The big stage. It was hot for the start and the 6km road climb straight out of the gate was going to be hard for me. I just tried to stick with the lead group as long a possible but as the climb progressed the 'quick guys' rode off and the rest of us spread out a bit. Finally the trail pointed down and we hit the old tramway. it was nice and cool in the trees and damp in places. Slowly weaving our way down to the suspension bridge at Montezuma Falls.
Didn't really get a chance to look at the falls as i could see the front runners crossing as i arrived. But as only a few were allowed to cross at a time, they were gone by the time i got across.
The tramway then slowly climbed for what seemed like hours, huge puddles, switching lines and the occasional sleeper. Just about had enough of the slow climb when we started to descend again. This was more like it. I was riding just behind one of my close competitors and it was great to have someone to chase.
After some big ring descending we hit singletrack and i could feel myself getting a little vague. The guy i was riding with had some chain/shifting issues and after a quick "you ok mate" i was off again chewing at a gel.
The next section was 4x4 track that climbs up around Mt Razorback. I hit this and felt like i was going backwards. The trail at times seemed to be part of a river bed. Eventually the gel i'd had started to pick me up and I was on better roads. The 5km to go sign was a welcome sight.
300m to go and we turned off the road onto what looked to be a pile of sticks. Recent logging had left the last bit of trail a bit worse for wear.
At the end of this stage i was ready for some energy food.... roadtrip style
No comments:
Post a Comment