The MONT 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race...I'm out.

Well, I was going to do it. I was going to go in the 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race around Kowen Forest. One Problem. I haven't ridden a bike more than a kilometre for about 5 years. Tim, (a good mate), took me out to the course that will raced on next weekend, yesterday. It is a 20km course that goes up and down hills, on fire roads and single track paths. It looks to be a fun course. Pity I only made it 3km around... I have been doing this running lately, but that does not prepare me for the fitness I'd need to complete the course. I was totally buggered after doing a few kilometres, and unfortunately had to turn back (thanks for helping me find my way back, Tim!) I guess jogging fitness and Mountain Biking fitness are 2 different things. My heart was beating like crazy after going up a single track through the forest. Way faster than it would after running 5km. So, I guess I won't be doing the race....this year. With any luck, I can find a bike to ride again, get some bike fitness up and go in it next year. Meanwhile, good luck to the 'Choad Chaffers' (Tim's team) in the race next weekend. Sorry the team is now down to 4! For the uninitiated, the MONT Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race is a race around a set track in Kowen Forest, where you can race as an individual (crazy bastards), or in a team (as I was going to do). The person, or team that completes the most laps in the 24 hour period wins their category. I really wish I could go in it this year, but I think I should have jumped on a bike sooner than the week before! Oh well...there's always the marathon...

Posted by Mick @ 10/05/2004 09:43:00 am