Well after a gung-ho start to the season over 2 weeks ago, I decided I needed a holiday. Off to Hamilton Island for some R&R for myself and the wife. Not much in the way of training took place in the Whitsundays I'm afraid, not for lack of options. I have decided these tropical resorts make great places for training camps. With plenty of glorious trails, no shortage of open water, buffet breakfasts and gym facilities, it is easy to imagine turning pro and going to live in tropical paradise paid for my someone else. If only it was as easy to actually be good enough to turn pro.
Nonetheless, 2 small walks, a 10 minute "swim" in the "exclusive" pool, and a 30 minute snorkel was about the only exercise I had over the 5 days. It was around this time last year I was training for Port Half. What I wouldn't give to be as fit as I was then.
Being back to normality for a few days, last weekend was a good chance to get some solid training done. Friday saw an easy ride around Hawkesbury Loop around midday, and a late night MTB along the Oaks. The original plan was to ride up and meet those runners coming down and head back to the car to get the esky out ready for the early runnners. Passed the early runners as expected, but failed to see the late starters where expected. Got to the gate at Woodford around 10:30 (after leaving at 9) where some other mtbikers informed me the train had stopped, and the runners won't be making it tonight. After a quick drink and pit-stop it was back in the saddle for the return journey. Reflecting on The Oaks ride: I would have to say on the trip up the second half is by far the most enjoyable as whilst there are more hills, it is undulating which gives you ample time to rest on the descents. The first half is just a constant grind sitting in the saddle working the gluts and calves. Whilst the first half of the return trip (Woodford to Glenbrook) is still undulating, it is not as enjoyable as the second half which is quick and easy descending fire trail followed by blissful single track.
Whilst I had plenty of time to make it back to the gate before midnight and have the beer ready, my plans were foiled by at first a chain issue, then a freak flat tyre, then another flat tyre. I had jinxed myself after the first flat, commenting that these things always come in 3's. I was grateful for the assistance of 2 complete strangers who were also riding down The Oaks, who at first had a multi tool that allowed me to fix the chain issue, then had some awesome tyre levers (trust me, there are tyre levers and then there are tyre levers!) to help with the first flat, then had a spare tube for the second flat. They were gracious to wait and help me on each occasion, which is more than I would have expected. I'm not sure what they thought of a guy heading out by himself at 9pm with no food or water for a 50km trail ride all dressed up in lycra.
After all that, I made it back about 15 minutes after 12 to open the car and get out the beer and chips everyone was eagerly awaiting. This was followed by about 2 hours of talking around a camp fire, just outside the National Park Gates, as we waited for those who were running the up and back option.
All up Friday was about 110km of cycling.
Up again on Saturday morning for what was supposed to be a longer ride up to Megalong Valley, but quickly became a slow and easy ride to Wentworth Falls and back. Back in time to head out to the Lakes to watch the Tri Club Race.
Sunday was up with the Kids to go and watch the start and finish of the inaugural race for the inaugural year of the running wild mtn running series in the Blue Mtns. Good to seem some good runs, great to see BMMC heavily represented with 4 in the top 6 and 2 on the podium. I will get in trouble for saying this, but it was kind of good to see someone else from outside of the mountains take it out.
Managed a pretty lazy swim with WES and ST on sunday.
Backed up again for another Swim monday, starting to feel less like a jelly fish in the pool now.
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