Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games

On 12th October 2008 myself and 3 other employees represented the Rural Fire Services in the XC Mountain Biking in the APES Games. The RFS came away with Gold and Bronze medals.

I had a home course advantage, with the event being held at the technically demanding Pine Creek course. 7km of fun flowing single track, pimped with a few long crossings that would have landed you in the drink if you strayed off the 1 foot wide plank.

Due to my recent return to the bike and regular training, I went into the event pretty tired in the legs. As I summed it up, my legs were as tired in the last lap as they were in the first. However my laps were consistent, I was able to work the technical aspects of the track, and I had a great time riding and chatting with like-minded people.

It was only on my last lap that I started to knock off a couple of competitors - those endurance legs are slowly returning to their former glory. I made a tactical sprint 10m from the finish line, giving me 1st in the Women, and 2nd in the Mens 35 - 39 category. My moment of glory was a moment of embarrassment for my competitor, whose children then chorussed 'You got beaten by a girl, dad!!!'.

Filming of "Sydney Weekender"

I get to have my 30 seconds of fame this weekend on the travel show program, Sydney Weekender. Keep your eyes peeled to Prime TV, Saturday 18th October at 5:30pm, when Mike Whitney and the crew visit Coffs Harbour.

It was a fun day, with lots of laughing and the occassional ride. I was a bit nervous when it came to filming the chat with Mike, but he made me feel completely comfortable, and really is a nice, easy going guy. And for someone who hasn't been riding very long, he had the clipless pedals mastered early in the day.

The first full week back

Today is the end of my first full week back on the bike, and I'm shattered. Saturday was going to be a fun 2 hr mtb ride with friends, riding some of the Mountain Marathon track. An hour in and I was falling back on the hills....2.5 hrs in and I was out the back!!

Sunday we were back on the road bikes doing a usual loop. I was slow on the climbs, but still enjoying the afternoon ride. And then this morning we got caught out in the rain which brought our ride up a bit short time wise, but I must admit that I was quietly thankful.

A rest day tomorrow, then back into a full week again.