Not bad for my first enduro

Thanks to Fi, Chocolate Foot and the Gardens I managed to score a free team entry into my first ever endurance race. Im a big fella and Im proud I managed to complete 4 laps. Im sure if you were there on the day and overtook me you would remember me well.

Times
55:43.5
51:20.4
54:22.4 (no water)
58:42.9

My Team nominated me Captain due to the fact that I got them free entry which then somehow defaulted me into starting the race. Straight to the back I went, my team mates got the fun job of defending our shade from the onslaught bottleneck start (This can be seen in the photo below). Starting way at the back may have been a mistake as by the time we completed the pre start lap I was back enough that I could no longer see the pentalon. This was a little embaracing but some comfort came from Fi and my team mates giving a "Go Tim" as I passed thru showing some support. Reaching the single track I had now caught back upto the Pentalon. The lack a race prep and warmup quickly hit and I was buggered and travelling slower than what Im used to. 2.5km in and I could see the leaders already returning through the log roll/big berm. By the time I reached the transition, 6 leaders had lapped me with their crazy 25min lap times! Was so pleased to tag my team mate and sit back down.

Lap 2 I was feeling alot better and did my best lap of the day.

Lap 3 I set out to breack 50mins but quickly realised in my eagerness that I forgot to take my water. I conserved the saliva I had for majority of the lap and still managed to pull off my second best lap.

Lap 4 I see my Team mate coming into transition and throw my leg over the bike and just as quick it cramps. I manage to get it stretched out before tagging my team mate and Im off to a slow start. I go to sit and realise my arse is now sore, I think to myself that maybe I should have bought some Aussie butt cream.
I slowly make my way to the finish feeling rather sore all over with the occasional cramps.

Highlights of the day were getting to test out my new RockShox reverb seat post for the first time.
Watching a rider in front of me pull off an amazing 2-3 metre hop just to avoid a little dirt mound.
Relaxing in the shade with prime view of the transistion zone.

I enjoyed the day verymuch and will do it again.