A good friend reps for PRV and got asked if he could put a team together for the Invercargill Mid Winter Enduro (8hr) for an Invercargill shop Gladstone Cycles. After clearing it with sponsor John Bull Cycles I was set for a fun bash!
Jeremy, Jason, Nick and I were set to have a wee bit of fun at the sandy point track and make a weekend of it. At dinner over a few beers it was decided that I would start which included a 200m run to the bikes, Jerry would set out second followed by Nick, then the big guy (Jason) would finish before repeating.
After a hazey night, I found myself on the startline feeling rather shit, but managed to fake it and reach the bike in forth spot. I dug deep and got into the single track in second behind one of Ryan Culls team mates. I sat in and followed for a while to see if I could pick up any lines, but then decided to attack... I got away and was out in front for maybe 5 or so mins before the lack of "trainning" hit, I kept pushing hard on the rooty technical track (kind of a Rotorua Base) but two guys slipped past. I finished my lap third out of the forest and about 30secs down... looking like a ghost I went behind the tent and brought up breakfast!
Jerry was on fire and pulled us back to second place and Nick made some ground up also, Jason managed to hold his own for someone who hasn't done much on a MTB before. I was sent out for my second lap in forth or fifth spot. We all pushed hard but the lack of MTB riding and training could only see us pull second place behind Ryan Culls team (he got his payback for Naseby).
It was a pretty fun weekend, with heaps of laughs and good times, the result was just a bonus as we had all just wanted to have fun. This is a well organised event, and the track is really amazing and fun! I will be going back for some more mid winter fun next year for sure.
A huge thanks has to go out to Doug from Gladstone Cycles for the entry and keeping the bikes lubed and the riders feed, we all had such a blast!
Time to start thinking about getting some more regular riding in around a very busy workload and before I feel the crack of the whip from the coach again!
Keep warm
