Shaun, KiwiJohn and PhujiPhil were representing the ARC at the Port to Port Mountain Bike Race. Today was stage 1 which was held in the Hunter Valley and presented new challenges such as rutted and sandy trails and roads.
We were split up initially with a solid climb for 10km on fire tracks which were then followed by several sections of single track. Particularly challenging were the steep and rough descents. Minor disturbances to our flow were experienced by us all, particularly in handling the deep sand at the bottom of descents, and John receives the award for the most epic presentation on the finish line.
Although none of us achieved a podium position (the winners in our category were 30 minutes ahead!) we did meet our objectives of no injuries, having fun and drinking beer. Johns highlight was taking a bath in a dusty section of the single track. Shauns highlight was lollies at the half-way point. My highlight was not sliding down the hill on the off-camber single track.
Top effort boys
Weather looking good
Stay upright – at the pub and on the track