Day 1

Yesterday we had howling nor west winds in Christchurch and I boldly told the guys that tomorrow was forecast to be clear with light winds. I guess 1 out of two isn’t bad. The wind had certainly dropped right away but we were greeted by a light drizzle that stayed with us until about 11am.

Scott, Gordo & I decided to open the camp with the traditional 2000m timed at the pool. Sitting on the sidelines was quite entertaining. No quarter was given with plenty on head on collisions, cracked arms and the odd dunking here and there. Times were not hugely important to most – all they wanted to do was log their 3km to get their swim point for the day. As always there was some controversy with points scoring. The rules are if you use a pull buoy the distance only counts if you putt on a band. There’s “no hoax training on Epic Camp”

On to the bike and we had a classic installed. The Akaroa return ride of around 190km. We’d hoped that the team would stay together for much of the opening day but boys will be boys and apparently the hammer went down pretty early. By the time I caught up on the Akaroa highway the campers were splattered everywhere. Almost everyone looked to be in their Big Rings giving it plenty. Each time I stopped and drove past the front group it was whittled down a little more. By the time we hit the big climbs into Akaroa it was complete carnage. As I write this I am sitting in the van on the outskirts of Christchurch waiting for the tail enders so I can direct them home. With out new cut off rule of no training past 8pm a few may be pushed to fit in their 10km run after the bike. Whatever happens I think everyone will sleep soundly tonight myself included. I’ve actually found the last few days harder than doing the camp last year. There’s always something to do or get ready.

I’m really looking forward to observing the next few days. I saw some guys out there today riding really sensibly and others who I think pushed a little out of their comfort zone which may come back to haunt them come day 4 or 5 when the fatigue starts to really kick in.

If I get time when I get back I’ll try to include some post training observations