Back to the Future

Over 12 months since I last strung a sentence together for the Bushlove blog, I really haven’t been pulling my weight. Still, has been a rollercoaster 12months both on and off the bike. Last time I spoke I was amped on the momentum Super D was gathering, hoping to hunt down any race that showed its self and boy did I find some cool races.

A few highlights include the local Underground Super D series, which didn’t always miss the attention of those less keen on an ‘un-official’ race series; honest, just a bunch of cool kids riding really fast down a hill with a stop watch for good measure…
Super D was considered the ‘in thing’ so much they threw it in the National and Oceania Champs for good measure. Unfortunately my tires spat the dummy in both races meaning 2 disappointing DNF’s.

So what, built a bridge, got over it, then tackled the race which started it for me (Mt Vic Super D). Gunning for the win I laid it all on the line, but same as last year came up a bit short and slotted into the bridesmaid position. 3rd time lucky maybe.

It was the final race of the season I was really looking forward to though; 6hours of Super D action on the fast Queenstown tracks with a gondola to save your lungs for one of the coolest descents in NZ. One to tick off your list no matter what discipline of riding you’re into.

Even with all this Super D riding of late (and a bit of XC thrown in to keep me honest) I’ve had an itching to try something off the bike. As some of my fellow Bushlover’s have posted in the past, before riding I dappled in a bit of running. That was put to a halt 10 years ago after snapping a few ligaments in my ankle (walking like a muppet down the stairs doesn’t work).

First challenge to get me back on the scene, the Xterra Trail Run Series, right here in Wellington.
The first race was on Sunday around the South Coast area including tracks like Tip Track, Red Rocks and a few other steep suckers up to Hawkins Hill. Even with the onset of winter just around the corner, Sunday was a ripper with no wind, a mild temp and sun! After a 10year break from jogging around in short shorts and singlet’s even when the mercury is hovering around 0 degrees, I had no expectations about how I would go, or even how painful a 20k off road run really would turn out. For once standing on a start line with no pressure to perform is such a welcome change.

With 3 meaty climbs, and 3 techy descents to boot, I knew I had to get my Super D mojo on if I was to throw in a half decent performance. To save you the dribble of a never ending race report, having the Super D race face on is what made my return to running so enjoyable. I managed to hang on to the seasoned runners on the up’s but read them the good news on the way down; see, riding DH has it’s pay offs. At the same time, I admit to getting a bit carried away meaning the final 4km slog along the coastline back to Owhiro Bay was attacked with jelly legs while holding my heart in my hand. Luckily I had enough of an advantage after the hills to hold on for the win, but only just with 2nd place taking over a minute out of me along the coastline. As you can imagine, I’m stoked to start my return to running with a win and I’m already looking forward to the next race in 3 weeks out in Belmont.

Apologies for being on mute over the past 12 months, guess it finally took a satisfying win to kick my literacy skills (or lack of) back into action. After finding my running legs again and the motivation to ride the bike with anger again, I may have to look at combining them and dipping into an Xterra tri or two; but I can’t emphasise how much the swimming needs to improve. To all those concerned MTB riders out there, this doesn’t mean I have forgotten where my heart still lie’s.

Finally, I would like to thank everybody who has helped me over the past roller coaster year. Even when I was at the bottom of the hill you knew how to point me back to the top. Cheers, Ed.