August 15th, 2007
Let Me Count The Ways I Hurt Thee
Hurty Bike
Well, you can’t go 24 hour racing on a singlespeed after a six week layoff and expect it not to hurt can you?
I’ve traditionally treated SITS as a less serious race than other 24 hour races on the calendar - even running suspension and gears. I think that part of this comes from the less corporate and more relaxed feel of the race itself.
I almost missed this years race - after missing Strathpuffer I told myself that I was only going to race Mayhem and SSWC - but when it was pointed out to me that I had a 100% attendance record I was begging to Tim Johnson for a place on another one of his splendid Sideways teams.
Cue Friday packing of singlespeed, dogs, tent, gazebo, all my cycle clothing - well it could have been 2006 all over again - food, beer, wine and single malt into the car.
For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to do all my laps in a single shift at the start of the race. I counted without the hot dry weather and a peak flow of 450, courtesy lungs the size of walnuts. My lap times quickly deteriorated - 54 minutes, 60 minutes, 70 minutes - as my headache increased - and I was pulled from the course so that my teammates could get a chance to ride while the sun was still out.
The cool air of night was much better for racing - the 50 minute time in the results doesn’t include the time I spent faffing when Rob turned up early. Mind you getting out of camp took me farther away from Rob in his pyjamas and hoodie combination and that can only be a good thing. “At least he didn’t have his cock out”, as at least one person remarked.
Like 2006 there was rain in the night, but this time it was just enough to damp the dust down rather than provide the now traditional 24 hour race mud. And so day two continued as a puncture fest rather than a trudge. While my feelings towards those frigtards who can’t carry their flatted tubes with them are despairing, by the little effort of picking up some of their waste I have acquired enough new inner tubes to last me the year, courtesy of Kenda. (They have to make up for that climb at Mayhem somehow).
By the time I was finishing my final lap I was loving my Spot even if it does hurt me every time I take her out for a 24 hour race. Hurty knees. Tick. Hurty Arse. Tick. Hurty Hands. Tick. Respect for momentum restored. Tick.
Despite feeling pants at the start of the race I actually felt quite good by the end, and motivated to get off my sorry arse and back into shape. We’ll see how winter pisses on that, eh?
Or maybe not. I have my goals for next year. It was pointed out to me (thanks Chris) that instead of just (just!) completing twenty 24 hour races next year I can make it 24×24 if I put some effort in.
I’d best start trying.
Results are here.
Photos tagged “sits2007″ are on flickr. Add yours.
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