Being caught out in the middle 2 hours of this race with a head that had switched over into ga ga mode was not quite my idea of keeping it together. The heat, high humidity & early pace was a guarantee to take me there though. Nutrition this time was excellent but once again, proper heat acclimatisation, just a “minor” element of preparing for this event that didn’t quite happen for me. I somehow managed to find a way to keep moving forward between these bouts of mild delirium. I find laughing at what happens during this time is the only strategy left. Most of what happens is damn funny anyway. Sentences come out completely wrong, thoughts of far away places at a time when trying to negotiate a descent at speed, understanding what people are saying is often a very time consuming exercise.
Seems many others were in the same bizarre little world that I was in too. Did you all enjoy it as much as me???
It goes without saying though, thoughts of a couple of cold ones at the end is the other way to deal with situations like these.
From the early XC pace set when Andy Mallet laid on the gas, it was going to be an early attrition rate. 2 solo riders in the overall top 5 for a couple of hours is not the best way to start but from there it was just ride & try to conserve some sanity for the finish.
It’s very inspirational to me to see all the new riders out there giving it their all & doing so well. Many new faces learning the ropes of mtb & with a smile on their face at the same time. The friendly vibe & enjoyment of events like these is what keeps me coming back.
& my support crew too…once again, nothing short of sensational.
