ECNZ 2010 – Day 15 – Balclutha to Bluff part 2

ECNZ 2010 – Day 15 – Balclutha to Bluff part 2

Everyone was in good spirits for the roll out this morning although the profile looked like we were in for a tough day. After about 1km we turned off the main road and for the rest of the days ride we were on a great coastal road around the Catlins where it seemed traffic was limited to 1 vehicle per hour. The pace was easy and we were able to ride two abreast all day and have a bit of a chat. Whilst we had a few good climbs the wind was at our backs and the clouds cleared to a wonderful sunny day.

I ended up riding with Nick, Tara and Pete and we were in cruise control which was great as every time I seemed to stand I got a good flush of lactate through my legs. There is also quite a bit of sickness spreading through the camp as our immune systems hit ground zero, lots of coughing and spluttering. Another reason to take it easy on the final day.

From lunch at 135km we had a mandatory regroup and rode the last 50km together ‘friendly’. I got on the front with Rob Hill and rode easy, by this stage the “sea breezes” were really kicking in and we were rolling over 40km/hr at about 100-150watts, the sun was beating down, this was how we wanted to finish the camp. As we rounded the peninsula to Bluff we went straight into the wind but by that stage I really didn’t care.

In NZ we have two main bike tours (Wellington & Southland). The most talked about stage is bluff hill which is something like 3km @ average of 18% with a good pitch of around 25% at the top. In the tour the riders zig zag up the climb and many end up walking. I told the guys that unless that had appropriate gearing they really would struggle to make it up. It’s a dangerous thing to tell motivated athletes that they can’t do something and they all proved me wrong. A number of guys led by Molina made it up including Douglas Scott who back flipped off his bike in the steep section. I really have to take my hat off to those that made the choice to go up and make it, that’s was one hell of a way to finish the camp. The rest of us waited at the bottom of the hill and we all rolled to the lands end together and popped the bubbly. I was proud of everyone for making the journey and proud of myself for organising this circus and pulling it off without major drama. A very funny moment was when a pair of tourists came up to us for a photo, they has been at Cape Reinga two weeks earlier when we started and arrived at Bluff at the exact same moment.

To finish off the camp I had a planned run around the base of Bluff hill on the Foveaux walkway. Another stunning 7km run which ocean views. The only issue was that half way around the track veered upwards rather than around the hill and we ended up heading straight up to the top. Again, not in the plan but a calf cracking climb and quad busting descent was a fitting end to the camp. Then we were done.

All in all, a tremendous trip that will probably take some time to sink in for everyone. For all my pre camp fears about my own performance I came out the other side well and felt I reached all my goals. Whilst it was bloody hard and the last couple of days fatigue was setting in big time it was nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be. I think the weather had a big big part to play in this regard. We had very mild temperatures and a lot of tail wind (this was semi planned as during our summer the prevailing wind is from the North). If we had received a few baking hot summer days I think there would have been massive carnage. Days would have been tougher and recovery slower.

The highs for me on this camp were the coastal highways we rode in both islands (especially South of Oamaru) and the final day run. The low was the ride from Christchurch to Geraldine.

Other reflections

- Undercarriage - I didn’t get any chaffing at all. I couldn’t believe this. I applied a huge amount of Keywin chamois cream each day and often topped it up at lunch, it obviously worked a treat.

- Body - I was very lazy on stretching despite my intentions but our great team of massage therapists kept us together. I had a few Achilles tweaks and like everyone had sore quads for a few days after the first day 25km run. Also I was getting some pains in my elbows on the final few days from the big chip roads. I also think the minimal ‘racing’ we did on this camp held our bodies and health together.

- Route - The North island riding was a hell of a lot better than I though when we got off the main highways. Whenever we took the coastal highways it was just incredible

- Athletes – a couple of athletes came into this camp with question marks over there health and almost pulled out before we got started. Roger Wacker and Jordon Cantrell sucked it up and both got through the camp, nice work. Hats off to them and everybody for making this such and enjoyable camp for everyone. It’s very easy to get a few bad eggs to spoil things for everyone on such a long journey.

One of the main reasons we can get through Epic Camp is that all you really need to focus on is train, eat and sleep. The support crew have been incredible. Dave Dwan, my right hand man, was the only member of the support team who was with us all the way. His professionalism and energy are a big part of epic camp and we couldn’t do it without him. Thanks Dave and all the rest of the team

Summary

Bike 190km

Run 7km

Camp Summary – 15 days

Swimming 26.2km

Biking ~ 2300-2400km

Run – 100.2km

Next camp is planned to be in Colorado in August – more information out soon.

Time to go home now and re-acquaint myself with my family and the outside world.

ECNZ 2010 – Day 15 – Balclutha to Bluff

We made it.
Great day, great sights, sunny day and tail winds. All good.

Off to celebrate now - more tomorrow

ECNZ 2010 – Day 14 –Waianakarua to Balclutha

ECNZ 2010 – Day 14 –Waianakarua to Balclutha

15mins to dinner so this is going to be quick.

A bit of sting in the tail of Epic.

First 50km was friendly riding – nice

Then an awesome stretch off the main highway via Karitane, some tough climbs and lovely views. Along with that the scariest moment of the camp. We were dealing with quite a few rail crossing then on a full speed descent coming around blind corner we hit a 25m stretch of shingle all the way across the road. I was behind Jo and Gordo who went in opposite directions trying to stay upright and I ended up just hitting the grass. Credit to everyone that they stayed upright – I made a quick U turn and warned all the others coming down.

Next up was the KOM over to Port Chalmers. Gordo put the first surge in then told me to take it – we were only a minute or two into a long climb so whist I went past I knew there was plenty of work left. A few more attacks and then Clas and I were away, I was working pretty close to max intensity and thankfully I could hear Clas breathing a little so at least I was giving him a bit of a workout. He told me about 500m to go that he wouldn’t come around me so a bit of a hollow victory for me.

We then came through Dunedin and got on another brilliant coastal ride. The final stretch of the coast road from Taieri River Mouth to Waihola was the toughest climbing of the camp without a doubt. The staircase climb was unrelenting and very very steep. We were very fortunate to have a tail wind here and for the ride into Balclutha. A long day in the saddle with around 2200m in elevation gains.

I made the call mid ride that we would cancel the planned the Aquathon in the Harbour at Dunedin. It was a cold day, the water was 14c and probably around 1/3 the camp are coming down with sickness. There was only one slight complaint, everyone seems pretty smoked tonight. That meant when I got off the bike I had to get to the pool to swim 200m and run 7km to ensure I met camp completion totals tomorrow.

Last day tomorrow. Looking forward to getting it dusted and getting home to be with the family. My poor wife has had to deal with 2 kids (9mths and 2.5yrs) for the last 3 weeks so it’s payback time in a big way

Summary

Swim 400m

Bike 188km

Run 7km

ECNZ 2010 – Day 13 – Geraldine to Waianakarua

ECNZ 2010 – Day 13 – Geraldine to Waianakarua

A couple of highlights today

1. The pool in Geraldine. A awesome 25m pool in a tiny town that none of us locals (Myself, Scott, Gordo etc) knew of.
2. The coastal ride from Oamaru to Waianakarua. The highlight of the camp for me so far. A brilliant stretch of coastal road, sun in the sky and wind at our backs.

Epic Camp has a number of traditions and one of them is the 400IM. Whilst we have a really strong group of athletes on the camp for most of them, swimming, is their weakness - that makes for an entertaining IM. Most of the big guns opened up in the first heat with Madman just edging out Molina in 5:55, not a special time but on day 13 of Epic that’s a good effort. Some entertaining fly was put in by Jo (who was a little water logged), David (who had already done the IM set) and Douglas.

I was in the last heat with just Pete. I did a few practice dives which went executed perfectly but when the gun went off I managed to semi dislodge my goggles, this got progressively worse so by the free leg they were completely full of water. My fly went well, back was very ordinary, breast – I went really strong and obviously brought it home with all I had left for the free. With the miniscule amount of swimming I have done pre camp (ballpark about 1-2km/week for the last 3-6mths) I was pleased with my 5:57, good enough for tied 2^nd with Scott. The Geraldine pool is the nicest 25m outdoor pool I’ve swum at in NZ.

As for the ride – I got on the front and led out group to the first aid station at 50km. A nice steady pace, very little wind and it felt like some gentle downhill. After the aid station Mark P got on the front and it was hammer time. Thank god after a quad crunching pull of about 20km Steven went to the front and the pace eased a little but it was still bloody hard in places. Some of the stretches of roads were also rough as guts and I guess that’s vaguely like what it feels like to ride Paris-Roubaix. Lunch was a welcome relief.

As I’ve mentioned the final 30km stretch of today’s ride from Oamaru to Waianakarua was outstanding. Our group eased right off the pace taking in the waves crashing over beaches and rocks with not a car in sight (no joke I think we had 2-3 cars pass us in 30km). A great way to finish the day and help us to forget about yesterdays miserable ride.

Summary

Swim 800m

Bike 150km

ECNZ 2010 – Day 12 – Christchurch to Geraldine

ECNZ 2010 – Day 12 – Christchurch to Geraldine

Ahh the highs and lows of Epic Camp and the NZ summer. I really wanted to show off my favourite run in Christchurch to the crew today. It was always going to be tough throwing a hilly 17km run on day 12 of Epic. By the time we finished the run everyone was very happy we did it. If you come to Christchurch make sure you check out the Godley Head loop, it’s just brilliant running up and along the hills over Sumner and back along the sea cliffs to Taylors Mistake. Just awesome views and everyone agreed, the weather was perfect as well.

Today’s ride was always going to be one of the least scenic of the camp. Add to that some head winds, a fairly constant drizzle and a 20-30km stretch on state highway 1 and it won’t go down in the Epic achieves as one of our all time classic rides. The first 60km were ‘friendly’ to keep the bunch together. Whilst this is good for the group the low speeds were hard with lots of free wheeling and dodging wheels. Pete O’Brien went down and I couldn’t believe I didn’t follow. I was 3-4 wheels back, trying not to slam my brakes on full force I very nearly went into the back of Rich. Good skills by Pete though to fall left, not into the traffic – most others would not have those instincts. A few band aids and he was good to go.

After the ‘friendly’ zone I just wanted to get moving so went to the front and upped the pace. I was also on my Avanti Crono TT bike today so wanted to get down onto the bars. After some discussions about the change in pace David C and I ended up going off the front with DC doing the lions share of the work. Lunch couldn’t come soon enough as I was having a mini bonk starting to kick off. In the crappy weather I just didn’t eat enough (also might have got a bit dehydrated eh Gordo J ). Post lunch the legs were like tree trunks so I just rolled in pretty easy for the final 55km solo. It was nice getting some encouragement from athletes heading down to Challenge Wanaka in their cars along with some athletes I coach. Challenge is on this weekend – great race but slow course.

About 5km out from home I got a slow puncture but managed to nurse it into the motel and was well pleased to finish off the day

Just 3 days to go now!!!!

Summary

Run 17km

Bike 150km

ECNZ 2010 – Day 11 – Kaikoura to Christchurch (home)

ECNZ 2010 – Day 11 – Kaikoura to Christchurch (home)

I’ve made it home to my family so this will be very brief.

Ran to the pool and did 1km easy, 5x200 on 3min and 10x100 on 1:30 with Dan and Tara.

Bike threatened to be hellish with headwinds but they died away and we had a great ride – 182km with plenty of climbing and an average speed of over 32km/hr (very good for these kiwi roads and this particular route).

Great scenery today and I felt good with a strong 20km’ish pull to lunch.

Mistimed KOM as Clas, Molina and myself hit the top of the 2^nd climb. Clas and I had a gap at the top of the first climb but Scott managed to get back on. None of us really knew where the top of the 2^nd small climb was and by the time I realised it was too late. Never mind I am happy with the way my riding is starting to come around and there’s still 1 KOM to go.

We’re taking the guys on my favourite run in the world tomorrow morning. It will be a tough 16-17km followed by our only flat ride of the camp to Geraldine (150km)

Summary

Swim 3km

Bike 182km

Run 5km

ECNZ 2010 – Day 10 –Blenheim to Kaikoura

ECNZ 2010 – Day 10 –Blenheim to Kaikoura

After yesterdays rest day everybody looked keen this morning. I had a target on my back by putting on helmet cam facing backwards (for the TV crew). With a KOM only about 15km into the ride there were fireworks as we left town. I was more concerned about athletes falling off their bikes and missed the break. Whilst we worked at a good pace to try to close the gap we couldn’t close it down and hit the hill too far behind to be able to catch Madman. I was still happy with my climb coming over in 3^rd but Molina did make me work for it. After a fast start we spent the rest of the day battling into strong headwind. From the first aid station to the 2^nd I was at the back of the bunch which was misery. Lots of surging due to the wind which made for hard work. So from the next aid station I got on the front for a bit, Eric soon came around me for a pull. After a break I went back around him only for him to come back, he wanted the lead position and when you have a 6”8 steam train in front of you I rationalised that it was a good place to be.

We rolled into Kaikoura in light drizzle but it’s a place I always enjoy coming to. I had a few organisational issues to sort out then fell asleep on the couch. It was the first time I felt wacked on this camp but I think it was mainly a bit of a dehydration issue today. Got out for my run and got into a good stride knocking out just under 11km in 48mins. I’d sent everyone on a beautiful run out to a seal colony, the views are just spectacular, if you come to NZ put Kaikoura on your route.

The camp made it onto national TV tonight. The TV crew following us got a 30sec clip on Prime news which was great of them.

Looking forward to getting home and seeing Belinda and the kids tomorrow. I think it’s going to be very hard leaving again.

Summary

Swim 3km

Bike 128km

Run 10km