First Full Fling

This was my first Full Fling after doing the Half last year. I had memories of hurting after 40km last year so wasn't sure what to expect this year but I'd spent a lot more time on the bike in preparation.

Thursday before the event I decide to commute on my 29er hardtail just to make sure there are no issues. On my journey home I discover that my bottom bracket is stuffed - great! Turns out it's actually eaten part of the carbon frame so its a warranty claim. Plan B is to get the 26" dually out.

Race day, get to the start and decide to hang a few rows back from the rest of the guy's (Brian, Michael, Dave, Steve) as I don't want to go off to fast and burn up trying to stick with them. First section went by nicely and I probably should have gone a little harder. Quick stop at the first transition to grab some food and then get going again, second section proved to be much harder but still fairly enjoyable with the exception of the half way hill, the legs (and body) felt fairly flat at this point, only once did I really get out of the saddle the rest of the time just choosing to spin the legs. Got to the gravel road and there wasn't anyone to work with so slogged on through that, a couple of groups went past but I didn't have the legs to grab on. I was grateful at having ridden this section just a couple of weeks prior so at least I knew what to expect and when. Was hanging on for the 2nd transition and once there I stopped for a toilet break and drink refills. Set off on the third and final leg hoping for around 1 and half hours as I had got to transition at just under 4hrs which was my aim. It wasn't to be, had nothing left and didn't push too hard, again hardly getting out of the saddle, had a few twinges of cramp at the start of the section but was able to work it out, somewhat surprising having suffered badly in the previous marathon events. Broke back mountain was exactly that and then the little technical sections just to test your concentration towards the end were very slow, the last section ended up taking almost two hours. Thoughts of eating had pretty much gone out of the window on the last section which I'm sure didn't help as I had been pretty good on eating regularly until that point.

My aim was 6hrs so overall pretty happy to have come in just under that. It was a good but hard day out.

Thanks to all the guys for the training rides leading up to it, now the aim is to keep it going for next year!