Coast to Coast 2014

Back in September last year I had a call from Albert from Thermatech. Having secured Sponsorship rights for the Coast to Coast 2014 he was enthusiastic about my involvement in the Longest Day. I was not. Don't get me wrong, I love the race but with the World Adventure Racing Champs in December and some promised family time over Christmas I was feeling the pressure and apprehensive about managing a race so soon after.

What ensued were several discussions with our family spokesperson (My wife Rach!) and Albert. Both parties emphasised that there was no pressure to perform to my previous standards and Rach laid down the ultimatum that if it would happen at all I wouldn't start any training until the 8th of January and would be away for a wedding 5 days from the 22nd. Albert was happy, Rach was satisfied and we had a deal.

As for race day.....I had undoubtedly my most enjoyable Coast to Coast yet and am already looking back on the day with good memories. All was not plain sailing though. Here is a very brief account of my day:

6am. Having the number 2 gives me a less than ideal start spot on the beach with an awkward dogleg to the start banner but the plus was that my bike is first on the rack. Juddy hoots his hooter and we're off. 30 seconds of sand, rocks and heel jumping go by I and wake up to the realisation that I am running too slow. I try to sharpen up but my lack of training is highlighted right from the gun and together with Dan Busch we lose 200m on the front pack. I transition shoddily and have to work hard to catch Dan. Catching the front bunch will be hard and we give it a good shot but after 15km we aren't making ground. We decide to save ourselves for the run and wait for the chasing bunch of 7 riders.

What has played out is a shocker start by my standards but it is what it is and what I do next is what counts. With a decent bunch of 9 we make good progress but lose a valuable 7 minutes on the front pack.

7:40am. Now onto the run (thanks to my awesome crew!) the legs were lethargic and heavy. I was around 17th place. Not in my usual form I steadily progressed up the deception to Goat Pass picking off the odd runner along the way. I was still trying to force a good run out of myself despite feeling off form. Large rock jumps went astray leaving me face down in the river, route selection was rough and at one stage I ended a bad jump upside down in a waist deep pool surfacing under a waterfall. It felt like a real life version of the TV series wipe out.

At the pass I caught Angus Watson who was visibly excited to be racing the Coast to Coast. Quietly talking to myself I ordered some chill pills, let the shoulders drop and chatted with Angus for 10-15mins. Slowly but surely the lights came back on, composure returned and long lost efficiency was restored. Soon after Minga bivvy I said my good buys to Angus and took off on my own.

11am. Into Klondyke corner the legs were weary and cramped but my philosophy had changed. I was loving the day and the cramp became a minor sideline. 15km of biking provided a great opportunity to eat real food and drink plenty before the kayak. More cramp hit me at the top of the Mt White Road but once the shoes were on I ran at a solid pace to the river giving my crew a sweat up along the way!

Transition was slick, real slick, a little too slick in fact. After 30mins of paddling a brief look down revealed that I had no food. My crew had forgotten my lunch box. F@#k! Ah well. I'd just have to manage with limited gels and coke in the PFD. Unbeknown to me a dust cloud that would make roadrunner proud was tearing down the valley towards Gooseberry stream. Meals on wheels!

Sure enough as I passed the checkpoint at Gooseberry Patrick passed over the lunchbox with barely a stroke missed. Seamless. Many thanks to Kate from legend paddles for the use of her driving services in our time of need. What a game changer that could have been.

The Waimakariri was by far my most enjoyable part of the day. I felt strong and relaxed throughout and even managed to pick my way back to 5th overall. At Gorge Bridge there was 3 minutes to Glen Currie in 4th and 6mins to Sam Manson in 3rd. I had a shot at getting another place with a good ride. A great ride could snatch a podium spot.

Neither would eventuate unfortunately. Glen had the 2nd fastest ride of the day to claim 3rd overall and Sam would hold me out by 90seconds. So close! From a rough start I had picked my way back into the race and finished strong making for an enjoyable race all round. It was a far from ideal performance but with 3 weeks training one needs to be philosophical. I'm happy and that's all that matters!

I cant thank my loyal crew enough for another great day out (Patrick, Mark and Pete/Dad). Thanks also to Thermatech for getting the ball rolling and amazing support throughout, R & R Sport, Rasdex and Legend Paddles for great sponsorship making this level of achievement possible.