Rocky trail 8 hour

What a load of fun. A week before the race I had no idea what I wanted to do, 8 seemed a bit too much, 4 I was keen for but really lacked some motivation to be honest, and I have been lacking that a bit since Worlds. But I had a call from Anne who was keen for a pair, and it was just the kick I needed, team Radical was go.
I must admit we were a little relaxed arriving thinking it is all good I got my bottle's, food what else do I need. Quick chat to Kylie head over to Andrew and Robyn who had an awesome setup and we were lucky enough to be invited in. Little did we know how much we would need that shade later on. Next time it will be my turn to bring it, as long a Bailey still comes, got to love having a dog around :).
I was up first and I was a keen for a good start. I had not done a pairs for a long time but I was keen to get some speed into the legs, knowing I'd get a break. So I headed off with Gaz and I trading a few places it was pretty fun not feeling like I needed to be conservative. It was a fun track and really happy it was not a repeat of the Worlds tracks, but really surprised as I expected the tracks to be a little more worse for wear. After putting out a good first test lap I was happy to come in and hand over to Anne.
This repeated several time's and it was heating up, I kept the intensity there and on my 4th I felt some twinges of cramps but kept them at bay. Into the finish and Anne tells me to go again, and it is all good and I ease it off a little and I knew it could be a long lap if cramps set in. They did on and off, with the muscules rolling in my calves I got the rest of my fluids in but rode it through. But after coming in I knew I'd only 1 more lap to go and it would be all over....maybe.
So the last lap and I was cruising, not wanting a repeat of cramps I was happy to roll it out as we did not have much chance of catching 1st and 2nd was practically cemented. It was pretty quite on the track but still enjoying the flow. After Willo's link I decided to put a little more effort in as I knew cramps would not stop me now. Back to the 4x track over some humps and pssssssssst. Awesome with this being the last lap it did not matter with a roll down to the finish, to let Anne finish it off.
I was pretty surprised the cafe latex did not fully seal the hole, it was not small though, made a real mess of the bike with a skin layer mix with dirt ;).
All in all pretty happy with the effort with 3 laps all being within 3 seconds :). Plus a huge thanks to Anne for helping in my decision and getting me the motivation into the race. Andrew, Robyn and Bailey for letting us share your shade and company (Bailey did make me pay in the form of sharing my TORQ bars), and everyone else who provided the good times and fun.
On the test I had a Garmin 800, loved it and still playing and working it all out. Yep my first Garmin, so it is taking a while, if only I can get it to talk to my powertap......Review to come.