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The Yip Yips do the Perth MTB 6hr
First off, this is an annual event for the Perth MTB to get us motivated for the upcoming 12hr (night event) in December. For the 6hr, the track is 11km.
Ian & I entered the event as a mixed duo and both had great days on the bike but more about our times later.
Saturday I ensured we had all our food, clothes, bikes & whatever else we needed ready. I had my raisins, bun w jam, drinks for pre, during & post riding and felt i was ready. I'd memorized the course and knew where i'd take my powergel, speed up etc. I'd done my training laps and had a rough idea of my ETA.
Sunday came and I wasn't as nervous as last year. Breakfast(scrambled eggs, toast w marmite) was easy to eat!!! Normally i've got bad butterflies but i managed to calm myself sat night & sun am. Packed ourselves & ventured off. Set ourselves up with friends of ours & felt at home. We were there to enjoy the day!
And they were off! Ian did the first lap with the crowd and I set off to go pee(a few times). Sure enough Ian rocked through the timing zone at the expected time but with the words "I have a mechanical" ..Ignored that & ventured off
First smidgen bit of the course is on fire road then it hits singletrack. I was feeling pretty good and my legs were happy. I'm so glad I have my rudy Project sunnies as everything seemed clearer than when I wear my glasses...Anywho, uphill then the cool downhill section and I want to hug whomever put a B line round the one logover I don't quite get yet!!! YAYA!!!!
I felt the butterflies were with me as I kept my speed at a reasonable pace and managed cornering ok. THe rocky sections were tons of fun(not tons of rocks..) and felt i was in the right gear. Last section is rutted and still no clue how to get through it but gave it a shot.
Ah, the end! Fire road then through the pines & up the path to the timing poing. Wahoooooooooey..I did my first lap in 49min:40 seconds!!! Ok, it might be slow but I can improve!
Ian set off & I had about 30min to put my legs in the air, drink a bit of water & eat some raisins.
Second lap-not bad at all, didn't get in anyone's way. Came back feeling I hadn't worked hard enough..:o 51min:17seconds...
Drink, eat 1/2 jam sandwich & put legs up.
Third lap I went for it as best I could. I pushed myself up the fire road and other sections. I even had a compliment from some guy behind me when i passed him going uphill. Something around the lines of "gee where'd you get the power from??" tee hee! You get the picutre
Ok, third lap was the slowest but it felt pretty good 51min:21sec.
All in all, I had a ton of fun & met my goal of 3 laps. Next year 4? I'll work on it...
Here are a few pics-one from the start of the day & at the end of my 3rd lap.
