I realised that usually I would be all nervous by now, but not this time. After the recent not-so-great races, I had no pressure on me to achieve a top result. I decided that this would be a great opportunity to test some ideas I'd had and learn. The only question was would the learning step be through "brawn or brain" - injury, mechanical or just my fitness.
Arriving at Woodhill Forest about 8:30am, I requested dad to stop at the Bike Park so that I could ride to the event venue deep in the forest through the trails as a warm up. Really wanted to ride the brand new trails (and damn, they are so good - well done Haydz and crew).
Anyway, it took me only 15 minutes to get to the venue and as I lined up to get my number I met a few mates who wanted to go for a slow ride around the track. Once we had finished that it was already race briefing - phew a bit too close for comfort.
The intermediate boys group was the largest with about 25 riders, and I managed to get close to the front of the bunch. After a good start with a sprint up the forestry road, I had manged to get into a good position and was feeling that I could do well.
Entering the 2nd lap, as I started to climb the single track, my gears started to slip which allowed the two racers behind my to get past - damn!!! Should have visited the team and R&R before hand.
When I finally got back on pace, I was close to the half way mark. But the effort to catch up in a hurry had taken its toll. My right leg wasn't feeling right and after about 10 seconds it completely seized up - OMG!!! the pain. I had never had cramps come on that fast, or that bad.
I had no choice but to sit down and stretch. 5 minutes later and it still wouldn't go away. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get my spot back, let another cacth theleaders - my race was over.
Thinking I was probably close to last now, I decided to continue but go slow and stretch out my leg. It took me the balance of the second lap to get rid of the pain. Going into the last lap I decided that I couldn't just give up on the race and to "harden up". I could stretch out the last of the cramps at the finish. Well, it was a lesson I was after, and it was a lesson I got.
As I sat through prize giving all I could think about was what I needed to do next time - particularly making sure I have a magnesium drinks for the week before a race so that I don't cramp ever again!
Its been a painful entry into the intermediate boys category this year - and I would like to thank R&R sport for supporting me even though the results weren't what I wanted.
The positive thing is I feel really motivated to train hard for the results and want next year to be my 'year of glory'. Ah! mountain biking - the drug of choice.
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