Game Face!
11 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
We retreated to the hills outside of Rotorua for much needed rest. I fought to keep my body from sickness having spent more than I knew, during our travels and my efforts competing in the endurance race. Deborah and I walked the shores of three lakes created in the 1886 eruption of the nearby volcano, Waimangu. We took to the trails on our bikes two days before the race to wake up my legs and had a bit of an adventure.
We enjoyed a ride among the towering California Redwoods that were planted over 100 years ago. A friendly Kiwi fellow, Graham showed us around a bit. During a sweet flowing descent I was riding his wheel through the dips and curves and accidentally left Deb behind to take a different trail. I lost Deb! No worries, a group of mountain bikers showed her around and back to the start. She had a great ride. Meanwhile Graham, another fellow Russ and I scoured the trails for her each taking our own route. As I was riding in a quick manner on one of the trails that will be featured on Saturday’s race, I swept around a corner to surprise a wallaby. The poor little guy couldn’t decide which way to dodge and neither could I. I bumped him with my front tire and just may have gotten his fat tail with my rear… Sorry little wallaby! As it turns out, like all if the loose mammals on the island, the Wallabies are considered alien pests, the locals are happy to help the native birdlife by participating in wallaby hunts, laying poison traps or veering their speeding vehicles toward the possums and wallabies in their paths. With the SSWC Race set for the morning, I am ready for a good nights rest… Then I line up with a crowd of 1000 riders to compete for the World Championship Single Speed Tattoo. Our tent rests on warm earth heated by a thermal spring. Thank you to all of my supporters for getting me here. I will ride for all of you! The course is awesome! I pre-rode the trails as the course is marked. I am rested from last weeks efforts and excited to use the experience from the Whaka to my advantage. Imagine the huge smile on my face!!!
