Australian 24hr Solo MTB Championship

Australian Solo 24hr MTB Championship
The championships were held at Majura Pines with race central inside the Innabyanna guide camp located beside the pines area. I was surprised to find corc was able manage a 8.2km track out of the 3km length of pines. The track was nothing short of what to normally expect from Canberra conditions. Mostly hard packed and well worn tack snaked its way through the pines. A variety of fire trails were used and gave ample opportunity for food and liquid consumption. For every downhill section there was uphill with most being brief in nature. The main concern was the most northern climb which felt to be the steepest and
I spent the most time climbing. The other of note was of medium tech rocky climb which benefited those who could spot a good line.
Weather always plays a big part in endurance events and this time it effected some of the strongest competitors. It was warm and the forecast was rain. It happened around five and changed the mood and conditions for almost everyone. The rain was solid for over two hours with a gradual fade out to a warmish moonless night. As the bunny moved through the camp he brought a brilliant sunrise to an almost cloudless sky. The track conditions followed the weather turning wet, slippery and muddy with the rain then throughout the night it dried out to be a sticky, well packed and mostly dry.
It was easy to tell the corc crew are experienced in the organisational department. With no line up at rego, coffee, cakes and BBQ. The guide camp had some nice facilities with showers and flowers. The only surprise was the lack of access for support crew to the track. Unfortunately most of us were unable setup camp beside the track. Those that weren't camped beside the track found or made other arrangements using the crew area, pit lane or not. The race commentator was always near the transition reporting on the to and frowing of riders and their support. There were always progressive results being posted and the award ceremony was shortly after race completion.

Some form of support crew is almost essential in solo endurance racing. I had my partner Donna who is experienced at crewing and my sister of which this would be her first MTB experience. My crew did a sterling job and attended every lap transition with food and liquid. Members of other crews helped out with bike maintenance where it was needed. Enough can not be said about the lengths crews go to, to ensure riders only have to think about ripping up the track.
With my Canaan having some down time for servicing the old faithful NRS was brought out to play. While not being near as comfortable as the Canaan, the NRS has been proven time and time again to be race worthy. I removed some of the nice bits off the Canaan to ensure the NRS was going to be light, fast and well balanced. The front end was lightened and lowered with F100s, eastern 90 bar and stem, Ultimate brakes and a Stans Olympic wheel. The rest of the bike stayed realistic with X-9 shifting, RP2 rear shock, WTB speed saddle and an American Classic rear wheel converted to tubeless. The bike performed well under the conditions with only shifting issues with all the mud that was getting around. For a while, well quite a bit of the race, I rode the bike as a three speed, shifting only on the front cogs. Then there was an intermittent shifting issue which lasted for the rest of the race, I only discovered the cause during the post race inspection. Also had a rear brake misalignment that I discovered mid-race and fixed mid lap. Overall it would have been nice to have had two bikes running but I made the most of what I had.
How did I go? Well it turns out that mud, nicks, saddle and I don’t mix well. I received some major chafing problems. This mixed with the shifting issues came to a head about 3-4am when I had had enough abuse and took a two hour or so break in an attempt to recharge. This was the first time I have had nicks/body problems. My lights finally found their niche conditions, with no dust the HID lights blazed away all night. With all the ample light, dusty conditions can reflect the light making it all fog like. But not this time. My hands and feet coped a fair flogging and came out much like a shorter race which was good.
How was the race? This was the most competitive field I have ever seen at a 100 competitor race and from the start gun the freaks were gone. I liked the track as we rode around and I rode with Mad Mick from QLD for the few laps till he set a pace I didn’t want to commit to. Mick went on to win his category. There was a stage where I may have been eating to much and got to a point where I wasnt comfortable. I then had the chance to ride with the fastest in the female fields, these women out rode many of the men and got a chance to see just how strong and skilled they are. The freaks lapped me, with the winner doing so every three to four laps at times. If I hadnt have stopped for a break with chafe and bike problems, I beleive I could have for the first time ridden a full 24hrs, especially with the positive effects of FRS. My lap times in the morning were good then seemed to get better, I felt faster, stronger and in tune with the trail. I rode within my ability and went on to place 6th in the 25-29 category and 21st overall in the Australian Championship.

Just a quick view of my rear brake pad and the uneven wear I experienced.