Urban Polaris

It’s been a long week but here is my write up.


What a fun different kind of event. As this one was sponsored by Club Lime it was a good oppurtunitry to show the jerseys and give it a go.

This was always going to be interesting. I teamed up with Kendra for this one, and we were out for some fun. Really we had no idea what we were doing, this was our first effort but we somehow bumbled our way through and enjoyed it. We got the maps, sort of worked out the grid reference’s with the 15 minutes we had and planned a rough route. We decided to make things hard but interesting, how hard could it be? We went with the north side, as we live on the south and thought we would see new sights.

We set off, and went out and hit up some check points on our way to Black Mountain. Kendra was keen to give this a go and put in a top effort to ride to the top. We got up there but when we were told we had 46 flights of stairs to climb but only one of us had to go up, she looked straight at me. So off I went and got up there, I tried to scope out another check point while I had the view. I knew there was one at Black mountain peninsula with a swim involved but unfortunately could not see any check point, so down I went.

We made our way north trying to make our way to Gold Creek via some more check points. We got lost and never found our check point, afterwards we found out we were about 300m away :(. We got to Gold Creek and thought it was a good time for something to eat. Our plan was to head to Hall, but discovering the markets were on and thinking it might be heading out too far we decided against it and headed to Belconnen.

The bowling alley was the target and only missed out on a strike by 1 wobbling pin. Then a couple of loops to pick up some others points and we were off to the lake. This one involved a swim to the island, hmmm how come I do the bowling but Kendra is not interested in the swim? We carried on and grabbed some check points on the way back to finish up.

A great day out and really enjoyed a casual event with nothing too serious, thanks Kendra. It was good to hear though that I was nominated for the helmet hair award at the end, and I really think I should have won it.

Kona 24 Solo

I think this picture says it all, but here it the race report anyway's.

How good was it???

Friday bikes were packed ready to go, taxi booked waiting waiting…..crap where is the taxi? Hmmm 30min late, we get to check in and I can stop sweating we made the cut off by 2 minutes. Jump straight on the plane thinking I hope they put the bike on in time, and I look out the window and there it is being loaded in, and I melt back into the chair.

On the drive down we headed in got our supplies and headed into Forrest how nice is it, it just seemed to be a great place to ride Mountain bikes, with a nice little pub. Kendra and I sorted us out, put the bike together, had dinner, did the rego sorted the pits, and chatted with mates it was all looking great. That night staying in the caravan park was great, well only because if we were in a tent we would have had no sleep, thunder, heavy rain, and I was expecting mud.

Saturday woke up to nice weather and was keen to get to the race, and as we got there it was clear that a lot of setups did not survive but we were all good.

The race started and to be honest it was all a bit of a blur, I was lapping with Adam Kelsall a great bloke I meet at Worlds and he guide and chatted me through the first lap. He gave me a nice relaxed start just what I needed. We lost contact and I focused on my own riding and really just tried to have fun. The track I found fun but really not what I was use to, but each lap I was building confidence.

I don’t know what time but the rain did start coming down and pushed the tracks into water saturation. Most tracks hold up OK, but some areas were pools. It was not long before my brakes were suffering, and the were getting louder and louder, and I knew the rear pads were pretty shot (even though they did not have much riding in them before the race). I came into pits and Ed McDonald was there ready, and as I got the gear, for him, got ready with my lights he just seemed to get the job done. Cleaned up both ends swapped out the rear and all was ready. I got to say whatever I was missing something, had a problem, Ed had it covered, he was riding in a 4 man team (which won) and smashed out some impressive laps/ and an impressive effort. I had 1 more day 1 lap left till we swapped to night laps, and I tried to stay off the brakes and keep it all clean as by this time the track was pretty trashed in places.

The night lap was a good one I liked it. Hard packed fire road in places gave plenty of time for drinking and eating. The course was really starting to grow on me and things were going great. The laps seemed to just roll one after the other, pushing on just enjoying it. Early morning I could not hang on I had to stop for a number 2, and with a lot of gear it was a pretty big effort to do it I must say, but I felt so much better, even when putting my now wet clothes back over my bibs ;). I was out again and pushing out consistent laps, and tried to put some quick one’s in to get in an extra night lap in as I was expecting them to be slightly quicker than the day laps. I made the cut off easily, finished off another lap and then took off my lights etc ready for the next course.

Day 2 laps were a blur I was having fun out there and that was all that mattered. Pushing it through the mud on the longest section of single track I have ever ridden. At 10am I came in thinking 2 laps to go and Kendra put the thought in my head to try for 3 so I put in some extra effort to try to make up a few spots. I put in a great first lap but the next on was 2 minutes off from being good enough and I was over the line done and drenched with mud. I ended up in 8th place pretty happy really with how it all went, it is a funny thing when you get the worst conditions I have ever ridden in and the least amount of gear I have ever had for a race and this was the one that it seemed to all just worked.

People to thank:

Kendra – who is always there, always knows what I want and need and really keeps me going. Always looking out for the little things and keeping it all smooth. You really kept me out there and really let me enjoy myself as I knew you had everything else under control.

Fenz- He is always full of good advice, and helped me to build myself stronger over the past 11 months.

Ed McDonald- I still can’t believe those quick laps you were doing and still always ready to help me out, and swap out my brake pads.

Radical lights- These things are weapons, look out for the 2010 models. I need to start saving. http://www.radical-lights.com/

McAvoy’s- Kylie for helping and doing everything she could, and Jase for helping organise the trip, and being a friendly face on the course, good to see you push through a tough one.

Jess and Norm Douglas- Who organised a spot for us and sorted us out. It was great to ride on there home soil and I really enjoyed it. You guy’s are always full of encouragement.

Brett Bellchambers- You were smashing it on the SS, that little push you gave me was awesome. It is funny when you lose focus a little and then someone does something like that and gets you going again. Just what I needed a little rev up. I like your work ;).

Gordon Scott- For getting the gazebo down there for us, it saved a lot of stress.

All the friendly riders on the track especially Adam it was great chatting to you and it just seemed every lap I knew someone or found someone to chat to. It really made it fun.

I could not resist sticking the out it was the 2nd last lap ;p.

Check this out, while staying in Melboure at some great friends Jenny and Alex's, I took the time to clean the bike. Jen wanted to know why I was such a good bloke and wanted to bring in the washing but it was about to rain really....Anyway Maddy and Toby thought it was such a great idea that they got in on the job and washed there scooters. Hmmm my brush seemed to have a higher priority on a scooter lol. Thanks for the stay guys can we book in next year?

Kona update

It is over, had a great one lots of fun. Started to get good at 2 wheel drifts in mud ;). Finished in 8th place, now to relax at hotel Binn's. But what is the go 20min from Mel CBD and no mobile reception.

Ready...I think

All packed got everything ready, new comfy knicks, butt cream's, anti bruising gel, packed bike, and even some extra brake pads for the wet weather ;).
Should be a good one, I'll only have 1 bike for this race flying limited me a little but I should have plenty of spares if things go bad, not that they will. I just don't know what to expect on a new track and wet conditions.

Must be time I ate again.

Bring on the Kona.

Maybe I should start shaving

The picture looks bad, but my knee has come up OK. It won't hold me back anyway.

Another crit over in a blink. It was a good one and great turn out, lots of big boys out which was good to see. The track was on the lower end of Majura with some twisty trails which don’t really favour me. But I decided to try and get a good start.


Sitting in the second row, and we were off, it was all out to the first corner, and managed to keep a reasonable position into the single track as I took it wide and gained another position going in. I was in 7th and considering there is about 6-7 people on each row I was happy. The first lap was a blur just managing to keep up with the rider in front, but I dropped a couple of meters. I knew there was a big gap behind, and as I went to put a bit in I really had no top end. So I kept my position and back into the ST. Basically that was how it stayed every lap I lost a few meters in the single track I knew I had a good gap and only really did what I needed, for the following laps. Until the last corner I had a few meters of my gap still there and thought I’d just punch it out over the last little section. But as I exited the ST over a little dip I moved my weight too early and lost the front end. Jase was nearly on top of me by the time I was getting up nearly clean me up. I ended up losing 2 positions, luckily Jase really did not lose any, but that’s crits.

I have to say again, such a great crowd out there, everyone is encouraging and it is great to see. The Onya Belco/Civic did another great effort.

So this weekend I’ll have a weekend of riding for myself. Bunch ride Saturday morning followed by a MTB ride Sunday. Final preparation and build for the Kona, so it will be a big one. Then I’ll look forward to some tapering ;).

Highland Fling

What a fun weekend, some disappointments but overall an enjoyable weekend.

Saturday was spent getting organized and working it all out. My first fling and making sure I knew exactly what was happening to ensure I knew what was happening in transitions etc.

I originally set out to complete the 100 mile, it started off at a fast pace, I put some in but went back to being conservative at I knew it was a long one. We were still keeping a good pace, till the open paddocks riding up a hill I had no idea what was happening. Riders were riding at me charging down the hill. Till a few guys said wrong way head back so we did into the congestion, and some walking.

Back on it, and continue on some fire road, I find Arran a fellow FTP rider and we switch positions back and forth a few times, as we head for the transition area. Looked at my watch as I cross knowing I had 5 minutes and make my way through. Kendra was waiting for me swapped packs, new bottle, a lube and I was right to go again. I head out for the next 54k’s and it was not long before Arran and I were together again. We worked our way down through some fast fire road then single track etc etc…. till I go to change gear and heard a snap and no change. Bugger, my rear cable snapped and it was straight to the small one. I pushed it hard up and over a few hills, but I knew it would be too big a gear for me. So with some work I got the cable hooked back up with some easier gears but still limited.

So I was trying to get back on it as I worked my way through single track, but I knew it was going to be hard. I found the climbs hard and walked a bit due to the gears, but found my average speed was dropping to a point where I knew I would struggle to make the cut off for the second loop. I pushed on to the open fire road and tried to make up for lost time, but coming in I knew I would not stand much chance of making it. So I decided to head back for the 110k finish. Kendra was there waiting and tried to talk me into keeping on going but realistically I had dropped 2+km/h in average speed due to gearing and I had to maintain my current average for another 54k’s. So it was time to enjoy the ride back, there were a few 100milers taking there time and cutting the distance short so I was not alone. Found it pretty nice just taking my time making my way through the 50k’ers. Headed back in to lots of cheers with people thinking I was the first 100miler back which I was but just frustrated I had not done the distance, and confirm with Huw, he was expecting Denis.

So my first fling done, there is always a hollow feeling when you have not completed what you set out for. But realistically with some issues I was having in the week leading in (and still there) it might have been the better option leading into the Kona. I hope I’m sorted by then, I need and due for a good one ;).

Overall it was a great race and there was a good atmosphere to it especially around town. Not sure if I’ll be back next year though, with the Worlds in October. It’s always nice to have a break after a big one.

Thanks Kendra and Neil for being at the transition zone, it made things allot easier.

My first Dirt Crit

I got to say it was good fun.

Going from racing 24 hours to a 10min crit seemed a bit odd. But anyway I thought I would give it a go and something I have been meaning to do for a while now, I just never really got there. Now with no excuse’s it is good to get the Club Lime jersey out there a bit more for some weekly racing.

It was a bad start I must say, a guy in front had a bad one leaving me dodging him and dropping back. Really I have no idea how many riders were behind me going into the first single track but it was not many. I rode past Dan who had a slight mechanical and then worked my way down to the fire road for some overtaking. I passed 5-6 riders, and being the only stretch where I could overtake next lap I got 3 more, then another 2 and coming up to the finish I managed to get another. I ended the race to finish 11th, it does not seem that great, but I think it was pretty good for a first effort anyway.

It was an awesome race and very social. Might have to have another go next week and try for a better position on the start ;).

Fitz's

What a ride, I was in this one for fun and training and that is what I got. I must admit I was tempted to go for something longer than the 105k but considering my schedule I think I picked well.


With a most relaxed start I wanted to stay to the front of the pack down to the cotter as I hate descending in big groups. The climb out of the Cotter was a solid effort, I was just hanging onto the wheel in front, not putting in a huge effort but just to stay there but realized at the top there was only 5 of us left. We rode to Tharwa, turned around without much of a break and headed back to see the gap. It was not much only 1 minute, and it was not long till we saw Karen, it was quite funny really seeing little Karen leading this big group of about 30 guys behind her just sitting on her wheel.

The last climb before heading to the Cotter Mr McAvoy put a bit of effort in and split us up. I really was not ready for it at the back and dropped right off. I noticed the group was split into 3, 2 groups of 2 and then me. I had used all my power beans when it was my turn at the front, so I rode the last 25k off my base hoping that the following group would not catch me. But I did manage to get in contact with the 4th rider at the last checkpoint but it did not last long. I ended up finishing in 5th to a big cheer from the Mumnuts (onya girls), all done in just over 3.5 hours. Jase finished 2nd, behind a guy that did no work at the front, one reason to hate road race’s ;).

After the ride I promised a mate (Brownie) I’d come back and ride the last section with him. So I headed back after re filling my bottle and grabbed a couple of softies. By the time I got to Uriarra it was heating up in a big way, so I drank my solo and kept going. I got to the intersection at Brindabella road saw a couple of riders in the shade and that was a good excuse to stop for a bit. I kept going but saw Brownie only a few km’s down the road and was keen to get back out of the heat. I was expecting a nice easy cruise back but Brownie had other idea’s smashing it along the flats, he must have got a bit of extra motivation from somewhere. But heading back up the 3 sisters was hard it was 42+ degrees’s and was glad when a volley offered to refill our drinks as I was running out quickly. So we were back on it again and finished it off. Close enough to 150k’s for me and a little de-hydrated and sunburnt but it was all good fun.

As it seems the ride revealed that I have not yet solved the issue I had at Worlds, although I have no pain it is obvious my preventions are not working. So hopefully with a few emails I can find out some answers. It has come at a bad time with the 100mile fling this weekend and hopefully it will be OK and come good, but I need it sorted before the Kona for sure.

Other news I entered into Worlds last Sunday, having another go at my age group. No doubt it will be the toughest 24 hour competition the Worlds has seen so it is bound to be a beauty.

A sad day :(

Well today I said goodbye, to my Rocky Mountain. It seems pretty sad getting attached to a bike and then selling it. But the Rocky has been one special bike, it's seen 7 solo races, many team events and it has never put a wheel wrong. Kendra even shed a tear as it found a new owner. Hopefully it will give Jamian a new passion, and hopefully the rig will be able to keep up with his kids.
I've now entered a new event the Husky Enduro. Should be great, Matt from blackheart is organizing it, he competed at the Worlds, can't wait to check out the tracks.

Scott 24 hour 2009

What a race, it was a strange one for sure. I had a lot of fun at this race, but I think it was due to my team, campsite friends, and most of the other riders out there.

This year’s race saw the return of a single loop track which took in some nice but technical tracks, with a change in the course throughout the night. I liked it, but there seemed to be too many riders, and not enough overtaking room to get the full experience.

I put my hand up to head out first, and I knew it would be, go out hard or have a wait with the congestion. So I went with the go hard option, and as the gun went people went into chaos pushing here and there body’s dropping to the ground everywhere I went into survival mode rather than run as hard as I could. But I made to my bike safely and got going up the fire road. I hit the single track with a little wait for a few minutes and then I was on my way on the climb in a big line and just waiting to make the most of fire roads to pass. This was pretty much the rest of the lap, we were holding a pretty good speed for the most of it so it was still good fun.

The fun continued throughout the next 2 laps then it was time to have an extra break. Through the night we decided to do spit shifts and while Karen and I had a nice little rest, Grant and John would put in a few. I don’t think I really got any sleep but it was a good rest, and before I knew it I had to get ready again.

This was my second night lap but the other one had some daylight so it was nice to do it under lights. I got past the downhill section and looked into a gully and there was a guy with blood everywhere, what the….Anyway he had a few people with him, so I told them to take a seat while I ride on to the check point to get help. I thought it was closer but I finally found it and past the details on and chatted to those awesome vollies for a bit. I got back into it passing riders I had passed before, and it was great to hear one go, “good onya for stopping mate have a good one”. I always like friendly riders like that. But on I went and finished it off.

Next lap was back to the day lap which I preferred, I took it easy had a chat to Kendra as I passed her on the climb, and made my way down the barrel. I did the figures during this lap thinking that there is most likely 1 more for me to do to make it 6 and 21 for the team.

I love the last lap, I went out for a good one and it was brilliant. I have fun pushing fairly hard and also at one stage riding in a group of 3 just chatting and enjoying company of 2 other rider who were strangers. It was a great way to finish it off.

So thanks to all who kept me company throughout it all as it was just as good social experience as it was a riding one. Plus it was great to have a fun team where all did there best they could do.

Well done to Kendra, who pulled off some great laps over the challenging course. It was good to see her giving it a good go, and coming back with a smile.

How good is Hiran at Radical lights he setup Kendra’s team the Mumnuts, fitted them out with lights for the race. They even got stickers with there names on them. Check it out. The lights did a great job and were the brightest I’ve seen.
http://www.radical-lights.com/

 
More pictures to come.

Home town advantage

Well it's in Canberra hmm hopefully I don't get to sick of Stromlo by the time the race comes ;).

The racing season is almost here

As I’m in my last week of hard training before it’s time for recovery I’m really trying to stay with it. I’m on the edge of dropping power at the end of each day’s intervals, but with only a few days to go I’m keen to carry it through. Early nights and good food has been a friend this week.

Last weekend was a killer set especially with the weather. Saturday was a disaster; I went out knowing it was not going to be good but needed to just do it. I decided some Tharwa loops would be the go as they are close to home if it turns too bad. It went very bad, my first lap I had hail, a head wind where I thought I was going backwards, an attack of a black and white flying object, then a flat close to home and I gave in and that was where I headed. Sunday I was not going to let the weather get the better of me. Luckily I had organised a ride friend at 11am, but with me getting out the gate before 8am left me with no choice but a 7 hour ride. Worked a treat, 3 hours in, I was semi keen to head home but with some fresh legs turning up I had no choice but to keep my pace up and keep it going till 2pm, thanks Karen for smashing me on the hills ;). Rolling down to the car park I saw some familiar faces it’s the Mumnuts including Kendra who is on her skills camp for the weekend. I thought I was good being out in it for so long but they were in it all weekend, tough chicks. So then I headed off for a casual cruise back home.

Now the Scott is creeping up very fast, and with a move from a 2 man team to a 4 mixed team, I’m looking forward to a relaxed race. Karen and Grant are great riders, and no doubt we will have fun. With bigger races on the horizon it was always going to force me into a relaxed one. But at least with a 4 person I can afford to try to put in some quicker laps, so bring on the fun, and a little hurt ;).

Time is ticking till we find out where the 2010 World 24 hour will be, we should know by lunch time Saturday (with the change of hours over there). I have mixed emotions being at home will be great but I don’t expect it to feel like a World event being here for some reason. But in Brisbane or should I say 2 hours out of Brisbane I would not expect the crowds to be that excited. I know it will be huge and bring a whole new level of endurance racing to Oz. It will be a ripper for sure hopefully some great hype will see some good crowds. I expect some big names to be tempted with the challenge, but bring it on; it will be great to see Solo 24 racing get bigger. It’s not a ride of who can last the distance now, it has really turned into a race for 24 hours, I can’t wait….

Here is a nice pic for this time of year, it takes the right nest to be able to tip 90 degree’s and keep those eggs from falling out.

Angry Doctor

Making the most of the weekend we went and stayed at my parents in Tuross heads. We also went over to see my grandmother in Moruya. Took the old bloke out for dinner to celebrate (a week late) fathers day and it was a pretty good feed.

Sunday was race day and I was keen to start. After having 2 weeks of training this one would be hard to back up for a full solid performance.
The start went well, actually enjoyed the hills, pushed through some ST and kept it all going really well till about the 40k’s. I could tell the training was catching up but that’s OK, I kept at it. Got to the 50k mark under the 3 hours, re-filled with liquids, food, lubed the chain and I was off again. This is where I really started to notice the heat, and another 15k’s, I could not believe that I was almost out of fluids and feeling dehydrated it was not a good thing. I had 15k’s to go till the feed zone and just starting the climb, at the base the biggest hill. Pushing on I took the wrong way then made my way back, what a silly thing to do. Working my way up the climb taking it easy and conservative, I was sure I could see the distance on my speedo going backwards it seemed to take forever. I was visualising the red bulls that I saw there last year, but unfortunately when I got there they had none :(.

I drank 2 full bottles, and re-filled and off I went to finish off the last 20k’s. It only took 5k’s and I was all good again right in time to enjoy all those great berms and smash it out till the end. It is a good feeling towards the end of a race when you feel you can go hard, and it seemed so silly that I was struggling so badly only 20k’s beforehand. Turned into the finish area and the first person I see was Kendra, great to see that while knocking out the last few push’s on the pedals. After all that with 6hours and 10min, with no idea where I actually came it ended up being a tough one for sure. Did better than last year, and I know I have a faster time in me for sure. But sometimes it is all about good solid training for the bigger ones.

It was great to see so many friendly faces out there. Lots of fun, bring it on again I say.

Into it

Well next week I am back into a program and looking forward to it. I have had a good break from the bike and the last couple of weeks I have been easing myself back in, even with a head cold.

I have been, like I always seem to do between training blocks, I really get set up for the next one.
So I have taken the opportunity to re calibrate my ibike, which was making me look a lot better than I really was. So hopefully a ride with Jase will confirm its accuracy, if not I will be able to make it all match pretty closely. For the first time I should have an almost accurate power meter. The ibike does work really well and it continues to improve and the latest firmware update is encouraging. Just a cal this time and I can tell it is pretty close to accurate, but the only way to confirm that it is a good calibration is to give it a run with a meter that is accurate. The ibke is always consistent and reliable, just hard to get right in the way that “is that really a 380W 20min FTP test” nah can’t be.
I went out and did a 20min FTP test on Thursday night and these things hurt. I usually go out a little hard then settle down after 4-5 minutes and hold a solid level at 165 bpm. This time I struggled after 10min and dropped 10%, but I am still happy with the result I averaged 171 bpm, even after nearly a month off the bike.
My new trek which is a fantastic bike and love riding it, has a problem with it’s free hub, so hopefully a warranty fix will happen. But I have some new XTR wheels on there way, which I found at a great price (I guess the 2010 stuff will be out soon) so it should be back on the tracks very soon. My Anthem developed a leak in the forks during the plane trip home so I am planning a service for them very soon. So mountain biking is out this weekend unless that little postal slip from yesterday is actually my wheels.

I have entered into the Scott, as a 2 man team. For some stupid reason John Howell was interested, so I booked him in before he could change his mind. I think it will be a pretty relaxed ride around Stromlo this year.

The Angry Doc has crept up on me once again, and it should be a good one. I plan to just have fun out there and enjoy the great tracks. I hope they get some rain down that way soon, otherwise get the dust masks ready ;).

The Worlds is almost here, can’t wait it watch the best do there thing, hopefully pick up on some little tricks. Last year we did the marshalling thing, for the downhill and watched the 4x. This year we will head out for the XC, no doubt it is going to be big. I’ll have to get onto eBay and try to get myself a cow bell. Last year I think there was a competition going for who had the most annoying and loud cheer of encouragement. I gave that prize to a girl who continually just screamed as loud as she could “get off the brakes, go harder, get off the brakes, don’t be a girl” it was pretty repetitive, even when she was losing her voice she was still screaming. So get out there, if the riders don’t keep you entertained the crowd will ;), it is all good stuff.

Kendra is getting back out there preparing for the Scott; she has a few events to work towards. She has also entered into the Fitz’s challenge which is 110k’s, and entering us into the Polaris. After being off the bike of a while she is gaining confidence with every ride, and really getting into it again. She is even trying to talk me into doing a double RPM class at Club Lime tomorrow, please don’t rain please no rain and it’s a bunch ride, rain and she’s got me cornered ;).

Solving issues

Every race you learn that extra bit of info, and it usually takes a few weeks for it to really set in and work out why. My bot bot issue I think came from my road bike which I ride 70% of the time or not really spending enough time on my MTB saddle. I guess what I have come to conclude is that road bike and mountain bike saddles are different and come in contact with different area's. So after a little road ride the other day by bot that had contact with the seat was not the area that was sore. Being a narrower seat and different shape to MTB saddles meant that I was spending most of my riding time where my point of contact would be different to a race condition. OK I have done lots of 24 hour racing but I brought this bike early this year and the Worlds course was very rough so I really did not expect this to happen.

So time to put a MTB saddle on the roadie, and hopefully eventually buy so new saddles so that they are all the same. Not only that I plan to buy new knicks for every race one's that I know are good and that I train in (Thanks Karen for this tip). Plus get some better cream that has been recommended by someone who has had issues in the past (Thanks Mr P identity discolsed).

Everything else was going perfect, I did have some small cramps which I think I had a little dehydration from the 36 degrees but they were only little and came good quickly.

Anyway I have updated my race report with some cool pic, for the kids I did not add one of my bot, and no for those of you that asked I did not take one either. Here is the link:

http://crankin-kwells.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-on.html

Alaska it is just....... well look for yourself

So last week we were cruising it and enjoying every moment. I got to say it was a perfect to take time out after everything we had done. We really apart from the 3 port days sat back enjoyed the views from many bars, cafe's, and even an ice creamery. It was like a 5 star resort, and had our towels made into a different animals every day, it was pretty cool.

Port days were great, we did a native tour, a lumberjack show, dog mushing, Canoe adventure tour, and the Skagway railway. These days were busy but lots of fun.

Alaska is really amazing and as you can tell by the pictures all the mountains were carved by ice making the all fiords. Cruising Tracey's arm really have me running around the ship with my camera for 2 hours taking picture's it was an amazing place.

Pictures don't really justify it, and would encourage anyone to go and see. It really had it all.

Now we are in LA, and had dinner at Martha'a house which was fantastic. Martha has retired but use to work for the JPL/NASA. We meet up with most of the people I have contact with here through work including there family's and had a great time. Mike Winders and his family who used to work at Goldstone (similair site to Canberra's) made his way down from Reno and it was great to see them. When I went to Goldstone every lunch we would go out mountain bike riding on site, and it is a US military site (which is desert) empty tank shells were everywhere and it was very different, but that is another story. Disneyland tomorrow should be pretty cool. Flying home Friday at midnight, hopefully we will be able to get some sleep then.

Postcard

Well I am thinking postcards are a thing of the past, so instead I thought I would post one up for everyone to see with my own pictures. Yeah it is not too personal but at least it includes everyone that is interested.

Coyote at Jasper

Lake Louise

Got to love these little guys Squirrels they were everywhere with lots of personality.

Grizzily bear at Golden how cool is he.

We are having a great time, and are currently in Whistler and it is very hot. There were bush fires here the other day, and alot of the main walking tracks are closed and everywhere is pretty smokey. So we have just taken it easy and looking forward to our cruise starting tomorrow. No bike riding here still not quite ready to ride almost there ;).

Lake Louise was soo nice, we did all the walking tracks they had to offer with some great views, glaciers, tea houses, lakes well worth all the climbing up the hills.

I don't know how much communication we will have on the cruise but if you don't here from us we most likely just have none, and enjoying ourselves.

Talk soon Kev and Kendra.

World Solo 24 hour

After a good lead up, and really mentally prepared, I felt ready for this one. I knew it would be hard and after a week of getting over jetlag and adapting to the high altitude I was "only just" ready in time. I had a chance to pre ride the course and it was tough, rough and steep. I felt comfortable with it and knew there would be some walking for everyone.

Well the race started really well starting from 70th I made really good ground in the run, some training at Club Lime put me in good shape for it.

Then the climbs begin, really it is a granny climb and plugging away upwards the heart rate was up at 170+ for most riders, and talking to Jason English his was up around there for the first 3 hours at least. There were roots, rocks everywhere with no real clean lines on the most of it so pushing away, trying the be conservitive, and keeping speed up was my objective.

It was a hard course to ride fast, single tracks were rough, fire roads had steep pinches, but I did manage 67 km/h on a down hill section. Things were going well, 2 hours in I could really feel the heat it was 36 degrees and really trying to keep the fluids up and heart rate down. I was sweating and covered in dirt, but kept at it. Adam Kelsall a fellow Aussie in my cat past me around this point with a cheer of Aussie Aussie Aussie. 4 hours in I was in 6th and in the next lap I got to 4th. Rain had come to cool things down a little and I was happy with that, I really needed to re hydrate. The next position to go for was third, I had to catch Adam he was 15min in front of me. I pulled 8 minutes in 1 lap and in the next caught managed to catch up. But as soon as I saw him he was off charging to get away. At the end of this lap, with some great work from Kendra (I am sure this was how I was gaining time to Adam each lap) I got past him with another quick stop. He chased me down on the up hill, but it was on after a few friendly words and I was off, trying to pick some quick lines on the downhill, then a quick fast walk up the long rooty climb, that almost everyone was now walking I could not see him. I tried to keep the effort up but some cramps slowed me a little, and I was hoping to gain some time in the pits again. But Adam was back with me up the climb.

The climb was hurting me, and hurting bad not my legs but my bot bot. Pushing on mostly standing I was trying hard and it was taking it out of me. I knew I was losing lots of time, I was getting no rest, and it was getting real ugly down there for sure. I got to the feed zone, and waited while Kendra got an extra pair of knicks to put on. This did not help at all but battled through to finish that lap.

We really did not want to pull it at this point and the option was to go out with some flats and runners to do what I could. But 1 look from Kendra of what was going on down there, and it was not worth the risk of going any further. I won't tell you the words the medic expressed, but he was shocked, and he did see lots of action that night. I saw the medics take 2 riders off in stretches plus there were calls for cancelled laps every 10-20 mins, I am sure they saw some bad things out there.

I don't really know the reasons why, with wearing some of the best knicks (skins) and cream I don't really know what I could have done. It was really rough and maybe I just sit too much, although I thought I was standing quite a lot.

I am happy with how I went and I know Adam and I would have kept battling. I did feel really strong and that was the only bit that hurt in the end. Just dissapointing to have to pull out due to something I could not prevent.

Thanks to all for your best wishes, and encouragement. It has been a great experience, and have meet some great people here. Thanks to Fenner he has got me in great shape and have really improved my riding speed and endurance. Kendra was fantastic in transition she had everything and did everything I needed. She was so encouraging out there and really kept me pushing. It has been a big commitment for us to do this race, but now it time to enjoy our holiday and relax for a bit, and treat her to some us time.