I don't enjoy racing and don't consider myself very competitive, probably down to never being picked for sports at school and having jam jar specs, so I always regret committing to these things. So I'm always relieved when race day arrives and I can stop thinking about it and just get on with it. My Turbo trainer is being re-upholstered so I spun around the field for a few minutes to warm up, then over to the start line. Was surprisingly relaxed at the start as Richie lined us up, happy to be surrounded by racers I battle with every week, Colm, Graham, Dave and co.
And off we go, still unsure of whether I should go flat out to get clear of some riders, or hang back and play the long game, so ended up doing something in between. The long grind up above XTC, Christ, here we go, heart pounding. Dave just ahead of me, Colm gone already, passed Graham, all the while mentally preparing for the off camber that was ahead and in we go. Ackckckc! As expected it was hard work, no shame in dabbing, but damn those roots, anytime I found traction there was another one waiting. It wasn't pretty but we all climbed out of there and off to XTC. Like an old friend, all the traction you could want, happy days. The reworked exit is super fast now with some of those roots/stumps removed so fired out onto the fire road. Already in a bit of space now, staying with Dave, passing a chap or two and into Gwangi or whatever its called, love that trail in the dry, high line/low line bush bosh, and out threading your way through that sea of roots that will try and bin you at the exit. Off to that new bit of trail, not really loving that either, then the fun swoop dee too down to the step, grind up, not looking forward to the new trail parallel to the Fireroad (does this have a name yet?). Tired by the time the roll off arrives onto the fire road but lifted by all the cheers and people baying for blood.
Happy days again, fire road and a chance to compose oneself. Still no one coming past, but holding position with Dave, who I can see is tiring. Around the field, pass Dave who is suffering in the woods, and off we go again. 2 more laps of this, holy sheet balls. Crashed on the off camber but was fired up and raced down XCT and got spat out to the cheers from Smithers and gang, those voices give you such a lift! And around I go, no longer able to chase anyone, just trying to go as hard as I could, a MAD guy passed me and after that I think I held station. Then bang, crash into Fergals tree coming into the field, gobsh1te! Graham was to fare worse later. That tree needs chopping, or at least a nice King Koil pillow sprung mattress. Popped a gel which I think really helped on lap 3, felt mentally and physically stronger, but I always enjoy the last lap so it could have all been in the head. Uneventful last lap, the granny ring saw some action and then pushed for the line with whatever was left. And it is over. Despite the pre race jitters, the exertion, crashes and average performance I enjoyed every minute. The weather and club turnout and pit area made for a great day, lots of laughs and great to see so many familiar faces.
After that enjoyed some spectating. Then off to catch up with the family. Like a GI returning from Nam they just don't 'get it' so not much point in trying to explain, but very content and mellow for the rest of the day.
Thanks EPIC for giving this middle aged chap something that I doubt he would have found anywhere else.
And off we go, still unsure of whether I should go flat out to get clear of some riders, or hang back and play the long game, so ended up doing something in between. The long grind up above XTC, Christ, here we go, heart pounding. Dave just ahead of me, Colm gone already, passed Graham, all the while mentally preparing for the off camber that was ahead and in we go. Ackckckc! As expected it was hard work, no shame in dabbing, but damn those roots, anytime I found traction there was another one waiting. It wasn't pretty but we all climbed out of there and off to XTC. Like an old friend, all the traction you could want, happy days. The reworked exit is super fast now with some of those roots/stumps removed so fired out onto the fire road. Already in a bit of space now, staying with Dave, passing a chap or two and into Gwangi or whatever its called, love that trail in the dry, high line/low line bush bosh, and out threading your way through that sea of roots that will try and bin you at the exit. Off to that new bit of trail, not really loving that either, then the fun swoop dee too down to the step, grind up, not looking forward to the new trail parallel to the Fireroad (does this have a name yet?). Tired by the time the roll off arrives onto the fire road but lifted by all the cheers and people baying for blood.
Happy days again, fire road and a chance to compose oneself. Still no one coming past, but holding position with Dave, who I can see is tiring. Around the field, pass Dave who is suffering in the woods, and off we go again. 2 more laps of this, holy sheet balls. Crashed on the off camber but was fired up and raced down XCT and got spat out to the cheers from Smithers and gang, those voices give you such a lift! And around I go, no longer able to chase anyone, just trying to go as hard as I could, a MAD guy passed me and after that I think I held station. Then bang, crash into Fergals tree coming into the field, gobsh1te! Graham was to fare worse later. That tree needs chopping, or at least a nice King Koil pillow sprung mattress. Popped a gel which I think really helped on lap 3, felt mentally and physically stronger, but I always enjoy the last lap so it could have all been in the head. Uneventful last lap, the granny ring saw some action and then pushed for the line with whatever was left. And it is over. Despite the pre race jitters, the exertion, crashes and average performance I enjoyed every minute. The weather and club turnout and pit area made for a great day, lots of laughs and great to see so many familiar faces.
After that enjoyed some spectating. Then off to catch up with the family. Like a GI returning from Nam they just don't 'get it' so not much point in trying to explain, but very content and mellow for the rest of the day.
Thanks EPIC for giving this middle aged chap something that I doubt he would have found anywhere else.
