RND 3 VICTORIAN MTB SERIES

Today signifies the end of a very very long week. I tried to do a heavy week of riding through a heavy week at work and I’ve discovered that the two don’t work that well together. In simple terms, I went into Round 3 of the Victorian MTB Series today tired, and it hurt me. Bendigo hosted the race out at Heritage Road, Sedgwick, providing an always rocky, hilly, challenging course, that I saw for the first time this morning. Aside from the terrain, perhaps the hardest and most unpredictable obstacle today was the severe heat on the open trails.

The hot sun led to dehydration, which caused some very sloppy technical skills, and by race end severe exhaustion! I rode my first lap as hard as I possibly could in an attempt to stay within 1 minute of Jo Wall, but come the end of lap two, Tory and I had quit alongside each other with no will or want to go on. Jo powered to a 9 minute win, and I held off Tory by a further 3 minutes. I had just the one crash, where I fell into a bush that left me with about 30 million invisible bindies in my arm! That pain wore off when the effects of four coke-zero’s post race kicked in!

In the Men’s race Murray Spink, Robbie Hucker and Jarrod all came through within 10 seconds after the first lap. Robbie punctured and relegated himself to finish second by 3 minutes, while Jarrod lost control on a tricky descent running head first into a tree! His kamikaze style crash left him sitting airy fairy on trackside for ten minutes. Then with a broken helmet, a scarred face, a grazed back and cuts to his hands, knees and elbows, he went on to complete a second that that he barely even remembers!

Results: Round 3, Victorian MTB Series XCO, Bendigo

INJURY PRONE

MTB’ing brings with it so many different challenges. At Nationals I punctured, pinch flat style. In Shepparton I punctured twice and sprained my wrist after a heavy fall. On Wednesday night I rode rocky descents blind, because I forgot to charge my light. Yesterday I saw a snake and had to push my bike up the climbs after hunger flatting. But today...well today I thought I was on a real winner! Jarrod, Glen Rea, Jason Sim, Leigh Matthews and I ventured down to Woodend for a change in scenery, finally some smooth dirt tracks we could race around. But trouble follows MTB’ers...

I was riding well to stay in contact with the boys after my epic adventures yesterday, and even started conjuring up some blogging words about how I’d completed my first MTB ride ever without crashing or unclipping. As I grew cocky I started taking some of the A lines, going over man-made obstacles as opposed to the B line which takes you around them. Then I rode up a short man-made plank to the top of a log, and face-planted off the other side :( After picking myself up we waited for Glen, who unbeknown to us had crashed at the beginning of the lap!

Jason continued to lead the way, around corners, over jumps, calling ‘heads’ when he passed under an over-hanging branch. A branch that Jarrod hit with his camelback, that scraped the back of my seat as I passed under it and came crashing down on the track infront of Leigh. Then came lap 2 where Leigh was the first to crash. Jarrod didn’t stop this time and karma would come for him. While passing one of the slower larger ladies she would attempt to move off the track, hit a tree, and take the tree with her to land on top of Jarrod! It was no surprise we headed home after two laps...

AUSTRALIAN MARATHON BRIDES MAID

Many, some, or maybe only three people, will remember my first MTB race victory at the Bendigo 6hr Enduro back in late May. Not only did this race give me a little boost of confidence, a handy $100 and an excuse to eat double portion sizes for the following week, it also gave me a free race entry into the Australian Marathon MTB Championships, that were coincidentally raced in Bendigo on Sunday. Now for those who aren’t aware, 105kms of MTB’ing is almost a 6hr solo time-trial (easily equivalent to the prestigious Melbourne to Warrnambool) which explains why only 14 girls fronted to brave the challenge, including Australian Cross Country and 24hr Champions (gulp). For me personally, had I braved too much after withdrawing from my last Enduro race just 1hour in?

After 10 metres of racing I was 5 metres behind; I couldn’t clip my foot in. By the time we hit the first corner I was near last; I didn’t want to risk it on loose gravel. And just half an hour into the race I had dismounted three times; to walk of course. At 8kms in, Jo Wall actually dismounted beside me, but for a very different reason, she had broken her pedal and was out of the race. I secretly hoped this would happen to me so as to avoid myself the embarrassment, but the race went on. Tory Thomas forged ahead early through a private swamp land, and after 1hour of racing Jenni King and I were 2 minutes in arrears. After 2hours, I caught sight of Tory on a sealed road and pulled my finger out for 20minutes to regain contact. For the next 3 hours we would remain within 15 seconds of each other, I would miss a feed and go 2hrs without water, and Tory would do everything she could to escape me on the technical sections.

The beauty of MTB’ing for the leader, is that the chaser doesn’t often see more than 5 seconds in front of them. Sometimes I thought I was chasing a massive gap, then we would hit a straight stretch and she would be in view so I would chase harder. But most of the time, out of sight was out of mind. So over the last 10kms while I was physically in ruins, I gave up and accepted my second place podium, not knowing Tory was merely 30 seconds up the track. As I rode my final berms I heard the commentator announce Tory the victor, and I was grateful for the fact because it meant I was almost home. So even though I lost the Australian Championships by just two minutes after 5.5hours of racing, and despite eyeing off Tory’s cheque for twice the amount of mine on the podium ($2000), even discounting the fact that I’m both mentally and physically drained and am consequently suffering the flu, I am happy. For the first time in my life I was able to lose, and still be happy.

So in contrast to my regular speech where I would usually thank the AIS and the VIS etc. I instead thanked Moroni’s bikes for their support, where more specifically I should mention Pete for loaning me a MTB and everything else associated with it, and Mark, who is slowly becoming somewhat of a manger to me! I thanked the participants, as opposed to the competitors because it’s those who do it for the love of it that help to create a truly unique atmosphere. And of course I thanked the volunteer marshals, many who gave up the opportunity to compete so the race would run smoothly…and that it did! I did however forget to thank Jarrod; for getting me on a MTB in the first place, MYER; for giving me a source of income and another challenge in my life, and my parents; who already know that I appreciate their support over the years but maybe don’t hear me say it often enough =)

Women's Race highlights can be viewed here.
Men's Race highlights can be viewed here.

And results here and here.
And speeches.
And photos plus more photos and even more photos!

Photo 1 courtesy of Akuna Photography
Photo 2 courtesy of Russ Baker
Photo 3 courtesy of Leeanne Mullens

METRO ROAD CHAMPS

After spending 10 days in Bendigo, I decided it was time to make the 4 hour trek home on Monday, not without the added bonus of peak hour traffic through Melbourne...yay (sarcastic)! The following day I decided to go for a lazy hour, but instead came across local cyclists Sam, then Darren, then Shannon, and after three hours realised that it's just not possible to perform secret training anymore! To relieve myself of the difficulty of completing a recovery ride, I followed up with a massage, and ruined all of that with my favorite pastime...gym...another sarcastic yay! While in town I was adamant to catch up with some friends that were quickly becoming strangers, so Darren, Shaun, Niall and I treated ourselves to a 10 course Italian Siesta feast. I didn't have time to ponder the delicious meal, because once again I was headed back to Bendigo...

I found myself with what I call 'driving legs' on Saturday morning, which simply means dead, lifeless limbs. So I hit the road for 40 minutes, most of which I free-wheeled, in preparation for the Metropolitan Road Championships that afternoon. As I was driving to the host location of Newstead (a small town outside of Castlemaine with a population of less than 500), it started to rain, so immediately I turned the car around and headed back to Bendigo. Less than a kilometer later, having convinced myself that I was weak, I directed myself back to race start. I seemed to be the only one with perhaps a brain?..because I was apprehensive of the weather. As the girls were warming up in spitting rain, I got dressed, fed and oiled up in the back of my car, before rolling to the line for a 1pm start.

The pace was casual enough for conversation for the first ten kilometers, before Chloe McConville asked if I would like to 'mix things up'. Of course, I politely replied 'no thank you', and watched as the first attack of the day was chased immediately. Through the second string of climbs on the circuit gaps began to form. Stephanie McGrath and Chloe found themselves with a small 20m lead, and as the girls were suffering I decided that this was the time to 'go'. I attacked with Jo Hogan on my wheel, picked up our two recruits, and the rest is history. Two laps later, when Steph, Chloe, Jo and I had been rolling through turns for 60kms, I had another change of heart, and decided that it had been WAY too early to 'go'. Despite the distance, it had been a great break-away group with a shared work load helping us to catch the U19 boys who had started 5 minutes in front!

Into the third lap we were given a 3 minute time gap. Jo then lost contact as Steph punished us up the climb, but despite her efforts a three up sprint prevailed. Steph led it out (by mistake) giving Chloe and I a drag race to the line. I had a sudden burst of freshness to take the win (pictured top), with Chloe a close second (above right), Steph third (above left) and Jo holding out for fourth. Nicole Whitburn finished a fabulous fifth after spending the majority of the day solo. When a gossip de-breif during warm down had taken place, I posed for presentations, hand picked a t-shirt from race sponsors A'qto and got the hell out of there! Within the hour I had arrived in Bendigo and am now headed to Melbourne with MTB's in tow. Now no more typing for me, I need to save my energy for the 6hr Solo MTB Enduro that Jarrod and I are racing tomorrow. Idiotic? It's very questionable...

Results: Metropolitan Road Championships, Newstead, 90km Road Race

Photo 1 and 3 courtesy of Arnaud Domange Photography
Photo 2 courtesy of Jarrod Partridge at jxpphotography

CRESWICK 'FRED ICKE'

After the effects of the Tour had worn off, it was time to get back on the bike. I had decided to spend the week in Bendigo, and as a result, saw myself borrowing Pete Moroni's MTB on Wednesday morning to join Jarrod and the boys for a casual ride. As if I wasn't holding the boys up enough with my lack of bike skill and useless climbing abilities, I was having some serious problems with my road shoes thanks to the downpour of rain overnight. When it was over, I was so unbelievably grateful :) In comparison, my power profile test at the VIS the following day was like a god send! Despite consuming fish and chips for dinner and four(!) bowls of coco-pops for breakfast, my results weren't half bad. My results show that I've retained a great base fitness, but my pure power is very much lacking. Luckily pure power isn't that highly required in a handicap...

As Jarrod and I drove to Creswick it wasn't raining, but that was probably the only thing that went right all day. I rolled off in the 18 minute bunch, turning the first corner of the 44km circuit to face a 4km climb. With three laps to race, it was understandable that I was a tad nervous when our rather large group of 25 dwindled to 16 immediately. Strong cross winds saw us catch the 35 minute limit markers after 60k, so as the second lap came to a close I began to contemplate the possibility that we wouldn't be caught. At that moment, while feeling great, karma kicked in and I suffered a puncture! With CSV races not providing spare wheels, I decided to rim my Bouwmeester to the finish in search of the Moroni's van and a training wheel. When the van was nowhere to be found, I assumed that Jarrod had withdrawn from the race. As the rain started to come down, I jumped in a commissaire car in the hope of finding him somewhere on the road...

Instead, after watching the leaders splinter on the climb, my car was allocated to follow the one and only woman left in the handicap, Radele Berriman. When I arrived at the finish 15 minutes after the race had finished, Jarrod (pictured above) was sleeping in the van, having ridden 4kms, enjoyed lunch in Ballarat and completed a spot of shopping! I was emotional to say the least! When we arrived home, it was straight to the pub to feed my hollow stomach and celebrate Jarrod's newly announced retirement. After many hours of celebration, and very very little sleep, I fronted to the Inglewood Classic Club Race the following morning. To cut a long story short, I was put off 7 minutes, saw nothing but scratch flying past me, and spent the remainder of the day in a hunger flat state...not recommended!

Results: 50th Creswick 'Fred Icke' Road Race, 133km Handicap

3 DAY TOUR OF BENDIGO

Recovering from the Bendigo 6hr MTB Race took longer than expected. I spent five days back home in Traralgon and I’d only clocked 40kms on the roadie, which now felt a little odd with it’s rounded handlebars, STI levers and a smooth riding surface. So when I returned to Bendigo on the Friday to start yet another weekend, it wasn’t dirt and grease that needed cleaning off my celeste green Bianchi, but a rag to wipe the cobwebs. I suffered through the local ‘7’s bunch’ on Saturday morning, apprehensively rolling turns before grovelling home on the back, then fronted for my second Bendigo Club Classic on Sunday, from Marong to Wedderburn. There seems to be some sick rumour going around that states I have some form, so the handicappers put me back from 14 minutes to 11 minutes for the 75km adventure. I was racing ‘fresh’, which felt really good for the first 60kms, and not that great for the final 15!

This past week was also spent at home. On Wednesday I went with my sister Kerry to another of her midwife appointments to hear the heartbeat of her baby girl. She is already huge, in a good pregnant way of course (pictured above) and is not due until August! I can’t wait until August is upon us, because it will signal the final of the winter months, something I’m complaining about already and we’re only 9 days in! The weather, aside from cold on Thursday, was pleasant for riding so I ventured up and over Mount Tassie to witness, for the first time since Black Saturday, the devastation caused by the raging bushfires. As I rode past mounds of burnt memories, I recalled the stories of homes and lives lost. We were hit hard in Traralgon South and surrounding bush lands, damaging over 250 homes and ending 11 lives. A bake fest did it’s best to take my mind off it all, with hedgehog, carrot cake, banana and chocolate muffins preparing me for the weekend.

Those that keep an eye on my calendar would assume that I spent half the long weekend just gone in Wagga Wagga, and subsequently, the other half spent driving to and from the border town out whoop whoop. But instead, it’s Tuesday morning and I’ve woken with a small yet evident headache after celebrating the conclusion of the 3 Day ‘Golden Square Hotel’ Tour of Bendigo. It’s not hard to believe that I ended up in Bendigo, as they struggle to keep me away at the best of times. What they couldn’t keep away was the torrential rain. Nevertheless, the tour attracted 90 starters, with 23 in A grade, 26 in B grade and a massive 38 in C grade. It would be a sprinters tour with large time bonuses of 15-12-10 for the 11 intermediate sprints on the road, and finish bonuses of 20-16-12 for the five mass start stages. With prize money only given out for General Classification, it was going to be a case of ‘who finishes-wins money’…

Saturday saw a late 1pm start to Stage 1 out at Newbridge. B Grade were set for two varying size laps toward Dunolly that allowed for two intermediate sprints over 80.3kms. I didn’t contest the first as I feared for my life in the wet, and after contesting the second, concluded that maybe sprint bonuses weren’t going to come my way this tour! It was pissing rain and it was freezing… I was beginning to find winter a little demotivating. A group of five forged a 30 second lead that fell to within 10 by the finish. I rolled in for 12th, leaving me 12th on GC while John Macague (Bendigo CC), stage winner, donned the yellow. In A grade, the stage was won by Tim Decker (Titans) in attacking fashion (pictured below in yellow), with Bendigo Club Champion James Ibrahim becoming one of four victims in a nasty crash just kilometres from the line.

Sunday morning presented all grades with a 72.2km Road Race from Woodstock-Newbridge-Melville Caves, finishing atop a 2km climb. The stage incorporated two sprints along the way that were claimed by those in a two man escape. Their attempts were spoilt when the catch was made on the final climb that saw a Ballarat unknown ride to victory. Nick Moroni would wear yellow (below) after claiming third, while I was quietly satisfied and physically suffering after finishing fourth. The rain held off again for the afternoon stage that saw us race directly back from Melville Caves-Woodstock, totally 44.5kms with a nurturing tailwind. Just the one sprint made for a fast paced 45km/hr session, but somehow a solo escapee, once again from Ballarat, managed to stay away for the win! A grade stages were claimed by Mark O’Brien (Drapac) and Jamie Crass (Titans) in early breaks, with James Mowatt (MTB’er Ballarat) stripping Decker of his leader’s jersey.

Monday bought more cold weather, this time it also bought wind as we raced around the local Emu Creek circuit. Wes Steel (Titans) made use of the tough conditions, spending over 30 of the 69kms solo, taking sprint bonuses while he could. Meanwhile, the bunch were being disciplined by the commissaires…when we slowed for a cow on the road, Darren Strauch (Bendigo CC) attacked and was told to re-join the chasers. When another Bendigonian stole a solo victory, he was relegated for attacking over the white lines in the final 2kms. I was involved in the chasing and even a few attacks today, my legs having finally warmed up after Saturday’s torrential weather. My lack of power however, was still letting me down during the all important sprints. Starting the day in seventh meant that an aggressive criterium was needed if I was keen to win some money!

The final stage was more to my liking, a 60 minute kermesse around Mayfair Park incorporating four sprints and an uphill finish. It was a hard start to the stage, yet it took a whole half hour to involve myself in a five man break. I finished fifth on both the stage and the tour, while the jersey changed hands for the final time to youngster Todd Schintler (Cycle Concepts), a deserving winner! I was happy with my final day but will be seeking some much needed form in the next few weeks. Jamie Crass (Titans) took his second stage win in A grade, while Tim Decker (Titans) bridged the gap to seal the Tour. The only sour note? When Jarrod was fined $100 for mouthing off to the officials in regards to the clearly evident team racing that took place. Where the program states “No teams racing. Riders offending will be penalised” Maybe they meant to write “We utterly and completely encourage the unjust aspect of teams racing”…

MTB MANIA IN BENDIGO

It was only seven weeks ago that I stepped onto my first real mountain bike (opposed to the $150 Kmart model I was given for my 11th birthday). Courtesy of Jarrod, I was perched on a Dual Suspension Ninety-Six Carbon Team-D Merida valued at over $10,000...just to complete a social ride! Since then, I have been on a MTB only once, and that was to race the BMC 100kms, or more accurately 'hunger flat' just 40kms in and grovel home. So today, although I am yet to purchase a mountain bike, MTB shoes, MTB gloves or anything associated with a MTB, I competed in the Bendigo 6hr MTB Race. My application came about due to boredom, and that is why an impulsive click led to a somewhat apprehensive solo entry...

To me, it was more of a 'ride' than a 'race', which still doesn't excuse my poor preparation. Firstly, I slept in. While eating my four weet-bix smothered in honey and a tub of sugar, I placed my still damp kit in the dryer...the thought of 6hrs in a wet chamois didn't really tempt me! I prepared just the one drink bottle filled with water, threw the Merida in the car and took off to the petrol station to purchase chocolate muffins, Mars Bars and Allen's snakes for race food. Amazingly, Jarrod's hand drawn map didn't get me lost on the way to Cavagna's Road, which was timely because registration was closing as I ran to the tent. I was racing under my lucky number 54, hoping that luck was on my side today for 6hrs of racing around a 9km circuit, comprising of a lot more single track than I had anticipated...

The whole MTB scene is new to me. People bought tents and chairs and tables and pre-mixed drinks and food etc. as most competitors were participating as a member of a team. At the conclusion of each lap you must dismount, walk past the timing tent, then you are free to tag your partner, take on food and drink, and in my case fault on re-mounting on every attempt to lift my leg over the rather large Merida frame. I wish three things. First, that I had been prepared with a pump and tube for the 'what if I puncture' situations. Second, that I hadn't found the time to moisturise my arms, legs and face this morning, because despite only crashing on three occasions I was sporting a full body mud mask. Third, that Jarrod hadn't removed the small chain ring from his Merida (this wish came after 4hrs).

I went unscathed in my first two laps, simply enjoying the track for the lovely, rocky, dusty terrain that god had provided me with, and trying to pace myself for the 6hrs of riding that was to come. I went into the third lap with a 21sec advantage over second placed solo woman Jessica Douglas; Australian 24hour MTB Champion, and was sure I had gone out too hard when people started passing me back just one hour in! I became suspicious when I was losing control of the bike of every sandy corner, and even more suspicious when a marshal yelled to me that I had a front wheel puncture. I failed to recognise the dilemma because a flat tyre and suspension feel the same to me...or maybe I didn't want to identify the problem because of the whole 'I don't have a tube or pump and I'm a blonde' remarks that would no doubt follow.

Jess was the first to stop and offer her services, but it was James from Castlemaine who not only stopped and gave me his tube and canister, but changed the puncture for me! Thank you! I went through the next time check 3.46min in arrears and spent the next two laps chasing hard to bring the gap back to 3 seconds as we neared the 3hour mark. I rode the next three laps steady, stopping every lap to refuel on water, coke, mars bars and the occasional oiling of the chain. I was getting used to the course and my legs still felt great, but in the back of my mind I knew my motivation was coming to an end. I had given myself eight laps as a target for the day, but unfortunately that landmark came prior to five hours in the saddle, dammit!

The last hour was a painful one. My hands were cramping, my forearms bruised, I had a blister on the back of my left heel, and I won't even begin to describe the condition of my arse! I spent my time in conversation with passing cyclists, enjoying the ride and taking in the scenery for everything it was worth (despite the fact I'd passed it ten times). I completed 10 laps in 5hrs50min, and immediately wished I had ridden 10minutes slower so that I didn't feel compelled to start another. A 13 minute unassailable lead meant that I had claimed my first ever MTB win, but regardless, I challenged a final lap. You could say I lost on that challenge when I punctured yet again! Finally, after 6hrs 28min 43sec I dismounted my bike for the final time. There wasn't the expected assault of bodily pain I had anticipated...it subsided while I took a moment to appreciate the people, the food, the atmosphere, and the satisfaction that is MTB'ing :)

Results: Bendigo 6hour MTB, Cavagna's Track

Photos 1 and 3 courtesy of Akuna Digital Imaging
Photos 2, 4 and 5 courtesy of Russell

HUNGER FLAT @ BMC

I have been anxiously awaiting today for two weeks, excited about the second edition of the BMC 100km Classic that would double as my very first MTB race :) I was excited about today...until today actually arrived. Jarrod and I drove to the race through thick fog, drizzling rain and cloudy skies. We were running on schedule until arriving in Cammeray Waters, Woodend (60km NW of Melbourne), at the same time as 1200 other competitors! After a dirt road traffic block, an extended wait for an unhygienic portable toilet, and collection of race numbers and transponders, I donned my kit in embarrassment. I had entered the Elite Category, was racing in my Jayco VIS gear, and was sporting, once again, a Dual Suspension Ninety-Six Carbon Team-D Merida MTB (this time courtesy of Ronnie McCulloch)...what if people wrongly assumed I was good?!

The 100km adventure was to be raced through the Wombat State Forest, combining three loops over varying terrain. Race kick-off was delayed by half an hour, having the 635 athletes tackling the 100km course on the line until 7:30am. When racing did start, I was thankful I had positioned myself toward the front, because the first section over fire roads was absolute mayhem. I was in my comfort zone for mere minutes before hitting the first section of single track. Immediately people were wanting to pass, and a combination of poor bike skill and nerves soon saw me wrap myself around a tree! Trees were the least of my worries when I unclipped through a patch of mud... For the remaining six hours I found myself stopping at regular intervals to find stray sticks (not hard in the bush) to clean out my cleats.

There were many other things I wasn't used to...dirt, logs, rocks and nobody said anything about bridges! But perhaps my biggest hinderence was self inflicted. Racing in long fingered gloves was a new occurrence for me, and feeding wearing long fingered gloves was something I simply couldn't do. After three hours of riding I had drunk half a bottle of water and eaten absolutely nothing, and began to suspect I was hunger flatting when I starting taking wrong turns and flattening small trees at every second corner! The thought that the arduous single track section was behind me was the only thing that kept me sane through to the second support stop at 65kms, where I found myself sculling litres of sports drink and inhaling jellybeans until the bowl was empty.

By this time I had found a friend in Daniel Doherty; a younger guy who was leading me through the technical single tracks and waiting for me after every crash, of which there were many! At first I appreciated the 'kilometers to go' countdown he was giving to the finish, but every time I asked, I only made myself more emotional. As a female, I was grateful to have somebody to complain to, because physically my legs were smashed, mentally my head had rolled off, and had I known where the hell in the bush I was I may have been headed for a DNF. Of all the bike races I have done, including every training ride I have ever endured, this experience was by far my most challenging. Time has never passed so slowly...

When Daniel informed me the finish was near, an elated smile crossed my face and remained for hours. I was covered in mud, starving for a sausage in bread and more than ready to get out of my knicks! Jarrod had been finished for two hours and was waiting for me when I crossed the line, whether it was for congratulations and support, or for the complimentary beer I received that he was eying off...I'm not quite sure. Of the 653 starters, 91 were classed DNF. I finished 202nd, giving me eight in the Elite Women's category (aka 'last'). I'm not all that phased about my result, because MTB'ing is more than a race, it's an achievement and an experience...that I think I have fallen in love with :)

Results: Overall: BMC 100km Classic, Woodend, Cammeray Waters

Photos courtesy of Aurora Images