The downpour on the way up should have given me an indication of what was to come. It stopped long enough to fool me into racing, then on the start line the heavens opened again. Alongside me on the front of the pack was Gazza, who on hearing the news that this race was to decide our year long race numbers was like a bulldog off the leash when the hammer fell and led the pack to the first corner. I was about 5 back and quickly realised I required more sight than was being allowed me by the mud and rain and had to back off. God knows how the guys up front managed to stay on the track, I couldn't see anything at all. This is pretty much how the first lap continued, I knew there was a line of people behind me but none tried to pass so I carried on, cursing my glasses and the incessant mud. Had I been able to see my HRM I would have seen a pretty constant 95% so I was going about as hard as I could which was my object in preparation for next weekend, and I backed off a little on lap two when I could tell no-one was behind me.
The grip started coming back in lap three, I was able to remove the glasses and get some pace going. I was passed a couple of time but was able top pass a few back, or just sit behind those that I couldn't catch. The rear brake was making some VERY nasty noises on the last lap, and when I got home I could see why. Even Hope brakes couldn't deal with Ourimbah today. I had been saving my brake pads for the Sydney 24 next weekend, I think I need some more spares.
Well done to Gazza for the dream season start, he wears the number 1 plate all year and wasn't going to settle for number 2 (although secretly I think it was the lend of my sidi insoles that did it).
First day with the Racing Ralph and I did have a slip but to be honest any tyre would have struggled today, in places you couldn't see the track through the river we were riding in. All in all, a fun, technical (and expensive) days racing.
