Ironman WA 2011

First Ironman, and I was VERY nervous. Due to circumstances my taper started a week earlier than planned, but on the positive side, my mate Jase had leant me his TT bike :). Mici and I headed down to Busselton on Thursday after I woke up post night shift. Made it just in time to go through Registration. Friday evening breifing, Saturday afternoon  bike drop, Sunday morning.....race! One of the most relaxed couple of days pre-race I've ever had. LOTS of tossers tooling around on VERY flash bikes. A few too many beers on Friday night, 

all good really. At briefing they had a 28m big screen. It was a massive production.

Anyway, lets get on with it. Raceday.
05:45 start. up early set up bike with nutrition, and down to the water.

Mass swim start with 1360 or so people was surprisingly not chaotic. got a great spot and settled into a good rhythm. Hung on some feet for a while and around the jetty we went. A little choppy out the end but really not too bad. Swallowed a fair bit of water and felt a bit crappy for a while on the way back in and my new goggles were a bit tight in the end. But very happy with the result.

Swim 3.8km 01hr13min18 overall 599/1360 category35-39 114/236

Out of the water I grabbed my bag and into the tent. The volunteers helped me with some sunscreen and I was off to find the rubber chicken which was guarding my bike. Off onto the course I settled into my planned pace and was doing it easy. I soon found a few clowns overtaking and then sitting up....very frustrating! Fairly windy on the way out, but was feeling good, weird gadget moment, the speed on both my wrist unit and bike computer stopped. reset and came good but a bit weird. 3 lap course. Heyse'y went by me about halfway and was looking great. Then on the last lap I noticed that things were getting a bit uncomfortable, and then was getting the beginnings of Sartorious cramps. Couldn't lay down on the tri-bars for the last 7km or the cramps would set in. It was about now I knew things were not going to go well for the run.

Bike 3laps 180km 05hrs47min03 overall 494/1360 category35-39 108/236
Splits 60km01:47:34 120km01:54:37 180km02:04:52

Off the bike I handed it to someone who looked after it. Grabbed my bag and back into the tent. I was helped with my shoes and sunscreen. I was planning on sitting there and having a sandwich but the volunteers gave me the hurry-up so off I went vegemite sandwich in hand. Past the finishers chute for the first time and then off to the west. I managed ok on the first of 4 laps but I knew there was little chance of much running going on after that. I was starting to feel a bit light headed and my abdominal region was not in a good place at all. After the first lap I decided it was time to worry about finishing and not ending up on the ground vomiting like many others I had seen already. This is where the full on stuff begins. People running on an angle, talking to themselves etc. Lots of people in a really bad way! I knew my planned day was over so it was all about finishing and taking it all in. I powerwalked as fast as I could and was doing about 09:30min a km. People were running past me but NO-ONE walking went past me. I tried to run (shuffle) a little bit but the light headed'ness and the abdominal thing just kept coming back, so back to a walk. I decided to walk out most of the 2 middle laps and run what I could of the last one. The atmosphere was fantastic. Loads of supporters many dressed up, playing music and indiscriminately cheering people on. Some were even going to the trouble of looking up your race number and calling your name and where your from, "C'mon Pete from Cloverdale give us a shuffle"it was brilliant. Kids spraying us with hoses, and the comeraderie amoung the competitors was remarkable. People were buddying up with other competitors and encouraging each other. "Ok lets try to run another 900m" they would say to each other. I walked past last years winner Coutney Ogden. He had done a calf at the start of the run, he was being praised by all quarters for not pulling out and walking the Marathon out. He was in a good mood and chatted to all who spoke to him including myself. Mici was there, worlds best support crew. When she found me I said "I'm ok, but this is going to take me a while" she's a trooper and stuck it out, ready and spotting me each time I came around. On the third lap I was ACTUALLY running when I passed her. "Who would have thought!" The aid stations were frequent, we had a couple of showers of rain to take the bite out of the 32deg day and I took on as much food and hydration as I could hoping to eat and drink my way good. Didn't really work. Onto the last lap and I had a smile on my face, 10km to go. Around to the finish chute in the main street to collect my orange wrist band to say I'd done all the required laps, and the wave of emotion that hit me when I was ushered over to the finish chute was something I was NOT ready for. I had tears running down my cheeks as I spotted Mici there with Jill and Andrew, and they do actually say it. "You are an Ironman". Made it in daylight.

Run 4laps 42.2km 05hrs51min18 overall 723/1360 category35-39 157/236
Splits 12.6km01:21:52 23.2km01:36:04 33.3km 01:35:06 42.2km 01:18:16

So when you finish they grab you on both sides in case can't walk. They escort you down the street to the medical tent then the finishers area. There's massage, food and stuff. The massage was a new experience for me, it was a great opportunity to just lie down and have a rest really. Then a great reunion with Mici, Jill and Andrew.
3.8km Swim, 180km Bike, 42.2km Run 13hrs01min42 overall 723/1360 category35-39 157/236

After back to the unit for 3 beers a shower and sleep. Woke up sore but ok the next day. I was walking a bit easier than a lot of people I saw. Mici and I went to the Duckstein for a great lunch then back for a nap and then on the bikes down the road for dinner. Was perfect!

I had a great day. Mostly because I relaxed and took it all in. 2012 went on sale on Friday and sold out in less than an hour and a half.......yes I'm one of them!

Cape To Cape MTB 2011

4days of MTB in WA's South West. After a few withdrawals within the regular crew it was left to myself Andy, Billy, Blacky and Heyes'ey to give it a crack. Staying at Busselton with Andrew and Jill made for a bit of travelling but Jill was a trooper looking after us.

Day1 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Augusta-Hamlin Bay
38.85km 02:16:58 Open Men61/227 Overall106/620

Heyes'y had a massive stack and landed heavily on a rock. Realised later I almost ran over him as I screamed down the hill myself. Suspected broken hip.
Cape To Cape Day1 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Day2 Hamlin Bay-Xanadu Winery Margaret River
64.47km 03:08:39 Open Men66/228 Overall108/625
Cape To Cape Day2 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Day3 Xanadu Winery-Colonial Brewery Margaret River
52.69km 02:38:14 Open Men56/253 Overall84/680

Highlight day of the race in the Marg's trails. Best riding in WA :)

Cape To Cape Day3 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Day4 Colonial Brewery-Dunsborough Country Club
70.54km 02:54:29 Open Men60/245 Overall96/632

Roady smashfest, group riding on the railway trail. Stopped to help Reece Tucknott with a flat (he better remember that when he's famous) and never got back into a group that worked for me.
Cape To Cape Day4 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Total 4days
226.55km 10:58:20 Open Men58/212 Overall89/541

Great race and the first of many C2C's. massive thanks to Jill.

Collie River Marathon

15days racing in 16weeks. A new course for 2011 looked like a good race had potentially made better with all legs starting and finishing at Minninup Pool. Early start leaving home at 6 for the 2hr+ drive.

25km Road Time Trial
I was one of the last individuals off the start with Billy off with me. I felt good and decided to have a bit of a go on the road bike this year, particularly on the descents. The new course was basically out and back over a single hill. Was picking off quite a few riders, and I thought I might have been able to catch Unit in his lilly white cycle kit who started in front of me, but he was too strong.
00:46:53 15/61 o'all including teams 11/26 category

10km Paddle
Off the bike I ran down to my ski to find none of the IOAR clowns had moved my gear around on me. Felt like transition went well and I started to pick more people off. Came across Jo and Simon and it took me quite a while to drop Jo, she was paddling really well. The new paddle course meant there was no portage, but there was still a little weed to negotiate. Constantly wondering if you have weed tangled around your rudder does your head in! Do I, or don't I......when you hit the weed it's like paddling through soup. The course had us paddle back past transition and down river. I had no-one in view and hadn't studied the course, and headed towards transition only to be waved "go left", bugger! I was putting in and it felt like I had been paddling forever! Back into transition up the chute and it was time for lunch
01:00:34 14/61 o'all including teams 10/26 category

1km Swim
I'm not a fan of the lunch break, getting going again seems to take me forever. The swim is my weakest leg these days but I actually felt like I swam alright. There was a lot of talk that the bouys seem to get further away each year, but my Garmin said it was just short of 1km.
00:18:07 29/61 o'all including teams 13/26 category

22.5km MTB
Out of the water I was really surprised how many bikes were still on the rack. Bit of a laugh with another Ironman, and onto the bike. A bit of mud tapped the legs early, and then team rider Bron rode past. Right muppet time to get going. I managed to hold onto Bron in the distance for the first half of the ride, then we hit some fast descents and Bron and I passed each other for a while. Passing Jo again she encouraged me to burn up my legs for the run, and "See you on the run". I replied "I can see that happening!" On the way home Bron was off her bike running up a nothing hill. Then I saw what looked like a mangled mess that should be a chain. she had a massive chain suck and didn't know what she should do. I stopped and had a look, and it looked bad. I managed to free the chain and I could not believe it when everything just snapped back into place and Bron rode off! Very lucky girl. Pushed onto the finish and into transition only to find they had moved the racks, and our gear......WTF!!! where are my runners!!!!!
01:09:37 13/61 o'all including teams 7/26 category

10km Trail Run
New course took in the Munda Biddi, trail. What a cracker! Most of the run was single track, and I loved every second of it, jumping logs and dodging trees....brilliant! At the turnaround I saw Jo not too far behind so I set to trying to hold her off on the run home. When I hit the bridge I knew I must have had only a bit over 1k to go so I gave it everything. I passed a team runner in a red shirt about 200m from the finish as the heavens opened up and a single bolt of lightening cracked really close and scared the absolute crap out of me. I picked it up even more into the finish and I knew old red shirt was going to put on a sprint. Sure enough he came past and I tried to match him but didn't have enough.
00:48:28 22/61 o'all including teams 10/26 category

04:03:42 12/61 o'all including teams 11/26 category
Great day, great new course, lots of familiar faces. Fantastic result! Straight back to Perth for a birthday party.

Mainpeak Multisport-One long Day

Mainpeak makes 12races/13days of racing in 14weeks and it's not about to stop. I'm possibly looking at another 6races/9days of racing in the next 6weeks. Mainpeak was always going to be one of the toughest though, and I was not mistaken.

The logistics for this race are massive with run/ride/run/ride/paddle/paddle legs. I was blessed to have Chris, Duncan and a little later on Nigel to help me out as my support crew. They did a fantastic job. I was up till 11pm on Sat night having worked a 12hr day Saturday putting the Tri gear on my road bike, setting out all my gear and getting all the info together for my support crew, getting food together and mixing up drinks 18 drink bottles with various cocktails in order to make it all run smoothly. Up at 3am to pick up the boys at Chris' house for a 4am departure to Toodyay for a 6am race start. Duncan got pulled up by the SWAT team on the way to Chris' house mistaken for someone in a similar vehicle ram raided a chemist (thanks for the sudafed BTW Dunc......kidding!). Set up the bike in T1 in the dark then up to the main street of Toodyay for the start line. Hello's to Billy, Bresa and Pocket, I was very nervous. I was expecting a 11hr day.

Leg1-7.5km Trail Run
Long day ahead, long day ahead, long day ahead.....was the thought I was repeating in my head. Fairly easy with a few little single track bits and a decent hill. Back into town and to the T1 bike transition on the river.
00:42:03 o'all84/120 o'all indiv33/46 category19/23

Leg2-58km Road Ride
Long day ahead, long day ahead......still trying to keep the pace easy to leave some in the tank. It was truely freezing when we hit the bike 6degC and no gloves. Did the first 10km on my own before latching onto a couple of guys who seemed to be about my pace. worked with them until about the 35km mark when they seemed to weaken and I was starting to feel stronger. Hopped on with a group of 4 and we worked together to the finish. I was a little worried I hadn't seen my support crew pass me and they weren't at the transition, releived to find they were there at T2 at Chittering Valley Estate. A nice undulating course, mentioned to Chris that it had gone really well, felt like I had made reasonable time without pushing too hard, the leg I was worried about was up next and the time for pushing was on the next bike leg after all the running was done.
02:01:40 o'all74/120 o'all indiv24/46 category16/23

Leg3-24km Trail Run
Been busting for a pee for about an hour by now. Stopped when out of sight and very releived. As you would expect the run started with a 4km climb.....I decided to run (very slowly at times) to keep my rhythm. All was going pretty well until I hit my old enemy the 14km mark. This is where it all went a little pear shaped for me. The pace slowed and I walked all but the slightest hills from here on in. The last few km seemed very lonely as there was just no-one around. The course was all fire trail with a fair bit of elevation involved. Out to the Avon River at Moondyne and back. The back bit seemed to take forever! Finally into T3 back at my bike the boys were waiting. The one small hicup in the logistics the boys didn't relise a had a separate bag of gear for the finish of the run. Luckily the car was closeby and Dunc grabbed it.
02:56:09 o'all87/120 o'all indiv25/46 category14/23

Leg4-33 Road Ride
Back on the bike I thought this was going to be sheer hell, but as soon as I clipped in and tucked down on the Tri Bars I am still surprised how good my legs felt. The boys passed me in the car shouting encouragement....I think. A relatively flat course with a gentle climb for the first half then a gentle descent in the second half and a little climbing into Walyunga and T4. I pushed a little until I hit the descent and then gave it a crack, managed to take quite a few people right up to Walyunga NP. Into transition I racked my bike and looked for my gear....I couldn't see it or the boys anywhere.
01:10:06  o'all56/120 o'all indiv11/46 category9/23

Leg5-7.5km White Water Paddle or 10km Trail Run
I had a horrible realisation the boys weren't here. Just as I was about to start bashing myself over the head with a seat post a lady mentioned they could be down by the ski's at the river edge. Oh yeah, why didn't I think of that. on this leg you could chose which option you wanted to do. With the water levels up similar to when I did the Avon I never even considered doing the run. As I trotted off to the ski's I was so releived to see the boys walking up the track with my gear in hand. I changed at the ski and made a graceful entry in my plastic ski with the rubber chicken on my helmet, unlike the guy who jumped onto his boat from the riverbank. I was very happy to be off the leg burning parts of the race. Straight into the rapids from above Walyunga I was loving it, the only issue was the massive cramps that started immediately I touched the cold water. overtaking a few down into Bells I was feeling good as I was remembering all the lines from the Avon. I was a bit nervous approaching Bells. I had been going too well, and had memories of all those rapids without a rudder in the Avon and copping a pounding. Breezed through Bells, and was leaving all the other paddlers around me for dead. Managed to stay in the boat, chuffed!
00:56:09 o'all47/120 category6/23

Leg6-16km Paddle
The boys were at T5 at the State Equestrian Centre to make sure I hadn't come to any grief in the white water. All was good so I waved and paddled on. That made this leg a 23.5km paddle and by about 15km I was getting very weary and getting a really sore butt. A guy I passed in the white water had changed to a fiberglass ski with a flip up rudder and sailed past. I could now see how much of a difference a lighter ski made. I was still getting the leg cramps but was forcing myself to paddle through them. I passed a number of people who were stopping to sort theirs out. Eventually I struggled into T6 at Middle Swan.
01:36:08 o'all53/120 category8/23
Leg5+Leg6
02:32:18 o'all45/120 o'all indiv13/46 category8/23

Leg7-12km Paddle
T7 and a flat river paddle I changed into my fibergass Fenn XT ski. I had never changed from one to the other before and I was astounded at how different they were to paddle both in stability and seating position. This one was so much more comfortable, no more sore butt! Off I went and immediately started passing people. It was short lived though as fatigue quickly took a firm grasp of my arms and shoulders and my technique went south. Again I was really struggling. Somehow with about 4km to go I found something. My arms lifted and my technique followed. I was gaining on the only guy to pass me since Middle Swan and in the distance I could see the only individual I had seen for ages, the guy who changed boats early and passed me. The closer I got to the finish the quicker I got, yes it hurt. I passed a heap of people in the last 2km including the 2 guys who had passed me. On hitting the beach at Ascot Kayak Club I managed to stand.....just and plod up the beach. As I hit the finish chute, I slowly loosened up and managed a jog, which eventually became a run. The announcer was egging me on to finish inside 10hrs 40. I did my best...and made it! 10:40:59.

All in all a very tough day. I knew I'd finish but it hurt.....a lot. I take my hat off to not only the superhuman winners but also the tail-enders out there for 13hrs 36min finishing in the dark. Summary; more training.

Dwellingup100

Very rushed week since Anaonda Gold Coast last Sunday;
Flew home Monday,
Worked Tuesday,
Swim/Boozy lunch/dinner/kebabs Wednesday,
Put bike together/Paddle/Bike Trainer Thursday,
Work/watch the Hawks winning ways at the Pub Friday
Race Satuday = Pete the most un-organised for a race he has ever been......ever!

I had some drama with my rear wheel last week, so I asked Chris to throw in a spare wheel just in case. This would turn out to be a blessing.

Early start pick up Theo at 05:30 and head down to Dwellingup. Got there just after 7 and had time to do all the stuff I hadn't had time to do during the week, pump up tyres, shocks, get food and water sorted......

08:30 start, saw Scott on the start line. Off for the first 40km loop we went, Chris Theo and I riding together. Picking up places nicely and riding Big Bertha without too much trouble (Hi Dan) apart from the multitude of inconsiderate people walking in the riding line!

NOTE PEOPLE, IF YOUR WALKING. GET OUT OF THE WAY OF PEOPLE RIDING!

Off the top of Big Bertha 10km in, we heard 2 massive crunch sounds and then noticed we had lost Theo. We waited......and waited.......and waited......then Chris rode back. Theo's (read Nigel's) back wheel hub had died a noisy death. Nothing we could do. Theo bravely told us to ride on. He would walk to transition and try to work something out.

Chris and I began passing back all those that had slipped by while we were trying to sort out Theo. I have to say much like the Karri Cup I was really dragging the chain and the ever patient Chris was having to wait for me.....a lot! Very glad to back at the Oval for a break at the 40km mark and I was saying over and over that I was looking at a long hard day.

To our surprise Theo appeared like a tall, young...male.......genie at the transition. He had walked 5km then got a lift back to the Oval. He had managed to get Chris's wheel rigged up and happened to be ready to go as we came in. Off we went together again on the 60km loop. Again I was dragging the chain, Theo and Chris were doing a great job of getting on the front and dragging me along.

Then we hit Turner Hill.......Turner hill appeared at about 56km mark to my surprise as I was plodding along thinking it was at 64km. For some reason this co-incided with my second wind, and I was leading the boys out pertty much for the first time of the day. We had a great run through this XC racing track and took quite a few riders. i could hear Theo behind me having a great time.

Out of here we were holding a good pace and continued to take more riders as we were looking for the infamous "Hells Gate". Eventually it appeared. A steep downhill rutted out track that wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. From here I was holding my breath for Marinup another XC circuit as I knew that was about all the excitement left. My legs were feeling remarkably good considering the poor performance of the first 50km or so and I was holding my own. Theo was strong, showing the fact he had missed 30km of riding but we were all really glad he managed to get back out there.

Into Marinup I found myself on the front again and I was picking up the pace. I was watching my bike computer and loving the flowy single track and pushing harder with every km as we neared 100km. My old chewed out chainrings were not too pleased with that, and evey time I gave a good push on the pedals there was a massive crunch! Smoothness was the key. I was a little confused as I didn't think town was that close but it was a 100km bike race right? Wrong. Then we passed the 100km completed sign which had a side note 3.3km to go......bastards!

Rolling into town we were keeping a good pace and I felt good, but Theo and Chris had it all over me as we rolled into town. In the spirit of things they sat up and we crossed the line together.
06hrs40min

Off to the pub we were informed that if we "Picked up" we needed to inform management as it would be an extra $25 for the room. Many beers AFL and Rugby on the big screen we caught up with lots of nice kids. Pinjarra Pie Shop for Brekky was a great wekend.

Garmin;
Dwellingup100 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Have a look at this video. I'm the second rider at 02:22.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZwLCJ6lDqQ

Now, Mainpeak Multisport next weekend. That's going to be a whole different story!

Anaconda Adventure Race Gold Coast 2011

Garmin;
http://www.trainingpeaks.com/sw/GDKEQTW7LMKR5QVDSNTTB4DNR4

First time for the Gold Coast Race, after having done the Augusta event  twice I thought I might broaden my horizons. To add to the attraction, Mici's family we're coming for the weekend.

Managed to get hold of the XT I hired on Sat to set it up and have a quick spin. Glad I did as it made the paddle out through the breakwall a little less scary. Had a quick look at the "Tulla Bar" where we were to paddle back into the river, and it looked fairly tame.......

Had the worst build up week to a race I have ever had. Felt like I was getting the flu and had the worst stomach ache the night before. It was so bad I couldn't even go for seconds of John B's incredible lamb for dinner! I felt un-Australian!

Raceday, and thankfully my guts had settled down. Up early to go and set up the transitions which involved a bit of driving. Had some difficulty finding the MTB Transition, but managed to get it and the Run transition sorted, back to the start and set up my Ski and dropped off my gear for the final Run Transition. Bloody logistical nightmare.

Back at the unit I picked up my loyal support crew Ethan and Mici. Down for the Swim start the ocean was very calm, next to no wind. I was surprised at how small the field was compared to Augusta.

Off in the swim in Currumbin Creek, arouns a bouy and back to the ski transition, out, around a flag back in, out the breakwall into the ocean, arouns a bouy, into the beach and run to the Ski's for about a 2km stage. Swim went reasonably well by my standards.
1.9km 39:55 110/151 overall 20/23 18-39male.

Onto the ski the conditions were brilliant. The chicken was still taking pride of place since the Avon, and got a few nice comments. Into the bar, I got tipped off on an embarrasingly small wave. Managed to get straight back on and was off up the river. Hopped in the wash of a double ski and managed to hold onto them for about 6km, they were good guys and I was very thankful particularly as I had forgotten the ski leg was 15km not 12.....Had a geat exit and ran up to my Run transition I set up earlier. I was a bit shocked to see spectators everywhere in the transition. I found this REALLY annoying as they would not get out of the way.
15km 01:37:20 78/151 overall 14/23 18-39male at end of leg 81/151 overall 14/23 18-39male

Felt great as I set off on the run. ran past no41 who asked how old I was, I replied 38 and he said "good I don't have to race you!" the run course was brilliant! cris-crossing a creek for 6km, then came "the hill" I was warned, and yes it is big, and steep. I was chatting to my now mate no41 and asked if at the top of this was the last of the uphill? He replied "Yes, but don't get excited". How true! The downhill was worse......really technical and very......downhill. Quads were burning by the end. Then onto the bike.
12km 01:28:10 71/151 overall 14/23 18-39male at end of leg 69/151 overall 14/23 18-39male

Started the MTB gently, aiming to work my way into it. I was warned there was some "propper" climbing in this leg as well, and it didn't disappoint. Some very steep pushing, and when on the descents I had to take it a bit easy as my new brakes weren't playing the game. Pull the back lever to the grip and still not pulling up. Bugger, it was good open fire trail that you could fly down. into town and I was catching a guy and thought I'd take him after a water crossing on a mown lawn area that looked a couple of inches deep. He slowed down so much I was thinking "C'mon mate1" he then rolled into the water and I watched in horror as his bike disappeared to the handlebars! Lucky, as I would have hit it at a million miles an hour......A cool ride through a drainage tunnel and into the final transition, I had a great result.
18km 01:18:01 44/151 overall 11/23 18-39male at end of leg 61/151 overall 11/23 18-39male

The final 2km run for me at Augusta has been a real struggle. I hit the road and was lucky someone pointed me in the right direction as the course wasn't that clear. When I hit the bridge I started to stretch it out and was really happy to be running 04:30k's. That's great for a plodder kike me at anytime let alone after 5hrs of prancing around the bush. To my surprise I came across half my support crew on the way in. Ethan was very dark on John B for missing my finish. Crossed the line and none of my largest support crew ever were there to see it. I had beaten my estimated time by about 25min and they were all otherwise occupied. When they did turn up, none of them were wearing the IOAR (Indian Ocean Adventure Racing) shirts I had brought along for them to wear. Still was nice to have them all there.
2.1km 10:14 42/151 overall 13/23 18-39male

Great race, great course. beers at the Currumbin SLSC were well enjoyed. I'll be back!
Final placings 05:13:40 60/151 overall 11/23 18-39male. Great result for me.

Avon Descent

Decided to do the Avon Descent a while ago, partly in an effort to become a true "West Australian" (still have the Rotto Swim to go before I get there apparently), and partly as a lead up to the Speights Coast To Coast, a Multi Sport event across the South Island of NZ. I have since put off the Coast To Coast for a while, but thought I'd have a crack at the Avon anyway. I managed a bit of ocean and river training. Even a "Valley" rapids and a "Tea Tree" run in the weeks leading into the race. despite this I still felt under-prepared and a bit scared. Mici had taken the opportunity to get the hell out'a town, but thankfully Matt Henderson had signed himself up to be my support crew.

Friday I headed up to Northam for scrutineering and rego. I dropped off my ski and was impressed with the amount of water over Northam weir. First obstacle only 200m from race start, brilliant! Race day and Matt and I had picked up Pete G and Pocket who were joining some other kids for a road ride from race start at Northam back to Perth.

Got a good start and was second of my wave of 8 boats. Successful navigation of the weir and managed a good pace. Kept telling myself to settle down, 2 long days ahead. First stop was at the top of Extracts weir for water and food 28km. Inexperience here. Where Matt and I met turned out to be where everyone was coming out that was "Portaging" (walking) their ski around the rapid. I wanted to have a crack at it, but I couldn't get back out so had to walk it.

Back into it heard some great support from the cyclists and Matt. Next stop Wetherall Reserve another 24km. Uneventful and kept a great pace. Met Matt for more water and food and was feeling it a bit. Hit the water again for the final 11km for day1 and finish at Cobblers Pool. This section was all Tea Trees, and for those who don't know they are chaos! They are hard enough on your own as the water flows through them and drags you into them. Now add 630 people and it is bedlam. I had actually managed to stay in my boat up to here but came out a few times in the mix. Nothing too bad but bent my rudder in the process. No left turn available, but only a couple of km from the finish so no drama.

Matt met me at the finish and I was super chuffed for my day1 result. Finished over an hour earlier than I estimated. We pulled the rudder blade off and I took it home to straighten it out. Home for more carbs and an early night. 7am start tomorrow and a 1.5hr drive meant a far too early rise.....

Day1 4hrs52min overall183/387 category76/182 gender177/369 best leg Toodyay to Wetherall 52/182 in category. 52km down, 72 to go.

Day 2 we arrived back at Cobblers before the sun and fixed the rudder. All looked good (looks can be deceiving!). Off we went again and today straight into the remaining trees and the carnage began. Boats everywhere blocking the passages and the water just kept brining you into them.....like Lemmings. I think I actually got through relatively quickly considering, but the worst was yet to come...............

about 5km in I noticed the boat was all over the place, and wasn't responding to rudder inputs like it should. after a spill I had a look and noticed the rudder mount had pulled a large chunk of the pastic hull out of the boat. This is not good! This section is called "The Valley". Most of the rapids for the race were in here and no support for 35km. The boat was handling like an out of shape marshmallow, every 4 or so strokes and I was heading for the bank or a tree. What I thought was going to take about 3hrs took 4.5hrs. The only positive was that the hole where the water was getting in filling up the boat with water, the water came back out really quickly when I stopped to empty it out. Tried to fix it with cable ties, no joy. So, hit all the rapids bar Bells with no rudder and got absolutely smashed! Smashed my bum on a couple of rocks while in the  water down rapids (this would be an issue later) and my Life Jacket worked well during a swim at Emu Falls. At this point I was mentally dealing with the possibility I might have to pull out. I had no choice but to push on until Wayalunga but if I couldn't work something out for a rudder there was no way I was going to get through the 37km from there.

I worked out the way to tell what the oncoming rapids were like was took take note of how many spectators there were. Syd's Rapids there were a lot of spectators and safety personell. This was going to be a ripper! I gave it a go and got smashed again, I swum out to where a safety guy was and mentioned I didn't have a rudder. He advised "You definatley should Portage". With that I walked around the rest of it and paddled as best I could.

Arriving at Wayalunga Matt wasn't where I expected him to be. This meant I was going to had to do Championship and Wayalunga rapids still without my rudder. I had been really keen to get something sorted and was beginning to get a bit scared of the rapids since I had copped more of a hiding than Mr Bean in the ring with Mike Tyson. Found a quite concerned Matt at the bottom of Wayalunga (had been waiting for ages) and we got to work. Tape cable ties and more tape, and it looked like the rudder just might work. I asked Matt to meet me at Upper Swan just in case.

Right then, lets try Bells and see what happens. Launched and immediately got stuck in a tree.....DOH! Approached Bells and there were people everywhere, then just to add to the fun they announced my name over the PA system. Now they know WHO it's going to be that gets smashed. You wouldn't read about it, I breezed it through. "That's what my day could have been like" I was thinking, then I remembered now comes 30km of flat water.....

Caught sight of Matt at Upper Swan and gave him the good news "See you at Middle Swan" were back in business. About here was where the  power boats started to go by.....Ahhh there's nothing like the sound of a 2 stroke at full throttle! The 22km from Wayalunga to Middle Swan dragged on and my bum where I had cracked the rocks was really hurting. At Middle Swan more water and Food and a couple of Nurofen (Nurofen did nothing!) 15km to go!

I had my best result of the race on the last leg to the finish. 44/182. I knew I was going ok as I was reeling quite a few people in, but I didn't realise I was going that good! Finish at Garrat Rd and I was very releived to not be sitting on my bum any more. That hurt more than any MTB race.

Chris and Matt were there at the finish. Great atmosphere. Great atmosphere everywhere. I still can't get over the number of spectators....there were thousands of them, everywhere, all clapping and cheering indiscriminately.

In summary. I can't thank Matt enough. Brilliant effort and great encouragement. I'm not sure I'll be rushing in to go solo again, but I'd be keen to go again in a team. I was lucky, great water level, great weather, and made it through. Loved it!

Garmin Day1;
Avon Descent Day1 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details
Garmin Day2;
Avon Descent Day2 by pjgoo2 at Garmin Connect - Details

Espresso 24hr Adventure Race

A last minute withdrawal by our female recruit meant luckily for us our SOS was answered by a keen Matt Henderson. This meant we were now an all male team with the wealth of 1 member having done an Espresso before and very limited Navigation experience (read done a bit at school a looong time ago!). Team; Nige, Gregor, Matt and Pete "Assault Team Mudbutton".


Team meeting on licenced premesis on Wed we met Matt and immediately thought we had been very lucky to get him on board. Nige and Gregor headed down together and Matt and I got to know each other a bit better on the way down to Nannup on Fri after work. As we came into Bunbury we saw Matt's fiance Ruth on the road and ended up having dinner together. A bit more fancy pants than we were expecting due to only getting in to the 3rd place we tried due a cancellation. Stopped in with some fellow racers in Nannup and early to bed. Tour De France and early start at work I was toasted.


I'm sure Murray scheduled the race during the TDF to further the sleep deprivation.

Race day and we departed the quite god digs at the pub for the Town Hall.....then turned around as it was across the street. Got our maps and started to plan our routes. Paddle, MTB, Rogaine, MTB, Trek, MTB Time Trial, MTB. We got bogged down in the detail and ran out of time to plan the final Trek, MTB. We had to frantically plan what we put into our 3 transition tubs. One of these would be at each transition and the gear in these and what we carried would have to last us the race. "What do I need, and where and when do I need it" is the question.


Down to the start for 12:00 and feeling very nervous and underprepared. Start we elected Matt to do the sprint for the Control Card (used to record punches at each checkpoint as proof you were there). Once he was back and he was at the pointy end we picked our canoes installed the seats and gave them a final pump up. Then we were in the water I think about mid-pack. The water was flowing well and we had a few small rapids and lots of trees to negotiate. After a while Matt and I realized our L/H side had a leak, and that everyone else had taken a pump with them. Hmmm. The "Maids" were our saviours and lent us their pump and we were back on track. A false stop for the paddle bonus, but we found it the second time. I was following the river on the map in my lap when a branch caught the lanyard and they were gone. A nice team of girls retrieved them.....thankyou! The paddle finish was a one lane affair and the girls were really struggling to get their canoes up the hill. 20km and TA1. onto the MTB already cold.

1st MTB was a welcome releif for Nige, Gregor and myself. 1st Nav attempt and bush bash straight up was a success gaining time on a few teams. But the next tracks we tried to follow showed that the night Nav was going to be tough as some of the tracks clearly sown on the map were so overgrown they were hard to follow in the daylight! We kept a steady pace and managed to get the 2 MTB bonus CP's. Had been dark for some time when we hit TA2 a little warmth at by the fire and into the Rogaine.

Matt said to me "Pete you'll never believe this" Matt had put his runners in the wrong box and had to do the 13km rogaine in his MTB shoes. We had some difficulty finding the first of 5 compulsory CP's. But we found it at the end of a log into the River. Nige was straight onto it, getting his feet wet in the process. After bush bashing for a while following a creek we walked the up's and jogged the flats and the downs and made reasonable time but had difficulty finding the last 2 CP's. This stage saw the race highlight for me with Gregor resorting to using a bandage from the 1st Aid Kit for an unorthadox use. We didn't bother trying to get any bonus CP's and overtook some teams into TA3 back where we left our bikes.

Back on the MTB it was truely cold now. I couldn't find my sleeves but donned my thermal top, it would have to do. only 3 CP's we had trouble following one of those overgrown tracks but along with another team we managed to find them. On the road we managed to take some more teams into TA4 back at the Town Hall.

This was a welcome chance to warm up and plan the Trek and final MTB we hadn't had a chance to do before race start. We lost some time but weren't too worried. Straight away we saw what they meant by "expect some elevation" and encountered the 1st of the many Blackberry's. 3rd CP there was a road that wasn't on the map that threw us. second attempt and a little help we found it and were off. Here was the lowpoint. I advised a Right when I should have said Left, and we climbed a massive hill before realising my mistake at the top. Fantastic view in the moonlight with the fog in the valleys, I thank the boys for taking it so well. Back tracking we regained our course and had a shocker trying to find the CP on the "Mossy Rock" already a bit down we were climbing rock faces in thick bush and the map wasn't lining up with the terrain. Saved by a team of girls we got it and headed off electing to take the long route on-road rather than more bush bashing. This paid off beating the girls to the next CP and beginning to overtake more teams as the sun began to rise. Our least favourite competitor on another team was stuggling at this point which put a bit of a smile back on our faces. With the sun and a couple of easier to find CP's our sense of humour returned. Thankfully the running was stopping us from completely freezing to death. Into TA5 we saw Jill who commented she had to defrost the windscreen on her car for 10min to get there.

Our bike were waiting and we were really pleased to be getting on our bikes and knowing there was no more running. The guys at TA weren't having nay trouble checking we had our mandatory thermals as if you weren't wearing them you would have been in a bit of bother! Due arriving after 7am we were disappointed not to be allowed to do the 3km MTB Time Trial, and we were told we were not to do 3 CP's. The Maid's left TA before us and a massive climb straight up on the bike poor Matt was struggling but we were all warmed up now. Off the powerlines again the map wasn't lining up and we gave up on our 1st CP for the race. Time was becoming an issue as we wanted to make sure we were in by the limit of 12 midday. Coming into Nannup with 2 CP's left Matt's rear wheel locked up. His bike had been a bit noisy for a while, turns out all the rear brake rotor bolts bar 1 were gone and the rotor cocked and bent in the caliper. Lucky boy! Last CP was supposed to be where we started the paddle and we stuffed around for ages looking for it. We were all a bit over it but kept looking and pulled the pin with 15min till the cutoff. Very frustrating!!!

Thanks to those that cheered us into the finish. 23hrs 47min 20km paddling, 90km MTB and 33km run/hike we couldn't find 2 CP's were short coursed for 3 CP's and got 3 bonus CP's. We finished 12th and were really chuffed.

Presentations and lunch were low key, the biggest challenge for the day was yet to come. The drive home. maybe we should call it a 27hr race.

Was 0degrees and we were cold all night, we seemed to flog around the bush for ages trying to find CP's but all in all I had a ball and I think given the chance I'll do another one. Matt's keen and I know Nige has declared-Never again.


Next challenge.......

Alterra Race1

The first in a 3 round Off Road Triathlon series, I was really looking forward to this one. I woke to feeling a little dodgy in the tummy. I put this down to the pressure of being labelled Race Favourite and wearing a very heavy number 1. Those race directors have a sense of humour don't they! Very windy and quite chilly out at Lake Leschinaulta, quite a good turnout. I think there were around 64 competitors. Bumped into a few familiar faces. Shame Jase and Wade weren't racing, injuries meant they were part of the IOE crew. A typical Leigh race breifing "You can't miss a turn on the MTB" sticks in my mind.

I started the 2 lap swim in the middle of the pack. Amazing how different it is swimming in fresh water for a change. Out the other side of the lake, around a tree back in and dive in only to realise the churned up mud made the water black.......mental note keep mouth closed, keep mouth closed. The water cleared up pretty quickly,  out at the other side I couldn't beleive I ran past 2dogs on the way back in. He was having a very ordinary swim. He's normally a fish.800m swim down. 31km to go.

Finished the swim and there were still quite a few bikes in the racks, can't have gone too badly. Onto the 2lap MTB I began winding it up. This was my chance to make up some time. It wasn't long before I remembered how slippery it is up here. The pea gravel on the hard ground makes cornering a gently, gently affair. Caught 2dogs agian at the first log, or 2 large branches over the trail. Didn't have time to have a good look but decided dismount was the quickest option. A couple of climbs and a little single track with a fairly easy logover I was passing a few. There were lots of eager riders missing turns ("you can't miss a turn on the MTB") and I seemed to be sneaking under them when they did so. I missed the turn into the best single track near the end of the lap, but had a bit of a gap on the next rider so no harm was done getting back on track. Second lap and I wanted to have a crack. I spotted Greg Mickle up ahead on one of the climbs and put in. Nice to see a smiling face.Almost finished I came across a girl asking which way. Follow me I said, she was very thankful at the finish. Turns out she was the Female winner., and no Nigel I finished in front of her. 24km+800m down, 7km to go.

Off the bike into the run, I heard Leigh over the PA saying the favourite has some time to make up. Truth was the favourite would be doing well if he could hold his position! First section of the run was an easy dirt road to get your rhythm. Then an uneven rocky section to sort em out. great bush loop through branches up and down embankments.....brilliant! Nothing boring about this stuff. Got passed by a couple but I was happy running my own pace and looking after the dodgy hammy. Ran with Owen for a while and we were pointing out the trail to each other as we ran past the signs. Thanks Owen, you could fit in on Crew1 "Teamwork makes the dreamwork"

Great race, 8th overall and 6th in category. Had a ball. Must have had a go because the legs fell quite heavy today. That may also have something to do with standing up drinking all day at the cricket afterwards but I won't go into that. Great atmosphere very friendly and lots of families, the "Little Indians" had a run around after the race, sausage sizzle on a nice big grassed area in front of the lake. Look foward to Round2 "The Enduro" hope to get a few more there next time.   

Karri Cup 2011

Last minute decision to do the Karri Cup made the Sunday before meant preparation was to be less than perfect. Neither Chris or I had had a go at this one before. Add to that an illness on Thur, quick trip to Geelong for a friends celebration on Fri night (Some say it was for the Avalon airshow but I guess you will never know), Western Force home game Sat night (we lost). Things were not adding up to a Personal Best performance. Time constraints and a lack of accomodation options meant Chris and I had to drive down to Northcliffe for a 8am race start. 02:15 the alarm made itself heard and I was a Chris's place and loaded for a 03:05 departure. Yes we were both pretty tired when we arrived at the start at about 07:10. The common comment from me was "this is gonna hurt!" Chris was giving all sorts of encouraging coments like "how bad could it be" and "it's no Otway". Caught up with Scott and Dave from SPR who reminded us about the chicken. I volunteered to carry it as I was predicting a poor performance, and we noticed a few other familiar faces at the start line. I was feeling remarkably relaxed, no expectations I think.

Stage1

Started mid pack, and we probably went out a little harder than we should have (that would be my fault and I would pay the price). But we had a great run through the Round-Tuit single track. Across some paddocks a couple of grass hidden holes made for a little excitement particularly with the rain making for challenging visibility. A couple of water crossings at speed, and some more nice single track at the state track.  Pushing on I made the mistake of leaving off eating until the 25km stop. Turns out the 25km stop was at 31km, and I was getting hungry. Caught up with Clarie at the stop who had decided to pull out and ride back, a little later on I would think that wouldn't have been a bad option.

Stage2
After 10min or so we headed out again, and it was cold! Didn't know we were supposed to cross the same timing mat on the way out to start the clock again. We had a chat to the timing guy at the finish who was nice enough to accept our Garmin info and deduct 10min for our stop. I was feeling it by now and was glad stage2 was a little easier going than Stage1. My quads were aching already and where I was setting the pace on Stage1 I was happily letting Chris do so on Stage2. Truth be known I think I was still setting the pace, but doing so by Chris waiting for me rather than keeping up. We had a Masters rider jump on the back for a while and we all had a bit of a giggle when I hit a fast corner a little quick, somehow managed to stay upright and ended up stopped 90degrees to the trail. When we neared the lunch break Chris picked up the pace a little to overtake a few riders ahead. As soon as I pushed on the pedals to go with him my left leg cramped up and straight away my right leg thought it would go out in sympathy. This was not good! Not even half way and cramps already......This is gonna hurt! Lunch stop was very welcome. The rain had abated and the catering was excellent. We saw John Greg and wondered how long he was stopped for lunch, maybe we weren't doing so badly......turns out he was stopped for an hour and Chris Fisher snuck out before him. about 25min or so and we were off before we got comfortable.

Stage3
The 50-75km section of a 100km race is always where I find it the toughest, and this one wasn't any different. We worked out the timing mat thing and  I very steep short hill to start the stage thankfully wasn't a sign of things to come. We pedalled on fairly conservatively and I was getting in as much electolyte as I could and eating when I could to try and bring my legs back to me. So far this wasn't happening, but I was still out there.....so far managing to keep the cramps at bay. Very pleased to see the 3rd stop. A couple of pain killers, more to eat and away again.

Stage4

Stage4 was basically the reverse of Stage1 without the Round-Tuit single track. Another steep little climb to start, and into a brilliant long slight descent/flat through the forest that seemed to go on for ages. The climb back up the paddocks was a little torturous, but by this stage I had ingested enough electrolyte and gel to bung up a small elephant and the cramps were behaving themselves. I was able to push on a little harder, and we managed to pass quite a few riders. A few 50km (aka cheats!) went past but I was pretty pleased with how I was going after how bad it was feeling earlier. The finish line snuck up on us this time and Chris and I crossed together with a couple of squeaks from the chicken. Made it, now just the drive home to Perth......another 4hrs in the car just for laughs.

Well, that was a lot tougher than I expected, haven't cramped up BEFORE halfway before and I was pretty pleased I managed to keep them under control. I bike wash from the friendly local firefigters aat the first stop and a bit of chain lube at each stop kept the bikes running well. A couple of chain sucks were the worst we had which spells a great day really. My bike in fact got quieter as the day went on much to everyone's relief....there were a few comments about the squeak each pedal revolution I wasn't able to eliminate pre-race. We packed up and got going. shame we couldn't hang around to see Scott and Dave finish, but as it was we didn't get home till 8pm.......a very long day, but an enjoyable one. Thanks to Chris for dragging my sorry arse around that race, I let him go through the 2nd and 3rd timing points first as he would have been way further up if I wasn't holding him back. I had fun and I think I'll be back.....but I won't be doing a day trip again.

5hrs 54min

Pete Open 38/117 total 102/292

Chris Veteran 40/108 total 100/292

Very pleased with the results considering. I stuffed my entry up and entered as an Open. Oh well no harm done.

Allterra Race2, Coastal Clash and Busso Half next big races, and haven't trained nearly enough. Love a challenge!