Allot has been happening and I think it is about time for a quick summary.
The Scott: My team of Hagen Ganahl, Andrew Murrell, Grantley Butterfield, and myself was a good solid team that had fun. We had 2 new riders to the Scott so we gave them the fun of hitting up the first 2 laps. Each of us mixed it up acorss both red and blue, and although I tried I just could not match Grantley's times. Andy did well on the first lap keeping out of trouble, then keeping timing consistent and always seemed to be up for a bluey where everyone else declined. Hagen surprised me with his 8 laps and over 7 hours of riding, definately pulled his weight and proved although he is a roadie he can mix it up on the MTB. I just had little personal goals for this race and meet most, I think the not falling off on the blue lap was a major fail. Great to have a fun social one, where I did not have to think about too much, sometimes it is good to just go relax and be apart of it without any pressure or performance required. So thanks KAHG it was a teams race that my mind needed. One big highlight of the weekend was listening to D-Mac on the mic, great to hear he got out to be apart of the fun. But CORC did a fantastic job bringing it back to a really enjoyable race, great track, and a good spread of riders.
A few weeks ago we went to a little retreat north of Sydney and it was a great little get away for a few days. We went to Ku-ring-ai bike park and it was a load of fun. The track's has really 4 aspects which I will go through. The mini downhill single track this was a tricky little course with tight corners with loose over hardpack and very easy to slid out. Loads of humps and some berms. Fire roads, these lead into the national park we did not really ride them but looked pretty challenging. Mini north shore, this is where I came unstuck and broke my thumb, I was lucky it was not a collarbone, but these structure's were good if your into it. I just wish they were not so temping to try and that they had a softer landing around the edges. The middle section of craters, this was really cool and kept me busy for an hour. It was a mini pump track with so many lines to roll around pumping with no pedaling very cool. Check out some of Kath's pic's: Kath Bicknell I did take some of my own which I should upload.
The fun has been continuing with road crits, it has been really challenging keeping on the rivet without digging too deep, just in case an attack comes. This week was tough backing up from the 205 Fitz's and cross winds. But it worked in my favour and pullled in a 2nd place, I love it when it does not come down to a true sprint ;).
Fitz's epic, I really like this ride it is a great fundraiser, and a fun event. Some people race it, some push themselves to make the longer distances, some do it because they love hills. The distance you select gives a great selection of climbs, the longer the distance the harder the climbs you should expect. I went with the 205k which took me just over 8 hours ride time. The weather was perfect and a huge turnout for the 250/205 cat's. By the end I needed a compact crank as the 3500m or something caught up with me, but managed without it. I was glad I skipped the 250, I did not want to dig that big hole ;).
Training has been coming along well, starting to look forward to the Garmin 24. It will be a real unknown race as they are building the track at the moment and I have no idea what to expect or how much climbing. But I should be ready for almost anything, I just hope I don't have to ride the hardtail ;).
Other than that the Highland Fling 100k is coming up quick, and I hope my thumb will be up for some shifting. It has been a good thing I have been able to ride the roadie, looking forward to getting back on the mountain bike.
Bring on an exciting November!!
Showing posts with label racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label racing. Show all posts
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Chewing Bars
It is time again, time to hit the rev limiter and go that bit more. Time to bite on the handlebars as the head is buried, try to kick away when there is just no jump in the legs.
I think it is good to get some riding in at the other end of the spectrum. I have been keen to hit up the ACT Vets crits again, and now it has started.
I like the format at Stromlo, with about 35 minutes of racing on a less than 2 min a lap road circuit, the effort will always be pushing my threshold.
First crit back and decided to start where I finished earlier this year with B grade. With my legs into a build and no recovery I could only hope that the short sharp efforts would not be as intense as at the end of the season. This racing definitely works on my weakness's.
Well my power data showed my efforts were the same (if not a touch stronger) as my last crit but seems everyone else has dropped the pace a little. I did quite a bit of work at the front chasing breaks and leading the group and really enjoyed it. A load of riders, and no idea where I finished but around mid pack. Looking forward to next week!
Some power geek stat's
Average speed 40km/h
20min NP 336W
20min Average power 305W
Peak 10s 817W
Hopefully during the season I'll get these up ;).
I think it is good to get some riding in at the other end of the spectrum. I have been keen to hit up the ACT Vets crits again, and now it has started.
I like the format at Stromlo, with about 35 minutes of racing on a less than 2 min a lap road circuit, the effort will always be pushing my threshold.
First crit back and decided to start where I finished earlier this year with B grade. With my legs into a build and no recovery I could only hope that the short sharp efforts would not be as intense as at the end of the season. This racing definitely works on my weakness's.
Well my power data showed my efforts were the same (if not a touch stronger) as my last crit but seems everyone else has dropped the pace a little. I did quite a bit of work at the front chasing breaks and leading the group and really enjoyed it. A load of riders, and no idea where I finished but around mid pack. Looking forward to next week!
Some power geek stat's
Average speed 40km/h
20min NP 336W
20min Average power 305W
Peak 10s 817W
Hopefully during the season I'll get these up ;).
Sunday, September 18, 2011
I don't want to be cool!
At the moment the hospital just seems the place to be, not that anyone likes it, it is just something that happens unfortunately.
So as planned I got away and headed to the twilight CORC 3 hour, and test my legs and see how my first race back would go, no expectations just go out and enjoy. The course was a straight up the usual switchbacks and down the fun skyline, luge, and back, a load of climbing but some fun. 1st lap was fun, but hard I knew I dug a little too deep but Grantley made me ;), 2nd lap hurt a little more, 3rd lap a struggle, 4th lap felt like I was piloting a horse and all I did was pedal, 5th lap came good and made up some positions, 6th did not happen I did not want to be cool.
The 4th lap (and allot of the race), I just felt like I was missing something, and most of it I just wanted to stay on the bike. I nearly pulled the pin after that lap as I lost control of what was happening with the bike, glad I didn't as the 5th went OK. I could not help but think about what would happen on the 6th lap if I went out again, as I come in with 5 min to 3 hours. I just did not want to follow the cool people to hospital. I could feel myself just not care, I was flying down the skyline, luge, just over anything and everything, fast but not good. I think I just wanted it done, but it was not right.
After the sausage sandwich dinner and a chat with the boys, I headed off to the car to hear Kev...Kev. It was Anne she was in some pain with what looked like a broken wrist about to jump into the cool car, to head to the cool place with all the cool drugs, and cool people. I feel like the lucky one. I really hope Anne has a speeding recovery, and just remember 24's can come and go, but your health is the most important thing.
So I think the week caught up with me, but this ride was my longest in a while and it was a race. Maybe not the wisest move but I did have some fun. It was great to be pushing the efforts just that little bit higher into the box, and after all the racing earlier in the year it was fantastic to be back there. I know we all go though the odd bad lap, but most of the time we can pull it off and come out the other side smiling, and that is allot of what racing (and training) is about, pushing the limits, and knowing the limit.
So bring on the next race ;).
So as planned I got away and headed to the twilight CORC 3 hour, and test my legs and see how my first race back would go, no expectations just go out and enjoy. The course was a straight up the usual switchbacks and down the fun skyline, luge, and back, a load of climbing but some fun. 1st lap was fun, but hard I knew I dug a little too deep but Grantley made me ;), 2nd lap hurt a little more, 3rd lap a struggle, 4th lap felt like I was piloting a horse and all I did was pedal, 5th lap came good and made up some positions, 6th did not happen I did not want to be cool.
The 4th lap (and allot of the race), I just felt like I was missing something, and most of it I just wanted to stay on the bike. I nearly pulled the pin after that lap as I lost control of what was happening with the bike, glad I didn't as the 5th went OK. I could not help but think about what would happen on the 6th lap if I went out again, as I come in with 5 min to 3 hours. I just did not want to follow the cool people to hospital. I could feel myself just not care, I was flying down the skyline, luge, just over anything and everything, fast but not good. I think I just wanted it done, but it was not right.
After the sausage sandwich dinner and a chat with the boys, I headed off to the car to hear Kev...Kev. It was Anne she was in some pain with what looked like a broken wrist about to jump into the cool car, to head to the cool place with all the cool drugs, and cool people. I feel like the lucky one. I really hope Anne has a speeding recovery, and just remember 24's can come and go, but your health is the most important thing.
So I think the week caught up with me, but this ride was my longest in a while and it was a race. Maybe not the wisest move but I did have some fun. It was great to be pushing the efforts just that little bit higher into the box, and after all the racing earlier in the year it was fantastic to be back there. I know we all go though the odd bad lap, but most of the time we can pull it off and come out the other side smiling, and that is allot of what racing (and training) is about, pushing the limits, and knowing the limit.
So bring on the next race ;).
Sunday, August 7, 2011
3 Ring Circus OK maybe 7
I've been a little slack lately. The 7 hour (which seems months ago now) I pulled the pin due to a bad sidewall tear and a long walk. Another puncture the last weeks 3 ring 50k but all was not lost this time (I was not going to let that happen).
The night performance:
I thought I'd line up for the night race (got to show those riders how good the radical lights are) a fast 20k circuit with 120 odd riders on the start line. It was a great atmosphere with fires going, clowns, and a good sized crowd. It was a great track swapping wheels on the fireroads and keeping on the pace was a must. It was nice to have a volunteer counting us through at one point, I heard 9th as I was sitting 2nd wheel in our little group. I was keen to keep this spot into the sniggle and it payed off, as gaps started to form the combination of single track and night usually splits riders. So my position was unchanged as I came into the finish line, but to my surprise I managed 1st in Vets, and a bigger bonus a Shimano Wheelset waiting for me on the podium, great stuff Thanks Shimano!
But I got to say the Radicals really helped, the singletrack was all new to me and the light really kept the confidence high, the tracks were in great condition so it was so much fun hitting them up with no limitations.
50K Matinee performance:
The race started like the night performance very quick, but with 600 odd riders on track it was a perfect way to start on a quick fireroad, my main goal was to keep in front of the cyclecross bike before we hit the ST. The 2nd ring and all was good till after I exited, the short cut of a fire road with a little hop over a water crossing got me, without the usual bounce of the dually my rear wheel hit hard on the other side and it was not long before it was down. So 7 minutes later with a new tube I was away again, yeah not the fastest fix but with 40k to go I needed to make sure it was a good one. The next long sections of ST I was stuck in traffic no one letting me past I rested up ready for the wall. The wall was great everyone was walking it which meant overtaking to me and made my way through. Before I knew it I was onto the 3rd ring, great all fire road :). This ring had some good hills in there which tested the legs trying to finish it off. It was not till the open farmland till I knew most of the steep one's were over and then it was just trying to finish it off.
I finished 30+min off the pace of the leaders but managed to get back to 2nd in Vets for the combined race.
The 4th ring:
Kendra had paired up with Robyn and I had managed to come in just in time to go back out with Kendra. We set off and before I knew it Garry James was joining us and enjoying the roll down to the plateau. On the start of the climb out Gaz and I pushed a little too hard and waited around a corner and little did we know Kendra with her head down missed the turn and it was a hard chase for us to catch up and it was all uphill. So unfortunately Kendra had to do some extra uphill once we came down and got on track. This was the tough section of hills that seemed to never end. Gaz had to go to meet his driver and Kendra's Asthma was getting on top of her. She pushed on through and a little check from the medic near the top and it gave just enough time to recover. It then opened up to the farm land and she was pushing strongly again on the rolling hills to the finish. She did an great job to keep pushing through. Plus well done to Kylie and Anne who did a great job in there pairs too taking it out.
I really enjoyed this type of racing and having 2 stages, it really added another dimension to the usual single race on the weekend. The entertainment was great and food fantastic, yep 3 serves of lasagna for me.
The night performance:
I thought I'd line up for the night race (got to show those riders how good the radical lights are) a fast 20k circuit with 120 odd riders on the start line. It was a great atmosphere with fires going, clowns, and a good sized crowd. It was a great track swapping wheels on the fireroads and keeping on the pace was a must. It was nice to have a volunteer counting us through at one point, I heard 9th as I was sitting 2nd wheel in our little group. I was keen to keep this spot into the sniggle and it payed off, as gaps started to form the combination of single track and night usually splits riders. So my position was unchanged as I came into the finish line, but to my surprise I managed 1st in Vets, and a bigger bonus a Shimano Wheelset waiting for me on the podium, great stuff Thanks Shimano!
But I got to say the Radicals really helped, the singletrack was all new to me and the light really kept the confidence high, the tracks were in great condition so it was so much fun hitting them up with no limitations.
50K Matinee performance:
The race started like the night performance very quick, but with 600 odd riders on track it was a perfect way to start on a quick fireroad, my main goal was to keep in front of the cyclecross bike before we hit the ST. The 2nd ring and all was good till after I exited, the short cut of a fire road with a little hop over a water crossing got me, without the usual bounce of the dually my rear wheel hit hard on the other side and it was not long before it was down. So 7 minutes later with a new tube I was away again, yeah not the fastest fix but with 40k to go I needed to make sure it was a good one. The next long sections of ST I was stuck in traffic no one letting me past I rested up ready for the wall. The wall was great everyone was walking it which meant overtaking to me and made my way through. Before I knew it I was onto the 3rd ring, great all fire road :). This ring had some good hills in there which tested the legs trying to finish it off. It was not till the open farmland till I knew most of the steep one's were over and then it was just trying to finish it off.
I finished 30+min off the pace of the leaders but managed to get back to 2nd in Vets for the combined race.
The 4th ring:
Kendra had paired up with Robyn and I had managed to come in just in time to go back out with Kendra. We set off and before I knew it Garry James was joining us and enjoying the roll down to the plateau. On the start of the climb out Gaz and I pushed a little too hard and waited around a corner and little did we know Kendra with her head down missed the turn and it was a hard chase for us to catch up and it was all uphill. So unfortunately Kendra had to do some extra uphill once we came down and got on track. This was the tough section of hills that seemed to never end. Gaz had to go to meet his driver and Kendra's Asthma was getting on top of her. She pushed on through and a little check from the medic near the top and it gave just enough time to recover. It then opened up to the farm land and she was pushing strongly again on the rolling hills to the finish. She did an great job to keep pushing through. Plus well done to Kylie and Anne who did a great job in there pairs too taking it out.
I really enjoyed this type of racing and having 2 stages, it really added another dimension to the usual single race on the weekend. The entertainment was great and food fantastic, yep 3 serves of lasagna for me.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Unknown National 24 hour Solo's
Leading into this race I had allot of unknowns, I had trained completely different, I had a slightly different nutrition plan that I wanted to try, and it was basically a chance to try out some areas that I did not want to test at Worlds. Well a week out I had another unknown with a sore throat and a head cold. It was nothing that never seemed that bad it was just there and race day came it was only just there and thought it should be OK.
Photo's by Jason Heddle nice work, so next Jase is riding 6+6 nice one ;).
I started off the first lap I settled into a good position dropping riders off my wheel and being dropped off the back of a few others, it was only about 30 sec gap both way's. It was strange to have that 6k's in and for the next 27k's I seemed alone, getting into my own rhythm. By the 4th lap I started to feel something was not quite right, I was on the wrong lines, trying to stay focused and looking ahead. During the 5th lap I knew something was bad I could not ride some of the rocks and my head could only take in what was happening 2 meters in front of me I could not process the track in front and nearly had a huge off. I went off line, off the track and before I knew it my seat was hitting me in the back and riding the front wheel, I somehow managed to hold it together. This was after I slowed the pace down, and dropped 8 minutes from my start lap over the 11k's. With 21 hours to go, 5 laps done, I was done my head just could not focus on a thing, usually what I'm like a 3am not pm.
But like all Easter 24 races there was allot of top efforts out there and the character of the race lives on. Great to see the Mal Adjusted girls having so much fun and even having a little sprint with me made me chuckle. Roz Edmunds 61 years young, out there for the whole race top effort, Dianne Perry worked consistently through with a strong finish. It was great to see the riders having a good go, some just having fun and others at their limits. It was a tough course for the long haul but one worthy for a nationals. Well done all who pushed it through and did it, and great to see Ed up in the top 3 overall freaks with his SS. Kendra was awesome as usual, always keen for the fast transitions. The volunteers were awesome as usual Sarah and Russ quietly behind it all doing a great job. I always love the photographers too getting out amongst it for the fun and posting pictures up.
Photo's by Jason Heddle nice work, so next Jase is riding 6+6 nice one ;).
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Mont 24 hour: Radical lights 6 mixed
Leading into this race I was really looking forward to it, but I did have some feelings like, I've only been doing road k's I hope my skills come back, Wow I'm in a great team of riders I hope I don't hold them back, and I got to somehow fit this into training for 24 solo nationals. I should not have been worried at all, it was sooooo much fun.
I arrived early Saturday to the Radical lights cave. This setup would turn out to be the best yet. We had about 12m by 3m with radical lights and frameskins on show, behind was the hammock race prep and general lazing/chatting area, complete with heater. My mixed 6 team was, Brad Morton, Paul Traynor, Kath Bicknell, Dan Mackay, Jason McAvoy and I have to include the Radical man himself as without him this team would not have happened and the support he gave was fantastic. I decided I'd head out for a lap of the course beforehand, scope the track, and find my skills, I really enjoyed it there was a nice pre mont buzz in the air and it was all feeling good and ready to race.
Morto really set the tone of the race with his first lap, I was sitting in the forest eating pizza with Kendra waiting for the first riders come through, Hendo then 2nd was Morto, we were off on a flyer. This effort did not stop we all put in great splits in a fun relaxed kind of way, the team had a great buzz, do your best and hit it hard, but have a load of fun at the same time. We were all super motivated, and everything just worked. We had a team that allowed the flexibility to adapt to each others preferences and needs. We split the night into 2 shifts of 3 riders allowing for some shut eye (although I got no sleep anyway), we all gave notice allowing plenty of time for the other riders to get ready. The radical lights just blew through the dust allowing plenty of sight, it was sooo cool to hit out the night laps just as hard as the day laps. I remember Kath coming in just so stocked having an awesome time, and it was not till I hit the night lap that I knew why she was so excited, it was too much fun to take in. After my 2 night laps I knew I had a good break so it was definitely time to get some more shut eye and I even got so sleep (maybe 15 minutes).
Sunday morning and I was up for my 4th lap, we had some light rain and I was very happy to go out on what I thought was going to be a grippy lap, which it was till all of a sudden I had no grip. It was quite different track conditions really I went from nailing each corner to tip toeing the corner waiting for the slide. Once prepared for this I could pick the surface and know what to look for and really started to enjoy it. Half way though the rain came hard, and more and more of the sideways action was happening but I must admit it was getting kinda cool. I finished my lap on yet another high but happy to hand over for a nice little clean up, and try to get some warmth back into my body. I started getting the shivers after that lap so it was warm clothes time and so happy to see Kath with a hot chocolate in her hand just for me, exactly what I needed.
Last lap and last for the team I was so happy when I saw Dan come in with a great lap time, I knew we had a 10-15 min buffer to 3rd so it was so good knowing I can play it safe and go hard when I can. In the ST my aim was to keep to the sides of the track for maximum grip but there was no side of the track left, it was all mud surfing. This was so hard to hold any speed or know which line to take, but half way through I got to enjoy the drifts and went with it. The down hill switchbacks had developed an A line down the middle, but I sticked it to the original corners and stayed on track (somehow), and then the track seemed to get slightly better and I was pinning it with caution. No time to look at the time I just hooked in as hard as I could and stuck it to the finish to find out I was the first rider to officially finish after 24 hours. How cool was that, I could not believe the fun I was having when normally conditions like these just sap the fun factor.
Thanks so much to the organisers, volunteer's, and everyone who was apart of the event I'd find it hard to think of any way of making it any better (other than more spaced out toilets ;)). Huge thanks to the radical team, definitely give me a yell if you need a team mate for another event :).
It was great to also chat to a load of other riders about the radical lights, telling them all the great things about the lights. I soon realised that the radicals are a step up in every way, simple, smart, sexy, performance, reliable, beam pattern, spread every detail is leading the way. Radical has a never ending drive for technology and performance to keep perfecting there fantastic product. They are a long term investment that will not let you down. Until I saw the new units in real life I did not know how cool they look they definitely have the bling status and not just a load of a perfectly spread beam.
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| Awesome work Robyn and Mumnuts |
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| Robbie riding with style, love it! |
Monday, March 21, 2011
3 days of solid efforts
2 days of racing and 1 day charity ride in the middle.
OK maybe a little late, but the Canberra weekend now over a week ago was awesome riding here is a little wrap up.
Sunday saw me at my first TT, a 19k effort. I rode out to lookout hill and coming through Tharwa I started to see the riders warming up, first 2 I saw were on the full TT kit, including bikes, one piece suits, tear drops the works. So I rock up pretty standard, repair kits still on board ready for a bit of fun. Now I find out that is is an age handicap, being under 35 (just) saw me with about a 10min handicap on the oldest other rider (which I did not know at the time). So all was good, starting 30sec apart I went chasing after anyone I could. I actually enjoyed it, and was happy really happy with my effort and time. So results......2nd last, pretty funny really I had so much going against me I did not have a chance to make the 42+km/h average needed. But without the handicap I made the top ten, and not too far off.
Monday I went to the Amy's ride. I really like this event and saw alot of riders out to enjoy themselves. I opted for the 100k from Old Parliament house, through coppins crossing, 2 Uriarra, Cottor, Stromlo loops and back to the start. I meet up with Tommo at the start, had a good chat and we rolled away in the 2nd bunch. Well until Tommo could see the first bunch, then he decided to make the jump and dragged most of us across. The hill out of Uriarra split up the group and saw me ride with the 2nd group of 6, which worked out perfect a great pace, and a good group of blokes that worked well together. It was just over 3 hours till I got back and into the BBQ.
Tuesday night saw the usual crits, feeling a little tired I had no idea how I would go. The pace was a little on and off with some riders making short efforts waiting for others to bite and then slowing not wanting to work on the front. After a few more of there efforts I thought I would continue and kept on the pace on and see if they would bite, no one did. So I went out alone with about 3.5 laps remaining, putting in the efforts and trying to sustain or build the break, knowing my chances were not too high. Slowly my efforts took it's toll and in the final sprint to the line I was caught and finished up 2nd.
So some solid efforts in there for sure, and feeling a little smashed. I think it is time to step it up a grade in crits. I am always looking for moves and wanting some action in the middle of the crits, so if I'm looking for more action it is time to move up.
OK maybe a little late, but the Canberra weekend now over a week ago was awesome riding here is a little wrap up.
Sunday saw me at my first TT, a 19k effort. I rode out to lookout hill and coming through Tharwa I started to see the riders warming up, first 2 I saw were on the full TT kit, including bikes, one piece suits, tear drops the works. So I rock up pretty standard, repair kits still on board ready for a bit of fun. Now I find out that is is an age handicap, being under 35 (just) saw me with about a 10min handicap on the oldest other rider (which I did not know at the time). So all was good, starting 30sec apart I went chasing after anyone I could. I actually enjoyed it, and was happy really happy with my effort and time. So results......2nd last, pretty funny really I had so much going against me I did not have a chance to make the 42+km/h average needed. But without the handicap I made the top ten, and not too far off.
Monday I went to the Amy's ride. I really like this event and saw alot of riders out to enjoy themselves. I opted for the 100k from Old Parliament house, through coppins crossing, 2 Uriarra, Cottor, Stromlo loops and back to the start. I meet up with Tommo at the start, had a good chat and we rolled away in the 2nd bunch. Well until Tommo could see the first bunch, then he decided to make the jump and dragged most of us across. The hill out of Uriarra split up the group and saw me ride with the 2nd group of 6, which worked out perfect a great pace, and a good group of blokes that worked well together. It was just over 3 hours till I got back and into the BBQ.
Tuesday night saw the usual crits, feeling a little tired I had no idea how I would go. The pace was a little on and off with some riders making short efforts waiting for others to bite and then slowing not wanting to work on the front. After a few more of there efforts I thought I would continue and kept on the pace on and see if they would bite, no one did. So I went out alone with about 3.5 laps remaining, putting in the efforts and trying to sustain or build the break, knowing my chances were not too high. Slowly my efforts took it's toll and in the final sprint to the line I was caught and finished up 2nd.
So some solid efforts in there for sure, and feeling a little smashed. I think it is time to step it up a grade in crits. I am always looking for moves and wanting some action in the middle of the crits, so if I'm looking for more action it is time to move up.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Has he turned?
Nah, my legs are still hairy ;). But I must admit I'm really starting to enjoy the close racing, being pushed to the limit, and being able to work at the front. Mountain bike racing I seem to get in my own world, where I have found I have to step it up in the road races and leave nothing in the bank. So far racing this year I have done:
1 scum XC race
1 CORC crit
1 road race
2 super crits
and 7 road crits.
And Tuesday it was about time we had a break away :). Here is the Bleat from Tuesdays crits:
C grade consisted of 13 riders. On the second lap Steve Duffy made a successful break away and after a couple of laps he was joined by James Balogh then a lap later Kevin Wells joined the party. Soon you could hear reminder messages, in fact shouts, from within the trailing pack to work together, take turns, etc to close the gap to the escapees, but the distance was maintained. About 15 minutes into the race, Hagen Ganhal and Bryan Holloway attempted to charge across to the leaders, but soon returned to the pack. The leaders maintained their gap and in the sprint to the finish, Steve Duffy beat Kevin Wells followed by James Balogh.
There is something very satisfying about escaping from the pack and working in a small group till the end. It is great to ride with riders at a simialer level. It seems in MTB racing there are always the riders that don't back themselves or just ride in a lower grade for the win, plus there is more of a lean towards age groups now because of this. Road racing is different show too much form and you get moved up (alot easier to do in a club where racing is every week), this makes a good playing field where anyone could win depending on where they excel and the day. I suck at sprinting so I'm always looking for that break away that will work to give me that better chance. I could also ride in B's, but to be honest I'm enjoying the competition and the close finishes, with a few top 3's I like to see what works and what does not. I like learning my limit's and how far I can push before I go bang. I like it, if I do have a bad day, I can still hang off the back. B's might be after the winter break.
I've noticed a new max HR that I have ever logged of 188 (previously 184). It has taken a few months to adapt to this different style of riding and it is great to feel and see the results. It has increased my FTP (functional threshold power) from where it had sat for quite some time, I'll just hope that by Easter Nationals I would have got some of that base back in the legs to go the distance. It is the first time I have done this type of training leading into a 24 solo so it will be interesting to see how I go. I have been wanting to work on a different aspect of my riding after worlds and I feel I am doing that really well.
Tomorrow I have another road race, where it seems from the last race the top 3 grades are all very similair in pace (comparing mine with A, and B grade times). So I'm expecting another tough one, I'm not expecting to be up there but see what happens. I originally was keen to enter the Rocky trail cruise, but I've started to be picky with the racing with the expense of off-road. All my main goals are the same, just more racing for the forced higher repeated effort, and I have been feeling it.
1 scum XC race
1 CORC crit
1 road race
2 super crits
and 7 road crits.
And Tuesday it was about time we had a break away :). Here is the Bleat from Tuesdays crits:
C grade consisted of 13 riders. On the second lap Steve Duffy made a successful break away and after a couple of laps he was joined by James Balogh then a lap later Kevin Wells joined the party. Soon you could hear reminder messages, in fact shouts, from within the trailing pack to work together, take turns, etc to close the gap to the escapees, but the distance was maintained. About 15 minutes into the race, Hagen Ganhal and Bryan Holloway attempted to charge across to the leaders, but soon returned to the pack. The leaders maintained their gap and in the sprint to the finish, Steve Duffy beat Kevin Wells followed by James Balogh.
There is something very satisfying about escaping from the pack and working in a small group till the end. It is great to ride with riders at a simialer level. It seems in MTB racing there are always the riders that don't back themselves or just ride in a lower grade for the win, plus there is more of a lean towards age groups now because of this. Road racing is different show too much form and you get moved up (alot easier to do in a club where racing is every week), this makes a good playing field where anyone could win depending on where they excel and the day. I suck at sprinting so I'm always looking for that break away that will work to give me that better chance. I could also ride in B's, but to be honest I'm enjoying the competition and the close finishes, with a few top 3's I like to see what works and what does not. I like learning my limit's and how far I can push before I go bang. I like it, if I do have a bad day, I can still hang off the back. B's might be after the winter break.
I've noticed a new max HR that I have ever logged of 188 (previously 184). It has taken a few months to adapt to this different style of riding and it is great to feel and see the results. It has increased my FTP (functional threshold power) from where it had sat for quite some time, I'll just hope that by Easter Nationals I would have got some of that base back in the legs to go the distance. It is the first time I have done this type of training leading into a 24 solo so it will be interesting to see how I go. I have been wanting to work on a different aspect of my riding after worlds and I feel I am doing that really well.
Tomorrow I have another road race, where it seems from the last race the top 3 grades are all very similair in pace (comparing mine with A, and B grade times). So I'm expecting another tough one, I'm not expecting to be up there but see what happens. I originally was keen to enter the Rocky trail cruise, but I've started to be picky with the racing with the expense of off-road. All my main goals are the same, just more racing for the forced higher repeated effort, and I have been feeling it.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Nearly the end of Jan....Already
Since the Rocky Trail 8 hour allot has happened. I did a ride to the coast and back (well not quite back the rain was getting too heavy so we piked at Captains Flat). Kendra and I did the Urban Polaris which was great fun as usual and finished up with a good 7 hours of riding. Plus allot of unstructured training to really wind out the feeling of training, training, training that I had leading into October.
This year has so far been all about short efforts really. I have finally been able to join the ACT Vets cycling Club as I turn 35 this year and have been getting into the different type of road riding. I have been wanting to join for a while now as I was keen to try crits and road racing at a more relaxed and less emphasis on racing than the other clubs in Canberra. It is really good to have a change and I think it can only improve my riding, as it really works on all my weakness's.
So far I don't know how this will translate to the mountain bike, but it is great to get loads of club racing in so far with 5 races I may just build a good tally throughout the year. But with a few 24 solo's to be planned for the year, and a different structure in training it is going to be interesting to see how it all pans out and I'm really looking forward to it. I love the fact that cycling offers so much variation that there is always something that will grab my interest to keep the passion going. I also have some sights in the future at looknig at adding some extra different types of efforts that may include something like this:
But more on that another day :).
So what is happening for the first half of the year, well at the moment renovations and as I type this our new kitchen is going in, and I can't wait to have all the work done. I have had a load of work to do and getting allot done after delaying the work for the World solo efforts. I'm back at work on the 22nd of Feb so no doubt the place will look great by then. I also have a fun social weekend at Nowra, C2C 200 the return of the wandera, Wagga 6 hour, Rocky trail MTB cruise, Escape Cobra mountain 100mile, Mont, Easter 24, and OHV 24. So a fair bit of fun right there. Hopefully these races will give me a good natural build, and with the Vets road racing going to late march no doubt there will be loads of fun and games.
This year has so far been all about short efforts really. I have finally been able to join the ACT Vets cycling Club as I turn 35 this year and have been getting into the different type of road riding. I have been wanting to join for a while now as I was keen to try crits and road racing at a more relaxed and less emphasis on racing than the other clubs in Canberra. It is really good to have a change and I think it can only improve my riding, as it really works on all my weakness's.
So far I don't know how this will translate to the mountain bike, but it is great to get loads of club racing in so far with 5 races I may just build a good tally throughout the year. But with a few 24 solo's to be planned for the year, and a different structure in training it is going to be interesting to see how it all pans out and I'm really looking forward to it. I love the fact that cycling offers so much variation that there is always something that will grab my interest to keep the passion going. I also have some sights in the future at looknig at adding some extra different types of efforts that may include something like this:
So what is happening for the first half of the year, well at the moment renovations and as I type this our new kitchen is going in, and I can't wait to have all the work done. I have had a load of work to do and getting allot done after delaying the work for the World solo efforts. I'm back at work on the 22nd of Feb so no doubt the place will look great by then. I also have a fun social weekend at Nowra, C2C 200 the return of the wandera, Wagga 6 hour, Rocky trail MTB cruise, Escape Cobra mountain 100mile, Mont, Easter 24, and OHV 24. So a fair bit of fun right there. Hopefully these races will give me a good natural build, and with the Vets road racing going to late march no doubt there will be loads of fun and games.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Rocky trail 8 hour
What a load of fun. A week before the race I had no idea what I wanted to do, 8 seemed a bit too much, 4 I was keen for but really lacked some motivation to be honest, and I have been lacking that a bit since Worlds. But I had a call from Anne who was keen for a pair, and it was just the kick I needed, team Radical was go.
I must admit we were a little relaxed arriving thinking it is all good I got my bottle's, food what else do I need. Quick chat to Kylie head over to Andrew and Robyn who had an awesome setup and we were lucky enough to be invited in. Little did we know how much we would need that shade later on. Next time it will be my turn to bring it, as long a Bailey still comes, got to love having a dog around :).
I was up first and I was a keen for a good start. I had not done a pairs for a long time but I was keen to get some speed into the legs, knowing I'd get a break. So I headed off with Gaz and I trading a few places it was pretty fun not feeling like I needed to be conservative. It was a fun track and really happy it was not a repeat of the Worlds tracks, but really surprised as I expected the tracks to be a little more worse for wear. After putting out a good first test lap I was happy to come in and hand over to Anne.
This repeated several time's and it was heating up, I kept the intensity there and on my 4th I felt some twinges of cramps but kept them at bay. Into the finish and Anne tells me to go again, and it is all good and I ease it off a little and I knew it could be a long lap if cramps set in. They did on and off, with the muscules rolling in my calves I got the rest of my fluids in but rode it through. But after coming in I knew I'd only 1 more lap to go and it would be all over....maybe.
So the last lap and I was cruising, not wanting a repeat of cramps I was happy to roll it out as we did not have much chance of catching 1st and 2nd was practically cemented. It was pretty quite on the track but still enjoying the flow. After Willo's link I decided to put a little more effort in as I knew cramps would not stop me now. Back to the 4x track over some humps and pssssssssst. Awesome with this being the last lap it did not matter with a roll down to the finish, to let Anne finish it off.
I was pretty surprised the cafe latex did not fully seal the hole, it was not small though, made a real mess of the bike with a skin layer mix with dirt ;).
All in all pretty happy with the effort with 3 laps all being within 3 seconds :). Plus a huge thanks to Anne for helping in my decision and getting me the motivation into the race. Andrew, Robyn and Bailey for letting us share your shade and company (Bailey did make me pay in the form of sharing my TORQ bars), and everyone else who provided the good times and fun.
On the test I had a Garmin 800, loved it and still playing and working it all out. Yep my first Garmin, so it is taking a while, if only I can get it to talk to my powertap......Review to come.
I must admit we were a little relaxed arriving thinking it is all good I got my bottle's, food what else do I need. Quick chat to Kylie head over to Andrew and Robyn who had an awesome setup and we were lucky enough to be invited in. Little did we know how much we would need that shade later on. Next time it will be my turn to bring it, as long a Bailey still comes, got to love having a dog around :).
I was up first and I was a keen for a good start. I had not done a pairs for a long time but I was keen to get some speed into the legs, knowing I'd get a break. So I headed off with Gaz and I trading a few places it was pretty fun not feeling like I needed to be conservative. It was a fun track and really happy it was not a repeat of the Worlds tracks, but really surprised as I expected the tracks to be a little more worse for wear. After putting out a good first test lap I was happy to come in and hand over to Anne.
This repeated several time's and it was heating up, I kept the intensity there and on my 4th I felt some twinges of cramps but kept them at bay. Into the finish and Anne tells me to go again, and it is all good and I ease it off a little and I knew it could be a long lap if cramps set in. They did on and off, with the muscules rolling in my calves I got the rest of my fluids in but rode it through. But after coming in I knew I'd only 1 more lap to go and it would be all over....maybe.
So the last lap and I was cruising, not wanting a repeat of cramps I was happy to roll it out as we did not have much chance of catching 1st and 2nd was practically cemented. It was pretty quite on the track but still enjoying the flow. After Willo's link I decided to put a little more effort in as I knew cramps would not stop me now. Back to the 4x track over some humps and pssssssssst. Awesome with this being the last lap it did not matter with a roll down to the finish, to let Anne finish it off.
I was pretty surprised the cafe latex did not fully seal the hole, it was not small though, made a real mess of the bike with a skin layer mix with dirt ;).
All in all pretty happy with the effort with 3 laps all being within 3 seconds :). Plus a huge thanks to Anne for helping in my decision and getting me the motivation into the race. Andrew, Robyn and Bailey for letting us share your shade and company (Bailey did make me pay in the form of sharing my TORQ bars), and everyone else who provided the good times and fun.
On the test I had a Garmin 800, loved it and still playing and working it all out. Yep my first Garmin, so it is taking a while, if only I can get it to talk to my powertap......Review to come.
Friday, October 22, 2010
CORC/ONYA Civic/Belco Crits round 1
Motivation has been lacking a bit for the last 1.5 weeks and it has been a great little break. All I needed was a little temptation to get me back out there and this was it.
I was a bit un-easy going into a crit with very little efforts since the big one, so I decided I'd head out for a bit of a spin before work. I headed up towards the Rob Roy range, on a little tarred road this is one of the steepest climbs around and before it was tarred it was pretty much un-ride able. So I pushed the granny as my HR went sky rocketing and the bike un-controllable snaked it's way up to the top where the skydivers do there thing. It was a good little effort and within 1/2 an hour I was back home getting ready for work.
A, B, A, B was my thoughts of the day confused with which grade I should go for. A's I knew I would be lacking the pace but being able to sit back go hard within my boundary's without the tussle seemed like a good idea. B's can be full on with a solid battle jostling for positions I do find it hard to get into my own rhythm. A choice I decided I'd make when I get there.
It was great to see such a good turn out to crits on the first round. I love the atmosphere of the crits, it just seems to create this fun and exciting vibe. So I put my name down for B's, as crits is all about the close battle's and really it is not a race without it. We jumped on the line I was in second row, and we were off, I had a great clip in and jumped in behind Franky into the ST. Usually in the ST I lack a little pace, but was happy that I kept up with the front runners. The course was fireroad up and tight twisty ST back down with the only passing available really on the fireroad. With 4 laps and only 4 sections to overtake those were some solid efforts. In the end I held my own in the ST, but lacked some pace on the fireroads where I dropped back 3-4 place's. I was happy with that, last year it was reversed I sucked in the ST but smashed the roads. Hopefully I'll get some of my top end back and slowly build up and get these legs going again.
So my lungs seem like they were still burning this morning, it definitely blew out some cobwebs. I was surprised with so many riders who were backing up for 2 or even 3 grades....maybe next week my lungs will be able to pull through both B's and A's.
Here is an extra picture from Worlds, Thanks to Jason Heddle for it, it was early on Sunday morning with a few laps to go.
I was a bit un-easy going into a crit with very little efforts since the big one, so I decided I'd head out for a bit of a spin before work. I headed up towards the Rob Roy range, on a little tarred road this is one of the steepest climbs around and before it was tarred it was pretty much un-ride able. So I pushed the granny as my HR went sky rocketing and the bike un-controllable snaked it's way up to the top where the skydivers do there thing. It was a good little effort and within 1/2 an hour I was back home getting ready for work.
A, B, A, B was my thoughts of the day confused with which grade I should go for. A's I knew I would be lacking the pace but being able to sit back go hard within my boundary's without the tussle seemed like a good idea. B's can be full on with a solid battle jostling for positions I do find it hard to get into my own rhythm. A choice I decided I'd make when I get there.
It was great to see such a good turn out to crits on the first round. I love the atmosphere of the crits, it just seems to create this fun and exciting vibe. So I put my name down for B's, as crits is all about the close battle's and really it is not a race without it. We jumped on the line I was in second row, and we were off, I had a great clip in and jumped in behind Franky into the ST. Usually in the ST I lack a little pace, but was happy that I kept up with the front runners. The course was fireroad up and tight twisty ST back down with the only passing available really on the fireroad. With 4 laps and only 4 sections to overtake those were some solid efforts. In the end I held my own in the ST, but lacked some pace on the fireroads where I dropped back 3-4 place's. I was happy with that, last year it was reversed I sucked in the ST but smashed the roads. Hopefully I'll get some of my top end back and slowly build up and get these legs going again.
So my lungs seem like they were still burning this morning, it definitely blew out some cobwebs. I was surprised with so many riders who were backing up for 2 or even 3 grades....maybe next week my lungs will be able to pull through both B's and A's.
Here is an extra picture from Worlds, Thanks to Jason Heddle for it, it was early on Sunday morning with a few laps to go.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
World Solo 24 hour
This was the big one for the year and it did not disappoint. There were rumours flying, the track was going to be a tough one and I just got into the right frame of mind to just nail it and accept whatever happens.
But first of all I got to say a huge thanks to Russ, Stuart, CORC, and all the volunteers. It was really a great race with little issues in the end.
Well done to all that pushed through the suffering, and everyone did suffer. No cruising or half breaks on this track, just work work and work. So many people with stomach issues including me, it just seemed with all the core working on the up's and then the rough pork barrel the stomach's were just not playing the game with anyone.
It has been a huge few years, and I seem to have been doing allot of building towards the next solo 24. So for now I’m really happy to just enjoy the result. Kendra has been so great, putting my training first. We have missed out on quite a bit in this lead up, and the family and friends have all made sacrifices for the one race. It can never be underestimated how much work really goes into these events.
The sun came up and the new goal in mind, I did some dodgy calculations in my head and with a plan of trying to make an extra 19th lap, I had a mission. No I was not chasing positions, I had what I could achieve in my own head and I wanted to finish it off with what I had left. After 3 strong (for that time) laps, and then really feeling it, I had figured I had stuffed it and could not quite make it.....Until my support had the confidence in me. I still did not have much left, feeling very wasted and out of energy and finishing off my lap I rode past the pit's on my way down to the line, where I heard Grantley going off. I got to the line with 3min and 5 sec to spare, I knew I was up for one last lap. Usually an easy glory lap but nah I wanted to finish it off and I felt OK considering but on a little high knowing I had meet that little goal. So the crew stocked up on some food I hit it up for one last time, as fast as possible.
My support was awesome.
Kendra has been there for the long haul through all the training, making sacrifices, and giving up so many little things. She really knows how to run the support for me, and I can’t do it without her. She was doing everything to work out my stomach issue, and kept it all smooth and almost all non-stop. She knows me so well that only a small conversation is all that is needed for her to know exactly what is needed and what is going on.
Scott and Karl never missed a beat. Every bike change I had a clean new bike ready to ride. Both gave up there weekends, both missed time with their family, and it meant allot to me to have you guys there. You kept it all running so smooth.
But it was not just those 3 it seemed a crew of good mates was there at Stromlo helping each other in every possible way, just making the hard yards that little easier.
My nephew and niece (Ethan and Giann) passing me a drink bottle, and a big cheer spurred me up for another lap. It was so good to have the friends that come out, and really made the race what it was and all worth it. So thanks again to all who came out and the messages were also great.
Club Lime really did make my upper body ready for the rough and demanding course, a combination for boxfit classes, weight training, and various other little things all contributed to having very little soreness.
FTP training did a great job as always and really well prepared me for the efforts, Mark even sorted my saddle issue. FTP really offer a complete package and in my view are leading the way in coaching.
The cool stats
Number of laps: 19
Finished: 7th in Cat
Number of hours on the bike: roughly 24 hours and fifty something minutes
Vertical meters climbed: 9500
Number of times to the top of Stromlo: 38
Distance: I think it was 18K's a lap, so 342k's.
Stacks: 0 although at one stage I was on my front wheel for way too long.
Radical Light lumens: 2518.
But first of all I got to say a huge thanks to Russ, Stuart, CORC, and all the volunteers. It was really a great race with little issues in the end.
Well done to all that pushed through the suffering, and everyone did suffer. No cruising or half breaks on this track, just work work and work. So many people with stomach issues including me, it just seemed with all the core working on the up's and then the rough pork barrel the stomach's were just not playing the game with anyone.
It has been a huge few years, and I seem to have been doing allot of building towards the next solo 24. So for now I’m really happy to just enjoy the result. Kendra has been so great, putting my training first. We have missed out on quite a bit in this lead up, and the family and friends have all made sacrifices for the one race. It can never be underestimated how much work really goes into these events.
Pre race was all the little things, sunscreen; do I wear my compression top on a hot day? Have I got everything out ready to go, glasses clean, tyre pressures, now where did I put my gloves? But we needed to be ready early, and wait for the elites to have the head start. Listening to the speeches, watching the elites was a great atmosphere and set the mood. It was good to see them head off, and I was keen to just get out there.
Before I knew it we were heading on the start line waiting for the gun, we were off, and a very easy run that went without a hitch, and I was feeling right at home on the bike. That was really when my race became a bit of a blur; I really got into my own head space and did not think about the hurt. My first 4 laps all was great, riding well and happy with how it was turning over. Then the stomach issues started and it was very early on. I felt like I was having too many liquid carbs so it was onto water. When I came good I’d try another type and liquid carb but it seemed nothing was going to make my stomach feel right. My race really flowed by how I felt and that was how I remember it. Solids seemed to work so I was eating when I could and the odd up & go, and coke was thrown in.....somehow it got me through. Every lap all I wanted to do was blast through the pork barrel with the thought of less time in there the better, and nailing the skyline and luge each time was awesome. Riding the 2 descents at night I could tell I had the advantage my 2 radical lights just made it day, and I can happily say no one caught me on either of these descents at night, so a huge thanks go's to the Rad man. The climbing seemed to never end with not much flat, and quick descents it was all push push push. I don't really or truly know where the night went but it just seemed really quick, when Kendra said this will be your last battery change I was excited I knew it was time to lift the game and set a new goal to the finish.
The sun came up and the new goal in mind, I did some dodgy calculations in my head and with a plan of trying to make an extra 19th lap, I had a mission. No I was not chasing positions, I had what I could achieve in my own head and I wanted to finish it off with what I had left. After 3 strong (for that time) laps, and then really feeling it, I had figured I had stuffed it and could not quite make it.....Until my support had the confidence in me. I still did not have much left, feeling very wasted and out of energy and finishing off my lap I rode past the pit's on my way down to the line, where I heard Grantley going off. I got to the line with 3min and 5 sec to spare, I knew I was up for one last lap. Usually an easy glory lap but nah I wanted to finish it off and I felt OK considering but on a little high knowing I had meet that little goal. So the crew stocked up on some food I hit it up for one last time, as fast as possible.
My support was awesome.
Kendra has been there for the long haul through all the training, making sacrifices, and giving up so many little things. She really knows how to run the support for me, and I can’t do it without her. She was doing everything to work out my stomach issue, and kept it all smooth and almost all non-stop. She knows me so well that only a small conversation is all that is needed for her to know exactly what is needed and what is going on.
Scott and Karl never missed a beat. Every bike change I had a clean new bike ready to ride. Both gave up there weekends, both missed time with their family, and it meant allot to me to have you guys there. You kept it all running so smooth.
But it was not just those 3 it seemed a crew of good mates was there at Stromlo helping each other in every possible way, just making the hard yards that little easier.
My nephew and niece (Ethan and Giann) passing me a drink bottle, and a big cheer spurred me up for another lap. It was so good to have the friends that come out, and really made the race what it was and all worth it. So thanks again to all who came out and the messages were also great.
Club Lime really did make my upper body ready for the rough and demanding course, a combination for boxfit classes, weight training, and various other little things all contributed to having very little soreness.
FTP training did a great job as always and really well prepared me for the efforts, Mark even sorted my saddle issue. FTP really offer a complete package and in my view are leading the way in coaching.
The cool stats
Number of laps: 19
Finished: 7th in Cat
Number of hours on the bike: roughly 24 hours and fifty something minutes
Vertical meters climbed: 9500
Number of times to the top of Stromlo: 38
Distance: I think it was 18K's a lap, so 342k's.
Stacks: 0 although at one stage I was on my front wheel for way too long.
Radical Light lumens: 2518.
 |
| Sorry not done yet :) |
All in all I'm pretty happy usually there are bigger issues to solve and it is great to have a nice what felt like a clean run. Next up the 100mile escape cobra mountain, looking forward to that. But at the moment I feel it is time to re-asses where I am at and where I'm going. I love 24 hour racing but feel I am lacking something and feel the urge for something different. No I'm not out of 24 hour racing it just means I might not specifically train for one, I think I have been doing way too much of that ;). Plus I hope I have the time to do some renovations and generally clean up the house a little.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Husky 100k'er
What a great race, I expected it to be good but not this much fun.
After getting over my sickness and back on the bike last week with a good solid few sets of training, I was keen to not compromise it and get in a good session on Saturday so I did the Bakery bunch ride before we headed off to Huskinson. I found the bunch ride hard as usual and got dropped in the same spot I always do but I find a little group to tag onto to finish off the ride. It is always a good session and a very quick spin around Canberra.
So the race venue here we come, and the place was buzzing and had an awesome feel, but for us it was a quick rego and into Nowra for a nice dinner with Mike. Sunday morning came real quick and a little chat and it was not long before I was on the start line. All the elite’s and a lot of others were keen to get a quick start and headed off in the first group. I was happy to sit back in the second and hopefully have a good start without a mass of riders in front of me and it worked perfectly. Off from the front row we hit the trails without going into the red zone I was happy to get into the single track first, and everyone seems happy behind me for the first couple of k’s till I miss read an arrow thinking there was single track there where it was actually pointing for a fire road further down, no issue but I jumped in behind a few riders. From here on I was pretty much losing ground on the up’s but making up lots of ground on the down’s. There were plenty of puddles and little river crossings, and heading up to one there were about 3 riders walking the edge up to their knees I decided to run the risk and ride it, and it paid off. But around the 30k mark there was another but a big pool of mud there was only a small lumpy section to the side, and losing a little speed and balance I was forced to put a foot down, and down it went. I sunk and my knee was under with my hand, handlebar and calf on my other leg, bugger, but I was sure it won’t be long till there was another creek to wash off ;).
Keeping it going while trying to brake with a muddy finger and lever I was trying to keep consistent noting every hour I was hitting the 20k marker. So 2 hours in 40k’s down but I dropped off the pace a little during the next 30k’s dropping about 15 minutes and adding 1:45 to my time, but it was the 70k mark and it was time to finish it off how I started. So I hit it out catching a lot of 50k’ers long the way and managed to get across the line in 5h 12min. I was pretty happy with that considering I had worked it into my training without backing off and I have continued my intervals this week.
The trails were awesome while there were a few mud pools and water crossings everywhere else was perfect track. A really good mixture of single track and fire roads/double track it was never boring. I’ll definitely be back next year Blackheart did an awesome job and so did the Vollies thanks guys. Also after the first cancellation I am so glad they did they really made the right decision, I was down there when it was raining and after seeing the course after a pretty good dry spell, I would not have liked to attempt it with that rain, plus my bike would not have recovered ;).
Lucky for us we also had the Monday off so on our way back we had a few laps of Cabbage tree I really love this place and Kendra did too (she is still dreaming about it, and the smile has not gone from her face). So no doubt we will plan a few more little trips down there for some more fun.
On a side note have a look at this little gadget:
http://www.ibikesports.com//ibikedash/index.html
I have not had a good look at it yet, but turn your iphone into a power meter that is pretty cool. It seems to work in a similar way to my current ibike, so it may not be good for off road, but hopefully with the lack of calibration and better sensor’s it can be a little bit easier to get it correct and accurate. Essentially it still guesstimates the power output measuring all the riders forces calculating a power number.
After getting over my sickness and back on the bike last week with a good solid few sets of training, I was keen to not compromise it and get in a good session on Saturday so I did the Bakery bunch ride before we headed off to Huskinson. I found the bunch ride hard as usual and got dropped in the same spot I always do but I find a little group to tag onto to finish off the ride. It is always a good session and a very quick spin around Canberra.
So the race venue here we come, and the place was buzzing and had an awesome feel, but for us it was a quick rego and into Nowra for a nice dinner with Mike. Sunday morning came real quick and a little chat and it was not long before I was on the start line. All the elite’s and a lot of others were keen to get a quick start and headed off in the first group. I was happy to sit back in the second and hopefully have a good start without a mass of riders in front of me and it worked perfectly. Off from the front row we hit the trails without going into the red zone I was happy to get into the single track first, and everyone seems happy behind me for the first couple of k’s till I miss read an arrow thinking there was single track there where it was actually pointing for a fire road further down, no issue but I jumped in behind a few riders. From here on I was pretty much losing ground on the up’s but making up lots of ground on the down’s. There were plenty of puddles and little river crossings, and heading up to one there were about 3 riders walking the edge up to their knees I decided to run the risk and ride it, and it paid off. But around the 30k mark there was another but a big pool of mud there was only a small lumpy section to the side, and losing a little speed and balance I was forced to put a foot down, and down it went. I sunk and my knee was under with my hand, handlebar and calf on my other leg, bugger, but I was sure it won’t be long till there was another creek to wash off ;).
Keeping it going while trying to brake with a muddy finger and lever I was trying to keep consistent noting every hour I was hitting the 20k marker. So 2 hours in 40k’s down but I dropped off the pace a little during the next 30k’s dropping about 15 minutes and adding 1:45 to my time, but it was the 70k mark and it was time to finish it off how I started. So I hit it out catching a lot of 50k’ers long the way and managed to get across the line in 5h 12min. I was pretty happy with that considering I had worked it into my training without backing off and I have continued my intervals this week.
The trails were awesome while there were a few mud pools and water crossings everywhere else was perfect track. A really good mixture of single track and fire roads/double track it was never boring. I’ll definitely be back next year Blackheart did an awesome job and so did the Vollies thanks guys. Also after the first cancellation I am so glad they did they really made the right decision, I was down there when it was raining and after seeing the course after a pretty good dry spell, I would not have liked to attempt it with that rain, plus my bike would not have recovered ;).
Lucky for us we also had the Monday off so on our way back we had a few laps of Cabbage tree I really love this place and Kendra did too (she is still dreaming about it, and the smile has not gone from her face). So no doubt we will plan a few more little trips down there for some more fun.
On a side note have a look at this little gadget:
http://www.ibikesports.com//ibikedash/index.html
I have not had a good look at it yet, but turn your iphone into a power meter that is pretty cool. It seems to work in a similar way to my current ibike, so it may not be good for off road, but hopefully with the lack of calibration and better sensor’s it can be a little bit easier to get it correct and accurate. Essentially it still guesstimates the power output measuring all the riders forces calculating a power number.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Single track mind 8 hour round 2
Looks like everyone had some fun, nice work Carlso.
What a fun one, OK some things did not go to plan but it worked out in the end.
I headed down on the Saturday and got a nice little lap in just to check the course out. I really liked it nice and fast with a few log roll’s a bit sandy but a course that kept entertaining.
Saturday morning came and it was not long till we were off, OK some people were facing the wrong way and unseated, but the nice longish uphill fireroad sorted most of us out, and anyway we had 8 hours to do that. The laps rolled through pretty nicely for the first few hours it was great catching up with a few mates. But things were going to take a little stumble as I began to feel a little sick, I took some time to drink a full bottle of water when I came through, then a little rub of my dusty eyes and there it goes…..cloudy vision. So I took this time to clean myself up get organized again trying to let my eyes come good before heading back out. I did that after dropping a lap and really starting to enjoy myself again when my rear gear cable broke, leaving me in the hardest cog at the back. I pushed on and finished that lap off and shortened the cable so I would have a smaller range of lower gears worked well. So pushed on just enjoying myself till the end.
Happy days, I somehow managed to still ride for 7h and 30-40 minutes, and even though things did not go great I did learn some things about some unanswered questions that has been bugging me for a few years.
Whatever happens in an event’s it is always good to learn that bit more about yourself, and then push on to improve that little bit more.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Single track mind round 1 Lithgow
This one being 2 weeks after the Nationals was always going to be one for fun and trying some new things. Since the Nationals I really have been in down time I have been unmotivated for the early rides and really catching up on sleep and some mental rest. I think with daylight savings coming to an end and the drop in temperature removed the last enthusiasm I had, but I think it was what I have needed before the next training block. I have been looking at improvements and made some good steps as to where I need to go in preparation to Worlds.
Saturday morning I was meeting Grantley for the road trip, pretty simple overnighter 2 tents, gazebo, box full of food, clothes, and tools and away we go, with a nice little Bakery stop on the way….yum yum. Then we were there and a quick little lap, setup, dinner, bed, and it was race day.
The track at Lithgow was a good one if you could ride it fast, and being very rooty, with some steep short climbs it was going to be a tough little 8 hours. We headed down towards the start and with a little confusion and not much time to get ready the word go was said as I was removing a big stick from in front of my wheel. So a frantic throw and clip in and we were away.
It was a good first lap and it was not long sorting positions and feeling comfortable and easing into a nice pace. I was feeling great trying my best to using some good skills to maintain my speed and conserve some power and energy. Half way through the second lap I could feel some hand pain and numbness in my hands come back from the Nationals. My back was tight and sore from a little muscle strain 1.5 weeks ago. So really it was not long till I was in the hurt box. I just kept at my usual things and plugged away at a sensible pace not to make things worse. This was really tough I must admit and every lap I felt like I should come in and stretch the back and have a little break. I did push on as much as it tempted me to come in and on lap 5 coming in seeing Grantley sitting there after being sick made me question why. By lap 7 Grantley came back out to play and did a nice easy lap with me before he was off. By the end of lap 8, I took my first real 5 min break to stretch my back to try to feel normal again, and lap 9 I did the same. I decided 2 more was the go, I knew I would finish before the 8 hours but really ! thought that would do me so just went out to finish it off. As I came in I looked at the results and was in 10th place, and later with only 1 other rider going through to do another I was in 11th. Happy for that considering and really did not care, I was there for the fun and even though I was in the box I did enjoy it and the riders around were great.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Husky 100, and Jet Black 24 hour.
Thanks Blackheart for these pictures..
Mud, mud and mud........Well Blackheart this weekend made the right decision in calling the Husky off. So Kendra and I have simply taken some needed time out, just cruising around the little towns, grabbing a drink here and there and generally chilling out. I thought I might be able to get a ride in even if it was on road but no. It has not stopped, and hopefully everyone will come back here in a few months to give these tracks a go. I really like this area and the bush looks just awesome for single track so it will be great to come back.
More mud, the Jet Black 24 I did in a 3 man and it was all about a bit of fun really. We all wanted to push the limits of where we were at but the main goal was to enjoy ourselves. We headed out on Friday, all packed in Grantley’s monster car. As we got there we spotted Clayton (who was going solo) so we setup next to him. Then it was time for a couple of laps. It was a good little 9k track with a fire road climb and then a little techy creek run down to a flat, fast finish. Then it was sit back relax till race time.
Saturday morning I had the time to cruise around camp, have a chat, and get into the mood. I must admit checking out Jase’s Pivot bikes which were out of the box the night before were awesome. For an alloy bike they were very light, and just looked ready to go. Nice work guys.
Race time was looming and time to get ready and I was first off. It was, what seemed a casual start, with Andy Fellows just smashing it off the front. I put in a little effort to maintain some contact up the hill with Jase, and John till the downhill. I backed it off a little playing it safe making my way down and had a good hit out on the flat. The lap seemed over very quickly and Grantley was out, and the laps few by with showers light steady rain. We kept circling then rain kept coming heavier and heavier. While the mud got thicker the crowd at the far end of the course got drunker, yelling playing game’s they just seemed to have a new trick every lap.
Time just flew by it seemed as doing my share, washing Claytons bikes and they did have issues with brake pads failing, pedals failing, shock bushing’s worn out, broken spokes it was all on. Between our team we had a few brake pads go, and I was glad we had spare. Onya Bike Belco had a spares kit for us, and with my kit we just had enough to get us through. But by the end of the race all our pads were in need of replacement again. But back to racing.
By 6pm the single track was a river rolling through just trusting the bike not knowing what we were hitting. Some ways it was fun and others it was just dangerous. RTE made the right call at 8pm to cut it short for the night and get back into it in the morning. So we only had a 4 hour hit out with a slightly different downhill section which in some ways a little harder, with steep pinch’s, and lumpy down’s then back into the flats to smash it back into transition.
The rain kept coming, racing continued, Merryl came in after completing all her laps in great form and Grantley headed out to smash out a quick one to try to get back for one more lap. He did it, and came in just after Clayton, so I went out to do a lap with him to finish off the race. It was a good one, and Clayton came through and fended off 4th place 2mins behind him, so finished 3rd in the over 40’s.....again ;). We managed a win our category, and we all did our bit and finished strong. In the end despite the rain it was still a great event and I enjoyed it, it was an event where there was no agro on the track what so ever, all the riders were great. I’ll definitely bring some extra pads and spares next year.
Pictures to come.
More mud, the Jet Black 24 I did in a 3 man and it was all about a bit of fun really. We all wanted to push the limits of where we were at but the main goal was to enjoy ourselves. We headed out on Friday, all packed in Grantley’s monster car. As we got there we spotted Clayton (who was going solo) so we setup next to him. Then it was time for a couple of laps. It was a good little 9k track with a fire road climb and then a little techy creek run down to a flat, fast finish. Then it was sit back relax till race time.
Saturday morning I had the time to cruise around camp, have a chat, and get into the mood. I must admit checking out Jase’s Pivot bikes which were out of the box the night before were awesome. For an alloy bike they were very light, and just looked ready to go. Nice work guys.
Race time was looming and time to get ready and I was first off. It was, what seemed a casual start, with Andy Fellows just smashing it off the front. I put in a little effort to maintain some contact up the hill with Jase, and John till the downhill. I backed it off a little playing it safe making my way down and had a good hit out on the flat. The lap seemed over very quickly and Grantley was out, and the laps few by with showers light steady rain. We kept circling then rain kept coming heavier and heavier. While the mud got thicker the crowd at the far end of the course got drunker, yelling playing game’s they just seemed to have a new trick every lap.
Time just flew by it seemed as doing my share, washing Claytons bikes and they did have issues with brake pads failing, pedals failing, shock bushing’s worn out, broken spokes it was all on. Between our team we had a few brake pads go, and I was glad we had spare. Onya Bike Belco had a spares kit for us, and with my kit we just had enough to get us through. But by the end of the race all our pads were in need of replacement again. But back to racing.
By 6pm the single track was a river rolling through just trusting the bike not knowing what we were hitting. Some ways it was fun and others it was just dangerous. RTE made the right call at 8pm to cut it short for the night and get back into it in the morning. So we only had a 4 hour hit out with a slightly different downhill section which in some ways a little harder, with steep pinch’s, and lumpy down’s then back into the flats to smash it back into transition.
The rain kept coming, racing continued, Merryl came in after completing all her laps in great form and Grantley headed out to smash out a quick one to try to get back for one more lap. He did it, and came in just after Clayton, so I went out to do a lap with him to finish off the race. It was a good one, and Clayton came through and fended off 4th place 2mins behind him, so finished 3rd in the over 40’s.....again ;). We managed a win our category, and we all did our bit and finished strong. In the end despite the rain it was still a great event and I enjoyed it, it was an event where there was no agro on the track what so ever, all the riders were great. I’ll definitely bring some extra pads and spares next year.
Pictures to come.
Monday, December 14, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Kona 24 Solo
I think this picture says it all, but here it the race report anyway's.
How good was it???
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?
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