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Dirtworks 2009 100km


Buck's picture

By Buck - Posted on 03 May 2009

Re: This ride meeting: 
Dirtworks Classic 2009
Status: 
Finished
Time: 
06:38:09
Position (Overall): 
348
Race Category: 
100Km/Male/Open
Position (Category): 
44

Well this turned out to be a better effort than my previous 100km efforts. I had been a bit lazy on the training since the Mont so I had no idea how prepared I was.

I started in the 2nd group on the freezing foggy startline with Tien and Sean. Sean immediately dissapeared into the fog so Tien and I continued on as a pair. Soon enough we go to the massive hill. I turned around and Tien was not there so I continued to push up the hill myself. Many steps later I got to the top and continued on. Got to the 28km mark and pushed on without stopping. Got into the 50km stop in 2hrs 45min which was a bit fast in hindsight. Here I bumped into Sean, Whisperer, Cupcake and Don.

After filling up my camelbak and bottle I headed on up the hill past the Buddhist temple. Here is where I realised I may have pushed a little hard and my legs were not feeling the best. I got caught by Cupcake when I got to this rock section:
Drop or Roll?
I struggled on up and down all the technical rocky sections. Finally I got to Shephard's Gully. This was crazy fun and I managed to overtake a few people down there. I was a bit cautious where Rob managed to open his arm up last year! Onto the canoe bridge where I found a massive queue. The problem I believe was that various people wanted to ride it to get their wristbands which caused delays. Bruce and I were standing there for around 10min.

And then onto Womerah Range. I was feeling pretty damn stuffed by now. I rode up half of the first climb and then decided to walk to rest. The rest of the track up to the Jack's track was all a bit of a struggle. Legs were on the edge of cramping and I walked anything that resembled a hill. I was very relieved when I got to Jack's Track finally. This was shortlived though as I managed to get a puncture down Jack's Track. The Stan's sealant was a bit old in the tyre so it did not seal. So I had to spend a few minutes putting in a tube. I was quite annoyed as I thought I was on schedule for a 6.5hr finish. Tube in and I continued down to the road. I then pushed as hard as I physically could to the finish.

Time was 6hrs 38min which I am still pleased with. I guess the commuting to work has paid off a bit. Guess I'll keep it up as I'll need the training for the Angry Doctor!

lozza6's picture

I did warn you just prior to the race that your stans would be expired! Shocked

well done!

craigs's picture

Thats awesome Ben, you must be pleased with that!!

ar_junkie's picture

Great result Ben, well done!

Given that your first 100km was less than 8 months ago, and your times have improved by about an hour each time you race, sub 5 next DW? Eye-wink

Buck's picture

Thanks guys Smiling

Loz....in hindsight I should have topped up the Stans. The night before the race I was shaking my tyres around and could not hear any sloshing. So I knew it was old but thought I'd risk it! Stupid me Sticking out tongue

As for being labelled a 'roid boy?! No that label is left for the crazies like Gav and Steve doing sub 5hrs! Steve 01/02/03 surely did some sort of relay at the water stops Laughing out loud

But biggest congratulations must go to Blondie/Stuart/Jay/Andy/Pikey who all crossed the finish line together and were all still smiling after a social 100km race.

PS: Blondie did state that she will never do 50's again! 'roid girl Sticking out tongue

Nick R's picture

I reckon at least 50% of the people that I know who rode yesterday had punctures or sidewall tears, including me Sad

UST tyres with fresh sealant next year I think..

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