Big Mak

put it on the calander

2011-12-20T21:32:00.002+11:00

details here

my excuse for festive holiday riding

2011-12-17T13:50:00.003+11:00

Check it here http://www.rapha.cc/festive-500

where I am at

2011-12-13T21:22:00.002+11:00

Mid December already, Christmas just around the corner and its all flat knacker.
Made the trip out to Smiths last week to hook up with the crew for the Annual Smiths Christmas Ride. Big turn out with 35 riders, many Australian champs and a couple of World Champion title holders turn up to shovel us mere mortals into the ground.
I struggled a bit as usual as chasing whippets takes it tolls despite knowing the trails really well. I was out of breath descending Rob Roy with Rob Eva in front and one Trent Lowe behind me chatting away.
Never the less good night out despite my flat that saw me loose contact from the crew, and I survived the heckling of my choice of knicks (bright white.... got to wear em out!).
Otherwise I have been clocking up some kms on the road bike as the Alpine is creeping up very bloody fast. Had quite a few early morning rides of late trying to squeeze in what I can. Even given up some of the luxuries I have been dining a little to much on, got to thin out a little.
I am also choosing some rather lumpy rides o get these limited climbing legs back. So I am feeling a little more confident, and with a few longer rides in over the next couple of weeks things can only look up.
House is booming along but still a little way off before we get back to some normality in that department.
Happy trails!

Mixing it up

2011-11-30T22:16:00.001+11:00

So I am flipping between road and dirt and slowly it seems getting the legs back. I need to fit in some really solid road kilometers to nail down what I am up to. Most days off seem to get interrupted from shit spring weather. I figure a weekly decent long road ride with a couple of reasonable climbs will set me in the direction I need for the Alpine in January. Hello Yarra Valley you are going to be my new friend until the Alpine!
With this being said Gav and I have been hitting up some nice trail at Smiths Gully. For the most part it is a place that handles rain super well apart from the really low areas. We have a great little loop that sees in all the decent climbs in the area. Bit of a heart in the throat session but a good way to get in some intensity.
I have commenced some on the bike strength sessions and I found my limit quickly the other morning on the 5th repeat. It was a nice burning followed by the collapse of my quads, hami's and then gluts. A weekly session of this is going to be part of my newly established routine.
Off to bed cause it looks like I will try a early roll before work tomorrow!
Happy trails!

dirt, dirt, dirt

2011-11-13T19:15:00.001+11:00

Well that should be only dirt, dirt as I have squeezed in 2 rides this week, both at Smiths and both reasonable hit outs. I was joined by Gav, Matt, Mooter and Gerro for a hit out at Smiths on Monday which turned out to be the pick of the week for weather. The rest of the week was some what crap with lots of thunderstorms and lots and lots of rain. I snuck back out there today at dawn and has a blissful early morning ride. I rode Marsman and found the new connector trail at the top which had some choice benched in trail. The rest of the trails are in top condition, most have figured it out as the car park was bursting at the seams with cars every which way. I took out the old bontrager tubeless wheels today after getting a new tyre for the front after the bead on the Geax had shat itself. The Niner was ripping it and I rode a few trails in directions I normally wouldn't and had a blast. Really looking forward to the Christmas Ride in a couple of weeks out there.Plans from here are being made on the fly, I have to squeeze in quality ride time as the schedule is jammed packed with work, family, house stuff and the commencement of the social silly season. I have to really get into the swing of riding to work again to fit in km's and add what ever I can on top..... the Alpine is coming and coming fast!
Happy trails!

back on it

2011-11-01T10:55:00.002+11:00

Well its taken some time, lots of frustration but I am back on the 2 wheels. It has been a busy 2 months off the bike and November aint going to be any different. I have made the consious decision to get it sorted and get back on it and take some control cause I need the frustration relief that exercise, specifically cycling gives me.
I might have a call up for the Garmin 24hr for a team of male 6ers but I will have to see what comes of it.... more info when I know.... better fit in some single track time.
Mario has organised the Smiths Gully Christmas ride again for a Tuesday night in early december that I am foaming at the mouth to get to as I am suffering from 2 issues

1. a severe lack of dirt time
2. Ross who owns the general store makes the most kick arse burgers going

Plans from here are light on. Racing really has drawn to a close for this year as I have little time to actually get it done. Once the house is completed in the next 2 months I can then re focus for some events in 2012. My main goal is to get5 my shit organised for the Alpine Classic at the end of January and I figure from now there are some serious diet changes to facilitate some loss of bulk to aid me getting over them small hills.
Happy trails

Im still here

2011-10-13T21:09:00.002+11:00

Illness and one hectic life schedule of weddings, house renovations, work schedule from hell has seen me only once in the last 4 weeks throw a leg over a bike.
Good news is Epix is back and they are on the side bar so you can follow there new adventures.
Planning on rectifying the lack of riding next week now daylight savings is back.
I have some new wheels ready to roll thanks to the assistance for Mooter for building them up. I am keen to get out there just have to make the time.
Keep following please I will be back to regular transmission shortly!
Happy trails!

September is slipping away!

2011-09-19T11:38:00.002+10:00

Been a busy month here. Time has flown by but here I have kept the 2 wheels turning.
My bike coped a bit of a thumping on its way home from Noosa with a rear and front wheel being preztled. After a quick trip to Mooter for some TLC and a new spoke or two it was discovered that I needed to rebuild some wheels. It seems that I may have infact done enough kms to wear down some rims.
A while back I demolished a mavic classic pro front wheel and have been trying to source a couple of spokes for it. Alas I cant find what I need so I was working out the $$$ and the thoughts of some Chris King custom wheels. After much mental debate I decided that the dura ace hubs I am rocking are still in awesome condition and I need to only get another 36 hole front and then I I have 2 sets of dura ace wheels in both 32 and 36 holes.
So after some wheeling and dealing I have sourced some spokes and a hub from a online retailer (I can hear the tut tut tutting, but hey I have to save money where I can)and some rims which I have bought locally.
Next step will be dropping it all off to Mooter so he can lace and build those bad boys.
As for my frame and its journey home on a Jetstar flight with knob head baggage handlers, it only sustained some light cosmetic marks. Being a fickler I will get it resprayed at some stage but I am now seriously thinking about taking it back to Ewen for some S&S couplers. The couplers enable you to break the frame down into a suitcase size bike box and get the bike to where you are going with minimal amount of fuss and it also rules out the oversize baggage issue.
In other news our house renos are cruising along with the second floor under way, it is getting bigger than Ben Hur really.
I have been back on the SS this week and NZ Gav and I went out to insepct the Yarra Trails which were in a sad state after a wet winter. Hans Loop was in pretty good condition with some extra trail.
I have also headed out to Silvan to ride some new trail for me and had a ball on the SS and can see myself yheading back out there often as it is new to me and quiet. Bakers Dozen was awesome fun, if you know it then rip it and enjoy it!
Time for lunch then work!
Happy trails!

Noosa

2011-09-03T12:43:00.001+10:00

So my time here is drawing to a close. It has been a super relaxing week with plenty of family time, bike riding and just putting up the feet.
I have managed to get out twice with the Noosa Crew and promptly been smashed each time. In reflection since hanging up the road racing a few years back I have had no inclination to train so I can smash myself at 50 km an hour. I realized today I need to get some speed back into those legs so I can do it when I want to. Nothing worse than getting put through the ringer and then out the hoop!
Guess I really need to decide to lighten up and get my fitness back. Biggest incentive is for the alpine classic in January where every kg will matter when climbing those rather large hills.
The last 3 weeks have been great for getting some kms under my belt and really getting my brain back to being a bike rider. Now I just need to make it all count on my return to work next week. Consistent riding will be the key and with spring here I am hoping this will be the case.
I am definitely throwing a leg over the 29er single speed on the return to Melbourne for some exploring of the silvan singletrack. I have missed riding it since putting it back together months ago.
Now I am going to enjoy a kip and then some beach time. Still got tomorrow for a pedal and if I am really lucky I might squeeze one in on Monday before we have to get on the plane.
Happy trails!

Fun in the sun

2011-08-30T17:17:00.001+10:00

After a hectic couple of days last week on the bike with various crews I have come away to Noosa for some R&R.
Last week saw me hook up with Mooter and Moody for some trail time which ended with both Moody and me taking some off time trailside which was bloody funny. I had a light ride across to the outlaws on Saturday followed by a hit out with Diesel and his crew early Sunday on some awesome trails.
Travel day yesterday and boy am I glad we got here in one piece with all our gear and fuss free. Put the bike back together last night and had a lazy roll down the beach today for a couple of hrs. Not to shabby. Now I am watching a tropical storm roll in and listening to the putter patter of the rain on the balcony. If I win tattslotto you know where to find me.
Hoping to get out with a local bunch a couple of times bit we will see with family commitments.
Happy trails!

Solid times

2011-08-24T16:01:00.002+10:00

Man with this awesome weather I have been lucky with getting out. I have had a few runs up to Smiths Gully for some single track time and some time up the hills in the Dandenongs. It has been a busy time with managing our renovation whilst on holidays but still I have made 2 wheels a priority.
I have taken today off as I am feeling a little worn out today but will be back out tomorrow with a ride out to the Yarra Valley as we want to go to the Healsville Sanctuary for a look with Jnr.
I have lined up some friends for a dirt adventure on Friday with the destination still to be sorted. I am thinking of getting a leg over the SS soon as the my fitness has improved.
I must say that I am starting to feel more solid on the bike and hope that if I keep this up that cracking my goal of the 200km Alpine in January next year should be on the cards.
Keeping it short and sweet.
Happy trails!

Castlemaine XC race

2011-08-17T09:06:00.002+10:00

Sunday saw me try and get back into racing the XC format with a trip up to Castlemaine. I have always wanted to ride up there so couldn't really refuse the potential to find some trails to ride. Only issue was this was a race on private property so I will have to find some other trails in the area if I go back.
Weather was perfect if a little chilly, sun was out and all was good. Caught up with a few people who I haven't seen all year and got organised to check out the course. I took the geared bike but left the mud tyres on. Silly mistake as the area was dry and rocky meaning the Gatos were not in their element which I soon discovered. The course was fun, little climbing really (would have suited the SS) and had a nice sweeping descent. On the recon lap I was having a blast on the down hill and swung into a little technical rock garden decent. Making my way through the garden I some how lost it off into the rocks and hard up against a tree. Must have had some front brake on and the tyres slipped on a rock flipping me over the bars. Needless to say I was relieved that I had not broken anything. Thanks to Bellie and Randal for picking uop my bike and sorry arse from the ground.
Back to the start finish area and into the race. Short news here people with me doing 3 of the 5 laps on offer, the race reinforcing lack of fitness and my dislike of the XC format racing as it is balls out from word go.
This week will see me go back to the Youies for the Geelong Interwinter Series round 3 race. 3 stages, TT, XCO and short XC race. Will be a bit of punishment but hey it can only make you stronger. Should be fun and a change from the norm. The trails have only reopened here after the summer storms 8 months ago.
On holidays so got a few plans for some rides and checking out some trails as well as doing some solid rides on the road.
Happy trails!

check it, worth a watch

2011-08-16T17:05:00.001+10:00

Gerro is on form in Denmark

2011-08-07T11:23:00.002+10:00

Gerro is on form and ripping it up in Denmark. Lets hope he can keep the lead and win overall. Ritchie Porte also powered to stage win as well. See here

good week

2011-08-07T11:05:00.002+10:00

Managed to have a solid week despite heaps going on. Happy with how I feel. I managed to get a 100km in the bank yesterday down the beach for some long slow kms. Managed to miss the rain which was nice.
Did loose the last mudguard out of my set of Crud Roadracers from a bit of tree on the way home from St Kilda. They are a great idea but a little flimsy and as I found if a stick does get caught up the main plastic guard will snap on you. I have gone back to a wider set of SKS guards as I have found these best on a road bike with limited clearance. Hindsight has taught me that next time a custom frame is built to ensure that I can fit in a set of guards on proper mounting points.
So time to get off here and organise my stuff for another week of commuting and work out what days I am riding to work.
Happy trails!

getting it back and setting goals

2011-08-04T19:38:00.002+10:00

Been a good week, weather has been more than kind and despite some low volume sleep I have managed to get out everyday so far.
I hit up the trails for a 2 hr roll home along the local trails from work on Monday. Even scored some nice time in the sun and made it home on dark. Some trails were just chewed out from winter riding. I don't get people who ride after and during rain events. I skipped some sections I knew would be screwed but found some solid trails and had some fun.
Tuesday was a short ride, as I popped a spoke 5 kms from home and had a front wheel trying to pretzel itself. I turned from home I packed it in.
Wednesday was a 1 way ride to work as I had a car there for the trip home. It was a super warm morning for winter and was glad to be free of booties, gloves and caps under the helmet.
Today travel to and from work was again graced by minimal kit.... I was rocking shorts and jersey on the way home.... unheard off during a Melburn winter.
As for goals I am putting it out there that I am signing up for the Alpine Classic again next year. I just booked a house today and am formulating some plans in my head on how to fit in the volume of training I will need to meet this challenge. It beat me last year and I plan to smack that ride in the face next year. Plans.... its coming together.
Next couple of weeks I am free of work and I think some racing on the dirt will be a good option. Warm weather has put the ski season on hold close to home and I cant justify the travel and expense of heading to Falls as I am not racing this year. Plus we have our house in pieces at the moment and that ain't cheap, but we are looking forward to the finished product in 6 months.

This doesn't help my mental state about missing the season this year. I see this from Snowfarm in NZ and want to go back tomorrow.... always next year.

Happy tracks

Mia Freedman

2011-07-26T14:17:00.002+10:00

Apart from showing her true colors yesterday on the Today show and slagging Cadel off in true bogan headline grabbing fashion, Mia freedman has not enjoyed the Twitter army getting some back. I believe she shed some tears post the abusive twitter remarks
A truely smart piece of writing was done by Bridie O'Donnell to rebuke and education the uneducated Mia. Read it

wish I was here

2011-07-24T10:39:00.001+10:00

relaxing

2011-07-24T10:14:00.002+10:00

Been a hectic week here. Our house is underway and I have been up there a lot talking to the builder and following the work. The parents sewer packed it in so had a long couple of nights sorting out that smelly issue.
Balance that out with a full work schedule and staying up late to watch Le Tour, bike riding has taken a back seat. I did get out yesterday for a long roll with Mooter down the beach. Everyone must have been out having a sleep in after watching the last mountain stage of Le Tour cause we didn't really see anyone till almost at Frankston. I started to hit the wall after the coffee stop. The weather was less than inspiring with heavy fog and drizzle and it was bloody cold.
I had planned to get out today on the fat tyres but the weather has turned up wet, might see if drys out a little and take the single speed out to roll over my tired legs from yesterday.
I do see it is snowing so maybe if it continues I might get in a cheeky ski with the family this week.
Happy trails!

sno snow snow

2011-07-17T11:32:00.003+10:00

Finally I got the chance to grab the skis and head out for a few hours to find the ski legs. Lets say I found them pretty quick and stuck to some easy trails just to open up the lungs and have some fun.
I was lucky that the weather was a perfect blue bird day with no wind. It would have been a good one to tow Jnr round on but I had agreed that it would be a day best suited to getting myself sorted.
So a 2.5 hr ski which had me rooted by the time I made it back to the car. Trals were fast and firm with near perfect grooming. The added peice of new trail on Echo flat made it a enjoyable loop.

I even managed to skate off piste next to the creek line which was awesome.
The new building at the trailhead at Lake Mtn is fantastic and is a big improvement in comparrision to the amenities of years before the fires.
I would like to say that I will get up more this season but with life so busy ATM I will have to take it as it comes. I am hanging to get back but will have to see if I can fit it in.
Happy trails

back on and rolling

2011-07-10T20:58:00.002+10:00

Well I have spent the last 2 weeks commuting and have also fitted in a few rides on the dirt. The body is still getting use to the early morning rides in the dark. Slowly but surely I am getting my shit together. Lost a mudguard from a bit of dead fall on the bike path the other morning in the dark. It made for interesting fun and games in the dark trying to pull it off the bike. I went to get some Sykes wood fenders yesterday, but I am told they wont fit. I am up for the challenge and am thinking I might get some and modify em. I don't like being told "I cant do that". Next time I get a bike frame custom made I will ensure it can fit full guards for winter riding.
The dirt riding has improved after tweaking my seat position ever so slightly forward. Now I am happily climbing where I was struggling.
I caught up with a old friend yesterday for a pedal around Warrandtye/ Wonga park. Let me say he has been a busy boy with a chainsaw and some weed spray and cleared out some old equestrian trail. The ride kept me honest and I did show him some of Warrandyte's best trail (I cant name it here, but if you know the area, you will have given it a nudge at least once) which I think he enjoyed a lot. Creek crossing caught me out and I got a little wet, but I was having fun.
My back is up the shit again and I am slowly getting that back on line with a rub and treatment from the osteo, so hopefully it comes good soon.
Snow is falling and I am thinking that maybe if the stars fall into line with work and other commitments I might get out this week, fingers crossed.
Happy trails!

Layin low

2011-06-30T21:58:00.001+10:00

It's been a busy time for us as we have our renovation at our house starting. I have also started a new job recently so I have been super busy with no time for two wheels.
I have thrown a leg over a bike twice this week so it's not all bad. I must admit that the fitness has really taken a hit. I have been chewing the bars in a big way on the rides this week. Sickness for a month has been a bitch but it has almost completely gone now bar a nasty cough. Guess chewing the bar is part of getting bike fit again..... Back to square one!
I did hit up some sweet trail on Monday that had Gav and me smiling ear to ear. I need to keep riding the trail system we rode more often cause it is the perfect place to work on skills and fitness.
I need really to get back into the workshop and get the SS sorted for some nice simple laid back riding that I have missed in a big way. Gears are fine but the simple roll of a SS is good for the soul!
Happy trails!

On hold

2011-06-18T22:31:00.002+10:00

Life has thrown a few curve balls lately. I ended up sick again last weekend which wiped me clean off my feet.... lets say I saw the inside of a bucket way too much!
I have been lucky on my work front and scored 2 new jobs in the last month that will keep me occupied and very busy but allow me to commute on those days so bike time is looking up.
Our house renos are about to start so I have some serious shit to sort out this week so I guess that means no bike time this week till I get everything squared away.
New brakes are on the gorilla and all they need is some hose shortening, bleed and bed in.... will be good to have her ready to roll.
New rubber for the geared niner are on and ready to roll. Nice big 2.3 Gato's.... should make sticky mud less of a issue for this winter.
Only thing I am really spewing about is missing the first round of Dirt Deeds CX tomorrow at Darebin Parklands due to work commitments..... always round 2!
Get out there and enjoy it!
Happy trails......

I dig it... watch and enjoy!

2011-06-17T22:43:00.002+10:00

Rapha Rides the Victorian Alps from RAPHA on Vimeo.

I need to ride this loop one day. I love the NE of Victoria as I have often stated on this blog as it has so much to offer both on the bike and off. I ski some of the high parts of the loop around Falls Creek in winter during the ski season on the XC trails. I love it in winter and by the looks of this I would love it in summer. I will have to add this one to the list of rides to do.

worth a look

2011-06-10T20:16:00.002+10:00

Melburn local made this regarding the 24hr Mtb Aussie Solo Nationals. Her name is Kathryn Feldmaier, and her website is work a look for some quality photo's.

Australian 24 Hour Solo Champs 2011 from Kathryn Feldmaier on Vimeo.

light at the end of the tunnel

2011-06-09T15:24:00.002+10:00

Sickness starting to lift and I feel pretty reasonable today in comparison to earlier in the week. The drugs are doing their thing for me and clearing up this version of man flu.
Weather has been pretty shit and I am glad I forced myself out on the bike on the weekend. Wet weather tires ordered and instead of Rampages it will be Gato's, as rampages are a hard thing to come by even on the web. Thinking that I will run a old set of wheels for the geared rig for winter as don't want to totally root my current wheel set rolling the rest of winter.
This weather as led to a awesome dump of snow which means that it time to strip the summer coat of the skis and get em ready for the season. If I continue to improve there is the slight chance of strapping my ski's on this weekend to maybe blow out the cobwebs!
Happy trails

Sick.....

2011-06-06T11:25:00.003+10:00

So the fourth infection in as many weeks has resulted in me supine on the couch until further notice. The cough is bone jarring and the results glow in the dark..... enough said. The final nail in the coffin was a trip out to some new trail on Saturday, I was in two minds but the weather said yes but the body only maybe.
Whilst maybe not new for some it was a experience to me with it being the best trail I have ridden in ages. It was a sweet location and it was nice to get out amongst nature again. One encounter with a 3 point Samba deer made me realise how much riding we have close to town that can be spectacular.
Now I have made a promise to not divulge the location on the web as it really is special and after watching Smiths become more and more popular I want to keep it low key. If by chance you find the location then enjoy it for all it is worth, I did and I cant wait to get back. Being a man true to his word I will keep it secret and maybe take some people out there.
The only issue I had out there was a loss of one front brake pad. I found this slightly odd (makes you realise how important a front brake is for stopping) but still enjoyed the ride with out a front brake. When I took the time to investigate what had occurred I found that the piston no longer had the ability to hold the pad in the correct position. It appears that the nipple on the piston has sheered off. So off to the drawing board on this.... new elixers maybe?
The other finding from this ride is that it is time for some mud shedding tyres. After several winters that qualify for a damp summer it has become apparent that mud tyres are a must for this winter. Looks like I will be running the Panaracer Rampage 2.35 (hope she fits in the frame, Niner say a 2.4 fits!) front and rear. Looking forward to a tyre that bites in and allows one to rip it in slim slick trails. Jase from Epix always recommended these tyres so I will give em a go.
So back to the feet up position drugged to the eye balls.
Happy trails

Oh and I am looking forward to seeing the full video of this with local boys starring from Melburn.... makes you want to get out there in the distat high country again next summer!

Rapha Australia rides the Victorian Alps teaser from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Happy trails!

Continental The Movie

2011-05-30T13:06:00.000+10:00

Rapha Continental – The Movie from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Urban Epic

2011-05-30T07:42:00.001+10:00

Wet, mud, cold.... The 3 things that define winter riding.
9 started with a mix of SS & gears. SS was the choice for the conditions. My geared pig was enjoying the conditions til 10 kms from home when serious chain suck commenced.
The 9 where whittled down to 3 bit the we ran into some friends which built the numbers for the return trip.
Bruce suffered a double flat, not even his sealant could stop the gush of air. Luckily he was not far from home and he could swap his bike over.
I rode in to the start so I was fried by the time I limped home. Lazy 80 kms for the first time in a very long time...... I was cooked when I rode in the driveway after 6 hrs of ride time.
The washing of the bike was less than inspiring but had to be done. Two washes later and bingo it was sparkling!
Thank you to the flat hill crew for leading the way!
Happy trails!

2011-05-26T20:00:00.001+10:00

2011 Tour of California — Intro from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Urban Epic time

2011-05-26T11:09:00.002+10:00

This Sunday see's the Flat Hill Crew leading one of the Urban Epic rides. Gears or SS your choice, mine option this time will be gears due to recent burst of illness and being unfit. Its a sweet loop and usually has a good showing of a friendly crew. So get on down if you have the time and the interest.
Check details here

Niner Air 9 Scandium

2011-05-26T10:39:00.003+10:00

At the same time that I had my 29er SS off the trails being given some love by it's creator I had my new geared ride show up. For a number of months I had been running a Karate Monkey 29er with many set up issues. I dont have any real complaint about the Karate Monkey other than for me I could not get it right, I feel that the XL size was to small for me and I struggled to ride it as ultimately it was not comfortable. The Karate Monkey also does many things ie geared and ss, disc and canti brakes but I had many issues with the set up that in the end turned me off the frame. I think for a commute frame around town it would tick many boxes.
Anyway after trying to buy a Niner off the interweb (very hard to do) I bit the bullet and approached DC @ Fitzroy Revolution to intially pick up a EMD. After a short discussion it was suggested that I look at the Scandium Air 9. Now as I am a bit of a big unit I am sceptical how long the Scandium will hold up to my torture tests, thank god for warranties! Why not buy steel I hear you say? Well due to constraints of my build with a fork that could only fit a certain headtube length which the Air 9 could handle. I did not want to buy a new fork when I had a Reba that was in perfect working order.
So impressions of the Air 9 have been fantastic. Handles tight trail well for a big wheeled bike with a big rider on it and climbs like a cat up a tree (as good as the motor allows). It is a stable and predictable platform when descending and goes where it is pointed. So after a few trails rides of local trails and a jaunt out at Smiths I am happy with it.

The final build of this bike is
10 speed XT groupset
DT 370 hubs with DT swiss 470 rims
Thompson collar and post
Specialized stem
Fizik arione seat
King Headset
Reba fork
Avid Juicy 5 brakes
Big cheese grips
Giant riser bar (its all I had, not my prefrance)
King Cages - stainless
weight 11.6kg

Big thanks to DC at Fitzroy for helping me out with the frame.
Happy trails!

Gellie Custom 29er

2011-05-26T09:58:00.005+10:00

Now I have my sweet ride back together as you know from previous posts. Just to fill you in on my love for this frame I have a few details about the repairs undertaken by Ewen.
I discovered a crack on over the Easter period by accident as I was sitting in the shed looking at something else. For some reason my eye caught a familiar line on the frame. I tried to wipe it away without luck. Crack time.....
After a quick email Ewen picked the striped frame up and I indicated that maybe the dents from my head on could be fixed. Part of the reason for using Ewen to build a frame was for the very reason that if I had a issue it could be repaired easily, sure I could have bought another OS built frame but repairs would be timely and costly.
Now I am always after answers why things fail, sometimes these questions cant be answered other than I am a big unit and I break things.
Ewen worked out that with limited information from the frame tube supplier that the heavy duty seat tube had cracked due to the use of a undersized (0.2mm) seatpost. Ewen had been trialing a new super sized seat tube to build a strong bike for me. The decision was made to reinforce the area for the repair and increase the diameter of the tube by reaming it out to take a 30.0 Thomson seat post that Ewen supplied to me free of charge as part of the repair process.
Ewen decided to use a Fat Chance inspired seat tube reinforcer, which in my opinion adds another element to the frame that works with the diamond shaped bottle bosses, chain peg and the stainless touches around the track ends at the rear. This reinforcement will hopefully hold up to the torture of supporting me around the trails.

He also sorted out the dents with a bit of loving metal work, which I am happy to say have it back to normal.

As I also sweat battery acid a few of the cable guides were slightly worse for wear as the powder coat had failed to get into all the nooks and crannies. Ewen swapped these out for me for a newer style he was using, it enables the powder coat to get in and cover the frame.

So after a gloss coat of silver powder coat, new decals and a few hours of love in my shed the beast is back together ready to rock and roll.
So frankly readers if you have a need for a custom frame dont look any further than Ewen. He builds a sweet frame (I have 2, road and 29erSS) and I always check what is coming out of his work shop as there is many a sweet bike being nurtured from bare steel tubes.

Busy signal..... beep beep

2011-05-17T21:15:00.003+10:00

Been so busy between picking up bike parts and frames to rebuild the 29er line up, work, packing up a house, playing dad.... life just keeps on getting busy. The weather and recent illness have all taken their toll. I have only been on the bike once in the last week and that was a quick hour long roll on the new Niner Air 9.
It rolls sweet and I will post pics and a bit more about it soon. The Karate Monkey was retired promptly as I had some issues with it big time.
The Gorilla (Gellie 29er SS) came back from repairs with Ewen after a crack was found in the seat tube just under the seat clamp. Ewen's prompt service blew me away big time as he picked up the bike on Good Friday post a email and had it back in my hands 2 weeks later reinforced and re powder coated. I took the liberty to get Ewen to refill and sort out the down tube dent post my head on on the Yarra Trails 12 months ago.
So last Monday night and a fair chunk of Tuesday was spent in a rather cold workshop pulling apart, cleaning and reinstalling bike parts to get the two 29ers into riding shape. It was worth the time and effort!
With the weather forecast looking crap for Sunday I am going to pull the pin on any attempt for the Bendigo race. Cant be bothered driving up and racing in crap weather when I ain't been putting in the time. Plus I have a lot to organise here at home and time is limited for packing and storing of the house prior to the renovations commencing.
Back on the morning commute tomorrow to keep myself sane and get at least a little bit of bike time. The new Rapha kit should keep me toasted on the chilly dark roll to work. On Thursday if time allows I am going to hunt down some new trails that I have heard a fair bit about and get out amongst it.
Enough for now..... happy trails!

Melburn CX flyer time

2011-05-03T20:57:00.002+10:00

It's taking time

2011-05-02T11:58:00.001+10:00

The 29er single speed is down for the count. I found a small crack on the seat tube just under the clamp. It was time to get the dents on the down tube from last years head on repaired anyhow. I sent a email to Ewen who promptly replied and later that night picked up the stripped frame. I am nothing but impressed with the speed at which Ewen has sorted it out. Currently the frame is getting a new paint job and should be back on the trails next week.
The replacement Niner for the Karate Monkey is stuck on a dock somewhere in Sydney and it too should be in my possession next week.
Bike time has been minimal this week a I have been super busy starting the demolishing and clearing of the garden for the extension. So Saturday was spent in the garden digging, pulling, chopping everything that needed to go. Plus I moved two water tanks to new locations which has totally wrecked me.
I did get out yesterday morning for a quick spin on the mtb with Gav at Smiths.
The place was rocking with stacks of people in the carpark which is usually unseen. It appears the place now has a small reputation to live up to. I was wrecked after one loop so was quite happy to have a java and put the feet up. My sinus infection has returned and happily giving my head a work out that I don't need at the moment.
So plan from here is to slowly get my shit together in the bike department and enjoy the time out on the bike. As for up coming races I am not to sure what I want. I know I have the enduro at Forrest in a couple of months so I have to find something between now and then. Maybe the 3 hr at Bendigo might be a goer.
The ski season is fast approaching and I am going to be in struggle town if my weight doesn't come down the the fitness stakes go up.
Anyway enough from me, get out and enjoy it!
Happy trails!

CX from Radelaide!

2011-04-26T22:14:00.001+10:00

adelaide cyclocross. from Sam Roberts on Vimeo.

Looking forward to the dirty deeds cx series here in Melburn town.... dates below

2011 Race Calendar
Three rounds, starting June.

Dates:
Friday, 3rd June (Prologue) - Harrison St Velodrome, Brunswick
Sunday, 19th June - Darebin Parklands, Alphington
Sunday, 17th July - Jackson Reserve, Coburg North
Sunday, 21st August - Harrison St Velodrome, Brunswick

Check out dirty deeds cx in the side bar!

back on the commute

2011-04-21T21:04:00.003+10:00

So recommenced the commute to try and get some kilometers under the belt. Things are going up and down like a yo yo around here. Between a busy work schedule, sorting out the whole renovation stuff and playing dad it leaves little time to get out on 2 wheels. Add the shit weather of late that keeps flooding the trails, getting out on the dirt has not been a great idea. Whilst I could do it I cant be fucked cleaning the bike back up afterwards. Even the commute home last night will keep me cleaning up the road bike for a few hours despite having mudguards on.
I did manage to get back out and up the mountain on the weekend for a couple of laps up the 1:20. So its not all bad.
I don't mind the commute, I have the wet weather gear to keep me as dry as possible, a good light and a simple route to work. Should help me in keeping the fitness up and the kgs down.
Not long now until I get my hot little hands onto a new frame for the geared bike. Lets see what turns up post Easter. Will post pics when it all comes together.
Shame the Geelong mtb club has had to bail on the 6hr at the You Yangs due to complications from the weather system that passed through in January. Good for me cause it gives me a little more time to get my shit together for the next round which I think will be Bendigo.
I have to work through the Easter holidays but hopefully if the weather holds I will get out on the bike. As I listen to the piter patter on on the roof I am not too sure.
Happy trails!

random videos

2011-04-11T21:08:00.001+10:00

Moody told me about this one

Brenden a guy I work with sent me this

Monsoon Madness - Featuring The Red Eyes from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Bright 6 hr

2011-04-11T08:26:00.001+10:00

So Bright is done and dusted. I would have to say it was a taxing but fun course that in the end got the better of me.
Ryan Moody and I headed up Friday for the 2nd round of the enduro series. I was geed up for a good one as I love the area and the few trails I have ridden before.
We pitched the tent and geared up for a pre ride of the course in summer conditions. We followed the single track of Morse's Creek out of town and onto the course. I was rockn a decent gear equivalent to Ryans 2:1 and feeling comfortable on it. Only 1 major climb on the course and I decided that I would sacrifice a climbing gear for one more suited to the flat and rollers. This was my undoing.
I found after 3 laps I was in struggle town and then decided a mid race gear change was on order. I was cooked and tried a few more laps on a lighter gear but the back and arms were cramping. So I packed it in at the 4.5 hr mark.
I am happy with the race but should have listened to my internal voice about my initial gear choice. My limited bike time shone through at the 3.5 hr mark, still I am happy. The constant out of the saddle acceleration required in the rolling tight trail took it's toll.
Highlights of the race would be the trails in the pines on awesome loamy soil that you could rip. I did have a small encounter with a tiger snake. He got right of way without argument.
A big thank you to the Alpine Cycling Club for running the event... It was a very friendly event.
Where to from here?.... Get some quality kms in so I can hopefully conquer the next six at the you yangs.
Happy trails!

expectations

2011-04-07T20:32:00.004+10:00

Expectations, big word with a lot meaning for me as I often expect way too much of myself. I am starting to realise that working full time, planning a massive 6 month renovation of my home, being a father, and trying to ride a bike are not fitting well into the waking time I have.
Between work and my other commitments, this week has flown by with no bike time again. So what do I expect of myself this weekend?.... to finish the whole six hours! Yep that is the goal. Unless I have a major mechanical the plan is get it done. There is going to be pain, that is cool, as they say what ever pain you feel only makes you stronger and it dont last forever.
It should be a sweet weekend, rolling out with Ryan Moody, simple camping and those trails are good fun from previous experience. I have been looking forward to this race for ages as it has been pegged by myself as a must do. Its a must do because I love the North East and when you combine that area with bikes, a race and some locally brewed beer it is all good!
So here's to 6 hrs on the single speed come Saturday!
Happy trails!

quiet times

2011-04-04T10:59:00.002+10:00

Due to a 11 day straight stint at work & family commitments, I have had the riding of bikes on the mind but on the back burner. Hence on action on the blog either! I did manage to get out on the fatties on Wednesday night on a massive gear on the SS. Small group for the last daylight savings ride of the year. Han's loop is holding together well, and whilst I did my own modified loop I had a ball whilst the others smashed themselves.
Yesterday I hooked up with Mooter and rolled up the 1:20 with him twice followed by a brew and fruit toast at Ripe in Sassafras. It was a cool wet descent back down but I was glad I had fitted a ride in before doing 60th birthday celebrations of my Father in law.
This week I am off to Bright for the 2nd round of the Vic Enduro Series. I have wanted to do this race as the trails are sweet around the forests surrounding Bright. Ryan Moody is accompanying me for the weekend. I am going to run it single speed and have swapped the gear out for a less knee cap popping one than I have been running lately. Should be a good weekend, camping, bikes, a beer or two.... doesn't get much better!
Not much else is news, the search for a geared 29er continues.... something is on the horizon but more on that later!

Some solid days

2011-03-22T21:05:00.001+11:00

I have now had some solid days on the bike over the last few weeks. Slowly but surely I feel that I am slowly making up lost ground.
They last few rides on the dirt have kept me in the hurt-box but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
Tomorrow I aim to get back out with the fatties ride. Whilst I don't like the trails heading in, they are good for building skill. The other benefit is rolling with people way fitter only helps me in my bid to get some fitness back.
Had a visit from Mooter yesterday, sounds like he is keen to get out on the dirt soon. He is looking fit even though he claims he is doing little. Always be wary of those who claim few miles but look fit. I will have to try some of his Mt D training on the quiet early morning roads.
Accommodation is booked for the Bright 6 hr and should be good fun with Ryan Moody tagging along.. (another who is to fit for his own good). Really looking forward to getting up there for this race as I have wanted to do it for years.
On the horizon soon might be a new hard tail as the geared 29er. Having a few issues with the Surly. Will have to see what fits the budget.
Happy trails

A hill in spain

2011-03-18T20:15:00.001+11:00

Rocking clip.... go on...give it a watch

A Hill in Spain from chris akrigg on Vimeo.

another week down

2011-03-17T08:25:00.002+11:00

It has flown by since the last post. I ended up only getting one more ride in on the Bright single track. It was between storms last thursday so it was a limited ride in the wet and mud but fun none the less. It has primed my interest in the Bright 6hr so more than likely I will get up there for that next month.
I did get out to Smith's Gully on the week end with Mr T for what was supposed to be a short 1.5hr ride. None the less after 2 mechanicals from me it turned into a 3 hr jaunt and hills are still not my friend. The trails out there are in a awesome shape at the moment and a big thanks to the trails fairies who still keep whipping them into better and better condition.
Last night saw my return to the Fatties and roll a 2:1 gear on the 29er SS. It was great until Hans's loop where by the knees told me otherwise. I was lucky to get there after a front tyre roll off and another puncture. Trails are somewhat overgrown and pretty rutted out from the abusive wet weather riding and the floods of the last few months. At least the broken chain of the night was owned by another person and not me:).
Back at the coal face now until at least August when the snow has fallen and its time for the Hoppet. Many more adventures between now and then including house reno's.
Happy trails!

Hills....not my friend

2011-03-09T20:59:00.001+11:00

So I decided to head up mt buffalo yesterday. Being a big unit of 123kgs (on a good day) I new that it was going to be a decent effort. I rolled out enjoying the summer like conditions and pointed myself out of town.
I noted a slight brake rub and adjusted the rear brake. I hit the climb and tried to find a nice tempo, noticing that I mist be tired as the heart rate stayed low. It had to be tiredness as I have no form or fitness at the moment. I kept tapping away noting that I would have struggled at the alpine classic to get up here after the 140 kms prior.
The brake rub returned but worse. At this point I had tapped out 10 kms of the climb. I decided to pull the pin and roll down. During the descent the rub got worse and worse until I had frame contact. I limped home defeated.
I will return to conquer you mt b!
Today I hit the local trails that I have ridden before centered around white star rd and morses creek. I was having a ball rolling sweet single track, hooking up in the corners, smile from ear to ear. This continued for a little while until.... Boom back wheel explodes tube and tyre in every direction. Torn sidewall found tube stuck between wheel and frame still inflated. So a little hr of walking but hey it was worth it!
Now I am listening to the rain and am questioning if I will get out there tomorrow now that I have replaced the rear tyre.... Come on rain go away...
Happy trails!

Rollin the valley's

2011-03-07T21:10:00.001+11:00

Lazy 60 km's today on the road bike on quiet country roads. Covered the Buckland Valley, awesome views of Mt Buffalo and the Wandilagong Valley full of new seasons apples waiting to be picked. Perfect bluebird sky's and only a little wind - great day for a roll!
Still deciding on tomorrows choices for a ride as there is some bad weather predicted for the middle of the week. The question is do I ride the dirt or do I hit the bergs?
Happy days, happy trails!

Mt Beauty 6hr

2011-03-05T21:05:00.004+11:00

Enough said really, Cant bluff form when you aint got none. A over the bars incedent made me pull the pin after 2hrs. Cant say I was really up for it.
Its made me hungry to get me to sort myself out to regain somethings I once had. I feel old at the moment, riding is a real struggle for me...
Got this week in Bright for some R&R and plan on rolling some kms.
Happy trails!

check it urban MTB!

2011-03-03T18:05:00.001+11:00

VCA 2010 RACE RUN from changoman on Vimeo.

As seen on Cycling Tips

SNAFU

2011-02-27T07:45:00.002+11:00

Bloody weather has SNAFUed the planned ride for today. I had wanted to get out to Smiths today for a pedal as its the first child free Sunday morning I have had in ages. Being one to realise and respect (unlike some fools) that riding in wet weather ruins the trails I have had to hang it up for today. I am spewing as I wanted to test some things today before next weekends 6hr at Mt Beauty. So I am at a loose end, smashing down a few brews and thinking of what to eat for breakfast. What to do?
I will check out the NAHBS website to see whos making what in the custom bike world and then head to the workshop for a big clean up me thinks. Might as well make the lost morning count for something.
I have had little chance to get out on the bike this week. Between work and chatting to builders about our planned extension the week flies by. I did get out on the dirt earlier in the week and ran into the mother of all Tiger Snakes. I was climbing up a 25% rutted out climb, picking my line when I heard a rustle at my feet. Usually it turns out to be a Echidna, this time it was a fat 2m long Tiger Snake. I was lucky that the snake decided to head down the trail rather than up, my legs had never moved so quick.
I have recommenced the commute to work and yesterday was D day. I was pedaling squares from the word go, man o man it was hurting. Its funny how some days you fly and tap those pedals over like it is nothing, others like you are a fat man strugglin up a flight of stairs. Oh and where the fuk has daylight savings gone. A month ago I was rolling in the early morning daylight, now I am rocking a HID to see my way.... man that means winter aint far away.
Anyway a week till we pack up and head off to the North East for some R&R, including some serious bike time..... I hope!
Happy trails!

NAHBS 2011

2011-02-21T12:56:00.003+11:00

Check here for unbelievable custom bikes. I have a think for handmade custom bikes, as there is something about it being made for you, makes em more special than something of a showroom floor.

fitness blackhole

2011-02-17T07:47:00.002+11:00

Hit up the trails after Jnr's birthday on Tuesday arvo. I needed some motivation, I was stuck in neutral on the couch, a quick shot of brew and I was up and at em. Grabbed the geared 29er and was deciding on doing the Mullum Loop or just a local loop with a maybe a Han's loop thrown in. I decided on the later as I new the Yarra trails would still be wet from the recent rains and flooded Yarra River despite the warm weather.
I rolled out along one of my favourite trails close to home that runs parralel to the creek that recently had a big clean out (thankyou trail fairies), I had to stop once to move a new peice of deadfall but it was sweet to smash a long the trail.
I made my way out to Han's slowly but surely, climbing was not my friend in the heat but I was going ok. A quick loop of Han's..... well not really I was starting to struggle. Given my size I always find it hard to weave my way through the plantation timber section as I dont want to KO myself. Only saw 1 other rider out there which is unusual as you always run into scores of people out for a late arvo ride..... not today.
On the way home I decided a quick up and over route of 4th Hill in Warrandyte, I forgot how steep the Whipstick Gully track could be, I was seeing stars and climbing like a fat chick on the Biggest Loser. This climbing gig on a geared bike messes with my brain as I am so use to grinding and then walking when it goes to verticle. I must spend more time rolling the gears and getting use to climbing before the Mt Beauty 6hr next month.
I eventually made it home after 3hrs of local trails. I do love the trails here, whilst not all single track, they keep you honest. I am lucky to have access to these trails and that they are reasonably resistant to wet weather. That being said after overnight rain I wont get out there today as I watch the rain tumble down now.
Happy trails!

happy rolling

2011-02-14T15:54:00.002+11:00

Had a few dirt rides doing a old loop that keeps you honest. Just some sweet climbs that have enough in them to test you. The beauty of this loop is even with all the crap weather that has been dished to Melbourne, it is still able to be ridden as the water drys off fairly quick. It appears that the other trails on offer around the place are all closed due to water damage.... proves that some should have better maintenance... not naming anywhere in particular!!!!
Even managed to drag Jase out for a loop on Saturday with the saw to clean up a few obstacles. Must remember to get a replacement saw as it has never recovered from a episode of log clearing that was beyond its small ability last year.
I am going to try and focus on the geared 29er for a bit as I will be racing on it next month for 6hrs so it is time to get extra familiar with it. I quite enjoy rolling with it as it loves the down hill!
I'm looking forward to a week up and Bright & Mt Beauty early next month. Really looking forward to the Mt Beauty 6 hr as I have never managed to get on the dirt there. I often drool at the trail as I am driving to Falls Creek during winter. Even local friend Tim has offered to drag me out up there and show me around. Will be back staying at Svarmisk which has a awesome cafe (mmm memories of Swedish meatballs) and nice hot tub for recovery.
Also looking at getting out on some of the sweet trails around Bright and doing a little on the road with the plan of getting up Mt Buffalo as I did not make it up there last month. I cant wait!
Jnr's birthday tomorrow so there is a trip to the Yarra Valley and the Healsville Sanctuary to check out the furry critters. Should be a good day out!
Happy trails!

Dickey rolls again

2011-02-11T08:21:00.000+11:00

crazy 6 cancelled

2011-02-10T08:08:00.002+11:00

The crazy 6 has been canceled due to storm damage. Leaves me a little lost for Saturday... I was taking a mental health day from work, will still have to so I can do Jnr's birthday in the arvo anyway.
For me I guess having it postponed is not a bad thing as I am so far under done at the moment. I have had 1 ride in 4 weeks due to work, parental duties and shit weather.
I took Jnr out on the Warby trail this week to check out the countryside and that has pretty much been it. Hoping to rectify that this morning with a roll on the dirt.
I guess it gives me some time to get the body and brain sorted for the 6hr in Mt Beauty next month. Looking forward to it as I have never ridden on the dirt in Mt B.
So know what to do come Saturday morning?

thought my job was difficult!

2011-02-06T11:10:00.000+11:00

Standstill

2011-02-05T01:03:00.002+11:00

Not much going on here at the moment. I have hit a brief period of standstill for various reasons. After the Alpine Classic I struggled with motovation after running myself into the red zone. I also had to work and with family commitments I was time poor for any bike related activities.
The weather aint been very friendly this week with the mercury into the high temps meant that after sleeping all day after working night shift, I was not too keen to cook it up on two wheels of any veriaty. Now with the weather going to the extreme here of flash flooding and tropical down pours fom the left over of TC Yasi it looks like bike time over the next couple of days is a big no option. I might pull out the chariot and drag Jnr out for a roll or even get the CX SS out for a pedal on the bike path.
Still planning on the Crazy 6hr at the You Yangs next week, so I will be rather fresh and maybe a little underdone but looking forward to ripping it on the SS as it will be the first race since the Worlds in NZ back in October.
Happy trails!

alpine classic washup

2011-01-25T09:57:00.002+11:00

Well what a weekend, bloody awesome weekend of bike related activities. We headed up to Bright with the goal of tackling the 200km Alpine Classic. Needless to say it was a challenge beyond my ability this year.
We headed up Friday and getting away late after catching up with my Aunty who was out for the US for the Aus Open Tennis meant that it was unachievable to get out on the bike on Friday arvo. Who cared it was so nice to be away in the hills.
Saturday I hooked up with Aaron and his crew for a pedal out along the Buckland Valley at the base of Mt Buffalo which was awesome but the weather was hot and tropical in nature. Covered a lazy 50kms and managed to flat at the end which was a little disappointing.
Gav and his wife joined us for the weekend and arrived Saturday arvo so we headed to the Bright Brewery for a few beers and checked out the event HQ which had a lot of various stalls all directed towards cycling. Assos was doing a brisk trade with some of their kit at very reasonable prices.
After messing with my flat and discovering that my other set of wheels had a nice cut in them from my journey out to Nutfield the other week there was some swapping of tyres and sorting out of the bike for the events of the next day.
Sunday rolled around and after a early night, big dinner and a good sleep I felt not to bad. Breakfast was demolished and once kitted up we headed out to the start. Perfect overcast conditions greeted us with some cool air for the first few hours. We rolled to the start and decided not to weight for the 0640 start and jumped in between groups.
I had committed myself to ride with in my heart rate range and not push it too much as I knew that once into the red it is where it would stay. The Tawonga climb came and went and I felt okay at the top and enjoyed the descent and rolled into the refuel stop at Mt Beauty. After a quick refuel and a few snacks we made our way up to Falls Creek. I lost contact with Gav on this climb and never caught him again apart from him going down the descent and passing me as I was near the top of Falls Creek.
I was amazed at the unskilled descending and saw a few people who had came to grief on the Falls Creek rd. One guy was laid out in a neck brace on the Mt Mckay intersection that has a ripper of a sweeper.
Once I got back to Mt Beauty after some awesome fun descending I then had to tackle my arch nemesis, the back side of Tawonga Gap. I have never had a good history with this climb, even with all the Tour of Bright's and other times I had been riding in the area, this was my achilles heal.
By now the heat was getting oppressive for me, and the climb was nasty. This is where my day began to unwind. I struggled big time and the climb just wore me down. I tried to roll within my goal heart rate but it was not to be. I was in struggle town.
Once I crested the climb I rolled the descent to recover, well aware that many people have binned it coming down when tired, needless to say one sole did and was over the edge with ambo's in attendance.
I was feeling less than great but rolled into the lunch stop and thought that if I demolished some more food on top of my energy bars that I had been eating I could get through the last 60 kms. I left the lunch stop feeling better, but by the time I had tapped my way out to the Buckland River on the way to Mt Buffalo my body just shut down. I ground my way back to Bright and rolled into the event finish and hung it up for the day.
So some 2400mtrs of climbing over 145kms I was not to disappointed. I had achieved something I was happy with given the limited training I did due to life's other responsibilities.
Gav smashed it and conquered the whole 200km and looked pretty fresh at the end. We celebrated with a pint of beer at the Brewery in the shade recounting stories of the day.
Aaron I think finished the 250km big loop, last I heard he was somewhere between Omeo and Falls Creek.
Me, well I will line up next year for sure as it is a great event. I will now target some other events for the year beginning next month with the GMBC Crazy 6.
Happy trails!

counting down

2011-01-18T07:23:00.003+11:00

Here we are a few days out from the Alpine Classic, the attempts at getting prepared are done. Doing a so called taper week, got out a few times since Saturday as I ended up with a forced week of rest because of Melburn's average weather. I was wrapped to finally get out on the big wheeler yesterday and reintroduce myself to the simple pleasure of the SS. Some of the trails are really overgrown from all the warm rain of this summer. I was glad to see that some nice person's had taken the chainsaw and brushcutter to some local trails and really cleaned em out so now you can rip it. Been a few years since she (the trail) was this clean and fun. I had such a ball riding the SS yesterday, just tapping it over rolling and revisiting trails I had not seen for a few months.
Not really that nervous about Sunday, going to treat it as a big training ride, not race anyone and just tap out a comfortable tempo. 200kms on the flat with a few rollers is enough to hurt most but when you add in 3 decent bergs to climb over it is going to be a test. I must remember to enjoy the view to trick the mind into having fun!

I think I will be seeing this sign a few times come Sunday on my way over from Bright and on the way back from Mt Beauty!

Not much else going on, looking at a few races for the first part of the year starting with the Crazy 6 next month. Just going to try and get one race done a month as this should fit in with work and family commitments.
I am still struggling to get my front tubeless on the geared 29er to stay up. Driving me a little mental, moral to the story by a UST system. I will give it 1 more decent crack and then if it doesnt work, back to tubes!
Watch the twitter feed for some shots and comments on Sunday!
Happy trails!

something to wet the appetite

2011-01-12T16:06:00.000+11:00

Great Ocean Road Classic from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Nationals done and dusted

2011-01-10T07:19:00.003+11:00

Fun day out in the country with Mooter. We ended up being the 2nd feeders for Team Sky and it makes the day go a little quicker when you have to be on the side of the road ready to feed.
Break went early with the main contender being Bobridge. He managed to stay away even with Sky ripping it and putting it on the line for Gerro. Despite chasing hard Gerro's group could only get within 30 seconds of Bobridge who sailed solo into the finishing straight for the win. Gerro lined up for the sprint as was pipped on the line by Goss for second in a five man group. So bronze for Gerro this year, wicked ride on a tough day at the office.

Me, I have been getting out there in the hils a bit on the road. Two weeks to go until the Alpine Classic. Getting a little nervous about it but hopefully the next 2 days on the bike will give me a indication when I get some longer rides done.
Looking at the calendar for MTB events and my work schedule I am targeting a few of the Vic Enduro Series.
I have been struggling to get my tubeless 29er tyres sorted as since spontanously deflating, getting them and the rim to mesh has been a fuckn nightmare. Next time I will be buying a UST system that does not require rim strips or tapes!
So no dirt time lately, maybe a short one later today!
Happy trails

My tip for Sunday is....

2011-01-07T20:14:00.003+11:00

You guessed it.... its Gerro, can not go past a mate in good form and he is due a big result. I will be there cheering him on and the having some fun in the sun!
Should be a good day out and hopefully something to party about later that day!

for those who want a little challange

2011-01-02T22:24:00.002+11:00

Last ride for 2010

2010-12-31T19:15:00.003+11:00

Got a ripper of a ride in today that broke me in a big way. 1900mts vertical gain and 110kms with the end of the ride finishing in 35 degree heat which I was glad was not 43 degree heat.
Rolled out with Mario, NZ Gav and 2 other guys for a Mario lumpy ride around the northern parts of outter Melboure. Rode through Nutfield, Cottles Bridge, Panton Hill to name a few. The col of the day was the climb to Kinglake and the descent back down made up for it. I was glad to get of the bike at the end of this little jaunt, but still had to front up for a afternoon of work.
It has shown me that whilst I am improving I still have a way to go before the Alpine in 4 weeks time.
Anyhow HAPPY NEW YEAR and see you out on the road or trails in 2011!

back rockn it

2010-12-30T08:51:00.003+11:00

So had a solid week on the bike finally. Managed to fit it in around work and fatherhood commitments. To tell the truth it feels good to be tired.
Christmas day saw me roll to the start of the annual Christmas morning ride were me and a few buddies hook up for a roll down the beach and back to Brunetti's in Carlton for a brew and a little breakfast. It is a great way to start Christmas day. I fitted in a lazy 90kms that day, so I was happy as the rest of the day was spent driving to and from lunch.
The rest of the week has been rolling to and from work but with the traffic so quiet I have been able to hit up so roads that are usually to busy. So I have got in some quality rather than quantity.
I was going to head out early today for a long loop out through the Yarra Valley but opted for a sleep in as the Boss was home to keep Jnr entertained. So the plan will be a roll maybe on the dirt later today.
Tomorrow I have be invited to roll with some of the Smith's Dirt Crew on a torture test out to Kinglake on some sure to be hilly roads. We are getting out early to beat the heat and it should be good fun and for me a indication of my fitness so far for the Alpine in late January. Looking forward to rolling with a bunch cause it makes rolling long distances a little more fun.
Next week will see me trip on down to Geelong or Portarlington to check out the Bay Crits and watch some quality racing. Dont quite know which one I will attend but am geed up to check it out.
Following weekend I will head up to the Nationals and check out the Men's road race, maybe I will be feeding again this year for Gerro if he needs a hand, it always makes the day more interesting!
Anyway get out and enjoy the weather before the rain returns!
Happy trails!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T21:48:00.002+11:00

Hope you have a great Christmas one and all! See you on the trails or the road in 2011!

times flying by

2010-12-19T09:10:00.004+11:00

We have entered that time warp part of the year where the days blow by, seemed like only yesterday it was the start of December. The weather has been a fair killer for bike time so far this spring/ simmer. Many people are complaining about the amount of rain as the trails are often too wet to get out. I must admit you get tired of washing bikes only to send em out again to get muddy.
I have been busy around the house having a spring clean out in preparation for our renovations in 2011. It has meant many meetings thus limiting the bike time even more.
The commute has kept me on the bike and I have been lucky as I have missed the rain somehow as the sun comes out just in time to head home from work.
I visited Mooter at home this week to get him to help with a cable change on the road bike. He has the ultimate home repair station with more Park tools than most shops. It is amazing how well the bike runs after some love. Winter took its toll on the road bike and it still needs some more drive train love with new chain rings and chain. I am amazed that after many years of changing the chain when the chain checker shows initial wear has enabled me to keep on running the original cassette.

The last few days I have been thinking about my top 5 bike events of 2011

1. Becoming a father - whilst slightly challenging at times it has been a whirlwind of fun & joy. I have even had the pleasure of introducing her to the bike by towing her in the Chariot behind the geared 29er.
2. SSWC 20210 in NZ. 5 days of MTB heaven rocking awesome trails with awesome like minded people. We got to see the best NZ had to offer and I will make every effort to take 2 wheels back to Rotorua in the future. The race was awesome, I didn't have the best day out there but it was so much fun, I am still smiling 2 months later.
3. 2010 Road World Champs in Geelong was awesome. Sure I took a mental health day to get on down with 100,000 close friends to watch the Men's Road Race on the Sunday. I was lucky to have some accommodation provided to me in the middle of Geelong and get taken out for a roll of the local roads with the local bunch from Barwon Heads with Ryan Moody. Great day and potentially the only Worlds I will get to see live unless I travel to Europe.
4. Rolling local trails with mates. I am blessed that I can roll trails from my door and that bikes and cycling in general keeps me in contact with a great group of people from varied backgrounds. It does make it easier when your wife understands the importance of keeping contact with mates and letting you get out there.
5. Discovering that a new 10 speed XT groupset really does roll well on big wheels, and I can put it together and get it working.
My favorite clip for the year goes to the Coastal Crew for this little gem!

Kranked 8 Revolve: Coastal Crew >>

So as I relive the events of 2010 I am putting together my hopes for 2011. Whilst nothing is set in stone my first big day out will be the Alpine Classic in 4 weeks time. Still getting the body to agree with that, however it is all coming together slowly.
Looking forward to Christmas morning and catching up with the Annual Christmas ride crew. Might be small in numbers but thick in quality people!
Anyway happy festive season!

the low

2010-12-08T20:05:00.002+11:00

So, the parentals needed to be picked up from Marysville on Sunday at the end of the Great Vic Bike Ride. What a perfect time to get some time on the bike I thought, plus some hills too boot. So I left early and headed to Eildon to pick up there gear and then dodge my way through the bunches to find a park and jump on the bike.
After kitting up, out I headed out towards Taggarty for a bit of a warm up before plowing into the climb to Lake Mountain. I was nervous about how my body would handle some serious climbing as I have not really been on the bike a hell of a lot and have stayed far away from a 22 km climb for a long time.
The initial climb out of Marysville is not to bad but about 2km into the climb there is a bastard section that is like a wall, it climbs up the spur line and is a good one for testing your mental strength. After that it is all smiles too the top (well not really) as the road is around 5-7% all the way to the top bar a few steeper pinches.
It was so quiet, only a few motorbikes and one or two cars. It was nice rolling through the forest even though it had been badly burnt out 2 years ago. It is recovering, and the greenery is kicking on with all the rain we are having.
After a little under 2hrs I made it to the top, sure I didn't break any land speed records but was glad to get up there to check the view and the rebuilding of the ski patrol building. The descent back down was sweet, shame it goes so fast.
Last night was the 8th Annual Smith's Gully Christmas Ride. A fair turn out with some rather fit individuals, which had me nervous from the get go. I was behind the 8 ball from the word go and in the end conceded that I needed to do my own thing. I was rocking a heart rate in the 95% range. I lost the crew on many occasions and completely on the new section of trail that Mario and company have been putting time into. I ended climbing up past the mine shaft to get home which was a lung burner and made my way back to the General Store for some of Ross's excellent burgers and a beer. We lost Mr Kellett who had taken a wrong turn and in the end we sent out a few cars to try and track him down. In the end he had approached a house who kindly drove him back to our meeting place at the store. It was a good night to be out despite the recent rain, the trails were in good condition and the recent trail maintenance had done wonders to this new growth from the wet summer. Big thank you to Mario and co for getting this thing together, hard to think 12 months have passed yet again rather quickly.
Now the truth hurts and the reality has set in with the Alpine approaching at light speed. I am a big unit to say the least. I seem to be getting slower and slower every time I throw a leg over a bike. I have had 2 discussions with myself on the last 2 rides and myself is not happy with current self.
TIME FOR A CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT!!!!
Its time for some rebuilding, time to reign in the eating habits and get my house in order, as I have a few things to prove to myself and no matter what, at the end of the day it is for me and nothing is worse than disappointing yourself, so stay tuned.
Happy trails!

nothing to see here

2010-12-02T07:57:00.002+11:00

This is a week I would rather forget, way to busy to get out on 2 wheels plus the weather is just plan old shite and non bike friendly, the leaks in my roof at home are a testament to this. I was all geed to attend the Fatties ride last night but the 40 mm of rain at our place in 2hrs turned me off. I really wanted to go but the proposition of having to clean inch thick crud off the bike post ride was somewhat prohibitive. Things might look up tomorrow and I can get out..... lets say the highlight of my week is going to the dentist!
The depression has also set in with the knowledge that the white stuff is falling in massive amounts in the northern hemisphere and alas I wont be there to play in it this season!
Happy trails!

its workn for me

2010-11-24T19:54:00.002+11:00

Well half way through the week and I fell that I am finding to grove already with the training in the early morning. Just like back in the old school junior days, up early before school out training on very quiet roads. Whilst the roads around here have become somewhat busier due to urban sprawl in the last 20 years there is something nice about early rides and the feeling you have post ride. I dig it.
Ran in to the Belgium National Track Team out for a spin this arvo on the way home. I got a few nods and cheers of approval with my kit (Rapha Belgium Jersey). They were all having fun blowing out the cobwebs of jet lag. Me, I was just trying to get home as fast as I could to escape the heat and pick up the car from the mechanics. Hence with commuting today no mtb ride with the Fatties tonight. Next week though should be cool with the riders coming out of the wood work for the nostalgia ride.
For good reading head over to visit Andy White's Fyxomatosis site and read the Ghost Writer piece. It hits a cord with me about the issues of our sport at a grass roots level. The sport is attracting cashed up bogans.
I will say that I do support the local industry when it suits me, as I need to get as much value for my hard earned dollars. I have a family to support, hence I will look OS for deals on parts. It is only natural to get stuff cheap if it suits you, come on who wouldn't and lets face it Ebay can be a gold mine. I would support the local industry more if they supported the racing here more, all too often we are getting shafted by the local industry. Since bikes have outstripped cars sales for the last few years, surely bikes are getting cheaper.... maybe not, maybe I am thinking shit.
The one point it did raise was how the new comers to our sport are all to lacking about the culture and politics involved in this sport of cycling. Andy's blog brought me back to a place a few months ago.
I was at the LBS, my friend owns the LBS and has been in the trade 20 years, me I have been riding and racing for 21 years. I have been around, served the apprenticeship of coming through the junior ranks to seniors, ridden the majority of bunch rides before they were cool and turned into unofficial drag races.
Now I am in the LBS for some technical support, as I try to fix what I can. I am a little old school and don't have a huge interest in carbon, I am a steel fillet braised type of guy who happens to like Brooks products, hand built wheels, wool products.
Another customer is buying a TT bike, never really had the need for one even when I raced the Tour of Bright back in the early 90's, maybe I would slap a set of TT bars on back then. He looks at my bike and gives it a look over and starts criticising my choices. I am not one for this and ask him why he needs a TT bike. The explanation being is you need it for a few of the races (maybe 4 races) each year, a $7000 bike that only really performs in a straight line.
I kindly explain that when I started racing he was a itch in his Dad's pants and that it was uncool to ride bikes back then, the racing community was small, everyone new each other. Beach Road had a few bunches usually after the races on a Sunday at Dunlop Rd back then not the thousands it has now where he and his mates cruise on the weekend looking cool. That, when he gets bored and hangs it up I will still be riding, in the rain of winter with my mudguards, rocking on my steel frame, with my leather bar tape, wool jersey.
Hubbard's they are everywhere, even this years Tour of Bright finishes on the top of Tawonga Gap cause of successive years that fools drop em selves on the descent back down to Bright. Fuck me we are encouraging these guys!
I ride cause, I like it not cause its the new fukn golf!
Happy rolling!

form.... I ain't got it

2010-11-21T08:02:00.002+11:00

So, with illness behind me I ventured out a few times this week to get my show on the road. Its amazing how quick time flies by with it a month since I was in NZ. I have done little since then, and boy it shows.
I decided first ride back would be the Fattie's ride. With some replaced drive train on the geared 29er I was keen to get the legs and lungs moving. The 10 speed XT was sweet and smooth, how a drive train should be. The legs and lungs not so.
We entered Dickie's loop, me bringing up the rear, taking it as quick as I could comfortably. Half way through the loop.... BAM I was airborne. I went up and came down hard over the bars after clipping my pedal on a hidden log. The grass in the loop was as tall as me on the bike. Cool fun to ride through but it can hide some nice obstacles for you to hit. My camelbak bladder blew apart on landing, water pouring out, guess it saved my back. I laid there for a few minutes taking stock of the alarm sensors ringing through my brain. I was winded, but it seemed nothing broken apart from my pride. I picked myself up and limped out of the loop, the group waiting for me. I decided that maybe it was best for all that I head home, as I was feeling slightly fragile after the fall. I have a few bruises but nothing major, I was a bit stiff the next day.
I headed out to Lysterfield yesterday for a roll around the trails, I had not ridden it since the first Chase the Sun back in May. It had been closed for part of winter due to the sheer wet and mud factor, the trails were already rutted out then. I thought that there had been some maintenance done over winter, but needless to say little had changed. What had changed was the trails now have massive mud pools up to 3 metres wide in spots. Whole sections of trail are now not able to be ridden. I have heard that the park is going to get some trail works done soon, it needs it and it needs more trail to balance the volume of riders using the network. I don't think I will head back for a while, as I have better trails close by to here that I may be slightly over but at least they are intact and you can ride them. I still plan to go and do a few dirt crits to sort me out and give me a bit of fun racing.
I have commenced a new plan to get my kilometers done, as the Alpine is fast approaching. More than anything I need consistency, which since the birth of Grier and the Bosses return to work had been challenging. For the moment I am trying to get out early for a local loop on the road bike. Sure its a early start @ 0530hrs but it should provide me with some consistent days on the bike that fits in with the family and work commitments. Today I felt like the fat man, unfit, pedaling squares going nowhere slowly. This will improve, slowly, but man the countdown is on and I need to get it sorted.
Time to plan some longer days in the saddle, with some decent bergs in preparation for the Alpine in January.
Happy trails!

Danny, he can ride!

2010-11-17T09:10:00.001+11:00

illness strikes

2010-11-12T12:31:00.003+11:00

So the week has officially been a right off. Apart from turning up on Wednesday night to the Fatties ride and having my arse handed back to me looking like like chop sui, both Jnr and I have been struck down with flu.
What started out as a hay fever like runny nose on the ride ended me yesterday lying on the couch with a hoodie and track pants on stating I was cold despite the nice 30 odd degrees outside. I self diagnosed myself and still went to the doctor and handed over my $65 bucks (I am in the wrong job) for a sick certificate.
Today I feel just as shit and have already been to the ED with Jnr as she is not to well. She has improved since this morning, and still cracks a smile at her dad. Did get a offer from a hooker at the ED to accept her cash to go to another hospital as she said Maroondah Hospital was shit. After growing up in the area I already new that but I told her to keep walking, seems her plans last night might have gotten the better of her!
I had planned to roll down the beach and have breakfast with Gerro but had to pull the pin on those plans. Shame, summer is short enough, it goes so fast when the Euro guys are back in town, leaving little time to catch each other.
My XT parts are almost at my door, so maybe they will turn up and give me some happiness for the weekend between moving from the couch to the bed.
So time to rest up and make the plans for my return to bike next week illness free.
Looking forward to the Fatties nostalgia ride. Thing is Neil has been keeping it alive, though the numbers have dropped, its still going. I will attend to see who drags themselves out of the wood work for a night of trail riding fun.
The Smith's Gully Christmas ride is planned for the start of December. Its another reason to smile and get on out and have fun, the post ride burgers are worth the turn out alone!
Happy trails!

introductions

2010-11-07T11:23:00.004+11:00

Introduced Jnr to the joys of rolling on bikes.... She slept for some of the ride but seemed to enjoy it!

clear your tuesday nights!

2010-11-07T07:49:00.003+11:00

Clear your Tuesday nights twice a month for some torture for 30mins as the boys from Flat Hill have summer crits back... more info here

race across the sky

2010-11-06T16:42:00.001+11:00

Race Across The Sky 2010 from Citizen Pictures on Vimeo.

its got to start somewheree

2010-11-04T11:30:00.002+11:00

So made it to the Fatties and hooked up with Neil, so the Wednesday night pain plan is now in effect. Lets face it, lots of rain and some rather high water was going to result in some detours. We did get some single track in and met up with a few of the other local lads. Bellie joined us for a pedal back out towards home and for a roll around Han's loop which still had some rather wet spots. Still good to get out and stretch the legs, as I had not gotten out since getting home a week ago.
Neil has a few shots of the water on his blog.
I was hurting myself a little last night and really struggling to hold wheels even though I had some gears..... I really need to get my shit sorted out.
Back to rolling to work on the daily commute from tomorrow, looks like the weather for the next few days will be sweet, but due to the water damage on some of the bike paths I will have to make a few short detours.... all will be sweet.

plans

2010-11-02T11:07:00.002+11:00

Well I am unsure were to go to from here, commitments are due to stuff other than bikes at the moment. Due to the NZ trip I have had to for go some other up coming races. The 50km single speed at Woodend has clashed with the Gravity 12hr this year, 2 events I normally get in each year but I have to work that weekend as I begged borrowed and sold my soul to get the NZ time off.
The only goal on the horizon is training up for the Alpine Classic on Australia day weekend. This is going to take a fair bit of effort as I need to commit to some weight loss and decent kilometre count.
I am committing myself to Wednesday nights with alternate weeks attending Fatties group rides and the other doing a summer crit on the dirt out at Lysterfield as NZ showed me that whilst fit to a degree, I had no speed whatsoever. Hopefully getting smashed on Wednesday nights starting tomorrow night will get me sorted in that department.
I am looking to maybe and that's a big maybe that I attend the Otway next year but I will make that decision soon.
I need to reign in the eating pattern as I am consuming enough food at the moment to feed a village in a 3rd world country and any weight loss, even a small one will benefit me beyond doubt.
Plans, always need one so focusing on January will be the main one for now. I nee to sort out the road bike from its winter commute and dedicate some time for some nice hills out in the Yarra Valley, in other words staying away from the beach! It has to be quality kilometers for the next couple of months both on the dirt and the road.
So time to shame myself with the weigh in!
Happy trails and get out there!

Rotovegas report 3

2010-11-02T10:46:00.003+11:00

Ok so the last 2 days were spent chilling out with a tourist expo on the Sunday morning of the local hotsprings, market, coffee shops. Then we met up with Gav's outlaws for a fishing session on one of the many lakes. We managed to catch 3 2 plus kilo trout and Gav's father in law was kind enough to smoke them up.

This bad boy rumbles up when she gets going!

Never had trout before but I can testify the taste was awesome and there is something prime evil about catching prey and eating it.
Monday we headed back to the trails and hit up some of the must do trails. Corners will forever be my favourite as it offered a never ending roller coaster roll down hill with so many perfectly bermed corners and just when you thought it was over it started again. Granted the climb up Hill road was not fun but the reward at the top was pwell worth it. We also hit up Sweet and Sour and Dragons Tail (which is about to be logged) which I had fun in.

After making it back out to the car and refueling at a local burger place we headed to a local hot spring about 30 mins away to saok our tired muscles and end or NZ trip. Bloody amazing how hot this sucker was the closer you got to were it hit the surface. A very strange experience sitting in hot bath water in a running stream.
Wicked place, a must get to if you have the chance. The trails are awesome and the people easy to deal with and are very helpful.

The banks and berms are big in this forest

Here is some video from a US racer of the race, vision in the trails is a bit jumpy but you get the idea of the madness!

SSWC10 - The Race, A Teaser from Judd Rohwer on Vimeo.

Neil has some other photos here

day off

2010-10-29T16:43:00.003+11:00

Day off from the reports of Rotovegas and the adventures of the 4....
Its my birthday so I am taking the day off to celebrate chilln with the family... might even get a ride in!
Tune back in another time and I shall hopefully have posted the final Rotovegas report!
Happy trails!
Neil has posted some stuff over here

Rotovegas report 2

2010-10-28T10:22:00.008+11:00

So after a sleepless night from indigestion from Neils pasta sauce we awoke to a perfect blue bird day. This was going to be a great day for rolling the trails I thought as I began eating breakfast. After a few brews to get the body going we packed the car and headed out to the Mill site for the start of the 2010 SSWC. We made sure we were nice and early to get a good park and enjoy the sun and check out peoples costumes. Needless to say I am not one for dressing up so was just in some plain black kit.
There were many a costume some funny than others. I will let the photos do the talking.

Heather looked good and was a nice rabbit to chase through the single track

Damo from Cog... human disco ball with tunes rockn away!

So it was time for the race to start and we were ordered into a circle enclosure and asked to roll around it. It was packed with 950 odd racers, and until everyone was rolling the circle. No one had any idea which side the circle would drop away to let us start. I was lucky as when it came to start the side next to me fell away and I got the hole shot start. Needless to say it was perfect if you had the lungs to go with the likes of JHK but I did not and my only plan was to get as far up the trail before the masses picked me up.
Going into the first climb was a killer and my lungs were screaming as loud as the crowd, and I eventually got tangled in people who had stalled on the climb, so it was run time. After a bit of running and climbing we crested the climb and in the first switchback I got t-boned by some guy trying to take a short cut. I managed to stay upright unlike him and continued to sail down the descent.
I really didn't have the legs for the race as there was just under 500m of climbing per lap, 2 beer short cuts were a added bonus. I decided against the beer short cuts as my indigestion from the pepper pasta sauce was giving me some difficulties on the race course. My goal was to finish the race no matter what and just have fun.
The crowd was big in different parts of the course especially on the water crossing just before the finish of the lap and out on some of the more technical drops and roll throughs. The course on the whole was impressive with it containing 95% single track.... awesome!

Needless to say I was cooked 3/4 of the way through the race and needed water of which I found at the high point of the course. After that I was rolling the sweet trails and having fun. It was a festive mood out on the trails with plenty of people with big grins cheering each other on. The lack of racing or speed work I also contribute to my day in struggle town but in the end it was all about participation with like minded people.
I was glad to be done and rolled through the last beer short cut and got my hands on a cold fresh beer and joined the rest of the crew for stories of their race. We were all happy with how we went as the start was pure luck. How did I end up, we I have no idea, I guess mid field as many didn't do the second lap as they were enticed to spend time at the beer short cuts.
After a bit of recovery we packed the car and headed into town for a post race feed and then home for some more R&R. I will say the steak bagel at Zippy's cafe rocked my world after being shattered at the race.t
That night we headed in for the after party and checked out the male and female winners tattoos as this is what we were all racing for. Basically if you don't want the tattoo don't win!

The event big tent for the presentations!

With a bit of color the winners tattoo should be sweet as bro!

I did have some inspiration on my top tube, but even with that I was still in struggle town during the race!

So after some beers, and a little food, some catch up with friends at the after party we headed home. Tomorrow was another day, and we had some plans that involved playing tourist and fisherman.
More to come!

Rotovegas report 1

2010-10-27T07:42:00.007+11:00

Well what a time we had. I have not had so much fun in such a long time. We flew out of Melbourne early last Wednesday for what was to be a week of racing, trails, a few beers and lots of fun. I was pumped cause I was going to have a catch up with long time friend Trent who was flying in from Brisvegas to be a party animal at the SSWC10 events.
After getting totally short changed at the check in and having to hand over cash for excess baggage (mind you I am big so I should instantly get extra kgs) and then handing over some banned stuff at the security check point we were on our way.
Once in NZ we picked up our gear and did the customs bike check. My nervous nelly ways paid off and I sailed through. Neil was not so lucky and had his bike pulled and he went off to a room (I think he might have paid with natures check book!) to wash his bike down further. Mind you he was gagging around and left his bag behind at the baggage claim and had to get the customs lady to escort him back to get it.
We had organised a 4wd to pack every thing into. With a bit of creative packing we got 4 bikes and our gear into it. Needless to say Neil and I had the better spot up front, Gav and Trent were getting reunited like two lovers in the back surrounded by gear. We pushed on to Rotorua and made our way out to find the house we had rented.
The hosue was sweet looking over a extinct volcano called Mt Tarawera hence the lake of the same name. It was a awesome spot, million dollar view, I could wake up to that view every day. We cruised back into town to register for the race and pick up the swag, race plate and have dinner and a few beers. We ended up chilling out with the Flathill crew and planned the coming days events.
We awoke the next day and had a breakfast, put bikes together and made our way to the trail head at the Redwoods. Amazing forest with these massive giant trees guarding the forest. We grabbed a map worked out a few trails to hit up and let the fun begin. We rode the course and decided it was a climbing mans game (counted me out - 450 metres of climbing each lap) but what you climbed on the up hills was replaced with the sweetest descents, twisty single track that just begged to be railed. I was riding stuff that I would usually be aprehensive about rolling here, but when in Rotovagas ride it! The smiles and hoots from the guys was a true indication of the fun being had. I was begging for a lighter gear as the climbs were killing me.
After a couple of hours smashing the trails we rolled back into town for a spot of lunch and a catch up with a few guys. We then headed back for a little more riding and got caught short in a rain storm and pulled the pin on the day.
That night we caught up with the Flathill guys again and decided to meet for Day 2 out at the Mill trail head for a long ride to do some of the epic trails from the high points... Split endz is a must if you are there.

stolen from Cam Wells

We climbed for what seemed like ages (well for me at 120kgs it was a nasty wake up call) and the whippets in the group were driving that pace. Once we made it to the top we entered the Split endz trail and it was all tight flowing single track in a downwards direction that gave you arm pump beyond belief. We entered the next trail called Pondy New and I was in heaven ripping it at the rear of the group taking my time and savoring the trails.

After a 2.5hr ride we had covered some 40 plus kms and 1000m of climbing and I was cooked beyond belief. It was going to be a tough race day as I had little in reserve after a couple days of climbing. We headed home and stood in some rather cool lake water to get the legs to recover... I was enjoying the beer whilst up to my nuts in a fresh cool lake.
We had a big cook up of Neils pasta.... lots of pepper in that baby after a slight measurement mix up and then attended the race briefing. All sounded sweet for the next day.
More to come!

SSWC10 NZ

2010-10-19T16:21:00.002+11:00

So 95% packed and ready to jump a vomit comet to NZ. Early start tomorrow, and a full day of traveling but the end result will be awesome.
Cant wait to feel the Rotorua loam under my big wheels hooking into perfect trails and hopefully perfect weather. I am really looking forward to the next couple of days rollin as many km's as I can and racing on Saturday.
It has taken many hours to get the bike spotless for the trip across and I am still expecting a hard time at the NZ customs. I am hoping that the bike makes it in 1 peice. I have packed that much extra foam in to the bag to help protect it. I do now realise how big my bike is when I had to drop out the fork to fit it in.
Still deciding whether to take a laptop..... I am thinking I might just rock it old school and leave it til I get back. mmmm wish maybe I had picked myself up a iPhone, but Im a little over modern technology a bit and spend enough time on the web as it is.
These next few days are about the bike, trails, mates and a few beers....
Catch you on the flip side!

ah ha??

2010-10-12T20:04:00.000+11:00

the way I see it

2010-10-09T17:09:00.001+11:00

Hope it makes it to our shores on the big screen!

Makes me wish I was rocking a trip to a snow destination this summer!

Worlds

2010-10-07T08:34:00.002+11:00

So it was a busy week with a lot going on. I was on nights for work which does not translate well into riding time, as I am often too rooted. We had the sister inlaws engagement as well so riding was kept to a minimum last week. I did get out for a decent MTB ride on the single speed on Saturday.
I was rocking the new Xx fork and I am in love. That baby is silky smooth and sucks up everything in her way. The elbow is a massive fan and scrapped through with out any discomfort. The legs were a bit hollow after a week of poor sleep so the speed was lacking but the weather turned on a fantastic day to be rolling along quiet trails as the 2nd grand Final for the AFL was on.
I also attended a little bike race with 150000 plus other people on Sunday in Geelong. The 2010 UCI World Road Champs was a spectacle and a half. Ryan was a great host for me and Mr Mooter by putting us up on Saturday night and showing us the local cycling scene on the Sunday morning prior to watch the Worlds. We rolled with the Barwon Heads crew for a tour of the coastal towns and every man and their dog were out and about on bikes. After a quick bite of breakfast we rolled back to the house for some showers and preparation for the arvo. On the way back after breakfast we joined a bunch back into Geelong that had some guys from Sydney. One dude was rocking some suspicious shorts (we think he might have crapped the nest) but the other guy was rocking a Gellie Custom. First one I had seen in the bunch, it was nice talking and swapping stories about the builder Ewen and the end product. It was a great start to a Sunday with 90km's covered.
We watched the bunch on TV rolling into Geelong and once we had all the ingredients for a picnic on the hill we headed out. We rode to the second hill and with thousands of others found some space out of the sun and joined the festivities. We were joined by some friends of Ryan for the madness on the hill. A perfect way to spend the day, beer, food, a bike race and great people.
It was awesome to see the guys smashing each other up the hill. It really gives you a insight into the strength and fitness these guys have to be able to light it up for 7hrs and fly up these climbs.

Gerro did his work and the crowd loved the home team but supported everyone who was riding. Once Gerro had swung off and came up the hill for the last time he got a standing ovation from everyone, the biggest from the top of the hill.
We waited for the last lap to see the final split and moved sown to the big TV screen to watch the last 5km play out. We thought that Cadel might have been able to stay away, but was glad that Alby Davis got up for 3rd. It was a well deserved win for Thor as it was a tough course for a big guy.
So with the day done it was a roll back along the river and pack the car and try and escape Geelong. Traffic was a bit of a killer and it took a fair while to get out of the centre of Geelong. I would have to say that I have a new respect for Geelong after the weekend as it really turned it on for the Worlds.
The riding since Sunday has gone out the window, playing Dad, work commitments and some shit weather has put a hold on the bike time. However weekend is looking up for some decent km's.
13 days to go till I head to NZ so the next 2 weeks are important to keep the legs tapping over. Still finalising a few things for the trip, it is going to be sweet!

Golden moment

2010-10-02T09:43:00.002+10:00

Lets hope it can be repeated for both the Women's and Mens races over the weekend!

Back to Beach rd

2010-09-29T23:57:00.002+10:00

Well I have hit the beach after some 10 months away from it. I avoid the place really as it pulls a fair crowd, some of which are real wankers that destroy the publics image of cyclists using the roads (what red light, it was green!). I have also never seen so much bling on the road, people just love those really expensive all carbon bikes. I just dont get training on carbon tubulars... call me old school but a good set of training wheels will always get you where you need to be.
Mr Mooter contacted me about a Saturday morning ride and I was convinced it sounded good. I has the option of up the hills or down the beach. I chose the beach option as it would give me some speed work that I dont really get much of these days as I ride mainly on my own and rarely do I race. The other bonus is some long kilometers on relative flat roads.
We rolled down to the beach missing the Vets group that Mooter normally rolls with. We did pick em up on the way back from Frankston and rolled with em til I couldnt do it anymore. Actually in hindsight it would have been easier to roll with em, as the head wind when we pulled off was not friendly. We did eventually pick up another bunch and rolled quite happily up to St Kilda.
We pulled into Cafe Racer for a quick coffee and ended up having a quick chat with Gerro who was meeting some guys for a roll down to Mt Eliza to stretch out his legs before the Ballart Classic the next day. He was looking fit and well, I think he will do Ok this Sunday at the Worlds in Geelong.
By the time I had gotten home I had been out for almost 4hrs and covered 115kms. I was happy to get out for a long ride on the road bike as it has been along time since doing one.
I have been bogged down with family commitments and managed to get out on Monday on the geared 29er. I decided to do a modified Urban Epic loop from my place. I heard that I might get some nasty weather, what I copped was nothing short of shit.
I had only really gotten into the single track swing of things when mother nature started to dump rain on me and for the next 1.5 hrs I got wet, really wet. In the end I cut out some of the single track as it had quickly turned in to mini rivers. I ended up with a solid ride and some nice climbing, but it was wet and cold.
The Xx Reba forks have arrived and have been given the love with a shortening of steerer and are on the bike and ready to roll. They might get a brief test tomorrow if I wake up OK after my night shift. Otherwise I will do the same Monday loop on Saturday and give em a good test. The brief roll around the neighbourhood was sweet but lets face it the real test will be on the local single track.

elbows are a needed thing

2010-09-23T08:06:00.003+10:00

My elbow has been giving me some major headaches over the last few months. Despite osteo treatments and lots of massage, ice and stretching it never seems to fully recover from riding, particularly on the rigid 29er.
Surprisingly the ski season seemed to do it some good and the constant workload I put it under XC skiing didn't inflame it as much as rolling rigid. The final nail in the coffin was the Grinderman ride. The descent half way through Han's loop started to bring tears to the eyes and I rolled through the ruts on the 200m descent. Ice and anti inflamatories were the call of the day post the ride.
After much deliberation and trials of rolling rigid with different tyre pressures I have had to purchase a new fork. I have searched high and low for something sweet that was obtainable.... a Fox F29 would have been sweet but finding one to meet the budget was not. I did discover this at the right price!

I am hoping to have it in my hot little hands at the end of next week if Mr Fedex can get here on time.
Bruce from Flathill has been running a XX on his 26 SS and loves it so I thought why not and with the Aussie dollar being strong this week I decided it was time to purchase one.
Will report on it and let you know how she rolls.
Happy trails!

Grinderman photo's

2010-09-21T19:32:00.002+10:00

Cam Wells from Flathill cranks out some seriously nice photos and has done a photo journal of Sunday's Grinderman ride. He took the photo in my title shot.
Check em out as they say a picture tells a thousand words!
Check here and click the shot of Brett & Alex!

Grinderman Urban Epic

2010-09-20T07:14:00.005+10:00

Yesterday dawned a little grey and rain was present as I stuffed down some breakfast. I was glad when I was driving towards the start point for the ride that there was going to be some sunshine. I stashed the car close to work so I could make it back to it in time to get to work (sometimes shift work sucks balls, but penalties for Sunday make up for it) and stash the bike.
I rolled out way to early and arrive at the start point with plenty of time to kill. Not fussed as I enjoyed chilling in the early sun and watching the roadies cruising along the Boulevard. Ewen was the first to turn up and was rocking his new 29er that he built for himself. Its rocking some S&S couplers and is a sweet ride. It breaks down into a suitcase for travel.

Every time I see one of his new frames they are better than the last, makes me want another. He told me that he can get the down tube dent removed from the Gorilla so after worlds I think I will get him to do it.
Anyway by the time 0830 rolled around we had at least 20 plus guys all bar one or two rolling single speeds. Awesome turn out and the weather was being kind so a good morning was going to be had. Unfortunately Gav missed the start and had a mechanical, so he was a no show.
Due to a event on the Boulevard we had to modify the start of the ride to avoid the crowds. We hit the trails and started having fun. The majority of the trails were in pretty good shape and we were ripping the trails in a massive conga line. A few have been pretty rooted from winter riding and still had massive amounts of stinky gloopy Yarra mud.
I had to pull up stumps early to get to work but managed to get in a lazy 60kms and rolled with the crew around Hans's loop. I stopped to help Hans fix a flat and by the time we got rolling again the crew had rolled on. I hope Hans caught em again. Me well I had to get to work shower and then devour a lot of food.
Awesome day out.... a big thank you to Bruce and Cam from Flathill for getting this going and leading a wicked ride. If you can watch out for the next one and come for a roll!
Happy trails

its flying by

2010-09-18T10:50:00.002+10:00

Hard to believe that it is mid September. The year has flown by. The weeks are getting shorter it seems. Had a few days in a new job this week so it really made time fly. At least the days are getting longer and its light at 6am. Makes for a nice change, as I am over the cold dark mornings that are often wet. The commute can only get better from here on in with the mud guards coming off briefly this week. Sure in a few months I will be whinging about the incessant heat in the afternoons.
I could still be skiing as there is still plenty of spring snow around. If it was not for the Singlespeed Worlds next month I would be skiing this morning after some fresh snow this week.
Road Worlds are only a a week and a bit away. Should be a blast watching the mens road race in Geelong.... that will be a big day. Will be calling in a favor or two so I can stay in Geelong the night before as it will be complete mayhem trying to get down there the day of the race.
Tomorrow is the Grindermen urban epic (80km's of singlespeed joy!), looking forward to it as some of the guys I haven't seen for months, good opportunity to catch up with the crew that is heading to NZ next month. I have to work a late shift so I will more than likely pull up stumps early so I can make the start of work a 1pm. So I should get a solid few hrs done and dusted. Dusted is the wrong thing to say as I feel that there will be some mud on the Yarra trails, hopefully not too bad as it has been reasonably dry this week in comparison to other weeks this winter.
Not alot else to report other than the maintenance continues in the workshop at home. Always something else to be done, will be time to sort out the road bike with new cables and a complete pull down and grease up after a long wet winter.
Happy trails!

Red Bull rampage teaser

2010-09-18T07:27:00.000+10:00

Mr Repairman

2010-09-12T07:43:00.002+10:00

Well its been a busy few days. Winter has taken a toll on my bikes, thing is the more of them you have the more servicing you have to do. Now most bike servicing is common sense, keep it clean and the bike will love you back. I have most tools, only a few I don't which means a bit of car travel to get stuff done. I will say that I am probably a better nurse than bike mechanic, but persistence pays off....
My 29er single speed needed alot of love, I didn't ride it through winter as I skied alot so I thought it wont need to much. I checked the chain.... rooted, front chain ring.... rooted, bottom bracket... rooted, front brake needed a bleed.
Luckily I had a spare White Industries 32 tooth chain ring, but I had to travel to see Dan @ Shifter Bikes as he has the tool for my bottom bracket. Now I love my Phil Wood BB, apart from when it shits itself. Dan had it sorted in about 20 mins with new cartridge bearings, new chain slapped on and then we diagnosed some worn rear hub bolts, and a broken chain tensioner.... easy fix, just a quick stop for a few bolts at the local bolt shop.
Dan's workshop is worth a visit for some quality gear and wheel building, awesome little place with a no fuss approach. See his website for info.
I needed to bleed the front brake.... should be straight forward. Avid Elixir CR brakes.... easy to bleed... not for me, despite 5 attempts the level would depress to the bar. After a late night email to Ben Randall for some gun bleeding advice he gave me the secret tip. Turn the bike upside down.... extra air will come out... hey presto done!
So after some 7 hrs in the shed I had cleaned and sorted the single speed, cross bike, geared 29er and started my road bike. The road bike is still not finished but its going to be a wet week here so I am not in to much of a rush to clean it right now. I had to replace a rear axle that only took some 3 months to come from Japan for my Dura Ace 7800 hub. After a complete rebuild by the LBS she runs like a dream again.
Got in some quality time on the bikes this week. I have had 2 long rides doing the double up and over of Mt Dandenong. Had great weather for those 2 rides, good enough to be sitting out in the sun having a brew @ Ripe in Sassafras. The area is the stomping ground of Chris Winn when he is not in the US ripping up the domestic road scene. Great twisty narrow roads through some of the best forest doing around close to Melburn! Perrins Creek road is sorting me out with a couple of 14 -17% pinches in the climb. I have bought a 11-28 for the Alpine Classic in Jan 2011 and it was a dream for climbing that nasty hill.
I also headed out on the 29er SS and hit the local area for some choice, but wet trails. Another 2 hours of torture, pushing the lungs and legs to their limits. Great to be out on the single speed rolling simple, and loving it. The elbow held together not to bad, so I still may keep it rigid for worlds. Next weekends Grinder Man Epic may prove to throw the elbow some curve balls. Will have to see how the arm pulls up post that ride of 80 km's.
Today is the last day of my holidays and its been a good brake with skiing in the Aust Birke at Falls Creek, and extra skiing at Lake Mtn. I could still be skiing but I have hung that up for the year and put the skis to bed for summer. Still plenty of spring skiing @ Falls Creek and still a little at Lake Mtn. I would still be out there but needed to get the legs turning in circles in preparation to rip up the trails in Rotorua NZ for SSWC10.
Happy trails or tracks!

Torn....

2010-09-07T13:54:00.002+10:00

The Black Spur..... chasing snow!

Not much going on last few days, been doing the Dad thing solo, as the Boss has headed back to work. Been fun times, plenty of laughs and thank god not to many tears (me or Jnr). The weather has been pretty woeful as most would know, the North East is under water after massive rainfall, some of which undid the work of mother nature's snow dump of the week before.
I did however get out on the ski's with Ryan Moody for a skate session at Lake Mtn last Friday. Glad we did it as the weather started that afternoon and gave it a fair hammering. We managed to ski almost the whole trail network last week in some softening snow cover on great grooming. Great morning of skiing was had by both of us. I was thinking that that might be the last ski of the season, however I saw the pic below today.....
Looks pretty sweet and just maybe worth the drive in the morning? Its rare to be able to ski this late @ Lake Mtn!
I am torn between getting out on the single speed or hitting the road for possibly the last ski of the season. I know I can ride other days this week, but I really need the time on the 29er to get those bike legs back.
I did get out on Sunday post fathers day lunch and rolled in some pretty average conditions for 1.5 hrs on the road bike. I was wrapped to be out there despite the shit rainy weather! I am looking forward to the warmer months just around the corner.w
Mmmmm got some thinking to do in regards to tomorrow.....
Happy trails!

Java Bean Run

2010-09-02T21:02:00.004+10:00

Not much to say today.... got out for a quick roll just to pick up some gear for my other addiction, Java from my bean dealer @ Romeo's. A pretty short roll of 30 odd kms but it was nice to be out rollin free on the roadie again.
Missed out on any bike time yesterday as I had a early rise and shine to drive a 4 hr round trip to pick up some skis from Pullins @ Mansfield, plus it rained cats and dogs most of the day. Dropped the skis off last weekend on the way home from Falls Creed so the Wax Room there could give em a grind and hot box session. Pullins have a video which demonstrates what they did for me, just on my XC skate skis.

Pullins Wax Room from alex "chumpy" pullin on Vimeo.

They managed to get some of the nasty stone marks I picked up last year (I should have given them some love at the start of the season, might have made last weekend even more enjoyable). Cant wait to give them a go tomorrow!

I found this video, looked cool so thought I would drop it in!

Going to head to Lake Mtn tomorrow for what will most likely be the last ski of the year. Going to show Ryan Moody the local trails as he has never skied there before. Should be good as long as the temps stay in the negative tonight!
Weekend looks like a bit of a right off due to the major rain coming through. The predictions are for a big Pineapple Express (warm rain... bad for snow, bad for mtb trails, road riding, anything fun) dumping a months worth of rain in a day or two.
Happy trails!

think?

2010-08-31T19:40:00.001+10:00

Australian Birkebeiner

2010-08-31T11:30:00.003+10:00

What a day we had for the race, blue bird, little wind and fast snow. I could not have been happier than I was. My fitness was average this year and it was all about enjoying the race.
I got a great start and stayed out of trouble and kept myself in the green zone and did not push to hard in the first 8km of relative flatness. I slowly worked myself into a rhythm that I thought would be maintainable for the whole race. The first section of Sun Valley went well and I avoided the few accidents in front of me. Once onto the Omeo road I opened up the speed a little and pulled back a few spots, constantly looking for open snow as it is really easy to get boxed in. From here it was up the Paralyser which I struggled with. It is a climb of maybe 3km and the pitch varies as you climb.... I was struggling after about 1.5km and went to pass a skier that was too slow for me, at least I thought that was the case. I blew big time and from there getting to the top became a real struggle. The lesson here is more hill work for next year.... running stairs and the like should sort me out during the summer months.
Once at the top it is a easy glide through the park before climbing to the highest part of the course for the descent down the Blade runner. I had a hoot coming down, being a big guy it helps with coming down the descents. Across the dam wall and up and into the finish chute..... 21km done and dusted.
I ended up 56th out of 163 male starters and 4th in my age group... 1 min down on third.
Happy with the end result, it was fun.
Ryan Moody joined me for the day after crashing at our place for the night. He skied himself into 24th overall and 4th in his age group I think. Shows you what you can do when you have a decent sized engine! He is a fit bastard, god help us if he gets his technique down pat and combines it with his fitness.
It appears that my season may be over as I have a long list of stuff to do around the house before I go back to work. The weather looks like it is going to be too warm for snow, but I might try and get to Lake Mountain again before the end of the season. I dropped my skis of at Pullins in Mansfield on the way home for some stone grinding and a bit of hot box love. I had obtained a few nasty stone scratches and need them to be sorted with a stone grind. Below is a video of some of the snow trip related stuff and a little pirated footage of the Hoppet race start.

The plan from here now is a bit of preparation for the 2010 SSWC in October. I have to pull the finger out and get the leg over the SS and get moving. I am going to get off the beer, Thai take away and ice cream to get the weight down.... time for a Big Mak slim down. A few decent road kilometers before I go back to work are in order as well. Maybe from next week I will post the adventures of the Big Mak slim down challange!
Happy trails!

Epic snow

2010-08-27T19:37:00.003+10:00

Arrived in Mt Beauty on Wednesday night after a very wet afternoon drive up from Melbourne. Great to see alot of water under the Bonnie Doone Bridge, confirms that we are indeed having a wet winter in Victoria this year.
We awoke Thursday to snow capped hills around Mt Beauty, snow had dropped to at least 600m, I looked at the snow report for Falls Creek and could see 50 plus cms had fallen overnight...... epic.
We loaded up the car and drove up, a bit of a white knuckle drive, never have I seen so much snow so low at Falls Creek. After 15 mins of driving up from Mt Beauty we were inundated with snow, fallen trees half blocking the road and the occasional land slip.
We arrived at the village and I decided that I would put chains on, as I did not know what to expect further up the hill, it was still puking snow. After fucking around for 20 mins I could only get one on. That's all I needed in the Subaru anyway. We witnessed people trying to dig out cars, you would have to move about 4 cubic meters of snow to get the car out. Buses were stuck and needing help from earth moving equipment. The resort was struggling to cope with the dump.
I will let the photos do the talking!

Where did I park?, you should have seen people searching for their cars.

We had a good ski yesterday despite the testing conditions. We went out and classic skied in fresh groomed trails and found Mckay Rd which is protected from the weather by forest was a good place to ski.
In contrast to the poor conditions yesterday, today was a great little session to stretch the legs for tomorrow Australian Birke. Every man and their dog was out doing a little recon for tomorrow due to the poor weather of the last 3 days.
Tam and Grier taking in the view out near Washbed Creek.

So skis have been waxed, dinner eaten and now for a little chill out before bed. Early start tomorrow.... looking forward to getting out there!
Happy trails

couldn't resist

2010-08-23T20:42:00.001+10:00