Karioi Classic XL 2014

This was one of those "I'll do it this year" kind of events and in its 5th year I finally made it happen. 

The Karioi Classic XL was the big version, adding in an extra 14 kilometres over the standard Classic course to make it 57km of predominantly gravel road riding around Mt Karioi, just out of Raglan.

Photo: Russell Jones

We had a pretty good day, weather wise. A bit of rain left the ground a little damp and the temperature was a little cool as expected for July in New Zealand. Though this didn't dampen our spirits as we set about getting our kits together and handling the all-important task of adjusting tyre pressure and trimming our numberplates.

Photo: Russell Jones

We set off at a cracking pace, aiming to climb a few places up the rankings before the road pitched upwards and the surface turned to gravel. I couldn't sustain it and had to let the faster Velo roadie boys go. I'd done no preparation or training (as per usual), so was really just trying to complete the course in as short a time as possible given the circumstances. I just wanted to push hard and feel like I'd given it everything I had on the day.

The first climb certainly made me feel like I was working hard. I'd kept Matt in sight for a while, but when I caught up to him I learnt he was struggling with a dodgy heart that was preventing him from pushing hard at all - a reality check for both of us. I passed him and rode ahead for a while, but he soon got himself under control and cruised past me.

A little stop to help with the Worralls Roadside Service Course (DB was attending to a puncture, while the rest of us stood around and talked shit), meant another excuse in the quiver for explaining the slow finishing time. And a little chance to catch my breath.

The ride was stunning. I was loving the scenery, the different route (I'd been around the mountain before, but not on the roads used in the extra long course), the challenge of the hill climbs and the speed of the descents. Passing mountain bikers on the descents was particularly satisfying.  Rim brakes and 32c tyres are no excuse - let her rip!

I found a little something in the bottom of the tank on the road back past Wainui beach and dug deep to get home as quick as I could.  The last drag across the grass airstrip ensured I was scraping the bottom of the barrel for fuel and looking forward to the after race refreshments in town.

Photo: Karioi Classic

A beer and chips later and I felt... well, okay-ish. A complete lack of training, let alone regular bike riding, doesn't do much to aid your recovery. I was glad with how I'd ridden though and decided the Karioi Classic ought to be a permanent fixture on my calendar. Luckily Matt didn't die out on the course and gave me a lift home - cheers mate!