Agent Picolax
Link to a thread over on singletrackworld. This is the funniest thing I have read in ages. Be warned it is long, and you will be paralysised by laughter for about 20mins.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"Those Spokes cost how much ?!!?"
"Those Spokes cost how much ?!!?" that was the reply from my wife yesterday when I went into the bikeshop to organise the wheelbuild for the powertap.
"Yes Dear, they are $4.50 each. But they are really good spokes!" I could tell I had stuffed up. First never bring your significant other into the shop when your discussing prices (even someone as normally understanding as my wife". And secondly when the damage is done don't try and placate them after the fact....
So what spoke costs $4.50 each? these do,
Sapim CX-Ray
Good news is though I will have the wheel built by next Thursday!
"Yes Dear, they are $4.50 each. But they are really good spokes!" I could tell I had stuffed up. First never bring your significant other into the shop when your discussing prices (even someone as normally understanding as my wife". And secondly when the damage is done don't try and placate them after the fact....
So what spoke costs $4.50 each? these do,
Sapim CX-Ray
Good news is though I will have the wheel built by next Thursday!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Otway Odyssey
Friday
The family all packed up and drove down on the Friday before the race. 10hrs, 890kms. Hume Highway all the way down to Melbourne from Canberra then the Great Ocean Road out the other side to Apollo Bay.
We passed through Wandong on the way through. The evidence of the Victorian bush fires is on show for all. Burnt trees line the freeway and there are even charded directional signs where they have been licked by the fires. It is both sad and amazing to witness the devastation caused, how a "tool" we consider to be under man's control can cause such a disaster zone.
Registration was simple and straight forward, with it all over and done with in 20 minutes. Good organisation by the management crew was good to see.
Saturday- Race Day
An early start to be ready for the kick off at 7.15am. Fill hydra pac, prep food, pump tires, race numbers, electronic tag, and ready to roll.
I seeded my self up towards the front to avoid the carnage, gun goes and we're off. For once I can't hear any crashes off the start line as everyone is pretty chill, it's a long day ahead. Everythings rolling smoothly left turn onto Wild Dog Road first few corners, grades still OK, then bang road tilts for the sky.
Apollo Bay to Reservoir (KOM Climb)
Up to this point I wasn't sure how I was going to ride the race Try and be aggressive, and push for a quick time and risk ending up in the serious "hurt box" or ride more conservatively and try and pick things up towards the finish. I choose the second option, be conservative aim to finish well and not kill myself. I set tempo at 156-165bpm and just stayed in this range, alot of people started passing me at this point but I'm just trying to stay relaxed knowing that the first 40km of this course just kills everyone because of the constant climbing and sharp up hill pitches. Also of note I saw someone using a powertap on the climb.
Reservoir to Red Carpet Track
This section is where I learnt my first important lesson for the day, you do need to be up front if you want to ride these climbs otherwise you get caught behind alot of people and have no choice but legging it like I did. Walking/ pushing up these we were only doing about 3-4kph not fast, put if you could ride them you would only be doing maybe 4-6kph due to the at times 20% grades, yes 1 in 5 grades!
There are probably 6-8 separate pitches in this section before you are clear and out on the road/ fire trails for the transition to the red carpet loop.
Special mention goes to the fires trails before and after the section called "White knuckle" the trails are so badly eroded through here that are two drops of about 60cm on the trail. The name of the game is trying to downhill and not fall in the erosion areas and crash badly. This particular second of track claimed two people I know of and both ended the day with broken collarbones! It is also the section where I had my first minor bingle of the day...abit a low speed one. Now I'm not the good at high speed downhill, lack the confidence and skill so I was erring on the side of caution and I still managed to come down. But no damage done other then covering myself in a bit of dust.
The red carpet loop is the first piece of single track and good fun, not really much to say about this bit. Though I did take another tumble in here but again a low speed one....and covered myself in dust again! This loop seemed to fly by really quickly and I was soon into the transition area at Forrest. I smiled and waved at Heather and Wee Man, and rolled through here feeling good, I hadn't had any trouble with my back up to this point, wrists were OK, and as well hydrated so there was no need to stop.
Shotz Super Loop
This loop is supposed to be the pay off for all the climbing to get up to Forrest. Problem being that by the time you get here your too stuffed to really enjoy it. As can be seen from the time splits there is not alot of passing because everyone is so rooted! It consists of 20km of flowing single track with the occasional fire road haul. Nothing of significance happened through this section and I cleared it an returned to transition at Forrest. This time through I stopped and topped the hydra-pac up before setting out on the final loop.
Ayup Final Loop
This loop can be summed up in one word..."Pointless". It really is just there to get the distance up to 100km for the course. This section is made up of a 7km up hill haul on fire roads to some single track which then returns you back to Forrest via the Sledgehammer climb. Because I had paced myself well I was passing people left, right and centre through this section. I also managed to ride the Sledgehammer on the return as well.
Summary
2800m/8400ft total worth of climbing for the day
A good day that ended up being geared towards training more than racing. My finish time was 6:18:10hrs for 105th place in open mens. There were a couple of lessons learnt on the day, such as if you are going to be competitive stay towards the front for the climbs. Also a hydra pac with 3 litres of fluid makes for hard going, you need to use bottles. Also of note is that the top 10 riders all rode hardtails, so something to consider if there is a next time.....
The family all packed up and drove down on the Friday before the race. 10hrs, 890kms. Hume Highway all the way down to Melbourne from Canberra then the Great Ocean Road out the other side to Apollo Bay.
We passed through Wandong on the way through. The evidence of the Victorian bush fires is on show for all. Burnt trees line the freeway and there are even charded directional signs where they have been licked by the fires. It is both sad and amazing to witness the devastation caused, how a "tool" we consider to be under man's control can cause such a disaster zone.
Registration was simple and straight forward, with it all over and done with in 20 minutes. Good organisation by the management crew was good to see.
Saturday- Race Day
An early start to be ready for the kick off at 7.15am. Fill hydra pac, prep food, pump tires, race numbers, electronic tag, and ready to roll.
I seeded my self up towards the front to avoid the carnage, gun goes and we're off. For once I can't hear any crashes off the start line as everyone is pretty chill, it's a long day ahead. Everythings rolling smoothly left turn onto Wild Dog Road first few corners, grades still OK, then bang road tilts for the sky.
Apollo Bay to Reservoir (KOM Climb)
Up to this point I wasn't sure how I was going to ride the race Try and be aggressive, and push for a quick time and risk ending up in the serious "hurt box" or ride more conservatively and try and pick things up towards the finish. I choose the second option, be conservative aim to finish well and not kill myself. I set tempo at 156-165bpm and just stayed in this range, alot of people started passing me at this point but I'm just trying to stay relaxed knowing that the first 40km of this course just kills everyone because of the constant climbing and sharp up hill pitches. Also of note I saw someone using a powertap on the climb.
Reservoir to Red Carpet Track
This section is where I learnt my first important lesson for the day, you do need to be up front if you want to ride these climbs otherwise you get caught behind alot of people and have no choice but legging it like I did. Walking/ pushing up these we were only doing about 3-4kph not fast, put if you could ride them you would only be doing maybe 4-6kph due to the at times 20% grades, yes 1 in 5 grades!
There are probably 6-8 separate pitches in this section before you are clear and out on the road/ fire trails for the transition to the red carpet loop.
Special mention goes to the fires trails before and after the section called "White knuckle" the trails are so badly eroded through here that are two drops of about 60cm on the trail. The name of the game is trying to downhill and not fall in the erosion areas and crash badly. This particular second of track claimed two people I know of and both ended the day with broken collarbones! It is also the section where I had my first minor bingle of the day...abit a low speed one. Now I'm not the good at high speed downhill, lack the confidence and skill so I was erring on the side of caution and I still managed to come down. But no damage done other then covering myself in a bit of dust.
The red carpet loop is the first piece of single track and good fun, not really much to say about this bit. Though I did take another tumble in here but again a low speed one....and covered myself in dust again! This loop seemed to fly by really quickly and I was soon into the transition area at Forrest. I smiled and waved at Heather and Wee Man, and rolled through here feeling good, I hadn't had any trouble with my back up to this point, wrists were OK, and as well hydrated so there was no need to stop.
Shotz Super Loop
This loop is supposed to be the pay off for all the climbing to get up to Forrest. Problem being that by the time you get here your too stuffed to really enjoy it. As can be seen from the time splits there is not alot of passing because everyone is so rooted! It consists of 20km of flowing single track with the occasional fire road haul. Nothing of significance happened through this section and I cleared it an returned to transition at Forrest. This time through I stopped and topped the hydra-pac up before setting out on the final loop.
Ayup Final Loop
This loop can be summed up in one word..."Pointless". It really is just there to get the distance up to 100km for the course. This section is made up of a 7km up hill haul on fire roads to some single track which then returns you back to Forrest via the Sledgehammer climb. Because I had paced myself well I was passing people left, right and centre through this section. I also managed to ride the Sledgehammer on the return as well.
Summary
2800m/8400ft total worth of climbing for the day
A good day that ended up being geared towards training more than racing. My finish time was 6:18:10hrs for 105th place in open mens. There were a couple of lessons learnt on the day, such as if you are going to be competitive stay towards the front for the climbs. Also a hydra pac with 3 litres of fluid makes for hard going, you need to use bottles. Also of note is that the top 10 riders all rode hardtails, so something to consider if there is a next time.....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Yes it was that dusty!
Smiling now....afterwards
Clean up the next day, with some help!
I'll post a full write up in the next day. 105th Open men, not bad for cruising the race
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Delayed
Well had a message left on my cellphone late yesterday from the bikeshop, "Hi it's Shopmonkey A*,.... blah....blah please call. Haven't ordered your rim, problem understanding your order. Blah blah have a nice day" Now when I went in, I made sure that there would be no problems. I spelt everything out, Stan's Arch Rim, 26" 32h. I can't make it any easier to order than that.After hearing this it's a good thing I don't own a cat, as I probably would have kicked it!
Anyway after calming down over night and eventually getting hold of Shopmonkey A*, I find out that there are no rim's left in the country and it will be a week and half to get some in.It's probably a good thing I didn't rip in them straight off the bat as English isn't the shopmonkey's* third language.
So it's looking like I won't have this in my hot sweaty little hands until the 8hrs at Yellowmundi....if I'm lucky
* = The name of all shopmonkeys have been changed so I don't get sued!
Dropping like flies
Seems over the past week a couple of the contenders for the race this weekend have meet with accidents. John Claxton had an over the handlebars moment at the 6hr enduro in Victoria on Sunday. And James Williamson decided to fall down an embankment and break a collarbone.
Hope the two of them heal up quick.
Anyway after calming down over night and eventually getting hold of Shopmonkey A*, I find out that there are no rim's left in the country and it will be a week and half to get some in.It's probably a good thing I didn't rip in them straight off the bat as English isn't the shopmonkey's* third language.
So it's looking like I won't have this in my hot sweaty little hands until the 8hrs at Yellowmundi....if I'm lucky
* = The name of all shopmonkeys have been changed so I don't get sued!
Dropping like flies
Seems over the past week a couple of the contenders for the race this weekend have meet with accidents. John Claxton had an over the handlebars moment at the 6hr enduro in Victoria on Sunday. And James Williamson decided to fall down an embankment and break a collarbone.
Hope the two of them heal up quick.
It's off.....
It's now official the Australian MTB marathon Champs have been postponed due to the fire damage. Also the chances of holding an event in the area in the next year or so are unlikely. Details here
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lance goes off!
This is probably one of the most controlled display of fury I have ever seen. While I respect Paul Kimmage for his stand against doping, he really crossed the line with his comments regarding Armstrong.
Who's got the POWER Baby?
The powertap arrived today. Not too bad, 5 days from the States.
Pictures below. Looks as though I won't get it built up in time for the weekend but not too stressed at the moment.
Have started prepping the race pack for the weekend. There is alot more gear to carry for one of these epic races so that you're not caught short. Bought a new multi-tool today with a chain breaker, a couple of spare joining links, and a spare derailleur hanger. The last is something I have never had to carry before but the chances of getting caught and needing one are probably better than average. I still have to assemble the compulsory first aid kit for the weekend, not that your going to do much with it given whats inside.
Pictures below. Looks as though I won't get it built up in time for the weekend but not too stressed at the moment.
Have started prepping the race pack for the weekend. There is alot more gear to carry for one of these epic races so that you're not caught short. Bought a new multi-tool today with a chain breaker, a couple of spare joining links, and a spare derailleur hanger. The last is something I have never had to carry before but the chances of getting caught and needing one are probably better than average. I still have to assemble the compulsory first aid kit for the weekend, not that your going to do much with it given whats inside.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tour de Sparrow....Backwards!
Intro
Well today was an absolute blast, the trails were fantastic and flowy but it's funny at Sparrow. The highlight of my day was nothing to do with my race, it was watching the kids race before we got underway. I rocked up early and was registered by 8.15am so the compulsory part of the day was over it was time to relax, so I sat in the car people watching, looking at bikes and just generally chillin' and killing time. A light drizzle rolled through from the time I arrived till about 20 mins before we started so it was good for settling the dust.
Kid's Races
About 1/2 hour before we were due to start they commenced running the kids races. It's always fun watching these guys race, they get this serious look on their face just like real racers before the start. It's interesting trying to pick the future champions, or just those that will advance in the sport. The first race was the real little kids, the category covers such abroad range of ages so there was one kid being pushed by dad on a tricycle with a handle, another riding one of these (couldn't go as fast on the flat or uphill but he knew how to rip the downhill part of the course to catch backup!!!)
The other race that stood out was the under 13's (I think), there were two kids who stood you above the rest and took of on there laps. One was on a single gear and other a geared bike, however it was the one on the single gear who was quicker, he was flying! The other child had just stuck it in one gear and was rolling it round the course, he got gapped off the start line and wasn't jumping out of the corners but he wasn't going slow either. So with one lap to go the first child get caught behind lapped traffic and other kid catches back up. This being juniors no pointy elbows or pushing so these two are stuck behind the slower riders on the final lap just waiting for the final corner to sprint to the line. Now you can see the faster kid getting all twitchy and gearing up for the corner, and other just having no clue and trying to workout what to do. So they hit the final corner and the fast kids gone...across the line, while other just winds the gear and gets rolling again. But and here's the twist instead of crossing the finish line he starts to hook left cause he wants to do another lap! What is this kid going going to be when he gets older, yes that's right folks ...........a 24hr rider
And Now Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Program
Getting back to the focus of the day, there was a whole lot of standing around before the start. The senior men did an extra 8km loop before the other categories started so we all stood around in the cold for about 20 minutes before the start...getting colder. So senior men go back through the start loop and they release the old bastards(Vet Men), senior women, and finally Sport B.
Lined up front row, but wasn't really aiming for the holeshot just a decent run at the first corner. "Sport B men 10 Seconds!" then "GO!" and we are off. It still amazes me how some people just can get their bike in the right gear to get off the start line. It's always the crash of gears about a second after the flag has been dropped.
So downhill run to the first corner and I'm threading way through riders, second into the corner and first singletrack section we're moving but not fast! Nashing of teeth, fire road, single track, fire road and I manage to jump the guy in front.
Free to fly banging through the gears, bunting! Which way? "Oh shit right, right right turn!" Hit the anchors just managing to make the corner and we're off again.
Long story short I manage to lead the category for the first third of the race, passing people left and right just having a ball! Guys start passing me about a third of the way through, first one then two and finally another couple. Not stressed I know we're only a third through so I'm comfortable and in the rhythm. Guys that are gapping me through the corners I'm catching back up anytime it goes uphill, still strong still trying to be smooth.
About two thirds of the way round I realise somethings different, not quite right?!?! It takes me about a minute to work out what it is. I'm riding with a stupid grin on my face, I'm really having fun and enjoying this, I'm not suffering, I'm not on the rivet and just rolling having fun. This is the first time in along while where I've felt like this and certainly never when racing a road bike.
Coming towards the finish there is a tangle of two seniors and a junior I stop to make sure everyone is alright rather than blow through. Everyone's OK and it's a nice roll through to the finish.
Looking at the results I'm actually missing but going from my finish time I would have been 6th, or 4th if I didn't stop at the bingle just before the finish.
Tale of the Tape
Looking at the HR file afterwards I way riding at an average of 167bpm and had an average speed of 20.6kph. That's not too bad for around there. I finished in great shape and actually felt as though I could have kept the pace up for another lap or so.
Well today was an absolute blast, the trails were fantastic and flowy but it's funny at Sparrow. The highlight of my day was nothing to do with my race, it was watching the kids race before we got underway. I rocked up early and was registered by 8.15am so the compulsory part of the day was over it was time to relax, so I sat in the car people watching, looking at bikes and just generally chillin' and killing time. A light drizzle rolled through from the time I arrived till about 20 mins before we started so it was good for settling the dust.
Kid's Races
About 1/2 hour before we were due to start they commenced running the kids races. It's always fun watching these guys race, they get this serious look on their face just like real racers before the start. It's interesting trying to pick the future champions, or just those that will advance in the sport. The first race was the real little kids, the category covers such abroad range of ages so there was one kid being pushed by dad on a tricycle with a handle, another riding one of these (couldn't go as fast on the flat or uphill but he knew how to rip the downhill part of the course to catch backup!!!)
The other race that stood out was the under 13's (I think), there were two kids who stood you above the rest and took of on there laps. One was on a single gear and other a geared bike, however it was the one on the single gear who was quicker, he was flying! The other child had just stuck it in one gear and was rolling it round the course, he got gapped off the start line and wasn't jumping out of the corners but he wasn't going slow either. So with one lap to go the first child get caught behind lapped traffic and other kid catches back up. This being juniors no pointy elbows or pushing so these two are stuck behind the slower riders on the final lap just waiting for the final corner to sprint to the line. Now you can see the faster kid getting all twitchy and gearing up for the corner, and other just having no clue and trying to workout what to do. So they hit the final corner and the fast kids gone...across the line, while other just winds the gear and gets rolling again. But and here's the twist instead of crossing the finish line he starts to hook left cause he wants to do another lap! What is this kid going going to be when he gets older, yes that's right folks ...........a 24hr rider
And Now Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Program
Getting back to the focus of the day, there was a whole lot of standing around before the start. The senior men did an extra 8km loop before the other categories started so we all stood around in the cold for about 20 minutes before the start...getting colder. So senior men go back through the start loop and they release the old bastards(Vet Men), senior women, and finally Sport B.
Lined up front row, but wasn't really aiming for the holeshot just a decent run at the first corner. "Sport B men 10 Seconds!" then "GO!" and we are off. It still amazes me how some people just can get their bike in the right gear to get off the start line. It's always the crash of gears about a second after the flag has been dropped.
So downhill run to the first corner and I'm threading way through riders, second into the corner and first singletrack section we're moving but not fast! Nashing of teeth, fire road, single track, fire road and I manage to jump the guy in front.
Free to fly banging through the gears, bunting! Which way? "Oh shit right, right right turn!" Hit the anchors just managing to make the corner and we're off again.
Long story short I manage to lead the category for the first third of the race, passing people left and right just having a ball! Guys start passing me about a third of the way through, first one then two and finally another couple. Not stressed I know we're only a third through so I'm comfortable and in the rhythm. Guys that are gapping me through the corners I'm catching back up anytime it goes uphill, still strong still trying to be smooth.
About two thirds of the way round I realise somethings different, not quite right?!?! It takes me about a minute to work out what it is. I'm riding with a stupid grin on my face, I'm really having fun and enjoying this, I'm not suffering, I'm not on the rivet and just rolling having fun. This is the first time in along while where I've felt like this and certainly never when racing a road bike.
Coming towards the finish there is a tangle of two seniors and a junior I stop to make sure everyone is alright rather than blow through. Everyone's OK and it's a nice roll through to the finish.
Looking at the results I'm actually missing but going from my finish time I would have been 6th, or 4th if I didn't stop at the bingle just before the finish.
Tale of the Tape
Looking at the HR file afterwards I way riding at an average of 167bpm and had an average speed of 20.6kph. That's not too bad for around there. I finished in great shape and actually felt as though I could have kept the pace up for another lap or so.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
And now for a bit of Ghetto!?!
Morning
Well rolled out of the house at about 6.00am to met up with Jason M and some of the boys to do the Bakery ride and a few extra k's after. The ride leaves from the Bike Shed Philip at 6.30am so we had heaps of time to cruise it to the start, which we made without any stress.
Anyway long and short of it was I made it about 20'k with the bunch before breaking a spoke in the rear wheel. Stoppped to have a look but the wheel was so far out of true it was going to be a slow limp home. So all up 50k for the day, really not what I had in mind.
Afternoon
Well I finally got through doing the ghetto conversion on a set of DT Swiss rims with Schwable tires. I ended up cutting down a 20" tire with a presta valve to create a rim strip and valve. I bulked the rim bed up with more tape and end result was being able to pump both wheels up with a floor pump, no compressor required. Still a bit hesitant with this setup as I have always run UST tires in the past. Reading the forums plenty of people run this style of conversion without problems so it should be OK. Am going to test the setup out tomorrow after the Tour de Sparrow race, will probably roll a slow lap for 70k for the day.
I also have to test out a new hydra-pac before next weekend to make sure there are no last minute problems.
ERGON BD1 Pack
Also thanks to big Jas for reminding me the drive next week is longer than I thought....so I can't leave at midday Friday and get there at a reasonable hour.
Well rolled out of the house at about 6.00am to met up with Jason M and some of the boys to do the Bakery ride and a few extra k's after. The ride leaves from the Bike Shed Philip at 6.30am so we had heaps of time to cruise it to the start, which we made without any stress.
Anyway long and short of it was I made it about 20'k with the bunch before breaking a spoke in the rear wheel. Stoppped to have a look but the wheel was so far out of true it was going to be a slow limp home. So all up 50k for the day, really not what I had in mind.
Afternoon
Well I finally got through doing the ghetto conversion on a set of DT Swiss rims with Schwable tires. I ended up cutting down a 20" tire with a presta valve to create a rim strip and valve. I bulked the rim bed up with more tape and end result was being able to pump both wheels up with a floor pump, no compressor required. Still a bit hesitant with this setup as I have always run UST tires in the past. Reading the forums plenty of people run this style of conversion without problems so it should be OK. Am going to test the setup out tomorrow after the Tour de Sparrow race, will probably roll a slow lap for 70k for the day.
I also have to test out a new hydra-pac before next weekend to make sure there are no last minute problems.
ERGON BD1 Pack
Also thanks to big Jas for reminding me the drive next week is longer than I thought....so I can't leave at midday Friday and get there at a reasonable hour.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Speculation, Rumors and Facts
Speculation and Rumors
Well with all of the bush fires down in Victoria, with a particularly fierce one centred around Wadong the rumors have started flying on the Internet regarding whether the Australian Marathon Champs have been cancelled or postponed till and alternative venue can be found.
The event website is claiming that the trails have been undamaged for the most part by the fires, but a number of people are very suspect about this. Also the rumor has started for an alternative promoter to run the event.
Other than the overriding tragedy of the bush fires, and toll on human life is the loss of a number of areas of fantastic riding in Victoria due to the fires. While this is trivial in the overall big picture, alot of efforts goes into forming these trails and maintaining them.
Facts
We are set to loose a percentage of the fantastic local trails at Majura and Sparrow due to road realignment. The first is due to the straightening of Majura Road and the second due to the realignment of Kings Highway.
Both areas are considered hallow ground to riders, with Majura the spiritual home of MTBing in the ACT. What frustrates me as an engineer is the lack of foresight that goes into alot of roading projects, either through budget constraints or poor design. Majura is combination of both factors, coming into play which is typical in the ACT. However Kings Highway is an RTA road, with just plain bad design! Over the years this particular road has claimed a multitude of lives due to poor geometric design and bad driving habits of motorists.
CORC is involved in the consultation process with ACTPLA and SMEC (the consultants) and will be fighting the good fight for riders however the proposal will eventually go to public consultation, so we will get our chance to have a say.
Proposed Realignment Majura Road
Well with all of the bush fires down in Victoria, with a particularly fierce one centred around Wadong the rumors have started flying on the Internet regarding whether the Australian Marathon Champs have been cancelled or postponed till and alternative venue can be found.
The event website is claiming that the trails have been undamaged for the most part by the fires, but a number of people are very suspect about this. Also the rumor has started for an alternative promoter to run the event.
Other than the overriding tragedy of the bush fires, and toll on human life is the loss of a number of areas of fantastic riding in Victoria due to the fires. While this is trivial in the overall big picture, alot of efforts goes into forming these trails and maintaining them.
Facts
We are set to loose a percentage of the fantastic local trails at Majura and Sparrow due to road realignment. The first is due to the straightening of Majura Road and the second due to the realignment of Kings Highway.
Both areas are considered hallow ground to riders, with Majura the spiritual home of MTBing in the ACT. What frustrates me as an engineer is the lack of foresight that goes into alot of roading projects, either through budget constraints or poor design. Majura is combination of both factors, coming into play which is typical in the ACT. However Kings Highway is an RTA road, with just plain bad design! Over the years this particular road has claimed a multitude of lives due to poor geometric design and bad driving habits of motorists.
CORC is involved in the consultation process with ACTPLA and SMEC (the consultants) and will be fighting the good fight for riders however the proposal will eventually go to public consultation, so we will get our chance to have a say.
Proposed Realignment Majura Road
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Happy Birthday Heather
Today is my wife's birthday. We're not really doing anything for it this year, we went out to the pub of lunch and just having a quiet dinner at home tonite. She has been wanting a treadmill for a while now, as she can't ride much thanks to wee man. So we'll go looking for one over the next month or so. I personally don't see the attraction...but then this is someone who does intervals in the garage staring a brick wall for extra mental toughness ;)
I went to the LBS today to order up one of these to build up the powertap when it arrives. Always a sign of a good shop when they have no idea what your talking about and who they have to order it from....bike shop monkeys
Stans Arch Rim
I went to the LBS today to order up one of these to build up the powertap when it arrives. Always a sign of a good shop when they have no idea what your talking about and who they have to order it from....bike shop monkeys
Stans Arch Rim
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
It's alive!
Well as promised here is a picture of the rebuilt Giant Anthem. She is one of the older models but still going strong. I pulled her to pieces last year to build up the hardtail but in about October decided to resurect her.
It's safe to say that this bike is fully custom, there is nothing stock on it.
Build List
-Giant Anthem Frame(small)
-Magura Durin SL Forks
-DT Swiss 190 Rear Shock
-Thomson X4 stem
-Thomson Elite seatpost
-Ritchey Carbon Low-rise handle bars
-Fizik Arione Carbon Seat
-XTR Shadow Rear Derailleur
-XT Front Derailleur
-XTR 960 brake/ gear shifters
-XTR 960/ 970 Calipers
-XTR 970 Crankset
-XTR Chain
-Gore ride-on cables
-Goodridge brake hoses
-Ergon Grips
-Chris King Cage
Wheelset
-White Industries MI6 Hubs
-DT Swiss 4.1 rims
-XTR Cassette
-Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.25
-Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25
It's safe to say that this bike is fully custom, there is nothing stock on it.
Build List
-Giant Anthem Frame(small)
-Magura Durin SL Forks
-DT Swiss 190 Rear Shock
-Thomson X4 stem
-Thomson Elite seatpost
-Ritchey Carbon Low-rise handle bars
-Fizik Arione Carbon Seat
-XTR Shadow Rear Derailleur
-XT Front Derailleur
-XTR 960 brake/ gear shifters
-XTR 960/ 970 Calipers
-XTR 970 Crankset
-XTR Chain
-Gore ride-on cables
-Goodridge brake hoses
-Ergon Grips
-Chris King Cage
Wheelset
-White Industries MI6 Hubs
-DT Swiss 4.1 rims
-XTR Cassette
-Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.25
-Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Review- Nuun Hydration
Intro
Thought I would give these a bit of a review after having used them for about a week now. Overall I am happy with them, I scored them for $au10 per tube. Each tube contains 12 tablets which make 6 litres (500ml per tablet). Are now making a larger tablet for 750ml bottles as well.
When dropped into a bottle of water they fizz up somewhat like berocca. They take about 2mins to dissolve completely.
Lemon-lime
This was the first flavour I tired, initally it tasted a bit gritty in the mouth but not unpleasent. It is not sweet and has an epervesent feeling in the back of the throat. As I found out last week if your bottles heat up (ala' 40° day) you can still drink it without gagging.
My 15 month old son also seems to like this flavour, as he scoffed the dregs from one of my bottles yesterday after I got home from a ride.
Tri-Berry
This is my personal favourite goes down well, has a fizzy taste in the back of the throat and is slightly sweeter than the lemon-lime flavour.
Kona Cola
Tried this Sunday and didn't think much off it. This flavour has added caffine for kick as well as the usual minerals and salts. It just has a really bland taste and not really like cola.
I gave some to my wife, and she thinks it tastes like flat cola so it may just be me.
Summary
Overall I have found these to be a good source of hydration, not too expensive, portable and tasty.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Don't Bring a knife to a gunfight (Part II)
WWS Race 1 Lithgow
Interesting ain't it?
So what's the tale of the tape? Heart rate was smack bang on threshold level for the 3hrs. You can see that the first lap was more intense with higher and larger spikes (to be expected). The other trend that can be seen is there is a gradual decline in HR, it's a bit hard to see using the polar software but its there.
Cadence, well the pedals went round with an average of 87rpm.
Climbing? 1200 metres....yum yum
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saddle for sale
I have tried to like this saddle but I'm just not getting any love from it.
Fizik Tundra
This saddle is the same shape as an arione cx but firmer, it really isn't soft enough for me. So if any one would like to take it off my hands contact me at d_w_rae@hotmail.net.au (paypal and direct debit accepted)
Fizik Tundra
This saddle is the same shape as an arione cx but firmer, it really isn't soft enough for me. So if any one would like to take it off my hands contact me at d_w_rae@hotmail.net.au (paypal and direct debit accepted)
Don't Bring a knife to a gunfight (Part I)
There is a line in action flicks that goes something like " Boy, don't ever bring a knife to a gunfight!" The meaning of this phrase is come with the right gear for the ocassion. Today I got it wrong, isn't the first time and it definitly won't be the last.
Basically I bought the wrong bike to the race, I thought I could race a hardtail at an alright level for 8hrs...I got it wrong. While I had built up the dually the day before I wan't prepared to go out and race it untired. This is one of the lessions learn't over the years "Never race untested kit...ever...even if the sponser wants you to"
I got a warning via www.farkin.net a couple of days before that the course would be harsh on a hardtail (harsh = understatement). The were a lot of braking ruts on the downhills (compliments of last years event)and the course was hardpacked as described, but with loose "bulldust" through most of the corners. So basically I got hammered on the downhills and the tires I was using didn't have much bite in the loose (Rocket Ron & Racing Ralph = better choice). I never got into trouble, but I was riding cautious trying to finish and not crash.
After about 3.5hrs my lower back packed it in (I also didn't have any pain killers). On the fourth lap it was like the power lights went out, the uphill parts of the course where I was strong suddently I just had to sit and twiddle a small gear. By the time I got to transition my back was killing me along with my wrists. I have a weakish lower back due to a mtb accident a couple of years back and my left wrist has been broken 3x now and plays up occasionally...today was one of those occasions.
The other issue was the heat, while not roasting at 11.30am it was still hot. When I sat down you could see the dried salt crystals on my thighs and on the sleeves of my jersey. I hadn't noticed it while riding but afterwards sitting there it was like "Sh!t, that's not good". At that stage I had drunken,
- 2 x 750ml of nuun
- 1 x 500ml of gatorade post-mix
- 1 x 500ml of gatorade pre-mix
so not an inconsiderable amount.
When I got home (3.75hrs after and drinking another 1.5l of gatorade, I was still 1kg underweight)
Summary
Lessions learn't,
- Know your course as much as possible if you haven't ridden it previously
- Opt for caution, hardtails are for XC wippets!(Or teams riders)
- Dehydration creeps up on you quickly in extreme heat, hydrate or suffer
Part II
I will post up the HR file after I download it and post any comments as nessecary
Basically I bought the wrong bike to the race, I thought I could race a hardtail at an alright level for 8hrs...I got it wrong. While I had built up the dually the day before I wan't prepared to go out and race it untired. This is one of the lessions learn't over the years "Never race untested kit...ever...even if the sponser wants you to"
I got a warning via www.farkin.net a couple of days before that the course would be harsh on a hardtail (harsh = understatement). The were a lot of braking ruts on the downhills (compliments of last years event)and the course was hardpacked as described, but with loose "bulldust" through most of the corners. So basically I got hammered on the downhills and the tires I was using didn't have much bite in the loose (Rocket Ron & Racing Ralph = better choice). I never got into trouble, but I was riding cautious trying to finish and not crash.
After about 3.5hrs my lower back packed it in (I also didn't have any pain killers). On the fourth lap it was like the power lights went out, the uphill parts of the course where I was strong suddently I just had to sit and twiddle a small gear. By the time I got to transition my back was killing me along with my wrists. I have a weakish lower back due to a mtb accident a couple of years back and my left wrist has been broken 3x now and plays up occasionally...today was one of those occasions.
The other issue was the heat, while not roasting at 11.30am it was still hot. When I sat down you could see the dried salt crystals on my thighs and on the sleeves of my jersey. I hadn't noticed it while riding but afterwards sitting there it was like "Sh!t, that's not good". At that stage I had drunken,
- 2 x 750ml of nuun
- 1 x 500ml of gatorade post-mix
- 1 x 500ml of gatorade pre-mix
so not an inconsiderable amount.
When I got home (3.75hrs after and drinking another 1.5l of gatorade, I was still 1kg underweight)
Summary
Lessions learn't,
- Know your course as much as possible if you haven't ridden it previously
- Opt for caution, hardtails are for XC wippets!(Or teams riders)
- Dehydration creeps up on you quickly in extreme heat, hydrate or suffer
Part II
I will post up the HR file after I download it and post any comments as nessecary
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Prep...again
Saturday
Well today was all about preparing for the first 8hr of the year. It located at Lithgow which means about a 4.5hr drive tomorrow....great a 2 a.m start!
Today was really about preping the bikes and trying to stay hydrated. I finished off running the brake lines, tuned the gears, set the chain length on the dually, for the hardtail I have it a good wash down, lubed the chain (yes it was good for the both of us!), and pumped the tires.
Prep
Race mtb endurance loose weight, get fit, yeah right...not drinking all this shit,
16 x 500- 750ml water bottles containing either Nuun mix or Gatorade mix
2 x 500ml cans of Mother energy drink
2 x 1.5l bottles of pre-mix gatorade
yes we are expecting 40° tomorrow, Come prepared or go home crying!
Kit Bag
Well packing is easy at the moment,
1 x short sleeve top
1 x bib shorts
1 x spare long finger glooves
1 x Polar CS 600 heart rate monitor
1 x Polar CS 600 heart rate monitor strap
2 x socks
1 x bandana (I know you can't pull this off unless you're Marco Pantani, but it's so hot at the moment that the sweat just runs down your glasses)
1 x bog roll/ toilet paper (Can't be seen but in the bag. It's a MTB race what can you except!)
2 x towels (left hand/ right hand... if I need to explain this google it!)
Race Strategy
Well given the heat at the moment keeping the heart rate at workable levels is key. Course has ~300m of climbing per lap so assuming 12 laps by 300m => 3600m total climbing => Pain, suffering, and misery if I'm lucky!
Well wish me luck, best at the moment thats about all thats going to save me for exploding my sh!t all over the course.
Well today was all about preparing for the first 8hr of the year. It located at Lithgow which means about a 4.5hr drive tomorrow....great a 2 a.m start!
Today was really about preping the bikes and trying to stay hydrated. I finished off running the brake lines, tuned the gears, set the chain length on the dually, for the hardtail I have it a good wash down, lubed the chain (yes it was good for the both of us!), and pumped the tires.
Prep
Race mtb endurance loose weight, get fit, yeah right...not drinking all this shit,
16 x 500- 750ml water bottles containing either Nuun mix or Gatorade mix
2 x 500ml cans of Mother energy drink
2 x 1.5l bottles of pre-mix gatorade
yes we are expecting 40° tomorrow, Come prepared or go home crying!
Kit Bag
Well packing is easy at the moment,
1 x short sleeve top
1 x bib shorts
1 x spare long finger glooves
1 x Polar CS 600 heart rate monitor
1 x Polar CS 600 heart rate monitor strap
2 x socks
1 x bandana (I know you can't pull this off unless you're Marco Pantani, but it's so hot at the moment that the sweat just runs down your glasses)
1 x bog roll/ toilet paper (Can't be seen but in the bag. It's a MTB race what can you except!)
2 x towels (left hand/ right hand... if I need to explain this google it!)
Race Strategy
Well given the heat at the moment keeping the heart rate at workable levels is key. Course has ~300m of climbing per lap so assuming 12 laps by 300m => 3600m total climbing => Pain, suffering, and misery if I'm lucky!
Well wish me luck, best at the moment thats about all thats going to save me for exploding my sh!t all over the course.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Productive Weekend
The Weekend
Well I had a really productive weekend, got out on the MTB to Sparrow on Saturday and did some intervals on the erg on Sunday. Also managed to:
- Re-calibrate 2x SRM's
- Bleed and shorten the brakes on the hardtail (really been meaning to do this for a while)
- Oil change on a set of Fox forx's (something else I have been putting off doing)
Really starting to get amped about the eight hour this weekend. Haven't done one since last year at Stromlo. The course should be good for the hardtail and I should have all my bits and pieces by this weekend.
New Race Hydration
Well I got my sweaty little hands on a new product today that I will be testing this weekend
These are basically mineral tablets you dissolve in your bottle that provide sodium, potassium, mangesium, calcium, Vit C and B2. they don't contain any carbs. This is a good thing especially in the heat, alot of mixes don't have the correct ratio and are slow emptying.
Will let you know how they perform later.
Well I had a really productive weekend, got out on the MTB to Sparrow on Saturday and did some intervals on the erg on Sunday. Also managed to:
- Re-calibrate 2x SRM's
- Bleed and shorten the brakes on the hardtail (really been meaning to do this for a while)
- Oil change on a set of Fox forx's (something else I have been putting off doing)
Really starting to get amped about the eight hour this weekend. Haven't done one since last year at Stromlo. The course should be good for the hardtail and I should have all my bits and pieces by this weekend.
New Race Hydration
Well I got my sweaty little hands on a new product today that I will be testing this weekend
These are basically mineral tablets you dissolve in your bottle that provide sodium, potassium, mangesium, calcium, Vit C and B2. they don't contain any carbs. This is a good thing especially in the heat, alot of mixes don't have the correct ratio and are slow emptying.
Will let you know how they perform later.
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