Like many sports, such as baseball (Opening Day is just days away!), cycling is about numbers. Winning can be measured in hours, minutes, seconds and even milliseconds; the weight of bikes is on an ever-going downward curve; and we're always racing against the clock. This past Saturday I had the chance to compete in a once-a-year opportunity, to ride bikes on Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands. They are protected islands where bikes are banned, for biohazard reasons. This ban is lifted for The Dual, an event that happens every March and offers 30km and 50km MTB races, as well as a half and full trail marathon. I competed in the 50km MTB race. Here are the numbers, in no particular order aside from how my brain came up with them...
Distance: 50km
Volcanoes climbed: 2
Islands Ridden: 2
Energy Gels consumed: 1
Cattle Fence Dismount and Carries: 1
Bike Only Ferries to the Islands: 3
Tranportation to and From Event: 1 car, 3 ferry boats, 1 bike
Number of Participants: 200
Placing: 18th
Time: 2:47:45.66
Winning Time: Ridiculous (2:08:42.24)
Falls: 0
Times Taken Out By Low Pine Branch: 1
Beaches Ridden (walked) On: 1
Canadians I Met: 5 (I think my Team Canada Beijing Olympic cycling jersey helped), 3 of which sailed their boat from BC to NZ, and another who competes for Team Canada in the windsurfing event of the summer olympics.
Post Race Beer: 3
Here are some pics of the day.
5am wake-up = darkness. You can see SkyTower in the background.
Me, my too-small-for-my-size bike and my undeserved jersey.
Finally, the sun's about to warm us up.
Sunrise. Not a bad way to start a race.
The final switchbacky descent to the finish.
Pretty good views at the finish.
The sailboat the Canadians I mentioned earlier travelled on from B.C.
Another view of the finish.
Bike and people queue...who would win?
People won. I waited over 2 hours for my bike to arrive. Yeah, I lost.
Final ferry trip of the day, from Auckland City to home, Takapuna.
Looks like a great ride, a great place to ride and a well placed finish - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an awesome ride. A bunch of us caught that Lance Leadville movie, it was pretty good. You're almost ready for Leadville now! Fyi, we went to Pinckeny for StPatty's day and I had pint at the Dexter Pub for you (also one for myself.
ReplyDeleteGood on yah mate! Man ... you're inspirational you know that? I need a bike now.
ReplyDeleteDear Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am sick of your sister annoying me with how she think she runs our school now since you are gone. It is absolutely disgraceful. If you could come home to where you belong (Holy Names)it would be more the appreciated.
Your favourite student from Holy Names,
Luke Lefler
Hey Dante,
ReplyDeleteNice numbers! Glad to see and read that you're representing down south. P2A next weekend. Sorry that you won't be joining us for the butter tart predictions.
Cheers,
Greg Andrew
PS Check out Ben's blog at:
benandrewcycling.blogspot.com.
Tigers are far above .500, you better get on that bike!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dante! We are headed to P2A in a few hours so you should find a nice rainy/snowy 60km route heading into the wind and join us...I'll even mail you half a SubWay when you finish!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great 30th!
update required...i lead a boring existance and count on kiwidante to fill the void.
ReplyDelete