Mont 2009- So good!

First of all.....best 24hr race I've done so far!

When I first arrived late on Friday night I thought it was going to be a miserable weekend. It was pouring when Gary and I arrived and it was an adventure getting to the campsite itself! A rear wheel drive car with sporty tarmac tyres and little ground clearance are not a good combination on muddy fireroads. We gingerly drove up past the Race HQ area with the traction control light pretty much constantly on. Then we hit a section where the fireroad sloped off to the side. We then proceeded to slide sideways towards the ditch. Just held on and waited for the ditch to stop us which it did. Then we continued to fishtail our way back up only the middle of the track. After more sliding we eventually got to the campsite and set up camp. It was extremely wet at this stage so I thought it was going to be pretty nasty the next morning.

Woke up early the next morning and it was still fairly damp. Gazza went out and did a recce lap and said the track was damp with minimal mud! Unbelievable! Tien managed secure the first lap yet again so I had many hours of sitting around as I was going fourth. The running start was hilarious as always. We have to get Tien on some running training in the future as Craig totally dropped him on the sprint Poor Steve 01 lost his bike and had to start at the back of the pack.

Finally my turn for a lap in the afternoon. Off I went up the fireroad at a comfortable pace and into the singletrack. I felt a little uneasy on this first lap as I wasn't quite into the rhythm yet. I felt quite puffed throughout the lap as I was losing too much momentum in the corners from braking too much. Sprinted to the finish in a time of 56min. Track was a lot of fun but it was hard work.

I had an early dinner and had a rest ready for my double night laps at around midnight. To my surprise Don turned up at camp while I was still getting ready. He had got food poisoning from dinner and had thrown up 10 times in one lap so called it a night after one lap! It took me 9 min to get ready and get back to transition to start my double lap early. First night lap was awesome.....I just spun it very slowly and was really enjoying it. Crossed the line in 1hr 1min ride time. Officially 1hr 10min with the delay. Up the fireroad again for the second night lap. All was going very well until about half way through the lap. I was heading downhill at a fair tack through the trees when I clipped my handlebar on a tree. I went flying off the track much to the concern of the person behind me. Somehow I managed to escape any major injury. Only a small graze on my shoulder....thank you soft pine needles Unfortunately I had twisted the stem 45 degrees on the steerer so I had to waste a few minutes getting the tools out to re-align that. Rode the rest of the course more gingerly and crossed the line with a ride time of 1hr 7min. Officially 1hr 10min so I guess I spent 3min fixing my stem. I also got leg cramps as I got off my bike at transition. Funny how a sudden change of position can bring on cramps as there was no hint of cramps while riding. Hobbled over the line handed over to Gary.

After the double night laps I was stuffed! I had a whinge with Rob about how we couldn't imagine riding again in the morning. I only got a few hours sleep before I was woken up by all the activity around the campsite. I still did not feel keen for another lap. However as it got warmer I felt better and looked forward to doing another lap. Don went out and did a 57min lap which included 2 spews! Awesome lap Don.....unbelievable effort while still sick! Nick then did a lap and it was my turn to bring it home for the team. I had no chance of making it back before the cut-off so I took it relatively easy. This final lap was the best! The track was grippy and I got into a nice rhythm. I still spun it up the firetrail climbs slowly but I felt much faster through the trees. Stayed on my bike and crossed the line in 56min despite it being my fourth lap.

Thank you to my team: Rob, Tien, Gary, Nick and Don. Everyone put in and we had a great time on and off the track

Definitely a must do event in future if it stays at Sparrow Hill!