I’ve heard a lot of stories about the Hellfire Cup – I’ve edited or published many of them. I’ve also heard a lot of asides from riders about the Hellfire Cup. I heard the first year was pretty hard going, as the near biblical volumes of rain tore the event site apart, and much of the hard work of the event team.
But I also heard that the same event team worked tirelessly to salvage what they could, and rebuilt the trails and event for 2014. That year was a rebirth of sorts for the Hellfire Cup, with close racing in most of the categories, and riders praising the quality of the trails in South East Tasmania.
The Hellfire Cup has been regarded by many as a race they won’t miss for the year. The four days include up to 10 stages, essentially all from one start and finish line, with a few small exceptions. You can camp, get a motor home, or indulge and stay in one of the fabulous homes nearby, if you’re quick enough on Airbnb.
There is food at the event, although the fish pie at the cafe in town has got quite the reputation, as does the Tasmanian cider.
Best of all, perhaps, is the racing format. Primarily short stages, and mostly pairs based. Racing in pairs is something that Australian racers don’t get to do a whole lot. But it adds a new element to an event. Your own highs will support your team mates lows, and hopefully vice versa. You motivate each other, and work in unison to work towards your goal. Best of all, you have someone to share the exhilaration of riding trails fast with.
But I have never been to the Hellfire Cup.
I booked flights for myself and a girlfriend for the 2013 event in January. And paid a deposit on accommodation that subsequently burnt down in the terrible fires that year. So I didn’t go.
Later, I booked flights for myself and my now fiance Imogen Smith. We booked an amazing house and selected the people we wanted to stay. But work pressure and health kept us at home. More airfares forfeited.
In 2014, I struggled to find a team mate, and struggled to get leave from work. Once leave was achieved, the workload was too high to take it, and flights were too expensive to afford it. And so I missed out.
In 2015 I planned ahead. I booked flights, hunted around for a team mate, developed a content plan, and resigned myself to camping onsite. The race would start the day after a work deadline. But the weeks preceeding were clear. And then they weren’t. And then I got the flu. And now I’m at home – and not in Tasmania.
So here I sit – tired, sick, and actually somewhat bemused. By rough count, I’ve spent close to 6 months of my life within a stage race, but this one stage race I can’t manage to get to. I think I skirted the 5Ps this year, which could easily be blamed for 2014s no-show. So I now wonder what the cause is.
The event? No – I love stage racing and mountain biking.
The location? No – although Tasmania does take a little extra effort, I was there last week.
The organiser? No – Duncan is one of the most relaxed and hard-working event organisers around, and very easy to get on with.
The month? Well, maybe.
November is a month shy of December, as you would know. And December is often reached with a certain level of exhaustion from the year that precedes it. Looking back, I can’t recall a good November. One full of energy, free time – or motivation. I do recall lacklustre rides, many a DNF and DNS from events, and general fatigue.
And so it’s with some regret I will yet again miss the Hellfire Cup, right when it’s about to shift to a bi-annual event. But watch out Hellfire! You’re in the crosshairs for 2017.
Wil Barrett will still be riding for MarathonMTB.com at the Hellfire Cup – as a Lone Wolf. Say g’day if you see him at the event.