It had to be done, even though it is considered a family ride, it really isn’t like that out there on the track, it is everyone for themselves!
Four of us ventured down to Blenheim on Friday for a early start on Saturday morning to ride 106km’s from St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs via private farm tracks.
The late arrival of portable toilets meant everyone was peeing and doing number twos in the trees. The tree section was starting to smell like a toilet. I wouldn’t want to be that farmer. The toilets turned up 10minutes before the start of the race – pointless.
I had a gromet say I was a machine on the up hill to Iron Saddle as I bombed the hill passed everyone. Pity I am not like that on the down hill!
I came 4th in my class, it should have been 3rd but I was such a girl on the down hill on the gravel and got passed near the end – Grr! There were about 650 entrants. Check out the Tineli Bikewear Rainbow Rage for results and information.
It was nice to have a plate full of food that had been prepared for riders after the event and a relaxing swim in the Hanmer Hot Springs.
Photo’s of us prior and after the race. Then during the race.
Would I do it again? I do not think so, too bumpy for this kid! The experience was great but the butt ache from the continuous water ruts along the track are not worth a second look … or maybe they are from a 4WD as that is what you would need for a slightly more comfortable ride.
The scenery was beautiful, the dramatic hills lining the valley you rode up along side a fresh river that you could still drink from was worth the pain once.
