An interesting ride at the back of the field

Last year I rode with a mate who pulled out at the half way point, so in the ensuing year I’m pretty sure that I bugged him on no less than 1000 separate occasions that he had unfinished business that needed to be completed and that I would see to it that he entered and barring terminal mechanical or physical failure that he finished this race.

Race day dawned and it was immediately apparent that we would not be blessed with a repeat of the hot and humid conditions of last year and it was going to be a perfect day (and I do mean day) for a bike race, line up with my buddy at the back of the pack, the gun goes off (it actually failed to fire) and we head off and just before we hit the first corner its then that I remember that I have left my tubes, pump and tool kit on the front seat of my car.. so I tell my buddy to ride ahead as I’m heading back to get my stuff and not too worry as I will catch up.

So this year I pretty much started absolutely dead last, after a few K’s I catch up with my friend and we begin our slow day long ride through the green hills and sweet smelling pine forests of the southern highlands.

In previous years before I discovered that training for events actually pays off on race day, I would be one of the many at the back of the field doing it tough and arriving at the finish line all but spent, (last year I arrived caked in salty dried sweat and about ready to lie down and die) but this year with the pace being set by my friend who was clearly not enjoying his day (he did manage a smile about an hour after we had finished) I arrived at the finish line fresh.

Yesterdays race provide me with an opportunity to ride at a very relaxing pace with many stops and time to sit in the shade and be a spectator for a while and I got to actually enjoy every aspect of the full 110K’s rather that just surviving and missing the scenery and “ambiance” of the country side.. heck even the grassy hill was kinda fun this year!

So basically we cruise the course, not a lot happens, It was a fun "full" day out supporting a friend.

Next year I’m thinking it’s time for the 100M fling for me.