Drove
up on Sat. A few easy sighting laps (in
the full light of day, this time) reveal the course to be essentially the same
as 2013. What a lovely circuit. Like last year – but even more groomed, and buffed
preposterously clean by leaf blower – finally a purpose for such obnoxious contraptions.
Caught
up with Varx at Port Mac in the late arvo.
Then back to Taree for steak, chips, and a couple of light beers. Only a phone call from The Mudge saves me from
a stout chaser. In tent by 9:30. Interweb magic allows an update on how Giles
is faring in the NorthFace100. Ahead of
schedule is a good sign. Can’t sleep so intermittently follow the Giro on CN.
Best
bird came early – Russet-tailed Thrush on call from the sleeping bag. A first.
Super
cold in the am (= sleeping bag a bit thin?).
Slumber visions of starting in thermals and long fingered gloves prove unfounded. It heats up fast, despite the sun struggling. I start without both, or any gloves for that
matter (not the worst thing I could have forgotten).
Usual
bottleneck after the opening fire-road gallop.
Like cyclocross, in mountainbiking the sprint is at the start. A handicap, but I struggle holding the wheel
as it is. I think I’m faster once I get
my eye in, but then fatigue blunts that anyway.
Luckily I still enjoy my version of flow.
I
settle into a rhythm. Someone on my
wheel knows my name. We chat. It’s the rapidly improving Cory Dimmer – also
in my category. We swapped positions and
polite banter a few times last year in the hilly round at Orange where he won
the Clydesdale prize (= fastest rider with combined weight (including bike) of
110 kg). Big, strong and with superior
skills. This essentially flat course better
suits him. I’m holding him up but he explains
he’s happy on my wheel, learning to “pace thyself”. The track is a real joy to ride, especially
with good company. I put in the odd subtle
dig, but am easily matched. Focus on the
long game.
Fourth
time through transition and the p.a. reports that Cory is running 5th
in Masters. I’m 2 meters in front of
him, which means I’m running 4th, or thereabouts. Half way through the next lap I continue our
conversation only to discover that Cory’s been replaced by someone else. I later found out that Cory had to ease off
as his front brake caliper rattled loose on the fork, which he tightened at the
next pit.
I
ponder whether perceived “squishing-out” on corners is loss of pressure. Was 24 psis in the rear too few? Or was there a more obvious problem. Prior to the start the rear wheel had 41
bleed points (I counted them), including a freshly removed thorn. Should I don fresh rubber before or after I inflict
a slash that sealant won’t plug?
Maybe
two laps later Master Welch, who this season is running pairs with Mike Israel
(thank goodness on both counts!), informs me I’m running third with McAvoy 7
minutes up the track, leaving 3 hours to catch him. I squeeze out two quicker laps. The second will be my quickest for the day. Who in tarnation am I kidding?
Myself,
obviously. I’m now having splutterings
in the engine and gut departments. Feeling
periodically bloated even though I’m drinking less than usual. Must be the wrong combination of
potions. I spend the last 2 hours
feeling toasted. No hint of cramp, just
trashed.
Not
my best outing (too much of life on the beer), but an enjoyable days racing
none-the-less. McAvoy finished 15 min
ahead, and that Central Coast hard man, Adams, almost lapped me to take the
category and 4th outright.
I’m bumped to third (11th outright) because that ever-young
James is now granted his own Supermasters category. He almost lapped me as well! Bridgland, who was running 3rd for
a good chunk of the day also had a mechanical after which he struggled to find
the speed he’d shown earlier in the piece, finishing 10 min adrift. Dimmer finished only a few mins behind him. So many finishers on 14 laps!
At
the pointy end, McDonald and English (16 laps) stormed past me on my 6th
outing. At this point it was shadow
boxing and occasionally gritted teeth. They
next passed me on my 12th, but by this stage English had a few
minutes buffer. Smooth as silk, to Ed
looking a little ragged. I’m also
ragged, but crawling by comparison! Apparently,
with three to go it was agreed that the honeymoon was over and it was time for
full-blown fisticuffs with a not totally surprising outcome, although one gets
the impression that Ed is slowly closing the gap. Hats off to both.
Another
fine-vibe edition of Chocy Foot. Looking
forward, albeit with trepidation, to doing it all again at what is promised to
be a more white knuckle experience at Mogo.
What are you doing in that photo? Stitching the tyre back together? I hope you didn't anything rash like replace a tyre with only 41 holes in it. At least we know what to buy you for Christmas..... Ben
ReplyDeleteAhh, now there's a thought. Stitch together any holes that sealant wont plug! Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteCheers, sealant would be gratefully received!