Moonride... but not as I know it!

As the Moonride loomed closer, I was keen to enter as a 12hr solo – mostly to prove to myself that I’d learned the important lessons from the 24hr in March. Coach Robyn quickly squashed that idea and, despite much whining and stamping of feet on my part, the answer was still “no, you need a break!” Knowing that she was right didn’t make it any easier for me to accept! I’d gotten so used to structured training by this stage that I felt quite lost not having my weeks planned out for me! Official training was to begin the day AFTER the Moonride. I was allowed to ‘race’ as part of a team, but warned to remember that I’d been on a break and that I wouldn’t be fast… no kidding! Short and fast laps are the exact opposite of my chosen event. On the bright side, this would be a chance to experience 12hr team racing for the first time. I have to admit that it was a hell of a lot of fun! I also got the chance to yell, cheer and generally support friends who were racing, something I don’t often get to do.

I’d been taken on board by one of the Jamis “Rec” teams – after a quick team meeting we decided on double laps, due to the shortness of the track and the low temperatures. This was the right choice for me – I did 3 double laps and each time my second lap was faster than my first, even after warming up! My main concern was being the team ‘boat anchor’ but, as it turned out Laura, Lynairre and I were all pretty even in the end. It was a novelty to come in after my stint buzzing from adrenaline and bouncing around like Tigger – I really didn’t know what to do with myself for a while! This was also the first real outing on my sparkly new Jamis XCR, having received the shock and forks back from being custom valved by the lovely folk at Blueshark.

In between my laps I had plenty of time to watch the real action take place. First up was Lisa proving that she’s on her way back to her best form by comprehensively destroying the women’s 6hr solo field. In a complete reversal of roles I managed to pass her a bottle for her last stint. It was good to see her ride so strongly for the whole event, busting out incredibly consistent laps.

Charlotte had entered 12hr solo, supported by her amazing mum. It was a privilege to watch Charlotte’s display of mental and physical power and she swapped with the initial leader a few times early on, then slowly but surely pulled away to an unassailable lead. She looked strong and focused throughout and, in a lesson for me, stayed well fed and hydrated as well.

Also based out of our corner was Pete – who rode an impressive and slightly crazy 24hr solo, toughing it out until the finish, then heading off to hospital! 24 Solo (the movie) is only a guide, Pete!

Clive just kept on going at race pace – around and around and around the course to take out the 12hr Club Champs.

A non-racing highlight for me was to catch up with Jim (Jemima Brindle) – a fellow crazy endurance racer now focusing on road racing. She’d had to dust the cobwebs off her mtb to bust out a few laps for her team! Jim’s taught me a lot in the races I’ve done with her and it was good to see her again.