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2013 Highland Fling
Well I have been counting down to the Fling for what seems an eternity and was very pleased with preparation. Inspiration was not only coming from the impressive riding from the other SXC lads, but also wanted to erase the memory of not finishing well last year.
A cool day for the race was good in my book, taking dehydration out of the picture. But standing in the cold drizzle at the start chute, we cringed a little thinking ahead of the 100 milers heading out for their second loop of Wingello and wished for ourselves that rain would hold off till after the finish.
The Invisible helmet (not for Mountain bikers)
http://ilovebicycling.com/invisible-bike-helmet/
Thoughts?
imo, if they could make them very cheap they could be a great option for tourists and those who are just difficult and don't like to wear them.
Tough time at the Fling
In the lead up to this event I had seriously stepped up my training in the last couple of months and in the month prior I was on the MTB every weekend. The aim was to finish in 5hr30 which would have been a 20min improvement on last year.
The end result was finishing 10mins slower but with a higher overall and category placing, it was indeed a tough day.
Flung by the Fling!
My first words after finishing was "none of that was enjoyable".
My biggest mistake, and I had a few of them, was using this event as an excuse to get out on the bike more. Up until 6 weeks ago I'd put in only 200km since November last year. Between purchasing a renovator and attending to our little boy, now 18 months old, and our 3 month old baby girl their isn't much time left in the day. So that's the first excuse out of the way 
2013 Highland Fling
Back in June after having a break from all the races in the first part of the year I approached Anthony and Kyle for some ‘official’ help with training. After working out what races I was planning to do, come July, Kyle was set to coach me.
First Fling; good post injury ride!!
I was originally signed up for the 100km but a nasty accident a couple of weeks ago left me with 11 stitches in my chin and a busted shoulder. I was doubtful of racing at all, so decided to hedge my bets and do the 50km.
It was the first time I've done a 50km, with all my previous races being the 100km's.
Only one training ride in the two weeks leading upto the race didn't fill me with much confidence. The only ride I did was a slow lap of the dam to test the new wheels which had been express ordered to replace the tacoed ones after my crash.
Dubbo Gully/Great Northern Road
The meeting times are 'ready to ride'. If you need time to prepare equipment then please arrive a few minutes earlier.
Mangrove Mountain Shops
This will be my first ride back on the dirt after breaking my rib a few weeks ago so I won't be breaking any speed records. Plan is to do the Dubbo Gully loop heading up Donny's Trail on the way out. Ride's about 23/25km long.
PS: Don't take your bike off/out of the car at the meeting point as the ride starts down the road a little further and we will drive there.
First Full Fling
Well that was a race, as my first full fling ever and first race of any sort for a couple of years I wasn't planning on setting the world on fire.
Things got off to a bad start when the diff on my car destroyed itself somewhere near Campbelltown on the way up but the gods took pity on me. I took the bike out the back so people would know I was a rider and stuck my thumb out and literally 30 secs later a car pulled up with a spare rack on the roof and room for all of my crap. My new mate even let me sleep in the back of his wagon and gave me a lift home on Sunday: Simon, you're a legend!
Old Man's Valley update for 11 Nov
Hornsby MBT @HornsbyMBT
Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail is closed due to recent and forecast rainfall.
Please keep off the trail while wet to avoid damaging it.
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