the temple was damn slow. It was all a bit of a struggle for me from here to Shepherd's Gully. Again I stopped a few times to stretch the legs out. The Shepherd's Gully descent was a hoot as always with pretty much a clear run for me. I did take it a lot slower this year though as the rocks were very wet and muddy. Onto the road and into the 70km stop.

This year's attempt at the canoe bridge was successful. I did come close to the edge and scare myself a few times but all good. Legs were buggered now though and I almost pulled the pin and turned back to St Albans. Onto Womerah Range which I dreaded. The continuous climbs hurt and I went for a lot of walks and stops. No issues here with water. Again it was a bit sticky in places but no real issues apart from the gradient! Onto Jack's Track and back onto the road. Some rider was being taken away in a ambulance when I got to the bottom so I hope he/she makes a speedy recovery. Over the river and onto the home stretch. Gave whatever I had left and crossed in a little over 7.5hrs.

So overall quite pleased with the result given my complete lack of training. I may make it easier on myself next time and do a little bit of training