Blogs

Due to my first time riding more then 1hr, lack of knowledge in preparation and not spending more time in the saddle. I am very happy with my result, but very suprised with the Category I was placed in. Was expecting C or D, but was very suprised to be placed in B grade as a novice rider. It was an awesome day and now I cannot wait for the next ride where ever it may be. Overall, it was a very good day had by all and for a first time event rider it has taught me some good lessons.

Wow, what an amazing track. I nearly didn't go as I was so busy on Saturday with plenty still to do. In the end I drove up to my parents Saturday night, watched Cadel win the yellow jersey and managed a few hours sleep.

Back to today's race. I got there with plenty of time to set up, register and get a practice lap in and check out all the roll overs and jumps. Well done on these as you can hit them at speed or roll over without issues. I was amazed at how well I was hitting these on the HT and timing the landing to perfection (at least before fatigue set in )

Unlike Gazza I turned up and raced. Wasn't sure about the weather so went with long knicks and a woollen undershirt and ended up being warm despite the 13 degree day. It stayed dry the whole race and we even got sunshine for the last hour so the track just got better and better.

I'd only been to Awaba once before and had forgotten how much climbing there is there. Four laps in four hours + had me pretty well spent. Stacked on the first lap coming into the downhill left hand turn just before the cinderblock descent (wet, greasy, going too fast after finally getting past some people, slightly aged Kenda Small Block 8's) and lost my chain and a bit of confidence. Then at my "pace" it was a bit hard to keep a rhythm going once the faster riders started lapping, as there are so few spots for an easy pass.

First time racing at Awaba and in the HMBA XC series. Haven't ridden much since April due to both the rain and injury. The HR was racing averaging at 163 bpm and I felt every beat! Hope to get some more K's under the belt so that I can improve my position next time round.

Thoroughly enjoyed the track and had an awesome time hanging onto to the back of a few riders who managed to get away towards the end

First race on the 29er and managed a top 10 finish although it was a small field of riders

These were full laps including the new bits and the track was in surpisingly good condition and dry.

First race, second time on the course, not a bad result i thought. C grade next time me thinks

http://vimeo.com/9970489

Raced team event last year with four friends that i ride with in glenrock. First race together. Came fifth overall out of around 20 teams. I am the one on the very right. The one on the left was the fastest of all of us.