Highland Fling 2014 - It doesn't get any easier

Well that is the Fling for another year, and as is the usual theme it is a massive day. Being the last marathon race of the season the lead up seems much bigger than for other events. Training had been excellent and after putting in a close to best ever ride at the Kowalksi Classic I was looking forward to a strong performance and to achieve some new highs.

I must have been feeling relaxed on the start line as the heart rate was not hinting any pre race nervousness. The start is often a little manic and I wanted to keep as close to the front as possible whilst not digging in. This was all good for the first few minutes, but at the first climb the leaders drew away as I spun up the hill and the split had formed. This is where the course varied from previous years and another solid climb presented itself and spread everyone out a little further. The leaders were now out of sight including SXC Team mate Michael Faretta, and a second group settled in on the undulating firetrail through the new sections of the course. The paddock bash sections were as bumpy as ever, but fortunately the teeth clattering did't seem as tedious. The roll into Wingello continued at a steady pace without any memorable highlights other than the large clouds of dust to try and see through when navigating the newer single track. It was hard to pick a line at times with the reduced visibility so I decided to push ahead and get some clean air. Stage 1 was soon over and with the extra climbing on this years course, the split time was a little slower than previously.

Stage 2 into the Wingello Forest was calling and our loose group rolled down from transition. A few extra climbs were now part of the course early in this section and at this time Big Steve on the singlespeed was questioning whether he had chosen the best gearing. Didn't seem to be slowing him down though as he powered on and kept me company as has been the case in the last few marathons - Thanks Steve. The climb back up towards Wingello base camp spread everyone out again and I headed off the front into the regular red loop single track. I had a clear run and was really enjoying the trail. Managed to catch Garry James just before Caoura Rd and we lamented that SXC Team mate Dicko was not part of the action today. The trail was clear ahead and behind but as we hit the next single track section the lead bunch of Elites were upon us and riding sweetly. I seemed to lose concentration and rhythm after yielding track and had to work back steadily up the Wall as Gary showed his usual climbing strength. Fellow riders were now well spread but I seemed to be getting slower when a sizeable twinge of cramp was upon me as headed through Tangles. What was going on ?? I havent experienced cramp for a while but had been feeling some tightness, and at this early stage it was not a good sign. Got to keep up the fluids and hope I can manage from here.

Anyhow, topped up the drink bottle at the halfway station ( after losing a bottle earlier in the red loop ) and Big Steve joined me again....Bravo ! This year was on par for the usual internal battles as the slog through the later sections of Stage 2 continued to challenge. The pace ebbed and flowed and was riding mostly on my own until almost back to the fire road to pick up with Sam Moffit on the 100 Mile epic. Then along with Mike Israel and his buddy Rob we rolled turns back to transition at Wingello.

Reloaded at transition and was thinking about keeping it together for the next 90 minutes and holding or improving my position in the field. At best I thought I was in 5th position, but it was many hours back since I had seen the leaders and didn't know who else was ahead. I had finished strongly picking up other riders late in the race at the Kowlaski and would have liked to repeat the performance if I could, but also had to manage the cramps today. Our little bunch rolled out for Stage 3 with Big Steve now back in contact and we chugged along. Once we hit the single track I felt we were letting the pace slide so I pushed ahead a little but soon had to stop pedalling as a hammy spasmed and I had to fall back in behind Mike for the switchback climb. It took some time for it to let go, but fortunately I managed to hold the wheel and spin it out as we headed up to the forest section. Troy Glennan was dangling ahead of us on the fire trail and I decided we should pick him up and then hopefully up the pace a bit more. So I pushed ahead and was surprised when no one else followed and further when I rolled ahead of Troy on my own. Before I knew it there was a significant gap behind but could I keep away to the finish ? Through the next part of the course I had some good momentum over the private property section. The Half Fling traffic was becoming more frequent and the Rollercoaster won the battle over my legs for the last steep pinch. I was using the granny ring and was not happy when I had to stop for the third time to lift the chain back onto the ring. Then I spied Tristan White up ahead as we approached Brokeback Mountain. What a surprise as I offered some encouraging words at the top of the climb as he was fighting his way home after a few early mishaps.

The finish line was now close, I had to keep going and couldn't see anyone behind as I took the long route at Your Call with cramps in mind. I kept spinning down the road and onto the last grassy section, almost there ! It was fantastic to come into the finish shute to some welcome cheers from Michael, Ian and Minter.

The Fling never fails to challenge more than the other marathons, and with the harder and longer course this year it was pleasing to finish well with personal best overall position. Congratulations to all the riders, whether long time veterans of the Fling or out for the first attempt. Thanks to the volunteers and organisers for another very well run event. And a very big thanks for the support from my SXC Racing Team buddies and riding friends, it has been a wonderful racing season.

See you on the trails !