Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Frozen Foot

The start line, frozen in time.
Trying to keep warm, a balance between effort and the conditions.
Are you sure I can't ride in jeans?

Onza's collecting the frost, then gripping all day.


Happens to be frozen water on them there bars.

Frosty mornings in the Hawkesbury didn’t prepare me for icy reception we received at Mt Stromlo, home of the third round of Chocolate Foot’s Single Track Mind Series. I was rugged up and almost prepared to ride in my hoody and jeans when they called the briefing. There I was, beanie under my helmet, two sets of arm warmers and jerseys, leg warmers, woollen socks and my cold weather gloves, still chilled to the bone.

The Chocolate Foot team had picked some great tracks to ride for the day including Willo’s link, my first ride on this trail. With no heavy climbing, the trails linked together almost seamlessly, rewarded every assent with flowing traverses and fast descents. It was fun just to head out for another lap as the fog lifted with the offer of sweet burms and a cool but sunny Canberra day.

It took a couple of laps for the three hundred odd riders to really space out and for me to feel like I may have done a reasonably fast lap time. Then I was happy just to keep warm, pacing myself, having a ball with whips and cross-ups over the rollers. About half way through the day the leading riders finally caught me and I attempted to hold Dylan Cooper's wheel but to no avail, I found he rides on the verge insanity and disaster.

It was great to get out and enjoy the trails, it seemed like almost every one was having fun. Thanks to my dedicated support crew for braving the frigid conditions, keeping me hydrated and well fed. To Canberra's own Team Enduro Pulse rider for the good company and Chocolate Foot for putting on another great event.