Rain, thunder, hail, sunshine & good fun-my 6hr report

[crazycanuck]

We did the Perth MTB 6hr yesterday & oh boy was it interesting. We really didn't want a repeat of last years weather (it POURED the whole day) & sent subliminal messages to the weather all week . It only rained a smidgen bit a few days leading up to the race but Saturday night.. It POURED..Good thing we'd purchased some harty safety wet weather jackets

In terms of being prepared, yep, all ok there. Nutrition check, hydration check, bike check..Wet weather riding skills, hmm..almost check. HTFU..need some..

My goal was three laps of the 12.5km loop & each in 1hr. First lap, the sun was basically out & conditions not too crazy wet! The trail conditions were great, the pea gravel was nice & smooshy, the rocks not too slippery & the log overs manageable. A couple of sections made me realize that my hill repeats, intervals & hill rides have all been worthwhile. I think my first lap made me realize that i'm not as unfit as i think. One off going uphill on a rocky section but otherwise ok.I was happy at the end & was ready for the next one.

Second lap, the weather was unsettled & had no idea if the dark clouds I saw were going to actually eventuate into anything. I had two rain jackets with me & picked my red one as it's a bit more durable. Good choice as I would find out Started off & about 3km in, it started to rain then a thunderclap then of all things..HAIL!! I thought..hmm..interesting & wondered how it would fare from there. I kept going but was a tad bit more cautious & knew i'd just have to be careful on some sections.

I really don't know what happened on the second half of this lap but i believe I just lost all confidence riding over wetter tech sections after the downpour. In retrospect, I think stopping & gathering my thoughts would have been a good idea but didn't. No idea what happened next as I was riding along at a nice speed but all of a sudden I was on the ground-hit my whole right side was even more. I then eneded up walking for a bit as i was shaky & hard to get some good momentum for the uphill section I was about to go through. F(*&^$^#^#^ FH$$&$H#$H$HH. I made it to the end of the lap in 1hr 10.

I really wanted to do a third lap but I second guessed my ability and thought if i had another off i'd probably hurt myself even more! Ian went off & as he passed by our section on his lap, he called out for drink, energy gel as he was thinking of doing a 4th lap as he's faster & would have time.

All up, we did 5 laps combined but weren't out there to go crazy crazy hard.

I think the 6hr's a good training tool for the upcoming enduro events though & will probably look at it that way. I now need to work on the mental game & riding in adverse conditions. Mental game will my enemy at the 12hr but would to have it as a friend.

Tons o fun & great lessons learnt. A pic of us at the end.

[Trekhawk]

Congratulations CC!

Don't be too hard on yourself the conditions yesterday were terrible. The hail would be enough to put me off. I only managed to sneak out for a quick walk with the dog between hits of hail and massive downpours. YOU DID WELL!

[Biciclista]

ew, look at their knees!!!
you guys are TOUGH!

[channlluv]

ew, look at their knees!!!
you guys are TOUGH!

+1

Wow! You guys play rough down there.

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

The knees? Um, that's normal for mtn biking.. In mtn biking it's not if you're going to fall but WHEN!!!

One of our bike shop dudes completely tore off his left handlebar & knocked himself out but I think he's otherwise ok.

[gnat23]

Hahah! I think I get the idea that it was ok funwise, but you're still not selling me on it.

Nice work, though!! Great to see the hill repeats do pay off!

-- gnat!

[crazycanuck]

THis pic sums up my second lap

http://www.circlework.com.au/lightbo...e-WA&start=630

[Tri Girl]

Yowzie!!! You're one tough cookie!!! Congrats on your race. I'm super impressed.

I like the second picture- especially the bunny ears. I think you're studly for getting 2 laps in. I don't know if I would've made it. Sounds like a really fun time, and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!!!

[pinkbikes]

Well done CC! It's the ones that are so tough at the time that you really look back on and feel so pleased with yourself for putting yourself out there. I bet it's starting to feel good already! Fantastic!

[indigoiis]

Those are great pics and it looks like so much fun! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!

[ivorygorgon]

That looks like loads of fun! And you two look so cute. Now I want to do a ride like that.