My Ride Experience at Dwellingup100 Date: Saturday 19th September Weather: Very wet! Was forecasted Sunny! Distance: 40km (44km exact due to diversion as some trails were under water) At 7.30am, Louise & the kids dropped me off at Dwellingup and will return later on to cheer me to the finish line. I started to get a little anxious that there were no other single speed mountain bikes. While I was registering I was starting to get very anxious when several riders were inspecting my bike and whisper about it. On the second thought what the hell cause I’m here with my beloved single speed Dialled Bike. It was nice to see a couple of familiar faces as I bumped into Sarah (Munda Biddi) and Murray (one of my ride buddy from Munda Biddi). Again they both looked at my bike and said are you mad riding this event on a single speed. At 8.30am the 100km riders head off to their crudely 100km ride. At 8.50am I started to get ready and positioned myself in the middle of the pack as I knew I wouldn’t be able to complete with the riders at the front with a single speed bike. 9.00am – GO! First 10km – There were loads of down hills and steady up hills which I was enjoying every minute of it. I kept looking for that extra gear while going down hill as several riders were overtaking. I thought this is not too bad! Started to hit some single trails after 8kms which were awesome, fast flowing until I hear a shriek and the lady in front stopped suddenly as I guessed the trail was far too technical for her. I thought crap! I’m not going to stop here, tried to get round her and ended up in the bush! Lost a few places there! Down the bottom of the trail was a fast flowing river which was a foot and an half deep! God how am I going to cross that and decided to stop for more thinking time. A rider from behind yelled, I was able to move my bike to one side as he stormed pass into the river and ended up swimming. I thought what a prat! Let’s do it the sensible way, so I heaved my bike onto my shoulders and walked over. Next 10km – I started to think the hills must be coming, there has been too much down hilling. How right was I, here was the first long steep hill. Riding single speed was hard work and had to peddle standing up to the top. I had to stop to get my breath back. Most of the trails were fast flowing, mainly on fire road leading to single trails which were again awesome! Some down hills were muddy therefore had to slide down it with my rear wheel locked up. Next 10km – Done 20km! Half way and thought this is better than I expected however I wasn’t expecting what was to come. It was hills after hills and many of them were steep! I managed to ride most of them however there were a couple which I couldn’t especially one of them which was a good 45 degrees muddy hill which many of us were having trouble walking up with bike. Someone told me after the event that several elite riders were able to ride it and I thought impossible! I would love to see how they ride it! Next 10km – Last 10km! It was pouring down and the trails started to turn into rivers! I didn’t mind the rain as it was cooling me down which was refreshing. My legs started to cramp up which I had a stop regularly to stretch them. There were a few hills which I managed to climb them. I was very surprised to overtake a few riders on a couple of hills. Nine I counted! Yes I was able to count as it helped me take the mind off the pain! My computer shows 40km, Yipee the finish should be coming up now. Rode on and on, the computer shows 42km. Where’s that god damn finish line I thought! The single trail finished ended up on a fire trail to another hill! After ride this good damn hill, the fire trail ended up to a road. Saw a few marshals in sight who were directing me and thought this is it the finish is coming up. The corner of my eye saw the finish line. I rode on hard with every energy I had left in my body. It was great to see the wife and the kids cheering me on at the finish line. Finally cross the finished line! Thank god I’m home! A rider came up to me and said ‘You did that on a single speed, mate? Good on yer’ and shook my hand. Conclusion

I thank Perth MTB club for organising this event as it was an awesome course with the best single trails you can find in WA! I felt very proud with myself that I’ve completed the 44km circuit on single speed. I was mad doing it on single speed however I wanted a challenge and surely got it. It was either a 40km using single speed or the 100km geared. Having experience this I fancy doing the 100km next year, on a single speed or gears, I shall decide that nearer to the time. Can’t wait for the next race!