Arrowhead 135 - the race

Arrowhead 135 the race, testing endurance in the harsh winter wilderness.

4.00am. I’m wide awake. I’ve never really suffered from jet lag but on this trip it had been killing me, its race morning and with a 7am start to the race I was kinda glad of it. at least at this time it was proving useful to be awake and organised. the night before however I had struggled to even touch my food with a bad combination of nerves and tiredness.

Before that ill fated attempt at carb loading for the task ahead I had been to the pre race meeting. as I looked around it was a real who’s who of snow racing. Oatley, Pramman, Basinger, Andre, Farrow, Gray. all the old hands of snow racing were here and moods were high. Even a welcome letter from the Mayor couldn’t settle my pre race nerves which were amplified tenfold by the experience in the room.

My bike had literally been packed ready for 2 days. as soon as I had got my gear checked at sign in I had come back to the room and loaded it up followed by the obligatory spin around the block just to make sure all was well. the front rack looked a little bent after the flight but it wasn’t causing any problems.

I had bought an egg and sausage muffin and a selection of doughnuts for breakfast as I had been reliably informed that fatty foods were king when the temps are low. what came out of the microwave after putting in the muffin package was inedible so it was a few doughnuts and a lot of water.

The race start was luckily not far from the Voyageur motel. the sight of rows and rows of fat tired bikes with flashing led lights was a true sight to behold. the temperature was low. Apparently -30 degrees Celcius. we were called over to what was a vague start line and with a voice from the dark shouting “it’s 7.03am. we better start them.” we were off and onto the first section of trail.

To read more visit Paul’s blog Shoestring Racing.

Paul’s race was followed by Jenn Hopkins courtesy of Madison. See more of her photos on Pauls blog.