Dwellingup 100
A 100km mountainbike race in Dwellingup. First time we ride it as we weren’t here last year for the inaugural event. It was an absolutely awesome course (apart from the 9km tarmac about halfway) and the weather conditions for riding were perfect!
Jon getting ready before the start
Sarah, Jude and Jon at the start line
waiting for the start
and we’re off
Jude is off too…
We had to get up at 5.30am to get there on time for a 8.30 start, so it was a long day. It started with a lap of the oval, followed by a very fast first 40km lap with some sweet single trail in it, especially loved the W.O.T (Wide Open Throttle) downhill track – wicked! A few hills along the way (first one was Big Bertha), but nothing too hard.
Jake and Pete cycling up Big Bertha
Jude cycling up Big Bertha
many people walking on Big Bertha
A quick stop back at the oval to put some more water in my bladder, more food in my bento box and a bit more oil on my chain and off I was again. 9km on the tarmac – how boring and how horrible… luckily we disappeared off into the bush on our way to Turner Hill trails after it, much more fun! Managed to overtake a few people on the single track, but there are not that many people around and it is great fun to ride them again.
Then disaster struck on the way down Hells Gate. Just had a biscuit, was loving the downhill and was loving the fact there was only 17km left of which 8km would be the Marinup trails and then there was a big hiss and a tyre rolling around in the dirt – poooooo. Out came the spare tube and then oh horror horror, wrong valve!! A very generous stranger handed out his spare tube. First time ever I had to put in a tube into my rims, so it was interesting to find out how it all works. But am not an expert in putting a tube into a tubeless rim. And then I left the valve right there by the side of the track… bugger. Will have to get a new one soon for the next race!!
After this I had to start pushing it to make it back on time as 4pm was the cut off. Loving the single track of Marinup and then the frustration after the 100km mark… how far is it?! I can hear it – I think, I can recognise this bit – I think, it’s not far now – I think… I thought my mind was playing trick with me until I finally saw the oval and just as I was about to cross the finish line saw everybody waiting for me just next to it – awesome!!
Jon crossing the finish line
Jude about to cross the finish line
tired but happy
a little more than 100km…
Some food and nibbles and listening to the prize giving. Fran was first in her class (in an awesome time!!) and I came 3rd in my (old farts) category. Yay 🙂
Jude comes 3rd
Hot choclate and cake in Millhouse followed by an awesome feast in our little Ethiopian place on Albany Hwy – yummmm. They served us freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee at the end… I think 3 big spoons of sugar might be a bit much to add to an espresso sized cup…