This was my 7th K2 start and while I always enjoy the challenge (I must do as I keep coming back 😉), I’ve never really had a good day out where everything has gone to plan. I’ve had many a disappointing ride on this course (but most completely of my own doing), ranging from mechanical mishaps like punctures or a broken derailleur cable or last years flat Di2 battery, to physical melt-downs; usually by starting too hard or pushing too long to stay in a bunch but always ending in a cramp-fest and limping to the finish. My training had been going well this year and I am a couple of kilos lighter than last year so I was optimistic of a good result but also realistic to know not to get ahead of myself.
So results wise, I’ve never gone under 7hrs but also had never been over a 8hrs, except the broken derailleur cable which resulted in a DNF.
The day’s weather didn’t start well, a misty drizzle had set in and didn’t really look like it was going to clear either but there wasn't much wind, so that was good. The rain doesn't really bother me but knew you’d have to watch the descending more than ever and give other riders plenty of space. Carl decided that we should ride together, although he's a stronger than me but he just views K2 as prep for Taupo, so he dropped down from group 5 to my group 7 (which is aiming for 6.20 - 30).
The bunch started at a reasonable pace but I was mindful of starting too quickly (and not make the same "fast start" mistake, again) so found myself at the back of the group after Kuaotunu but still in contact. Myundermans is the next climb and gaps were opening but I was trying to ride my own pace and not get caught up chasing and pushing too hard, too early. Over the top of Myundermans Carl decided we should bridge the gap that had opened and charged down the descent... and gaped me! so while he made it comfortably across while I got caught about 20mtrs off the back. I sat up pretty quickly when I could see I couldn't make it to the main bunch but teamed up with some other stragglers to work together. I assumed at this point I wouldn't see Carl again but I wasn't worried or offended, as we'd discussed pre-ride that we might get split and if that happened, just to ride our own races.
Most people know that Whangapoua is the hardest climb on the K2 course and it was next on the menu. My new small group of about 5 worked it's way there with minimal fuss, everyone contributing but wary of the climb ahead. Soon enough we were on Whangapoua, I just tried to find my own rhythm and to keep it steady. I was on my own at the top but who should be waiting for me but Carl. I was surprised and happy to see him. From here and right down the coast we worked together, picking up the odd rider but generally riding as a twosome.
About halfway down the Thames coast 2 strong riders (Dougal and Hamish) caught us and we worked with them to the Kopu turn and onto the longest climb. I was feeling it when the road tilted up and felt I needed to let these guys go and recover a bit. Carl could have pressed on with them but hung back with me and I appreciated it. Over the top of Kopu the rain had returned and I was freezing on the descent and for the next 10 - 15kms I had my worst patch of the ride.
Again Carl was a trooper and he towed me along the flats on the way to Tairua whenever I couldn't maintain the pace of the passing bunches. About 10kms from Tairua a massive bunch of riders, mostly the same club (which I can't remember their name now), came past so I thought I'd try to get on the back and happily my legs responded enough to hold on, good times. We stuck on the back of this group all the way through Tairua, to the last big obstacle of the day, Pumpkin hill. I soon lost the wheel as we hit the climb but pressed on at whatever pace I could manage, disappointed I couldn't keep with this group as it would have been a sweet ride to the finish.
Signs of cramp had been coming on for a while so eating and drinking was my priority now but as we got to Sailors Grave Road, the big bunch had pulled over together and were handing out fresh drink bottles and generally regrouping. What luck for me, if I could just get over the rest of Pumpkin ahead of this group then maybe we could get that tow to the finish... and that's the way it panned out, the big bunch picking us up a couple of kms after the base on Pumpkin and we hung in with them right the way to the line.
From about 20kms from the finish I knew we would easily go sub 7 and as the kms clicked past, our time was looking better and better.. eventually the finish line was there and Carl and I hit it together... final time was 6:41:08 and Carl got exactly the same, to the second.
Obviously I have Carl to thank for his selfless efforts and it was great to finish a big ride together, especially after all the training we do with each other. Both Hamish and Dougal had ride times around 6.28 so i reckon that's where Carl could have finished, had he not waited for me. But personally it was a great feeling to finally get the sub 7hr monkey off the back and do it with a bit to spare.. and I'm sure I'll be back again next year to try again, did somebody say 6.30? 😀
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