Motu Challenge
Record Breaking Day at the Motu Challenge
Richard Ussher / 17.10.2008
Motu is at an awkward time of year for us. It comes in the midst of a hectic schedule and too early in the season to invest too much time in being at the top of your game, and subsequently being flat for other races as far away as February or March. Elina and I headed to Opotiki feeling a little under done preparation wise, but hopeful that being reasonably rested physically if not mentally would enable us to get through the day with a reasonable result. The drive was much more comfortable this year in the new Kia Sorento which was also surprisingly easy to fit all our gear in after we were forced to just chuck everything in after a multitude of last minute tasks seemed to envelop us. We were only just beginning to pack for the trip after our agreed leaving time had already passed!
Loaded up the only issue were the gale force winds that were doing their best to destroy our boats on the roof.
We managed a gentle paddle down the Waioweka River on the Thursday and spent the remainder of our time sorting gear and trying to ease the travel out of the legs. The forecast for the weekend was looking good and unlike the previous year it was looking as though the winds would stay away.
Saturday morning and the start was almost a frosty affair. It’s always hard to know what to wear when it is so cold but you’re anticipating how hot it’ll be once you start climbing the first of the hills on the MTB. The start seemed rather more leisurely this year but as we hit the first hill after about 20km the hammer went down and I managed to get a small jump on the other individuals as I tucked in with a group of team riders. Unfortunately this year the legs were protesting the pace quite loudly and before too long I decided to ease off.
As they disappeared up the road I immediately felt the relief of the easier pace. I could see Gordon Walker and several other riders close behind but once we hit the second hill I lost sight of them behind and I spent the remainder of the ride alone.
Into the transition and I really had no idea where any of the other individuals were but as I struggled into my shoes several teams arrived and I left on the run with them. I was cramping quite badly at this stage which was a surprise as I’d ridden pretty conservatively and for the first couple of km’s it was all I could concentrate on was trying to get the muscles to relax. Finally the last symptoms dissipated and the run became much more enjoyable.See All Event Posts
