Our friend Jane (also a Camel Trophy Land Rover owner) qualified for the World Solo 24hr Championship which took place on Mount Stromlo near Canberra at the weekend, and flew out to compete.
As luck would have it we were in Sydney, so could join her husband Andy in the pits to help out.
Their friend Jon was also competing,
along with a dozen other British riders, so we had a busy Saturday and Sunday supporting their race, checking bikes,
oiling chains,
replenishing water bottles and forcing food down the competitors after each lap.
At 3am this morning it was hard for us in the pits to keep awake,
so give some thought to the racers who had at that time been on their bikes for 15 hours, with another 9 hours more riding ahead of them.
By this point I think it was more mental than physical for them, having to force themselves back out for another lap.
We provided all the help and encouragement we could,
but it was down to the rider to grind out the laps throughout the night and into the dawn.
I have to say that we were both in awe.
Come midday, all the UK riders had secured top ten places in their respective classes (http://www.onlineresults.com.au/Results/Comp/World_Solo_24hr_Championships_2010). Jane was fifth, although I don’t think she was too impressed when we sent her out for a final extra lap as there was still the possibility of a top three finish.
Keith from Scotland was also sent out for another lap as he was fighting for a podium finish.
Unfortunately Jane’s extra lap failed to raise her up the placing, but Keith’s secured third place in his class. I think it was his daughter’s pink CamelBak that made the difference.
Jon was eighth in the single speed class, which is only open to masochists or those with excess facial hair.
A well deserved beer was reward for months of training, and we’re all off to the after race dinner. I’m not sure how long we’ll manage to stay awake.
No comments:
Post a Comment