2nd Coastal Classic

On Sunday 4 November I had the pleasure to take part in my second Coastal Classic in the Taieri Mouth area. I arrived at Livingstonia Park at 9.15am and was taken aback at the number of cars parked on the park. The mountain bike riders were taking part at the same but on a different course.

The weather leading up to the race day had been atrocious with heavy rain the night before. At our briefing we were told to expect muddy walking areas. Little did I suspect.

 



As per usual I got away to a good start and for the first three kilometres I was 2nd behind Julie who won the event in the previous two years. After we left the park and went down a road, we turned onto the beach. IThe sand was not too soft and I felt good. Once on the main road we had to walk up a hill unto we came to some farmland. The first part down to the drink station that also gave us a chocolate muffin (Seascape Cafe) was relatively easy.

 



The heavy rain made the next section of farm land soft and slippery. I tried to avoid the muddy sections but it was a waste of time. The mud was incredible. On two occasions I lost my shoe through suction. On the second occasion I had to use both hands to release my shoe. I fell over a couple of times and my appearance resembled a rugby player after a muddy game.

Once on the beach it was a relief to be walking on hard surfaces like rocks and sand. We had to go back onto some more farmland which was about a kilometre to the finish. I was 3rd male finishing at a time of 1:42:53 which was five minutes faster than last year.

 

Phil, Julie and Dave

 

My feet are on the far left