Blood, mud, barbed fronds, and yobbos – just another day in Cairns!

The Locals and the Larrikins

Despite the rain, the blood, and the wildlife, we’re actually loving our time here. The locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. The only exception? The occasional yobbo in a ute who thinks shouting “get off the road!” at us while flying past is doing the Lord’s work. We take it with a wry laugh. Every paradise has its characters.

So, let's start with some good old Aussie humour:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/591414607390884

With one week to go before I defend my world title, the jungle is already taking swings at me, but nothing too serious. The trails are soaked, the trees are armed, and my Italian rival is circling, and who knows who else on the day. But I'm ready.

WARNING: This one includes blood.

The UCI Masters World Mountain Bike Championships here in Cairns are next weekend, and things are getting... lively.

Wet, Wild, and Slippery

The weather has been.... A little bit wet! It’s been raining steadily for days, heavily overnight, and even heavier as I write this. The racecourse is now a greasy, muddy mess. Rocks are slick, roots are like greased ropes, and riding at speed feels like steering a shopping trolley on ice. There's lots of roots and very large rocks, that are conspiring to get us.

While I tend to thrive in tough conditions, relative to others of my age, I’ll admit I’d prefer a dry course any time. I’ve got no desire to crash on a wet root or slide into a tree at speed.

Keep it in perspective, Gary - It's just a game - not warfare

The Jungle Wants Blood

Back in New Zealand, the worst you’ll face on a ride might be a stroppy magpie or a startled sheep. Here in Far North Queensland, the entire ecosystem seems to be running a covert campaign to take out naive visiting mountain bikers.

To give you an idea:

• Venomous spiders hang from the trees

• Crocodiles lurk in the rivers and ocean

• Sharks cruise the coastline, searching for hapless tourists Unless there's a protective net, we're not swimming!

• The insects look like they were bred in a military lab - just like COVID

• And the trees… well, even the trees fight back

On my first day here, I brushed at speed against what looked like a harmless palm frond that had fallen across the trail — only to have it slice my shin open with hidden serrated barbs. It wasn’t pretty. The wound is deep, and I'll need to be careful to ensure it does not become infected.

Here's a couple of articles that outline how I treat this kind of injury:

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/2017/03/25/how-to-treat-a-wound-without-using-antbiotics

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/2019/03/20/how-to-heal-quickly-as-you-get-older

Rivals in the Mist and Mud

My fiercest rival, Marcello from Italy, is here—and he means business. He’s been in Cairns for a full month already, quietly training on the course and preparing for his shot at the title. He’s a great mate, but make no mistake—he’s deadly serious, and uncompromising.

That said, I’m not the slightest bit rattled. My preparation could not be better. I’ve trained smart, eaten well, and tuned into every detail. As long as I stay well and avoid any performance-limiting injuries, I’ll be very hard to beat. I'm more skillful and faster than this time last year, more easily navigating the course.

One year older and one year better!

This Is Just a Game

At the end of the day, I keep reminding myself: this is not a war. It’s just a race. A game. And it’s meant to be enjoyed. Win or lose, I’m here to give it everything — with a grin on my face. If I am beaten on the day, the winner will be deserving, and have earned it.

The race is close now. The course is challenging. The plants and animals are watching, and drooling with eager anticipation. I’m ready. Keen to be at the start line.

Gary

Defending Masters 70+ World Champ – still dodging fangs, fronds and faceplants