Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Powerbar kid is gone

It is a sad day when one of our best goes, and I really can't belivie it honestly. James Willo Williamson was an awesome bloke who just loved what he did and you could see it, everyone could see it. Willo just loved riding and always had a smile. It was not long ago I remember him racing around Canberra as the powerbar kid just as enduro's were on the scene and he was smashing it. He still was smashing it, but he developed as one of our best and well known riders who everyone loves to watch and read his articals.
Yesterday after riding in, I was straight onto the computer keen to read an update thinking stage 2 of the Cape epic, but it was not there. I thought ahh they must not be finished or he has not updated it yet, but I just really enjoy reading what he writes.
One of my best riding experiances was with Willo, about 4-5 years ago I went to a CORC skills day at Majura. It was awesome Dylan, Ben Hendo, Shaun, they were all there ready to teach us. It was an awesome day spending most of it with Willo showing us what he knew. The last ride of the day I was lucky enough to be riding on Willo's wheel and everything just stuck, one of those rides that everything is just so smooth and flowy. A ride I will never forget as simple as it was, just a ime where he made everything feel right. To me Willo was a top bloke who brought out the best in people.
You will be missed mate.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Spot the difference


It seems the comon thing at the moment is to get new shoes, and alot seem to be going for the Mavic fury's lately. I decided on the s-works, the specialized shoes have always fitted me well and super light. So with them I did do my bike fit nearly 2 weeks ago now, and now they are ready to roll. So with my leg difference I took the shoes to the Cobbler not just any Cobbler but Miller St in Sydney, Joe was great, one of those family's where the trade has been past down through the generations. So now an extra 10mm sole added I must admit it does feel a little strange to stand in, but with my riding this week I think it might just all come together.....hopefully ;)

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Dead legs

Things are about 2 steps forward 1 step back for me at the moment. Physically I have been going well but I had a bike fit last monday and it is taking some getting use to. At first after the fit I thought this is awesome it all feels so right, I can hold higher power for longer and it was all good. I did take things a little easy this week and brought my recovery week forward. Even so I went for my ride today and I have been smashing muscules that were not there before and it is taking time to build them up. So I returned home cutting a ride very short today, but hopefully it won't take long to get use to this position. I hope I'm ready for Easter....I know it sounds weird how a bike setup can make such a difference like this but when things were adjusted from one extreme to the other I think it does take a bit, I'm also talking 40mm in seat height cleat position, foot wedges, sending brand new shoes off for an extra 11mm in height etc etc. It is strange how 2 years ago I got a bike fit done and I was set up to that position and now a trip to Sydney and 4.5 hours in a room and I come out with something so much different. But I know in 4-6 weeks I will see the results.
I decided to get this done as I knew things were not right for me. I knew I had a big difference in leg lengths and now I also know I has 8mm difference in feet sizing. All things that can be sorted with a bike fit from the right person. So now I've done it and I will keep you posted on the improvements which there will be.
Lately things have been a little busy, I've been wanting to do some local racing but with a few little mechanical problems needing attention and lots to do I have been putting some racing on hold. Funny how things happen I had my entry all ready to go yesturday for the MTB cruise at stromlo. Then decided with the rain, that I'd had enough of riding in it and my bikes had too. Then with my form this morning I'm glad I did not do it. But I hope all the mountains to beach riders plus all the MTB cruise riders have a good one and enjoy it.