After racing the our local SA 24hr in May I told my family I was done with solo 24s. Just too hard, hurt too much, not enjoying....
I spent some time over winter in Europe and did a few races there. When I got back a friend I was out riding with mentioned a mutual friend was heading to WEMBO. I had forgotten all about the race but a little seed was planted in my head - maybe 1 more solo 24????
I was planning to ride an 18 hour race 4 weeks before WEMBO so decided I would make the call after that. Driving home from the 18 hr I decided not to ride WEMBO....
But the thought was still in my head- worlds, Australia, a chance to finish my unfinished business from 2010 worlds.
I made a few calls and sorted a ride over for myself and 2 bikes and organised flights for Mark my trusty 1 man crew.
I'm in!
I planned to take the race as it came, unsure if I could even ride thru the night as the previous 2 24s and 18s I have slept a bit.
The start was pretty slow as I was at the back of the age groups and traffic was slow with a lots of stops up the 1st climb for all the riders to file thru. I settled into a good pace for a few hours and around 5pm swapped to my spare bike with lights. 5 mins into the lap I flatted. Back on the bike I was getting bad foot pain and swapped bike and shoes at the end of the lap and got a jacket. I was getting tired, sore and my usual 6-8 hour low where I know I still have 18 hours more to ride....
A few laps latter my foot pain was so bad I to stop mid lap and take my shoes off for a few minutes which seemed to help a lot.
At the end of the lap Mark passed me his phone, my wife was calling from home. She had been following lap times and told me I needed to speed up. Give me 3 mins a lap faster times she said, you can do it, get going...
At that point I was in 14th in 45-49s.
It seemed like I flicked a switch, I dropped about 7 mins off the next lap and for the next 10 laps I was riding 1:10 laps, rolling thru the pit while grabbing a bottle and vegemite sandwich and gel.
The night was fantastic and I was really enjoying the race. I did half a lap without being passed and just felt really strong.
It was great to chat with Jason E a few times as he went past for a few mins until he pulled away. Seeing the different riding styles of guys like Corey who I am sure lost a lot of time to Jason from line choice. Wondering how long Ed could stay SO far in front. Catching Eliza in the morning on the last climb and seeing her disappear down the other side, that girl can ride.
As morning came I was still going OK and had made up some places. The last laps were hard with back pain and my feet again giving big problems. 2nd last lap I slowed a bit because I really didn't want to have time to do an extra lap.
I finished at 12:06 with 20 laps knowing I had ridden the best ride of my life, 7th in the world in age Cat. Expectations exceeded.