Matt's Adventuring

The Upper Murray Challenge

2010-10-07T18:21:00.002+11:00

The race has been run and won. I had an overall enjoyable time but the run was brutal and took me 45 mins longer than I expected it to.

Check out the results at www.uppermurraychallenge.com.au

A more detailed report is coming

Paddling The Yarra

2010-09-01T21:07:00.003+10:00

Rob and I took the boats out on Sunday at 1.10cm, which was the biggest we have paddled. I was on the surf ski for some flowing water practice for the Upper Murray Challenge.

It was a blast, here's hoping there is some rain this week so we can get out again this weekend.

Mondays Philosophies

2010-08-30T20:22:00.001+10:00

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has"

Mondays Philosophies

2010-08-23T20:16:00.000+10:00

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

MTB Marathon Champs

2010-04-27T22:15:00.003+10:00

Well its been over a month since my last post, which is a bit slack but I am now working a real job again so time has been taken up with work. But I thought it imperative to share my experience of the Avoca Marathon Champs.

As we made our way up in the family bus with Jason's camper in tow and Ash and Cam along for the pain we talked shit for 2 and a half hours. After what can only be described as a peaceful and good nights sleep, considering there was a very tall man who can be angry at times inside the camper with us.

The prep had been done the training was complete now it was time to ride. I say ride not race as I think this race was going to a race of survival. 93km and 3500 "high" meters was always going to be tough. So as we toed the line it was just tempo the start and don't blow up, so after a 5km "sprint" we hit the first climb 8km long not steep but constant. I was struggling with the dust and seemed to be having an onset of asthma which I have not had for about 10 years.

But I just kept a good tempo and towards the top of the fire road could still see Ash saw I thought that was good going. The next 30 km was just up down with some fast single track thrown in. As we popped out onto the bitumen I found myself in a bunch of 5 guys, none who wanted to drive but who all wanted to be off the front and dropping the others. So we hammered along for the 8 or so minutes it took to do this part of the course. I was feeling strong and rode along at my pace at the front for a few kilometers and found myself alone as we entered the winery. Probably should have kept that energy for the climbs that lay ahead.

There was some fast single track descents over the next 10 kilometers on a relatively flat part of the course. As we then started climbing again and again I finally arrived the next food station. There was a sign that said 38kms to go. So I figured I had come 52 and was still feeling good. It was this station I met up with Ash and Troy who seemed to have tried everything was available, I was in and out and left 30 seconds after them, on a fast descent.

The ride then started to get brutal the climbs were leg crushers and some of them calf crushers as you pushed your bike up the steep sections. I could feel that my legs were starting to get pangs of cramp no leg lockers but they were coming. Mentally the climbs were starting to wear a bit thin it was just relentless, I was riding just behind Ash when he stopped clipped out and started walking into the bush, I thought for a moment he had had enough and was walking out, but it was just a toilet stop.

As we finally hit the Endurance trail I thought we are on the home stretch, well it was the longest home stretch in the world. Steep descent was followed by impossibly steep climb and invariably a leg crunching switchback. What saved me in this section was a bit of banter, and Ash was up to the task. However he eventually started walking faster than me and pulled out of sight.

Finally we were back onto fire road and ticking off the kms when we headed back onto the endurance trail still with 22kms to go, the last 16km had taken about and hour and half how long was I going to be out here for.

I was getting a headache so I drank a quick full bottle and filled up again and took a water bottle with me to try and hydrate. As we left this transition we headed back onto the Endurance trail, and I had caught back up with Ash after his 3 course meal at the feed zone. However he was soon gone and I rode in silence with a few other guys all just willing the end to come. As I crossed a manned road the guy told me about 12 kms to go, that perched me up as I knew the last 5 were flat as we rode them the day before and there was still a massive water bar descent.

After another 20 minutes of riding I came to the last feed zone with a sign 15kms to go. I had just ridden for 20 minutes and gone backwards 3 kms, now that hurts. So I fuelled up again and went up and over the three sisters with the ugly claiming me! and then it was down and down fast.

I overtook 3 guys at the bottom of the descent and managed to keep them at bay over the final 5kms and finished in 6hrs 35 minutes.

So overall I did not crash had no mechanicals, the bike was on song, I did not lock cramp until I tried to get off the bike and Jas was still packing up when I finished, so all in all not bad.

When I think in the scheme of events I have done and how hard was this, it was hard, really hard physically but the last 30kms was mentally tough as you seemed to be making no progress at all and you were riding so slowly, well I was.

Like all hard things you finish and you say I am never doing that again but as time passes the pain fades but the glow of achievement remains. And to be honest if you finished the race KUDOS as no matter how long it took to finish was an achievement.

So I guess if you see me next Feb or March pushing my bike up steep hills you know what I am in training for!

Hell Ride

2010-03-15T16:42:00.000+11:00

Saturday saw Jase and I head off to meet Ash for a nice roll out along beach road with 10,000 of our fellow cyclists.

After a sleep in by my riding mate we had to smash it down to the beach to make it on time, a short cut was taken so we would not miss the bunch. So we made it and enjoyed the pace of the bunch humming along at 50kmph.

Bumped into Neil in the pack and we chatted as we slowly fell towards the tail of the bunch. It was then decided that we would head to the front so we rolled to the right and worked our way to the front of the bunch.

Now I have never rolled turns on this ride normally just struggling to keep in the bunch, so I wanted to give it a go. There were from what I could tell about 15-20 guys taking there turn on the front, this lasted about 15 minutes until we reached Frankston where no one rolled through, funny that. So as we hit the base of the climb I dropped back until someone decided they wanted my piece of road and I had to brake and came to a standstill.

As we crested the top of the climb most of the riders around me just rolled to the other side of the road to wait for the bunch on there return. I chased along with one other guy, we were only about 150 meters back which proved about 100 meters too many, as we kept them in sight but could not bridge the gap. Next time I will definitely ensure I climb that pinch faster so I don't have to chase back on.

So it was a long solo ride most of the way back to Black Rock, watching the hundreds of riders rolling out the other way.

I missed all the action of the sprint which sounded like a good thing for a change.

New Yarra Glen Loop

2010-03-14T15:27:00.003+11:00

In the past year or so we have a "regular" Sat morning loop which takes us around Sugar Loaf Dam. It is what we call a road ride on the MTB's.

As I have plenty of spare time at the moment I headed out on Thursday to do this loop and add a few extra bits. I had done this a few weeks before and found some single track out at Yarra Glen and was now trying to loop it all together.

So it was an early start at 6am and on the Virtue I knew I was in for a nice plush ride as we normally tackle this ride on the hardtails. The first part of the ride went well with me putting a nice loop together, it was when I was "searching" for a track I used to ride when I lived in Yarra Glen that things went south, or actually west.

This track was impossible to find as the fires had been through this area, so I rode down the side of a hill where I thought the track used to go to find the track in the valley. Yep not my best idea as the re growth in the valley was alot more than on the ridges where I had been riding. So it was hike a bike for about an hour over 3 ridges before I finally got to the fire road I was after, then smashed it down the fire road to St Andrews, and linked in the Smiths Gully tracks.

Bumped into my neighbour from Yarra Glen who now lives in Smiths Gully, such a small world, considering I was riding tracks he had showed me about 6 years ago.

So after the sweet trails of Smiths Gully it is a slog back home for food. I arrived home to a bit of a worried wife who had started the search for the lost mountain biker. I guess I need a mobile phone when I ride, but that's another story.

Ride About Tour

2010-03-12T22:42:00.003+11:00

So as I said before we came to the top of Coombs road and there were 4 girls sitting down having a snack. We asked where they were headed as they had trolleys and panniers etc.

They answered Cape York!

So a bit ataken back we aksed how many and the answer was 6 plus the baby. Yep a 7 month old baby was in tow.

So after more questioning we found out they were Kiwis, so it made a bit more sense now.

Anyway check out there tales at ride about tour for the interesting stories about there travels.

Ride About Tour

2010-03-12T22:42:00.000+11:00

http://rideabouttour.com/

So as I said before we came to the top of Coombs road and there were 4 girls sitting down having a snack. We asked where they were headed as they had trolleys and panniers etc.

They answered Cape York!

So a bit ataken back we aksed how many and the answer was 6 plus the baby. Yep a 7 month old baby was in tow.

So after more questioning we found out they were Kiwis, so it made a bit more sense now.

Anyway check out there tales at http://rideabouttour.com/ for the interesting stories about there travels

A Wednesday Morning Ride

2010-03-09T15:43:00.002+11:00

I had loosely arranged a ride with Steve who works 4 days a week and has Wednesdays off. The plan was meet at Kangaroo Ground at 8am and then head to Kinglake and see from there. I thought that would be turn around and roll back down, 2 hours and we would be done, so I rode out to Kangaroo Ground (about 20kms).

Well when we got to the top Steve said lets drop down into Whittelsea and do the climb Cadel Evans used to train on. Steve is reading the book, says its good, so why not.

So we headed over and down, then did a sharp left before we hit Whittlesea township and headed up Coombs road or the Humevale climb. The road was deserted and it was a steady gradient climb not unlike Chum Creek.

So after the climb we stopped at Pheasant Creek bakery, I had the BEST hot jam donut I have ever had the thing was the size of a football. It was then a furious ride back to Kangaroo Ground as Steve was running late for an appointment.

So as I rolled into my street I had clocked up 126km, not bad when I thought I was doing an 80km ride.

Now the highlight of the ride was the riders we bumped into at the top Coombs road, but more on that later.

Dinner Plain

2010-03-08T14:00:00.000+11:00

So the road to Dinner Plain drops about 300 meters in elevation from Hotham but the road rolls up and down a bit over the 12 kms.

So my timings were starting to tighten and I realised that dropping all the way to Omeo would be a long slog and would be more like 170kms than 150 so as I flew past many of these signs

I pulled the brakes on at Cobungra, which was about 20kms down from Dinner Plain, this left me with 30kms to climb back up to Hotham and then the 30kms of downhill on the other side, and lunch. I knew I was getting tired as I was thinking about lunch alot and I could not eat another Recovery bar, normally the mint does the job but not now.

Cattle grazing at 1400 mts, reminds me of a movie I saw as a little tacker.

Almost done 12kms of work left and then some downhill to enjoy.

Looking back to Dinner Plain as I arrived back at Hotham.

The view to Mt Feathertop the highest peak in Victoria.

So now for 30kms of downhill which I knocked off in about 40mins. Saw a few riders at the base starting their day and was glad mine was over.

Got back to the car and had a lie down in the Ovens river which was cold but really refreshed me up for the drive home.

The day was 120kms with 2600mts of vertical, to make the two day total 232kms with 5300mts of vertical.

It was a fantastic experience and one that I will definitely repeat as the riding is just awesome.

Hotham

2010-03-05T10:00:00.000+11:00

So after alot of food for dinner and a restless nights sleep it was an early start as I had a bit of riding to do. The plan was Harrietville to Omeo and back roughly about 150kms.

I took this photo on the way down as I was not sure where I was heading but this is Hotham in the distance.

It was a cool start and I was well rugged up with a merino singlet, my jersey, wind vest and a rain jacket. No rain just needed it for warmth. The ride started sharply as I had 300mts of flat then bang straight into the climb. The legs were heavy from the 2700mts of vertical the day before.

Yep the road is steep!!!!!!!!!

The climb up Hotham is steady climbing at the bottom, then you hit "the meg" and then after the meg is flattens out a bit and is a false flat for about 3 or 4 kms. It then points skywards and has a few pinches like CRB Hill which was tough.

The views from the road on the way up were awesome, and it was cool in the shade and at the top not much better in the sun as there was a breeze that was cold. It was about 8 deg at the top at 8am when I got there.

So it took 2 hours to climb up to Hotham with about 1500 mts gained. It was now the "mental side" of the ride continuing to ride to Dinner Plain and then down the mountain to Omeo all the while knowing that it was a U turn at Omeo and back up to Hotham.

Falls Creek Ride 2 Day 1

2010-03-03T20:19:00.001+11:00

So after a quick lunch and a drive from Bright over to Mt Beauty it was time to tackle Falls Creek.

In some weird twist of coincidence the two riders I saw that had just come down Buffallo when I started going up were coming down Falls as I was going up, did not think anyone would be out doing the same 2 mountains as I was, but there you go.

Falls is an interesting climb as about 3 or 4 kms in the road flattens and its up and down, which I enjoyed at the time as the legs were heavy after Buffallo. But on the other hand I knew that I would have to work on the descent on the way home.

This creek signifies that start of the last 14kms to the summit of constant climbing. I kept waiting for the road to steepen but it never really does. I overtook one rider towards the summit when it does get a little steeper, but she was about 65 and had double front and rear panniers, that is what I call hard core.

I noticed that all the resorts had work going on as I guess there are only so many months when you can work on things before the snow comes.

There is quite alot of evidence of the fires from 2007 that went through this area and alot of the trees have just now grown back. In alot of areas there are new trees but the burnt trees have no new growth on them.

So at the end of this ride I had clocked up 112kms for the day with 2700mts of climbing. I guess I will have a big dinner and a solid nights rest before I attempt the 150kms I have planned for tomorrow.

The Trophy

2010-02-28T20:31:00.001+11:00

Buffallo Day 1 ride 1

2010-02-25T16:52:00.005+11:00

So as most of your slaved away at work I headed out to Bright early in the morning, left home at 6am for 2 days of riding. As it was midweek it was a solo mission as all my friends have jobs.

So today was going to be warm about 32 desgress but cool at the top of the mountain about 10-12 degrees, which meant I headed off like a pack horse with all the gear I would need as it got colder.

THe day was clear and the views stunning, being my first time up Buffallo I had no idea where I was going but figured the high rocky thing on my right would be it. The Buffallo climb is a gentle gradient and it never really gets steep just consistent. There are some large areas of huge rocks and rocky escarpments, including the summit.

My buddy was just as happy as I was to make it too the top.

I think that is Hotham on the right, the high point, that is 25 miles as the crow flies and that would be tommorrows target but there was work to be done before then

Just enjoying the top and the abseilers in the background having there fun.

I gave this climb an 8/10 the weather did make it enjoyable, the descent was a bit sketchy as they had re done the road and the top 8 or 9 kms had lost of small loose stones over it which you don't need at 50kmh heading into a bend. I will definetley do Buffallo again.

From 120 PSI to Zero

2010-02-24T20:22:00.001+11:00

This happened a few weeks ago Jason and I headed out on the Monday prior to Austrlia day to do a loop Healsville Chum Creek Kinglake and home through Kangaroo Ground.

At the 85km mark coming down Kinglake I hit a corner a bit fast ( I think we were chasing a car down) Ran it a bit wide and tried avoiding this

but didn't! and let me tell you it sounded like a gun went off. Luckily there was no rim damage, so I was yelling to Jase to stop as I had no phone but he was gone.

Luckily a car came past 10 minutes later aand gave me a lift all the way to Warrandyte, and saved Jase having to climb all the way up to find out what had happened to me.

I have just completed my own 4 peaks challenge in the Vic High Country so check back later in the week for a wrap of my rides.

Dirt Fest Daylesford 2010

2010-02-21T20:08:00.004+11:00

It was about 4 or 5 months ago that I decided that the 50km race at Daylesford would be the race I would train for.

So my training was focused towards this race. On the start line at 7.30am on Sat morning I was ready to go and confident in the fact that I had done everything that I could do to be ready for the race.

I had ridden a practice lap on Friday night and I knew that the race would be fast. So the gun went off and we were off. From the start I was second wheel behind Lachlan Stewart. The race would be 5 laps of a 10km loop. As we headed out on lap 1, the first part of the course contained alot of the climbing on the course, as we got to the top of the climbing at the 4km mark and the start of the descent I took the lead and let the Virtue do its thing down the descent. I could feel on a couple of occasions a gap open up as we wound our way back down and around to the end of the first lap, as we rounded the turn around flag it was neck and neck.

The start of lap 2 on the first climb about 500 meters into the lap Lachlan put in a move and i feel back 5 meters, which I then pulled back. As we hit the next climb he pulled away and I could not stay with him and the gap was 10 meters at the top after some flowing track another climb saw the gap open more, and then he was gone. The next time I saw him was at the turnaround point and I was 350 meters behind.

Lap 3 saw me give it everything I had, I figured that I had to pull the gap back to at least let him know I was coming, so I concentrated on climbing fast as I knew that I would be descending faster. At the end of the lap I was only 150 meters back.

Lap 4 saw me pull it back to about 30 or 40 meters after about 4 kms of the lap, at the 3km to go mark it was 10 meters with 2 kms to go I was on his wheel and ready to go past, as we dropped down and did a dry creek crossing my chain dropped off and came outside the front derailleur. I quickly went about getting it back on but it took at least 20 seconds. So with angry legs I set off after him again and pulled back the 20 seconds in the next 2kms and went around the turn around point about 10 meters behind.

Turning after 4 laps just in second spot

As we hit the first climb of the last lap I attacked and went with everything, I felt a gap open but did not know how far it was, as we got about 3 kms into the last lap and at the top of a climb I had a look and the gap was only about 10 seconds. So I kept the pressure on and really hammered it up the next 1km which was the last of the sustained climbing.

With 3 kms to go I checked on a long straight section and I was alone and knew all I had to do was keep it upright and I was home.

So I smashed it down the fast flowing descents of the last 2 kms and crossed the line for the win in a time of just a minute over 2 hours. I ended up winning by about 4 or 5 minutes as I think Lachlan had spent his tickets on lap 4 trying to stay out in front.

I was wrapped with my ride and to average nearly 25kms per hour with 1050mts of climbing over the 50km was a great result for me.

The victory smile

Exploring along the Yarra

2009-12-24T15:20:00.006+11:00

Its been a while since my duallie has seen any love, with issues with both front and rear Easton rims, and months of delays. I decided I would buy a new set.

So Bellie was parting with his latest set of SLR's so the deal was done.

I decided that I would head out towards Wonga Park and do some exploring around Clifford Scout park. I love just riding the bike around and exploring areas.

So after a couple of hours and finding a couple of great sections of single track I had made not a bad loop around.

I went back a few days later and manged to connect my new loop to the track that should lead us all the way to Warrandyte, but that is for another day.

As for the wheels they work and make make rolling along nice and easy.

It is great to finally get the bike back up and running and I look forward finally getting the old rims repaired and on my old hardtail, which is going to be re born.

Not a bad view out to the Yarra Valley to those who are floating along!

Alpine Ascent Challenge - Lake Mountain

2009-12-16T13:09:00.007+11:00

After starting the Alpine Ascent Challenge last year and only completing two of the climbs, it was time to start again and at least get one done prior to Christmas. So we, being Jase, Rob and I started with the closest climb, lake mountain. Not wanting to load the bikes in a car Jase and I decided the order of the day would be an early start, so we rolled out at 6am with 100km until we reached the top of the mountain.

It was smiles all round as we headed towards Yarra Glen

Passing a four legged Sheppard looking after his flock, he did not like the look of us!!!!

Rob was meeting us at Healsville and too our surprise passed us before we got to Yarra Glen, I guess he was keen to get off four wheels and onto two. He joined us just out of Healsville, so that would cut our ride home by 50kms.

This was the first time for all of us to ride over the black spur. There were not too many cars which was good and the scenery was as good as it gets. The road is not too steep so we tapped out a nice pace and managed to catch a couple of other early morning riders. Jase tried to convince them to do lake mountain but funnily enough they declined

The theme of the day was "we are along way from home", and yep we were. At this turnoff we were about 90 kms from Melbourne. As we hit the climb through the cutting heading into Marysville the ride got hard. This climb is 2.5kms and has an average gradient of 10%, short but tough. I misjudged how many turns and cuttings there were and blew up halfway up and limped across the top. We hit speeds of 80km coming home down this stretch of road.

As we climbed up from Marysville the fog and cloud closed in and reduced visibility. The first 4 kms out of Marysville are the steepest and proved to be, Jase rolled off into the fog and I punctured, it was a really slow leak. This was three punctures in three rides after not having one for 12 months. Jase disputed the puncture so a bet was had, the loser to wash the others bike. So after winning the unloseable bet I was feeling good knowing that the Jase would be busy later washing 2 bikes. That was until he offered me about 30 extra psi in the form of a co2 canister, in lieu of washing the bike. With still 18kms to the top and another 50 after that back to the car I gave up the free wash and took the psi. That hurt, but made the climb more bearable with a harder front tube.

After a bit fog, some sunshine for about 3 minutes a bit of the Foo Fighters we reached the summit.

It must be said that I have never drank a coffee in my life and towards the end of the climb I was contemplating starting. It appears I was still contemplating in the resort cafe, staring at Jase's coffee.

Nup just joking!!!!!!!

So we made the climb got our passports stamped, and headed back down.

It was a PB for me today clocking up 146km and 2800mts of climbing. Rob started suffering some cramps about 500mts down the mountain so he knocked down some Endura, Gels and Jase even gave him some coke. It took about 20 minutes but he came good and we managed to get up the few hills between Marysville and Healsville, and enjoyed the descent down the black spur.

All in all it was a good day spent in the saddle with two good mates on some great country roads and up into the Victorian Alpine Country.

1 down 6 to go!

IM BACK

2009-12-14T20:47:00.002+11:00

Since my last post life has been busy to say the least, have done a couple of races. The Kathmandu race at Lysterfield and the Eildon challenge. And also put in some km's on the road bike

The Eildon race saw me have a stack and put a deep cut in my shin which has seen me have to miss the Kona and three weeks later still has not healed.

So summer will see many new adventures and plenty of posts so stay tuned for some regular updates and news of exciting adventures.

2009-10-10T10:33:00.000+11:00

So what a way to start a ride, as I followed the bike path along the beach heading out to the Noosa and Tewantin trails.

The girls over at tri adventure has shown me the Noosa trail network the week before which I had not ridden before, so was keen to get oput and give it another go. The ride is a 45 minute road bike track ride to the trails then a couple of hours on the trails then another 45 minute ride home.

Whilst it was early about 6.30am departure the temp was already in the low 20s and the sun has a bit of kick about it. Seems a millieniun miles away from the cold paddle I did in the yarra 2 weeks ago. So I was following Noosa trail 4 which is part of the Noosa Enduro course in July. The riding is mainly fire trail with sections of single track in between, the fire trail riding is undulating and has plenty of challenging climbing on some rocky tracks.

I got the camera out on timer and took a couple of action shots which took a few tries as I was counting the camera timer down, and sometimes did not quiet get it right. This is the start of one of the best bits of single track I have ridden in this area, fast and flowing and great tempret rain forest all around you. As I was riding along I was getting alot of sticks leaves etc hitting my legs, as I was heading down a rocky descent a large rock flicked up and smashed into my left shin.

As I pulled over I saw the dent the rock had made in my shin but also saw the two interesting holes that were also just above my sock, that looked suspiciously like a snake bite. After concluding that is wasnt a snake bit or so I thought as the holes were accross my leg and not up and down like they would have been had it been a snake. Either way I decided that I would monitor how I was feeling anyway.

So after finishing the Noosa trails I headed up and over to the trails in Tewantin state forest, where all the single track is, and it has been a year since I had ridden these trails and some of them had changed due to a bit of erosion and where now a bit more rocky than last year. These trails were great fun and a great way to finish of the ride, except for the 45 minutes required to get home. So after an early start and 3.5 hours on the bike I was home at 10am and in the pool shortly after.

And as a Melbournian who rides year round in the cold it was great to have no arm warmers no booties etc and actually get a nice sweat going from the weather rather than the amount of clothing you have on.

Sunday Paddle

2009-09-28T10:36:00.003+10:00

So at 9am I checked the river level at Warrandyte and it said 88cm at 7am. This was too good an oppurtunity, so with some quick phone calls and begging of wives we were off to have a quick dash of fun on a flowing Yarra. We paddled at 10am and the river was 92cm

The highest we had paddled the river at before was at 67cm, so it was like paddling a new river, heaps of flowing water.

That was the rapid that spat me out, looks tame in the photo but had a mean kick at the bottom.

as quoted yesterday "why would you live anywhere else" over 6 hours yesterday on local MTB trails and then 10 mins in the car to paddle the Yarra!

Another Epic day on the EPIX ride

2009-09-28T10:25:00.002+10:00

On Saturday we headed out on a Grand Final Epix with our destination St Andrews Pub, which on the road bike is about 45 minutes away, we managed to find a great MTB loop and took 6 and a half hours, we had hail, broken deruirleurs, bent hangers, many crashes, one before we even made the dirt tracks. All in all it was a great day and the weather was good to us considering what we could see on the horizon.

As I am off on holidays my post is short Check the Epix Blog here for more details and photos of the day.

Kathmandu 24Hr Race Report

2009-09-25T09:22:00.011+10:00

Alot of people ask me why would you want to do a race that lasts 24 hour hours. I am sure the answer is different for all people that do these events. One reason that is sure to be common to all is you have to be a little bit crazy and some what sadistic.

So as Steve and I are on the start line for another 24hr this time in the beautiful surrounds of the Hawkesbury river at Wisemans Ferry. We were relaxed prior to the start as we waited about 45mins for the start, as it was late due to some "logistical" issues. Steve may have been a little too relaxed.

My choice of steed was the hardtail, as the Virtue is out of action with numerous issues, so I would enjoy the climbing but would suffer towards the end of the race, I was sure of that.

After doing our map plotting and planning the night prior we knew there were a few very steep climbs on both the bike and by foot on the course. The one behind us was one that we did not have to go up.

As we rolled out of the start towards a short steep pinch on the bike Steve and I were in the front bunch. We rolled along with about 6 or 7 other teams as we picked up CP1 and then headed to CP2. Luckily for us we had the other teams as I had written gate on the map for CP2 when it was actually on a knoll, so had we been by ourselves we may have ridden past the CP looking for a gate, which was the description for CP1.

We were the first team from our bunch away from CP2 as I found the quickest way down from the knoll to the track which was to run flat out straight down the side of the hill. We now headed to CP3 with about 3 or 4 teams in front of us. It was at CP3 where teams had a decision to make, do the rogaining course spend extra time in some tough hilly terrain and gain time bonuses.

Steve and I decided we would head out get one or two and decide whether to get more depending on how quickly we were making progress. We left on foot and got A which was worth 40 minutes, we then headed along the track to above D where we dropped down into the creek and after about 25 minutes we had 1hr 50 mins of time bonuses, we then decided on the fly that we would fiollow the creek to C, as the creek was quiet open and quick to travel through. This soon changed and we were in some thick undergrowth. We changed course and went over the spur and dropped down onto C, we managed to get these points really quickly, although it was a tough hot climb out of C we had made good time. We picked up E on the way out and had 3hrs 50mins of time bonuses and it had taken us 1hr 35mins to complete the course. We decided not to get B and F and to get on with the rest of the race.

We headed back out on the bikes after filling up with water as we were both out after the roagine. We started a long dirt road section to collect CP4 and 5, before turning onto the Grono South Trail, this was the start of some sandy sections we had to ride through, this trail climbed to the top of the hill, where CP6 was, after a little miscalculation and riding about 400mts past the checkpoint we went back got it and started the very steep descent, which was rutted rocky and in some parts unrideable, well it was for me on my V brake hardtail.

At the bottom of the descent we crossed a creek and then started the hike a bike back up the other side the track went up 140 vertical in about 500 meters. The weather was hot, it must have been close to 30deg and the sun was starting to take its toll. I was starting to get a good headache going, I was drinking plenty but was sweating plenty also. The next section of riding across the ridge was lots of sandy sections and the going was tough in the sand. As we collected CP7 we knew that we had 3kms on dirt and 3kms on bitumen until we hit the TA and our first meeting point with our "Box A" which had more food and electrolyte drink.

As we rolled along the the fire road towards the bitumen Steve ran over a snake, luckily it was headed for the bush and not the other way as that could have got a bit ugly.

As we arrived at the TA we had to remove our pedals and load our boxes and bikes into the trailer so they will be waiting for us on the other side of the trek we were about to start. This section was supposed to a tubing section, but due to lack of rain became a Canyoning section, we set out with another team Delerium, who we had started the last bike section with, at 320 meters above sea level and headed down to the river which was at about 40 above sea level. We raced down to the river running all the way, and making good time, at the back of our minds was lets get out of the Canyon before dark.

The Canyoning experience was one of following tracks next to the river, which were quiet overgrown, swimming around rocky sections or rock hopping, further downstream after we collected CP11 we would "enjoy" the sand walk, which was walking down the middle of the river going from sandbank to sandbank. This was some tough going and each shoe had about half a kilo of sand in it to add to the challenge, we spent close to 4 hours in the river section and 8 hours total on the trekking section.

The good news was we finished the river section about 30 mins after the sun went down, we then rinsed the sand from our socks and shoes and put them back on wet and headed out on the last section on the trek, where we would climb from the 40 meters we were at to 380 in about 1km. You can see where the track turns the climb starts and it was a leg crusher, especially after being on the trek already for 5 hours.

As we were going up the steep climb we overtook another team. One of the guys had a heart rate monitor which was beeping telling him he was over his limit, I presume. It never ceases to amaze me how little things can really grate you when you are tired and fatigued. I had to put a burst in to get away from them as the sound was driving me crazy. As we got to the top of the steep climb the track became really overgrown and was hard to follow. As we headed towards CP14 we knew that it was above CP12 down in the river that had a group of people camping opposite it, so we kept looking for their lights as a guide to where it would be.

As we headed along I was convinced that we had gone to far and had missed the CP. However 10 minutes later we came across the CP and we now started the long climb to CP 15 and the TA to get back on the bikes. This was a tough part of the course and I was struggling with stomach cramps and my light had gone out, so I had to walk 2 steps behind Steve in the dark using his light as a guide. We arrived at the TA at about 9.30pm and ready to get back on the bikes again.

We seemed to take along time sorting ourselves out at this TA, we rugged up with clothes as the TA was next to lagoon which made it very cold. As we headed out of the TA Steve could not get his light to work on beam it would only work on strobe, which made night riding quiet a challenge for him. We knew this ride had a small climb at the start and then the rest was downhill, the downhill sections required concentration as they were rutted and it was fast riding, not the type of riding suited to strobe lights!

This section also had its fair section of sand dunes, whenever the track levellled out meant you ended up with a sand "trap"

We finally descended down through some switchbacks to the Colo river again and we followed this and picked up CP17 and 18 and headed to the next TA and onto the only Kayak leg of the race. We again took a bit too long at the TA and headed out about 5 minutes after another team, which we used to help us locate CP20, however the fog got really thick after CP20 and we lost sight of them, and the fog was so thick that we missed CP21 which blotted our copy book, we only knew we missed it when we came around a bend and were faced with a bridge which was at the TA and about 2.5kms past CP21, we would have been wasting our time going back to get it, so we took the 1hr penality.

We were now on the final leg, and had about a 16km ride to the finish, we started out being really cold and both shivering as we rolled along next to the river, as we came around a corner there was steep climb in front of us, Steve piped up with "just what the doctor ordered" that is how cold we were, we would prefer some climbing to get warm. I had to ride the final leg standing as the hardtail riding on rocky descents had taken its toll. We picked up CP23 and headed along Bicentenial road to get the last CP, no.24.

It is always a great feeling on the last leg as you know the job is almost done, we collected CP24 and rolled into the finish at 4.30am.

We had been on the go for 19.5 hours, and raced really well and made no nav errors so you cant be unhappy with that.

Check out the results here. We came 17th Overall and 8th in our Catergory after penalties and time bonuses are calculated.

Check out some photos here.

Degani Kinglake ride

2009-09-22T11:43:00.003+10:00

Well last Sunday saw about 3000 riders head off to do the Degani Kinglake ride. 5 minutes before we set off it started to rain and basically it kept going on and off for most of the ride. When it wasn't raining the water spray from the road was like it was raining.

The pace for the first 500 meters was a good participation ride pace, and even though it was raining I was comfortable. However once the 500mts was over someone at the front who looks like this decided that we should up the ante.

So for the next 3 hours we tapped out a very solid pace and by the time we reached the base of the last climb out of flowerdale at the 100km mark there was about 12 left in the front bunch. As we started the climb it was down to 4 of us with one rider about 200 meters off the front.

I just could not hold the other 3 guys towards the top of the climb as Rohan decided he wanted to bridge the gap to the guy off the front. I spent the next 20kms turning myself inside out to try and get back on.

This was my first "participation" ride and I really enjoyed it even though the weather was just terrible for road riding. So I will definetly do the ride again next year.

Degani Kinglake

2009-09-12T12:58:00.002+10:00

So tomorrow is the day of the Degani Ride. Looking forward to the ride, just hoping the weather holds out. Not sure what to do with myself this morning as I am so used to getting up at 5.30am on Saturday.

Walk Into History Part 1

2009-09-02T18:14:00.003+10:00

After months of planning the weekend of our hike was finally on us. We planned to follow the walk into history track which is listed as a 37.5 km overnight hike. As we set off from the powelly pub we were all refreshed and excited about the fun to be had. The walking track was awesome, a great area to be in. Whilst we weren't rewarded with great views from the top of mountains we knew we were in a beautiful part of Victoria and only just over an hours drive from Melbourne.

We set off at 8am and followed the trail East away from our final destination, much to everyone's amusement and Jas's constant reminders that the GPS says we are going the wrong way, to get to our final destination.

When we finally turned North we were confronted with a track that gained 415mts of elevation in 1600mts. It was the site of where the logs were dragged up the hill via a large cog and cable. The section of track took us 1hour to walk and was made even more challenging with rain bucketing down.

As we arrived at the top of the climb we knew that the majority of the rest of the walk was downhill.

Looking nice and tired 5 hours in, and still 4.5 hrs to go, not that we knew it would take that long. As it was cold we only stopped briefly at the top to eat lunch and then we were off again.

The Skyline Loop

2009-08-24T22:15:00.004+10:00

So with one third of the Sat morning crew away at the snow it was just Nat and I out on Saturday morning. It started out extremely cold but after half an hour with the sun coming up it started to warm up and ended up being great weather for a ride.

It was a clear day and we had a great view from the top of skyline road down to the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong ranges.

Some people were out early like we were but doing a little bit less exercise, would have been a great day to be up floating around instead of sucking on the handlebars chasing Nat around.

We also found a few pieces of single track of the main road, with Nat pointing them out!!

Skyline it just keeps going up and down and up and down until you have had enough and then it throws in a few more ups and downs.

Sugarloaf Dam at the end of the winter, not really looking that full.

So after just under 3 and a half hours in the saddle, I was heading to the shops for some bread and food for brekky when up the road were 4 road riders, who I naturally chased down and went past just before the top of the climb. It has to be one of my favourite pastimes.

So this weekend we head off into the Ranges to do the Walk into History, and camp overnight, so no Sat ride this weekend, just alot of walking, should be a lot lower intensity which will be nice for a change.

Early Morning, Wombats and Kangaroo's

2009-08-16T19:48:00.003+10:00

5.45 am and we were out on the roadies. Jas, Nat and I. It was the usual start with Jas and Nat the pace was on from the get go. I really struggled on the first few climbs on the road out to St Andrews. So I got used to following the red flashing light.

The sunrise was spectacular and it was quite a warm morning, but there was a bit of wind around.

As we approached the base of the Kinglake climb this little fellow casually wandered across the road. We stopped and took a few photos of him and he just stayed outside his hole looking at us.

As we started the climb I started to feel a bit better and was able to stay with the boys for the first couple of kilometers, the wind on the climb was brutal. You would come around a corner and almost come to a dead stop. It was definitely one of the toughest climbs I have endured due to wind. As the trees have no leaves on them there was no protection from the wind. As you came through the protected areas of the climb the noise of the wind across the top was so loud.

The area is still getting greener but not as much as I thought it would have. It is still very eerie riding through the area knowing what has happened and the visual reminders.

After getting to the top of climb a bit of food and then the descent, which was interesting to say the least, there is nothing like coming around a corner at 50kmh and hitting a head wind and wiping off 30kmh.

As we were rolling into St Andrews there were a couple of riders who were slowing rolling along the other way and then as we were about 20 meters apart these 2 Kangaroos decided they wanted to cross the road, one taking a major tumble as it sprinted across the road.

This continues the near misses with Kangaroos that we have been having, and it does not seem to matter if we are on the road or MTB bikes.

So as we rolled turns back from St Andrews I started to find my groove after struggling for 2 hours I was feeling really strong.

So with another busy week at work with a couple of nights away it will be hard to do much riding mid week so it willo be back for another long ride on Sat morning.

Teva Melbourne

2009-08-13T22:14:00.003+10:00

Well we had a good race at the Teva Melbourne.

I was very rusty on the nav with lots of little mistakes, no big ones, we really struggled on one of the challengers and cost us 16mins to the winners.

We had a great last 15 minutes and raced along with two other teams and managed to just be a bit surer with our nav and faster by foot to get across the line in 3rd place.

Whilst we were 25 mins behind the winners it was a good hitout and good practice for the 24hr race in September.

Team HTFU check out our results here

Just Exploring

2009-07-20T10:13:00.002+10:00

So on Sunday last weekend the 19th I headed out for a ride around the extended local trails. I found a whole bunch of new cut track that the locals have been busy building. One of my favorite things is to head and just ride exploring new track and potential areas where you could find track. No real time limits just exploring.

A nice view from the top of Warrandyte down to the Dandenongs. With roadside single track for good measure.

These tracks were new last year and are now well bedded in and awesome for some fast riding.

This is some new to me "old" trail that I had never found before. It ended to early with a private property sign.

So with a few more adventurous days like this one, I will eventually be able to ride from home in North Ringwood to Kinglake without any bitumen. So as the tour comes to an end and I can actually get out on the bike a bit more I will have a few more regular posts.

My first Adventure Race is coming up in 2 weeks, so will be good to get back into the multi sport scene again.

Forrest 6 Hour Wrap Up

2009-07-15T20:09:00.001+10:00

So winter has set in the rides are getting fewer and the nights sleep shorter thanks to le tour.

So I thought I should finally take the time to write a report of my latest race, the Forrest 6 Hour. After asking Jas if he was interested in doing a race and after his initial 10 seconds of no I am retired we chose the Forrest 6 hour and what a great choice that turned out to be.

We dragged the families down to Apollo Bay on Friday night and had a few too many sherbets on Friday night, which knocked me about on Saturday but funnily the ladies were as bright as buttons, something to be said for constant training!

Jas was meticulous in his preparation (which I will pay more attention to next time) and had one of everything for the race, I had a few Recovery Bars, a couple bananas, a honey sandwich and my bike. He even said to me on Saturday night do you need to do anything to your bike, I just said no the best thing I can do is rest.

So as we drove into the race headquarters we headed down what was already a boggy slippery road. Now I thought that a car that had drive to all wheels such our Toyota Kluger was a four wheel drive apparently this is not the case, as Jas mentioned he wished we had a four wheel drive. I was assured that if we did get bogged that Tessa would winch us out when she got there, in the Landcruiser.

I secretly think he was hoping we or someone would so he could get his winch out.

So after setting up it was off to do a practice lap. It was then up to Jas to do the le mans start. He was away in third or fourth after spotting me holding his bike above my head. (Jas’s idea not mine) My concern was that after Jas’s first lap I would take over in 3rd and hand back in 10th or something.

This was not to be the case and I actually on my first lap got past one of the Specialized riders. We both continued to lap consistenly and held 5th place for the majority of the race until we moved to 4th with a few laps to go and managed to hold onto it.

I had a few issues as mentioned previously left my helmet behind, rode a lap with no gloves and also dropped a bolt from the front chain ring and had to ride the last 3 laps in the big ring. But all in all it was great race which was awesome fun and the course was brilliant. I’ll be back next year for sure.

So this was my second attempt at a pairs race at an enduro and so far I have enjoyed both and will be back for more.

Forrest 6 Hour

2009-07-07T21:39:00.002+10:00

Results are up here

The course was awesome, great atmosphere and great fun was had.

And apart from a forgotton helmet, forgotton gloves and a missing chainring bolt the race went off without a hitch for me.

The Werac Warriors managed to come in 4th in the male pairs, which was a great result for us.

A Full report will be up when I finish cleaning the Forrest mud off my bike.

Officer XC Race

2009-06-17T19:35:00.005+10:00

So it was time to strap on a number plate again, the first time since the 3rd May. I rolled up to do the A grade race as I wanted to do 5 laps. Perhaps I should have started with B grade and just rolled around an extra lap. As within the first 100 meters I was hanging on as last wheel. I know with the quality of riders in the field that the pace would have been on at the front.

So once the pace settled I was 17th of 17 about 10 frustrating meters of the wheel in front of me. However I managed to finish the 1st lap 30 secs in front of James Williamson, ok so he had to stop to take half a metre of chicken wire from his rear wheel and cluster, but I will take it anyway I can. As you can see from the results the advantage did not last long.

These events are such a great way to get the race legs back. They are run well and if you like riding a MTB then you should get down and do one.

Lap 1 still feeling good even after being turned inside out by the "real" A graders.

Enjoying the support of the whole family

Finishing Lap 3, ok now its more than half over

Lap 4 and the kids are excited when I come through. Getting a big cheer each lap

And rolling up to the finish.

Me getting the low down on Jason's trouble with the Fauna with my little buddy just hanging with dad.

So after a solid hour and a half it was all over and a great warm up for the 6 hour.

Two interesting quotes from the day

When I asked Ashlyn (4 y.o) if she enjoyed the day she said yes but dad but you took a loooooong time on your last lap were you weak?!

Then after asking William (3 y.o) if he enjoyed the day he said yes dad but next time I want to get my spiderman bike and ride the tracks with you!

photos of the day

Kinglake Climb

2009-06-09T17:32:00.006+10:00

Whilst most people hooked one of these up for the public holiday and did some jobs around the house Jas and I headed out to Kinglake.

The last time I was out in this region was in April and then it was just black and it looked as though the Kinglake area would never be a green forest again. It is amazing what a "small" amount of rain and time can do. Mother Nature is a most powerful force and in many ways cannot be stopped.

The green is starting to come through

This tree was just as black as you could imagine yet its still alive and has started its recovery.

So much black, but also so much green starting to show its way through.

And as we were on bikes I should show you a picture of what its like riding with Jas, that's him on the left of the road. We are teaming up on the 5th of July for the Forrest 6 hour, what have I got myself in for.

But first we are doing the Officer XC race on Sunday as a warm up, if you are at a loose end come along they are a great casual race to attend and get a bit of race tempo practice.

Epic Day in the Saddle Up Over Around and Home

2009-06-07T19:58:00.006+10:00

Saturday saw another adventure with a long day in the saddle expected. I was planning on a 4 hour ride. So after meeting Rob at 6.30 we headed out along Dandy Creek trail to the base of the Dandenongs.

Its true the bike almost rides itself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We climbed our way up the mountain on the single track and fire road until we hit Dodds track, where we proceeded to dismount and walk. This track is really really steep and the challenge is there for someone to ride it.

Its always a relief when you get to the top and can look back down the hill. And on Saturday the sun was just coming up and it was great to be out in the bush on the bike.

Posing at the top of Dodds, with slightly aching calves after the uphill walk.

So now with the majority of the climbing done we headed over to ferny Creek for a little hidden gem of a descent, that I had done once before. Unfortunetly this track had been altered and is now a great walking track, not so good for bikes anymore, so after that dissappointment we pushed on through Belgrave to Tecoma where we would pick up a link track to Lysterfield. All timings were working well.

It was a great morning, but I think I mentioned that already.

As we arrived at the picnic ground that is the start of the link track to Lysterfield we were told the area was closed as due to the Upwey fire in Feb they have closed the area to allow the wildlife some natural bush to make new homes. So we were sent on our way up a climb, that we were told would get us to Lysterfield. We were only about 1km away from Lysterfield when we got turned around so we figured it would not be too far.

So after climbing the hill, riding through what seemed like someones back yard thinking we had found the track again, going down the hill to the creek we were essentially lost, no track to be seen. We knew Lysterfield was south west of where we were so we pushed on up back up the hill out of the valley.

As we got to a road we stopped a car coming from the direction we were about to head and asked
if it was the way to Lysterfield, she said it was but it was "miles" away.

So as our 9.30am deadline passed and the 3 hour mark in the saddle arrived we finally hit Wellington road, but still had a bit of work before we got to the singletrack. As we finally arrived to a T junction I said to Rob 1 hour ago we were 2 kms to the right, we had just done one mighty loop around. Needless to say he was not that impressed

As we hit the lake track so Rob could catch up to his kids who he was meeting there we bumped into the ladies MTB skills session. After catching Rob's kids and JD I headed off for a lap of the park and home.

On the start of the Commonwealth Games Track I again met up with the 20 odd ladies doing the skills session, learning how to get over a log. 10 had completed and 10 were waiting to go, they waved me through and as I approached the log with 20 sets of eyes on me I made it with no issue, phew no pressure.

So at the top of the CGT is was almost 4 and half hours in the saddle.

The day was cool but clear, and now I was heading home, so things were looking good.

Dandenong doesn't look so bad from this distance.

So after another 20 mins on dirt to get out of the Park it was the long slog home up Stud road. The legs were feeling heavy but still ticking over. I got home after 5hrs50 mins, so it was a fair days work, and it was only 12.30.

So I will rest on Sunday and then will be back on the road bike on Monday.

Up and Over the Nongs

2009-06-01T20:23:00.004+10:00

After another hectic week, I got on the bike at 4pm on Friday and did the commute home. I decided to take a shorter route this week and did not go via Templestowe but followed the single tracks that run next to the main Yarra trail next to the Freeway through Doncaster and Box Hill.

It was a good solid hitout and was a bout 2.5 hours on the MTB.

12 hours later I got out of bed and headed out on the road bike and hit the Dandenongs. Whilst it was really cold about 6deg and even colder at the top of the mountain.

No Views this week

There were heaps of riders out braving the early morning fog. I did a loop that took in the 1/20 climb, Perrins Creek road and the Wall, all the way to the top of Mount Dandenong.

The roads out the back were wet, but the descent down into Montrose was dry and fast.

So after a solid 3 and a half hours in the saddle and a bit under 2000mts of climbing it was off to Auskick.

Where Tahlia played her first game of AFL.

Here's hoping that next weekends weather will be as good as the weekend just past as I am hoping to get some long kms in over the long weekend.

More time on the bike

2009-05-25T19:43:00.003+10:00

So after a few quiet weeks on the bike post a small injury concern. It was time to ramp up the training again. So Tuesday saw me do the commute home on the MTB. This is a solid 3 hour ride , which by the end of I was glad to be home as I was well and truly toasted. However the next day I woke up with a crook back which saw me off the bike till Saturday.

Saturday was on the road bike down to Warragul. This is a 110km with about 1800mts of climbing. It is a good ride from Yarra Junction towards mt Baw Baw and Noojee. The climb from Powelltown while short is in a lush forest with plenty of large ferns. Great spot to ride, with minimal traffic. The weather was great no wind and the sun was on me when the angle of the surrounding mountains was right. No arm warmers required.

As I come up to Neerim Junction there is a sign that says 35km to Warragul, I have never believed it is that far, and glad that its not as I was well and truly in the box. My speedo says its 30, so I will remember that for next time. 4 hours on the road bike is tough and when riding by yourself to a destination seems even longer, so was glad to get that one done.

The week looks busy and not much bike time, but the weekend is looking fine and I am planning on doing 2 big rides on the weekend. Got to get some miles into the legs before the XC race at officer in 3 weeks time.

Back on the Mountain Bike

2009-05-19T22:40:00.003+10:00

After a 2 week layoff after the dirtworks I was back on the MTB on Sat with the local gang out at Smiths Gully.

To be exceptionally lazy Cam has done a great post about it, so head over and have a look, and save me all the typing.

Monday's Philosophies

2009-05-11T07:10:00.000+10:00

….to the earth, a hundred years is nothing. A million years is nothing. This planet lives and breathes on a much vaster scale. We can’t imagine its slow and powerful rhythms, and we haven’t got the humility to try. We’ve been residents here for the blink of an eye. If we’re gone tomorrow, the earth will not miss us……..Let's be clear. The planet is not in jeopardy. We are in jeopardy. We haven't got the power to destroy the planet - or save it. But we might have the power to save ourselves.

And a special one for the Mum's for yesterday

For a mother is the only person on earth Who can divide her love among ten children And each child still have all her love.

Dirtworks 100 Race Report

2009-05-06T16:39:00.006+10:00

Doing the tourist thing after the race!

So after a less than successful BMC100 race it was time to do the second leg of the double century of dirt.

Before I blast off into the whole race report I would like to preface it with that I had lost a bit of confidence after the BMC and in a 5 or 6 hour race this can play a big part in how well you go. So it was the Thursday before the race and I was doing my final training ride and had just finished a Warrandyte loop and popped out onto Warrandyte Ringwood road, just 30 meters in front of a roadie. When I got stopped at the lights at Falconer road he caught up, and proceeded to sit on my wheel, after about 500mts I thought I would see if I could drop him, which by the time I got to Park road in another 500 metres I had put 60 metres into him. This was exactly what I needed to restore a bit of confidence and put the mind right for the race. Nothing, like dropping a road rider when you are on your mountain bike.

So Kerryn, Kaylah, Tahlia and I set off from Tullamarine on Sat morning for the travel up to Wisemans Ferry north of Sydney which is where we would be staying.
So as we were in Wisemans Ferry we had to get the vehicle ferry over to St Albans, so I was up at 5am and Kezz gave me a lift up to St Albans which took about 25 minutes, the weather was at least 6 or 7 degrees colder at St Albans than at Wisemans Ferry. So as Kezz left to go back to bed and look after the kids I went for a warm up ride that would not only warm me up but prove valuable later.

So after the Elites had gone the first wave loaded in to the start chute. I would have had at least 120 riders in front of me, but I figured we had about 8km of gravel road to sort the field out. So after about 2kms of dodging in and out I was in the main front bunch which was about 60 riders and I was mid pack. I was travelling along well and enjoying being sucked along by the bunch, we turned left at the 8km mark we headed along a farm road that would take us to the base of the first climb. As we hit the base of the climb which was steep I managed to pass a few riders and plenty of guys who had clipped out. As there were about 30 or 40 riders in front of me the track was quite congested, I was climbing well until the two guys who were riding in front of me tipped sideways and I could not get around them. It was like a sideways domino effect. The terrain was too steep to get going again so it was hike a bike for about 100meters before the terrain flattened out and I could start riding again.

So back on the bike and the climb had certainly sorted out the main bunch, and I found myself riding with 3 other riders. As we got to the transmission road we would ride along the ridgeline undulating along for about 10kms. This section had quite a few rocky descents which the hardtale rider in our group would drop off on then work his way back as the trail went upwards. As we hit the 28km mark and the first drink station 2 of the guys stopped to refill their drinks. So we now road as a group of 3, as we were joined by someone (rockstar kit) coming out of the drinks station, this worked well as we passed a few riders. At this stage of the ride I would have been about 20th from the main bunch excluding the elites, who had a 10 minute advantage from the start line.

We road as a group of three, me, the rockstar and the hardtale rider, along the sandy fire road until we turned right onto the Old Great North Road (OGNR). The next 15kms were some of the best riding of the entire course. The track is a mix of rock gardens, single track, fire trail and technical climbs. The climbs required you to pick the right line and carry your momentum otherwise you would come almost to a halt. The start of this track was a steady climb and it was at this point the rockstar and I dropped the hardtale rider. The rockstar had ridden the course before and as we rode along at a good pace we were overtaking a few riders. Towards the end of this section at about the 40km mark we came to a steep really rocky descent and the rockstar took the right and I took the left hand line, which proved to be quicker. It was at this stage I opened up a gap and then I rode along for a while by myself until I caught another couple of riders and we leapfrogged each other for a few kilometres until we came to a fast descent down to the 50km water station.

I filled up my water bottle which had been empty for about 10km but with the camel back that I did not have at the BMC I was still well hydrated. I grabbed a piece of watermelon a few lollies and a banana and was off, this took about 15 seconds and I passed two guys who were waiting to fill up with Electrolyte drink where as I was getting water. I now headed out onto a steady climb for about 2 or 3 kilometres. I was caught and passed by the hardtale rider on the climb. However as we entered a rocky descent I easily made up the ground lost on the climb. This continued until we reached the OGNR again. This section of the course would prove to be a good one for me. Sections of this track can only be described as rock trail. Not to mention awesome fun. Picking a line and hitting the drop offs with confidence was crucial. I would catch riders on the downhill and then ride away on the technical rocky climbs. I was feeling really strong and was riding hard and really enjoying the ride, and was definitely racing hard, and working my way through the field.

A photo just to break up the text!!!!!!!!

I have never been the greatest descended but no one could keep up with me down the rocky descents and I just continued to go past people. The bike was just floating over the rocky sections. I would have been about 15th from my bunch which excluded the elites and was about 30 minutes down on the overall leader. Towards the end of this section of the OGNR I was passed again by the hardtale rider as the road climbed again. This guy had some good skills on the bike, and was obviously keeping up with me on the descents. We continued to roll along until we came to the fast steep descent down to the Macdonald River, I was able to open a gap on the descent and also pass another rider. We then popped out to a short road section and the famous kayak bridge crossing. I wanted to make sure I got to the bridge in front as I wanted to ride the bridge without any wobble from other riders, so with the bridge crossing successfully completed and wrist band to prove it, it was onto St Albans road for a 5km road section to the final climb of the ride.

As I pulled out onto the road the hardtale rider joined me a we rolled turns along the road maintaining a good pace, he was starting to cramp and was struggling on a couple of the short pinches. I decided that I would stick with him along the road as the energy saving would be worth it later on the course, as we still had 30kms to go.

As we turned onto Webbs Creek Road the steep climb started and the hardtale rider pulled away from me. Halfway up this climb was the last water station and I filled my water bottle grabbed a few lollies and he got out of sight and I would not catch him again. We had ridden almost 50km together. I would finish 26 seconds behind him. As I continued the climb I was starting to feel the pinch. This was a long section with no downhill sections just constant climbing, and after a solid 5km on the road it was getting tough. I was determined to finish the race strong, and knew the last 8kms was a road section, so I was telling myself it was only 15kms to go, as the last 8km would be flat.

At the 80km mark I had to stop and go to the toilet and this allowed 2 riders who were behind me but out of sight to get within sight. I held them off for a while but they eventually passed me, and as I was doing everything to not let them pass, I had nothing to try and stay with them when they did. It was 2 BMC riders Troy Bailey (current 24 solo world champion 35-39yo) and another guy who were working together. I had passed Troy at the bridge at the 65km point whilst he was changing a flat tyre. He would finish 5 minutes ahead of me, which says alot about the finishing fitness of the top riders, and also the benefits of working with another rider.

The ride along the ridgeline of the Womerah range was tough as I was digging down deep on each short pinch and then almost had nothing to keep me moving when the trail flattened out. I was passed by another 2 riders working together one who suggested we work together on the road section which was still about 5kms away. I said sure if I am still with you. As I approached the 85km mark, which is the highest point of the course at 311 meters, 3 riders all working together wearing KOM kit went past. The two riders in front were dragging the third guy along who was struggling a bit and as hard as I tried I could not hold a wheel. As we crested the highest point the marshal said 15km to go. I knew the next 7kms would be all downhill and I rode as hard as I could to try and catch the 3 KOM riders, so that I would not be riding the last road section alone.

This downhill section was really fun and reward for the last 45 minutes of tough work. It was fast and open fire trail, which made it hard to bridge the gap to the 3 KOM riders ahead of me. I came out onto the road which meant I had 8kms to go. I pushed as hard as I could crossed the river through a sandy shallow section and was keeping a good pace until 2 riders caught me with about 2 kilometres to go. At this stage I had had enough of being passed, especially by groups of riders and I managed to stay within 10 meters of them along a flat section, we were flying along the gravel road and we came to a small pinch and I pulled back onto the wheel of one of the riders and then we went down a slight downhill into a tight right hander and onto the section I had warmed up on, as we approached a small pinch, which I knew was the last one and about 400 meters from the finish. I went with everything I had and gapped them on that little pinch and then just dug in till the lefthander and across the line, to the screams of the family.
I had managed to finish in 4hrs 51 mins and in 34th place overall and 8th in my category. I had got to the 50km mark in 27th place overall, and had not been overtaken from the 50km mark until after the 70km mark. I rode a really strong race and absolutely loved the course. My only flat spot was between the 75km mark and 85km mark where I was overtaken by about 10 people. I know that my fluid and food intake was much more consistent and better managed which produced a better result than the BMC race. I have learnt that I need to add a few longer rides into my training program so that I still have the strength at the end.

One advantage of finishing quickly is the beer is still icy. Tahlia and Kaylah enjoying the race atmosphere at the finish.

After crossing the line the kids were very excited that Dad had done well and kept saying your early Dad, we didn’t expect you for a little while. It was great to share such a great moment with some of the family as with 4 kids they don’t often come to my races, so that was special.
Whilst the event organisers have not released the official results, I have calculated I came 6th in the double centurion category.

I would rank this course as the best 100km course I have ridden, its road and gravel road sections were perfectly spaced apart the climbing was on interesting tracks and the OGNR tracks are first class. I would say that I will be back again next year for another go.

Not a bad view from the flat we stayed at in Coogee.

Link to results page

Link to photos of the event

Dirtworks 100 Mountain Bike Race

2009-05-05T17:54:00.002+10:00

This was my first time riding in this event and I could not say enough about the quality of the riding. It is an awesome part of the world and the trails are fantastic. I would rate it as the best 100km race I have done, as far as the course design and trails go.

The weather was perfect which made the ride even more enjoyable and the bike was perfect. If you have never ridden a Felt Virtue do yourself a favour find some rocky descents and let it go. The BMC 100 is a ride that you can take a hardtail on, whereas the Dirtworks is made for a dual suspension bike.

My race report is coming, hopefully tomorrow.

Monday's Philosophies

2009-05-04T01:10:00.001+10:00

One day a man in a truck saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out.Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fears can put in you.He said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson."Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him… any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and he knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "And think of me."He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase.The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back.The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: "You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."Under the napkin were four more $100 bills. Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written.How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low,"Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson."

Paddle on the Yarra

2009-04-30T13:18:00.003+10:00

So the time had come where we had enough rain to warrant dusting off the boat kicking out the spiders and having a paddle.

Rob and Jas who was taking his maiden voyage down the rapids in his boat and I were going to the end of Homestead road for the 45 min loop around to reserve road. A call on Monday from Rob who was sick with the flu after his recent trip to America and Mexico (no surprisingly he does not have swine flu) left it just the two off us until Gav, who is mates with Cam from up the road got the call and joined us.

This stretch of river highlights the beauty of the Yarra, you just have to know the right spots. Gav and Jas are checking out a random picnic table in the middle of nowhere.

As this was an after work paddle we were cutting it fine with the light, and we ended up taking the last couple of rapids in the dark, which made it interesting. There were a few curses as the boat would crash into an unseen rock, just hidden under the water.

Jas half boating Gav (he just cannot help himself), and with a look of concentration saying I'm going straight.

So we chose to paddle on Monday night and the river was at 51cms, if we had paddled Tuesday night it would have been 62cms. Oh well in my mind any paddle is a good paddle, especially when you do it on such a good bit of river a 15 minute drive from home.

BMC Dirtworks Double Centurion Catergory

2009-04-28T06:55:00.000+10:00

I am sitting in 9th position in the Double Centurion catergory. Hoping with a good ride on Sunday I can crack the top 5.

Monday's Philosphies

2009-04-27T07:09:00.000+10:00

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

BMC 100 Race Report Part 2

2009-04-26T20:44:00.003+10:00

Ready to race in the early morning fog and rain.

So as I hooked into the tight lefthander at speed the tyres held and I rode out the other side, however something had happened to my rear brakes which now seemed to be 'on'. I pulled the lever on thinking they might reset then dialled them out as far as they would go but they were still on. I had to pull over and see what the issue was.

On inspection I could not find any reason the calipers seemed tight and straight, so I rode on. The brakes being "on" lasted about 3 or 4 kms, after that they were just rubbing. Fortunately a good portion of this 4 kms was downhill so it was not like riding uphill with the brakes on.

So seemingly having this problem fix itself I plodded on and on, there was plenty of climbing in the final 25kms or it seemed that there was, perhaps it was my fatigued state. However what I did notice was that on a fast descent where I had to use the brakes they would lock "on" again for a period of time. Rather than this being a huge physical road block it was making the last part of the race harder mentally. As it was becoming really frustrating.

It was at the 70km sign that the lack of fluid I had taken in, in the first part of the race would come backto bite me, and I would pay for it big time. There were riders constantly going past me that I could not hold there wheel or even get on the wheel as they went past, as each rider went past the race became more of a test of survival than a race. I would say that about 30 or 40 riders would have gone past me in this time.

I basically suffered along like this for the last 30kms, still enjoying the single track, which was mainly downhill and pushing as hard as I could on the fire road climbs.

There was one rider who I was leapfrogging from the 80km mark, so I made it a goal to try and stay with him, he would open a gap and then it would close down again and then I would open up a gap, I guess it was about who was feeling good at the time. With about 2 or 3 kms to go he opened up a gap on a climb which had a switchback in it, as I got to the bottom of the climb he was already 50mts ahead, but as I changed gear he was past the switchback, as he heard me change gear he looked over his shoulder to see who it was and how far back I was.

In my spent state and with not having been able to race hard for the last 25kms or so I knew that I would catch that rider, its always a tell tale sign that you have nothing left when you start looking back. So I dug as deep as I could on that climb, and made some ground and then there was a small single track descent before we headed out onto the fire road which took us around the lake to the finish, as we hit the road at the front of Cammery Waters I just rode as hard as I could, went past the rider and then just gave it everything for the last km. As I crossed the line he was nowhere to be seen so he would have been at least 200mts back.

So after a disappointing last 30kms I managed a small win at the end.

So overall I finished in 92nd place which was about 60 places worse than last year, but a much hotter field attended in 2009. My observation on the race was that the tracks out at Woodend are 1st class, I would just like to see a bit of the fire road climbing substituted with some single track climbs. Having said that the course was well signed and the event well run.

So my focus now turns to the Dirtworks 100 on the 3rd May. I have entered the Double Centurion category, which combines both times for each race and has an overall winner, and was hoping to find out where I sit in this field but it looks like it will remain a secret, until the completion of the Dirtworks

BMC 100 Race Report

2009-04-22T17:53:00.000+10:00

So race day finally came around and after a great night’s sleep I was ready to go. The organisers had to delay the start twice as cars were queued up on the road which was to be the start of the 100km course.
So at 7.30 we were underway and I was holding about 40th place in the 1st wave of riders that went off after the elite. I was riding along quite comfortably and felt my pace was good. About 10km in I had a slight mechanical and stopped to check the rear wheel, all seemed ok but it was making some noises. So the 5 or 6 people I had just ridden past all went by and I had to catch them all again, so after doing that and passing them all again, I made a wrong turn, and dragged Jeff Williams along with me. We did about an extra 2 minutes in a circle and connected back to the trail, and went down the correct track second time around.
So now I had go past all the people that had gone past when I wrong turned. As we rolled along on fire climbs mixed in with some pine forest single track I slowly began to go past people, with the odd person going past me. At the 35 km mark I was really looking forward to getting into the Wombat trails and riding some fast single track and off the fire road climbs. I would get one but not the other.
After filling up my water bottle at the 32 km mark I missed the water spot at the 40km mark. This would prove to be a very bad mistake as I was now going to have to ride for 60 kms with a total of only 2 bottles of drink. I had decided to ride without a bladder, and just fill up ay the drink stations
Once into the Wombat trails the riding was awesome so many great tracks and fast riding. I was riding along in a bunch of 3 or 4 guys and I was on the front. I must have ridden for about 4 or 5 kms at a good pace and then I heard a gap open up and we came to a fast downhill section so I let the Virtue do its thing and gapped the bunch I was with. Within a couple of minutes I had ridden up to another bunch and sat on for a few kms until we popped out onto a fire road, which was the road we started on in 08 race. I knew this climb was a long and steady one, so I left the bunch and chased down a few riders I could see ahead. Approaching the 50km mark I was feeling great had eaten a recovery bar, had had a gel and was ok with fluid, at this stage. I still had 10km to the next drink station and was almost out of drink.
In spite of this I thought I would be ok kept pushing hard. I would have been in about 70th place overall including elite at the 50km mark. My best riding for the race happened between the 50 and 70 km mark where I was constantly overtaking people, ride with a small bunch for a few kms, then ride away from them catch the next bunch. This section of riding also included some great single track. It was at the 60km mark that I made another small yet costly mistake, as I got to the drink station I was riding with Nathan, who I know from Adventure Racing and wanted to try and hold his wheel. I stopped in to fill up and in my rush to get out, did just that filled up and left. What I should have done was gulp down half a bottle and then refill, as I had not drunk for about 6 or 7 kms.
So after the 60km drink station it is back into more single track and some of the technical obstacles. There were a variety of bridges to ride over some quite narrow and very high at least 2 or 3 meters. There were also a couple of log rollovers that had very steep ramps on the exit side. Again this section was great riding single track and a few really fast fire road descents. It was coming along a section of single track at about the 68 km mark that I was approaching a fast left hander, with a slight berm that I hit the corner hard and.......................................................................................

More to come later

BMC 100 On Sunday

2009-04-17T19:02:00.002+10:00

Sunday is the day of the BMC 100. I have spent this week resting, eating and drinking. Its now time to see how much improvement all my training will bring. The course is essentially the same as last year and I managed to do it in 5hrs 31mins.

All that is left to do is get 2 good nights sleep and I am ready to go, and am looking forward to a good race.

Mondays Philosophies

2009-04-14T06:19:00.000+10:00

It wasn't the Exxon Valdez captain's driving that caused the Alaskan oil spill. It was yours. ~Greenpeace advertisement, New York Times, 25 February 1990

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

Easter Saturday in the Nongs

2009-04-12T12:15:00.002+10:00

Jas and I headed out early on Sat into the Dandenongs. Whilst it was foggy it was warm no need for arm warmers at 6am.

So after climbing up Mt Dandenong Road from Montrose we headed through Olinda and down the Elbow to Ferntree Gully and then up and down to the base of the Wall.

This section is the downhill which takes you to the base of the Wall.

I thought I was enjoying the ride but after looking at this photo, I kind of look a bit stuffed, lucky this was my last training ride before the BMC. I just have a few short sessions to tick off before I roll to the start line

This picnic ground is on the sting trail and is on the road heading to the base of the Wall.

So after 3 hours on the bike I staggered up the drive and feel quite relieved with the fact that the bulk of the work is done for my next race. Its now all about preparing for the actual race day.

Exploring in the East

2009-04-12T12:02:00.004+10:00

So after finding some new trails at Smiths Gully last weekend, I thought I would do some more exploring, and see what else I could find. One thing I really enjoy is just getting out and exploring an area and searching for new trail. No firm plans just ride. My "grand plan" is to link track from my place in North Ringwood to the Smiths Gully loop and then eventually through to Kinglake. Stage 1 was a reconnaissance mission from Kangaroo ground to Smiths Gully. Stage 2 will be Warrandyte to Kangaroo Ground and stage 3 will be to ride the whole loop.

So with a bit of knowledge from some road side tracks I had seen on a road ride I had done out this way I headed off and found this place which has a small network of tracks, which got me a bit closer to the Smiths Gully trails.

This creek was completely dry but obviously flows hard when it rains as it has moved a few cars along its bed. I rode next to this creek bed for a couple of kilometers without seeing any water. It was at the base of a steep hill so I would assume in a heavy rain it would fill up quickly.

After a cool foggy start it was great to see the sun rising. This section is part of some new trail at Smiths Gully and it was good track, I rode it in reverse as I climbed up all the way, and it would have been great going the other way. Next time.

At one stage I came upon a area that I not ridden but it looked familar. As I headed down the track towards the Eltham Yarra Glen road I realized that I used to run on this trail and the surrounding area when I lived in Yarra Glen.

This photo is not that clear but this was the biggest bull ant I had seen. When I got close he reared up at the camera

This was my "art" shot, whilst it had not rained the fog had caused a dew on the wire fence.

So after about 3 hours I had found enough new trail to satisfy myself and now have connected Kangaroo Ground to the Smiths Gully loop. So Stage 2 is next

Smiths Gully

2009-04-05T14:35:00.003+10:00

So after a big week on the bike with plenty of kms covered on both the road and mountain bike I had an early morning ride at Smiths Gully with Geoff Tait, no relation (that we know of). Geoff was out on his new Epic S Works which handled the trail all day without missing a beat.

My bike on the other hand had a few issues, that will require some repairs/replacements this week.

There was a quick dump of rain on Friday night which made the tracks tacky and perfect, and it was great to ride with no dust. This was my front yard as we were leaving.

This is the the top of the climb out the back of smiths gully, there is some great new trail out in this section which was great and thanks to those that are putting in the time to build these trails as they are first class. The loop we did took about 1 hour 45 mins and we could have added another 30 mins of riding so this loop is getting longer and longer as we find new sections to add in.

Geoff was enjoying the steep final section of this climb.

Maybe one day we will ride from Warrandyte to Kinglake on the Mountain bikes. Might have to start doing some work into connecting all the trails.

So the trails at smiths gully were in top condition and not having ridden out there for a while it was great to get out there again. This area is getting more popular as I saw about 9 or 10 other mountain bikers out when last year you could ride on a sat morning and not see anyone.

Mt Buller Weekend Part 2

2009-03-24T21:00:00.000+11:00

So Sunday saw us all heading out to basically do the 25km loop that I had done the previous evening. The temp was about 3deg, and at the top of the mountain there was a strong freezing wind blowing. The mist was blowing in and out, so at some stages you had good visibility and at others next too nothing.

Davey enjoying using his Navman

This is the view from the top of the horse hill chairlift, looking down to the bottom of the Abom downhill, and where the downhill riders were getting their ride back to the top of the international course that they were riding.

These signposts make riding the new tracks easy at all the intersections along the way.

More decision making on which way to go, so many tracks so little time

This is by far the best way to see the outdoors, from behind a set of these

Yep this track is switchback after switchback, a great while to climb up the side of a mountain

5 secs before I took this shot you could see the whole of Buller village. One thing I learnt that when you are in an alpine area even in March the weather can change so quickly.

This is a shot of some sunshine, did not see much of it on the weekend.

Mt Stirling, from the Buller treatment plant

Bourke st without snow, Rob and I decided that we would ride straight up, just as it started hailing. Once at the top I knew that the rest of the ride would be downhill as we headed for the Klingsporn track again.

So it was down some familiar tracks and with the experience of the first time and some more appropriate tyres it was a much better descent.

So I will say it again, get up there and if you enjoy mountain biking do the Klingsporn, it is just a great track.

So that ends the weekend, we then had lunch at the cafe and were home for dinner. So we packed a great amount of fun and adventure in to our time away, and we all came away a little bit more balanced and refreshed to take on life's challenges again. Oh and already planning our next weekend away.

Klingsporn Video

2009-03-21T17:40:00.003+11:00

I always believe in having a bit of a laugh, and this time it happens to be me, who provides the comedy.

"Hey Rob just film me railing this bit of track"

More of our Buller Adventures in a few days, you know life is getting in the way of blogging

Mt Buller Weekend Part 1

2009-03-17T21:30:00.005+11:00

Saturday saw an early start as we loaded into the car for the drive to Mt Buller. JD, Leroy, Plumb, Rob and Myself were heading for a weekend of biking adventure. The weather forecast was for some average conditions, 21 and a few showers for Sat and 17 and windy for Sunday.

As we drove through the Yarra Valley and out through Dixons Creek and past turnoffs to Toolangi and Kinglake and past Castella the destruction to this most beautiful part of the country side has to be seen to be believed. The TV does not really show you how total the destruction was.

The actual weather for the drive was good and saw us at the base of the mountain at about 9am. The plan was then to drive to the top and get on the bikes by 10ish.

As we approached the top of the mountain the weather had certainly turned a bit nasty, there was an icy wind and the tower read 13deg.

We had planned to do a full day epic down to Howqua valley and along the river to Sheepyard flats and then back up the mountain. As we were going to be navigating of a 24 year topographic map and with the mountain at about 15meters visibility we changed our plans. We would ride down the infamous Klingsporn track and then back up the road for a bit of fitness work.

Rob was just a little excited to be out and about in the mountains

The weather did not look too bad at this stage, but as we would find out it could change very quickly

This track is rated highly by the guys at EPIX at no.1 on the search for the ultimate single track. It is a rocky track with plenty of loose ones and if you want to go fast you need to have concentration level set on high. As we blazed our way down Rob learn't that you cannot always launch off every jump if you don’t know what your landing is. So after a 10 minute stop for 1^st aid to be administered, lucky I packed that, we were off again. I said to Rob just take it easy for 5 mins as it was fairly deep cut on his knee, would have got 3 or 4 stitches if we had been near a doctor. So we got rolling again and it took me 5 minutes to catch the crazy fearless bastard. So much for taking it easy.

The views from Klingsporn track are 1st class

Once we rolled out of the bottom of Klingsporn with grins ear to ear wondering how can we do that again, we headed up the road. Rob had stashed his roadie at the base to make the climb more enjoyable, for him. The other boys were a few minutes behind and were going to start the climb after we did, with the hope we would pick them up half way up. I was keen to see how the new Virtue would handle the climb. So with a few extra PSI in the tyres we were off. I think we got about 200 meters up the road and the rain started, which is great for everything, and you will never hear me complain about it raining, and I don’t mind riding in the rain.

So the next 16kms saw us climb the road to Buller, which was enjoyable as we took it at an easy pace just trying to enjoy the scenery. It was a great ride. As we got near the summit, about 2 kms before the village the road steepens a bit and the wind picked up and it was really hard work. The rain was no longer a drizzle but a downpour.

I had to get close so this shot would come out

The photo shows the mist but does not show the driving rain and 50kmh winds

So after a change of clothes we headed back down to pick up the rest of the crew, and to the base to pick up Rob’s mountain bike. As we got to the base Rob realized he had left the key to the bike lock at the top of the mountain in his pack. So faced with a drive up, down and up again, he chose to cut the chain. The Mirambah cafe gladly handed over a hacksaw and he was away, and actually really quickly cut through the cable, not ideal but in our case handy.

At the top again and Rob was off to the medical centre to get his knee looked at. We were then planning on doing the 25km loop that they will be doing next weekend (link). JD, Leroy and Plumb had had enough of the rain and once showered and changed, were keen to hit the bar. Rob’s knee was ordered to rest for the night and also to try and keep it dry, so I was off solo.

Leaving in cold conditions with 4 layers on and all the things I might need for a 2 hour loop. The start of this loop takes in the Abom downhill track which in a word is awesome. Get up there and ride it. The new bike handled it with ease and now with the confidence of 130mm travel I was flying down the track. After a few navigational challenges I was heading down Corn Hill road towards the new single tracks that Glen Jacobs built. It was on arriving at this section of single track that the heavens opened and dumped 20mm in about 45 minutes, visibility was minimal but the riding was great, heaps of switchback climbs and fast flowing descents, the misty twisty track was a favourite.

The weather as I left was fine, cold but fine, 1 hour later it was dumping down

It was on the way back to Corn Hill road for the climb back to Buller that I flatted, and then the pump failed, won’t be buying a Kathmandu pump again. So I had to ring in for a lift, not my proudest moment, and basically run down the last single track descent to Corn Hill road where Rob had come down to pick me up. The weather change’s on this ride were phenomenal. When I set out the mountain was clear, really cold but clear and windy, 45 minutes later it was clouded over and 10 minutes later it was pouring with rain.

If you ever see this sign go down misty twisty, it is a sweet track with over 30 bermed corners on the way down

You should take your mountain bike to a moutain every now and then.

This track was so much fun

I think Mt Buller is that way, but I couldn't really see much, luckily the trails were well marked and I din't get lost

So for me it was a good full day of riding, ticked off, Klingsporn, Buller Road Climb, Abom, Corn Hill and Misty Twisty. It was then back to the Arlberg for a Parma and a few beers to end the day. So apart from the weather closing out on us it was a great day, and we all celebrated that we were not camping like we had planned too, as the forecast was for 2 deg overnight and a high of 7 for Sunday. But that’s a whole other story.

Mondays Philosophies

2009-03-15T21:58:00.001+11:00

The gradual destruction of planet Earth is because I use its resources and disturb its systems. Forests are disappearing because I use paper, houses and farmland. Fisheries are depleted because I eat fish. The atmosphere is deteriorating because I use cars, planes, fridges, air conditioning and foam cups. Fresh water supplies are diminishing because I use buy products from industries that pump wastes into streams; I use sewerage systems that are yet to be made environmentally friendly. Plants and animals are dying because I disturb their ecosystems. Don't think it is someone else's problem. Living in Australia, living in a developed country, I contribute to global degradation more than I realise. It's up to me to act.

What did you do this weekend?

2009-03-15T21:20:00.001+11:00

This is what got up to. More photos and some detail of our adventures to come.

My New Bike

2009-03-11T22:28:00.003+11:00

Today I took my new addition to the bike family out on its first ride. It is a 2008 Felt Team Virtue. After a few minor seat adjustments I was flying along the track like I had been riding the bike for years. Still getting used to the SRAM gripshift. This bike is going to make this weekend even more enjoyable.

So with only an hour of free time tonight, as we had lots to do and kids to get to bed, I visited my favorite local track, which is only a short ride from my door. Makes you glad you live in such a great area with so many local tracks nearby.

So if anyone is interested in a 2007 Trance 1, drop me a line via comments and I can send you some photos.

Lazy Paddle on the Bay

2009-03-09T20:26:00.004+11:00

So after driving around Rye for 3 days with the boat on the roof I thought I should get it off and into the water. It was a great day for it sunny no wind and crystal clear waters. So I did what can only be described as a lazy paddle towards Sorrento with no real destination in mind. There was a pod of dolphins about 100meters away so I drifted along watching them.

I am sure these beach boxes are not worth as much as the Brighton ones but I know which water I would prefer to swim in.

These guys just go up and back as fast as they can, I guess I cant knock it until I have tried it, but I could not wait in the queue to get the thing on the water.

So once I got near Sorrento I turned around and headed back and lazed on the beach with the kids for the rest of the afternoon.

Plans for this weekend in are in full swing, and I should have an exciting post (for me) tomorrow.

Mondays Philosophies

2009-03-09T19:44:00.000+11:00

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt

Wednesday Night Fat Tyre Flyers Ride

2009-03-05T20:19:00.002+11:00

So Tuesday morning saw me going for a run around Princess Park, in the rain no less. This made it about 1 month between running efforts, so I took it easy so I would not hurt too much. That didn't work, and had very sore quads all day Wed.

I have decided that I either need to run weekly or not at all.

Anyway Wed saw a quick turnaround from work to play, I was home for all of 15 minutes and Jas and I were out on the MTB's heading for the Fat Tyre Flyers Wed night ride. This ride will certainly improve your skills as its either going throttle or paused waiting for the back markers. So after about 1km of bitumen we hit the mullum mullum trails and followed dirt for the next hour and a bit arriving at the start of the ride at 6.30pm.

After some really good and overdue rain the tracks were in great condition, tonights ride would head away from the city towards Hans loop on the East side of Fitzsimmons Lane. On completion of this loop we had been going for about an hour and a half at full throttle and my legs were toast, so I impelled Jas to ride home from Templestowe instead of back to Ivanhoe and then home.

So we headed East as the Fatties ride continued back West to Ivanhoe. We managed to stick to dirt almost the entire way back to North Ringwood. We had a minor detour as we came to our normal spot to rock hop across the creek and found a raging current, so we had to backtrack and hop a couple of electric fences, cut through a paddock to get around the creek.

Once we have climbed Craig's road, which is always a killer after a long ride, we coasted home. So we had racked up about 4hrs of saddle time and really enjoyed the mud and rain.

The Family is heading off to Rye this weekend so hopefully there will some fun to be had on the water, if its not too cold!

The Sting Trail

2009-03-03T19:32:00.002+11:00

So Sat saw a few of us have a very respectable start time of 7.30am at the base of the Dandenongs. The plan was to basically repeat the ride Jas and I did a few weeks earlier. So as we headed out surprisingly the trail went up and up and up until we had finally got to the top of the Dandenongs, popping out onto the road at Olinda and amongst the roadies. This is always fun, however they all disappeared at Sassafras leaving just the MTB's on the road.

It was at this point that there was a route change and we headed down a new trail, and whilst it was in no means hardtail territory it was still great riding. It headed south east from Sassafras and took us most of the way to Belgrave, where we turned around and headed back, so we could be back at the cars by 10am.

So a bit of a road section saw us on top of Mt Dandenong again at the TV tower, where it was all downhill to the cars.

Check out The Felt Epix site who have a few photos up of the ride.

So more single track has been added to the memory in the Dandenongs, soon we will be able to ride around there all day without going near the bitumen.

Mondays Philosophies

2009-03-02T19:29:00.003+11:00

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand -
strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally
worn out and screaming "WOOHOO - What a Ride!"

Mavis Leyrer

Otway Odessey Race Report

2009-02-24T20:55:00.003+11:00

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

2009-02-23T08:15:00.000+11:00

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

2009-02-20T15:48:00.000+11:00

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

2009-02-18T16:23:00.002+11:00

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

2009-02-15T21:28:00.004+11:00

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

2009-02-13T23:19:00.000+11:00

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

2009-02-11T14:47:00.000+11:00

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

2009-02-11T13:37:00.000+11:00

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

2009-02-01T11:31:00.000+11:00

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.

Tour Down Under Day 3 Thursday

2009-01-26T23:33:00.000+11:00

So as day three dawned the weather was still hot, but there was a strong wind blowing. On the ride out to Wickhams Hill I was hit by about 5 or 6 sticks falling from trees and showered with bark. The wind made the ride tough, but did cool things down a bit.

The climb up Wickhams Hill was a tough one, short but tough.

Climbing up Wickhams Hill

There were heaps of people at the KOM point, the announcer said that there was a breakaway with OGrady, Rogers, Armstrong and Matt Lloyd, and 10 others. As they came over the top Lance was looking good.

I was right on the line and had a great view, best spot I had been in so far. After the main bunch had gone through I had to ride like the wind to beat the breakaway to the sprint point at Meadows. The riders did a loop and we cut across. It was a sprint for about 15 kms and I had to drag a couple of other riders along also.

I made the sprint point and I must admit enjoyed riding through the town with the road lined with spectators. I rode about 750mts past the town on a slight hill to watch them come past. I had pulled up on the left and as the breakaway came past they were on the left of the road with Lance driving the break. It was a great way to finish my tour experience.

I will definitely be going back next year whether Lance is there or not.

Tour Down Under Day 2 Wednesday

2009-01-26T22:35:00.000+11:00

Today's stage started at Hahndorf which was about 6kms from where I was staying. So I left at 10am for a 11am start so I could take in the atmosphere.

It was fantastic and the dissapoinment of yesterday and missing the finish were soon forgotten. There were so many faces that I recognised from the Tour De France including Geert Coeman (Silence Lotto Manager) who I actually bumped into in the crowd.

Of course there was only one person that I really wanted to see, as did everybody else.

Lance in the media scrum

Nobody seemed to notice Mick Rogers roll by

After reading Lance's book in 2000, also known as "the book" he has been a sportsman that I have followed and admired what he has achieved. Part of the reason I was in Adeliade was that this was a chance to see him ride and ply his trade, he is definetly a once in a generation athlete.

After the buzz of Handorf it was back to Balhannah to see the first 2nd intermediate sprint at 57km. To get some riding in I headed out to Charleston which was 17km from the start. There were riders in bunches all along the road. I met a guy from Melbourne and we cycled up to Charleston, watched the sprint in Balhannah and then headed back to Stirling, for the finish.

The Breakaway

The Bunch

Got a souveneir at the sprint, Is it M for McEwen

The riders were doing three 20km laps of the finish circuit. We got to see the peleton whizz by several times, and heard that Jack Bobridge and Lance Armstrong had made a breakaway, they got caught soon after and the bunch sprinted home and the stage was won by Allan Davis.

The tour riders were all eating rehydrating and then riding back into the city, which was mainly downhill. If I had have been organised I would have joined in with a group and rode with them back to the city.

I didn't just hung out at the finish and met this guy.

And Phil was quite happy to chat to whoever came over and get a photo with whoever asked. I always thought he would be a good bloke and I was right.

Now it was all downhill back to Balhannah and a swim in the pool, as it had been a hot 37deg during the day.

Today was alot less in kms, about 80, and I got to see the riders a few more times, so it was another great day at the tour.

Tour Down Under Day 1 Tuesday

2009-01-26T21:25:00.000+11:00

So it was an early start up at 5am to get on the plane by 7am. So after a taxi ride to my base at the Rogers house in Balhannah, I was on the bike at 10am to head over to the KOM point at Checkers Hill. I had my google maps directions to get there.

I was taking it relatively easy taking in the scenery on the way to Checkers Hill

All went well and I arrived in heaps of time. So After climbing up the hill from the east I rode back down and came up from the west which is the way the peleton would come.

Coming up to the KOM at Checkers Hill

There was a three man break that had got away from the main bunch. There were heaps of spectators congregating at the KOM point.

And LOTS of bikes, including an 09 F1

A few $1000 worth of bike up against that tree

The riders went past and of course it was just a blur, and I didn't really spot anyone except Robbie McEwen who was at the tail of the main bunch. They did go over the top of the climb fast as the bunch was chasing down the break.

As soon as the riders had gone past there was a mad rush to get to of the hill and to the next point you were headed too.

I needed water so I headed the way the riders had come from. I was aiming to cover about 35km in about 2 hours and I would make it to the finish before the riders at Mawson Lakes.

So after a refuel I was off with about 30 other riders heading where I thought was the finish.

First mistake.

I came to a fork in the road and could have gone left or right.I headed left and down gorge road which was a great descent but took me too far south. Second mistake. So after getting some more directions and then getting lost again third mistake, and getting more directions and yes getting lost again fourth mistake, I made it to Mawson Lakes to see this............

So after missing the finish I now had 40 kms to travel to get back to Balhannah. It had been 35 deg all day and I was hot and ready to get off the bike and in the pool.

So I got the Google maps out again and was off, all was going well until I missed a turnoff, fifth mistake, so I backtracked and headed up Coach Rd which was a tough climb when you have done a 100km in 35 deg. Lets just say I was less than impressed when I got to the top and Google maps said turn left but it was a dead end. Sixth mistake, trusting Google maps.

It was a good view of the city on the way up.

So now it was back down and up Greenhill Rd for the climb back to Balhannah.

I was surprised to still see a smile here in this photo, I guess it was because I finally knew where I was and how to get home.

So my first day watching a professional road bike race was over, I had ridden over 120kms spent 8 hours outside in 35deg heat and seen the riders once for all of 10 seconds. And I still thought it was great.

What a week so far

2009-01-22T19:48:00.000+11:00

I have now seen 3 stages of the Tour Down Under and all I can say is wow. It has been awesome, the atmosphere in the towns has been great. My legs even feel good after 270kms in three days.

I have my ride from Ararat to Warrnambool tomorrow for a holiday on the long weekend, so check back early next week for a stage by stage update of my adventures.

Tour Down Under

2009-01-18T14:56:00.001+11:00

I have managed to get the week away from the office and am heading over to Adelaide early on Tuesday to follow the Tour for 3 days, which I am really looking forward to then getting the train to Ararat and then riding down to Warrnambool to meet the family for the weekend. So there will be plenty of riding and lots of water as the forecast is for 36deg each day.

Climbs and more Climbs

2009-01-18T14:11:00.000+11:00

So since last weekend and the riding up Donna Buang I had a quiet week on the bike with only a couple of rides commuting to and from work, which is 55kms each way.

This was a good thing as I went out on Sat morning with John, Bellie, , Jas from EPIX and Ben Randall on a ride through the Dandenongs. So at 4.45am Jas and I set off from home to meet the guys at the Ringwood clock tower.

It was a cool morning but perfect weather for a ride, just that it was dark. So we headed out to the Dandenongs were we spent the next few hours going up and down what it seemed was every climb on the entire mountain range. I have ridden the Dandenongs many times but really have only done a couple of loops so I was introduced to many new sections of road and new climbs which was great.

The pace was on for the whole ride so I was pleased that I was still riding strong at the end after 120kms. Whilst I dropped off the pace slightly on the last couple of climbs I was only marginally behind. It shows that the rest I had at the start of December and the kms I have put in since (plus the bike) are paying dividends.

All is on track for a good day at the Otway Odyssey.

Donna Buang with Rob and Wendy

2009-01-17T14:54:00.000+11:00

So with an ascension of Donna Buang on Thursday, I thought Friday was enough rest and Saturday morning (Jan 10th) we decided that before it gets too hot we would tackle Donna Buang and then we could enjoy the rest of the day.

Introducing Rob

No he's not flexing his biceps he has a broken collarbone.

What we will do and put ourselves through for a sporting fix. I just wish I had a photo of Rob descending at 60kmph one handed, but I couldn't let go of the handlebars ;)

So as we all rode up at a nice steady tempo. We had about half a dozen people go past as we cruised along, including a singlespeeder, what some people will do for fun :) .

I am getting good at the one handed behind you photo. I must have had good teachers.

At the turnaround point which is 7kms into the climb I put the big ones in to see how many I could catch. After a steady start I certainly had the legs on the second half of the climb, and even the last km which is normally a killer I was seated and powering along and oh I just caught the singlespeeder about 100mts from the top.

The views are always worth it from the top of the tower.

Now it was just the descent. I pressed lap on the HRM to see what my average speed down the mountain was, 58.3. If you have never ridden Donna Buang its worth the effort just for the descent its fast and flowing. And kudos to the guy riding up the climb who had a bike kid carrier attached to his bike and a 5 year old in the back.

So another adventure was completed, now we just had to ride the Warburton trail with the kids.

Home To Warburton via Donna Buang

2009-01-17T14:44:00.000+11:00

So last week it was off to Warburton for the weekend. Kezz and the kids had been there since Tuesday so rather than have two cars I thought I should ride there.

So it was straight home from work on Thursday and on the bike almost like a packhorse but not quite, unfortunately no room for the camera, so my words will have to do.

The ride from home in Ringwood North to Healsville was a fast one averaged 32kmph. That was all eroded away as I turned left up Don road and straight into a headwind Joy!!. I had come down from Donna Buang into Healsville but never gone up it. Well with the 23 on the back it got steep and I struggled to push the big gear, but I got higher on the mountain in flattened out somewhat.

The views out over the ranges to the north are spectacular and are worth doing the ride from this side for if you ever get the chance. There is a great view just before the road goes dusty, which only lasts for about 5kms.

So just over 3 hours after leaving I arrived. Now it was time to play with the kids.

Smash Fest up the 120 Climb

2009-01-12T21:02:00.000+11:00

So Jas from Felt Epix got his new F1 and a few hours after it was put together we were off to ride the 120 climb and up to sky high, both on our new machines. Yep the grins lasted as we flew up mountain hwy.

So another ride was completed on the new roadie and I am now realizing how tough it has been on the old bike, I dropped almost a minute of my best time up the 120 climb.

Success we were at Skyhigh, Now let the fun begin. As we descended down into Montrose, fast. Only one drama as we left sky high and Jas hit a bend fast and was on the verge at about 60kmh. Nothing like testing how good your brakes are at about 70kmh coming into a tight right hander. He kept it vertical so no harm done.

My next adventure is riding out to Warburton where the family are camping whilst I have been working, so of course I will be taking the scenic loop through Yarra Glen, Healsville Donna Buang.

So we will see how that goes!

Alpine Ascent Challenge Baw Baw

2009-01-12T19:18:00.000+11:00

Alpine Ascent Challenge

So I thought that I would challenge myself and see if I could complete the alpine ascent challenge. This is where you tackle the 7 peaks (you have to complete 4) by a certain date and you enter to win the competition. See more details here .

So I thought I would tackle the hardest one first. I had just received my new road bike, its a year old but looks new and after riding a 2005 OCR1 is just a sweet ride. Its my new Felt F1

So here is where I started its maiden voyage for me. 14 kms out of Noojee on the way to Baw Baw. It was going to be a hot day 35 deg so I got out early and started riding at just after 7am. The book says that Baw Baw is the second hardest climb in the world of cycling with an average gradient of 13% and a max of 20%.

I'll be up the top of that soon.

The ride out to the base of the mountain and the last 6 kms had plenty of climbing. I had done 800mts of climbing in just under 1.5 hrs of riding as I approached the gates to mountain. I had 6km to go and 718m to go up. The alpine ascent passport said the climb should take 35mins.

So 45 mins of pain later I saw this

The resort management office was open but all lights were still off as it was just before 9am, the lady stamped my passport and offered to shout me a powerade as I could not find my money, then I realized I had secured it in my shoe.

So after enduring the 45 minutes of pain and zig zagging over the road just to keep moving forward, I was down in 8 minutes.

Towards the end after 3hrs 30 mins and 2000 mts of vertical I took a photo of what I had just gone up.

and then realised

what a SMILE can do.

2009-01-04T21:02:00.000+11:00

This is the first post on my first blog site. I am joining the blogger phenomenon as I enjoy reading other sites and hope that people will enjoy reading about my adventures.

I am 36 years old and have a wife and 4 kids. In amongst doing washing cooking and other household duties that you have to do in a busy house with 6 people I try and get out and enjoy the outdoors. This will generally be on either the road or mountain bike, running or paddling somewhere. This blog will be about those adventures.

Enjoying some sweet single track at altitude in New Zealand

I have a big sporting year planned with 3 races already booked in. The Otway Odessey 100km (21st Feb) MTB race, the BMC 100km (19th May) MTB race and the Dirtworks 100km (3rd May) MTB race. So my training will be based mainly on the bike for the first part of the year. I will be tackling some Adventure Races later in the year, but more on those later.

So there is a brief introduction to the site. I look forward to bringing you some interesting stories from my adventures this year.