Kevin Wells: Garmin 24: back to the roots

I was very keen for this race it had all the right ingredients and just what I needed. Over the past few years solo 24's have become a serious thing, doing 2 Worlds put myself in the serious mindset, and I was keen to bring it back to basics.

The mindset was hard to escape, I had problems with my top fuel, wheel issues, tyre sealing issues, felt like every day I was setting up some tubeless wheels. We got to the event on Thursday night in time to put up the marquee and mark out a spot for Bellcha. Friday was filled with laps of the course, setting up the new wheels with tubeless again, and getting some great food in. Early Saturday morning and we were awake with a storm which continued till nearly race start.

It started with a loop around a grass paddock and a little of the usual chaos but as soon as we hit the newly cut in singletrack, the gaps formed between the riders and we were slipping and sliding on what was obviously going to be a deteriorating track. We looped around through a few rain showers just being a pilot and either trying to get grip with the rear tyre to climb a slight incline or have a fine balance of keeping the bike in the right direction or losing control. I knew chain suck was the order of the day so kept it in the mid ring. Some parts of this seemed madness and I kept coming in thinking they would put a stop to it for safety. But they kept us out, there were many bodies going nowhere on the track, some crying on rocks, and reports of broken bones. I remember my rear wheel overtaking my front, and digging mud from my stays and tyres, but when my lap time blew out to 2 hours for 17k's I felt like a shell. With the energy sapping mud, and food and liquids of about 80g of carbs per lap, I was shaking and needed more. I had only used the top fuel, as there was no way I could enjoy myself on the track knowing I was damaging 2 bikes including my new superfly. So the top fuel needed a good clean, and I needed food. It seemed like I was sitting for 10 minutes, but an hour went past and my mind was still in serious mode it wanted to go out, but then it clicked. I knew if I went out it would not be fun, I knew if I waited sorted myself out I'd be back and could hit up some fun laps as the course dried a little. So I showered, washed the bike, ate more, and had a little sleep.

I woke up and thought, I'm good to go, I should be out there. I got up checked it all out cheered Brett as he came through and got ready to hopefully see if I can catch him for a fun lap with a mate. It took me a couple of laps but came into transition and there he was, and out we went. It was great to chat, and catch up on what had happened, I think it was the most fun I've had in a lap of a 24 solo. 3/4 of the lap in we did get split with traffic so I decided to keep going, to transition, and a few more laps and I was done with a smile on my filthy face. I did not realise it at the time but I don't think I would have enjoyed it unless I got that break. As much as I hated the mud it did bring me back to why I do these things and it is not to race. I had meet some fantastic new mates, Kendra and I made the 24 into something we needed after the seriousness. It had everything the tough stage of the first 9.5 hours and the fun stage of the last 7.

Seems I was not the only rider in this mindset of it's got to be fun. Nice one Rhino: http://www.enduropulse.com.au/articles/event-wraps/479-slipping-n-sliding-at-the-garmin-24-hour
A huge thanks to Kendra she kept me out there when I wanted to be, but always knew everything I needed. She gave up an extra long weekend only to spend it around bikes, mud, and rain. Brett for being Brett always a great bloke to be around, and really good to see him tough it out and get a great result. All our neighbours at the race, they were such good company and always willing to lend a hand or spray bottle ;). Also Onya Bike Belconnen, I know they spent allot of time on the old trek to get it running perfect and I had no issues with it (after replacing rear wheel) they really do a top job prepping a bike to work flawlessly.

Some cool stats which I did not know till the results:

My 2nd fastest lap was the last lap.

Last 3 lap times were less than 20 seconds difference.

Bellcha and I were the fastest solo riders out there after sunrise, obviously having too much fun, and the rest definitely helped me.

Great work by Chris Hanson for the win, this guy definately has some skills and knows how to ride in the mud. It was great being pitted next to him, Gav and crew,impressive team.
I don't think I will ever believe a forecast again, 5-10mm yeah right.......