As Team Pedal for Parkinson’s fronted up to the start line we each had a goal in mind – Andrew to knock off 20 10km laps in 12 hours, me to do 10 in six but by that stage nerves had started to kick in and what was left was the hope that a well practiced race plan came together. It was great to be wearing the Pedal for Parkinson’s team kit, it really stood out and hopefully other competitors took notice.
As par for this race, the start is a bit of a scramble – with 100’s of riders bustling for room - you don’t want to get caught too far in front with the fast boys or trailing to a stop at a time while the field spreads out and left at the back end of the field – I think we did both!
The course itself was a good mix of 4WD road (for passing – or being passed!) and free flowing single track which winds through McLean’s Forrest and up, over and along the stop banks of the Waimak River.
At around the two hour mark Andrew lapped me and while it was great to have a quick chat and exchange how we were feeling, we both wondered what we’d gotten ourselves into – but the reminder of riding for this great cause was never far from our thoughts. We’d both agreed the section of the course that was our least favourite was what I’d named the ‘Goat Track” which looked like an old running track and was rough as guts. It connected the single track through to a 4WD passing lane, each lap it got just a little bit harder, but the reward came when you hit the single track once again on the last few km’s home.
I finished the day with 10 laps under my belt and time on the clock up my sleeve, so very happy. Poor Andrew still had another six hours to go and by this stage was feeling pretty crook and had to have several port-a-loo stops along the way!! (we’ve since discovered he’d come down with a bad virus that had been making the rounds) but with a mental toughness and determination only seen by those with rocks in their head (plus the help of Red Bull and Snickers bars) he pushed on through and we (Team Complete Performance – Richard Greer, Rosie and Craig Shakespeare) tried our best to give encouragement each time he came through the pit stop! With 75mins left on the clock he hit his target and then almost the ground as his body decided it was well and truly done.
So we finished off the night feeding Andrew pizza and finding out at prize giving he had placed 3rd in the Vet Men’s race –what a legend and a great showing for Team Pedal for Parkinson’s first race!
As Team Pedal for Parkinson’s fronted up to the start line we each had a goal in mind – Andrew to knock off 20 10km laps in 12 hours, me to do 10 in six but by that stage nerves had started to kick in and what was left was the hope that a well practiced race plan came together. It was great to be wearing the Pedal for Parkinson’s team kit, it really stood out and hopefully other competitors took notice.
