It already seems like a somewhat insane dream, but yes, I did manage to ride Majura single track for 24hrs.  CORC run an awesome event, and solo riders are a different breed – no angst on track.  Local riders Ed McDonald and Mark Tupalski are super super supportive and chatty out there, and Jason English is not just an amazing rider but an amazingly cheerful and conversive rider.  Just as well he talks – he rides so smoothly he’s hard to hear approaching.

So, if any of you are wondering, here’s my few words of advice.

1) leave pass time – you’ll need a lot.  24hrs might just have consumed my life outside work for quite some time.

2) support crew – made my race fun, do-able and enjoyable.  They kept me fed, watered, lit and cheerful – chicken suits at 4am will make anyone laugh.  Start bribing some friends now.

3) children – train them now not to need cuddles, piggybacks or too much attention for the following 24 hours at least.  I’m walking and rode my bike to town for brunch, but if I’d had to lift up a toddler, I might just have had a toddler tantrum myself today.  Legs are fine but 24hrs of mtb pummeling takes a fair toll on back/ shoulders/ arms.

My goals for this were to keep riding and do so consistently so I’m super happy with how it went.  The girls ahead of me had a rip-roaring race – there were only 5 minutes between 1-4 female places for 15 hours ( I was way off their pace).  However, the top 5 girls finished in the top 20 overall out of 70 riders which I reckon is pretty damn good.

See you all on the bike…in a couple of weeks.  I’m enjoying some extra sleep and coffee time!