St Kilda road crit

First road crit for the season at St Kilda today. It went ok.

A bit of work on the front, a bit of hang'n back, always in touch. So far so good.

Lots of work to do, sure, but I felt ok.

Yes, alright, it was B grade.

Bicycles and espresso

Camberwell's, well Melbourne's, lucky to have new quality bike shop.

Beautiful space including select bikes, quality gear and run by great blokes Lincoln and Cam.

Get in there pronto for the greatest coffee hit around, believe me, and get a new bike while you're there too. They stock and support Specialized and BMC, oooooo.

For details: Bike Gallery

Smiths Gully ride

Eventful? you bet.

Seized bottom bracket on the Yeti led to 2 options. No ride or take the bastard monster x.

There was no way I was going to miss the ride.

Front wheel disengaging on a descent resulting in, luckily, only bruised ribs, hand, pride and cut knee. Coulda been so much worse, I know.

Got lost at the end o the ride, near sun down, and ended up 8k from start/finish point. Called into random house and got a generous lift back to Smiths Gully store.

Burgers, beers and laughs with a great crew. Roll on...

FHDC are off again

Last night saw a massive turn out to participate in the first of the season's nail biting, cut throat competition. An creatively adjusted track to avoid the filth was a great addition.

Don't miss the next one, entries are limited. Details

A time when it all started...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdrh6bM9ce0&NR=1

Recognise anyone there?

Gravity 2010...

We (Tim and I) had to return to Rosewhite and try and back up with another WIN.

This time with the experienced off road talents of the N

orthside Wheelers man o style (ye

s he is a man with a love for the dirt/mud ma

squerading as a roadie).

Apparantly, the tra

sh talk started early from the good men from team 10, 9, 8... and we were neck and neck from 9am till 9pm. We trailed them by around 90 seconds for most of the day but towards the end the never say die attitude from our team eventually rolled over the top to claim victory in our own grudge match.

Officially, we smashed our catagory to take victory and finished 4th overall. Job done.

The track is always great here. In all conditions.

The conditions were fast apart from the many worsening mud patches due to springs and creeks arrising from the recent wet.

Somehow my crafty team mates talked me into the run again. Getting onto the bike in the first 15 riders was a bonus and I chased the our nemesis for the day, Brad Davies up and across the paddock from the get go. No warm up, hard start, buried myself, revisited breakfast during the lap and felt quite sick afterwards. Malachi, 'man o style' Moxon was next followed by Tim 'man machine' McGrath. Rotating in that order for 12 hours like the well oiled machine it is, to victory.

I started on the Yeti ASR carbon but decided to try the 'cx wheeled, 26" framed, sushi bared, rigid bastard bike'. Time was ok and I felt less shelled afterwards so I completed 4 of the 6 laps on it to come to the conclusion that gears, suspension and large volume tyres are, in some circumstances, just not nessessary. The 'bastard' climbed like a mountain goat, cut through the mud and hooked the flowing single track flawlessly. Sure descending Gravity drop and post Heartbreak Hill was a little rough and slower but was still enjoyable. I love the directness and feedback during the ride. It's not for everywhere but that's why you have other bikes. For the time being, I love it.

Hopefully, I can try it at the FHDC tonight.

Well done Carson for his 5th in solo. When he came in for a refuel/break, I reckon his bike weighed 20kgs with the caked on mud. After a wee clean, dropping a few kg's he continued tapping it out consistently. Getting caught in a sprint to finish. Enough already.

Neil R and Ryan M riding one gear to an awesome result to finishing second in pairs.

2010 Rotorua SS Whirlds - (Part 2)

More days of riding on the sweetest o Rotorua track.

More beer and food at the 'Pig and Whistle'.

More coffee and food at 'Zippi's'.

More hits n giggles.

That's all I remember from 2 weeks ago.

That's all I'm happy to remember... till next trip there.

2010 One Speed Whirlds, Rotorua - (Part 1)

Two weeks ago? Yes it was. But busy times are now. Can't let it pass without comment though, belated it may be.

Off at sparrows fart on 6am Wed morning flight. The crew was chipper, as you would be, in anticipation of 'time out'. Including bikes, bike talk and anything bike (occasionally shifting to humorous observations of our kiwi bro's across the Tasman and other trivial random topics).

Short flight, hire car action down to Rotorua, book in to ol' motel with hot springs (that'll be handy post ride) and off to the (use Kiwi accent here)'Pig and Whistle' for beer and big food. The trip's off to a great start!

Thursday saw us off to check out the trails. Most impressed. Even on my bastard, rigid, sushi bared, 700c cyclocross wheeled, 26" framed Kona Unit (yes, it was built by Dan).

The trails flowed as well as I was led to believe by all the glowing reviews I received before I left. Climbs and descents, all sweet!

Yowie 2010

Gez and I came up from the excitement of the UCI Worlds to race/ride the Yowie at the You Yangs. Anyone who knows me or reads this blogage (why would you? but anyway) will know how much I love riding there. So when I was available to race, that I did. Well, until at the far side of the Currajong, it became evident that I had taken a wrong turn somewhere. Aargh! So upon finishing the lap I realised i had logged a 30k lap instead of a 33k lap. I told the timing crew and headed back out, forgetting my fresh bidon. Aargh. It's too long a lap to go without so I turned around, rode back and searched the start finish area for the one I left there, no joy. So back to the car mix a new one and back out on the course. Good one idiot. Never mind, just enjoy the ride. I found a great rhythm on the second lap, less back pain too.

The race was on though to get back to Geelong and watch the Granny and sink the beer, and that I did.

God of Thunder

Well...

The UCI world road champs in Geelong were fucking great!!!

The hard men and women of cycling on a great course, awesome weather and sharing it with many cycling buddies. Gold.

'nough said...

2010 - Year of the Magpie

Yes this generally is a cycling blog but it's also my blog and that means I'll put on it whatever i like (or love)...

And I love the Collingwood football club.

Congratulations to the players, coaching group and admin on their relentless commitment to achieving the ultimate goal in our most wonderful national football code.

A team spirit, game style and belief in one another that is the new benchmark in footy.

Go Pies!

Single Speed Urban Epic - just a ride? or an event?

Sunday 8.30am at the Gipps St bridge saw a gathering of 22 riders (I think) on varied 2 wheel equipment head off on a journey. And a journey it was, through some well known trails as well as some lesser known link sections. There was mud, but not as much as there has been recently.
The ride was reasonably incident free with the bunch shrinking in size as the ride progressed. My food quota of Torq gels x4, Torq bars x2, 2x bidons of Torq Energy and 4x water just got me through with the last couple of k's hunger flat. Around 10 riders completing the whole 80 k's. I put some proper pedals on the rigid 'Unit', a bike that gets me around town during the week and recieves no love. Until now, as inspiration and encouragement from yesterday spawned the plan for me to join the motley F.H.D.C. crew on their trip to Rotorua for the World single speed championships. What fun is install for us on the "choice" Rotorua single track and, no doubt, some s/s related activities (including Cam Wells b/day! celebrations).

Photos by Cam Wells

A fine Sunday

Quite a group we had at the Yangs today. B. Dickey, J Dickey, J Jackson, A. Hayat, N. Robinson, D.C (Fitzroy Revolution), P. van der Ploeg and I cruised a lazyish 30 odd k lap. Great bunch, great fun. Feeling ok, felt like staying out there all day.

Saturday was an enjoyable social road trip to the Wall for caffiene early the a gentlemanly pace to Mordy and back. Hooking in with the tail end of the Hell ride just to lift the pace for a few k's. Pace lifted again through Elwood, then turning into Beaconfield Pde BP straight I had a great lead out from the man/machine T. McGrath,
then remembering I didn't have my two highest gears, leaving me to sprint in 54/14. Just got pipped on the line (or sign as it is). Again, feeling good and wanting more... Let's just see if I can actually string a few weeks together. Could be hard with the big work move and set-up in Collingwood (ch, ch, ch, Collingwood, ch, ch, ch... eh hmmm...)

A buonissimo feast awaits at the destination

Norfcote to Rosebud on the beautiful Scapin today, solo, strong tail wind, fine most of the way. I did get soaked from Dromana on, sure, but I was greeted by my Italian future grand parents in-laws hot shower and more tasty food than I could consume, even after the 80 odd ks I'd just smashed out. And I didn't have to ride back in the wet as 'the good lady wife to be' was nice enough to make room in the car for the trip home (even if Mimmo cried the whole way). She's good to me, I would've made me ride back.

Castlemaine discovery

After a heads up call from master of MTB photography, Camo Wells, yesterday arvo saw a quick trip up to Castlemaine with 'the good lady wife to be', Domenico Jr and I. A dual purpose trip it was, with a relo visit for 2 of us and... a discovery of new trails with the local MTB club knowledge for me. About 20 riders on a very chilly Saturday arvo enjoyed the fresh but damp trails.
The only other place I would like to have been was at the G enjoying the Pies belt the suitcase out of the Saints.
Roll on September...

Renshaw out of tour???

What the? What's wrong with a bit o headbut action to keep your sprint line?
I've watched it over and over and I reckon a stage relegation to last place or a fine, sure, but out of the tour? Come on!
If there was a reason for disciplinary action, I reckon it's Mark's shut out on Farrar.
Looking forward to tonights action, again. The 2 nights up and 1 night sleep pattern is working well.

Off to Castlemaine tomorrow with one Cam Wells to hook into some apparently new trails with the Rocky Riders Club crew. I am excited by this, yes.

The rebirth of the lightweight road weapon

The Scott Addict frame and fork has gone to Jamie for paint.
The White Industry H2 and H3 hubs have arrived and gone to Dan for a trick rebuild on the Reynolds 46mm carbon rims with DT Aerolight spokes and ceramic bearings, oooooooh.
The superlight 3T Ergonova LTD bars are planned for the cockpit, aaaaaaaah.
Undecided on the new saddle at this stage, I have been through quite a few but still searching for "the one".
Melbourne black is the goal with some custom decals, possibly...
I know I'm excited!

Brrrrrrr....

Up at sparrows after lots o rain last night paid off as it was fine (and cold) at the You Yangers on Sunday morn'n.
Bruce, Chris, Simon, Mark, Kim and I (and later, JD). The six of us took off on a 'take it easy' ride (yeah right) straight up from Stockyards, over the top, big flat loop over the back, back up and over, descend, a lap of the sweet trail and back to the car. 30k's. Even after the rain we've had, the trails drain so well. There was more puddles and water ruts than I've seen out there before but it's certainly the all year round/all weather place to ride the fat tyres.

Surfcoast trails

There was rain, cold and mud on Sunday as I discovered the growing number of trails that the Surfcoast crew are cutting around Anglesea with brother Deano. Including a lap of the enjoyable Surfcoast 6hr scout camp race course. 40k's approx. Nice to get out there.
Also, just ordered some White Ind hubs for the rebuild/rebirth of my roadie (new bike without the cost, win/win!). Repaint to match the new Signtorque kit too. Oh so pro..

Northside Wheelers

The purveyor of fine cycling wares, Malachi Moxon, has opened his doors to all who possess discerning taste in all things bike.

Shop 2, 155 Greville St, Prahran
Get in there and feeeel the energy of cycling style.

Rogers + Porte

Tour of Cali leader M. Rogers (Aus)
Giro d'Italia leader R. Porte (Aus)

Strewth Cobbers!!! Good on yers n that!!!

Porte in the Pink!

There's just too much (well there can never be too much) cycling to comment on at the mo' with the Tour of Californication and il Giro.
Il Giro was flipped on it's head after last nights stage and the Dodger is ready to pounce over in the States.
And how about the young Taswegian slipping into the pink (so to speak) after a long and tough 262k stage 11.
The Aussies are killing it!

Yeti ASR carbon 2009 - For Sale

Yeti ASRcarbon - size medium
Pretty much unriden frame and wheels.
As new, no marks at all.
Mix of XT and X9 groupo
Manitou R7 forks
Egg beaters
Ritchey WCS bar and stem
Selle Italia Flite saddle
$6000

Contact Sam 0466 664 216

Chilly Autumn mornings

Fleecy arm warmers, leg warmers, base layers, gilets, shoe covers, steamy breath, cold ears and damp roads, ahh... that's the way I like it. Somehow it feels more... real, than riding in the height of Summer. It may be controversial but I hate Summer, it's negatives far outweigh the positives. Now and all through Winter & Spring is the best time to ride. (in my humble opinion of course) Rain? Cold? So what, harden up.

Saturday, late arvo, flying solo, sticky and fast Yarra trails on the MTB, oh the joy!
+
Sunday morning with Cam W out to Kinglake (or as near enough) and return. Cruisy, chatty and a damn fine sight it was taking in the eucalypt regrowth and mist on the way up. I pulled out the Scapin for this one. It's sooo very sweet to ride despite being a good deal heavier than the Scott (about 2.8kg heavier) with it's wire beaded Vittoria Randoneur tyres. It felt like riding with the brakes on, up hill. Good training though.

Giro, love it!

Cadels campaign underway and was looking good until losing 40 odd seconds today due to being caught up in a crash.
He CAN win it! And I reckon will win it if his luck is on for the rest. (Despite his many knockers out there, you know who you are...)

Ritchie Porte smak'n it and in second on GC.

Brownie being Brownie in the stage 3 sprint
Watch the final few k's here to see what I mean.














Meet Yolanthe, also an important part o the Giro.

Spoke(n) - over and out

As many are aware of, Melbourne's greatest bike shop, Spoke(n), has finished trading. Suffice to say, there are many strong feelings around the closure that I shan't be discussing here. But what I would like to convey is my gratitude for the support that Malachi, Julie and staff have given me over the years. I have no doubt Mal will be at the heart of another great cycling institution in the not too distant future, if he so desires of course. Stay tuned...

Feeeel'n good...

After burying myself last weekend at Coleraine (or "cold n rain" as i've heard it also refered to), and a reasonably quiet week on the bike, this weekends 100k Frankston return on Saturday and today's 50k Eltham return felt good. With average normalised power for Saturday 100k at 206w and today 50k was 217w. Although not very impressive in terms of world class athletes data, sure I know, but in my sparadic and varied world o training and taking into account my weight, it's ok for me. More relavent is watts per kilogram data. Saturday's 100k was 3.3w/kg and Sunday's 50k was 3.5w/kg. Let's hope I can keep pushing them up, at the moment, I've got the drive. Allez, allez!

The Lion King

Whilst in the process of designing a new cycling kit for Signtorque, I was delving back to some classic designs of days gone by. I was thinking of some of the standout kits (for good reasons or bad) and Cippo has worn a few of 'em. Here's just one I had to share.

The 'style' King, wth the hair and the killer Briko's.

The 'muscular anatomy' TT skinsuit.

I think it's time for another character the ilk of the great one...
The fast, egomaniac, Italian stylemaster himself, Super Mario!!!

Stay tuned for the new kit, this research has really given me some great ideas.

Get orf will ya...

I just had to get rid of that old blog header photo. Great photo it is Camo but no one needed to be hit with that ugly mug every time they loaded the blog for curiosity, jeeez...

Tour of Coleraine - ouch!!!

My doubts about racing in B grade were legitimate. A tough 94k first stage on Saturday with 40k winds and some steep pinchy climbs. I was dropped (with quite a few others) after 25k, worked with one rider swapping turns for 10k then I took off on a climb to tt it until C grade caught up at 65k mark. I tucked in with the C grade bunch for a while, then thought it best to leave them alone and do the work with a couple of other (dropped) B graders until the end. With 1 stage down and 2 remaining, I was keen to bail out and head home. But after a hot shower and food, I decided to hang tough and race the crit. 20 laps? no problem! I felt ok for 10, struggled for 2 then beat myself up trying to not get lapped for the next 8 laps. Aaargh, I really wanted to go home now. But again, after a couple of hours of reflection, I was staying overnight to fight it out again for the 115k road stage tomorrow. A massage from Scooter and a very late dinner at the pub was my preparation for stage 3.
After Anzac day commemorations, the race was underway at 10.40 for B grade and I was able to hang in there until after the second KOM, about 45k's into the race. Working wih a few for another 10k. I gave it everything I had to keep consistent, solid pace but after a check of my heart rate, I was unable to get it over 154bpm. A sign that my weekend of racing was well and truely spent. I pulled out at the 71k mark as we went through Coleraine. Continuing for another 44k's would be pointless just in order to 'finish' the race. My race was finished. I gave it all I had. I should have raced C grade rather than try and survive B grade, sure, but it's all good race training and I'm sure the dividends will pay off down the track if I can keep it up.
Feeling sore today but happy for the experience, no matter how tough it was.

Average speed and heart rate details.
stage 1 - 32.45kph for 94km - heart rate avg 164
stage 2 - 39.22kph for 30km - heart rate avg 164
stage 3 - 33.52kph for 71km - heart rate avg 145

Tour of Coleraine - Stage 2 - crit photos

La Fleche Wallonne

I just can't stop watching this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujUbOPDou4g

That's how ya do it!!!

Well done Cadel, looking good for the grand tours.

enthusiasm building...

After a couple of weekend rides I'm feeling eager to eat some racing this weekend at the Tour of the Southern Gramps, Coleraine (or what ever the fuck it's called). I have entered B grade not knowing where the hell I am in relation to any road racing level. Oh well, apparently some hilly things are in there so I'll install the climbing wheels for the weekend as every little bit helps. Wind and showers apparently expected too, oh joy! Off to a sweat it out in The Spin Room at 6am tomoz. Then take it easy until race start on Saturday.

Torq trainer session

Well an truely back into it. With a decision to race the 2 day, Tour of Coleraine in a week and a bit and maybe a Northern combine race at Lancefield on Sunday.
After the heads up from Jen and Gen about the first of the winter trainer sessions down at Torq headquarters, I decided to go down there for an Anaerobic power session which left me completely spent to say the least.
I'm looking forward to Coleraine, even if I'm a bit underdone.
We'll just see then ay...

Baw Baw Classic

All the best to Tim, Ben and all the others in their quest to be K.O.M. this weekend in one tuff race.
Godspeed...

Easter break = road k's

Just when I've decided to stop 'swimming against the tide' that is training and racing when there is many responsibilities, obligations and distractions, I get out to do 300k's over the Easter break!
In so doing, the passion was re-ignited and I'm now constructing a calender of races to aim for.
This is the springboard I needed...
Tagging along wit the Nacional team to Kinglake on Friday, shop ride to Mordy on Saturday and down to Dromana including Arthurs Seat on Sunday.
A incident on our return from Kinglake was a harsh reminder that we share the road and we're not on the pro tour, bike and car damaged, no-one was hurt, 'nuff said.
Ride safe.

Winners Bars! - Mont 24 title defended successfully

The weekend started on a very sad note with everyone shocked by the news of James 'Willo' Williamson passing away in his sleep whilst over at the Cape Epic in Sth Africa. In his honour, the race was shortened by an hour and we participated in an honour roll out on the trials.
R.I.P. Willo, a real champion.
For everyone else, try and live and love every moment.

Racing for a new team sponsor this year, Winners Bars (also the team name), we were able to consistently punch out laps to win our category by over 2 and a half laps and finish 7th overall out of a massive 520 or so teams. Again this year, the team consisted of Tim McGrath, Malachi Moxon, Cam Wells, Chris Haydon, Bruce Dickey and I. Tim from Winners was onboard for nutritional advice, supply of natural (and obviously legal) performance enhancing products and enthusiastic encouragement. How sweet it was to be based in a large corporate team tent for the entire race, I could get used to that for all future races without too much trouble.

The race
Tim put himself in for the run again. He didn't bury himself and left enough riders in front of him to call "track" and whip past on the opening lap, Mal (he's a roady you know, not a MTBer) was off next smacking out another quicky. Then me, digging deep to get around as fast as I could before my back pain could catch up. Passing onto Camo then Chris then the wily and experienced race hardened Bruce. Day, night, day, we lapped like programed, high tech toys (what the???? turn it up?) All our times were crack'n for blokes on the 'better' side of 40. No significant mechanicals or any crashes were had.
The 18km track with not much climbing and nearly all flowing single track, suited me no end. Happily calling track and squeezing past fellow racers for 50 odd minutes at a time. Speaking of squeezing, a moment of joy came during one lap when I called track, at night, proceeded to overtake only to notice a sizable ditch fast approaching, quick decision and a "oooooooo" as I decided to take the 15" wide timber bridge at the same time as fellow racer much to the amazement of all present as to the success of the manoeuvre. Anywho... with 5 hour rests in between laps to talk crapola, mostly relating the bicycle of course. Looking at the lap times, gee, I'd say the young guns need to look out (yeah, good one cocky). I'm happy (for a change of late), the teams happy. Can't wait to get out there tonight (yes I'm all enthused again). Well done chaps!!! Next year? you bet!

Thanks again to Tim from Winners, Mal at Spoke(n), Tim, Cam, Chris and Bruce. The trip up the Hume was worth it again.

2010 Mont 24
overall results
lap split results

Photos to come...

FHDC - changed format?

5 laps one way, stop, start again, more laps in the opposite direction.
Yep, it works for me. Although it took a few laps in the opposite direction to get any flow going. The course does run better in a counter clockwise direction but good to mix it up.
I'm getting found out for my lack of riding of late. I just can't string any training together. Busy. The hair on me legs is an indicator of the attention I've put into cycling lately. Fast starts, go like the clappers until I explode into pieces. JD recons he's in the same current state. Oh well, won't stop me from doin it again. Ya gotta suffer for success...

1st Rohan A
2nd Duncan M
equal 3rd James D & me!

Shit! I've just realised we're off the Canberra at the end o next week to defend last years BIG win. Probably too late to start a strength endurance program, hmmm...

Back's still & f%^*ed. It's gunna hurt, I just know it. Focus.

Golden Plains (or Golden Shower) festival

'The first lady of pizza', baby Mimmo and I jumped in the 'Love Bus' for a weekend with fellow music munters for Golden Plains Music Festival at the Meredith site (yes it was a coupla weeks ago now). Our Saturday arvo arrival was greeted with the skies opening up and it stayed that way for the weekend, wet. That didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the munters and we were treated to some crack'n performances from PAVEMENT, DINOSAUR JR(Mimmo's fave), DIRTY PROJECTORS, MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, TAME IMPALA, CALEXICO, NASHVILLE PUSSY, THE CRUEL SEA, WOODEN SHJIPS and others. Music + mud = fun! (especially wit the love bus 'cause we could just drive on out at the end, no wet tents n shit to pack up, see ya suckers...)

Otway Odyssey 2010.... why do we keep doing it???

Every year I get a warning about entries opening for the Odyssey and every year I don't wanna miss out on an entry. So I go ahead and enter well before the event, with the plan to be stronger and faster than the year before. But a plan is just that... a plan.
Expecting to be at the 'pointy end' of the results is a big ask if one is getting 2 training rides a week, maybe 3 if lucky. There certainly hasn't been any lengthy training rides over the last coupla months (apart from the Baw Baw ride a few weeks ago). So racing over 100k's through the climbs of the Otways is gunna hurt ya (or me as it was).
I felt quite relaxed about the actual race beforehand as all the kids and partners were in tow this year and my focus was primarily on them. If they were all sorted then I'd have time to think about the race. The 'brothers delicate' (Deano and I) rolled down to the start on a warm and windy morning to meet up with the bears (Mum and Dad).
At 7.15am, off we all went with the usual panic as if it was a 30minute crit race.
Left onto Wild Dog Rd, and race on up the climb. After many, many, many, climbs, creek crossings, descents, bitumen roads, fire roads, single tracks, grass tracks, log hops, berms, etc, later, I crossed the line in 6hrs12mins, saw my beautiful wife to be and just stopped short of bursting into tears from back pain, aaaaaaaarrrrggh... But so relieved to have completed another, albeit 20mins slower than last years time and 109place overall. Maybe the only outstanding achievement of the whole race for me was my timed descent, missing out on winning my category by 1 second.
We've all got excuses why we didn't go better and yeah they're probably valid for most. Going into this race with the resurgence of my back problems worried me but what else can you do but race anyway. My back did send me insane during the race with the only relief being from handfuls of Voltarin gel at transition and some periodic off the bike stretching during the race.
Complete neglect of core exercises and stretching over the last few months has resulted in an unsatisfactory result for me. Let that be a lesson young man and lets look forward to the Tour de Flavour crit in Mansfield, Mont 24 in Canberra and the oooo, Baw Baw classic!!!
Congrats AJ on winning the mens event and international road star Judith Arndt for the women's.
Well done all competitors who completed the race, in itself a huge achievement.
And better luck next year for all who couldn't finish, among the list of DNFs were some good riders.

St Kilda road crits and Flat Hill Dirt crits

Sunday morning started in a panic. Woke up late to git down to Port Melbourne for a bit o crit action. And when you're not good enough for A grade, you have to race in B grade.
And when you race in B grade at St Kilda you race with anxious cowboys, and anxious cowboys are dangerous. Thankfully, B grade stayed upright, no thanks to some actions of couple of twits in the race. A bunch of 5 got away early and stayed away. I tried to jump across but with no help forthcoming from the bunch, I got stuck in between for a lap and had to fall back. A couple of laps during the race on the front of the chasing bunch and a dig from too far back at the end, that was my race. I'm feeling ok on the bike, that being my first St Kilda crit for the season. It's always a time to train factor and a work in progress.
Last night was a roll down to the Flat Hill Dirt Crits. Small turn out. Had a bad start, followed Neil for a few laps, Rohin and Belly breathing down our necks. Neil washed out on one of the sketchy corners, I snuck by and am now in the lead. I clipped a tree a couple of laps later, Rohin goes by, I'm now in second. Belly's engine is warm now and he goes by as my back is giving me grief and I'm losing power. I'm back in 3rd. I kept Belly in sight but had to be happy with 3rd. Neil was there behind, not sure how far back.
Hard and fast racing as usual.

1st Rohin A
2nd Andy B
3rd me! (again)

The beauty...

Sunday saw a ride with 3 mates from Mansfield, Mick F, Bruce H and Jock B, from Noojee to the Mt Baw Baw summit return. No takers (suckers) from Melbourne came along for the ascent of the steeeep one. Either slack, soft, scared or busy.
It's gotta be one of the best places to ride in Victoria, Australia or even the world (not that I have any OS riding experience other than being a bike courier in London).
Riding a steady pace out to the gate (start of the infamous climb) and then a hard, but not maximum, effort to the top 37mins35secs for the 6+ k climb.
If I'm in any form leading into the Baw Baw Classic in April, I will look forward to smashing it on my beautiful Reynolds KOMs with Veloflex tubulars, in the race. Riding on them will take some time off. You bet.

Baw Baw

Looking forward to having another crack at Baw Baw on Sunday with a few mates. Riding from Noojee and maybe 2x up the climb... (maybe I said).
Baw Baw Classic? Hmmm, we'll just see a bit closer to April. I've gotta get some use of those beautiful Reynolds KOMs sitting in the corner. Up, up,up, we go...

Tour Down Undies - wrap up

Adelaide was a ball again. Bigger crowds this year, I'm gunna have a different strategy for watching the racing next year, the finishes are just too hard, to see too little. Great to see the current world champ have'n a bit of a dip on the penultimate day and his 3rd place in Sterling, in a bunch sprint n all. He the man, I'm a fan. Pro all the way I say. Other great moments were T.Lowe in the break of 3 on the last stage in Adelaide, and the Gorilla flexing his muscle to win 3 stages. Equally as good as the racing was the few rides I had with a great mate from Mansfield, Jock Brega. He's experienced, consistent and doesn't mind belting along the flats or hitting a few hills. We pretty much rant and rave about bike shit all week. and love it.
Pickle (Coco) had fun too and managed to stay entertained without too much bike overload. The rest of the family stayed at home. I'll drag or take them all along next year. It was great watching the last stage with my soon to be father in-law, who is living in Adelaide and as it turns out, resides tracksde. So we watched the race under the shade of a large tree, at the top of the climb, with a large screen showing the race opposite, GOLD!
No masters racing this year, didn't renew my licence in time (and maybe that I'm just not feeling quick enough just yet after my break).

FHDC are back!

Belting around some tight and techy single track for 30 mins on a Tuesday night is back and last Tuesdays was a warm one. Great fun as usual but when you're riding on ya rivet, 30 mins even seems long. 2nd place went to the newly crowned Aussie XC masters champ Justin Wornes (gets a Aussie champ jersey n all!) where he beat Eva by 20secs. Like Eva needs another champs jersey anyway. Congrats to Justin, nice bloke (and fast too!)

1st Matt L
2nd Justin W
3rd me!

Tour Down Undies - here we go!

Hitting the road this weekend for a week o bike stuff in Adelaide. I went last year, loved it, and vowed to return. Morning rides in the Adelaide hills, pro tour race viewing in the arvo and camp ground relaxing in the evening. Ahhh yes...
Despite all the shit Adelaide cops, I reckon the place is great for a bike freaks holiday.
No racing in any support races for me this year, just go with the flow. My travelling buddy, daughter Coco will be along for the journey again, can't wait!!!
I reckon it's gunna be a cracker with a few more of the bigger names in cycling coming out as well as our own big name Aussie stars. Can one A.Davis back it up? Game on!

Aussie Road Champs

All the best to Team Nacional riders, Torq Australia riders and Carson Tully and at Buninyong this weekend.
Rip it up against the pro's, lads!

The new decade and life begins...

What an eventful couple of months it's been for the 'harmony house' (a term we use to remind the kids of the parents desired demeanour in our home, ambitious maybe, but we try) and the most significant event being the birth of our son Domenico Maxwell. At 5 weeks old there is a definite pattern emerging in his character... he's a boob man. (oh ha ha). May his journey be an exciting and healthy one. May he enjoy all that dirt single track and smooth tarmac has to offer whilst pedalling a bicycle. May he experience the zen of the salt water barrel. May his spine shiver when listening to a guitar riff and/or drum beat. Hang on, hang on, they're sounding like my experiences, hmmm. Anyway, whatever floats his boat, his old man will do his best to offer guidance and support and hopefully share the experience with him.

B.o.B. (back on bike).
With the Otway Odyssey drawing nearer I really need to spend some time on the bike to build on some lapsed form if I am to avoid an embarassing and painful experience. So since starting with an early morning trip to the Yangs with brother Deano Bravo on Jan 2nd, I have strung a couple of rides together. Amy's ride last Sunday was fun as always (despite a 'shoulda known better' hunger flat) Where I found myself sitting on the wheel of one R. McEwen for about 20k or so. Ya don't do that every day, well I don't so I was well chuffed as well as making stature comparisons with the fast one.

Off to the Yangers again tomorrow morning for an early one at 6.30am, 3 hours probably, before the heat and a trip down for some waves afterwards.
Ahh the life. I was suppoosed to be working this week???