Davo's PNP Series Wrap-Up

What a mint series of races that was. I did quietly set myself the target of winning the series on my singlespeed, but then at the last minute, switched to my 'new' FSR for Makara. Still, I did the other four on the onespeed so I'm still pretty pleased with myself although admittedly still a sellout.

After heckling Marco for a start with the Elites, we got it, then regretted it fairly quickly. It was good having a big, fast field and to head out with, but it was a bit too juicy for me! I got into Rimu ahead of fellow Bushlovies, Mono and Slacky (at least I think I did) but as soon as we emptied onto the 4WD they and plenty of others, smashed me in - I just couldn't go fast enough!

There was a slacker somewhere up ahead, as the pace slowed on Swigg/Starfish which allowed some re-bunching behind me which included Tiger and Ross Weston (vying for 3rd overall). I dropped them in the singletrack be they re-acquired me on Aratihi where I rode like Old Mother Hubbard. I gunned Leaping Lizard and caught up although Tony had a problem. In a fantastic display of sportsmanship, I stopped to educate Tiger on how to use my gas carts'. Silly punter had 'burped' and had no pump.

I never caught Ross, and I hoped that Carl Patton had given Ricky the good news as if Rickster won he could take the series! As fortune (not Ricky's) would have it, I passed him on Nikau pumping up his flat tire. "I'll be up your pooper soon" he announced as I passed. This was a huge motivation to pick my legs up. I became sluggish on Aratihi and towards the top I could see Ricky closing in quickly. I knew I could still beat him if I had maybe 30secs going into Ridgeline. I rode fast enough to keep my gap and had a ball with the new full suss' bike. I waited around on S.Karori Rd for him so he could see me cruise across the line with one foot. I'm a good mate.

I definitely felt slow on the climbs and I don't think it was the heavier bike, but more the lack of training and the ride I did with Tony, Pete, Clive, Whacko and Sharpie the day before (nice BBQ after too - yummo). I still did my best, but got luck to stand on the round podium thanks to Tony and Ricky's troubles! still, I'll take it.

Tony still had an ace weekend. Not only did he win the Merida/Rocket Bikes sponsorship, but he also got laid on our pre-ride. Unfortunately we had to call the council to get his date put down afterwards (need to find pic again!)

Another great series from Marco and his grand team of helpers. Well done to all those sponsors who invest their time and money into the local scene. Big ups to all the Bushlovers. The Team took 19 medals during the series in addition to 4 series podium places. I have deduced that Whacko is due a 3rd overall for the series in U23 due to winning the final round which counts over the same 50pts from another chap who won another round. Time to email Marco ;-) (Edit - Whack didn't do enough rounds to get the U23 Trophy)

See you at the Rally! davo