A quick race report with photos & more details to be added later.
Weather: Sunny & pleasant during the day. As soon as the sun went down it was damp & darn cold. 4 or 5 deg C in the morning!
Track: Can only be described as awesome, fun, fast, flowing, demanding 16 kms long. If you don't like single track then this is not the course for you hehehe...
Race: Mind, bike, body all ready to go. They all came together. I found a really good pace. In the early part of lap 3 is when I tried to find a nice smooth line to use later on in the night to avoid some body rattling bumps is when it all went very wrong. My front wheel washed out on a fast bumpy down hill. In the crash somthing has driving into the top of my chest.
Another 6 laps (9 completed laps in total) & just over 9 hours of non stop lapping I decided to have a little fed, jersey change, leg warmers on stop. This is when the pain started crashing down on me.
I got checked out & it wasn't good news. My race was over. At the end of the race I finished in 8th place overall in the solos.
The people, track, town, weather...everything has been awesome. Definately an event to add to your race calendar.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
NZO 24 hours at Rotorua
Next race, 24 hours. While watching some great bike racing at Crestmead (Qld.) a couple of days ago with Steve at U-Turn Fitness I asked the question "How I am going to ride for 24 hours?" His reply was "Ride a little slower"
24 hour race plan
1. Nutrition: I have customised my infinit nutrition biddon mix. There is enough of everything in it to do the race on biddons with out the need for anything else.
2. Skills: Smooth, flowing lines. With out the help of Roadie Rob I would probably still be a 'pedal, pedal, pedal...brake, brake, brake...' style of rider still! I used to be a lot harder work until Rob slapped me in the face & showed me some of the most basic mtb skills.
3. Pace: Start slow, medium pace in the middle & finish the day with a solid pace!
4. Rest: This is kept for before & after the race. A 30 sec - 1 min put my feet down every lap or two. This works out a lot better than sitting down for 10-20minutes a couple of times.
5. Fun Factor: I love my racing. There is a lot of time for things to go rough in a 24 hour race. A lot has to go right for a successful ride. Keeping a smile & a sense of humour even when things have gone to shit is what it is about.
6. Motivation: I have seen this pop up in a few discussions over the past couple of weeks. Personal integrity (don't bullshit myself). When I hear an excuse inside of my head that distracts me. I ask myself "Self, are you crapping on?"
7. For me endurance racing is about myself. So many opportunities are presented to learn.
Catch you on the trails sometime.
Dog
24 hour race plan
1. Nutrition: I have customised my infinit nutrition biddon mix. There is enough of everything in it to do the race on biddons with out the need for anything else.
2. Skills: Smooth, flowing lines. With out the help of Roadie Rob I would probably still be a 'pedal, pedal, pedal...brake, brake, brake...' style of rider still! I used to be a lot harder work until Rob slapped me in the face & showed me some of the most basic mtb skills.
3. Pace: Start slow, medium pace in the middle & finish the day with a solid pace!
4. Rest: This is kept for before & after the race. A 30 sec - 1 min put my feet down every lap or two. This works out a lot better than sitting down for 10-20minutes a couple of times.
5. Fun Factor: I love my racing. There is a lot of time for things to go rough in a 24 hour race. A lot has to go right for a successful ride. Keeping a smile & a sense of humour even when things have gone to shit is what it is about.
6. Motivation: I have seen this pop up in a few discussions over the past couple of weeks. Personal integrity (don't bullshit myself). When I hear an excuse inside of my head that distracts me. I ask myself "Self, are you crapping on?"
7. For me endurance racing is about myself. So many opportunities are presented to learn.
Catch you on the trails sometime.
Dog
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I wanna be a Rockstar
Rockstar Racing I don't ride for them. The jersey was a gift, post crocodile trophy last year. I love the graphics. Given the quality of riders on the Rockstar Racing team I am sure the jersey has some "smash them" magical powers hehehe...
I love my new ride. I picked up the frame & fork 2nd hand. I then picked up an Ultegra SL groupset from Velo.net.au & built it up myself.
This weekend saw lots of great criterium racing. Saturday was an hour & 1/2 ride to Nundah for 40 minutes & 2 laps in B grade. This photo says it all. It was a fast, furious, full (60 riders!) race.
Today was a drive south to give Race 3 of the Sizzling Summer Series a hit out. My Natalie has now done the first 3 races of the series. I have been mountain bike racing each time. I was able to enter this one at the last minute.
The course is fast. A couple of easy going corners that require a little fore thought with positioning. This was one of the hard working people of many that have made this series a great event. "Hey cookie, your egg muffin burgers are the best!"
Cheeky & all round nice guy, Pat "The Tank" took out the win in my race, Masters B peloton today. I will find a photo of this dude somewhere.
I love my new ride. I picked up the frame & fork 2nd hand. I then picked up an Ultegra SL groupset from Velo.net.au & built it up myself.
This weekend saw lots of great criterium racing. Saturday was an hour & 1/2 ride to Nundah for 40 minutes & 2 laps in B grade. This photo says it all. It was a fast, furious, full (60 riders!) race.
Today was a drive south to give Race 3 of the Sizzling Summer Series a hit out. My Natalie has now done the first 3 races of the series. I have been mountain bike racing each time. I was able to enter this one at the last minute.
The course is fast. A couple of easy going corners that require a little fore thought with positioning. This was one of the hard working people of many that have made this series a great event. "Hey cookie, your egg muffin burgers are the best!"
Cheeky & all round nice guy, Pat "The Tank" took out the win in my race, Masters B peloton today. I will find a photo of this dude somewhere.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Blacksheep Imports Blog
Pete & I never organise to go for ride with each other, however quite often we seem to 'bump' into each other on the trails or at the top of Mount Nebo, Boombama Cafe.
Pete is one of the local, Blacksheep Imports dudes. He has started a blog to keep us in the loop.
Personally, I know very little about the bikes he imports. What I have seen of each & everyone of his machines is they are exceptionally well built, with the utmost attention placed on detail & finish. They are beautiful machines. Lots of photos please Pete!
Pete is one of the local, Blacksheep Imports dudes. He has started a blog to keep us in the loop.
Personally, I know very little about the bikes he imports. What I have seen of each & everyone of his machines is they are exceptionally well built, with the utmost attention placed on detail & finish. They are beautiful machines. Lots of photos please Pete!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Singapore photos
Firstly, my trip would not have been possible with out the complete support of Mr. Ay UpBelow: New trail closure initiative. WTF?!
Mmmm...coffee...
This is my all time favourite photo from the trip. After having numerous chats with Tinker over the course of the weekend I am now officially a huge fan. He is a darn nice guy, down to earth, easy to chat with... well he is a mountain biker after all.
The Scott was a perfect bike for the race.
eneloop race registration. Some of the fast track in the back ground.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Singapore 100km night race
Friday 5:30am: Land at Changi airport, Singapore, grab my bike which made it in one piece, breeze through customs, buy a cup of morning coffee & I was in a taxi by 6am on my way to Gillie's house.
I have never met or even spoken to Gillie & Rina. Only a couple of emails. Both have been very generous & accommodated me for the 4 days I have been staying in Singapore. Thank you Gillie & Rina !
10:30am: Bike is built & the guys have organised a pre-race recce ride on the course. It was that hot & humid I broke out in a lather of sweat just putting my shoes on! "This is going to be great"
Course description: 10kms, some wide trails, lots of tight twisting single track, some rough, technical climbs with rough down hills. Overall a tough trail with potential to be even better with more riders & work. The final km or so of single track into the transition area was just awesome.
During the casual ride I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the local riders & some from the Philipines. The Phillipino riders dominated the race results in solo & teams.
Saturday (RACE DAY): So the race is due to start at 5pm. Cut off time 2pm. Distance to finish 100kms. Solo riders about 95. Weather: looks like it could rain a little.
I spotted Tinker Juarez kicking back so I walked over to say G'day. A really down to earth, genuine, nice guy. We just talked cycling shit for a bit then I had to go for a warm up ride.
Warm up ride: This is an interesting concept as I am sweating my butt off just putting my helmet on. As I was rolling around I pulled up beside some dude on a Twenty-9 full carbon hardtail. "Hey Gary, that is a sweet looking ride!" Gary Fisher replied with an evil kind of laugh & mentioned that it still needed to be pedalled & he was completely unprepared for the race.
As Gary & I rolled up to the start line it was already thick of starters. I looked at him & said we needed to get up to the front of the start. A few "maaf / excuse me's" later we were up the front. Phew.
Mountain biking has such a passionate following in this area. The race atmosphere, energy & smiles in the staring peloton was one of the best I had experienced. I felt honoured to be a part of this race with so many passionate mountain bikers!
3hrs into the race: A really bad arsed electrical storm smashed the course. Within minutes of the rain starting there were water rapids on the trails. Lightening strikes came in rapid succession & so close there was more than mud in my nix.
3hrs:30min: Race cancelled :o(( I managed to be part way around my 7th lap. I told Tinker I was about to put in an attack & that he was saved by the storm hehehe... He has been sick for a couple of weeks & still smashed out some awesome lap times.
Summary: Even with the race being cut short due to safety concerns (which I agree was a very sensible decision) it has been well worth the time & small amount of effort to participate. I would love to be a part of this race & festival again next year.
I will have a few photos once I get back to Oz.
I have never met or even spoken to Gillie & Rina. Only a couple of emails. Both have been very generous & accommodated me for the 4 days I have been staying in Singapore. Thank you Gillie & Rina !
10:30am: Bike is built & the guys have organised a pre-race recce ride on the course. It was that hot & humid I broke out in a lather of sweat just putting my shoes on! "This is going to be great"
Course description: 10kms, some wide trails, lots of tight twisting single track, some rough, technical climbs with rough down hills. Overall a tough trail with potential to be even better with more riders & work. The final km or so of single track into the transition area was just awesome.
During the casual ride I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the local riders & some from the Philipines. The Phillipino riders dominated the race results in solo & teams.
Saturday (RACE DAY): So the race is due to start at 5pm. Cut off time 2pm. Distance to finish 100kms. Solo riders about 95. Weather: looks like it could rain a little.
I spotted Tinker Juarez kicking back so I walked over to say G'day. A really down to earth, genuine, nice guy. We just talked cycling shit for a bit then I had to go for a warm up ride.
Warm up ride: This is an interesting concept as I am sweating my butt off just putting my helmet on. As I was rolling around I pulled up beside some dude on a Twenty-9 full carbon hardtail. "Hey Gary, that is a sweet looking ride!" Gary Fisher replied with an evil kind of laugh & mentioned that it still needed to be pedalled & he was completely unprepared for the race.
As Gary & I rolled up to the start line it was already thick of starters. I looked at him & said we needed to get up to the front of the start. A few "maaf / excuse me's" later we were up the front. Phew.
Mountain biking has such a passionate following in this area. The race atmosphere, energy & smiles in the staring peloton was one of the best I had experienced. I felt honoured to be a part of this race with so many passionate mountain bikers!
3hrs into the race: A really bad arsed electrical storm smashed the course. Within minutes of the rain starting there were water rapids on the trails. Lightening strikes came in rapid succession & so close there was more than mud in my nix.
3hrs:30min: Race cancelled :o(( I managed to be part way around my 7th lap. I told Tinker I was about to put in an attack & that he was saved by the storm hehehe... He has been sick for a couple of weeks & still smashed out some awesome lap times.
Summary: Even with the race being cut short due to safety concerns (which I agree was a very sensible decision) it has been well worth the time & small amount of effort to participate. I would love to be a part of this race & festival again next year.
I will have a few photos once I get back to Oz.
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