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???

Rainbow colours on the mid week fatties ride?

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

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!!!

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...)