Enjoying The Break

While I have had the opportunity I've enjoyed playing a support role.  This weekend just been I was in Wainuiomata to help out at the second round of the PNP spring series which attracted a record number of competitors - fantastic to see it still growing in it's 5th year of competition.  The series is a bit special to me for a couple of reasons:  Firstly, my first PNP race in 2004 was the first real 'race' I entered (excluding mass events like Karapoti - special for it's own reasons - and RoundTaupo).  I'll never forget coming home dead last, long after prize giving, the only people left my 2 friends and Marco, PNP MTB committee captain and race organiser.  Since then I've come 3rd overall and 2nd overall twice.  This fantastic series provided me with a valuable foundation to develop as a competitive mountain biker.

The previous weekend I was in Taupo.  My primary role was as support person for Jude Young who was competing in the 12 hour solo event of the Day-Night Thriller.  Jude is also coached by Robyn, but obviously with a very different focus!  Celia Lie, who I have did some coaching work with last year, also worked out of our pit, as did top elite racer Mikey Northcott, and super-endurance specialist Lee Poston.  I was responsible for Jude and Celia while Mikey's gf Michelle supported him for a spell before handing over to Shane who was also supporting Lee.  Celia, Lee and Mikey were all competing in the 6 hour event so needless to say our pit area was pretty frantic for the first 6 hours with riders coming through every few minutes, and on a couple of occassions at exactly the same time!  It always pays to set the pecking order before the start so everyone knows where they stand when that happens.

It's almost an understatement to say the day was a huge success!  Mikey took out the mens 6 hour in convincing style, leading from the very start.  Celia was our second winner of the day demonstrating a good amount of residual endurance while my ride up on the Friday night, Charlotte, pulled out 3rd in that event.  And then, after a tense day, Jude took out top spot in the 12 hour!  We were ecstatic - not just because it was a great result, but because we know just how much effort went in to it.  From the long (and I mean up to 8 hours at a time) hours of training over the last 12 months, to rising to a whole new level on the day and really pushing the barriers.  It was a very, very proud day and I was just stoked for the girls doing so well.

The following day my two weeks was up and I enjoyed a fantastic ride on some wicked Taupo trails with Mikey, Michelle, Gav, Lee, Samara and Shane.  What a great way to get back in to it.  It's not often I get to 'just ride' so I relished the opportunity and remembered just why I do what I do - because I absolutely love it.

Having a break from the bikes and training has also given me a chance to keep up with my studies and focus on settling in to the job which I'm still really enjoying.  I've moved to flexible hours which will enable me to train the way I need to to achieve the goals I've set for the coming season.

Yep, another season... I'll be limiting the travel as I work towards pulling the funds together for going overseas next year but there is plenty going on locally.  I've decided to do a season on the track, and have also arranged to be free for the local Saturday crit series - 2 new aspects I'm really looking forward to.  And of course it's all geared towards the big events at the end of the summer. 

I'll be back in the shop on Saturdays as Bicycle continue to support me going in to our 4th year together.  That support is extending to me spending less time in the shop so I can spend more time on the bikes andI am really grateful to have such understanding and long-term sponsors.  Keep an eye out for our teams in the second running of the Wild Wellington 12 hour in November.

Speaking of sponsors - I'm VERY pleased to announce that Maxxis are now supporting me as well.  Many people know I've been a huge fan of Maxxis rubber for a long time now - in fact I know a number of people thought I was already sponsored by them.  I'd like to think this is testament to how strongly I endorse their products simply because I believe in them.  My favourite race tyre is the Lesran eXCeption run with flyweight tubes (ok, I'm little, I can get away with tubes, but these tubes really are the business).  I've run my Lesrans in nearly all conditions, until the mud really takes over when I switchto Medusas.  I've carried my Medusas up and down the country countless times, and half way around the world and finally got to use them in Bromont.  Not a good race for me, but would have been a whole lot worse without a decent set of muds.  My roadie has been fitted with Detonators for a good 18 months now for training and commuting, and my Xenith Hors Categories have kept me puncture free in races.  Thanks to Nic and the Maxxis crew for their support!

So, shortly I'll be moving back in to training mode and I'll also be getting back in to some events around the region.  I hope to see some of you out there!