3 Ring Circus

Well I am aware how overdue this post is considering the circus was at the end of July.. but I just didn't get round to it.

So the story goes, Ricardo, Mikey and I set off on our road trip to Bundanoon Friday morning.. only 1077kms to go.. Other than a speeding ticket for one of our possie it was an uneventful trip. We stayed Friday night in Sydney and rolled into the circus grounds mid morning Saturday, meeting up with the rest of the QLD contingent Boz, Fellows, Andrew (Mr AyUp), Mark & Ethan.

The schedule for the weekend was a 20km Night race and a 50km day race both races consisting of 3 "Rings".  Night riding has always been my preference so needless to say I was really looking forward to this stage.

As dusk approached we were dressed to brave to cold crisp evening of racing.. BANG... and we are off and racing.. being such a short race the only plan was to go out as hard and fast as I could and hold it for as long as I could.. with numbers around 150 there wasn't too much congestion only a little when we first dropped into the first section of single track.. And what sweet single track it was, so fast, flowy and fun.. having no concept on where I was in relation to the other ladies I just started picking of the boys..That's always more fun anyway..

Coming over the line at 1:09 only a few minutes behind the boys I was stoked.. turns out I was 1st in my category (but there was only 2 of us) and 3rd overall female. Time to focus on tomorrow's race.

Early rise due to such a cold night..

So we line up again for stage 2.. unlike last night the numbers swelled to around 800 (of which about 627 finished), This posed a massive bottle neck at the entrance for the first lot of single track.. I only had to wait a couple of minutes but heard that some people had to wait 15-20 mins..
Back into the single track.."Schweet" there was a heap of single track in the first two "rings" but the last one was one long fire road ride.. not how I expected it to end but none the less it was a great course.
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Result for Matinee stage was 4th in  Open women's. Combining that with my night stage result I ended up 2nd Overall Woman.

Definitely a must do for everyone's racing calendar.. Definitely will be on mine again next year.
Biggest thanks go out to Esanda who's continuous support is so appreciated.. and to AYUP for your support and awesome lights that make night riding all the better.

Allio