So, the sun rose on Saturday, and then stayed hidden for most of the day. Typical. The wind blew too... but at least the rain didn't pour, like it threatened. But it had rained before...a lot..into the crevasse in the East Sussex countryside that is Pippingford Park. A crease in the land, densely wooded (not forested as this would indicate some sort of order that is not present in the chaotic way the trees are assembled), and running with water off the heavily laden soil down to the network of lakes in the very pit of the Park.The start line was buoyant with banter on Saturday. Two newcomers to the Merrell series graced us with their presence - legendary XTERRA Pro Sam Gardner, and newbie XTERRA hotshot Tim 'Macca' McDowell. Lot's of shiny new lycra was flashing, and comments like 'I didn't drive all this way to come second .. (Anon.) were heard as the one minute warning was uttered by the starter.
And then we were all away, galavanting like new born lambs across the field, streaming towards the first red arrow over the soft, off camber, grass. Turning sharp left, racers strode, skidded and slipped their way into the depths of Pippingford. Hearts in mouths, I saw racers around me struggle for balance on the uncertain surface, lugged offroad shoes working overtime to retain some sort of grip (should have been wearing Brooks Cascadia's!). Turning upwards and the series leader Colin Dixon started to pull away. Sam tried to go, and Tim and myself duked on in 3rd and 4th. By the end of two laps of the 5km course, we were all very muddy, and Colin was stubbornly away with a 1+ minute lead over me and then Sam in hot pursuit.
An interstellar transition left Sam powdering his nose, but within moments he was riding with me. (note to self: more riding required). Sam stormed off to open a five minute lead whilst Colin retired after crashing on the slippery treacherous course and Tim punctured irrepairbaly and was last seen throwing his bike at his girlfriend. Never mind Colin, three wins out of four is clearly enough... and Tim... I know you'll be back to show us all how it's done later in the season.
Back on the bike course, and I have to say, it was carnage. I'm sliding sideways down descents, past people walking bikes, under bikes, in trees... all that kind of hearty outdoor stuff. Conditions aren't good and I'm happy to see transition after 20km of hard mountain biking. As I squidge off for the final 5km run (21 something odd minutes!!) the small crowd around the finish shout encouragement at all the athletes appearing over the brow of the hill looking slightly perplexed and jaded from the the whole mud bath routine.
Soon enough and after a foot-safe final 5km, I'm home in second, and happy to be there. Today was a big lesson in putting the effort in when required, keeping calm on the bike, not looking at the big puddles in an effort to avoid them and closing my eyes when it all looked like it was going pear-shaped. Mainly, just hanging in there was the note for the day.
A big old gang made it to a local pub to regail stories of how good we all were and how much better we'll be next time, the excuse satchel was wide open with cries of "I would have been up with you ... BUT ...' and overall it was a great day. So, that's it for another spring of Merrell Off-Road races. Thanks to the Human Race team, look forward to seeing you all again in the Autumn.
