We're on a beach so why not SandBag :)

Seeing as I do it so well. Oh wo is me, been driving for the last 2 days to get to Auckland, its hot, I didn't sleep well last night, I have not pre ridden the course, I left my favourite teddy at home and these nappies are ridding up like nobodies business. Ok now onto reality...

Coach Lisa had me doing warmup intervals on display which felt weird but to tell the truth worked its purpose after the start. I decided on a different tactic for the start of this race and sat about a foot back from the line, this gave me the benefit of a track stand with room to move. The 5 second count down started and I got up on my pins, track stood for the final seconds and then was off... into the first corner I was in 1st place with Hiskey hot on my tail. The only time in my life he would be behind me as meters later he climbed out of the saddle and passed like I was standing still.

Riding through the crowd we entered the bush, me in 3rd place. The sand made it feel like I was ridding on marshmellows, sapping every bit of energy before the first major hill. On I pushed with Clive trailing close enough to touch. I was missing the SlackShanks to chase so I felt a little lost, but you can't rely on the big man all the time. Lap 1 and I was definitely learning as I went, Carpet Drops,Sand Pits and Undulation that seemed to go on longer than Dolly Parton's Cleveage. Beginning of lap 2 and Coach reminded me I was in 3rd place and keep it up (Oh G no preasure or anything). As added motivation I had Jacinda & Tyler (My Wife & Daughter) cheering me on, thanks girls you rock, worked a treat. The heat was now getting to the point that I could feel my skin burning (Yes Mother Outlaw I have sunscreen on!!!!). As Clive said earlier in his blog, we played catch and kiss for most of the way through the second lap, me only getting the better of him because of the long down hill section to the end (Video for the girls to come, Explicit Lycra, Parental Guidance recommended (Rated M).

The 3rd final lap and I felt like I was on a beach with none of the visual benefits... This turned into a hard race, riding most of the final lap solo and bordering on throwing in the towel (Well as close as I am ever going to get to throwing it in). Stoked with my 4th position and even more happy when I found out the podium went up to 5 Woot Wooo.

Next biggie coming up is The Nationals & Karapoti, Big Dawg time.

P.S I am writing this from a lovely little cottage that overlooks Cable Bay in The Bay Of Islands, Pic above.

P.P.S Coach I'll start training again tomorrow :o)

P.P.P.S Sunny Holiday FTW!!!!