Giant 2w gravity enduro (Rotorua) 2014

Once is never enough I say for this race

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!   what better to do as a warm down from Nationals Racing than this?

The family had planned this race down in Rotorua (part of the Bike Festival) as a day trip, as only a week after the Nationals, the budgets were pretty much shot.

Very generously R&R were letting me borrow a full-sus bike again.  I even got to decide on which bike -Trek Fuel ex8 or the Giant Trance 27.5 slx - oh my god, bike heaven!!!!.

I ended up using the Trek as they had lent the same one to me for the previous race and I knew how it handled (best all-mountain bike everrrrr) which was important since I would have little or no warm up time before hand.

Arriving late into Rotorua I had to sprint to the race registration, who thanks to lovely cellphone calls on the way down, where aware of my predicament.  A quick change, gear on and pedal to the start/finish _ made it to my mates who were waiting to get going with minutes to spare - phew!!.

Once race briefing was finished we waited in line to tag on and go.  Its a streamed start in the centre of town followed by a beautiful ride along the waterfront to the forest trails. When we got to the first shuttle pick up area we found out we were some of the first people to the shuttles meaning we didn't need to wait in a huge line to get on a shuttle.  The resulted in us getting to the start of the first run 30min into our 6hour ride limit - awesome.

Stage 1: This was one of my favorites.  It started with Gunna Gotta (which was running mint with brilliant berms and drops) and then it popped onto the road before a short sprint across to the next track (Katore Jumps). This had huge gap jumps which, if I didn't have the full-sus,  I would not have done. At end of that track was another small road crossing before going into Tickler which had a few drops down before a short, quick full-bore climb to the finish of this stage.

Stage 2: Over to the other side of the forest where we again caught the shuttle to one of the highest point of the forest. This was meant to be the shortest stage following half of Tuhoto Ariki, but boy did it feel long with short climbs, hard wet sharp corners and a lot of pedaling.  By the end of the track everybody was very tired.

The organiser must have been having fun with this area because you then had ride a few km up the track to the next stage - ow! the lgs!

Stage 3: The longest stage of them all, also had a big queue at the start.  Starting with Hatu Patu with a very hard rutted downhill then popping onto a road a while before hitting G Rock which was lovely.  Pumping out of Chestnut into Roller Coaster with its nasty long uphills I was starting to feel buggered.  Heading into the final part of the track which was about 200m long before a straight down to the finish, I was toast!

We then had to head back to the shuttles at the same spot for the next stage.

Stage 4: This was probably the scariest stage for me. Starting on the National DownHill I felt like I had no control. Coming up to a drop which was full of mud caught us by surprise and made sure all competitors had a covering of mud (have to look the part).  A road sprint to the finish ensured all the mud and rock was flicking up into my face and by the finish I looked like I felt - well worn!

Not too far from the 4th stage was the 5th one.

Stage 5: After fluffing around at the start line at the top of Direct Road we finally got the energy levels back to get going on this stage. A road sprint section for 20seconds we then hit Hot Cross Buns, which for those who don't know it, is full of hard drops and sketchy corners on quite a slope down the hill.   Coming out of the track on Pipeline Road we went across to Bunny Jugs which only lasted a few seconds before it was a sprint to the finish.

For the final stage of our race we had to ride 10min back to the shuttles where we had originally started.  By the time we got to the start of Stage 6 we found out we had 45min left of our 6 hr time limit.  Boy had the day gone fast!

Stage 6: This stage started with Corridor and then went into Soak Hole, both great fun trails but technically challenging.  At this point I was the only one of my mates who hadn't crashed.   Murphy's Law - shouldn't have thought it (let alone the trash talk) - I lost it on a corner and went over the handle bars.

No damage to either myself or the bike but the pride was in tatters.  Worse, I had been seen by the others so I couldn't even hide it - epic fail!

As I got back on the bike, my mate Kim was coming up fast behind me, necessitating a very dodgy pass on a lady which made Kim lose me before we popped onto the road - pride restored a little.

Following the side track we had a nasty little climb before entering Exit Trail which was full of drop after drop after drop - OMG! arms, brake fingers, evrything was hurting now!

Getting round the lake front back to the finish I was out of energy, but the nature of this race is all fun - you just feel great for doing it.   As we all caught up and talked about our various adventures it was clear everyone had a great day.

Full credit to the organisers and the support crews for an awesome day.  Rotorua Council and business community, your support is just incredible - really leading the way in adventure tourism and events.  The start/finish in the centre of town was just brilliant - some an amazing vibe and atmosphere.

Thank you very much R&R for the bike for the weekend absolutely loved it!

2014 mtb xc national championships Rotorua

This is was the big one. My final under17s nationals! I needed to prove that I was up there with the top guns.

The Rotorua Nationals are always large races and everybody wants to get 1st. 

Traveling down the day before, we were staying at the Holiday Inn (luxury by our standards) courtesy of complimentary stay passes I had won as a spot prize at a previous event. An easy unpack I then got on my bike and did a pre ride on the course.  Man! in the perfect conditions at 1pm the course was already dusty. It was going to be an interesting race of conditions remained the same.  After the ride I had a lite dinner and then headed off to bed early - tomorrow was an all or nothing day.

7am wake, 7:30am breakfast - I needed to force myself to eat because the nerves were really kicking in, I was actually feeling really ill.  I'm not sure whether this was real or just head games, but  I was way less than 100% 

My family and I rode out to the race venue together.  I followed this up with a good hours warm up, ridding myself of some of the nervous energy.  About 20min before race start, the feelings were back in full force and mum had to get me two panadols just to stop me from vomiting.   They worked! The panadols went straight in to action and I felt like I could do anything.

The day was now hotting up - a perfect Rotorua day.  5 laps of the 6km circuit in theses conditions was going to be fast and intense.  As everybody lined up ready to hear whose name would be called up for a ranked start position I actually started to relax more.   Nothing to be done now but race.

For those who haven't done this before, they group riders in lines of 5, the fastest ranked riders at the front from then the next 5 and so on. When they were calling out the names for the 2nd line my name was suddenly called out, I was very surprised - my heart rate had jumped straight to 130bpm! Boy was I scared.

The organisers called out the race would start in the next 15 seconds, then about 3 seconds later the horn went off.  The sound of 30 competitors clipping in and gunning it was amazing.   The start is one of my strengths and I was bale to make my way through the top 6 to get me into 4th place hitting the first single track. At this point I felt amazing.

I held this position for almost the whole first lap.  I felt great except for a familiar feeling of tension in the back of my quad but just ignored the feeling and pushed hard, determined to keep the pressure on the riders in front.  As I got to the last hill of the first lap I had about 3 people hard in behind me but I was comfortable at a good constant speed.  Suddenly, half way up the hill my leg felt like someone was grabbing my quad and cutting it with a knife - no warning, just sudden excutiating pain!

I fell to the side of the track almost in tears because not only was I losing my brilliant placing, but I seriously thought I had a major injury to deal with.  I was punching and rubbing my legs and (much to my disgust) realised it was severe cramping.  By the time I had any feeling in my leg again I was pretty much in last place (30th).

Sitting there like a basket case on the side of the track I thought my race was over.  The desire to drop out and save the pain and embarrassment of a poor placing was just so tempting!   But no, my stubborn pride kicked (blame that on my parents) _ giving up just wasn't an option.  I was determained to finish this race even if I came last.

It took me a whole lap to reach the race stragglers who I passed with ease getting.  By the end of the 5rd lap I had climbed to 20th,  but the next level of riders had quite a lead on me.  As hard as I pushed I just couldn't make significant gains.  I had a few spills on the track but nothing major and remained in 20th for the rest of the race.

After the race I met up with a few mates who were telling stories of how hard they had found it and the fact that by lap 3 the positions barely altered.  It was amazing hearing that people had really suffered but never the less we all still really enjoyed it.  That's Nationals racing I guess - its a much mental as it is physical.

Prize giving for the morning races where held before the Under 23s and Elite's (afternoon) and I couldn't believe that after weeks and weeks of training, my little sister (who had been given dispensation to race under-age) had reached her goal of getting top 5 in under 15 girls.  Even better - she actually came out the competition with a silver medal. Super proud of her!!!

The rest of the day was spent watching the older rider suffer on that demanding track in incredibly hot temperatures, and experience an amazing sprint finish between Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze.  If I had been feeling sorry for myself in my race, seeing these top riders suffer just left me in awe.   Brilliant race Sam /hard luck Anton (40km at race pace and 1sec in it!!!!) - but inspirational riding for us younger riders.

Thanks Jesse Voza for the coaching through the last couple of months - I felt a huge improvement.  And to R&R Sport for providing the new kit, great bike check before the race and just unwavering support - it means alot!  And finally to Bike Medic (Ants) for customising my bike over the last couple of months and the words of encouragement.

You really can't do these things on your own - its a team effort.

2014 mtb xc nationals (wellington)

Nationals!  One of the biggest events for most mtb racers.

Last year was my first experience of Nationals.  It was a huge step up from local 'under 15' races to under 17 at the National level.  This year I was determined to perform better, particularly as was to be final race in the under 17's due to by birthday being right on the age threshold.   Time to make a name for myself before under 19.

There are 3 races in the National series - Wellington, Nelson and Rotorua.  Rotorua was no problem being relatively close to Auckland, but my parents said I would have to choose between the other two as we could only afford one.

I had never ridden either Wellington or Nelson, but I had family in Wellington and given Pop (grandad) has been a major supporter of mine, this was the obvious choice.

So hundreds of Dads Airpoints later, Pop, Dad and I were winging our way to Wellington the day before the Saturday race. Unbeknown to us, it was Wellington Anniversary that weekend so we had a wicked deal on a luxury hotel in the city centre - nice!!!!

Arriving Friday morning I decided to test the track straightaway.  It was a simple unpack and bike assembly in the airport car park before a 10min ride to the Hataitai Velodrome where the race base was located.   The track, while technical in places, proved no problem for me and I got the hang of the track quite quickly, but the climbs were mean.  It was going to be tough racing.

The next day (race day) I decided to ride from the hotel to the velodrome as part of my warm up. After some quick laps around the velodrome I felt physically prepared but mentally I was jittery - those hills had started to unnerve me.

The race start up the velodrome entry road was quite short but steep. Even in that short distance the top 2 riders managed to get 100meters in front of everyone else - fast!

I was holding in with the top 5 entering the first hill climb section but with a lot of rough riding, passing, handlebar rubbing and poor lines on my part, I ended up being pushed to the back by the top of the hill.  I desperately tried to use the first level section to sprint up to the top 5 again but that hill truly had killed me already.

I maintained 12th through the first 3 laps but with limited opportunities for passing the top riders were increasing their leads.  Entering the 4th and final lap I realised that breaking through was almost impossible ( I was exhausted).  Instead I decided to hunt down 11th place rider in front of me.  Getting close on his tail I had noticed that his downhill skills were not the best.  I knew that the final downhill prior to the finish was my best option so when this approached I used up the last of my reserves and went for it.

Coming up on him fast I could tell he had heard me as he too started to crank up. We were both going full-bore into the start of the downhill - there was absolutely no room for error.  Suddenly my competitor pulled right back - he had toasted himself.  I had manged to get in front without the pressure of someone right on my tail and by the end of the downhill he was no where to be seen.

I was on my own for the final sprint to, and around the velodrome.  I was just some pleased to have completed that one exhausted by uninjured.

11th was way below my goal but I was still pleased just to have finished.  The competition was the best I have ever faced and the course had been tough and unrelenting.

Thanks to Jesse Voza and the J-Squad team for the training, R&R for the support (moral and gear, plus always having my back) and of course dad and Pop for getting me down to Wellington.

Auckland Endura series race 3 (Slater rd) 2013

For weeks I have felt that I have been slowly improving with lots of things in my mountain biking like my breathing, control of speed from start to finish and when to attack.  I was planning on putting all these skills together for this race.

Slater Road is the 3rd and final race of the Auckland Endura series. It is a private farm on Auckland's South Kaipara Head that people hardly ever get to use. So when you get the opportunity to experience this awesome venue, make the most of it.

My dad, younger sister (Paige) and I arrived at the race venue ( a paddock area higher up in the middle of the farm with a stunning view over the Kaipara Harbour) at around 9am.  After unpacking the bikes and registering we had some time to pre-ride the course.  It was looking great - almost entirely single track in the pine forest with some great climbs and technical sections.

Briefing only took 5minutes before the the big bunch of riders gathered at the start line. I admit I was definitely a little nervous that I might burn-out or do something stupid.

The gun went off and so did the group start across the paddock- it was fast and intense.  The organisers had set up a taped 'chicane style' section and at the first corner we were all bunched up at speed - chaos. Just as I thought things were going to get really messy someone took out the flag on the corner causing the main bunch to push out wider.  By some pure luck I was able to get through on the inside and ended up being in the clear with the front group.

Entering the first track the pace was furious with people starting to burn out within the first couple of uphill sections.  Not long after the start there is an awesome downhill switchback section that saw more mistakes and riders dropping.

The whole course was pretty much relentless climbing and descending with limited overtaking opportunities - and trust me it is not easy at all. My plan had been to keep up with the top group for the first lap but even by the quarter mark I knew if I maintained the pace I would blow out so I eased back and decided to try a more patient approach.  Its quite hard watching your fellow riders pass you, but you have to have your own race plan and stick to it.

At the bottom of a downhill I saw a fellow JAFAKIDS rider on the side of the track obviously in trouble.  No one was stopping to help her (actually no one was even asking if she needed help - they were having enough difficulty breathing I think) so I pulled over even though I knew that it was potentially going to cost me a good position.  Sometimes you have to make sure people are ok.

The problem ended up being a destroyed derailleur (the cost of the intense start) which would mean a walk back to the race area.  Even in that short time I was pretty much last place in the whole race. 1 and a half laps to work my way back to the top - tough ask!

Surpising the short stop had helped the adrenalin wear off and the muscles relax a little.  Gradually I started working my way past people, and at a huge climb midway through the lap I managed to pass quite a few.  Entering the second lap I was back to mid-field - there was still hope!.

Even though I was already super tired, I hit the gas to see how much further in the field I could get. Any further position improvements were hard fought and approaching the finish I knew I had made the gains I needed.

Talking to the other riders in my section afterwards, it was clear there had been some stunning results and quite a few DNF's.   I thought I might have made it back into the top 10 - not bad all things considered. 

We stayed for the prize giving, but given it was also the race series final, there was no timing results available.  Heading back home I was totally wrecked.  Paige likewise had found it draining and was fast asleep a few minutes down the road.  Good day all round.

That is it for the Endura series for this year. 7th Place overall for the series.  Plenty of room for improvement.

Thank you R&R for keeping my bike running and supporting me.  A big thanks also to Jesse Voza (JAFAKIDS head coach) for helping and inspiring all of us.

Giant 2w Rotorua oct 2013

The Giant 2W, for those who don't know about it, is a one- day enduro style Super D race that stitches together the best trails of Rotorua into 5 runs or stages.  Team and individuals have to complete all 5 runs within 5 hours which you can do in any order.  Shuttle are provided so there is no up-hill unless you want to.

There had been months of planning for this by my team - myself, Andrew and Robin.   Robin and I were especially excited because, as R&R Sport riders, we both had new all-mountain bikes to race and test.

When my family and I got to Rotorua the day before, we decided to leave our gear at the hotel and go for a quick burn -hoping to see the lads,plus pre-ride some of the trails.  We manged to do both.  The trails were riding amazingly - RotoVegas at its best.

Later that evening everyone met for dinner (Leonardo's - best italian I've ever had!)  We were all excited and ready! 

The next morning I got changed and rode over to meet the others at the start at the Holiday Inn, shortly before briefing.  Once formalities were completed, 5 people at a time 'tagged on' their electronic scanners and rode off to which ever Stage they wanted to start with. We waited around 10minutes before it was our turn to tag on and go.
 
After a short ride uphill to the first shuttle stop.  Luckily it didn't take to long for the shuttle to arrive to go to the first Stage at Gunna Gotta.

Stage 1: Gunna Gotta + A Trail.
We were all nervous for this one because we didn't know what to expect.   We were each given 30 seconds space and then raced down - Robin, Andrew then me. This stage was quite tricky but not super long. I ended up over-taking Andrew and got close to Robin.

Stage 2: Huckleberry Hound + Little Red Riding Huck
We had to ride for quite a while before we came to the next shuttle pick up area, but luckily only a short wait for the shuttle.  In my opinion, this is probably one of the best parts of the forest. Robin went before me again, so I gave him a 20seocnd head start then Andrew went after me. This trail is mainly a downhill with table tops and big fast burmed corners. I was having a blast on this course and near the end I had gotten really close to Robin. Robin couldn't believe me that I gave him 20seconds so he told me that the next stage he was going to go after me and see if he could catch me, game on!

Stage 3: Billy T + G Rock + Roller Coaster
This is the longest stage of them all and with the challenge being laid,  I wasn't going to let Robin catch - I wanted to prove my speed.  As agreed, I was the first to go and had the pressure of everyone watching but I was all good with that. I felt good on this track until about half way where I thought I had a flatty - it felt like the back wheel was skidding out.   With the pressure on to beat Robin I decided not to stop until I was 100% sure that it was flat.   Surprisingly I got all the way to the bottom without stopping or even slowing down either.  Robin wasn't far behind.   Neither of us knew who had won that stage (it wasn't back until base at race HQ that evening we found out I managed to hold him off).

Stage 4: Corridor
Robin, Andrew and I slowly made our way to back the shuttle pick up was but this time we were heading back to the other side.  By now the shuttle queues were getting fairly large and Robin and I were fed up with waiting so long, so we decided ride up and meet Andrew up at the top. It was a quick up hill ride that we easily bet the shuttle.   Corridors was the shortest track which we blasted down - all pretty close to each other.   After our last 'shuttle beating' effort, Robin and I decided to ride back up again for the last stage.

Stage 5: Tokorangi + Soakhole + Challenge
This time Andrew was already at the top when we arrived - faster shuttle + tired legs.  This time we closed the gap at starting,  giving each other couple seconds gap. The first trail wasn't too difficult but at the end was a 10m vertical climb over 200m.  Even though that doesn't sound bad, trust me it was especially hard on the legs after doing a full days worth of riding. The road sprint to the Challenge Trail reminded me of Stage 2 but (in my opinion) was far better.  Challenge is awesome!!!  I was quite sad when I had finished.

Meeting back at the shuttle pickup, even though we were all knackered, we decided that we had enought time to redo one more stage.  I did Stage 4 again and found out later after the race I did it a whole lot more quick the second time.   Andrew also did Stage 4 while Robin elected to do Stage 5.

We rode individually back to the start/finish - fizzing about the great tracks.  Individually and collectively we had done well - comparing well to some of the serious downhill types.

We met later for a 'good old fashioned' pub dinner in town with all the families and riders.  I was buggered but Robin still had enough energy to tackle some of the extreme rides at the carnival in town that night.  It was the right way to finish off a great event.

Man I love Rotorua can't wait to get back again!

Thank you R&R sport for allowing Robin and I to trail those full sus-bikes for that weekend!

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.

Trek Fuel ex 8 29er 2013

At the recently held Giant 2W, my sponsor R&R Sport arranged for me to ride the newly released Trek Fuel ex8 29er which is about to grace the 2014 range. Before I go on I must say a huge thanks to R&R Sport for this: (a) I wasn't looking forward to a downhill relay race on my hardtail, and (b) I really, really wanted to put one of these flash new all-mountain bikes through their paces.

First impressions -the Fuel ex8 is a beasty-looking machine with the big wheels, vertical shock set-up and the charcoal paint job on the alloy frame making it look heavy-duty industrial.  All this made the drive-train seem smaller and discrete.  It made you feel like you were going out there to slay some trails and take no prisoners.  Quite funny really, considering I don't think of downhill as being a strength of mine.

Components.  The ex8 had all Shimano components with SLX brakes (which in my opinion, are just as good as XT), M552 cranks, XT Shadow rear derailleur, SLX front derailleur and shifters. I am personally a great fan of Shimano gear so I was quite pleased with this solid package.

On the front was the FOX Evolution series float 32 forks with 120mm travel and manual lock-out.  To the rear was FOX Evolution series float with 120mm travel as well.  Built to take some big knocks but still having the capability to get up hills.

The Bontager Duster 29er hubs, rim and tyre package felt solid and surprisingly fast rolling with little, if any flex.

While the Fuel ex8 didn't come with a dropper seat post as standard like most all-mountain bikes these days, it didn't feel like it was missing it either.  My overall impression was this bike felt bullet proof  - if it wasn't necessary, it wasn't there - no gimmicks.

But the real test of a bike is on the trails, and the 2W is RotoVegas endurance Super-D at its best - all of the top trails stitched together into 5 brilliant hard-out runs over a single day.  You can read my other post about the race but the Fuel handled everything I threw at it with ease.

The thing that surprised me most was how solid the Fuel felt for a 29er.  I would forget I was on the bigger wheels completely (until I was passing someone).  It was easy to 'pop' the bike over roots and drop-offs, making me confident at tackling some of the more knarly sections that I quite often avoid. 
The back shock took all the impacts with apparent ease  - I genuinely felt nothing, allowing me to race through those technical sections at pace.

Because the shuttle queues could be large I sometimes elected to ride the road back up.  The manual lockout was easy to locate and operate, eliminating the 'bob' and making these climbs quite managable.

As expected the Shimano package performed flawlessly - powerful braking, smooth gear changes and responsive shifting.


Overall impression?  While the Fuel ex8 is the spec below the top alloy 29er Fuel (the ex9), never the less it was still a great ride. The bike felt like the complete package - nothing was missing. At around $NZ 4,400 has to be up there on some-ones shopping list.

At the end of the day, I really didn't want to give it back  - and I guess that's the ultimate test.