2007 Mont - Eat it up!

Let's start by saying first off that the Mont experience was a blast, and I'm definitely up for another 24 hour race next year.

Why it's necessary to start that way is that my report isn't a glowing rave about the weekend, but that's only because a number of rather silly episodes meant the cherry topped icing was missing from my Mont cake. Still, a tasty cake it was, so let's quickly summarise then zap through the events of the weekend (from a rather Rob'd slant - see Mont 24 Hour Wrap for more angles).

Summary

So here's how NoBMoB-ish teams managed:

MONT-y Python, 34 laps, 32nd/68 in Open Six Male
NoBMoB Monties, 31 laps, 47th/68 in Open Six Male
Team UFO, 17 laps, 66th/68 in Open Six Male

NoBMoB, 36 laps, 11th/47 in Open Six Mixed
NobMob Soft Shocks, 27 laps, 42nd/47 in Open Six Mixed

Friday

Woke up far too early (5:30) after going to bed far too late. Well, too late for me (small side note here that after suffering glandular fever in 2000 sleep has never been more important), but didn't see it an issue, what with camping for the next two days should get used to funny sleep patterns and getting up at the crack of dawn.

Issue number one came while packing the car - stupidly sliced a large hole in middle left finger while preparing (see Clumsy Cut for picture and more on that). For a brief moment thought that the weekend was over right then, but luckily this was patched up OK and off we went.

Arrived at the site, found the other guys, built a little more of the NoBMoB tent city and went for a practice lap:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/4315197

Easy as, eh? 38:31 of moving time (there were a couple of stops to wait for others and adjust seat) without really trying. Course was nice and smooth with nothing too tricky. Perhaps the section involving Paul's Pinch required most effort for the the pinch itself and concentration in the off camber sniggle then two slightly rough corners that followed. Still, this was a good sign.

Took a hot shower (nice facilities here) then ate as more people arrived. Quick beer and a very nice surprise from the gang who presented some bling and autographed map. Thanks all Early to bed (think 10-ish it was) thinking I'd be out like a light.

Hmmmm... contentious point and one not to dwell on, but sleep didn't come on 'til well past midnight due to 'lively' conversation from nearby campers. OK, so we're here to have fun and all, and that's why I didn't complain for over two hours. Those who bagged me for being a killjoy and all the rest for this - well - whatever. Suffice to say I'll bet at least one of you would have killed for an extra hours sleep then come 2:30am on Sunday!

Saturday

Bloody Cockatoos... 5:45am was it? Who knows, but it was bloody early so up we got.

Did some prep on the bike and with team help and an amazingly lucky find from Matt (who carries BB spacers in their toolkit?!) got the crosser sorted for a lap out. Nice lap it was too until that tricky section I speak of above. Slipped off line and had a less than graceful dismount. Chainring gouge in the thigh, crank or BB to the knee - ouch! Went to see the medics who obliged by cleaning said wound with a scrubbing brush to get the chain oil out. Hmmmm.... niiiice

Then came the race... singles to begin - Caro, Laurence, Whisperer, Rob. Nice lap which I forgot to start the timer for in the excitement of the first changeover - officially a 37:16. Tried to push a little on the climbs and firetrails but it was obvious the bumps of the downhill sections were going to take their toll on the injured finger. Grip wasn't what it should be and the bumping was irritating. Still, that last part of the course down to the finish was great, take what hops and jumps you can given the injury and come in smiling - this is good

Bruce, Shaun, Caro, Laurence, Whisperer, Rob. Dusk and time to head out with the lights. These laps were a bit slower (40:38 & 46:29), not really going for it as much and the bash to left knee was making itself felt on the climbs. Oh well, this run down to transition is still a hoot and given the now dark track and our plan to ride two at night gave the signal and was waved out for another lap. The next 2-3 minutes were fun, but with the springy memories of the final section fading fast reality hit. The left knee was hurting badly and finger was now complaining of every rut and root that the bars hit. Ouch! Let's just call this the low of the whole thing - 40 minutes or so of absolute agony ensued - uphill pain on the knee and downhill pain on the finger. Don't even think I managed any jumpy antics on the way in, gave the passport to Bruce and thought that was my race done!

Showered quick smart (was cold and wet by now) then headed to camp to eat (thanks Caro!) and drink (had been sweating far more than I thought). Told the guys I was in agony and sorry, but really this might be it. Took some painkillers and wondered off to the tent.

The night was a bit of a blur. Tried to rest and get comfy but just couldn't seem to manage. Am sure must have had some sleep but can't imagine how much. At various times heard people coming and going and Blondie's rant at 2:30am. Got up at one point and sat with Shaun and Gazza. Went back to bed and maybe got some more sleep.

Sunday

Really struggled out of the tent and wasn't feeling crash hot about riding. Took stock of the overnight achievements: Bruce and Shaun had both put in 4 laps, Laurence, Caro and Whisperer 2 each. My efforts were looking decidedly embarrassing. Took a short bathroom ride. Didn't feel so bad, looked at Bruce who was completely spent - this must have been me last night I thought. Had some food and more painkillers and decided to try for at least one more lap.

Whisperer, Laurence x 2, Rob. Lap 4 - phew - enjoyment again. Not too fast at 40:39 and it wasn't a breeze, but was far removed from the torture of the previous night. Bouncy fun on the way to transition to hand over. Particularly pleasing to take some big air on the final gully by the crowd - this is nice!

Shaun, Bruce, Rob. Lap 5 - another goodie, almost identical to lap 4 (40:15). Amazed at how fast the Elites are still coming by, banter with other rides, it's all good. Didn't nail the last gully jump quiet as well, but had some top fun elsewhere - this is more like it. Finished tired but feeling like another was on the cards if required.

Team tactics dictated the finish would be Caro, Whisperer, Laurence... in by 1 minute to give Shaun the final lap on which think he stole two places for us - nice one!

As Shaun was heading out camp NoBMoB began to come down. Many very tired people seemed very eager to pack up and head home. The weather was also turning ugly so that added to it. Sadly didn't stick around after the finish which I now regret. That said, getting home an hour or two later might not have been very nice either.

Looking back, pleasure and pain. But more than enough pleasure to make me want to return next time - and hopefully without injury there would be very little pain involved at all!