Big Wheels Big Season - BlackSheepImports

2010 is off and running. The first of my new steeds has arrived and it is a pinch me I am dreaming moment. Need a hint? Ok......
titanium.
custom.
29er.
work of art eye candy.
no?? ok, how about this....


It can only be a BlackSheep.
With the fantastic support of Shannon and Pete from BlackSheepImports.com.au I have a new hardtail weapon, firmly sitting in the slot of bike one my my planned race duo for 2010.



The entire process has been so enjoyable. The time spent to understand what I needed from a bike and how I planned to use it was both awesome and educational. Watching something made specifically for me from the drawing design stages through to receiving and riding the end product is an experience I would highly recommend. The knowledge of these guys is incredible and I learned a massive amount about geometries and design. Very cool indeed.

The quality speaks for itself.

The ride is superb. Fully built with training wheels - it is just a touch over 22lb. I am middle ringing my way up every climb. I see sub 10kg 29er in my future!!!



Now, to name her.....
suggestions?

LunarC - a win for 2010.

Rolling in for the win.

The weekend kicked off my 2010 season at an 8 hour with a difference. LunarC, run by in2adventure, kicked off at midnight on Friday and ran through to 8am Saturday. Another night time race, perfect for the Queensland summer.

Slickers is a fun place to race. It is not technically challenging, but has been home to some really enjoyable races and good results for me, like insomnia and a bunch of ARQ/Geocentric adventure races. It was great to see so many riders racing - 250+. Even better there were plenty of girls racing all categories... even a number of SS nutters, and no kayak leg :)

Solos were off 2 minutes ahead of the teams, so I knew I needed to get moving lap one to stay clear of log jams. The course was a surprise, with a lot more pinch climbing than I expected - a change from most of the other race routes used previously. Still, on balance I am better up a hill than most, so I'll take it. A quick change from bottles to a camelbak on lap 3 sorted out the lack of easy spots to eat and drink.



My old Gap Cycles teamie Kylie Maduna (ForTheRiders), of national 4X fame, has shifted focus and stepped up the to solo plate. With plenty of going long experience in ARs and marathons and despite the casual pre-race chat, it was clear she was there with a plan and had been training specifically for the race.

Race Face!

She gave me some work to do! I lapped pretty consistently, and despite not having a support crew - drop ins from Trickle, and support from those whose races didnt work out (better luck next time Prof and TR) meant there were a few people around most times to help out.


Local boys, taking rests from racing, did the next best thing - drank Rum and cheered on the riders in style. Who couldn't smash up the hill with that encouragement!! Nice one TK and Dec.

Thanks to my lap buddy, Shannon who rolled around the last lap. And then the lap after that. (remember, there is always 'just one more').

Time to get the kms in. It is going to be a massive year. I am convinced my uturnfitness programs are the best I've ever had and look forward to getting faster and stronger for when it counts.

Bekkers and Fellows were flying. Matt Dog hot on their heels. It was great to see Jeff Toohey back hammering around the course. There are a lot of eyes on October that is for sure. Including mine.

Next up, Dusk to Dawn.

*thanks to PHOTOEVENTS for the images.

coming up....

Well, 2010 is here and the first race of the year is coming up.

LunarC - a midnight 8hour kicks off this weekend at the scene of many a mud based crime - slickers. Given the rain we have had, there are plenty of us who are holding out to the very last minute before confirming that we will in fact show up. I have sacrificed many a brake pad, bearing and bushing at that place..... Last race at Kurwongbah saw us riding more THROUGH the lake, than around it and resulted in a rebuild of my rear suspension among other things. Don't believe me .... check it out.


Hoping for a dry and hot week this week. If not, I suspect I will race anyway.... but maybe I will put the Ridley to one side and dust off the Trek fuel. And I better get on the phone to Mick to order one of his home made mudguards.


There is a promise of a new course with more interesting bits - looking forward to a great race....!