Husky 100km 2012

2nd attempt at a 100km and first finish, my aim was simply to not have a DNF against my name and be somewhere between 6 and 7hrs. Mission accomplished!

Set off in the second open group and the pace felt quite comfortable - thought I could handle 100km of this but then came the mud and memories of the 50km last year.

The group soon spread out after about 10km and I found myself chopping and changing with a couple of riders over the next 30km. I'd stopped at the first feed station for a quick banana and gel and got back on it, at around 40km the guy I was riding with blew up so I was on my own for a bit. I was concious of how long the first 50km was taking and thought this was gong to be a long day. By this point I'd already had a couple of mud baths and each time I stopped the legs objected to the change in movement by getting tighter. Made it to the second feed station but it had been slow going and the legs cramped at this point, quick refill with some shotz and off again. Was happy to see the 70km mark which spurred me on only for a few K as I found myself getting off the bike and feeling a whole lot of pain in my legs and my neck (that results from the stack at the Convict).

Once back on the bike I decided I was better not stopping at the next feed station and just keep going, it came and went and from that point things seemed to get better, or maybe my brain was just ignoring any pain. Got to the 90km quickly and had my final mishap when the front wheel went without notice and slammed me into the ground. Had some company for the last 10km or so which helped keep things moving and gave some encouragement to give 100% till the finish.

Riding time was 5hr43 so in summary without the cramp and the two extra stops I had trying to find my gels (which seemed to be hiding in my jersey pocket) I possibly could have saved 7mins to get under 6hrs, that can be the challenge next time. A shot of confidence is also required after being quite slow on some of the singletrack but the brakes were feeling rather soft (must be all that mud/water)!

All in all happy to have finished and with the time.