The Capital Punishment is not one of my favourite races. Maybe it was the first years mud fest, or a combination of timed / untimed sections, or the logistical challenges involved with the event.
I had found myself entering this race again this year as it is important race as the first race in the XCM series. But with the XCM series being cancelled / put on hold this year I was lacking motivation for the event. Though after a good result last week at the Willo, I wanted to backup again and get some more race practice before the Marathon Champs next month.
In memory of one of the great mountain bikers James Williamson the 3rd ‘Willo’ MTB race was held last weekend.
I have always wanted to ride this event, as it is for a great cause and in memory of a great rider, but have never managed to make it due to other commitments bad weather etc.
After some arm twisting by Sloany, I picked up my entry for the Circus. I love the Wingello trails, but have yet to do this event - something about the cold Southern Highlands in the middle of winter.
Anyway I find myself of the start line, with probably the biggest Jet Racing contingent we have seen to date, the front row dominated by the red Jet uniform. The difference with this race, was that the vibe was alot more relaxed, everyone looking for a good day out, on some of the best trails in the State. Hugh's pre event startline banter also adds to the relaxed nature.
This race was not really in my plans, but given my recent results and managing to avoid any sickness so far this year, I thought I would give this a go. You never know when you will get another chance right ?
My plans were to get down to Canberra and do a pre-ride of the course the Sunday before, but with all the rain this never happened. So I found myself not really knowing what to expect course wise, but from reports of other riders, and previous knowledge of riding Stromlo - I knew 80km + out here was going to be a hard day out.
3 Marathons in 3 weeks is what I was thinking in the week leading up to this race. I would have to say the body was beginning to feel the rigour from the previous 2 weeks. After a warm up ride on the Wednesday preceeding the race I was confident I was strong and ready for the weekend. I was also motivated from my results in the two first rounds.
Last time I raced this event was back in 2010. This inaugral event was a complete disaster - a mudfest in cold / freezing conditions.
I was glad to finish that event, let alone be competitive and had no thoughts of doing it again after that first experience.
Originally hadn't planned to do his race, but when it got included as part of the XCM series and Brian had already sorted accommodation - I thought what the heck.
Great location for a MTB event, with a great combination of single track and fire road which made the course challenging and interesting. The Single track is awesome with a combination of some plantation pine forest and rugged Australian native bushland.
Well what can I say - great weather, family and friends, great event !!
Packed up on Friday morning - car was packed to the roof, 3 kids 7,5,1.5 in the back, 3 bikes (mine and two kids bikes) and off we went - hoping to make Back Yamma State Forest by around 3:30 - setup camp have a beer .....
Was looking forward to this race. After breaking the 6hr mark last year, I was aiming to to hit somewhere between 5 - 5 1/2 hrs.
Prep before the race was limited to mainly 50km length rides, but thought this would get me through given the course as I remembered was relatively flat.
Arrived Saturday late arvo, registered, and then came the rain. Rain fell pretty heavily for a couple of hours and then eased off during the night. Got to race start next morning and the paddock at the start area looked very boggy - this was going to be a bit different then last year I thought.
Tathra is awesome - that's if you like hills that is !
Day started very cruisey with a low key vibe around the event centre. Locals everywhere checking out the event and would have to be the friendliest event and feel for an event that I have been to out of town.
