Hanging Mountain

From Tuross Heads to Hanging Mountain and back is one ride that will test your hill climbing endurance. When I first did this ride back about 12 years ago, I can remember looking down at my Speedo thinking if only I could get my speed up above 8km/h it would be so much better, the climb seemed to last forever.
This time I was heading up there for my 3rd time, and I was really looking forward to it. I left my parents house at 5:20am, it was a perfect morning, with little traffic on the road. I pushed up the Princess highway and turned towards the fire trail onto Western Boundary road. The whole ride is on fire trail and is a pretty smooth run all the way. This trail to Little sugarloaf road was uphill and very undulating., and heads straight for Deua National Park and I was very surprised to get there on an hour of riding. Along little sugarloaf is where most of the climbing begins, this is where it just seems to never end. Being stronger this time it did seem to be easier from what I remembered and looking towards my destination during my climb encouraged a good pace.
Before I knew it I was there well under the 3 hour mark I was hoping for. Looking at the view of where I had just come from is always rewarding on this ride. As you can see (by the bottom picture) there is a clear view to Mt Dromedary. Heading back was very quick, putting some power down and keeping my speed up made the up hill sections very easy work. I completed the 75k’s in 4.5 hours which was about 1 hour quicker than any other time I have ridden it. I did feel pretty tired though and I knew I had pushed it pretty hard. A great ride and a lot of fun. Next time I am down there I will have to try Mt Dromedary.

Merry Christmas

What could be better than a bike for Christmas? maybe a Malvern star?. Nope sorry it is not mine, but it will be Clayton's daugther, Emily's in just 2 sleeps. You know the drill you have to hide it till the day, I could not resist on the photo.
But I hope you all have a great one, play it safe, and hopefully have a nice little holiday. I'll be working, but there will be a nice little relax down the coast to look forward to.
Enjoy.

The bakers bunch (on the dark side)

After some great riding during the week, trying to work to my program, Jase asked me to join him on a roadie bunch ride. This was no ordinary bunch ride, even though it is a pretty flat ride, it was a bunch ride that did scare me a little. It was known to be a very fast lap around Canberra, and to make it the whole way you have to be a really, really good rider.
We left Lanyon early to get into Phillip at 6:30am to set off with the big boys. The group set off at a cracking pace, heading up Adelaide Ave at 55kph was great fun. Once we hit Northbourne we ran into a little trouble with the red lights and Jase's chain coming off we were well off the back with no chance of getting back on. So we kept at it, and tacked onto a few other riders that had been dropped to make a nice little group of 4-5.
We continued out through Dunlop, Ngunnawal, Gungahlin, all these places I had never ridden before. With this in mind I could not be dropped or I'd be lost. I kept at it to Watson, when Jase and I decided to head back onto Northbourne. We tryed our best not to let the pace drop, on our way back down Northbourne, Adelaide Ave, through Phillip, Tugg lake and back home.
I was really working at my limits, my legs were hurting all the way, but there was no way I was going to give in. I had to sit at the back of the pack and try to hang on and I only just managed to do that.
I had a great time, and can honestly say I have never worked so hard on a bike. I averaged 77% of max H/R for 3.5 hours it is no wonder my legs were lactic. Thanks Jase for the ride, I really was in a world of hurt, and it was one of the best training sessions I have done.
This will be 1 session that I might have to try to fit into my program.

Giant XTC3 2006

Here is my hardy hard tail. This picture was taken during Shane’s bucks weekend which was very close to an Easter solo 24 by memory, so I had to take my bike. Great weekend I am still laughing about the lawn bowls, I'll keep that story for the boys.
It has been a great bike, I have thrown some pretty harsh rides at it over a few years and it has just taken everything in typical hardtail fashion. There is nothing special about it, but it is good to have to re-learn those basic skills. Before I had my road bike I used it allot as a commuter, and it has seen many k’s. It will be my recovery bike for spinning the legs till the Worlds, so it will see some use around Tuggeranong hill.

Merida 904

This is my work horse, it gets me there almost every day. It is a great bike that I had brought off my mate Scotty a few years ago I paid less for it than my bike computer ;). This roadie does the hard yards and I have put so many k’s on this thing to and from work it is one trusty old bike. I think I have only washed it a couple of times, and I know all you roadies are shocked and disgraced, but it’s my commuter ;).
With 105 components that have worked flawlessly, carbon forks and an alloy frame that give’s my bum a bit of a hard time, it is perfect for training for 24’s on.

Data Geek

Well after a few weeks of calibrating using and generally playing with my new ibike ipro I thought it was good enough to let you know what it is like.

The ibike ipro is basically a bike computer that logs all your data. But it also calculates your power output. This is done by working out all the resistive forces and working backwards to work out the power requirement to overcome those forces and ride at that given speed. My ibike logs gradients, elevation, wind speed, speed, cadence, heart rate, power, distance and time have I missed anything? ;)
To begin with I had quite a few delays in getting it due to the new gen 3 model coming out, only for it to arrive with no USB connector. But now that I have everything and it is finally calibrated accurately (I think) it is a great tool. Calibrations were a little hit and miss to begin with, I was trying to do it in windy conditions, and I could not download anything to the computer and was a bit of a headache. But now I have it worked it out, pick a calm day do lots of repetitive coast downs, pick one that looks about average (after you downloaded them to the computer), load in the values and away you go. Generally I think it is pretty accurate, but it is hard to tell when you have nothing to compare it with.
It is funny though, I am no geek, I usually leave my mobile phone at home, hardly use it let alone all the features. But I must admit this is an item that I use all its features. I like the data and it is great to see how hard I worked or where I just had nothing and see the reasons why.
I am using WKO+ software, and I am amazed with the amount of graphs, and details this program automatically comes up with to analyse the data. It keeps a record of all the rides for future reference. All my data can be sent off to my coach so he knows exactly where I am at.
This is no doubt a great training tool that I can use almost every day. I did think it was a bit of a toy to begin with, but so far it has proved to be a valuable training tool.
Well my big block puts out over 1300watts (As I say with a big grunt).

It's all starting

Well after the long wait for my power meter, it has arrived including all the bits. So now after some specific testing I have sent the details off to my Coach (FTP) and I'm ready for my program for the next 12 weeks of base training.
This is pretty exciting for me, I have never put my riding into someone else's hands. The way I will be riding it might be my life, as there will be lots of hours in the saddle, and changes to our routine. I know if I want to do well this is the way to go but it is scary stuff for Kendra and I.
I feel ready I have put in some good training over the last few weeks to build off, so I feel semi fit. Mixed emotions, I can't wait but I'm scared at the same time. It will be a long hard journey to the Worlds, it seems crazy to do all this for just 1 race, but that is 24 hour racing we are a crazy breed ;). Time to feel the hurt and push through the tiredness and fatigue.

Bullen Range

What a ride, on the way to work this morning my legs were totally wasted from this ride, so a real good training workout. We set out at 7am meeting Jase and Adam at point hut. Heading off we knew we were in for some climbing setting a good pace up to the fire road which winds its way up onto the range. These were great new fire roads with plenty of traction for the steep climbs.
Along the top of the range we had some great views east to Canberra and west to the Brindies, Tidbinbilla and my work the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.
I had travelled along this route before to and from work but the turn off towards the Cottor was venturing into unknown territory.
We turned to head off my known track into a massive uphill grind. We started Jase leading the way, it was relentless usually I can just keep my slow pace going but this time my H./R was up legs were getting heavy and had to give in half way up. Jase absolutely smashed it up there and kept going while Adam and I pushed.
Back along the ridge we were doing the rollercoaster thing again up and down with some very nasty downs if you were not ready for them. This section was great fun lots of little jumps to get some air, then winding all the way down to the Cottor caves. I had completely forgot about this place till I saw it, I had not been there since I was very young.
From here we headed back onto the road to the Cottor, and then the Climb out up to civilisation. Adam was putting in some big ones up this long climb, Jase was up for it but I was slowly dropping back. Adam was giving me some hurt but managed to keep within a few hundred meters.
We had managed to get to Stromlo, now the pass over Cooleman ridge with a good solid pace; I was hanging off the back keeping up. Then came to footpath bash to say goodbye to Adam at Lake Tuggeranong and then back home via the Pine Island to Point hut single track.
A great morning out that pushed me through the limits. I really needed that usually I go out for a ride set an easy pace. So thanks for the hurt guys.

Here is Jase’s version: http://www.wickedrides.com.au/bullen/?screenWidth=1024
Thanks Jase for the picture’s, looks like I will have to buy a new Camera.

A relaxing weekend away.

After pulling out of the Highland fling Kendra and I decided to take some time out and spend it at our Friends (Shane and Sarah) farm. It was a great decision, we had a really good time. We did not do much, mainly some bush walking, and a bike ride thrown in.
Our bike ride was going to be a nice flat easy ride, but as it turned out it was the opposite. We headed off on a fire road, that was really nice with a slight up hill, rode along some single track (mainly used for horse riding, watch out for poo!!), then back onto the fire road it was all great. The fire road soon turned into a climb up Tantawangalo mountain. A few k’s into the climb it looked like it was not going to get any easier so I gave Kendra the option of turning back to ride somewhere else. But no Kendra was determined to get to the top so we pushed on. It was pretty tough and was really surprised that she kept going. We got to the top and with only 7.5k’s riddin we had climbed 430 vertical meters, that is pretty big. So we decided to head back down that was great fun nice and quick we were nearly back in no time, but we had 1 more climb. We had another 200meters of vertical climbing to go, up the drive way. This was pretty hard going and my knee was beginning to feel the pain but we push on to the top for a nice relaxing drink.
We took it easy for the rest of the weekend even though it was only a 15k ride. Our 2 dogs had a ball chasing everything in sight, by the time we got home they were stuffed.

Time to get back on the saddle

Well after a physio appointment on Friday, it is all good news. It seems as though the real problem with my knee is that my knee cap is slightly out of place. During the Scott I landed on it which moved it across slightly which has been causing me all the problems. The Doctor’s opinion at the time did not really make sense, and I am glad for the second opinion. So with some exercises to do, so I can get my knee cap across, and the go ahead to get back on the bike I was happy. Looking forward to going to the farm and having a easy spin.

Getting organised

Well it has been 24 days off the mountain bike, 17 days off the road bike, and 15 days off the trainer and still counting. With my knee slowly getting better (almost there), I have had some time off now. I am really keen to get back on and put in some good riding. During my time off I have been doing some preparing.
Next month I have decided to step out and put my body in the hands of a coach and really work on my base fitness for the nationals and then extend that base for the Worlds. It is exciting stuff, but something that is going to take allot of work on my part. Usually I just go about my training trying to fit in what I can. But I know with a coach I am going to have to fit in what he says and make it work.
At the moment I should have a power meter in the mail, with some pretty cool software. Having a power meter is pretty much a requirement of my coach he like’s to work of figures (which is a good thing). This software will allow me to check out nearly every possible detail of me and my bike ride and log it all. All the logged data can then be downloaded so I can run it through the program for some pretty graphical displays. Before I start with my coach I am planning on putting myself through some testing, so my coach will have all the information he needs to set me up with a good program.
I really can’t wait to get back out there and start working towards the goals ahead of me. But I have to be patient to get my knee right. I also know that it will be a while till I have a break off the bike so really I might as well enjoy it while I can, even if it is forced.

Meet Gemma the Giant

She is very dirty after a day out at Stromlo.

A very exciting day today. Kendra has a new bike, a Giant Cypher with lots of pink stuff. It was great to see that there was a huge difference between her not so old Yukon dually. When we got the Yukon we had no idea that she would love mountain bike riding so much. So nearly only a year down the track she has a great new bike to have lots of fun on.
Gemma is a real girls bike, no not because it just has pink stuff, it is made for woman. Not only that it has some really good gear on it, like Shimano SLX and Deore components and Fox F120 forks (I'd like to put them on the Rocky if I had my way).
Straight from the shop we took her to Stromlo. We swapped out the rear tyre to a crossmark, setup the suspension to the right pressures, set the rebound and Kendra was right to go. I must admit she was pretty patient while I was fiddling and getting it all right for her to go.
She was off, I could not blame her I had been teasing her for a while. Now it was time for me to be patient, with my bad knee I had nowhere to go, so I waited patiently and being very jealous of every bike rider that rode past. Even Clayton was there teasing me and having a good time. Before I knew it she was back and her bike was dirtier that Claytons. She also got a little lost and rode a little further than expected, and down some unkown tracks where the 5 inches of travel came in very handy.
She loved it, it did feel different to her Yukon, but that is expected. Kendra found that she could ride over things she could not before. No doubt that after a few weeks of getting to know Gemma, she will be calling track next time your out at Stromlo.

Oh yeah we brought Gemma from ONYA at Belco, a long way from home but the are a great shop. They do lots for the MTB community and sponsor lots of riders. You just can't look past them, it also helps that they did a great deal for me.

Injurys suck

Well since the Scott I have had a little knee injury. I always thought that it was going to come good. Last week it was improving everyday. This week has not been so good, so I finally decided to go to the doctor's today. It seems there is a ligament problem, the one right in the middle between the upper and lower bones (yep my doctor talk is not very good). So with a MRI scan booked in for Tuesday, I will be out of the Fitz's challange and maybe the fling. So I am a bit grumpy, as I have been off the bike a few days now. The funny thing is, it never hurts to ride, but rest is always good and I have my eyes on bigger races and long term goals.

Scott 24 hour

It has come around again, but I always knew this one would be different for me, and it was. This was always going to be tough and I was not expecting it to be this tough but it was.

This was my 6th time to ride a 24 hour solo, I really wanted to get everything right but sometimes it is just never going to work. We got there a few days early on the Thursday to get a prime position on the crit track at Stromlo. This was great while half the spots were taken we had a full clear area to setup right next to the track. Friday we dropped most of our gear at the gazebo so all we had to do was our food and bikes on the Saturday.

Race day was here and you could feel the tension in the camp everyone was nervous, but the weather was great. Before we knew it, it was time to get the bike and go to the start line. I was lucky the solos had an onya bike start while the teams had a running start and a frantic grab you bike and ride. We were off, heading on a blue lap this was great not too much congestion just a steady pace as I knew there was a long way to go I was in no hurry. Half way around it started, I got a flat front tyre, quickly putting a tube in was good but I had a problem, using Co2 cartridges I only had 1 go at inflating and my cartridge head failed on me. So patiently I waited to a really great bloke stopped to lend me his pump. I finished off the lap and swapped out my bikes I wanted Kendra to check my pressure as it still felt a bit soft.

From here I went out on my Rocky Mountain, on the red lap. I was pushing a bit harder up the hill, and I noticed my H/R was not going down after I hit the top but I was not suffering so I just kept going. This was when I started to get a sick feeling in my tummy. It was something that was not unusual so I kept going trying to ride it through. Heading down the red lap was great, there were some pretty hard rocky sections on the way down that could hurt but lots of fun. I kept going but my tummy was not getting any better but continued, by my second red lap it got too much and I had to head to the bushes. My H/R was not dropping either with an average of 80% of my max, it really should not have been this high. With a bad taste in my mouth a quick drink and I was off again I was determined not to let this stop me and I knew I could just roll out laps hoping that it would get better.

6pm was here 25% done, I always like to break it down, riding 24 hours is easier if you break it down. This is where I had my first off the bike experience, I miss judged an rock garden and went over the bars (at a slow pace), this one hurt with my knee hitting on a rock. I got riding again and it was OK headed into transition to put my lights on for the night.

To be honest I do remember the night but it does seem to blend into the one. I rode my trusty Rocky as it really just felt right. My new Anthem is a twitchy race bike and I felt I needed something that could just ride over everything so I kept with the Rocky. With my H/R still high, tummy still bad I had lots of trips to the bushes and it was clear it was not going to get any easier. I rode it through stopping every second lap for a bit, and really could not eat I was just rolling out the laps. Sadly there were quite a few big accidents throughout the night it was a tough course and it was a real eye opener. It does not take much for it to go wrong and in some areas if it does, it will hurt.

Sunrise came it is a fantastic feeling, but plucking away at that lap I did start to see some signs of my eyes failing. I started to see some spots and then the start of some cloudiness. This cloudiness has made me pull out of quite a few solo races. I thought I would covered this time as I did quite a bit of research on the problem. I knew if I was to wear my prescription glasses at sun down and up and during the night with my sunnies during the day it would be a good start. But I was failing my other part of the plan the food. This is also a low sugar problem and I had not been eating due to my tummy bug, so they were failing. About 20 minutes after this I got into transition. Knowing I have been pushing Kendra to her emotional limits due to not eating, high H/R, and tummy problem, I just asked for coke, and some salty chips (all I could stomach). I told her my issue and she could not believe it. I told her that I will be heading out and that it will be OK. My eyes were not fully cloudy yet and I just needed to go and hope for the best.
I don't know how but I managed to catch Clayton as he stopped for a break after that same lap so he rode out after me and chased me down. We rode for a bit and I was starting to feel better, I picked up my pace finished off the climb of the red lap and headed down to transition.

Kendra had a red bull waiting for me so I had it, and ate what I could.My remaining laps I went out and had a bit of fun. I was not super quick but it was the best I had felt most of the race. It was really good to finish a race like that. I really battled through the hard yards and managed to get my head out at the end for a respectable result. I ended with 20 laps, in 12 position, a long way off the winner or where I could have been. Jason English the winner of the solo's did 28. Clayton finished in 5th position in his old mans category with 19 laps and a really sore bum (idiot riding a hard tail) he really did well and a very smooth run for his 2nd solo effort.

Kendra and I were really happy at the end to have made it. It really goes to show if you just stick out there you never know where you will end up. It was really hard mentally for us both we never knew if I could stick it out with what was happening, but we got there. Kendra did great as she always does, she knows exactly what I want when I want it, the best pit chick in the camp.

So solo next year? You bet, I will have a crack at the nats at Easter, and then fly off to the Worlds.

Please click on any image to enlarge.

Hi everybody

Well here you go I have started blogging. So when you are reading my blogs and your head starts going blog blog blog..... blog.... blog blog blog it just means I'm rambling to much ;).