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.

Convict 100 - bring it on !

Morning prep for the race is now finally tuned, and if anything doing marathons in quick succession, you get a good feel for exactly what you should and shouldn't do in morning preparation. No chance for a warm up ride this time, but I figured the first 10km would be sufficient to get the body warm.

After looking at previous years results I knew I needed a sub 5 hour time, to have any chance on a top 10 in category. So my plan was simple - I took the splits of Steve01 from 2010 who did a 4:40:00 and set that as my target. Even better I had Steve01 sitting next to me on the start line - so hold is wheel and I should be right.

The race started in a fairly orderly fashion and I found myself in the lead group (it was a big group) all the way to the first 'hill'. I had ridden this hill in training so knew exactly what to expect. I rode the hill strongly not the fastest, but stayed mid pack and felt pretty good as I crested the top. From here it was fast riding all the way to the first feed zone, and yes staying as close to steve01 as possible (thanks steve !). The group had spread a bit now and had broken into pockets of 5 to 6 riders per group.

As we turned into the more technical parts of the GNR, I was feeling good, and knew the next section and lines pretty well. I was riding well and feeling OK, when my first hiccup struck. A large stick got jammed in my rear mech, bringing me to a halt and throwing my chain. I quickly tried to remove it, but I had to remove the rear wheel to get the mech free. Not a great start I thought ! This got me in a bit of fluster - but I thought just get on with it - get your head down and catchup. I rode the next 10km as fast as I could and finally got to 10 mile hollow halfway point. Looked at the clock - 2:17 (2mins outside my 2:15 target). I checked my water / food all good - no need to stop just push on.

I rode the next section, from 10 mile hollow to the canoe bridge, my favourite section, as smooth as possible to hopefully make up some time. Unfortunately I burped a tyre of one of the ledges. Again a quick shot of C02 had things up and running quickly - but I didn't need anymore mishaps. Here the spesh s works epic was awesome - climbing or descending it did it with ease - and a huge advantage over some of the hard tail riders out there ! I got to the canoe bridge at 3:14 (one minute ahead or target 3:15) and I thought maybe things aren't so bad. If I just hold it together for the next 30km I am on track.

I started the climb up Woomerah Range strongly, but the faster pace trying to catchup earlier in the race began to take its toll. I sucked down a couple of gels, head down and just kept climbing. Anyone who had done this part of the course knows exactly what I mean. I started to catch a few riders, and by the time I had got to Jacks track turn off we had a small group of 4. Being the only dual sus rider in the group, I took the lead down Jacks descent and managed a small gap by the time we hit the road. it was here that after 90km riding I had a mental blank, and turned right to head back to St Albans ( as we had done on a previous training ride) rather then left the way the course is sign posted. To the astonishment of the RFS marshalls at the corner, they quickly yelled - "you are going the wrong way". I quickly turned and climbed back up the road to head back in the correct direction. By this stage the 3 riders who were following and hit the road, and had a good 150m on me. I tried to catch them, but just couldn't bridge the gap, and rode much of the last 10km back on my own.

I was glad to cross the finish line - totally spent. This is such a great course, a great endurance course that makes you really feel like you have ridden 100km.

I looked at the clock and it read 4:47. A few minutes outside my target but under my 5 hour benchmark. Happy ? Hell Yeah ! Not quite fast enough to get into the Top 10 this week, but this was a fast field - and given the couple of mishaps, I am pretty happy with where I ended up.

Thanks for all the encouragement over the last couple of weeks guys - you know who you are ! Your comments and support have helped push me to back up over the last couple of weeks. Ant, after reading your blog, I think you underestimate how much help you provide. I personally respect the words of advice and encouragement offered over the last couple of weeks. The Husky is yours for the taking !

Great riding everyone. See you all at the Husky !!