Otway Odessey Race Report

Well after what I thought was a great preparation in training I rolled to the line feeling good and determined to stay in the front 50 of the bunch for as long as I could. I comfortably rolled along the Great Ocean Road in about the 4th row of bikes, as we turned left I maintained my position and as the road started to climb was still maintaining my position. As the road got steeper a few people started to slide backwards and a few riders started to go past me, what I did notice was those going past were digging deep and breathing heavily, and I was riding at a good solid tempo, so I thought that they would all pay later for such early efforts.

As we crested the timed climb at the 8km mark I would have been about 40th. We started a fast gravel road descent and entering a sweeping left hander I lost traction and was sliding towards a spoon drain and rock wall, doing about 50kmph. Not being the best at crashing (yes it is a skill) I managed to sort of keep it upright and drop into the drain, trying to wipe off some speed, I then hit a rock, still doing at least 30kmph and went flying over the bars. Fortunately I did not get my hands down as I could have done a wrist or collarbone so instead I led with my helmet. So I essentially hit the wall at a 30deg angle, which was lucky as it was a glancing blow, I managed to tear off plenty of the skin down my right side. After about 5 seconds I was back on the bike, albeit a bit slower and with a cranking headache. It was later at the finish that I would discover that my helmet was cracked.

So a bit shaken from my "stack" I continued on for another 91 kms. I managed to tap out the 50th best time down the red carpet descent, which if you ever go and ride in Forrest is a must do. I was hit with cramps at the bottom of the red carpet, maybe the extra effort put me over the edge. So the next 50kms would be ride a solid tempo with no cramps or lift the pace to stay with another rider and the cramps would hit again.

At the 67km mark I headed to do the Yauger loop which included Mariners Run, which are some of the best trails in this area. Part of this loop took in the Kona night loop in reverse, which was good to ride again. I had had a flat spot at the start of this loop, but finished it well and was ready for the last loop. The final 14km's includes a long steady open to the sun climb, I got in a rhythm and passed 5 riders, as I entered "Britney's Meltdown" which is a section of rolling hills which I guess would send you to a breakdown if you were on the edge. I rode the last 8kms by myself, and finished in 5hrs.51mins and in 73rd place. This was 41 mins better than last year and 101 mins better than 2007.

So overall I was kinda happy with my ride considering the crash and the cramps. Although I was aiming to finish in the top 40 riders. I have highlighted a couple of things that I will do differently in preparation for the BMC in April.

As an event the Otway Odessey is a killer as you cannot hide from the brutal climbs that just keep on coming, and after all the climbing you then have to hammer your way through some tight single track. So of course that all means I will be back again in 2010 for another crack.

Monday's Philosophies

I thought I would start to post a few quotes and thought provoking philosophies on a Monday. Here is the first instalment.

If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter, floating a few feet above a field somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it. People would walk around it, marveling at its big pools of water, its little pools and the water flowing between the pools. People would marvel at the bumps on it, and the holes in it, and they would marvel at the very thin layer of gas surrounding it and the water suspended in the gas. The people would marvel at all the creatures walking around the surface of the ball, and at the creatures in the water. The people would declare it precious because it was the only one, and they would protect it so that it would not be hurt. The ball would be the greatest wonder known, and people would come to behold it, to be healed, to gain knowledge, to know beauty and to wonder how it could be. People would love it, and defend it with their lives, because they would somehow know that their lives, their own being, could be nothing without it. If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter.

Joe Miller

Crocodile Track NZ

Scotty had planned a ride for us in the Port Hills of Christchurch. We were starting on the Crocodile track then up Kennedys and then onto the single track accross the top of the hills. The warning was we start with a little climb, well after 35 mins we had racked up 600 vertical meters and were on top of the Hills. We rode some great tracks on top of the hills and they were fast and flowing.
Me trying to look fast for the camera, on top of the port hills

This track was awesome fast and flowing on the way down, and a technical climb with plenty of switchbacks as you make your way down to the creek at the bottom and up and over the other side.

Flowing single track kiwi style


Scotty was looking good chewing up the climb with no drama, which is good training for a ride he is tackling towards the end of this year which has 18,000mts of climbing.

As we were on private land we had to deal with the local residents which did not blink an eye as we rode past.

There are some great views from the top of the hills which go with the great trails. We climbed all the way up to Mt Vernon and then turned around and rode back.

The beautiful city of Christchurch

The view down to Llyetton harbour, on the south side of the port hills

The ride down was less enjoyable for me at times, as Scott's hardtail was really a full rigid as the front forks had kinda siezed up. So it was a bumpy ride in sections. But when you have climbed up 600mts you must have a good downhill.

An awesome way to finish a ride

On the way down we got a fantastic view of the sunset. We arrived back at the car with big smiles after the wicked descent. We then headed off to the Speights Ale House for dinner where they hold the post race party for the Coast to Coast.

Another Adventure to tick off the list.

NZ Update

Well I have been in NZ for 2 days and have been on the bike twice. Monday was a great ride up in the Port Hills with plenty of climbing and some awesome trails.

Tuesday saw a trip to Bottle Lake MTB Park, which is a purpose built MTB tracks in some pine plantations, 10 minutes from Christchurch, these tracks are fast flowing and flat. Cam took me out there and rode his single speed which on Tuesday meant his bike had only one gear and he wanted speed and lots of speed. I was on his Santa Cruz Blur, a sweet ride.

Also my boss just shouted all the team over here for the meeting a 1 hour chinese massage, so I am feeling quite relaxed right now.

I will have more updates on the rides and some great photo's when I can get some descent internet speed, the hotel speed is very slow.

Lysterfield Single Track via Mt Dandenong

Saturday saw an early start at 6am with Jas as we headed out on the MTB's for a long day in the saddle. I had done this ride before and it took two hours to get to Lysterfield from home, via Sassafras. On Sat as we headed out it was very hazy due to the back burning that is occurring close to Melbourne.

We are only about 1 km from the base of the mountain and you can just make out the TV tower if you look really closely.






As we made our way up Mt Dandenong, we came across some steep tracks, which was perfect training ground for the Odyssey.




This one was a walker as you can see by the angle of the trees.



We ( I ) made a slight Navigational error somewhere and we ended up doing a bit extra climbing and came out at Olinda instead of Sassafras. We had a short road section which took us to Ferny Creek where we came upon some great tracks and beautiful surroundings. On the road we came upon some guys on the road bikes who were also training for the Otway they were all a bit surprised that a couple of mountain bikers went rolling past them, on the way out of Sassafras. I am sure one guy will be at the Osteo on Monday getting his neck looked at after his quick double take.





Jas just soaking up the surroundings. We found some great tracks in this area and will be back to loop them up with other trails in the area.

By the time we got to Lysterfield we were 20 mins late to meet Ben who had forgotten his phone, so we started our lap and by chance met him half way around. However time was catching up with us and it was time to make our way home. So it was onto the road for a quick roll home up Stud road.

And that's it for riding, the training is done now just relax this week and be ready for Saturday, cant wait. However I did spend about 2 hours giving the bike a thorough clean in the afternoon.

I am off to NZ on Monday and of course will be doing a few rides on some of the great tracks around Christchurch, no intensity just rolling the legs over and enjoying the scenery.


I think Jas likes his new bike and what he can tackle on it.

Tour De Burbs

Thursday night sees a bunch ride depart from Chandler Highway at 7pm. I did this ride last week and there would have been at least 130 riders and it was a fast ride.

Last night there were considerably less riders and the pace was a lot slower but it is always game on when the road tilts skyward. Whilst the climbs are neither long or steep, you have to dig deep to stay in the front bunch. This is a great ride as you cannot get this kind of speed in your legs in your normal training rides, there is something about about a 100 riders which makes you work hard.

So I knocked off 90kms in just under 3 hours, now I just have a big ride on Sat morning, more details to follow and then that will just about top off the training for the Odessey. Although before we get to Forrest I have a few adventures to have in NZ next week.

The Morning Commute

The view from the driveway on Wednesday morning was of a sun ready to breakthrough. However it was cold and a bit rainy, so I was rugged up like it was winter

The ride back to work after 3 hours the night before is always a bit tough, especially when it gets a bit cold. The 100mts of climbing in the first 8 mins does not help either. Once that is over its easy to settle into a nice steady rhythm. And if I ever think it is getting too hard I can always look at the poor souls who aren't out riding their bikes.

Views East and West from Yarra Blvd

Who could do that day after day.

The Yarra Trails

So it was another “commute” home from work along the Yarra Trails. I am really enjoying this ride at the moment it is fast and flowing and generally a fairly clear trail. Tuesday night was the perfect weather for riding, not too hot and the yarra trails were protected enough from the wind. The Yarra trails are for the most part in great condition considering the amount of traffic they have on them. This section in Viewbank is great.




Last night there were a few other users out on the trails. A few runners plenty of kayakers in the river and when I got to Hans' loop in Templestowe ( East of Fitzsimmons Lane) there were heaps of MTB’s.

If you have never ridden this loop do yourself a favour and get out there. This is (photo below) from the top of the switchback climb. As I was riding there was a bunch of about 20 riders all in single file dotted amongst the twisting track. When I saw them they were about 20 meters away from me but about 300 meters ahead of me on the track. Sorry no photo, I had to chase them down ;)
My ride time was 30 minutes faster than last time in the heat wave. All training is going well as the Odessey awaits.

So after my four days away in Queensland which was great and a rest the body certainly needed, I have been cranking out a few road miles and the body is responding to the base I have done this year and also the rest.

HOT HOT HOT IN MELBOURNE

As locals to Melbourne will know we have had some extreme heat over the past week, which has made getting out on the bike harder. I planned a MTB ride home from work on Thursday.

As I rolled out the door at 4.30 after work it was 44.3 deg. I actually thought my ears were going to catch alight, they were burning after 2 minutes.

Now for those that know the yarra trails. I would be joining from the end of Gipps st in collingwood and riding single track for about 2 hours until I got to Templestowe. Needless to say rider traffic was not a problem.

What was a problem was when I got stopped at the lights 3 minutes into the ride and my peddle touched the back of my calf and burnt it. My water bottles had been in the freezer for about 2 hours and were partially frozen after 15 minutes they were warm and after 20 it was like drinking a cup of tea.

As the humidity was so low I never really had sweat on me so to try and cool down I had to pour the hot water on me and use the water and wind to cool me down. This worked but its not that pleasant pouring hot water on your head.

The sun went behind the clouds at 1 hour in and at 2.5 hours the cool change came and the temp dropped from 43 to 36 in about 10 mins.

I survived finished on the three hour mark, and then jumped straight in the pool. If it is hot on the 21st Feb I should be ok for the Otway Odessey.

This is my first post sent in via blackberry, as I relax without kids at north burleigh, just Kezz and I for a few days.