Blowing like a Pornstar

Coming into the Fling it had been touch and go whether I would race as I didnt have a bike, however that was solved one week out from the race which was fortunate, however having not touched the MTB in 3 months since August, I was definitely out of shape on the MTB front, however I still had some goals, which was a Sub 5 Hour Fling.

Up early on Sunday, drove down and rego'd and dropped bottles at the Oval, watched the Non Elite's start and then went and warmed up and got into the start box for the Elite Mens race, basically apart from Jason English, a who's who of Marathon Racing. I knew the start would be quick and it didnt disappoint. Unfortunately I lost a bottle very early on before the first water crossing, until i caught Tate and he passed me some of his bottle which helped but wasnt enough. I made the transition within the hour, so a decent 27kph average. Took the full 5 mins at Transition, sorted my seat post slipping issues and took on some water to try and re-hydrate and new bottles on board.

The fireroad drag into Wingello was good, hammering above 40kph on the fireroad and I was giving Imogen Bailey a good tow as well, got to the first section of singletrack and unfortunately lost a bottle on the sniggle, a spectator went and grabbed it for me which was good and then sure enough on the decent before the berg a bottle came out again, cue a few minutes lost messing around in the bushes looking for the bottle, annoying to say the least. However I was still averaging 25kph and picking up places very quickly which was good. I even cleaned the wall as well, which was great.

I however started to pay the price for the lack of hydration in the first hour when I hit the hills in the 2nd stage, I tried to take on more liquids but it just wasnt going to be sufficient and I knew I would blow up and cramp, but it was just a case of when, my average speed came down to 22kph. I got to the transition and again took on water, bottles and something to eat quickly.

The 3rd stage was murder, I really suffered from not having anyone to do the work with on the really windy fireroads and wasted a heap of energy pushing through there, I managed to hook up with Imogen again and was about to sit in and compose myself but got some bushes caught in the rear wheel and had to stop. During the fireroad I felt the first signs of cramps coming on, sure enough half way through the roller coaster, I blew like a pornstar, calf's and quads were locked solid with cramp and I spent a good 5mins stretching those out and getting some fluids into me. I would go as far to say I was close to being delirious at that stage as I cant remember much other than I know I rode all of Brokeback and the Grassy Hill but that was it.

Crossed the line in 5h22mins, 25th in elite mens and 98th overall, I beat my 2010 time by over an hour which I guess is pretty decent. Overall I am pleased but there is a hint of disappointment as well. I could of been under 5 hours if it wasnt for the bottle losses and lack of fluid, I think that could of made all the difference.

A special thanks goes to Supergav for the loan of the Flash 29er, that bike is truly awesome and from a power point of view, I loved being able to get out of the saddle and feeling all the power going straight to the ground, it made a hell of a difference for a roadie like me. Cheers Gav, I really appreciate it.

Well done to everyone on here for racing and taking part, Brian, Garry, PS, 01 all had great times.