Whaka 100km

The Whaka proved to me how much my race speed has fallen off. Although 100km is relatively small compared with the distances I cover in a 24 hour race, it still is quite a ride. It didn’t have the greatest race day preparation either. I woke up late and rushed to get my gear together and ride to the event. Unfortunately I didn’t know the race was based at the other side of the forest, so I turned up with just minutes left to register. And having had to sprint 6km there.

The day did really improve from there. I started alright but rapidly went backwards through the field. I persevered chatting to many of the people that seemed to stream past me. After 20km I stopped thinking I could come back to place top 10 and just tried to enjoy the ride through almost all the tracks in the forest.

Unfortunately my race came to an end around the half way mark on Pondy DH. My chain committed suicide into my rear wheel, dragging the derailleur with it and taking out a few spokes on the way. I was a little too slow to lock up the rear wheel to save the situation and it locked of its own accord. So that was the end of a mediocre day of racing and I scootered to the nearest forest exit. Despite my Rohloff chain being dented back on itself several times it failed to break or even pop any pins, anything in Rohloff cap.

I spent the rest of the day helping the event organisers at the finish line. It was interesting being on the other side of the finishing situation - cutting off peoples' numbers on their bikes while they struggled to stay upright after leaving everything out on the course.