Auckland Endura series 2013 race 2 (Hunua)

Hunua races and I have a love-hate relationship.  It's where I had my first reality check with not coming first all the time as a junior, then being disqualified in the nationals because I was put in the wrong category through to consistently really never doing as well there as I hope. But...  I love riding there! go figure.

This time I'd decided things had to change.  I was out there have fun.  If I did well then all good, but I was placing no pressure on myself.

At the previous Auckland Endura Series race in Woodhill  I had gotten a 6th against a tough field, following a similar mental approach.  Not only had I had fun, but I felt great after that race -and it really makes you realise why you're doing it.   I wanted that same 'high' again.

This time the field seemed bigger and included more top riders from around the country.  It had been raining during the week and with the clay base, the course was extremely slippery in parts.  In combination with a challenging course, this race was going to be a tough one.

The plan was to race with a mate of mine, Hayden from JAFAKIDS, because we had a similar speed and syle meaning we would be able to tag team and draft behind each other on the road sections. 

As everyone had lined up ready for start after briefing, we found ourselves in the middle of the bunch  - not my favoured position and I felt the tension rising.  It's quite bizarre having to remind yourself to "chill out", "relax and smile" at the start of the race - but it works.

After the horn went off, everyone immediately started to bunch in together before the first sharp corner across the field section.  Seeing the inevitable pile-up looming, Hayden and I manged to get out to the side, clear of the bunch.   As we rounded the corner I could hear screaming and shouting of frustration behind us as those who has been 'in the zone' tangled.

There was a little pinch climb after the corner and more field before entering entering the single-track.  As I cranked it up, Hayden had already manged to get a leap on me.  I tried catching him but it was no use as the field once again compressed.  You just had to slot in and hold your position.

If you haven't ridden the Hunuas before, they are basically a series of tight gravel tracks that snake along a valley floor.  There's very few opportunities to overtake other riders and when they appear, everyone goes for it (a bit like the overtaking lanes on the open road).
 
When I finally got clear of the bunch about half way through the first lap, I had no idea of where I sat in the field.   I remained on my own until midway through the last lap when one of the JAFAKIDS coaches overtook me.  Knowing it was faster to draft off someone rather then ride alone, I stuck behind her but even with the extra help, she was setting a fierce-some pace which I couldn't sustain. Luckily I was really close to finishing and the last little bit on my own was ok.

Having a bit of space I was able to hit the last track with speed and didn't have to sprint to the end.  Even with my 'relaxed' approach and plan I was certainly very, very tired.  Ironically, later that evening when I got home I found out I came 6th again so I was really happy with that.   Hayden had maintained his placing and had come in 5th. 

So it looks like the Hunua's and I now have an understanding - I don't take them for-granted and enjoy the riding, and they'll reward me.

2 races down 1 to go.