Karapoti? Done. 3:41:29, much faster than expected. My first official time in a race ever, after running a marathon in 2001 my biggest achievement so far (when it comes to sports).Describing it with words is as challenging as the race itself, you have to experience it on your own. On the one hand it's a hell of a race, involving lots of pushing, mud and steep hills. On the other it is exactly that challenge that makes the Karapoti such a fascinating trip. Much more than a simple race it is about finding your own boundaries, combinig blood, sweat and (not for me) tears. If I will be still here in 2009 I will be back, and hopefully even faster than this year.
But now it's time to wipe the dust of the good old hardtail and prepare myself for another tough one: The Rainbow Rage on Saturday. Didn't really have time to train properly, but having ridden that beast of a track two times already, I am looking forward to finish at least unter 6 hours. That's the target, I will see how I go. A few days on the Molesworth afterwards, and maybe some inland exploring in Kaikoura, I will see what the South Island will offer this time. Still some roads left untravelled, hopefully I will be more successful on the Molesworth than over Xmas. Wish me luck, I will keep you updated. And last but mot least: I will be back to Scotland in July and August, so if there is anybody interested in rding Glentress, gimme a shout. That's still my No. 1 in the world , would be rude not to ride it!
