Killing me softly - but O so worth it!

As with most races, the last couple of days before the actual event is almost as draining as race day...
From having organised transport, date/time of departure by Wednesday, I came to the realisation that Killingworth was not just over an hour way. This threw a spanner in the works as the idea of travelling through on Sunday morning suddenly lost its appeal. This also resulted in me changing the departure date of the Midnight Express (That's Midnight Black not Blue Rob ) to Saturday but unfortunately leaving Gazza in the lurch. Apologies again mate!

So Whisper; Supagav and myself met up at the track on Saturday arvo for a couple of practise laps as we were all Killingworth newbies. After the first lap we were all grinning from ear to ear for despite the fact that there were a few damp spots on the course, it was one of the most 'flow-ie' courses I've ridden in while. With most of the course consisting of single track, a few gentle climbs, bridges (wooden and mesh) and a bit of techie stuff, this course was going to produce some quick times... Top marks to the course setter(s)! I think the only reason we stopped on Saturday afternoon was because we were running out of light.

After registering we decided to set up a NoBMoB transition area for race day. After a short walk down the track (just past transition) Steve had noticed a large area (while scouting the course earlier) off to the left that:

• would cater for all NoBMoBers that were racing
• provide some entertainment as racers came speeding through an small s-bend, complete with tree roots and a large crater mid track...

Needless to say, I think we had the most spacious setup complete with a monster tarp! Carlgroover (or is it Grover ) reckons he has a bigger tarp, but I reckons it was simply tarp envy... Steve had also brought along some fashionable pink surveyors tape that helped us to mark out a plot. Cupcake would later approve...

As it was now dark and cold, we headed off to our "Boutique Accommodation" in Speers Point, which was rather, err, 'different' to other places I've stayed at. After my Navman sending us on a scenic route there, we got to our destination that seemed to cater more to the patrons of the bar than those booking in for the night. After signing in (at the counter of the pub), settling into our room, and having a meal, we headed off to bed. After 20mins of listening to the live band (which I think was directly beneath our room) I drifted off to Club Duvet... Unfortunately Steve and Gav found the party vibes too enticing and were up until 1am (as a DJ had taken over from band). It was around that time when Steve decided to go and have a little 'whisper' to the manager...

Returning to Killi just after 7am we located the other NoBMoBers that had driven up (and probably had more sleep than Steve and Gav in the end). With some of John's tent poles, we transformed NoBMoB Corner into NoBMoB Castle. After a bit of competition banter between NoBMoB teams it was game on!

The start was as always, fast and tight as the race started on the graded firetrail and then funnelled into the narrow trail at the transition. Leading the pack was most of the 8hr solo guys (who seemed to keep up that pace throughout the day) followed closely by my Scummer's team mate Gav, with the Lap Dancers in hot pursuit.

My first lap resulted in an OTB while on flat single track (my pedal must have connected a small stump in the grass alongside the track)... I thought I had just done a bit of damage to my right thigh but today has highlighted a bruised rib and shoulder) and my 2nd lap resulted in an off the side-OTB while climbing a short rocky hill... I was beginning to see a pattern developing...

As with any lap course, congestion was at times a wee problem, but generally it was still a great smooth course. The damp areas that we spotted the day before, slowly evolved into boggy speed traps and seemed to sap any rhythm you may have built up. In the end it just made for more interesting route choices and passing opportunities.

By the end of the race all of us were pleased with the day's racing and socialising. It's a shame I only experienced (and enjoyed) Killi just before it's 'retirement' but looking forward to Awaba.

Again top marks to HMBA for producing and maintaining a great track. And thanks to Bright Orange and the other sponsors for such a great event.

Looking forward to the next one!