Best Fling Ever

What a day out - perfect weather, and tracks were as good as you are going to get for a race.

Firstly - credit to organisers of the Fling. This is the best run event that I have particapated in, great timing, well marked trails, stacks of volunteer support, great transition food, water etc - right down to after event entertainment and theme.

Well I have put in alot of specific training for this event, and its has paid off. My previous personal best being 5:50 at the Husky, which is not quite in the same category as the Fling. All this hill repeats had my legs feeling strong.

Race started fast, and I made my way into the first 30 or so riders quickly (remember no Elites at the start). Pace was fast 25km/h + but maintable, and I quickly realised my initial race timings were going out the window. Got to first transition is just over an hour, went to find my esky which we had positioned between race transition and the railway, to find it had disapperared. Felt a little bit shaken as it had all my mixed bottles. Got back on the bike and proceeded to the timing mat, and just refilled with event organisers fluids. No problems.

Second stage, felt great, because we had been training down here a bit, so knew all the single track and hills on the first 25km (red loop) really well. Being at front part of the field lent itself for fairly flowing riding with no holdups. Halfway hill - no problems - hill repeats work !! Got to the fast fire rode back to Wingello, and the Elites started coming through. Had our own train but some of us tried to jump on the Elite express, but boy those guys go fast and we were quickly dropped - back to the mere mortals.

Third stage - still had some left in the tank, but this was a hard stage. Fireroads and climbs were fine, but that out and back single track is not what you need with 85km in the legs. Had trouble here flowing and choosing the right line, as I had never ridden this section before. Not knowing the gearing for the steep pinches had me all over the shop gearing wise. As a result started to get twinges of cramps coming on, so just dropped down a few cogs, and things started to flow again. Jenny Faye past me around here in her purple leaders jersey, great to see her technique through this section - not problems at all for her.

And then what I call the grassy knoll. Not sure what Huw is thinking putting this in, but it either breaks you or signals that the finish cant be far. I took the second view, and suck down a gel got to the top, bit more single track, and then on the way home. Your choice - went left - all I wanted to do is get home quick, so 500m saving sounded good. Hit the fire rode, then the tarmac and thought its all over - but no - right hand turn back into farmland. I now was starting to get worried, but no need just 1km through some more paddocks to get to the finish line.

Had a great time out there, and its a good feeling knowing the time and commitment is starting to pay off.

To all the nobmobbers at the race - great efforts - some fast times by all this year by the looks of things.

Can't wait to next year !!