remember to breathe...

New things

2011-04-04T20:59:00.010+10:00

Back again.

Got fully sucked into Bookface after avoiding it for, well, the whole period where it was 'the thing to do' and now it's not so 'the thing to do', I decided to just have a bit of a look/see. And just like (almost) every other munter out there, I got sucked into the abyss. Shhhhhup! So I've been spending/wasting my online babblings there.

Bike Gallery

You probably know this but I have a new (cycling) family and I love them alot.

After being commissioned by Lincoln Brown mid last year to apply graphics to his VW Caddy for his pending new cycling shop, the relationship grew.

Well whadaya know? I happen to love bikes too!

Lincoln and Cam McDonald from BG have become awesome riding/racing buddies and great friends too. There are a growing number of riders, of all levels, supporting the shop, getting on board the BG rides and racing in the stylish shop colours. If you haven't been in there, you must.

Discerning taste prevails for all the quality cycling products stocked within. It's a beautiful space to hang and enjoy/smash arguably the best Axil coffee, well maybe anywhere. If that's not enough to divert to Camberwell for a suss, what is?

Yeah ok, I just realised I had already posted about BG earlier. Reaally needing sleep after yesterday's MTB race and then staying up suck'n down Belgian beers whilst watching the fantastic Flanders classic at BG last night, zzzzzzzzzzz......

New bike!!!

My relationship with BG has me now on a new set of fat tyres. For a while now, I've been reading about and talking too peeps in the know about the 29er thing. And after being pretty well convinced the negative issues associated with 29ers had been dealt with or fixed, I decided that this little fella was gunna take the plunge. This would unfortunately mean se

lling the wonderful Yeti ASR carbon in my stable :-( Time to explore new angles and options so I decided the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er would be the one. Rare and harder to get than hens teeth. Mine arrived a couple of weeks ago and I've had a couple of rides and a race on it so far. Wow! I absolutely love it, so far. No negatives at this stage but I am going to tweak the set up further, ride some different locations and smash a few more races before I give the full run down. So far, so great.

Racing/riding

Erratic as usual, enjoyable as always.

The past couple of months has included a few Summer road crits at Kew and St Kilda, Tour Down Undies rAdalaide trip, Otway Odyssey, Tour de Flavour crit and road race and last weekend's Duael pairs MTB race. Racing wise there's been some success in there and some mediocrity. Riding/training has involved BG rides in the 'Nongs, King Lake and good ol' Beach Rd, also some Tuesday night Eltham loop action with Cam Wells and Russ Sargent.

Coming up... the teams road race at Phil's Island, BG training camp in Mansfield, some other MTB race that escapes me at the mo' and, oh of course, I'm very excited to be off to do the Tour de Timor in September, shit yeah!!!

Can't get enough of it though, as usual.

Hello, my name's Brett Kellettini (ya tool), and I am a bike addict...

Hungry

2011-01-06T16:03:00.002+11:00

I'm getting stronger and faster, session by session, ride by ride.

Pain, more pain, then heavy legs. I love heavy legs.

Itch'n to train, bursting to race.

You've gotta suffer for success.

I am training to win.

St Kilda road crit

2010-12-19T22:09:00.002+11:00

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

2010-12-10T21:45:00.007+11:00

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

2010-12-08T21:21:00.004+11:00

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

2010-11-10T08:39:00.003+11:00

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...

2010-11-10T08:11:00.003+11:00

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

Recognise anyone there?

Gravity 2010...

2010-11-09T09:24:00.009+11:00

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)

2010-11-08T22:28:00.004+11:00

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)

2010-11-03T21:39:00.003+11:00

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

2010-10-05T08:06:00.002+11:00

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

2010-10-04T23:44:00.003+11:00

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

2010-10-04T23:30:00.002+11:00

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?

2010-09-20T11:03:00.009+10:00

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

2010-07-25T22:40:00.003+10:00

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

2010-07-18T20:54:00.004+10:00

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

2010-07-18T09:02:00.002+10:00

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???

2010-07-16T22:18:00.003+10:00

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

2010-06-30T22:15:00.004+10:00

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....

2010-06-28T20:46:00.002+10:00

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

2010-06-21T13:36:00.002+10:00

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

2010-06-02T13:02:00.006+10:00

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

2010-05-21T13:36:00.003+10:00

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!

2010-05-20T13:16:00.005+10:00

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

2010-05-18T13:49:00.004+10:00

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

2010-05-17T15:00:00.008+10:00

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!

2010-05-11T13:57:00.007+10:00

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

2010-05-03T14:14:00.003+10:00

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...

2010-05-02T11:30:00.002+10:00

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

2010-04-29T16:01:00.005+10:00

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...

2010-04-29T14:35:00.003+10:00

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!!!

2010-04-26T10:17:00.012+10:00

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

2010-04-23T10:41:00.001+10:00

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...

2010-04-19T21:40:00.003+10:00

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

2010-04-15T20:02:00.002+10:00

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

2010-04-08T15:38:00.001+10:00

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

2010-04-08T15:14:00.002+10:00

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

2010-03-30T08:07:00.005+11:00

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?

2010-03-17T11:21:00.003+11:00

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

2010-03-17T10:42:00.004+11:00

'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???

2010-02-22T11:35:00.010+11:00

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

2010-02-17T10:22:00.002+11:00

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...

2010-02-09T15:22:00.003+11:00

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

2010-02-04T21:41:00.002+11:00

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

2010-02-04T20:48:00.002+11:00

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!

2010-02-04T18:59:00.005+11:00

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!

2010-01-15T13:13:00.002+11:00

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

2010-01-07T13:24:00.002+11:00

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...

2010-01-07T07:33:00.009+11:00

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???

Rainbow colours on the mid week fatties ride?

2009-11-26T15:58:00.002+11:00

Yes that's right, believe it or not, Nicole Cooke, 2008 Olympic and World road champ, on a mountain bike, belting along the Yarra trails with the local motley crue.
Ya don't get that every day... and yes she hooks along on the fat tyres very tidily indeed.
Wow.
And apparently yawl get to see her form at the Kona this weekend too.

Dirt crits

2009-11-18T07:48:00.005+11:00

A healthy and formidable turn out last night for the half hour of fat tyre power.
20 or so riders funnelled into the tight single track. Ben was on fire. Great to see a couple of chix.
And an honourable mention to dirt crit virgin Jim who jumped in on the Shogun,
without hesitation, and has vowed to be back for more.

1st Ben R
2nd Russ C
3rd Shaun H

7th for me

Next in 2 weeks

Gravity 12hour - raced and WON!!!

2009-11-10T12:53:00.003+11:00

Yep, that's right, the 'Emergency Merkin' team of Tim and I slogged it out in the heat to eventually win by 8mins in the male pairs category and possibly more impressively, 5th place overall against the more widely resourced teams of 3 and 4 riders (and much younger ones also).
A couple of laps pre-race roll around the 10.8k (by my GPS measurement) circuit revealed the same familiar course but sporting the effects of a bushfire some 8 months before. Burnt out bridges, black ash in the dust, more exposed to the sun through lack of foliage and quite a bit of loose gravel on the usual well packed surface. 'Sketchy', I thought, and it was but the track soon packed down.
I got a bad start in the run with the majority of riders in front of me, so I just sat in until I could overtake. Tim took over and showed that we were here to race! by belting out a quick first lap. We tagged each other for the next 12 hours with barely a "nice work", time gaps and "GO!!!" spoken between us for the period. About half way through the day I followed our category leader, the strong Brad Davies, for a lap and eventually we overtook his team and slowly extended the gap.
Tim rode like a pro, the best I've seen him and my times were pretty consistent all day.
We were glad to see the sun disappear for a couple of cooler laps at the end of the day.
Both shelled by the end, but elated at pulling the win.
I couldn't have done it without Torq products to fuel me all day, no cramps, no flat spots and no bonking.

Great race on a great course as usual.
Well done to all of the 600 or so competitors.
Well done to The Spin Room boys on winning their category.
Thanks Tim.

Mountain biking, as much as it takes out of me and hurts at times, I just fucking love it!!! (der...)

Gravity 12 hour - this weekend

2009-11-05T08:38:00.003+11:00

After whipping around in the erratic B grade, Kew Blvd, crit last night, there will be no more hard efforts before the Gravity kicks off this Saturday at 9am.
Tim and I are set to take it on as a pair (of idiots), which will no doubt take it's toll by the races end, some time after 9pm that evening.
The weather is expected to be, well... perfect!

Consistant, quick laps that are faster than last years consistant quick laps, is the aim.

A great event on a course I could ride with my eyes closed after having done the last 6 or so years.

Good luck to all, stay upright ay!

Sunday will see a trip over to Bright to ride to Mt Hotham return.
Recovery? I think not.
There's time to recover next week...

Functional Threshold Power test - complete

2009-10-30T13:02:00.003+11:00

Why did I feel more nervous about doing this test than racing?
*#^! knows?
It was warm, it was on the trainer, I hadn't done one before, no one else home, was I gunna pass out on a max effort? Why worry? It's just a 'simple test' isn't it?
After following the protocol to the letter/number for warm up, it was BANG! power down!
5mins - yeah, ok
10mins - what only half way?
15mins - ouch, hang in there, whoa feeling a bit...dizzy
20mins - power off, thank ^$*! for that!

That's why I was a bit nervous, scared even, as I won't give up until the task is complete. (maybe that's the problem)
Testardo (stubborn).

Anyways 1st one over, I'll know what I'm in for next time at least.
Does that help? Hmmm...

FTP result? A little better after a month of coaching. I'll wait for Jen's feedback though.

Thanks Jen. I'll get there (damn it!)

The great thing is... I just feeel good on the bike and enjoying it at the moment, MTB and road.

Crits on Sunday, St Kilda or Glenvale.

Gravity 12hour the following w/end, bring it on!

Recovery week

2009-10-27T13:19:00.000+11:00

Taking it easy this week with a self administered (max. effort) fitness test at some stage.
Arrrgh...

Triggers out and Gripshift in

2009-10-25T09:53:00.000+11:00

Good riddance to the 3x9 Sram triggers I have been using for the past 3 months and welcome back to the trusty 2x9 set-up with Gripshift.
Don't get me started.
Thanks James @ Spoke(n) for the switch back.

Surfcoast 6Hr - wash up

2009-10-25T09:14:00.000+11:00

The brothers Kellett teamed up for the first time ever, to ride a pretty consistent race to finish 4th in male pairs and 8th overall. The Anglesea scout camp course and the conditions were excellent. We were beaten by the Apollo and Felt teams who won the the event overall but considering the lack of training that brother Dean does, he rode an awesome one, albeit on a course he's familiar with. Top work Deano! I had a great race too and am feeling good on the bike at the moment. I think Jen's coaching is certainly doing the trick and looking forward to taking some good form into the Gravity in a couple of weeks.

Result: 4th (male pairs)

Over and out now for a recovery spin and giggle around Torquers.

Flat Hill Dirt Crits - Tuesday hitouts in Ivanhoe

2009-10-22T13:11:00.000+11:00

Daylight savings fires up a lot o things and one that I've been really hanging out for is the Tuesday dirt crits. I missed the first but rode this Tuesday with a dozen turning out including a few quick young stars, MTB hardmen and I.
The course was run in reverse, no problem (apart from the hole at the top of the small pinch). After 30 minutes of racing I ended up 3rd behind some Van Der Ploeg bloke
and Matt. I'm happy with that but will still try and hunt down (or stay with) the young guns a bit longer next time...

1st Paul,
2nd Matt,
3rd me!

Dirt crits again in 3 weeks...

Jayco Hun Tour - Lygon St support crits

2009-10-22T12:57:00.000+11:00

The chance to race with a great bunch of blokes on Carlton streets (closed to traffic) in front of a bit of a crowd was just too much to pass up. Ben at The Power Tool Specialists in Carlton and Sam at The Spin Room invited me to join their motley crue to try and win our Masters B grade race, and that we did! After spending half the race on (and off) the front of the bunch, I tried my best to lead the team into the sprint by burying myself on the last lap. It worked and Ben came away with the win, and the cash!!!
Great fun on a great street circuit that suited me with 3 hairpin corners and 2 fast left handers. A bit sketchy when the we had the light shower and my back rubber slid a few inches sideways on a fast corner, but great fun.

Again next year? You betcha!

Marathon Champs 2009

2009-09-25T15:32:00.000+10:00

Hmmm...

I've had better races but was still pleased I stuck it out to finish despite chronic back pain after about 20k into the race. Don't know what triggered it, maybe even trying to move my weighty Kurt Kinetic trainer around at home with disregard to my delicate back, doh!. So to be able to battle on through the race meant getting off the bike every 15 or so k's to do a yoga session on the side of the track. It's not great for you're race time though. And it showed in my 5hrs51min race time. Disappointing.
All the masters of the masters category were there, Wornes, John, McColl, McCrory, Williams and me ol' (friendly) nemesis McGrath. The start was off, as expected, to a solid pace on the undulating fire road. As I kept telling myself to start a little slower, ride my own pace and finish faster for a change, I let go of the lead group a bit.
But after the slippery in places, paddock section the ol' back started to come back to haunt me.
The course was much better than last years with much more single track and less frickn bitumen. Always good for a MTB race. A gold stamp to the organisers for this years course.
Ride, pain, more pain, stretch, repeat, repeat, repeat. (excuses, excuses, excuses)
13th place in Masters - grrrrrrr...

Core exercises for me I think.

Oh well, let's move on....

Next?

Gravity 12hr?

I'm comin' to gitcha.

MTB worlds

2009-09-25T15:18:00.000+10:00

The trip to Canberra to ride and watch the racing was as expected, F*%#@'N GREAT!!!
I just couldn't keep off the bike, so I spent pretty much all day, everyday riding. With some spectating thrown in there.
Those blokes and chicks ride fast at that level, real fast (oh really?).
To watch the two mens XC leaders still belting it out at break neck speed at the end of the race was awesome.
Just fantastic to ride Stroms and Sparrow's without it being a race and with mates for a change.
I could nearly move to the nations capital just for the riding, road and MTB (no really).

Can't be fagged writing anymore detail, just to say the trip was well worth the effort.

The test.

2009-09-09T11:22:00.000+10:00

It's been a couple of weeks since 'the test' and shall try to remember it as it was.

A 9am Saturday start with Dean (Torq boss), Cam (physiologist) and Jamie (set-up expert) in attendance and after an explanation of the process, a short while to set-up the test bike to my previous bike position they had me getting comfortable with an easy warm up. Easy.
Then mask on, no talking and light resistance applied.... easy.
Take blood for lactate level via pricked finger then increase resistance by 50w, 3 minutes pedaling then repeat, repeat, repeat process until my V02 levels reach their peak then start to drop off. Resistance off, light spin, recover, drink Torq recovery, test completed!
Actually not as painful as I was expecting but no stroll in the park mind you.
The detailed results were forwarded to me, and my new coach Jenni, the next week.
Jen peruses the results and constructs the cunning plan to make me ride faster for longer.
Next I was under the instruction of Jamie to assess/change my current bike/s set-up to create more power, less fatigue and more comfort. First up was my Scott road race bike then the Scapin roadie and finally the Yeti. All bikes are now significantly different to ride and from the riding I have done so far they are more comfortable and I feel somewhat stronger on them. My seat and bars were lifted from my super low euro pro (wank, wank) position and seat moved forward to allow me to power more over the top of my pedal stroke. It so far feels real good!

Now all I have to do is ride it, follow it, eat well, rest well, stay injury free and avoid the pig flu (and any other nasty bugs) and podium here I come..... hopefully.

The process was a wonderful experience and I reckon anyone with enthusiasm about their bikes and racing, at any level, would get a lot out of it.
I certainly did.

Physiology test (or breaking point) and other stuff

2009-08-27T11:03:00.000+10:00

This Saturday morning's bike time will be a little different than usual in as far as I will be undertaking (or suffering) a physiology test and 3D bike fit. (oooo, 3 dimensions)
This will be done with the Torq Australia crew who know a thing or two about elite level cycling, especially MTB. And hopefully they can help me achieve either; a/ Olympic gold, b/ National success or more realistically c/ better results than I get now.
Also with my very limited time to train, I have become extremely interested in training with a coach, training program and power meters to get the most out of the time I do have to train.
So I have arrived at the decision to pretend like, I'm like, a pro n that and have a crack and I'm really looking forward to putting myself under close review.
Am I a slug, a pocket rocket or just extremely average? We'll soon find out ay?

MTB World Champs trip to Canberra is only a week away now, very exciting, beer and bikes, no babes though.

The Loop.

2009-08-14T12:45:00.000+10:00

3 fun laps of Hans' loop last night in the dark and mud with Cam.
Clockwise, then anti clockwise, 2 tracks in one.
I could enjoy riding that all day.
One day I think I will, soon.
The Yeti loves everything.
I love the Yeti.

Spoke(n) Classic + maiden You Yangs roll...

2009-08-13T11:53:00.002+10:00

A last moment decision was made to have a crack at the Spoke(n) Classic/Northern combine 100k race .... in A grade.
What???
Oh well I thought I'd be right, maybe not win it or even come close but a goal to survive and learn (Grasshopper) was set. And survive and learn I did. A mix of conservation of energy and work for others where I could. Although I still can't seem to avoid the evil cramp at precicely the wrong time, despite keeping well hydrated with Torq product , resulting in being dropped from my bunch 10k from the end. No matter. Otherwise is was a training exercise and I think I came in 15mins behind the winner. Not too bad in my books for the stage I'm at, at the moment. I enjoyed riding/racing with my Degani/Spoke(n) mates for the first time in a road race. Mal, Tim, JJ, Mark, Jarrod and Simon all rode strongly, top work.

But really, after all that road work, I was looking forward to Sunday at the Yangers with Bruce, JD, Cam Wells, Gez and Jez for a fat tyre adventure on the wonderful trails that make up the network there.
An 8.30am start and 3 hours riding time was perfect and with JD setting a consistant pace most of the time, the legs were tired but ok.
The ASR is such a joy to ride, whatever trails I have used it on so far, I've been stoked with the ride. Perhaps not set-up perfectly yet but the process is underway to get it there. I'll say it again, "...rides like it's on rails" (in a good way).

Onto this weekend.

Starting with the Spoke(n) shop ride on Saturday with maybe an extended roll to Mt Eliza.
Then.
Chase the Sun (round 4)
I have entered to ride solo but will belt out as many laps as I can until I'll have to leave at 12noon to enjoy an afternoon family gathering.

No riding this week thus far but a road session wit Cam Wells to Eltham tonight is on the agenda.

Powerful owl TT

2009-08-03T14:09:00.000+10:00

I've just discovered round 2 of the Powerful Owl time trial at Bruce's loop is on tomorrow night. I think that will be the first hit out for the Yeti in a race.
Better fit the candles on then ay....

Molto grazie! Spoke(n)

2009-08-03T11:38:00.000+10:00

I'd like to sincerely thank the Spoke(n) crew for their support and supply of my new ride, nice work and it's greatly appreciated. And if you want to experience the joy of a Yeti ride, trust me and put your current ride on ebay or bike exchange or sumfink get your ass into the shop and get one.
It's as easy as that!

Gush, gush, gush...

2009-08-03T10:18:00.000+10:00

The Yeti ASRc was rolled out for a 4 hour ride out to Hans' loop yesterday and if the body wasn't telling me to turn and head home to eat, I'd probably still be out there now!
It quite simply must be the greatest MTB riding experience I've ever had, possibly an unfair advantage over those without one or, sex on wheels.
As previous reviews from others who have experienced the ASR, I can confirm it begs to be ridden FAST!!! Feels like it's on rails and all that gush, gush, gush...

My initial concerns about passing up the highend xc hardtail race experience were quickly put to rest. I am happy to carry the extra 1kg or so extra bike weight to bang around on the plushness of a quality dually that the ASR is. The slacker head angle is great and I'm happy to adjust to it from the twitchier set up I was running previously.
I was able to hunt down other riders on the trails with stealth as the bike is, as we all dream of, quiet. No chain slap, no squeaks, no knocks.... love it!!!
But, bikes don't ride themselves (good one), so I'll just have to get myself up to top speed to ride it to it's full potential.

The Yeti ASRcarbon is a 5 star ride (if not better).

I'm like a kid at Crissy at the mo' and all week I'll be dreaming of hitting the Yangers on Sunday to enjoy the great and varied riding out there.

The new ride...

2009-07-31T14:33:00.000+10:00

Drum roll please...........
Introducing the Yeti ASRcarbon with Pro kit set-up!
No time to discuss now but will blab on about it after the weekend.
Off to ride now......
There's a pic near the end of this blog, take a deep breath and scroll below.

Melbourne to Ballarat Classic

2009-07-16T15:26:00.000+10:00

All signed up for this 99 year old race (yes it's as old as the Giro pretty much).
It's a handicap and I'll be riding off 16mins (mid way in the field).
Strong northerlies predicted and I'll be doing my best to conserve, conserve, conserve energy, as us smaller blokes must do in the wind.
93 kms of uphill and flat to Ballarat.
Result posted next week.
I'll be telling myself "It's all good training!" and "ya gotta suffer for success" and all sorts of weird and wonderful things en route.
Look'n forward to it.

New Yeti not far away now... WOOHOO!!!

.....and back again.

2009-06-30T15:02:00.000+10:00

Big things have happened since last posting to say the least (blogging not being a grand priority. No really.) What with moving house, renovating, blending families harmoniously, falling pregnant, work trips, etc..... WHAT? PREGNANT??? How did that happen? Let's not worry 'bout that then ay. I am extremely excited to be having a baby with the wonderful "Baroness of Pizza", but this is not the place to gush my excitement so I shant.
Also I'm stoked to be now riding for Spoke(n) after a generous offer to jump ship from MBC. I sincerely thank Warren at Melbourne Bicycle Centre for his support over the last 15 months or so, it is greatly appreciated and I still recommend them if your looking for a new ride (with wheels I mean).
The Spoke(n) relationship means the Scott Scale LTD has gone to a new home:-( but a new Yeti ASR Carbon is on the way, hip horray. Can't wait and I will be giving my humble critique when I've given it a good ol' fashioned thrashing!
Training pretty hard at the mo' and feeeeling good after 6-8 weeks off the bike.
Melbourne to Ballarat is in my sights on 18 July, so I'll soon find out just how I'm track'n.

Got that itch goin.....

Itch'n to race.

2009-04-17T15:44:00.000+10:00

2009-04-17T15:42:00.000+10:00

The Mont 24 wrap up

2009-04-07T13:08:00.000+10:00

What a crack'n weekend of racing and laughs!
The trip up took in such high (and low) lights as The Holbrook Settler, the noisiest motel ever (so no sleep there) and the Coffee at Niagra Cafe in Gundagai (2x *%#'n strong coffee, off me chops was I).
Straight out to the track Friday with a coupla bonding practice laps with 5/6ths of the motley crew that was the 'Optical Illusion' (sans Chris H). The course was seriously the greatest enduro track ever (especially if you don't like the climbing bits of MTBing). At 18km's long our reasonably paced laps took around 55mins, ish. Lighly undulating, well routed, smooth pine forrest floor mostly but not much tech, unless travelling at top speeds.
Blah, blah, blah, Friday night pizza and beer with much bike/race verbal crapola flowing (love it!)
Rain overnight.
Arrival at the track on Saturday was met with a bit of dampness underfoot but a warm-up roll around revealled perfect track conditions.
Tim had a crack'n first lap (including run) and put us right up there and we never looked back. Great to see Malachi back on the fat tyres, let's hope to see more of his experience & smoooth lines on the dirt.
Bruce Dickey was solid and consistent as ever. Cam Wells and Chris Haydon both in great form.
Many laughs were had, many fast laps on an ideal course (the best ever enduro course in my opinion) and the result we were after, finishing a full 3 laps ahead of the competition.
We also would have finished 6th or 7th in open which is a fair effort for a team with an average age of 48. Blah, blah, blah.

I am in for next year.... no doubt at all.

Looking forward to the BMC 100k marathon at Woodend on the 19th April.

Keep peddling! (and breathing)

Ay Up! for the Mont

2009-03-26T15:57:00.000+11:00

Just ordered some neu Ay Up! lights for the upcoming Canberra experience. After a bit of tossing around options, the Ay Ups seemed to be the best balance of reliability, function, economy, light weight (for the weight weenie I am) and fuck me, they're 'Astrayan made!!! Ridgey didge, dinky di.
More winter MTB? You bet!

1 week 'til the Mont bus leaves... woohoo!!!

Change of plan

2009-03-24T09:28:00.000+11:00

It was decided by the 'Neenan Eckbo Confederacy' members that a 4.30am rise, 7hrs of driving and a return time of around 9pm for 2hrs of racing per rider was, well...... not on.

So the alternative was a crack'n urban epic Mullum Mullum loop. I had only riden parts of it in the past so following B.Dickey and C.Wells for the route was the call for the day. 80k's of pretty good riding with some excellent flowing sections and a few climbs. Gee the older bloke in the group can hook into that single track better than most, not bad at 58. Post ride, the legs were feeling it (not that good at only 40, harden the fuck up !!!). An bike unrelated highlight was Bruce's spotting of a couple of powerful owls near Heidleberg, them is big intense look'n birds them is.

I'll be out there again to try and retrace the tricky route (since it does come very close to work and the other end is home) but a GPS or Mullum loop experienced rider would help as there is quite a few track switches.

The team is looking strong for Canberra in 2 weeks as I got to ride with 4 of the other 5 riders over the weekend. (even if one M.Moxon is now a roady)

Get out there, the trails are great after a bit of precipitation over the last coupla weeks.

Mt Beauty 6 hour enduro

2009-03-16T13:25:00.000+11:00

2 weeks off the bike??? hardly a break after over-training, but more a result of too many other stuffs going on. Anyway, with an invite to join the star studded (Cam Wells & Bruce Dickey) 'Neenan-Eckbo Confederacy' team for this coming weekends race, I will be turning the legs over again this week in an effort to help propel our mighty team to victory!!! Hopefully.
I always love racing at Mt Beauty and don't mind making the 3.5 hr trip to do so.
My erratic Summer of racing with little training continues.
So I think I'll go out on the fat tyres tonight for a bit of fun and skills honing.

Yay! the Mont is coming up in 3 weeks and our 'ol' fellas' team should be up there to back up our victory in the Scott. Which will prove nothing and only inflate our already healthy egos (wankers).

Roll on...

Golden Plains - festival of munters

2009-03-11T19:23:00.000+11:00

Back in the real world (or is it?) after a fine, leisurely weekend spent with 'the First Lady of Pizza' . Firstly down the coast for a surf and then off to Meredith for tunes n beers.
Saturday night, Black Mountain kicked it off for us and set the bar high, early with their 70's inspired prog rock noise, and harmony. A consistently good You am I show also.
Sunday's highlight for us was The Old Crow Medicine Show, great country/bluegrass fun. The Drones, who I reckon should write a more appropriate 'Astrayan' national anthem, were also rock'n. Gary Numan? well, hmmm, gee Woody, don't know about that one, but it's all about variety I suppose. Good to have a few slurred words (and drinks) late with a couple of blokes who do it best (Max & Wayno, cheeers!).
A slow exit on Monday for an epic car journey to retrieve 'Pickle', getting home way too late.
Back to work...

Golden Shower Festival?

2009-03-06T17:08:00.000+11:00

No, I don't think so. It is looking like it will be fine for the 3rd Golden Plains Music Festival, unlike last Decembers MMF which was a mud bath (glad I skipped that one).

Looking forward to soaking up the sounds with the Baroness of Northcote by my side, yeah!!!
With a few must see acts i.e. Mogwai, The Drones, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brant Bjork, You Am I, The Church, Tony Allen, Gary Numan??? and the band I'm bust'n to see live, Black Mountain from Canada, oh joy!!! No doubt there will be some great surprises, as there always is, with the lesser known acts (to me anyway).

So it's a bike free weekend (WHAT!!!) with a surf Saturday morn'n and music n beers for the rest. Looking forward to catching up with many munted mates that I don't get to see that often (what with being bike obsessed, parenting young Pickle and work).

If you're off to Golden Plains, Black Mountain'd be my pick I reckons.

HHCCC - another great event!!!

2009-03-02T12:30:00.000+11:00

Firstly, thanks to Bruce and Steve for another slick event!
Great, well supported route and the weather was ideal (perhaps a lil' smokey but whadaya want?).
I may be actually learning to ride a little more cleverly by not getting sucked into the wrong surges or breaks (I know it's an event, not a race, but seriously, everyone at the pointy end is racing).
Taking it easy and riding tempo for the first 58k stage was the plan and was adhered to, great warm up.
12.30pm saw the start to the Mansfield to Mt Buller stage and the lead bunch rolled out to Merrijig relatively slowly (excellent). The surges and breaks came from there on in. A break of 4 was let go first, then the Sram boys (Rob and Dan) went. I had a crack at Pinacle Valley with no takers and by Changue Rd decided it was pointless and sat back in the bunch. Mirimbah servo was time to go and 3 of us chased. I settled into solid climbing tempo and felt pretty good, catching the Sram boys about half way up. There was no looking back now, no cramps, no dehydration, I crossed the line in 5th place. Gez Mc Hugh apparently not to far behind, and the strong riding Tim Ross also up there, top work chaps.
A quick massage, chat a few buddies, load up with new biddons and back down the mountain at a rate of knots (much to a few riders surprise on their way up) into a bit of a smokey head wind back to Mansfield.
Unfortunately no staying on the mountain this year to ham it up and no Sunday stage as Coco was waiting for her Dad in Melbourne (thanks Nanny Dee).

Again, an event not to be missed!

A no-bike weekend coming up as Golden Plains is next weekend and probably a few waves on Saturday as there should be a pretty solid swell on the way.

Lets hope all goes well and there are no more lives or property loss due to the predicted extreme weather tonight/tomoz. Shit! I'm flying to Sydney in the morning...

Holden High Country Cycle Challenge

2009-02-25T12:03:00.000+11:00

Get on board this one as it is the best run bike event with a great format in the beautiful high country around Mansfield. The 2nd stage from Mansfield to the Mt Buller village, is a good opportunity to put to bed any arguments over who is the strongest climber amongst ya mates.
Saturday night on the mountain is a cracker!

Otway Odyssey - more wash up

2009-02-22T19:41:00.000+11:00

Oops! Well done to all the other MMBCC members that raced Tom and Dan McMunn that supported each other and finished together in 103rd and 104th overall. Also Richard Eisner in 339th place, I think that's all. Good work lads!!!

Otway Odyssey - the wash up.

2009-02-22T18:19:00.000+11:00

What a buzz it is to be one of 1750 MTBers willing to test themselves on what is a pretty hard day on the bike, no matter what the conditions. I truely marvell at the wide variety of riders and skills that take this one on. Yeah, yeah, there's the elite riders that train for it and finish sub 5 hours but it's also the riders that are average recreational cyclists that can spend 9 or 10 hours out there, I dips me lid to all of ya!
Yes, it wasn't as hard a slog as last year in the mud but still, well..... hard! And what a race of many parts it is, a significant bitumen climb, steep 4wd climbs, fast water rutted descents, sweeet singletrack climbs and descents, sand, just about everything except rocks I suppose.
My race started probably a bit slow (for a change) but probably too slow and lost a bit of time on the initial climbs (ya really gotta train on climbs to blitz the climbs but anyways). The pace was pretty hard from the get go and I decided to hold back and save for the true MTBing, the singletrack. Cramping is not something that usually affects me much but *#%! me, it did on Saturday, from the 35k - 60k I had to nurse the legs through but after the first transition at the 65k mark, it was game on, trying to peg back some riders I wasn't feeling too bad and the caffeine kept me pretty wired. The final 13k section climb seemed to never end and I was weary of going over the bars on the final descent as was the case last year. Not before time, I raced to the end with no idea of time or position, releived. 5hours 51mins 45secs, 71st position overall and 9th in vets catagory. I'm pretty happy with that considering I would be lucky to get 100 -150k's in for a week and certainly haven't been doing any MTB marathon stuff. (...but we've all got our excuses).
Deano Bravo cruised in, all smiles, in 388th posi overall, in a time of 7:31:00, great work bruva considering the bike has taken a distant back seat of late.
Gezza arrived in 238th posi, 6:51:23 after the start, and after throwing down the challenge last year to beat the Kellett boys, ya gunna have to get on the programme now for next years race.
As predicted, Jongers smoked it again, in 4:30:46, confirming that yes he is a robot but I hear he did put on his granny ring for the race (perhaps I should have also, doh!).
Great day, great race, I'll be back next year, well done to all fellow riders, just finishing is a considerable achievement in my books.
Great to have Mum, Dad, Becko, Sassy & Nina Jean there for support, thanks muchly it was greatly appreciated.
Holden High Country Cycle Challenge next Saturday, (it's an event and not a race you know).
Bruce and Steve run a stellar event, get on board the Buller train Saturday arvo and hit the tins on Saturday night, beer and bikes, a match made in heaven. Always love going up to ride with my cycling country cousins (fellow club members), let's just hope for weather under 30degrees.

Otway Odyssey... again getting on board the train o painnnnn

2009-02-19T10:54:00.000+11:00

In 2 days time the heart rate will be up, up and away yet again in what is a cracker of a test of ones mettle. 999 others munters and I will tackle the 100km's of extremely varied terrain of this Otway race and another 750 riders covering shorter distance versions. With a strong drive to perform better than 51st place last year and this year cracking into the 40 - 49yr old bracket, my expectations are high, even though I've probably been training less than last year but we'll just have to see ay.
Deano Bravo is back and has a date with the monster that is the Odyssey after crashing out last year on an extremely slippy descent. Gez has been training hard (lots o secret miles working for Worldtrail me thinks) and has put out the challenge to smash the Kellett lads, good luck with that.
Weather should be spot on, low 20s and possible morning showers. I reckon the winning elite time's gunna be &*%k'n quick, under 5hours me thinks and I just can't see anyone beating Jongers for the honour (and $$$), he's is a robot you know.
Lots to organise still.
Preparation is paramount.
All the best to all competitors.
Look out nemisis (you know who you are)