2007 REPORT

Golden Triangle Epic
Sunday 4th November 2007
A perspective from a MTB chick!

Jessica Douglas

This is the second year the Bendigo MTB club has run a most successful MTB “epic” event.  I was lucky enough to have raced it last year when it was only 85km long and definitely 30-40 minutes quicker (and easier!)

In the lead up to the event, I had been madly emailing and corresponding with my MTB buddies to convince them to come do the race.  Thankfully to suit all tastes of pain, there were two options, the 45km or the 90km.  This meant that I was able to convince many more to come and have some fun.

Most of my mates live in the Geelong region, so we planned a mass convoy leaving 12noon Saturday with a mandatory food and coffee stop in the trendy town of Daylesford.  The weather was overcast with a constant drizzle which added to the fun and excitement of getting away for a weekend away with friends.  I had conveniently forgotten about the weather forecast for the rest of the state, sort of hoping that the Bendigo region stayed true to its name and stayed bone dry for the race.

Eventually we arrived at the camp site, set up shop and went out for a mini ride to get the legs pumping and show some of our friends the rocky single track that would welcome us first thing tomorrow morning.  Apparently there were a few of the gang who only brought one jersey and pair of gloves and of course it rained the whole hour we were out there.  Wet through, we headed back early and asked John Harvey to remind us where to eat on Saturday night.
“Bradie’s Tavern” in Strathfieldsaye is the place that sells a burger so huge that needs to be eaten by two people.  Mary and Ross managed it quite nicely with chips too!
In the end, I think we had 15 of us head off for a carb fest.  Thankfully for us the night was balmy as we had to sit outside on the balcony due to our last minute booking.  Elsewhere in the state were the beginnings of floods and devastation, not the case in good old Bendigo.
The night ended with us returning to the campsite and sitting around talking about anything and everything, eating choc chip muffins(a couple dropped onto dry cow pats…ooops, who ate those ones we will never know!), Tim Tams and Chocolate Bullets.  We learnt that night that most of us were very naughty as children and did all sorts of things that would shock our parents if they knew!  (Hi mum)  Eventually bed called and with a sprinkle of rain overnight, Sunday had arrived.

Six of us needed to be ready for the 9am start for the 90km epic and the other 6 were doing the 45 km version that did not leave until 10:30am.

Nine o’clock came around really quick and thank goodness as I hate the waiting around.   The start went off with Vets men first, Open women second, Masters men third, Super masters men fourth, Sport men fifth, All other women sixth.
Once we were off I tried to keep Alex Kiendl in sight as she was my main competition.  Alex was real fast through the rocky single track and within 15 minutes she was out of sight.  During this time, Sharon Laws, who is any awesome rider, however on this day racing in Vets women, had a flat and whilst I would have liked to have helped her, now was not the time.  My next thought was to try and put some ground between my mate Christy Harris.  I had heard that she had been doing “secret” training and did not want to risk being caught by her.  I also had a mini goal to try and catch my husband Norm who had been sent off a few minutes ahead of us in Vets men.  I was secretly hoping he would have a bad day.

The first part of the single track was not too bad for our group as we soon caught the tail end of Veterans men.  There was no need to get off and walk your bike due to trail jam that normally happens at the start of a race.  Apparently though, Kerry Ryan, winner of 95km Super Masters men category, told me later that there were sections of the track he just got off and ran his bike it was so congested.  But apart from that, doing about 1km of dirt road and then straight into single track is taxing at the start of any race, let alone knowing you have to race 90kms.
I was looking forward to settling into a rhythm of some sort and getting the heart rate back to 160 at least! 
Eventually we entered out onto some wider road that was real 4wd stuff with rocks, ruts and all the other bumpy bits.  The Veteran men had already left their mark behind very graciously with some nice lines cutting the apexes of the corners, thanks guys!
Some time through this section, Kerry Ryan passed me up a hill and reminded me to stick it in the BIG DOG when I got to the top.  It was then that I had a light bulb moment…I had been cruising along thinking I was in an ergo session, tapping out a heavenly cadence in the mid ring.  DER!  Now my Strength and Endurance training kicked in and out came my Greyhound X Rottweiler.  Now I had some grunt about me and started to reel in more and more riders.  Feeling re energised, I utilized the undulating terrain to the max and pumped the down hills whilst powered on the up side. 

Ahah…Checkpoint one!  There was Kerry Ryan and…ALEX KIENDL, sorting out their drink bottle situation.  Man I was happy that I had decided to go with the fully laden camel back and only one bidon.  I also had 6 gels on me, which I had tested successfully at Toowoomba on the 110km Epic back in August. 
So it was my chance to pass Alex and I hopped on a mini locomotive, if only for 200mts before the pace become too much for me.  Kerry caught me again and eventually we hung onto some guys in front and stayed together for some time, before it came a time where I just could not keep punching out hill climbs and powerful flat sections at their intensity.  About 15 minutes went by before I totally lost touch with them.

Now I was on my own.  I started to think about how the 45km people were going.  They would be in the single track section now at the start and feeling pretty exhausted even though they would have another 40 to do after this.  The 90km Open men went off first at 10:30am, so they would be cruising with open track for miles yet.  No doubt they would catch the tail enders through the final single track leg. 
I kept working hard, even though I could not see anyone ahead of me and no one behind me.  I was well aware of the fact that Alex would not give up and be working hard to catch me. My husband Norm would be working hard too, so I would not catch him!  Definitely this section was the hardest physically and mentally.  What’s more the weather really turned bad and the wind picked up as did the rain.  I thought for sure that the heavens would let loose any second.

Finally after never ending left turns, right turns, head winds, tail winds, cross winds and endless undulations, I finally hit checkpoint 2.  A girl was there all on her own busily sorting out drink bottles on a table.  I asked her in advance to “please pass me a banana”, which she so kindly did so I did not have to stop.  Even though I had consumed 3 gels already I was beginning to get hungry and the banana was just what I needed.  Although upon reflection I should have grabbed 2…one for later on.

I have no idea how long the next period lasted, and how many more undulating hills bore down upon me, but eventually someone caught me.  He said he had been keeping me in his sights for the last 20kms.  I asked him what Category he was and he told me Sport Men.  I told him that I was most impressed with his efforts as they were 2nd last to be sent off, probably about 10 minutes after Open women.  We chatted for about 5 minutes then he found that same energy he used to catch me and powered on to the next checkpoint with me in his wake.  The 90km race soon met up with the 45km section, which was good for the mental coping mechanism to finally see other humans on bikes suffering too! However, it was around then that my Cross breed speed demon – power DOG started to whimper.  I had the beginnings of what was to be many visits from the “Cramp King”, but I have dealt with them enough to keep going and spin them out. 

So checkpoint 3 reared its very welcome head and Mary Mary Quite Contrary was there to say hi to, which brought a smile to my face if only for a moment.  Now began the entry into the final dreaded single track known as “Scotty’s and Brian’s track”.  It conjures up hurt every time I have ridden it.  Once in the opposite (better) direction in the 8 hour enduro 2006 and once last year in the same direction as this year.  Last year it was dry and dusty, this year due to the bit of rain over the last 24 hours, it was slick and very slippery.  Not the kind of punishment I was looking forward to at this stage of the race.  I knew by now that I had slowed down.  Mentally I was not happy to enter this realm, and physically I had bonked 2 times over and was literally “starving”!  Food was the only thought on my mind and as I saw dirt encrusted snake lollies and ½ a banana along the track, I considered picking them up and eating them, dirt and all.  After all it was still food.  However my pride and determination would not let me surrender yet. 

About now, Alex Kiendl passed me happily.  She asked me how I was and I lied and said,” Good thanks mate!”  What a load of bull &%#$!  Alex was in my sights for about 5 minutes.  Then I lost the plot and I conceded defeat.  I was cold, hungry and could not get the brain to connect to the body.  The skinny goat like single track was peppered with sharp rocks that were wet with the rain.  My ability to turn this track into anything worthy of flowing was nil.  I am sure I was clocking 1 kmph if I could have been bothered looking at my speedo.  Fortunately it was only the “local knowledge” Bendigo Boys (John Harvey and crew) that made me and everyone else on the track at the time look stupid and lacking skill.  A good portion of race participants, 45 and 90km at this stage were suffering.

Not a moment too soon after a LONG time climbing off camber continuous rock gardens I was rewarded with the pearly gates of heaven.  Oh, no its not heaven, I am alive, it is just the 10km to go final checkpoint.  Oh and there are LOLLIES…and bananas.  For the first time on this day, I stopped to get food and stuffed my mouth and pockets with as many lollies as I could grab and a banana to go.

Finally knowing that I had sustenance and only 10kms I had a renewed sense of ability and energy.  Yep, the cramps were still niggling away and the climbs had become visits to my grandma (granny ring), but I was nearly there.  Once out of the last bit of single track and onto the road, I let loose and hammered home with the same intensity as I had started the race. 

Ok, I did not catch Norm, Alex caught me and won the Open Women, Christy was nowhere in sight and did not catch me, Kerry left me for dead and I never got to see my 45km EPIC friends anywhere along the track, except for Stu…but I was almost done.  Thank you so much to the organizers of the event for putting signs every km to spur us along in that final section.  When I saw the 1km sign there was no more pain, and I even sprinted for the finish line to the surprise of another anonymous rider on the course at the time.
One of the first things I did when I finished was hoe into a tin of rice cream and then a hot sausage roll, then some snakes, then some dried apricots, then some nuts, then some kettle chips, then a chocolate slice, then a hot chocolate, then some lollies, then some cheese corn cakes…and then I think I stopped for presentation. 

Presentation was a real surprise with a few of our friends taking out podium places in the 45km & 90km category.  Well done David, Aileen and Sally.  It was good to see Kerry Ryan hold off Peter Pink, his nemesis!  …and of course, I came 2nd for the 2nd time in 2 weeks to Alex “ze German” Kiendl.  Well done Alex.  Christy Harris secured 3rd Place in open women.
Murray Spink won the event again this year to make it two EPICS in a row, no doubt he will come back for 3rd in a row next year, whilst Sid Taberlay managed a puncture in the final km’s to secure 2nd and Josh Fleming 3rd in Open Mens.
The prizes were sensational and some really unexpected, but none the less appreciated.  The prize money was very generous!  Good work to Bendigo MTB club for taking the time and effort to reward the riders of all levels.

Final Placings were:
John, you will need to fill this section in…too much information! 

…and here are some more short stories from the Perspectives of other riders:

Alex “ze German” Kiendl – 90km Open Women 1st place

I was very much looking forward to do a race, which goes from point to point and not around in circles.
After the start of the race I tried to stay on Sharon Laws’ wheel, I knew she was the stronger rider on the less technical sections.
During the first section of single track we had to pass a lot of riders and got hold up a fair bit. It was then, that Sharon wasn't very lucky and had a puncture just 15 minutes into the race. That meant I had to work by myself trying to get away from Jessica who was sitting not too far behind us.
I had a ball in the single track until I hit the fire road and fire road is no fun for me, especially with high winds.
Getting to the first feed station I had a comfortable lead on Jess and was looking forward to a new bottle and a banana as I was already very hungry but -as always- didn't feel like eating my bars. But to my frustration my water bottle wasn't there. Panic!!! While swearing on someone, who might have taken my bottle I opened the lid of the big heavy water canister, turn it around, trying to get some water into my bottle.
My bike collapsed between my legs and the water bottle fell over emptying itself...
I wasn't happy when I finally got back on the road, noticing that Jess was riding in the far distance in front of me. She must have passed me while I was fighting with the water canister. I was quiet upset about such a stupid mistake and swearing against the blowing head wind I saw her disappearing on the horizon. I was convinced that she must have had the luck of drafting behind other riders by the speed she got away from me.
Along the never ending fire trail/bitumen roads with their sadly dry fields, I was praying for some nice single track to come.
I loved the rain especially when we finally got into the last bit of single track. It was here that felt transferred back to the stage race 'Trans Germany', that I had done mid of this year. Rocky, slippery, technical single track in miserable rain, I just loved it. The rain in my face, the wind blowing, I felt at home!
I turned around a corner in this beautiful natural landscape and saw Jess just getting off her bike walking up a muddy trail. I took my chance and passed her suddenly feeling a drop of energy as if there was nothing left for the last 20kms.
I was happy to be able to make up for my previous mistake and was searching my pockets for my energy gel to get the boost back and to bring the win home.
As for my bottle drama, it was nobodies fault because I had mixed up the feeding stations while dropping the bottles off before the start and didn't provide a bottle for the first station and instead left it at the last one.
I was very happy about the very generous prize money which covered my last week bike repairs that were due after the Scott 24hr race in Canberra.

Kirstin Honey – 45km SPORT women finisher

Me, my bike & my brain which exploded, sorta.
I had the best time at the Bendigo Epic, yes the rain threaten, yes the wind picked up but it never ceases to amaze me the wonderful community that is a MTB race. The 90km freaks headed of and before we knew it they where back after the start loop rolling down the hill like a multi coloured toy train through the over sized dirt playground we call super sweet single track. They headed of in a snap and then it was our turn. Rain stared falling and just before we lined up I heard 'shit I've got the wrong cleats on!' And then we where off!
The start was slow which suited me and the clog of riders at the start was soon sorted out. I am very proud that I was able to help keep a derailleur going but this generosity put me at the back, and I mean right at the back. I knuckled down, had my other riders marked and set about catching my nemesis. Just when I thought I would never see her, her jersey flashed through the bush in the distance and I thought 'Aha I'd caught her!' Finally got in front and my race really began, trying so hard to push in front and get that distance between us up. All I could think about was how I could get as far as possible and not blowout physically. I burnt down the fire trails peddling faster, faster, feeling like a super hero on wings flying over rocks ducking tree limbs basically taking it to the edge and then some, SO MUCH FUN!!!
I felt great, was well over the half way mark but needed some food so grabbed a handful of lollies and shoveled them into my face, bad bad move! Basically my belly turned inside out and my brain wanted to explode, not so fun. I limped to the last check point and was directed on an easier path back to the start. In my sorry state I met up again with the lady I helped, her derailleur eventually fell of so we bumbled home together.
Much needed encouragement was given when we got back and I finally crossed the finish line. Nothing but positive energy from everyone and it was so great all the people who asked 'are you ok?' Out on the course.
I love MTB for so many more reasons than a bike, its the places, the thrill and the best bonus is the people, don't get me wrong I love my bike but I love where it takes me more.
Thanks
Kirstin

Andrew Ellwood – 45km Masters Men Finisher

To me the Epic was a  well run event, clearly marked track & I found the check point & officials to be all passionate about making it an enjoyable experience for the competitors as possible so well done on that level.

On a personal level it was

1. Being passed by the elite men 90 k when I still had 20 k to go on the 45 k when they started at the same time as me.
2. Watching the determination of the young boy & his father complete the 45 k after a rather nasty crash.
3. Being passed on the slippery snotty hill at the 20 k to go mark by Christy Harris, me all over the shop one foot out of the cleats and Christy belting down it like it was a grippy fire trail go girl power.
4. The faces of all competitors at the finish line smiles all-round.

Thank you for a great event,  
Andrew

Christy Harris – 90km Open Women 3rd Place

Here’s my story…

It was only at the 65 km mark when I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be nice to be watching a DVD and drinking a cup of tea right now’. However, instead I was riding as hard and as fast as my body would allow.
Horizontal rain hitting my face and wind pushing me sideways. Not exactly a relaxing Sunday. But I wasn’t going to let the weather get the better of me.
The tracks were hard going at times, with the majority being road where you were exposed to the elements. The single track was awesome, windy and fast. Coming to the last section of single track I climbed to the top of a hill only to be greeted with a gust of wind. I thought I was going to be blown over, but I put head down low and pushed on regardless.
I kept saying to myself ‘just keep going’. It’s funny, the harder a race is, the more satisfying it is to finish. I finished the race exhausted, both physically and mentally. But what an achievement. I’d choose racing the Epic over a DVD and a cup of tea any day.

Ross Kroger – 90km Super Masters Finisher

Helping the guys at Bendigo MTBC set up the course and having ridden the 45 klms track several times I knew what to expect in my 90 klms.  Rain and a wet track were unexpected.

Adventure started early as in the farm lap as a fellow rider suffered the mtber’s nightmare – a broken rear derailleur – end of the event after 20 minutes. Another mate, riding a borrowed bike, as his super dually had suffered front suspension melt down a couple of days earlier, found that the borrowed machine was seriously miss behaving, eventually leading to his transferring to the 45klms.

At this stage I was very happy my bike was running ok. The first twenty klms are great tracks used in the Bendigo 6 hour event (and to be used in the March 2008 12 hour). Why was the ground so tacky and slippery? ……..  oh rain.  The coolness was better to ride in than the heat that can be generated in Bendigo!!!
The gravel road and fast fire trails go on and on.  Checkpoint three was more than a welcome stop.

Riding a wet ” Scotty’s and Brian’s” track is well ….. entertaining.  I was now among some of the 45ers. As in the farm at Cavagna’s road it becomes easy to identify the riders who are not accustomed to Bendigo’s rocky technical challenges.  Once out of the farm the cruise home had a couple of hills. The tracks and environment make for a great ride, the fatigue and cramping reminding me that I need more preparation. 

Seeing all my mates and new mates, I had made on the ride, at the finish is always a good.  A bit of food, heaps of talking about everyone’s experience in their ride and the presentations.
Thanks to everyone who works tirelessly in setting up these events. Bendigo Club are the only club in Victoria who put on a marathon.  All of us riders need to appreciate and support this event – hopefully I’ll improve my riding as I am already a starter for next year!.

Mary – Checkpoint 1 & 3 Volunteer

Checkpoint 3 - 65km in – where all the action was for me!

I chose not to use my free entry for The Epic and instead stood in the wind and rain, somewhere out the back of nowhere, recording rider times and numbers as the keen competitors belted past and the weary ones stopped for food, drink and a word or two of encouragement (and thanks to that wet and muddy rider around 1.45pm who offered the wet Check Point chicks a hug – later maybe!)
Manning the check point was a fun and painless (safe!) way to be part of The Epic - those riders’ smiles when we offered “banana to go? or peeled?” were a treat to see. I was impressed with how well the riders were holding up at the 65km point ( 25km point for the Half Epic riders) – most of them made sense talking to us, most were enjoying the ride and there was only one bloke cramping – seems like they’d put in the preparation work. And undeniably, I felt their sense of satisfaction, of accomplishment  at having made it this far and their determination to get to the end.

… maybe I’ll join the riders next year … maybe!!

Spink Wins 2006 KHS Epic in a close struggle from Hucker and Norris!