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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
some fun stuff
Weekend was awesome.... sunshine a plenty and a nice 160km jaunt through the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. A big thank you to our hosts with the most Mister Sister and his lady who put us up and put up with us, many a laugh during the weekend.... More later, but enjoy this intermission!
aspenupdate.AVI -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com
aspenupdate.AVI -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
Got one of these baby's this week. A nice Brooks Professional saddle in honey brown to match the bar tape. If Brooks saddles are good enough for the likes of past euro pro's such as Tom Simpson then it should suit me. I do note they are hard but got plenty of time to break it in. I think it has come up well on the bike.
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Off to Brisvagus tonight for a few days of riding and a catch up with Mister Sister. Should be a great weekend, although doing the 160km ride to Noosa on Sunday will test me. Need a bunch ride like this one below!
Found this on my face book today from Simon. Simon is in Aspen doing some altitude training with the big boys from the European races in preparation for the TDF. Not everyday you get to head out with the likes of Lance and Levi. Imagine trying to hold these wheels at altitude!
Other news is that I have had my first ski of the season at Lake Mountain. Great snow, the forrest is burnt but still looks great. Will post some photos when I down load them. Had a hit out for 2hrs of classic skiing on fresh dry snow. Feeling it today but it is the combination of work and play!
Happy trails
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
weather for polar bears
Winters first major cold snap is here. Hey I am happy cause it might give me some skiable snow later in the week, but the rain is keeping me off the bike. I like it when the weather report is expecting snow on the nearby hills. Brings a smile on the dial
I am hitting Brisvagus on the week end for a weekend of riding, including a little ride to Noosa. I have not been on a bike since the CTS 10 days ago.
My training the last week has been running, and a bit of strength training, so next weekend will be interesting...... should be OK just take it easy and let the day roll on.
I am hoping to get the 29er back together this week with a new front wheel and get the fork redialed after its loving.
So I sit here tapping on the keys writing this and having a fresh brewed coffee watching the rain tumble down. Warm in here cold out there.... what to do?
Updated my race calender with my XC ski race plans for winter snow depending. Some serious traveling will be involved but hey to do what you love, what does it matter. Only one bike race over winter which will be part of the CTS series in a team of 3 with Gav and Marty (I will be in touch soon Marty!).
Happy trails!
Friday, June 5, 2009
roadrunner
Well, a easy week this week has sought of been forced upon me. I have been blocked by the weather a little, plus with the ski season approaching I am forced to get my act together pronto. Work is slightly mad and has me tied up for 9 days straight before heading straight to Brisvagus to do the ride with Mister Sister and friends.
I hit the road on my running shoes rather than wheels this week as my first race on the skis is a month away, I do require snow, which is just around the corner. ( please note I am regularly doing a snow dance -naked of course- to get the season under way....come on snow gods)
I note that running hurts a lot, its bone jarring feelings are less than welcome but given some of the hurdles I must conquer this year on the skis it is a new best friend. So i smashed out a run along some undulating terrain around the area I live in and was happy when it was over. I am looking forward to some new skis that are somewhere between Austria and Melburn in the back of the cargo plane direct from Fischer. Cant wait to get them on my ski legs!
In bike related news, I have dropped the forks out of the 29er and they are now sorted and should be back together soon. Deep in contemplation about swapping out my stem on the 29er as I am slightly sceptical about its condition after the failure of the bars, mmmm thinking hard! I hooked myself up with some Brooks honey brown leather bar tape for the road bike that looks sweet on the bars and I am hopeful that I can find the funds (I hear the work OT alarm bells) for a matching leather saddle soon.
The only joy on the horizon will be a pedal with Craig on Sunday morning, if the predicted rain holds off, otherwise the run will be the only option.
Anyway off to work for some more tongue biting fun!
Happy trails!
I hit the road on my running shoes rather than wheels this week as my first race on the skis is a month away, I do require snow, which is just around the corner. ( please note I am regularly doing a snow dance -naked of course- to get the season under way....come on snow gods)
I note that running hurts a lot, its bone jarring feelings are less than welcome but given some of the hurdles I must conquer this year on the skis it is a new best friend. So i smashed out a run along some undulating terrain around the area I live in and was happy when it was over. I am looking forward to some new skis that are somewhere between Austria and Melburn in the back of the cargo plane direct from Fischer. Cant wait to get them on my ski legs!
In bike related news, I have dropped the forks out of the 29er and they are now sorted and should be back together soon. Deep in contemplation about swapping out my stem on the 29er as I am slightly sceptical about its condition after the failure of the bars, mmmm thinking hard! I hooked myself up with some Brooks honey brown leather bar tape for the road bike that looks sweet on the bars and I am hopeful that I can find the funds (I hear the work OT alarm bells) for a matching leather saddle soon.
The only joy on the horizon will be a pedal with Craig on Sunday morning, if the predicted rain holds off, otherwise the run will be the only option.
Anyway off to work for some more tongue biting fun!
Happy trails!
Monday, June 1, 2009
CTS notes of pain
Yesterday saw me take in the sights of Lysterfield for 5 hours in the 2nd round of the CTS series put on by Full Gas Promotions. Gav joined me for the day but was spectating from the sidelines post his eye surgery. It was a early start, but those who rise early get the worm (something like that anyway). We got a prime spot to set up near the trail to feed me and not to far from the amenities.
It was a typical Melbourne Autumn's day with fog and a bit of heavy dew leaving moisture on the trail making it perfect and tacky. I eventually got organised, kitted up and ensured the bike was right to go, and that I had everything.
Off to the race brief for the news of the start and the plan for the day, then it was time to line up. After much confusion the 300 odd start group lined up for a quick dash along the dam wall roads in various directions to get the riders spread out before the single track.
The usual madness of the first lap ensured that I would run cyclocross style to get round people caught up in the single track. I found my pace and was tacked on the back of a group and exchanged spots a few times with various riders. The great thing was the course change had taken out a big piece of fire road which meant it was going to be more competitive for the single speeders.
There was the usual argie bargie, one guy tried to come round me and was leaning into me so I gave him a flick of the elbow and he backed off. I am all for passing but let me know and don't try it with a approaching tree on the trail side. Saw a couple of spectacular falls on the first lap. One guy opted for a line everyone else avoided on the Red Gum trail and he hit a piece of rock and then shot across back towards us all over the bike and into a tree.
After a reasonable first lap I came through the finish shoot and headed back up towards the road. I pulled back on the bars to lift the wheel onto the road and snap! My bars were in two parts. I was a bit perplexed, and then headed back to the start line with my bike on my shoulder. Lucky was a word that passed through my brain a lot for the rest of the race as I thought about where in the course the bars could have failed. One lesson to be learned here is if you have a big off involving your bars, change em!
Anyway Gav and Marty (my fellow side burn fan) where at the start line and as Trail Mix was open I was in luck that they had a bar that would do the trick. Gav handed over the cash and Marty got on the tools to get me back up and running. I was amazed that I only lost 15 mins with the whole drama and then I was off and going.
The race continued and I found it to be a fun course as I haven't ridden the trails out there much of late, so boredom wasn't a issue. I eventually got 5 laps done, had the potential for a 6th but opted out as I was rooted and in need of a coffee. It looks like I had a average day coming in 51st out of 90 odd solo men. If I had not had the bar drama and had something a little more in that tank I may have gotten 6 or even 7 laps in. I am happy enough with the result but man solo does your head in a bit!
Gav and I rounded out the day with a few quiet ales and a bit of shooting the shit. I will post some photos soon as I can and a little video.
Now it is time to get on the road bike with the Brisbane to Noosa 160 km ride in a few weeks and get some road miles in the legs. Also with the ski season likely to get started in a few weeks I also need some specific ski training (I hear the sound of roller skis and some running).
The forks on the mountain bike blew a seal yesterday so time to get that fixed and will most likely pull down the whole 29er and give it a big clean up.
In other news, it is amazing that people read these blogs, and I was amazed to have people comment on this blog whilst out racing yesterday. Cheers for reading these ramblings, and good luck to those who love to ride their bikes!
Happy trails!
It was a typical Melbourne Autumn's day with fog and a bit of heavy dew leaving moisture on the trail making it perfect and tacky. I eventually got organised, kitted up and ensured the bike was right to go, and that I had everything.
Off to the race brief for the news of the start and the plan for the day, then it was time to line up. After much confusion the 300 odd start group lined up for a quick dash along the dam wall roads in various directions to get the riders spread out before the single track.
The usual madness of the first lap ensured that I would run cyclocross style to get round people caught up in the single track. I found my pace and was tacked on the back of a group and exchanged spots a few times with various riders. The great thing was the course change had taken out a big piece of fire road which meant it was going to be more competitive for the single speeders.
There was the usual argie bargie, one guy tried to come round me and was leaning into me so I gave him a flick of the elbow and he backed off. I am all for passing but let me know and don't try it with a approaching tree on the trail side. Saw a couple of spectacular falls on the first lap. One guy opted for a line everyone else avoided on the Red Gum trail and he hit a piece of rock and then shot across back towards us all over the bike and into a tree.
After a reasonable first lap I came through the finish shoot and headed back up towards the road. I pulled back on the bars to lift the wheel onto the road and snap! My bars were in two parts. I was a bit perplexed, and then headed back to the start line with my bike on my shoulder. Lucky was a word that passed through my brain a lot for the rest of the race as I thought about where in the course the bars could have failed. One lesson to be learned here is if you have a big off involving your bars, change em!
Anyway Gav and Marty (my fellow side burn fan) where at the start line and as Trail Mix was open I was in luck that they had a bar that would do the trick. Gav handed over the cash and Marty got on the tools to get me back up and running. I was amazed that I only lost 15 mins with the whole drama and then I was off and going.
The race continued and I found it to be a fun course as I haven't ridden the trails out there much of late, so boredom wasn't a issue. I eventually got 5 laps done, had the potential for a 6th but opted out as I was rooted and in need of a coffee. It looks like I had a average day coming in 51st out of 90 odd solo men. If I had not had the bar drama and had something a little more in that tank I may have gotten 6 or even 7 laps in. I am happy enough with the result but man solo does your head in a bit!
Gav and I rounded out the day with a few quiet ales and a bit of shooting the shit. I will post some photos soon as I can and a little video.
Now it is time to get on the road bike with the Brisbane to Noosa 160 km ride in a few weeks and get some road miles in the legs. Also with the ski season likely to get started in a few weeks I also need some specific ski training (I hear the sound of roller skis and some running).
The forks on the mountain bike blew a seal yesterday so time to get that fixed and will most likely pull down the whole 29er and give it a big clean up.
In other news, it is amazing that people read these blogs, and I was amazed to have people comment on this blog whilst out racing yesterday. Cheers for reading these ramblings, and good luck to those who love to ride their bikes!
Happy trails!
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