Focus Health physio Ross Simmons took part in one of New Zealand's most popular mountain bike events in Rotorua over Labour Weekend.
Ross placed 94 out of 755 riders in the Whaka 50 event on Saturday, and stayed on to watch the Whaka 100 event the next day.
Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest put up a great day, and despite heavy overnight rain before the event, the trails held up well and were dry under the trees again by mid morning, making for great trail riding.
The popular event drew a big field
Riders set off in waves between 8am and 9.30 - 100 at a time, 10 minutes apart - to help spread the 755 competitors in the 50km event. As the race takes place completely in single track, the riders have to immediately string out into single file, and passing opportunities are few and far between, relying on athlete manners and communication in order to overtake.
Personal favourites
Highlights included the last time climbing up 'Frontal Lobotomy' - a section of forest which is about to be harvested - and 'Apumoana' another favourite climbing trail. Downhill stand outs included 'Gunna-gotta' 'Billy-T' and 'Split-enz'.
Training and nutrition
"In the previous two years I've experienced cramp in the last 45 mins of the event, however this year, with about the same amount of training effort, but far better nutrition planning, I didn't have any issues with cramp during the race." says Ross.
"So I'd like to thank Nico Monroy of CYCLE NATION in Havelock North, for his support and expertise with all things cycling. He also supplies Pure Nutrition (Race Fuel, Energy Gels and Endruance Electrolytes). All of which made a big difference this year."
"Looking forward to doing it all again next year!"
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