Sock Puppet Racing

got strength?

2012-01-23T16:57:00.001+10:00

I don't know if this is common, but I have a confession to make.
I have done no strength work in the few of years. None. It is not so much that I hate the gym, I hate what happens AFTER the gym. My previous experience really put me off after struggling through months of insane soreness and inability to ride on dead legs. I have struggled to find balance where I could get in the gym and still ride my bike.

For every year that passes I know it is getting more important to get back in the gym. Now falling into the masters realm of riding, strength conditioning is becoming mandatory. I know this. Reading articles like this one (read it here) convinced me it is time to suck it up, and crack on.

The question became not if, but with who and where. If I am going to do this, I am going to do it properly.
I have a guy, Andrew, I have been using for massage for a couple of years. He is also a guru in all things strength and conditioning. He knows where I break, and after months of telling me what gym thing would fix or help that or this - I decided that I am going to trust him and let's see. Highly specific strength training not just to my sport, but actually to me. I think that is a good mix. He's set up a space here, and I am looking forward to hurting myself for the next little while.

With walls like this one, how could it be bad!!!
Pass the protein.

time out for a summer holiday...

2012-01-15T15:07:00.000+10:00

Not much bike stuff doing lately as I took some time out with my two favourite people for a holiday to Tasmania.

We spent our first few days in Hobart staying in the historic Salamanca area in a converted sandstone docks warehouse. Hobart is a lovely city that is overlooked by an awesome peak - Mt Wellington. We managed an afternoon of walking around the summit realising that this was truely a freezing part of the world - despite being high summer! From there we dropped down, completed the walk to Sphnix Rock and then retired to the local Pinot's and Seafood. It is a hard life.

The summit of Mount Wellington. Freezing. It was snowing where I am standing, 4 days later!

After Hobart, we made our way to a magnificent and pristine part of the world - Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park.

View from Coles Bay town across to Freycinet National Park and range called The Hazards

We stayed in a little beach house right on the water, and spent our days in the mountains you can see above, hiking through the park. Formed from pink Granite, a mix of mica, feldspar and quartz, the Hazards make for an awesome walking wonderland.

I was unsure how she'd go, but Annabel did a great job and walked The Hazards to Wineglass Bay, and also the other side to Hazards Beach. Both graded as 'difficult' walks. Nice one!

Happy to have reached a lolly break!

Wineglass bay, on the opposite side of the Hazards to Coles Bay. Walkers or Boaties only!

We also managed short walks into Sleepy Bay and Cape Tourville.

Sleepy Bay complete with Rainbow. Amazing kelp forests in cold, cold water!

We saw a few of the locals while we were in town.....

Up close with the locals.

Too close!! I hate Emus and this one is sticking it's head over my shoulder to rip the bag of food out of my hand.


Local Kookaburra looking for skinks!

Local skink hiding from Kookaburras.

For Westwood - nice leptospermum.

All in all a great trip.
We've returned ready for the new year and I for one am ready to rip into it. Stand by....
Now, where's my bike!

whats your flavour?

2012-01-02T14:57:00.002+10:00

On the new years menu, Koiled was up to many and varied things.
They all had something in common. See if you can spot it!

First up, I had to deliver a coot-tha TT so Coach Cupcake can check my progress. These things always hurt, but this was something special, after I had put away 3+ hours of single track the day before.

Time was satisfactory and the view, once I could see again was lovely!

On to today, our main bunch rolled from Eatons Hill to Dayboro. What was sold to me as a shortish out and back turned into the inevitable racing for 60's and TT up Mt Mee which added up to slightly more than I was planning but with the impending bike free holiday coming up, I was happy enough to roll the kms.

Trickle joined us in the bunch, looking fine in his Koiled kit and rolling his Elmo. He is riding strong!

After yesterdays effort of a Coot-tha TT I started the ride in the locker. Naturally there was only one treatment I know of for being in the locker. ATTACK.

It was shortlived and we settled down for approximately 6 minutes. Then, after offerring Scotty some advice about pedalling if you are on the front of the peleton travelling downhill, he showed us his current form and from there the locker drew a crowd. Yes, it got crowded in there. Shannon kindly offered to take my place when he opted for MtMee in the big ring.

I can be seen here offerring moral support and checking on his well being.

Nick was notably absent. Something about wanting an easier session than the Mt Mee smashfest.....
He can be seen here relaxing as the UQ sports physicians seek to find out what it is about Koiled that makes us full animal.

It's how we roll.

pay dirt

2011-12-31T16:19:00.004+10:00

Been making an effort to get my wheels back to the dirt, and strangely enough it is not much of an effort. In fact, it is completely full of awesome. Three hours flew by largely due to the excellent company.

The Koiled Dirt Krew were pretty much all present and accounted for, however it appears Miff didn't get the wheel size memo. As I looked through the pics from the morning it occurred to me there are some CRAZY BLINGING NICE bikes in our bunch.

Jim was so awed by the line up of bikes that he was to forced to stop and adjust is sock height. In fact he got to spend the morning on a Santa Cruz Tallboy loaner from TR. Who gets a TALLBOY LOANER!!!! (unless you are Prof in Sedona....another story.)....

Nick opted for hardman status and left the Form Ti HT and gears at home, schlepping it on his SS Niner.

Truck wheeled out his beautiful steel Blacksheep SS 29er.... man that is one nice looking bike. Note the perfection in grip to paint job matching,

Not to be outdone, TR rolled his blinged out custom BlackSheep 29er HT - pretty similiar to the highlight for those up on their Blacksheeps.

I got to roll my new 2012 racing wheels - my koiled carbon HT 29er, tricked out with Industry Nine custom pink wheels. Careful matching to my Santa Cruz from a geo point of view meant she was pretty much point and shoot out of the box. Stupid light, manouevrable, and slick looking. This bike is going to be fun. I think I will name her the 'hell bitch'.

Never one to shy away from Pink, Shan rolled his Koiled 29er too.
These were to be our Mawson bikes ...and who knows maybe one day they still will be. The race cancellation still cuts me deep!!!

Miff rolled to the beat of her own drum with her Santa Cruz superlight baby.

I guess we can let her sneak into this 29er heavy crowd because it is a blinging Santa Cruz, and because we love her crazy ways.

Till next time..... Ride what ya brung!!!!!

* thanks to Miff for the insanely fine mobile phone photography.

making plans

2011-12-20T11:17:00.000+10:00

My morning rolls have been consumed with thinking, planning and promising.

2012 will see the return of the 24hour solo MTB worlds. After some deliberation I have decided I am willing to go round again. After a year spent largely on the roadie due to MTB race cancellations and no 24hr worlds it appears I have some serious work to do to regain my MTB licence-to-race. I might be rolling my roadie faster than ever but the price is that my dirt action is rusty as hell!

So it is time to go back to basics. Each time I come back and work hard, I think I do get better than I was the previous season. I know that I still have a lot to learn which is both exhausting and hopeful. The best thing about having a lot to learn means there are still significant chunks of time on the table that can be stolen through hard earned improvement. I don't think I am at that elite style ceiling common in many sports, when you have nailed your skills, got as fit as you can be and you are looking for that tiny, tiny improvement that often takes mammoth effort. So that is cool, and it is motivating.

As always, there is a core bunch willing to rock up to my place and roll with me no matter what. They put up with it all, and while I suspect my awesome husbands cooking has something to do with that I will give them the benefit of the doubt. These guys are a massive part of my strength to get up and get stuck in. At the risk of sounding, well, like a chick ..... love you guys, couldn't do it without you, in fact I probably wouldn't want to! Ok, enough of that....

The road ahead looks....... like dirt!

Toowoomba Be Better Psychology Criterium

2011-12-06T10:48:00.000+10:00

Toowoomba recently invested in a fantasic cycling facility - a purpose built 1.7km criterium track, with club house and full facilities. What a top notch course it is, and a great change up from the few flat courses I have experienced locally in Brisbane.

After a reasonable training week, including rediscovering coot-tha, racing a club crit stupidly the day before, and staying out late for the Club Presentations night I was more than a little cooked going into the Crit. Still a few sessions of legs in the pool, eating anything I could find and committing some serious fashion crimes by 24 x7 compression gear I was recovered enough to head for Toowoomba and atleast join in.

The new CQ registered Koiled / UQ kit was order of the day, and we certainly stood out in the bunch. It was nice, safe racing though we did seem to lose a few from the bunch as the race progressed and people were shelled on the hills.

Despite my reservations it turned out to be my day with a course that probably suited me the most out of our Koiled team. With three climbs and an uphill sprint into the line, there were plenty of pain faces on display.

I had a dig at the Prime, just as a measuring stick for the finish...... I discovered it is significantly harder to recover even hiding in the bunch on that hilly little course. How Shannon rode a 3/4 lap solo attack for the prime and didn't die I will never know. He would have been in the hurt box for sure, but I am starting to suspect that might be his home address.....

Managed to get back out of the red zone in time for the finish. Katrin had tried hard to get herself into the break, and I made sure I stayed up where I could go if it looked like she might do it. Then I think time had run out and she rolled back. I knew the girls were sitting on me so I backed off to see what was what. Katrin came around and attacked hard on a hill. Good hill legs there! Coming up the final turn she went hard again on the small hill and gapped me. I could see her starting her sprint and she had a reasonable gap. Never know, if you don't go - so I did. I managed to peg her back and came over her for the line. Great racing!

All in all a good day out for Koiled.

Next up HPRW twilights....

fortune favours the brave

2011-11-28T13:10:00.000+10:00

After a fairly heinous road crash I can tell you getting on the road bike again is tough.

And getting on it to rub shoulders with the usual suspects in a crit is even tougher. The skin heals, bruises fade and the stiffness and pain subside. But you have to fix your head. In a sport where a moment hesitation means you missed the opportunity, and being afraid means you can't hang in there is no room for fear.

So I told fear to get gone the best way I knew how. I got on my bike, I paid my money and I raced HPRW.

I stayed upright, I had support from my koiled team mates and somewhere in there I rolled to my best ever result in the presence of some good competition (Donna, Nik and Jemma).

I guess I am choosing to believe fortune favours the brave.
Ride on.

A brief intermission

2011-11-23T07:21:00.000+10:00

My day job requires that I travel from time to time - and although this does play havoc with regular bike training, I like my job.

This time round I was off to the USA, to visit Houston and Seattle. As it were I was still busy regrowing skin so I guess, apart from the discomfort of flying with pieces missing - it was probably a good time to go! You certainly cant miss it when you land here - LAX loves a flag.

The first few days were a blur - into Houston late, full day workshop the next day.

Our office in Houston had a couple of very cool things - including this.... a treadmill office.

Puts new meaning into being trapped on the treadmill of work! I want the ERGO version but I cannot imagine the Australian OH&S concerns allowing it.

I often eat what the locals eat as the food of a place to me is an essential element for culture immersion. This time around I got to try a Texas specialty - a 'chicken fried steak'.

WTF if a chicken fried steak? Well it has no chicken. It is fried, and it is steak. The chicken part comes from the KFC type batter that surrounds the steak. mind boggling.

Then at day's end Houston was disapearing behind me and I was heading north, to Seattle where a 4 day intensive with the best and brightest Dream Team awaited me.

Seattle (home of MAD FIBER!) was a cool city. One of our UQCC girls, Devon - calls it home and offered to hook me up with some riding.

Unfortunately taking a bike for this whirlwind trip was not an option. And based on the locals behaviour detailed in the local street press - maybe I am glad. I don't want to see a Raccoon on a Koiled.

So I settled for a bit of the dreaded gym work when I could fit it in. And if not, no matter. I prioritised getting home without some kind of upper respiratory infection from pushing too hard.

And it worked!!!!! I have to figure a week of little training sets me back less than an illness.

Top of the list for Seattle's cool things were Ryan's new electric car.

Goes well, just don't use the heater on a long drive. Nuff said!

Ryan sorted my shoppping - he took me to REI headquarters where I picked up a bunch of stuff.
Then onto 'Seattles best bike shop' (allegedly) - Gregg's Cycles - where I added a new saddle to my luggage for about 50% of the shelf price here.

Winning!
This week, back to training - ouch.

Vault Crit

2011-11-09T14:34:00.002+10:00

TR, Shan and I lined up for the Vault Crit on the weekend. With big money and a very mixed grade it was always going to have some hairy moments. But definitely a little more than we bargained for. I felt good going in. The day before we'd had a good, fast crit with a practiced finish that gave 1st and 2nd. Nick and TR also took 5th and 7th - 4 in top 7 is definitely approaching the KOILED TRAIN. Anyways, race day and I had warmed up, bike was dialled, and I was ready.

* photo by Anthony Hartley

I was aiming to sit in and see what's what before working my way up towards the pointy end for the finish. With my current sprint I was hoping not too many would be getting away from me. Working your way anywhere in the chaotic mess was tough. I watched people shelled off the track every lap on the chicanes as some straight lined it and some followed the curves. Inside was no good - you'd be off the track. Middle was no good, you were getting squeezed. Outside - ok for one corner, but it became inside on the next bend, see first comment. Coming into the last few laps I forced my way up. Last lap, the pace was high and suddenly fore runners became mid pack as everyone tried to push forward. Two bars hooked next to me (on a straight piece of track no less) and a loss of control, they then claimed me and another rider. I have to have a laugh at all those MAMILS who are quick to blame women riders or young riders (insert 'anyone but us' riders) for being at fault. Clearly none of them saw the incident. I suppose they should get rid of all the women and young riders from the TDF. That would solve the crashes.... oh, wait a minute.....

* photo by Morbo

In the 10 years I have owned a roadie I have never managed to crash it. First time for everything, and it now occurs to me that if you are midpack you are a passenger. I can tell you 53km to 0km is not enjoyable and neither is large amounts of road rash. Be at the front or the back I think.

There were three crashes in the last lap, or so I hear. Hope all involved heal quick and are back rolling soon.
Thanks to all who contacted me to check in! Greatly appreciated, and yes was back on the trainer on Monday, and out and about on Tuesday ( I was not crying I had something in my eye).

One the plus side the koiled Ti bike and Mad Fibers were definitely generating some interest for Shan. Look forward to them arriving, head to the koiled site if you have enquiries.

Capping off a pretty good year ....

2011-10-15T08:35:00.000+10:00

I have had a couple of major disappointments this year, the cancellation of mawson, the failure of 24hours of adrenalin to sort out a world champs, and a poorly timed and fairly severe lung illness ending up my local 24 hours and metros. Ever in the search for improvement, these things are top of mind when I review the year.

But if I slow down and look at the things that DID work out - wow, there are actually quite a few. On the road I tallied up a bunch of club stuff - wins for the coot-tha TT, the triple crown, the world cup... and a bunch of open stuff - a win at the State Road Champs, a bronze at the State TTT, a win at the Charles Coin road race. Racing with Uni at Crits has been awesome; we got the HPRW teams race, and almost had a clean sweep at the crit for the HRPW ladies series.

Then onto the main game, my mountain bike enduros - a win at the 4hr, the 6hr and the 8hr. Still managed points at the 24hr (5th maybe) and therefore overall Superseries winner. Silver at LunarC. An elite win (my first) at Epic in the Merida Pursuit. Most of these were in terrible conditions, which is where I like to think I come into my own.

I guess this year the last few years of hard work are coming together. Learning skills, gaining fitness, and sorting out my bikes are all part of it. My move to Koiled has been so good for me, and I am certain my bikes have contributed to my improvement this year. Not a single mechanical. Not even a flat (touch wood!!!!). Sorting out access to eLoad has also been a big part as I can now exclusively race on it - best fuel. And I guess there is just hard work.

Now in addition, it appears I made the finalist nominations for Cyclist of the Year (Masters Road) for Cycling Queensland. Unexpected, and a nice way to end the year.

Headed to the Vault Crit, and also might be time to solo the Matrix 6hr.
On that note, time to get out of bed and ride!

I'll try anything once!

2011-10-12T19:53:00.001+10:00

I've been up to a fair bit of random lately!

Firstly, I have been convinced by the evil track star (Stef) I keep road company with to do some track so she can make up some team thing for some team race at some point. I went out to see a velodrome for the first time, and had my first attempt at riding completely fixed. Somewhat daunting, but it didn't take too many laps with Miff before I sorted myself out.


"hey Miff, two mountain bikers walk into a velodrome......"

Starts weren't hard from a balance, falling over point of view - which is what I had been concerned about. However they were hard from a STRENGTH point of view (and I am not telling what wussy ratio I was riding either!). I now understand trackies love affair with all things weight lifting.

Trying a start - 10 seconds after they said 'GO' I was still there trying to turn over the first rev.

Seeing as though I could start and stop (ish) it was time to step it up and get on the motorpacing. Several hours and an individual pursuit later I was smashed to pieces and ready for a good lie down. Track is hard.

The Scott24 Hour was held, and I swapped up the usual sufferfest solo for a fun team. The Nightlightning crew were headed down, and had a slot for Shannon and myself. Although numbers were down, and the weather somewhat off CORC turned on the usual great event. Showers, good food, great photographers and the track that is unbeatable.

Perhaps predictably the gods of mountain biking took their road riding payment in the only currency they trade - blood. A crash on my first lap reminded me to settle down and remember how to ride my mountain bike before suffering a serious penalty for failure.

payment to the gods of mountain biking made!

It was a very weird experience spending that much of a 24hour race in a sleeping bag! When the dawn came we had ridden ourselves up onto the podium and were getting in our best laps to finish it off. I got in my fastest of the race, breaking 40 minutes - which is a big deal for a skill-less wonder like me. Maybe I haven't dropped as much endurance as I thought?

Happy Nightlightnings on the Podium.

Up next.... no idea.... ? Suggestions?

TTT State Championship - Go Uni!

2011-09-27T16:56:00.001+10:00

A couple of weeks ago we agreed that a trackie, a newbie, and a couple of mountain bikers would take on the Team Time Trial in a Uni Cycling Club team - the UniTTTs. This was my first TTT and also my step up to taking on the Elite class for road. Uni managed to field two full womens teams in Elite. We are seriously getting our girl power on and I think it has been noted.

The TTT is a brutal event. It takes courage, is technical and requires a togetherness in the riders to get the best out of the four. It requires you to be on the rivet from the very start. You need to be able to roll turns and hold wheels with no brakes in sight. You need to be able to do a standing start, and you need to be able to perform a hairpin in formation. It was a lot to pack into 3 weeks, which worked out to approximately 4 rolls with the complete team. Luckily we had the resident trackie coach Jacko spare some time for us for the technical stuff, and as always Coach Cupcake had largely taken care of the conditioning.

Jaman, our super organised team manager, sorts through the paperwork. I enjoyed being looked after. Thank you!

The Newbie: Anne (Buffy) has only been riding for approximately 12 months. She does have some previous sporting type experience from running and it shows in her engine. She has great endurance and is a little workhorse for the UniTTTs. I admire her for not saying much and just getting the job done. If only we could stretch her to provide a better draft ! ;)

Anne - great engine, terrible draft.

The Trackie: Stef is our resident track sprinter who was nuts enough to sign up for a 40km TT. The girl can hurt and has a heart the size of something really enormous. She is completely insane and suffers from angry tourettes on race day but we put that down to her being a trackie. Luckily we think that is funny and not frightening. She entered claiming to be our puncture insurance, and was making sneaky plans to not have to ride the full distance. I admire her for her courage. Here she is taking them on in China. Go Stef GO!!! (only 39.5km left).

Dirt Girl #1:

Mifflin is a fellow dirt lover, and really is the instigator of the team. She is a TT specialist and is a generous spirit. She has taught me plenty as I have come into the road world around approaching races, who's who, and preparation. She has had a rough year after a shoulder reconstruction and illness, and I really hoped that we could pull it out of the fire for her in this event because that would be nice. I admire her for ability to make those around her feel good and do well, and for finding her way through a pretty crappy year! And her taste in japanese restaurants.

Dirt Girl #2: That's me of course. And if you are reading this blog entry, you probably know enough about me already!

First order of the day was to put our bikes together. I proudly rode my ancient TRIATHLON bike.

After sorting out our gear and setting up our home base the time flew. It wasn't that long before we found ourselves on the wind trainers and warming up. I have often felt scared to warm up with any intensity, worrying that for my main enduros warming up might burn precious reserves. This year, I have felt free of peformance pressure and been willing to test things out. The warm up written by Coach Cuppers worked a treat. The vibe in the tent as the four of us warmed up was pretty intense. I could feel each one of us locking on and finding the race place as we began the 'doing' and left the waiting behind. I will remember that, it was really cool.

From there it was kit up, get to inspection, and then wait on the line for our start. It was a nervous time. My heart rate was sitting at 135 bpm standing still and I am sure the others were the same.

The smiles are gone as we stare down the barrel of an hour of power.

We were clipped in. No-one spoke. There was deep breathing and bar slamming (re: trackie). And then we were gone.

The ride itself did not go smoothly, do they ever? Buffy was off after having had a cold so unusually struggled early. Mifflin suffered a mechanical that meant she was off her bike on the side of the road. I made the call once I knew she was not just stopped but off her bike and we rode on. It's now THREE ladies, LOCK IN WITH ME and let's get this done. Sorry Stef but you are doing it! Meanwhile Mifflin rode like an animal to get back on, but wasn't to be. She'd done her job, and mechs happen. It's why you have four.

The three left kept it together and rolled it in for our UniTTTs. The turn traffic warden awarded us 2nd best turn of the day as we rolled the hairpin u-turn for the second lap (that was after all the Elite Men had ridden mind you!). As we came up that final straight and final 200m Stef bolted for the line, and the key to her private hell hurt locker. I geed up Buffy and bought her across the line with me. We hoped we might have made it onto the podium, but no-one said it. Turns out we had some new friends waiting for us. Drug Testers - but that is a whole other blog in and of itself!

ASADA kindly let me out of the toilets while I was still waiting to pee in their jar, so I could collect our medal.

Happy Bronzed UniTTTs!

Buffy reckoned we were FLYING!

Note to self, trackies who are twice your size are seriously heavy.

Nothing is ever completely lost, if you refuse to give up xx

Four Packets of Equal

2011-09-08T14:07:00.000+10:00

We have four packets of equal, all lined up for a crack at the State TTT. With none of us ever having attempted a TTT we have a list of Uni people lining up to teach us, it is such an awesome club. We are eating, drinking, sleeping getting our heads around how to do this best together. And there is so much. It is not just the TTT fitness, it is the technique, the empathy, the equipment, the bike UCI regs... so much.

Even the cafe sugar packets are not safe!!!
Ah, the finer arts of rolling the TTT bunch. Summary of todays lesson - while driving, one must walk the line.

With two and half weeks to go before race the question is there. Can we do it?

State Masters Road Race Championships 2011 - Warwick 60km.

2011-08-29T09:06:00.001+10:00

Yet another random race entered unplanned, after my Mawson race cancellation....

I was more nervous going into this race than I have been in a long time. I had never ridden with any A graders and I expected it to be very difficult for me - my aim was to get the experience and learn what I could without having to go to A grade. I woke to the sound of heavy rain. Argggh! I considered rolling over and forgetting about it but I had TR and Cuppers picking me up so I was locked in. Most people seemed to think that as a mountain biker the conditions would be reasonably good for me. I knew that there would be those who would not show in the conditions, which helped the chances of those who turned up. What the hell, why not. Do your second road race in completely mental conditions..... I have certainly done crazier things.

I think XPD is still the maddest thing ever done....

We arrived a little late after underestimating the trip and not really being certain where to go. Luckily we had Coach Cupcake volunteering as a lead car, so we could literally pull up outside the Rego area. I then got ready in the rain. It was cold and there was wind. That is a little unfair. If it rains, you aren't supposed to get wind too! I'd been suffering MTBer embarrassment in the lead up every time someone asked how long my race was and I was forced to mumble '60km'. Yes, half the guys race. What is up with THAT! Anyway, given the conditions it turned out I was not that upset come race day!

Course has a couple of hills (yay) and I liked it.

After a last minute transponder bracket issue, and being called twice to the start line I managed to have no warm up. I prayed the girls would ease into it and not smack it from the gun or I was going to suffer. I got the impression it was quite an 'in' crowd too, but that's ok - I came to turn the pedals, so let's get on with it. I lined up at the back and we were off. In the end only five hard girls showed up to race in the pouring rain. Across the board apparently 25% of field were no shows.

One of the girls, Margaret, punctured early on and then there were four. She managed to grab my spare wheel and get riding again, though never quite closed the gap. Tough lady. It would have been easy to give up in those conditions.

For the first lap I sat in and tried to work out if this was the pace, if there was an attack coming, how fast do these girls above me actually ride. When I worked out that I was not really any different to them, and probably not the underdog I was expecting, I started to do some work. In reality Jane did 90% of the work for all of us that day, and seemed to me to be riding a cut above.

It was a pretty miserable roll, with so much water and road grime in my face I didn't even see most of the race. It seemed there was some organisation going on. I figured my only chance was to take the initiative, rather than get caught trying to respond so inside 1km to go I moved to the front and ramped it up. No idea who can sprint or otherwise so opened up the sprint and rolled the dice. Jane came around but in the end she was in a different category - something I didn't realise while we were riding because I am a newb. Very lucky for me.

State Masters Road Race Champ for WMAS2

Up next..... no idea. Something random!

HPRW Womens Series - Race 3

2011-08-23T08:37:00.001+10:00

Hamilton Pine River Wheels ran an excellent women's series which I hope will be repeated next year. Eighty-three women competed over the series, 10 of whom were new to the sport and encouraged to have a go in the rare women's only format. What a great way to encourage people into the sport! Unfortunately I could only get to one race of the series, the final criterium. I would like to try and complete the lot next year, mountain bike calendar willing! Thanks to HPRW for making these races happen.

On the start line lined up front and centre, just like the mountain biker I am!

The uni girls decided it was time we lined up to have another go at working together and to see if we could come away with something better than Metros. Nicole, Dom, Anne and myself discussed our plans on the way out. It was fairly simple, and straight out of the book of Jaman TM. Attack. We were missing Miff, STEF, Georgie and Nerida but on the plus side this time I was in full health. A last minute panic when Anne discovered a flat literally on the start line was solved by Koiled - with Shannon passing over a shiny Industry Nine wheel - bling bling!

With a mixed A and B race, I made Donna's wheel my priority. I also knew if I was still here in the last lap I was going to lose as Donna has a great sprint. My team was awesome! Nic, the self confessed non-racer, absolutely monstered them with constant attacks. Dom also went up the road a bunch of times to make them chase, while importantly keeping her cannons ready for the sprint. Anne put aside first timer B grade nerves and showed us she can not only ride in, but also attack! It was rare that there was not a uni girl off the front - and the rest of us raced smart making the other girls either let the Uni girl ride away or do the work to bridge. Not surprisingly a large percentage of the bridging was done by the A Grade girls. They even had words when Anne and I sat up on the front, letting Nic ride away. Somewhere in there Nic got another flat on the far side of the course and had to run it back in! Once again Koiled produced a wheel, this time from Matt Dog Powell's bike and she was back in within the one lap time slot. Phew!

Around 33mins Nic launched an attack off the front that was chased down reasonably hard. I followed Donna and Jane as they did the work to catch it. As soon as they bridged I jumped knowing Nic would not chase and they would have to get around her to get my wheel. I got away through the bends and as I rounded and came up the straight I had a quick look. Wow! I had managed to get around 150 metres. As I came down the straight I saw the 2 laps to go held up. I received plenty of advice from the Koiled guys as I hammered past, mostly summarised as you have to 'smash yourself now or it is over'.

I have only ever seen a break win a crit once, and that was a 2-man involving Jim Whimpey from UniCC. And here I was trying to do it by myself! What was I thinking?! I was thinking, if you want me, you are going to have to come and GET ME. And actually, I felt ok. The headwind on the straight was hard and I tried not to think of how much easier it was for the bunch and made myself as small as possible. I was going to do this.

Final lap and my legs were starting to burn, but I was still away and I knew I had more. Ok, I didn't do this much work for nothing. If they catch me now, it is over as sprinting off the back of a TT is ummm, challenging! Matt Dog reminded me 'you only get one CHANCE!!!' while TR and Shan cheered me on... With those words in my ears I told myself it was time to check into the hurtbox proper and make this stick. I dropped some gears and smashed myself over the small rise and down into the chicanes. A quick look showed me no-one. I might actually do this! From there I didn't bother looking and simply finished hard. In the end I had around 300 metres, having doubled the gap on the last lap according to my onlookers.

My Koiled buddies were disappointed that I opted for sprinting instead of doing some kind of victory dance across the line... apparently I need to work on my euro gloat. Sounds like it requires skills - I am happy to work on my sprint! The bunch rolled in and it was down to a sprint finish. Dom positioned herself perfectly on Donnas wheel, letting her lead her out - and then out sprinted her for 2nd. Nic sprinted in for 4th, and Anne rolled in with the bunch having completed her first B grade race! So nearly a Uni clean sweep!

HPRW in a Uni Sandwich - Nicole Mulholland, Donna Fyfe, Dom Schuh, and Rach.

I absolutely love racing with these girls and trying our best to help each other. Today it happened that it was my day to get away, but if it had failed I would have lead Dom out and done my best to see her win. One way or another Uni was going to get it!

I am already looking forward to the State Team Time Trial. I think the Uni girls will end up with not one but two teams in the hunt. I might even buy one of those weird assed helmets!

Next up... too many choices... KWT Maxis 4 hour round 1, dusk2dawn, State Roads, State TTT.... so much racing, so little time.

* thanks to HPRW for the photos.

Merida Pursuit - Race Report

2011-08-08T20:23:00.002+10:00

Stepped up to Elite for my third attempt at marathon style event on the weekend. After the cancellation of mawson, I put in a last minute entry and I guess I had high hopes. The new epic course really lived up to it's name. It has always been known for it's brutal climbs, but this year you could add in huge amounts of rough terrain, and some pretty technical single. I loved the out and back format - much easier logisitically. The half has become the two thirds, and is going under then name of Merida Pursuit!

I opted to run a camelbak since I didn't have any support - I was happy to pay the weight penatly so I didn't have to stop. This is the end was a good move as it was damn hot on some of those climbs in the stillness of the bush and I drank every drop. I got off to a great start thanks to Jaman who pulled out his trade mark move, leading the race out hard. I realised that I was sitting on the front of ALL the elites, men and women with him before deciding to settle, it was still a long way to go and his pace was not my pace.

*Photo by Alan Uthmann

I knew I was first girl out, so I concentrated on keeping myself working and find that pace that was pushing but not exploding. Found Jason from FTR and rode with him for a while. Great pace, and he was keen to do well (ended up 4th in his cat, well done!). Managed to come together with a few guys out on the bitumen and encouraged them to work together into the headwind through mulgowie. Once we were up the main climb and got into the pinchy grassy, loose fireroad stuff that wound it's way back into the property the hurt began. Like most, my arms were taking a beating from the roughness. It made the 24hour OHV course look like a bike path! I stuffed up with traction or ran out of legs and walked/ran a couple of pinches. Was sketchy as hell on the super loose downhills, mainly due to impatience and trying to overtake in stupid places and probably due to a lack of skill! In truth I was feeling the pressure of leading and not wanting to be caught. My nephew said some funny words to my brother once "ride to finish, before you ride to win"... I thought about that, and settled down. Things went smoother!

I was very glad to turn onto Rock Bottom, and well known track... then before I knew it, it was onto the fireroad and heading for home. Pushed to get on a wheel I could see up the road, and looked around - no-one at all behind me. Knew I had it, that was a good feeling. Cut Mr.Wheels lunch on the last rise up to the chute (sorry!) and crossed in 2.52. Considering the trail traffic the whole way, and my dodgy tech riding in a couple of spots, I was happy with that!

Congrats to all who finished - special mentions for these guys!

My big bro Sean, and Ms Kirstie - smiling after 75km!

These two go alright for a couple of roadies - welcome to the Epic Club ladies!

Charles Coin

2011-08-03T10:22:00.001+10:00

First Road Race done ... and most surprisingly won!

developing a cyclists arm to leg ratio nicely.....

I arrived and rolled out for a warm up choosing to ride a few kms of the course backwards so I could recon the 'hill'. I couldn't find the hill, but I did find a speed bump a couple of kms back from the finish line. Bryn assured me that was the hill, but honestly it was only 200 or maybe 300metres of a fairly easy gradient. I had taken advice from all the Uni guys, telling me this was where the move needed to be made on the last lap. I followed the race plan and stuck in the bunch for one, two, three laps.

Hiding in the bunch, burying my MTB guilt

On the last lap I started to make up places from the halfway point, knowing that I needed to be near the front for the 'hill' as I expected most people to want to pull the same move. Each time we had ridden the hill, it had gotten very close, and seemed to me to be reallllly dangerous. I know I changed my line a few times to avoid certain disaster, and others were doing the same. Knowing this - I used those few kms before it to move out and up with any gap that opened. We hit the hill and as I started to push for the front a maddened gentlemen rode over the top of me - he received plenty of 'advice' from me, and a number of riders behind us. It was probably a good thing in the end since a) I stayed upright, and b) people moved the hell away to save themselves creating a gap. I jumped through it and kept going also attacking the descent and getting into the top 3 or 4 riders. I tried to judge which one of the boys looked fastest in front to grab a wheel and we were all rachetting up the pace. I have no idea what was going on behind but it was clear the bunch had bridged to us when suddenly riders were trying to come around and finding themselves off in the grass. Chaos! Keep pedalling!

I don't know how but I came together with one of the girls (Nicole?) who was trying to come around from behind me on the last corner. I am guessing my line was wider than she anticipated, though I swear I was on the wheel in front... but who knows - it happens so fast. We came together for a nervous 4 or 5 seconds and thankfully my instincts were to stay there and hold up until she could ride off me .... certainly got the adrenalin going. This road racing business is some gnarcore at times - I know have a new appreciation for 'rubbing is racing'. Next thing I knew we were at 200metres and with the drama I was now back in a sprint finish. I guess Coach Cupcakes training is working as I held them off and made a few places on the boys too. Another 200meters and I would have made the boys toast.... or that is what I am claiming :)

thanks Coach!

With Mawson off the radar and nothing much better to do, I may roll the skinny wheels for the next few months until I dream up the next big thing! I hope to get good enough to move up a grade for next year and roll with the A's. Up next - Half Epic - Definitely. Qld Road Race Champs??? Maybe!

Thanks to Morbo and Miff for photography!

Being a first timer is freaky!

2011-07-27T19:42:00.000+10:00

This Sunday I am headed off for my first Road Race. I have been getting into more than a bit of road after listening and taking notice of everything my Timor teamies told me.... and the time has come to graduate from Criteriums to Road Racing.

The race of choice is the UQCC organised race - The Charles Coin, mainly because it fits in with Mawson prep, I am not sick for the first time in a while, TOSR got cancelled, and it is a Uni event so supporting it is important to me.

Technically I am told this should suit me more - but the reality is I have no idea and my mind is full of the usual questions - will I be able to keep up, will my legs be ok, how many bottles do I need, how do people ride these things, are the C grade men really as dangerous as everyone makes out, will I get MTB guilt and do too much work off the front?

I am racing in Womens B, which means I will be off in Div 4 and unfortunately that also means rolling without my usual Koiled wheels to keep me safe!! I am not sure I can even ride in a straight line solo after all the hours spent on Shans wheel logging our Mawson training kms.

Still something tells me I will do just fine on my own. Dangerous words to publish before the race perhaps... but the things I know are simple. I am not afraid to hurt, and I have zero expectations other than to learn the ropes. How bad can it be - it is ONLY 74km !!! Maybe the orders will reverse... stranger things have happened!

Wish me luck.

the night rides

2011-07-01T13:03:00.000+10:00

I never night ride, despite it making up roughly 50% of my usual 24 hour races. I am not sure why, I think it is mainly a scheduling thing with most of my training happening at dawn. Last night Koiled and friends rolled at Gap Creek.

Prof receiving the news that Truck was coming to lead us out. Lucky he was wearing the Day of Dead kit!

Cold, dark and not another rider seen (though I know some of you were out there!!) it felt like our own personal trail. Love that feeling. I was sketchy as hell when I started, but found my groove about half way through. Must be something to this practicing thing! Self portait while riding in the dark skills need work, but I think you get the idea.

Impossible not too grin while narrowing avoiding injury many, many times.

I have upgraded to the latest and greatest AYUPS and they were truly awesome. I still believe for price, burn time and power these are the best buy out there. All in all the ride had just enough leeches, crap talking and crashes to keep everyone entertained. Catch you on the trails, maybe in the dark!

structure and purpose

2011-06-27T18:02:00.001+10:00

Is just another of way of saying hurt!

But atleast it is hurt that is being banked, inthe right way and the right time. And I am going to need it come August when we take on 360 off kms of this.... non-stop.

Tailwind Race 4 - 8 hours of getting over it...

2011-06-22T18:47:00.001+10:00

The final race of the tailwind series is run and won - and what a great series it was. I am already looking forward to next years series, with the rumour that there may be five races for 2012 already circulating. In my opinion Tailwind really have themselves sorted out and are putting on great, enjoyable events for pinners and punters alike.

Race 4 was the 8 hour - billed as the Qld Enduro Championship. Coming off some serious illness and a week of hard training, too much work and other turmoils, I hit out at the University crit the day before to set my expectations for the next day - would it be a race or a ride? Legs were turning fine, though the bunch was not thumping it too hard. In the final laps I ramped it up and bit, and after 6 weeks of sickness wasn't sure what would happen. My lungs worked, my legs responded and I managed to ride up through the bunch in the straight - it boded well for the next day. The race was on.

Driving out to OHV we watched the temperatures plummet to a chilly 2'c and there was frost on the ground when we set up. Arrgh! Bring back summer! OHV is always a tough track. It favours those with good technical skills and I wouldn't say it suits me. OHV has dealt me some serious pain in the past, including a concussion. I love these days that I can say I rolled it clean, with no crashes and riding everything the course offered. I know I am not the quickest through there yet, a Willett on my tail through Rock Bottom reminded me of that - but I do love that I don't need to be scared of getting hurt anymore.

OHV Rock Garden on 007

The start was fun, going from 6 abreast to single file immediately - log jam! I didn't repeat the 4 hour and kept the weasels off my bars so that was a bonus. Riding across the billabong was a nice touch (Hayden!), and ended up (for me) an unrideable wheel locking swampfest by mid race. I guess it just wouldnt be right after the season we have had, not to have SOME mud! I hear while I was riding there were more than one or two mishaps for all those in transition to enjoy! Go Captain Cracker!

Captain Cracker loses it in the Billabong (photo by Tailwind)

I went with no support and it probably cost me a little time, but in the end a few people showed and started to let me know times and pass bottles for the second half of the race. Thanks Robbie & TR-Frank! I actually managed the whole 8 hours on eLoad and eLoad gels so self feeding wasn't too bad.

Happy Gilmore always brings a smile to my face (photo by Morbo)

I really enjoyed the ride, and spent 95% of it rolling without company just enjoying myself. Still managed to make a friend through putting a face to a name - Mr.Hubcap yes, I am talking about you. Hope the leg is ok!

Koiled Cruising (photo by Morbo)

Shan dropped in for a chat and lapped with me for one - good Mawson practice! All up I got 10 laps in 8hrs 13mins which is around 143km, and 2500m of climb. 5th Overall, 1st in the Solos and 1st in the Series.

Emma showed her style, by running in a chain mechanical and proceeding to calmly get back to the business of lapping her way back to third. Well done, many a rider would have thrown in the towel. Kylie rode another strong race to finish in 2nd, and ripped a couple of fast laps in the middle that made me change gears.

007 is fast and fun (photo by Alan Uthmann)

Special mention to Pete who called out 'only one minute up, BURY yourself' on my last lap. I put the hurt on myself big time to make sure I kept in front - made even better by being completely unnecessary. Nice one Pete!

Solo Podium - Kylie, Rach and Emma

Great to see strong rides from Bekkers and Westwood. A top day on the trails with the Uni Gang, and Koiled team mates. Thanks to Shan for all the wrenching, Tallboy was faultless as per usual and my new middleburn cranks are the business!

Catch you at the presentation night for a few cold ones and some quality tall tales as we relive the highlights!

update!

2011-05-31T18:44:00.001+10:00

So things have been pretty quiet round here.... I am still trying to get over the cold virus I had that gave me so much grief. In general I am well, but unfortunately my lungs just don't want to play the game yet. It has kept me off the dirt and on the road in cruise mode only. Current diagnosis is post viral inflammation which now sees me onto some pretty hardcore asthma type steroids. Hoping for some improvement to avoid doing the whole bloods/xray thing. Never been there before, and not in a hurry to experience it! I think the real diagnosis is a chronic lack of patience which I am trying to correct.

Disappointing to not be at capacity for the 24hr, and still not fit for the recent road Metros - but still managed to get amongst it with the Uni SheBeasts in the EliteB Crit. We are getting our act together as a team and I really enjoyed riding with them and working together.

Casually Planking the Podium, as you do.

Nic and Nerida were amazing launching attack after attack. Dom also pitched in, while saving some legs for her hard core kick. Dom and I finished 5/6th. We weren't all able to attend - soon we will have Georgie, Miff and Stef back too. That's SEVEN. And I happen to think Anne won't be too far away either!

Uni SheBeasts at the Metros - Nic, Dom, Rach and Nerida (thx for the pics MIFF).

We'll be putting up a fight at the upcoming HPRW Women's Series and the planning has started!

For now though, I am focused on getting well. And then getting to Mawson. Will be a smashdown. Everyone was is anyone is going to be there and it will be on. Can't wait !!!

Tailwind Race 3 - hello hindsight!!

2011-05-20T07:46:00.011+10:00

So, I been sick y'all. Not just a head cold or flu thing. but a lower respiratory infection, followed by inner ear.... story goes like this.

In the beginning it didn't really bother me too much - started out as a sore throat, a dry itchy cough and some headaches. I ignored it and continued to ride. After all I didn't feel *that* sick. It started on the Tuesday after easter. For the first week it wasn't a big deal. Take some painkillers for the headache, and yes - I was coughing on the bike - but I was going fast and legs felt good. I was also scheduled for a fluvax so took that on while I had this virus. Looooooad up that system.

Around this time I also took on some intense club racing with points and elimination.

I now know this is a pic of me ending my 24hr race.... oops

Shortly after this race the cough went from dry and itchy tightness in the chest to lungs full of junk. I also experienced what I now know was a vertigo attack while riding home from that race. It was like someone grabbed the world and shook it - I managed to keep it upright and stop safely. Not ideal when riding along kingsford smith drive! After 10 minutes it settled and I rode into town. Again - I didn't realise at the time but I was now developing inner ear viral inflammation - vestibulitis. So now I had upper and lower respiratory infections. I put the attack down to low blood sugar (something I never get - doh!) and forgot about it.

I started on antibiotics the next day and took a few days off the bike. My patience is apparently 3 days long. So while I felt like I was resting - I wasn't taking enough TOTAL rest to get over this thing. I might drop a day or two, but then bang back at it only to decide I was still sick. Add to said lack of patience the immense desire to be able to race my favourite race and in comes stupid. I kept riding - and there was intensity (speed sessions with uni) where I felt it hard to get air in, but the speed was still there so on we go. Can anyone see where this is heading?

Ok race week, 2.5 weeks in on this thing and getting worse. I had kept my sickness to myself. My Uni team mates I had seen at training knew - but no FB updates, no blog updates. The racer in me didn't want everyone to know, still hoping that I would be fine come May14th. Wednesday I had another frightening vertigo attack. Worse than the first one. I actually honestly wondered if I was having a heart attack and I will admit it scared the hell out of me. Dr then diagnosed vestibulitis and gave me stemitil. It would help the symptoms but in general I just had to wait till it got better as it was viral. I didn't tell him about the race. You don't ask questions that have answers you don't want to hear!

Race eve - went for a roll in the morning to test the BlackSheep. Felt the worst, and struggled. I mentioned the vestibulitis to my team mates - Deef told me he had it once and had to lie on his back for three days. Wow. Really?? Lucky I am tougher than everyone else (mental). Excellent, good to go to the race then (more mental). Came home and packed my race gear (reallly mental) and next morning Shan picked me up and took me out. One small part of my brain was still functioning - and it added a tent and bed to my gear - something I never normally take to a 24hr. I guess part of me I knew, but the racer part of me kicked it in the gooch and told it to shut up.

team koiled rock

Well, I started and despite getting on the snort with my prescribed ventolin, I knew immediately that if I continued to ride I would be doing myself damage, possibly of the *permanent* lung kind. The transaction was not adding up for me. I couldn't climb, not that there is much in that course, and I struggled to get air in.

how good are the new bridges at OHV? Tailwind Rock too!

It took me 5 hours to accept this. I was not being soft. I was not being a sook. I was not giving up. I was trying to be smart. I am glad my big brother was there, he is always a reference point for me when things get tough and he helped me separate the usual 24hr demons from what was a real and valid concern.

So - a week on. I have spent the week OFF the bike and mostly in bed. It has taken 6 days for any change. Pleased to say I have less vertigo and my cough finally seems to be showing some signs of improving.

Now is the time to bring it home. I need to finish off my resting PROPERLY this time. In the spirit of this (and knowing I cannot be trusted) I have opted for a competing behaviours method of treatment (psych term). I have booked the weekend away with G and AB to montville - sans bikes. No uni world cup racing. No training. Just good food, rest and relaxation. And no ability to be tempted.

Next week though... next week will be a different matter

Race Week Progress

2011-05-09T07:10:00.005+10:00

This year I've been doing things a little differently. Good DIRT (smp) friends have convinced me to come play on the ROAD, so to speak. I approached it with the idea that it would just be work, designed to improve my mountain biking. Probably boring, but a step towards improving my riding.

In reality, it is so much more. Great bunch of new bike friends at Uni, and a whole lot of new things to try. Like elimination races, points races, criteriums, and TTs. I like new things. And I will let you in on a secret, I also like trying to smash people twice my size.

Making it to the final 4 in the Triple Crown Elimination race

The downside is not being able to do everything! I will miss the Uni TT this weekend but there will be others. It is race week for the *big* 24 hour race for the Tailwind SuperSeries. Time to see if the new approach works. The work is done now and this week is about preparing gear and preparing for what is to come.

Goal setting is tricky. Last years results will be hard to work from with the changes in course and likely conditions (as in HORRIFIC, WET, MUDDY conditions). I will likely come up with some sort of process goal and focus on that. The rest should follow.

Do you know how much 24 hours of that ^^^ rips a gooch? I do.
Better bring your brass ones peoples.

It's probably time.

2011-04-18T07:55:00.004+10:00

To get back on the training wagon.
Somehow the short break after worlds has turned into 6 months coach/program free. This has largely been due to waiting on the ever diminishing chance of hearing where/when WSC24 will be on. Time to fix it and time to give up on WSC24 for 2011.

Uni has provided an injection of fun into my riding, introduced me to a whole new group of people, and also helped me find a new coach that I will be starting with in the next little bit.

It has also provided new ways to suffer. Like the Mt Coot-tha TT we did on saturday, the hard way. None of this starting at slaughter falls with a rolling start. Oh no. Uni like to start at the planetarium with a proper standing start. The difference that planetarium hill, and the flat past Freers makes is large and finding a rhythm is elusive. Hurt fest.

Even better you get a public weigh in at the start. I was surprised to see I have dropped a bit of weight. I still feel strong, so I will take it - though will maybe try to put a little on before the 24hr. Backed up the Coot-tha TT with a roadie Nebo smashfest again with the Uni crew. 51mins to the school, and 29 mins down to my place. New record.

I am looking forward to the Super Series 24 hour. I have my eyes on my result from last year and am intending to break it, assuming conditions are conducive....

4 weeks people. Rip into it.

Tailwind Superseries Race 2

2011-04-12T11:42:00.007+10:00

As a warm up for the Superseries Race 2 I headed to the crit track the day before to take part in the Uni vs HPRW head 2 head - an annual club challenge. It was my first experience in a handicap - wow they hurt. I really enjoyed it and look forward to racing with the Uni girls this year. Well done to HPRW who outrode us on the day, and played a better game of handicapper.

cheeeeeese - smiling at the family who came for a look.

I worked a bit harder than I had planned when I found myself off on scratch but lap 1 Sunday felt really good so I won't be afraid to pull a short sharp effort the day before in future. I really think it helped.

Race 2 was another day for the mudbeasts.
I shouldn't complain as tough stuff is meant to be my business. The course had some great single track with a couple of fast connecting fire road bits, just a shame it wasn't drier! The first few laps weren't too bad but the course quickly degraded to the point that it was unrideable in one section. Gave me memories of insomnia - though this time around I have a few more skills and am pleased to report I kept it rubber side down all day. Still the amount of freebies in the race kit (musette, bottle and cap) really made it worth while.

check this SMP corner Miff!

Got a reasonable start (no-one on my handlebars this time) and settled in pretty quickly for what felt like a straight forward race. A bit of work early, then cruise mode and settle in. I didn't pre-ride but I recognised some of the course from LunarC which I am sure helped. I knew getting through without a major mechanical was again going to be important. Smooth pedalling! Plus, as a fall back I had my BlackSheep SS there should the worst happen! I made the most of learning to ride the best I could in those conditions, trying different lines and approaches to see what worked and didn't. There were two pinch climbs - one shorter one, and then a longer, tricky one with wet roots. For some reason the first one was doing bad things to my drive train, but I could ride the second. I made the call to leg it after the first hint of chain jam even though I had the legs to ride, just to avoid drive train explosions. Given the number of dead derailleurs and busted chains I saw at the top of it - I reckon that was a solid plan!

Have to hand it to Santa Cruz, my Tallboy (which is carbon) has copped the abuse and is holding up amazingly well. They obviously have their finishes dialled in re: top coats. I didn't have to replace anything after Race 1, but this time round new BB for me. Not bad - that thing has been flogged for 12 months including a bunch of 24's and riding all season in our brisbane weather so not unexpected really. Any excuse for an upgrade. Nice new Hope on the way :)

Podium shared with Emma and Amanda - nice riding chicks!

In the wash up I got the 1st solo and was stoked to find I also clocked all the girls for the fastest lap. Scored a random prize too, but called a redraw - that should earn me some good trail karma! Will be cashing it in for DRY TRAILS.

Fastest lap - Rooster was 4+ mins faster than me with a 14.something !! Must be the haircut.

I enjoyed seeing Nick have another consistent ride, and bump himself up to 7th from 14th. I bet he has already done the calculations for next race. Shannon also made the most of his hard earned fitness as he starts to return to form - riding into 4th again in the SS - great consistency which I believe puts him into the top 3 of the series points. Matt Dog again prevailled giving him a strong lead in the SS series points. Top Dog! Prof and Pommy owned the pits, with help from Ms K, Liam and Em. Thanks guys!

Upon review of the series points that's three Koiled riders in the top 3 of their solo categories - believe it - bling makes you go faster!!!

Tailwind SuperSeries Round 1 Race Report

2011-03-09T15:40:00.004+10:00

Race day dawned, and despite two days of heavy rain I awoke to the sound of nothing. No rain!
After several frantic tyre conversations and course condition reports I'd been told to plan for mud. I had never seen OHV anything but bone dry and dusty, but I had heard the tales of the dreaded black soil. As such I'd spent the evening busting up a tubeless set up to put together and emergency ignitor and tube clad mud set up on my spare wheels. Just in case. Generally I am a ride what ya brung (Trickle TM) type girl, mainly through not knowing any better. I am learning!

Steve and Shan arrived on time and Koiled convoyed out. I realised it was completely clear skies, and we may infact get filthy mud AND heat for the race. Awesome. Harder the better. Rego provided a good shot of adrenalin as I was handed the primo number of the day. I reminded myself that pressure comes 100% from ourselves, and opted to roll with it and get ma race face ooooon! I expected this, being the shortest race of the series, would be my hardest.

Race Face 101 : No Smiling Allowed

Gun goes off and I get hooked up with some dude who rides at 45' to the course and straight over me. Dog gives me some pointers along the lines of Elbows Out. Sometimes I wish I was bigger!! I stay upright, and lift my visitor off my bar end offering some words of encouragement to stay off my bars. By this time I'd dropped about 20 wheels or so and knew I would have mucho traffic to deal with. Bummer.

Is what it is, ride it out. Anna was gone up the road but I had stayed in front of the other girls. With the traffic hold ups I knew Anna would be making time, but tried to focus instead on good places to pass, smooth lines, and STAYING UPRIGHT in the mud!!! Some of it was so full on I am not sure any tyres would have helped.

Once you were through the worst of it, it cleared pretty quickly from your tyres and the fenceline climb took your mind off simple things like clagged tyres and replaced it with PAIN. To give you an idea, the mud was so thick that this is the only wet race where no-one wore out any brakes. Why? Because the mud stopped you, and you had to pedal HARD the entire time to get your hard fought momentum. Jaman's Zen Moped was not the vehicle of choice - you needed to be on your Mashertronic 5000. This long hard climb was the scene of many a chain snap or clean your derailleurs with a stick and I knew being able to ride without a mechanical may well be the deciding factor. It was. On Lap 3 I saw Anna running back down the course with some kind of bike problem and knew it was my chance to get off the front.

Click click click, dump the gears and GO! I smashed it out and started to ride like I meant it.
By the next lap I had still stayed away and Anna was either still holding a stuffed bike, or was over it after her bad luck - she retired. Hope all is good Anna!

hitting up one of the little OHV rock bridges

From there I had my trusty pit goblins, Trickle and TR check the timing. I was up with a good gap so I started then to begin recovery. I took the time to enjoy, encouraged lap buddies, and gave out a bit of encouragement to fellow tallboy riders ('it's legalised cheating!!!!!!'). Two more laps with a focus on smooth lines, and no pressure through the drive train and my swweeeeet Tallboy rolled me across the line - 72km of mud in 4.16.

Matt, Nick and Jax all rode well - but ride of the race for me goes to Shannon.
He has gone from zero to hero through some seriously hard work over the last 6 weeks. A bit of consistency and he cranked out 6 of his own laps, SS for 4th overall. Nice One!!!! Special mention for Frosty who was there to REPREZENT for all weekend warriors, smashing a couple of trainers along the way - you know who you are. Top work Frosty.

Now it is on to Race 2. The 6 hour at Murrenbong with the PINK Series Leader #1. My lunarC practice will stand me in great stead for this one. Let's turn it up.

It's nearly RACE DAY!!!!

2011-03-03T10:55:00.004+10:00

Sunday brings about the first race day of the Tailwind superseries. A short, sharp, rough 4 hour.

As always I can rely on my Koiled teamies to bring out the best in me with a bit of inhouse rivalry. My money is on Steve out of our Koiled contingent to get up this time around, as the 4 hour format favours him - and he has put away the fat wheel and dusted off the real race bike.
Nick, as always, will be the dark horse. You never know what he is going to pull out and training with Dr. Mick has put some good miles in the legs. Shannon has been the master of secret training over the past few weeks and will smash the SS.

I will be interested to see how my leg speed goes, something I have usually lacked in shorter races. Will the crits and road work translate? Will I remember how to ride dirt??? Will I eat my teeth??
Stay TUNED!!!!

Inroads on road

2011-02-27T09:55:00.003+10:00

I am enjoying my time riding with the UQ cycle club. They are so welcoming and I have to say that the environment for learning the ropes at their training crits is tops. And if I play my cards right I might even get an invite from the uni she-beasts to race a team event or two.....

I am quickly learning it is not just about having the legs. So much of it is right place, right time and understanding where you need to be AND actually being able to get yourself there. Catch the break, don't get boxed in, let those guys go, don't let those others go, keep tabs on where rider X is, is that a B grade break or is that A grade - all the while rolling at 40+km an hour only 30cm from other riders.... brain overload!

Shannon is coming back into form and helped me get away this weekend. I believe it was a Jaman ApprovedTM move - page 192 from the handbook.

*thanks to Jaman for the excellent rolling footage!!!

Most importantly of all I am learning that I love riding.
If it's got wheels and pedals then it is all good. Gears, no gears, dirt, road, fast, slow, long, short - just get out there .... for the love of the bike!

Race Report LunarC

2011-02-06T17:31:00.018+10:00

Team Koiled pre race photo bomb courtesy of AYUP MattDog.

After focusing on rest and relaxation for the last few months and riding just for pleasure I was a little unsure of how the legs would turn at LunarC. I am just getting back on board at UTurn, but it would appear that the crit road work I have been doing might be a path to something interesting!

Man, it was a hot night - never anything less than 24'c - and with work/family juggling no time for a pre-ride. I didn't check the entry list other than a quick scan for Madz so I didn't realise Connie was racing (oops!). After a good battle last year I lined up on lap one making sure I knew where Kylie was so I knew if I was chasing or being chased. I don't recall Connie coming past but either she snuck by (nice one!), or got out in front from the start (even better!) and I didn't know. That's racin!

no moon equals a dark dark dark night

Despite the recent deluge the new course was dry and dusty as hell and considerably tougher than I anticipated. Got a reasonably good start, but quickly realised I was sketchy as HELL with no night riding and little single track to be had since October. Settled in to find some flow and started to find some lines. Few more laps I found some more. A couple of teams racers hammered past on the fire road sections and I realised I could, and should ride those sections a lot quicker. And from then on I did. I kept expecting to blow up, but didn't. For some reason I've been approaching sections like that as 'recovery'. Not anymore!!! The Koiled boys were out in force but I rarely saw them having gotten out in front or left them behind in the pits.

Shan from Koiled rocking his SS Blacksheep EON.

Nick from Koiled gutsing it up like no-one is watching.

Dawn was on it's way and I was feeling good, really good. I wasn't counting laps, I was just riding. Gave some random lads a gee-up with a few screams of ' come on boys, it's the DAWN lap, RIP INTO IT'..... Jez in the pits gave me the low down, and I was surprised to hear I was in second and Kylie not far behind me - time to take it up another notch. Ok, now I was smashing the fireroads AND standing on the climbs. It worked. I put almost 20mins on Kylie by the end, and got to within 9 mins. I just needed another 16 hours!! :D

And again Nick finds the pain barrier and ATTACKS it.

Wringing out the last of the laps before time was up. Go go go!!!!

One of my favourite riders who has helped me find my racing legs. Dog smashing his Koiled SS beauty up 'that' climb on his way the to podium.

Resident TRACK extraordinaire Andrew Kelk (Truck) flying the Koiled flag and riding to 5th in the SS category. Solid ride.

Jaxsen is now one of us, showing many seasoned riders how it is done. Bravo.

Very happy with that ride. I found a new gear.

So all in all on the box, and more importantly 15 laps, 130km and into the TOP TEN solo rides overall. Watch out Boys!!!! Well done to Madz and Connie and all the girls, I enjoyed the racing!

Up next Tailwind Series.

Can you spot the dog?

2011-02-06T10:54:00.001+10:00

Australia Day Ride

2011-01-31T07:02:00.007+10:00

This year I joined the (unofficial) Australia Day Ride up Mt Nebo and then on to Mt Glorious.
Great day out and so many cyclists giving the mountain a go. I was impressed with the general courtesy and skill shown by riders and drivers out on the mountain. I guess there were no commuter wars to contend with, and perhaps there is something about the honest work of climbing that takes the attackfest out of people.... well, most people :)

The koiled kit is doing it's job, with one 24HOA bloke recognising me and having a chat (you went alright for claiming to be a 'fat old guy'...!!). Met some cool new people as part of joining up with UQ cycling club. Nicole here provided an extra level of girl power. Nice one!

I was settled on the way up, but had some fun on the way down trying my best to stay away with Truck and Chris. We had some awesome cat and mouse with a couple of QIC riders. I was introduced to the concept of sprint points on each 60km sign. I swear Truck has them marked into his Garmin. Still scored one (largely by distraction and deception) so I will take that.

I remembered to sit up and take it easy on the split corners - and in case I needed a reminder there was a rider who over cooked it and ended up over the guard rail with a free trip in the ambulance. Shan and Omo offered first aid and assistance - top work guys.

Living at the base of this climb I've really got to make more use of it, it really is a great ride.
Next mission, get Prof out and up to Nebo via the road.

want kits?

2011-01-20T11:10:00.005+10:00

The koiled racing kit made an impression in 2010 with many riders and racers alike asking if they could buy it. There were a bunch of disappointed punters when it was explained we'd done team issue only. Good news is this year we are designing kit which we will open up to anyone who wants it!

The top secret design is under wraps while we are working on it, but I can tell you it will be in keeping with our awesome tattoo designs. If you want in on the kit order you need to send your contact details to me at rachel.m.edwards@gmail.com with the subject : Koiled Kit. I will add you to the mailing list and when it's ready you will receive a mail out of order forms.

koiled kit looking sweet on the trail!

the rain

2011-01-09T11:06:00.002+10:00

today there were no trails, no pictures, and no gears *
what else to do in the wet but find some equally mad mates and head out for a woefully undergeared road ride on the single speeds in the rain. no point waiting till it leaves, as some are saying it is here until APRIL!!!

puddles, road raging tools and pointless attacks aplenty, followed by awesome coffee at a new favourite (thanks Al).
job done.
* no trails were destroyed in the making of this awesome.

Maintenance

2011-01-05T15:44:00.009+10:00

Most punters will tell you of feeling lost, having no direction and generally wondering 'now what' after a big A race.

You might notice something in the macro programming cycle of most programs called 'post competition' or sometimes 'offseason' block. The intent of this area of the program is maintenance. And here is the thing. I suck at this bit. I have a history of taking 2 or 3 months off. Completely. As in, no riding or any other type of exercise at all.

This time around, while I have still experienced the feeling lost thing, I have consciously tried to keep up a few sessions a week. That and I also employed the age-old technique of bike addicts - I have combatted the post big race funk with the big guns - buy a new bike !!!

It has been getting a smashing, including random attacks on ActivCycle Coaching strangers. Best cat and mouse I have had in a while Seriously fun - thanks whoever you are! p.s. you are fast.

So the maintenance weapon of choice is a new custom Ti Road bike from Koiled.
It is based around the geometry of my last bike, tweaked with a bit trademark Shannon curves on the seat stays and the result.... well see below.

The frame itself feels different to my last carbon bike. It is so stable on descents, while being wickedly fast - hit 85km/hr coming down nebo which I a record for me.... and the climbing is just awesome. It is an interesting comparison of frame materials built up to the same geo.... I know everyone has their own point of view, but I am starting to think my vote would now be Ti over carbon. I am hoping this one is at least harder to crack!!!

The other, perhaps more practical, thing I did to avoid the post race funk was to get out and do something new, just for fun. I jumped into rigid Single Speeding and while I am not exactly slick, I still have all my own teeth. I also joined Uni Cycling club and tried my first crit. I liked it. I've also rediscovered a bit of AR drive and coot-tha is getting a work out on foot with good friends kylie and nick, and occassional moonlighting by Prof.

I think this time I can say the post competition aim of 'maintenance' has been achieved.
These will be my guidelines for post comp next year.

- have a plan for that period.
For me I planned ahead for the hook of switching the SS, doing some fun road, and getting out in the bush on foot once a week. In future I should probably add some weights/gym time as for now I do none and this is the time to do it.

- ride to maintain your fitness, but also allow your body, social life and family to recover.
this generally means less sessions, and just doing what you feel like on the day there is no need to load for adaptation. Have FUN!!!!

intrigued

2010-12-19T09:04:00.003+10:00

" It is exceedingly difficult simply by the sheer volume of three weeks of 140mi days. It flaunts a 60% attrition rate."..... Self-supported, solo. Huh. That sounds tough.

Still, I guess you would have these guys for company.

And you'd need to learn about the local customs.....

Must read some more.

Evolution.

2010-12-02T11:13:00.021+10:00

Phase One:
I started out, like everyone, as a complete hack. I was only ever on a bike because the middle of a triathlon required it. Getting over 30km/hr was an effort.

Bike of the moment: a non-description steel cash converters bike, now I recognise it as a vintage peugeot! Should have kept it. Upgraded to a Giant TCR Aero roadie.

The TCR Aero, a lot faster than a steel crime converters find.

Phase Two:
Reasonable Triathlete by now. Off-season fun to keep us fit took us to old school (pre comm games clean up, trailmix and other things) lysterfield. My god, these days were serious fun. Team FB rools. First night ride in here somewhere. A plenty of dangerous advice like 'if in doubt, go faster' and 'just dont touch the brakes'.

Bike of the moment: 2003 Giant Yukon HT.

Phase Three:
Dropped triathlon, headed north and refocused on AR. The love for MTBs grew. The Gap Cycles gang were a great place to get amongst it and learn, and Darcy gave me a lot of his time and knowledge to start the process from total newb to half-a-clue. Had a crack at riding from Canberra to the top of Kosci and back too.

Bike of the moment: Trek Fuel ex9.

First Kooralbyn ride, loving it as part of Gap Cycles crew.

On the top of Australias Highest Point, accessible by a 42km climb.

Phase Four:
First 24 hour MTB. I'd done a 24 HR AR once or twice, so what was the difference? I can tell you now, there is a difference and it is called intensity. Maybe we 'race' AR like sloths with lots of 'OMG we are lost" breaks but to me 24 hr MTBing seemed harder. Notched up some great achievements in this phase like XPD, a medal at the national 24hr solo champs and another go at the road ride from Canberra to Kosci and back. This time I smashed the boys. Cool.

Bike of the moment: Lemond Victoire roadie.

XPD on the Trek Fuel - Day 6.
Return to Kosci, and this time I smashed the boys for the Grimper Award.

Phase Five:
Now fully hooked on 24hr solos. First real sponsorship with Ride Inn bought me a new bike and new pressures. Cranked out a few local wins on the new bike, and got serious with a trip to Victoria to try and qualify for the worlds. In there somewhere I also had a crack at my first 100km down in victoria's wombat state forest BMC marathon. I still haven't mastered peeing on the bike, and was happy to come second at 1min.49secs down with dry bibs.

Ridley's first race for Riders - 1st solo for the 8 hour.

Got my slot and headed over to Canada with no idea of what I was in for. Survived to 10th in Elite at the worlds and can definitely say I gave it all I had. I discovered the joys of a great support crew. I also tried my first real Downhill at Whistler on a borrowed bike and rented full face. Awesome!

Bike of the moment: Ridley Blaze 2.0.

Whistler DH on a borrowed Kona Stab Garbanzo. aka a TANK.

Phase Six:
Stepping up. Working hard on getting more skills and losing less skin. Less road kms, more MTB kms. New sponsorship with Koiled introduced me to Shannon. A whole new set of race bikes that included the move to big wheels and some time sessioning trails under his guidance; I had the recipe for a jump in performance. I am now riding stuff I used to walk. And another thing. I am approaching that elusive dream - I am approaching 'fast'.

Cracked my first stage race in Timor, and got a hard won silver medal at the 24 hour worlds and 11th overall in the world. Broke my first frame simply from riding it (RIP Lemond!)

The Tallboy smoothing out Stromlo bumps

Bike of the moment: Santa Cruz TallBoy, Blacksheep custom HT.

Phase Seven:
Begins with one.

the juice.

2010-11-11T11:41:00.004+10:00

You know, there are just some products you get to love. They become part of your routine because they work so well, and there is never any consideration for another option. In fact, without them you feel like you are not prepared.

I feel like this about eLoad - the electrolyte developed by Dr. Doug Stoddard of Medion.
Nutrition is inherently personal because, well, in part it is based on what you like the taste of - and that is undoubtedly individual. But it is also undeniably scientific, and there is a wealth of research and rules to be considered and balanced when making the ultimate sports drink.
I have successfully drunk in eload in many a 24 and I swear by it. I am sure my issues in Timor were in some part contributed to by my lack of eload. BTW - I am not sponsored in any way if that is what you are thinking. I wish.

You can imagine how devastated I am to learn Trek have discontinued the distribution of it in Aus. IMO Trek has never done much for eLoad down under - there is no promotion and half their dealers claim to have never heard of it. I have only ever seen it actually on a shelf in two Trek shops out of the many I have been to.

While Trek was doing the distro my standard sourcing went like this - ring around dealers (it is never in stock, naturally, since they don't know what it is) and ask until I could find someone who was willing to ring Trek and order it in for me. Trek often didn't have it, and I have waited long periods for it to arrive. I used to buy it in 6kg (4 tubs) batches at a time, because this process was so difficult and touch or go as to whether I could even get someone to play - I hoped that buying several hundred bucks of the stuff might make it more attractive for the dealer. True it was at the expensive end of the scale - but this never bothered me as I felt it was worth it.

The fact that I was willing to go through this, should speak for itself in terms of just how good I think this stuff is. And now - nothing. Can't get it. Found one e-tailer that will ship to Australia, but I have to be prepared to pay $150 USD per tub (it's $115 for the shipping).

Arrrrrrghhhh summer is coming - what to do!!!

Race Report - Worlds

2010-10-14T09:16:00.005+10:00

I went into this year with a simple mission - ride to the best of my ability and get on the podium.

Silver medal for my Category, and 12th woman overall in the biggest women's field ever for any 24 hour, anywhere in the world. 320km is a record for me. 8000mtrs of ascent is another kick ass milestone.

I was part of the top rider call up at the start, which saw me intro'd to the audience with a line up in the first row, on the line. No more hiding up the back! Little did I know, the first test was just around the corner. For some reason organisers decided to move a section of bikes AFTER riders had racked them and been corralled. Yes, they moved my bike. And not a little bit. It was moved to the opposite side, and about 100mtrs up - effectively making it impossible to find at the end of the Le Mans start. Thank you to which ever marshall thought that was a fair and appropriate thing to do. Needless to say, despite being the first woman through, I quickly ended up about 3/4s of the way back through the field as I ran up and down trying to find where my bike had been moved to. It also meant my first lap was a painfully slow, traffic blocked affair. I focused on keeping my head straight and got on with it.

It was not an uneventful race, and the course was tough enough that I think most riders would have been truely tested. Some big names certainly cracked. I had some nausea issues - who didn't! While my race this year did contain a crash or two - damage was contained to me and not my machines (Xrays are clear!!) I think the main difference is that there was nothing that was going to stop me riding on. Not pain, not fatigue, not the feeling of not riding fast enough or being good enough to bother.

It was not so long ago I would have found myself walking a lot of that course. This year I was riding. I may not be the technically fastest yet, but for now I am enjoying the improvements I have worked hard for and know I will continue to improve.

The hardest thing in this race was chasing. I don't mean not being in first place, I mean aggressively getting up yourself to hit the pedals and try and catch someone. It is one thing to do a 24hr and hang in there for the allotted time and see what happens. It is quite another thing to have your crew tell you every lap that you need to ride faster when mentally you are wondering where you are going to even pull the energy to complete another lap, period! That is a step up in the head case games, let me tell you. Still, I had all these people who had travelled to help me, and my family at home who have put up with my training so I didn't have to look far for motivation to push on.

Well done to Jacqui K who held out for a 14min lead. I never managed to lock on to a visual of you on the course, with you always just a couple of minutes up the road. Apparently I need to drink more red bull, though really I think it is as simple as you were faster on the day!

Thank you to all the people that stayed up shouting at their computers! Thanks to my awesome crew, Prof, Shan, Alex and Christa for giving up your time, energy and sleep and keeping me rolling! Even Ty Powell got in there holding my food for me, thanks kiddo!

Thanks to Steve at u-turn fitness for keeping my strength and fitness on the up and up.
Also - how good are my bikes?!?!? Thanks Shannon at Koiled.

Shannon, you need to teach me to ride around a corner. You've got a month. :)

It's coming.....

2010-09-24T10:05:00.002+10:00

the highs...

the lows...

the suspense...

the sense of achievement !!?!

the World Solo 24 Champs. Mt Stromlo 9th and 10th of October.
The biggest female field EVER recorded at any 24 hour race anywhere in the world. And I am part of it. Go Girls!!!

Tour De Timor

2010-09-22T06:47:00.007+10:00

*now with photos!

Stage racing is hard.
Heading into the event, I was not concerned about backing up day after day. With my background I know I can do that. I also know I recover quickly. What I was blissfully unaware of was the blinding pace at which these things go. That ignorance was rapidly resolved when the gun went off for day one.

Things I learnt:

- Stage racing is not mountain biking. It is road racing on mountain bikes.

- Don't rely on the organisers for anything even if they say it will be given. Especially in Timor. We got not bars, no gels and often no electrolyte. I got caught out and paid badly on day one.

- You can drink too much (especially of the wrong fluid) and it is a very, very bad thing.

- Girls aren't good at saying they are awesome. My team mates were awesome, and slightly more awesome than me (understatement!) any time the road turned smooth and flat.

Day one was like a sledgehammer. I have ridden in peletons but never raced. The crashes, the mad timorese and the constant surging by front runners to try and split the front bunch had me scared and on the rivet from the word go. I don't mean pushing, I mean turning myself inside out to stay on and in touch with my team mates. We would go from a comfortable 25km to 45+ ... up, down, up down. It was brutal. My other 3 team mates all race road and were great at pushing that pace. I was in the locker. I managed to hold to the 30km mark and the first KOM before being blown off the back. I was shattered and still had 95km to go - including the 15km climb into balibo. Tried to find some people to work in with, and managed it till I needed to stop at the 46km station for fluid. No powerade as I expected so I took on water. It was pretty lonely from here to the next 70km station - there was no-one I could see in front and no-one behind so I worked for myself into the wind on two broken legs and an increasing nauseous stomach. Kept eating and drinking knowing I would usually come good. The next KOM was a steep savage climb in about 38' heat. I knew something was wrong when I had to get off and walk the last pinch. I might suck on the flats, but I can usually climb. At least I knew my 3 team mates were up the road with the times that would count for us that day so I sat back and tried to conserve. It was impossible in the heat. I found Paul, husband of one of my teamies, and rode with him to the next aid station at the bottom of the climb. They'd run out of electrolye so again - water. He was shattered after having done lots of work to keep Claire and Sue up in the bunch - relentlessly towing them back every time they fell off. I left him and started the climb - wanting to get it over with and out of the heat. I felt pretty sick at this point but knew I could climb. I stopped halfway up the climb to go to the toilet, so I guessed I wasn't dehydrated. At this point I was feeling a bit dizzy and definitely sick. Someone later said their polar registered 43' on the climb. It felt like it. I made it in - helped along by the hundreds and hundreds of cheering children. I found Paul in the med tent and sat down with him. Another team mate bought me food. I tried to eat, and it was then I realised something was really wrong. In hindsight I am convinced I had Hyponatremia.

Long story short I spent the next 5 to 6 hours vomiting. Maxolon did not help. The med team was telling me about being dehydrated, and had no means (or idea) to test electrolytes. I knew I wasn't because I had gone to the toilet twice, clear - once while riding and once while I was back. They didn't IV (probably because I was willing to force myself to walk to the toliet) and in the end they gave me an awesome chemotherapy drug that finally stopped the vomitting. I still felt ill, with a bad headache and general weakness but it was time to sort this out - I had to eat. At about 730pm I checked myself out to go to and force food in. I ate some rice and went to bed. It was a frightening night. I got up constantly for the toilet, more clues that dehydration perhaps was not the culprit! I heard the midnight black hawk medivac that came in fully stealth, no lights and certainly reflected on my situation.

My team mates and I reviewed the rule book we had been handed out. It said if you were swept or didnt start you would not be a DNF. You would be given the last riders time plus one hour, and could continue on. Everyone felt strongly that I should not ride. I knew I was unwell so I agreed to go in the convoy for the day. My team mates suffered, but rode well and held 2nd. I still felt nauseous but all day I ate ate ate knowing it was my only ticket back to the bike.

Day three I got back on the bike. It was a rougher dirt road stage, followed by another big climb into the mountains. As always, when the gun went off I was redlined immediately. I couldn't believe it was happening again!! I knew I was in the three whose times would count so I had to stay in and did my best to try and relax. Relax!! The pace at these things really blew my mind. Soon the road turned to a rough as guts rocky dirt track and it was much easier for me to keep up. A pig took some dude out and then ricocheted into my back wheel. I stayed up and thanked god it was not my front. Hundreds of cheering kids made you feel great. Plenty of idiots enjoyed the occasional overlap with your rear wheel, and I copped a red baron. Claire laughed at me. I overcooked a tar descent corner and still have no idea HOW I kept the bike up and stopped but again I did. Later I learned that Libby, had crashed on that very corner. Once we hit the climb I was much more comfortable as the pace drops, and I am much more accustomed to climbing. With Libby up the road, Claire and I worked in together with me being able to do some work for her after her massive effort on Day two to pull Sue along. We made it and held second. It poured rain, there was no shelter and all our bags got wet. I am not sure how there were not more cases of hypothermia, the organisers seemed unprepared. I only drank electrolyte this day, and about half the volume of day one - much, much better. I continued this for the rest of the race. They can jam their 10litres a day. It is dangerous in my opinion.

Day four was another day of tough climbs. Again Libby was up the road fighting her GC battle, and I was to work in with Claire while we rested Sue. It was a mix of tar and rough dirt sections. This stage had incredible scenery and took us up and over 1900 mtrs. The start smashed me as per usual, but was more sedate than the others with people knowing the hills to come. I was starting to feel good again, over the effects of day one. Claire and I worked in - I tried to stick with her on descents and she worked in with me on the climbs. soon Sue caught us and we decided to rest Claire with Sue and I taking it up the road to try and make better times. I think we climbed well, but on the very last part of the descent we caught a rain shower which made the road slick. Sue had a near miss and displayed some ridiculous skills to keep a sideways bike up on the road. After that she suggested we back off on the descents - wise I am sure. Unfortunately this day we lost aound 7 mins to the Trailmix girls and dropped to third. I think we lost a lot of it on the descent.

Day five had the only thing that came close to mountain biking in it. A 6 km rough rocky cliff ridden jeep track, followed by a whole 600 mtrs of single. It was decided that I needed to be in the three whose times counted, as Sue is more of a roadie. The general consensus was that there was no way we could make 7 mins on a stage with a some climbing, but lots of descending. I said 'let's do it anyway', knowing full well with the flat into town I was the one who was going to be on the complete rivet and have to hurt like I have never hurt before for a long long time. It was not a happy feeling, but I was prepared to do it. Claire was a machine this day. She attacked EVERY climb and I had to give 100% to stay with her. Descents were the same. In the first few kms the unbelievable happened - we saw two Torq riders with flats by the side of the road - we were not only up on Trailmix, we were up on Torq. We reached the rough stuff and I quickly forgot my worries of staying with her in the pure pleasure of hardcore MTB descents. Paul screamed at me "heels down" and you know what - I think it worked! We absolutely smoked it, I cannot remember how many people we overtook. The timor kids yelled "Malai FAST FAST" which was cool. Then came the road flats - with 3 big climbs. I hurt. I was clawing to stay on the wheels - but we were still in front of two torq riders, and no sign of trailmix. Paul was there to help and kept me on the bunch. Coming into to town I didn't think I could do it. The torq rider pulled us back and asked me 'what we were trying to do, just relax'. I told her we were 'just having fun' (in between being sick in my mouth). She tried to push me off Claires wheel but a slight adjustment of elbows fixed that and she backed off. It strung the group slightly and Claire went off the front to get one of us up the road on torq. I held with Paul and it was a red haze. At some point she dropped off the back to let us have it. We crossed the line, and I was very, very happy.

Unfortunately during the event the judges updated the written rules verbally, and apparently on a whiteboard at Timor Lodge. Somehow everyone in the team missed it. And while I can provide opinions on the organisation and changing of rules at the last minute to something different to what was handed out that very day - rules are rules. I know for a fact there were other riders awarded that missed days so there were inconsistencies and it feels unfair. It also didn't effect us on day 3 or 4 which set a precedent in my mind - and might have changed the way we had ridden.

Trailmix protested that I had not ridden day two and we were relegated to third. Despite my personal disappointment at riding the way we did on the last day and then losing it, I respect their right to protest and the commissaries decision. If I am in that situation I have learned to speak with commissaires rather than a race director.

I'd like to go back again and do it for pleasure, with photo stops! I didn't see much more than my bar tape and tears for the whole week. Bring on the tour legs!!

Next stop - World Solo 24s.

Race Report - Merida 24

2010-07-27T20:22:00.012+10:00

I used the routine of race morning to try and calm pre-race nerves. Having looked at the entry list the night before, I knew there was strong competition and to get on any of the steps at the end of the race, I would have ride to my absolute best, and probably a bit past that!

Race morning, the koiled gang came together and set up camp. I felt surprisingly calm. The week leading up my head tried to go to bad places, knowing that there were girls who had better results than me turning up. The voice always popped up in my head saying 'just ride'. It's funny how words said so casually and forgotten by one person might stay with another forever. Those words struck a chord with me, and they work every time my brain starts to think too much about what is ahead. Just ride.

As always I seeded myself up the back of the start pack, and immediately regretted it.
I will not do this anymore. I don't need to. I am faster now than ever before. Someone please remind me when I try and saunter to the back of the pack at the next start line that I have learned enough to move up.

I have been working hard on trying to improve technically and I think my improvement took some by surprise, not least myself. Shannon got a first hand view of the 'race switch' being flipped, and I suspect next time we head out for some technical work he will not be accepting my usual tentative approach. Time to push some boundaries.

Highlights for the race:
* being part of team Koiled.
* watching Nick bury himself to qualify AGAIN for the worlds.
* seeing TR get it together and just ride his way to 3rd AG.
* watching the WRB gang set goals and work to them - they have the BUG!!!

* cracking the secret of gooch management - no missing SKIN!!! hahahaha!
* breaking my race goal in 20 hours. Note to self: Set harder goals.
* actually recording some laps faster than the national champ.
* having no crashes.
* being the dropper rather than the droppee on technical sections - that is fun
* having a brake mech fixed and rolling again in under 15mins (thanks Shannon)!
* being well safe in second, and knowing I couldn't catch 1st - putting my feet up to kick start the recovery.
* being able to get on a wind trainer on MONDAY and feel ok!!! Note to self: Go harder.
* taking out second overall

Big thanks to Jimmy, Shannon and Mick for supporting all of the Koiled riders.

The tallboy was flawless. I hope there aren't anymore in the country because I think it might just be my secret weapon. Given the rocky rough course, the sheep stayed in the barn. I will take it for a run out to GC tomorrow to make up for it.

up next Tour de Timor.

It's Race Week!

2010-07-20T07:13:00.011+10:00

The Merida 24 hour is just around the corner and isn't it going to be a smashfest! Plenty of solo buddies out riding - Nick, TR, Bekkers, Omo, Alistair, Mick, Sean, Scott, Russ, Ky, Tim and young Josh giving his first solo hit out a crack. Should make for good company in the dead of night....

There are a great number of girls entered and most are top shelf riders. There are a few names that mountain bikers might not recognise, but are familiar around the AR circuit. And let me tell you, the AR girls have some form under their belts. I think this will pack a few surprises as MTBers are pushed by people they have never heard of. I am looking forward to getting in there and being part of it all. Half the girls field has already qualified and entered the worlds, and with three riders who have elite worlds experience under their belt it is bound to be an exciting race. For those that are hunting a worlds slot, while there will be enough to go around, the lap requirement is bound to be up there with Jess our current National champion heading up to race. Bring your A game legs!!!!

In typical form, work has ramped up to be very demanding this week and I haven't had the opportunity to sort much out yet. Like most things when you have a stupid amount of stuff to do, do one thing at a time till it is done and move on. Come Thursday afternoon the phone and laptop are going to be switched off and my focus will shift to race prep.

This year I am riding with the new Koiled team. If nothing else I will look great, which as we all know is the most important thing!

Koiled will offer a range of dream bikes in custom and rack models from people like Form, Quiring, BlackSheep, Santa Cruz and Vulture Cycles. In addition there will be a Koiled range offering more affordable Ti options.

I'll be taking the new Tallboy out for the OHV rocks and I can't wait. In combination with the BlackSheep HT I really do have the dream quiver of race bikes!

Stay tuned for more info as Koiled is launched -> www.koiled.com.au

it's going to be hotter than hell

2010-06-11T09:20:00.005+10:00

.... when I get to Timor.

Like many riders headed to a race in a different part of the world, I am concerned about the heat and how to adequately prepare for it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to head over early - and let's face it not much changes in less than a week - and for full adaption I'd need atleast 2 weeks in that climate. Add that time to race days, and the worlds on only 3 weeks later - not possible to hit Darwin early and ride. So is there anything I can do?

I thought I would start by understanding what happens in that 2 weeks .....
Well this stuff is the guts of what you are trying to do when you acclimatise.

from Bill Henderson - Irunfar.com

And all that stuff adds up to something everyone can understand. If you acclimatise you can push the pedals easier when you get there. That's right, same amount of output for less work.

Ok, sold? So the question then becomes how to acclimatise if you live in another country without the heat and can't get to your race location weeks in advance?

I think my office, my windtrainer and my heater have a date come September.
The important thing is to mirror conditions as best you can, and temperature and humidity are key. I think that might mean turning on the humidifier too. And a fan. I see a large electricity bill in my future..... should hook the trainer up to the grid!

staying healthy....

2010-06-10T09:23:00.005+10:00

So around this time of year (winter) I usually write a piece on managing immunity and staying well as an athlete - usually because I am sick and can't (won't) train. Not exactly a confidence inspiring admission - but here we go.... Last year apart from focusing on vitamins and minerals, I talked a bit about the importance of carbohydrate while training - even on short rides. Today let's look at the broader picture and general diet and unfolding role of probiotics for endurance junkies.

First of all, what's the problem for athletes and immunity anyway. Well it is now a generally accepted fact that athletes immune systems are disrupted by intense and/or heavy training for particular periods of time - specifically for a few hours straight after training (though this can extend in some cases for days). A whole bunch of important immune cells and regulators have been shown to be disturbed. I cannot even begin to imagine what a 24 hour race does! In fact, there is so much going on in this area that a new school of science, 'sports immunology', is gathering momentum.

The upshot is we as athletes are more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) than your average couch sitter, particularly during and after training. So that then begs the question - what can you do?? Most serious athletes will know the general behavioural guidelines for key pre-competition periods - wash your hands, avoid public places like shopping centres or public transport, and keep away from those you know are ill. That is all well and good, but how many of us can avoid our sick kids, or not go to work? I guess that leaves us with wash your hands.

Ok, so your hands are clean, you ate during training and you took your vitamins.... is there anything else you can do.... ??

Well research is indicating that probiotics may be useful to our athletic population in staving off the lurgy. Aussie researchers have shown that specifically for endurance athletes, probiotics can have a marked effect in preventing URTI, and if you do still manage to get it, they seem to shorten the duration and lessen the intensity.

So what is a probiotic? It's a good gut bacteria that is believed to stimulate the right immune responses (like fighting a URTI virus) and down regulate over excited immune activity (like allergies and inflammation). They also are thought to take up the 'prime real estate' and prevent others from moving in hence promoting health. There are a bunch of different strains - most people know about the acidophilus from yoghurt - but lactobacillius fermentum was the one used in study with the endurance runners and shown to have the effect we are interested in. Based on this it would seem a probiotic containing L. fermentum for endurance athletes in build/intense training cycles is probably not a bad idea.

So what is a prebiotic? A prebiotic is a food that selectively feeds probiotics once you have them onboard and encourages them to out compete any of the nasties that might also be around. They are a particular type of carbohydrate (oligosaccharides), though some fibres are included. Good sources are soybeans, onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas, legumes and leeks. If you fork out the $$ for a probiotic, you should feed the seamonkeys. Most of us get 2 to 3gms per day - you need more. Pay attention to your diet and ensure you include prebiotics by bumping these guys up or by taking one (about 5gm/day). Bumping them up shouldnt matter too much to your average endurance athlete in terms of calories - but if you are on a restricted diet, maybe look to the fibres as a source without so many calories.

What is for sure is that pre and probiotics is a very interesting area.
It is potentially part of the mechanism for the 'hygenie hypothesis', one of the reasons why breast feeding is thought to be so good, and certainly the focus of much interesting science to understand the complex nature of these good bacteria.

What do I make of it?? I guess it is time to learn to love yoghurt. Banana smoothie anyone?

that time of year

2010-06-07T15:01:00.003+10:00

So not a lot of updates from SPR of late.
Work, family and no racing hasn't left much time or content for an entry. Base training is boring but necessary I suppose. Still the kilometres have (mostly) been going into the legs and now it is time to start thinking about testing the engine.

So first up - I am heading to ride the Tour de Timor in September as part of Team AQR. Claire Aubrey (Haugh), Sue Kleven and Libby Adamson make up the fabulous four for our female team. Claire is well-known from the great dirt roads to london squad and has pulled together the team. I am looking forward to riding with girls that have such great experience, seeing as though it will be my first stage racing experience.

I must say, looking at some of the images from last year it looks like I am in for some hard yards. Updates from those that went last year is that heat is really rough and lots of people had issues with the food and water, if you know what I mean. The course is a mix of roads and high altitude singletrack. A road in timor, is not the same as a road at home though... I'd still call that dirt :)
Five days of hard riding sounds like a perfect hit out before worlds. As long as I don't get malaria. Or crash. What's the worst that could happen?? Can't wait!

The Rogue 24 hour multigaine.

2010-05-01T13:13:00.005+10:00

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doers 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 enthusiam, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at 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."
Roosevelt.

I love adventure racing. I love it because no matter how strong you are, navigation and strategy can bring you undone. I love a great team where all energy is team energy. And I guess I must love pushing my bike up 40% gradients at 3am.

The west side of Mt Glorious, and over towards Wivenhoe is a beautiful area with hills that are considerably more brutal than our usual haunt on the Nebo side. We majored in finding the hardest possible route to do just about every checkpoint - made all the more obvious by great google earth technology now employed by the Queensland Rogaine Association which plots and compares each teams route. Thanks Liam for such a great race.

Blacksheep HCs finished 12th, not a bad days effort given we had done nothing to prepare. :)
Blacksheep Old Coots also fared well, with Adam finishing his very first adventure race. I think that is a great example of the deep end! Prof also held up well given a month of heavy OS travel and fat cat luncheons. Must be in the genes.

Anticipated side effects - very sore legs this week to train through.
Unanticipated side effect - a hankering to get back out amongst it with the AR gang. Three dreaded letters were even mentioned.... x.....p.....d.....
Am I seriously willing to be that pushed/exhausted/broken again?
Can I perfect sleeping while walking if I give it another try?

Can I take the cold of tasmania for 10 days?
Maybe sometimes you just have to jump in first and figure the rest out later...

triple 000 noosa 12 hour - 1st solo female.

2010-04-19T15:36:00.005+10:00

Well, that was a master class in mud riding. Unfortunately mother nature was not up for co-operating and she really gave us some tough conditions. Bike eating conditions. I went through a set of pads around every 2 laps and even managed to grind down a spider.... and I swear I was only using my brakes at about 3 places around the course! Inspection of the rotors revealed gritty clay jammed in all the holes, which would have been grinding pads away even without braking.... Gears were not into it much either! I ended up putting it in middle ring, and somewhere in the middle-ish of the cassette and just riding there. I was definitely considering the merits of owning my own SS. I even managed a jersey malfunction with the zipper dying from the mud!!!

Things I learned:
a) Tyres really do make a difference.
Last time I raced in these conditions I was on monorails and crossmarks. It didn't end well.
This time I had an ignitor on the front and crossmark on the back, and a bag full of spare mud tyres. No need to to change though as I was getting around reasonably well on that combination.

b) The right pressures help.
Coming from AR I have a tendency to way over-inflate my tyres. Less was more.

c) Big Wheels Rock!
I am convinced that the handling of my new bike really helped. It just seemed to go where I wanted, and even when I was rolling some horror narrow ruts that would usually grab a wheel and spit me off the bike it just seemed to keep on trucking.

Happy Days! Thanks Black Sheep -1st solo female.
Next Up... a bit of fun and some base Kms in the 24 hour multigaine.

Big Double coming up.

2010-04-12T12:11:00.004+10:00

2010 is flying by... April!!!!
Things have been pretty quiet on the race front up here in SE Qld. March was mad with work, and some the rides went by the by. Still coot-tha time trial tells me no fitness lost so happy days.

Program has me swinging into Base 3, the last of the miles before hurt bags build starts. Having my program from uturnfitness made it easy to get back on two wheels after the distraction of two major tenders at work, and singapore travel interrupting training. Instead of stressing about how to start up again having someone tell you what to do and when made it pretty seamless to get back on the horsey.

So back to riding it is.
Coming up - the noosa Triple 000 12 hour mountain bike challenge.
Keen to help out Royal Childrens Foundation ? Sponsor me here .... - > Triple 000

Once that is under the belt, plan is to see it backed up with The Rogue 24 hour multigaine !!! Blacksheep HC's FTW!!!!

Big Wheels Big Season - BlackSheepImports

2010-01-29T12:12:00.008+10:00

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.

2010-01-18T19:40:00.012+10:00

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....

2010-01-12T07:12:00.005+10:00

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....!

Pitchblack solo

2009-11-24T08:02:00.007+10:00

Night races are just made for queensland at this time of year! It was 35'c while we were setting up and I was particularly grateful when the sun dropped down below the horizon to provide some relief. Gareth went for a pre-race lap on his dirt jump bike to 'see what kind of stuff you guys ride all night' and rode closer to my average lap time that I am ever likely to admit!! Animal! On a Giant STP.

Tailwind put on a great race - tshirts and bottles for all competitors. Big tent with TV and DVDs for kids. BBQs selling great burgers, and free brekkie for riders. And best of all, a tough track.

I have learned to love the track at OHV. I still remember the first inferno race. It blew my mind, and to me seemed incredibly and impossibly technical. I have slowly learned how to ride rough rocky terrain and not get blistered hands (hello death grip) and there is not too much there that gets the better of me now. I've definitely improved since sacrificing a helmet to the OHV gods in the early days (still finished the lap)...

I had a really enjoyable race. Both TR and Nick were soloing so often times I found I had company. I also made new lap buddies friends like Ky..... and received plenty of encouragement for Bozz and the Dog. After the over-crowded track at the Scott, OHV space was a welcome change.

Having just come back from China, I decided that my aim was to cruise. 10 laps was the goal. I cruised and managed 12 laps before knowing I was 3 laps up, that I could sit down and enjoy breakfast while watching riders come in from their last lap. Nice to finish what has been a MASSIVE year with a 1st and 132km of single under my belt.

Thanks to Jezza from Ride Inn for the mid-race tune up on the Ridley!!!

What's next?
A catch up with Coach Tapper from uTurn Fitness for program setting for 2010.
Steve has made me fitter and faster than ever before, and the plan for 2010 is to step it up.
Come ON!!!!!!!!!

coming up.....

2009-11-10T13:29:00.007+10:00

Next event is pitchblack - 12 hour enduro that runs all night long. I have been back in the saddle a few days a week and generally getting moving prior to the onslaught that will be my next uTurn program. Not really enough for a hardcore 12 hour solo, but I think I have a lap or two up my sleeve. Particularly exciting is that this will be a family affair with Gareth and Annabel heading out to camp and support me.... a rare treat.

Should be fun considering I am spending that week working in China. What can I say, I hope the hotel has a bike in the gym, no alcohol for me on the plane, lots of water, and neck to toe skins whenever I am not in a suit will be the order of the day.
Maybe the low oxygen atmosphere of the plane will give me the edge?!?!
Maybe the slight jet jag will work in my favour by perking me up right when everyone else is ready for sleep?!?!
Maybe it is going to hurt more than usual!
Maybe I can't wait!

EDIT: Rhino warns that apparently I get to expect several days of hacking coughs due to chinese pollution. Breathing. Over-rated.

crusing.

2009-11-02T10:15:00.007+10:00

This weekend saw the long weekend road ride reintroduced as I slowly work back into some semblance of training. We had to stop at this place along the corso for a group pic.... not only had these guys put a bunch of effort in to decorate, they really bought home the creepy theme with knee deep empties in the front yard, and the front door wide open to an otherwise silent house. Happy Halloween!

I figure if entries to the worlds are open, it is probably a clear sign to get my ass into gear. It's been great getting work done around the house, getting my job ramped up again with some major RFPs and generally being totally relaxed on weekends - but I am missing my bike. Things are warming up in Vegas and I need to get some riding under my belt before summer's heat well and truly arrives.

My main training buddy, TR, has finally figured out how to flip the switch in his head and is also on the same trajectory for October. Time to get serious.

stromlo rocks.

2009-10-18T19:05:00.003+10:00

The scott 24 was definitely worth the trip. I now understand how my bike buddy Pen spent every day riding there for a few weeks a christmas or two ago... the trails!!!!!

Great to meet the nightlightning crew and spend 24 hours alternating laps together. Very happy to have ended up in 4th considering we did the job with 5 riders. I have to say though, 6 man is a SOFT way of racing 24hours.. I didn't know what to do with all the down time. It almost seemed like a waste! Still, got some experience at Stromlo, found some new friends and most importantly found my 24hour mojo which had been MIA....

I was definitely not as fit - hardly surprising with no training or riding to speak of since August but I managed 5 of our team laps, and scored the dawn lap and the last lap!
I made some good lap buddies, including an ADFA rider who was happy to chat and then to challenge me to a sprint up the chute. Crowd PLEASERRRRR!!!!

I'll be back.

Scott 24....

2009-10-07T07:50:00.004+10:00

I am off to the Scott to race in a 6 man with the Night Lightning team.

Never met the guys - doesn't matter.
Not fit as I can be at the moment - doesn't matter.
Bike is not perfect at the moment - doesn't matter.
Busy with work at the moment - doesn't matter.
Only got 5 out of 6 for a 6 man team - doesn't matter.

What does matter is that I am looking forward to racing with a team, pushing myself hard and having a great time as we do the best we can together. I have rediscovered that little bit of excitement for riding which I temporarily misplaced after Canada. Keen AS!

Word is there were blizzard conditions which dumped 30cm of snow last night all through the alpine areas = one hell of a cold race coming up. Maybe I should start packing (note to self, WARM things, WARM things)!

Starting Over

2009-09-26T06:34:00.003+10:00

I decided it is time to get back into things, and instead of saying 'no' to rides because I am unfit I decided to experiment with saying yes.

I thought I would ease into it with a ride with Matt.
On his SS.
To Lake Manchester.
In the Dark.
With another AYUP dude I had never met.

One of many creek crossings approaching the lake.

I think that qualifies as the DEEP end. I'd estimate it was close to 2000mtrs of climbing.
It hurt. I was slow. I was unable to push the gearing I normally would.
But it was also magic!

Check the white dots in this shot - we are being watched by the locals!

I love how trails are so different at night. I also love meeting new people when you are out for an adventure. Mark from AYUP came with Matt - and there is nothing like a hardcore ride to make yourself a new mate. He had a quality stack, similar to my wheel wash out on Laidleys. Hard man riding - dusted himself off (which took some doing), checked he remembered his name and then rode on. Respect.

I discovered that although I may not have the speed or fitness I had, I do still have the desire.
I even pulled an attack coming out of nebo on the Dog. It immediately put me deep in the locker without a key, but Jaman would have been proud!

I wonder what I will do for late night shopping next week ?

Intervention.

2009-09-23T14:07:00.006+10:00

Ahhhh... the end of the season. A couple of months off to do all the things that slip through the cracks when daily life revolves around work, family and training with eyes on the Big Race.
I've really enjoyed sleeping in and spending time at home. I was tired when I got back from Canada, but 2 months later I can't really claim that as an excuse. I have noticed a disturbing trend developing.....

The trickle of ride invites has become a deluge of insistent friends pushing me to come ride. I am fearing an intervention is just around the corner if I don't separate from the couch sometime soon. The lycra is tighter, the hills are longer, and the legs weaker. The God of Bikes is definitely punishing me for me crimes as it appears Matt Dog has been assigned the case of my rehabilitation.

Now it is time to swap this
for this ....

The Scott, the TWP 24hr, pitch black.............. going from no ways to maybes.

Worlds Race Report

2009-08-03T14:43:00.004+10:00

Where to start?
Congrats to all the Australians, in particular Andy Fellows (3rd elite), Sean Bekkers (1st age group) and Karen Foat (7th Elite) who had time to chat and share their experiences with me.

Arrived in Canmore on Thursday and settled into our apartment. Accomodation was nice and the view out the window gave a hint of the hurt to come. Mountains, mountains and more mountains. Greg, a great friend, joined us from NY.

Friday was a full on day. Up early and straight out for a pre-ride. There were no course maps or info making it anyones guess if we were actually pre-riding the correct stuff. We took in two-thirds of the lap. We had already been out for well over an hour and I had a decision to make. Do I ride for longer - knowing it is the day before race day - and possibly undo any glycogen loading etc? Or do I call it and know I am tapering properly? Opted for the first one and left the last 4 kms as a mystery. Turns out most 'serious' contenders had been out riding the course for atleast a week prior. Lesson one: Be selfish. Should have planned to spend much more time at the race site, riding the course prior to the race rather than hanging out in Vancouver. Sean turned up that evening completing our 24 Worlds crew.

Registration was super quick, number 23 for me. The afternoon included a compulsory solo briefing - including 15 alarming minutes from the Park Ranger talking about the seriousness of the bear in the current area. Recommendation to carry bear spray and wear a bear bell. I had bought a bell as a joke - but onto the bike it went. No help against cougars though.... try not to think about it!

Race Day
No-one sleeps well the night before a race and race morning I struggled even to eat. I wanted to be at the pits, getting organised to take my mind off nerves. It was a battle to stay calm and I wanted the routine of set up to zen out with !!!

Setup was pretty straight forward. Sean and TR quickly worked out what was needed where, and Greg settled in to take photos and spectate at his first ever 24hour. The pit looked awesome and the atmosphere was insane. I was at THE WORLDS.

Before I knew it we were being called into the start line. I had managed to keep my nerves under control - but once we were lined up in seeded order and introduced individually to the roar of the crowd - there was no hope. We stood in the corral with music turned up to 11, and watched the giant race clock count down. More than one person had tears, it was so overwhelming.

The le mans start was brutal. A long, steep run over uneven ground in bike shoes. I was totally focused on keeping my ankles in one piece! Once on the bike I settled in, but was it hot - well over 30'c and a shock after our winter. I knew the heat would claim people and worked on my plan of 1.5litres down a lap and keeping it steady.

Here, in the very first lap, things got interesting for me. Another rider panicked on a U section of the course, and grabbed two handfuls of brakes and clipped out on the UP wall. I was right on her wheel, and her sudden random dismount left me nowhere to go except down. Hard. Back up and onto the bike. There was blood and it hurt, but it seemed to pedal fine so I put it out of my mind and kept riding. As I completed my first lap it dawned on me just how hard this course was going to be. It was technical. It was steep. Every metre had to be earned. I thought about Jaman's weak zen moped and tried to find the smooth lines. It worked here and there, but in general I just don't think they were there....

The laps added up and I settled into a reasonable rhythm.

I had told my pits no lap times, no positions - just riding... they did know though that I was picking up and making my way through the field. And I could tell from Sean (my brother) things were going well.

Come nightfall the course was suffering badly from the 1600 or so riders. What was difficult to start with was now full of ruts and holes that seemed to eat any momentum, and track that was breaking away and crumbling down the sides of super steep inclines. Lines that were tight earlier, seemed to require even more precision. Difficult in the day, insane in the dark.

Lap 5, I managed another crash. On one of the the narrow bits cut into a very steep hillside, something snagged my front wheel on a straight section I was shooting at speed. I had a split second to think 'NOOOOOOOOOOO' and I was riding over the edge. I can't tell you how I separated from my bike, but after I ran 'the check' and figured I was breathing and I could move ok, I found I was about 5 to 6 metres down a little cliffy hill, with my bike halfway between me and the track. My helmet had done it's job and I had cleared to massive logs to land in the soft moss found everywhere in Canadian forests. After scrambling hands and feet to regain my bike and then the course, I gathered myself and was off again. 50 metres down the trail, the medics were treating someone with a spinal. My support crew told me that there were at least 10 cancelled laps annouced - meaning the riders had withdrawn midlap; the course was starting to EAT people. I was badly shaken.

It reminded me that what we do is dangerous. There is risk. You can minimise it by knowing your abilities and never being too proud to get off and walk something that is beyond you. I truely hope that rider - whoever you are - is ok.

I broke my gear shifter in the crash, and it meant I was unable to properly use my bottom third of the cassette. I could get granny with a bit of skipping - but the next 3 up were no go. So it was sit and spin, or MASH like a demon. My crew informed me there was nothing they could do. It was very tempting to quit.

Lesson Two: Be selfish. Take 2 bikes. I did know this, but a) I only own one and b) flying with two bikes would have meant I could not take a bag. Next time I should tell my support crew to forgo their bike, and to carry another for me. I looked at hiring over there, but the shops told me they had nothing appropriate (and maybe they didn't want to hire for the race!). Most riders had two or three bikes there.

I continued on. Swapped out to a new helmet and got on with it. With a busted bike it did mean lots of walking - but even walking is moving forward. I completed 10 laps, and approximately 20'000' of climbing. I placed 10th in Elite. I did my best and left it all on the course.

I earned a beer. I can say I am 10th in the world. It is something I will remember forever.
What is next? Well, next year it is in Australia....... gets you thinking.....

Big thanks to -

Jack at Accenture for supporting me as my major sponsor.
Jezza at Ride Inn for keeping the wheels turning on my Ridley.
Steve Tapper at U-Turn Fitness for great training programs.
Sean, Steve and Greg for being the best support I could hope for.
(Though I think you guys had way too much fun and are probably being talked about by anyone that observed you in action.)
Paul for uniform design (I still think I had the BEST kit there).
MattDog for the loan of his Mavics. And his AWESOME AYUPs.
Winner for the loan of his Stans Olympics.
Gareth for holding the fort at home and allowing me to follow my dream.

WSC24 Pre Ride

2009-07-25T04:50:00.007+10:00

This morning we headed up to the race HQ first thing. We found solo pit row.... race number 23 it is for me.

Then it was off to pre-ride the course. Wow.
So..... it is way different to home. The hills are steep, loose and go forever, and they are COVERED in unforgiving roots and rocks. A few bridges, a few tricky descents. All ridden. I am grateful I got out for a technical ride in Vancouver, as now this does not seem *quite* as tough. But it is still a good couple of notches up the 'freaking hard' tree. Majority single track, eating will be tough. upper body will hurt - but on the plus side I think the gooch will go well as there are not a lot of places you will sit in the saddle!!!

Registration was simple and quick. The rego pack is super generous - I got approximately 20 gels all in date (!), a beer glass, a water bottle, a mechs shirt and a towel. Sweet.

24 hours to go, and then 24 hours to GO!

blame canada......

2009-07-20T11:07:00.002+10:00

This place is amazing.
it has been a busy start to the visit - Visits to Cove bikes, the warehouse for Banshee distribution and a taste of the north shore trails. Not only have Steve's cousins provided a lovely place to base ourselves, Chris is also a mad rider who acted as our great trail guide.

Makes you realise that our trails are so insanely groomed at home - everything here is rough and nearly every bike you see has twice the travel, front and back..... and I can see why!

Still 3 more days before we head to canmore!

To take or not to take, that is the question

2009-07-15T10:49:00.002+10:00

Packing, I hate it.

And packing for an international 24 hour race is a logisitcal nightmare. Limitations on what you can carry means careful consideration needs to be given what you are going to put in the bag. This is at odds with 'being prepared' for just about anything - which is the usual going in position for a 24 hour race.

Throw into the mix a changeable climate like Canmore, that is warm one minute and SNOWING the next - and you will definitely need every bit of clothing you own....

Still there is always room for the mandatory 'lucky'.

And time to sneak out for a ride.

And time for a few finishing touches.

3 days and counting.

what are you made of?

2009-07-13T09:10:00.003+10:00

You know they might be bigger
You know they might be faster
You know they might be better

You do it anyway.

finishing it off....

2009-07-07T08:38:00.004+10:00

Been a busy couple of weeks. Firstly headed out to Insomnia for some mud riding practice with a great 4 person mixed team - Black Sheep. Unfortunately Shan was down with the flu race morning, so we called in reinforcements. Who takes a call at 8.30am on race day and says yes??? Deefa.
Thanks Deef, you were a legend to step in on such short notice and as always bought the diesel engine and the air guitar. The Black Sheep placed 3rd while still managing a good nights sleep, and a lot of laughs. Our great placing was largely due to the super quick laps of this man.... Mick "the paperboy" Giess. Homemade mud guards and babypowder were his secret.
I got plenty of mud riding practice and also an idea of how my times are going. I am riding my best ever times in those technical conditions - I really am improving. Plenty of entries in the female fastest lap list and not too far down at all to find them... a new experience for me!
The training is slowing down, with more peak type sessions. It's giving me more time to think - I've had time to consider and be grateful for my supporters...like this one..

It can be easy to lose yourself in such a daunting race. For the experience to be stressful, unenjoyable, horrible, disappointing .... and wouldn't that be a WASTE. Time to remind myself that the race that is coming - that is the good bit.

hard work

2009-06-23T18:41:00.002+10:00

You're doin it RIGHT !

flying

2009-06-22T11:59:00.002+10:00

The long ride this weekend called for something at race pace. A tough ask on top of all the intervals. I knew it was going to hurt because:

walking up the stairs was enough to feeeeeeeeeel the burn
I was on a 26' dually and my fellow racers were on 29er SS
our chosen course was Mt Nebo and
my fellow racers were MattDog and TR.

The day dawned beautifully. Or atleast I assume it did, you couldn't actually see it because of the rain PELTING down. Still, it was a dirt ride on fire road... no excuses. The plan was for a hard up and back. With the cafe closed it was pretty easy to check the gap between each of us, happy snap and then turn around and head for home, especially given the weather.

Strange thing is I didn't hurt as badly as I expected. At first I felt like death and my legs did hurt. But a few stupid bunny hops and few poorly timed and illogical attacks, plus a concerted attempt to find my groove had me cruising. Particularly enjoyed laying the hurt down on the way home, mostly on myself. :)

Can't wait for insomnia this weekend, smashed legs or not. Will be AWESOME.

finding the spirit of a great 24hour

2009-06-19T09:33:00.004+10:00

I am getting through this week. 2 intensity sessions down, one to go. It is not as bad as it could be because I know for sure I am nearly there. Psychological theory tells us that motivation is stronger as the reward gets closer. No brainer I guess.... but race day is nearly here and that means it is easier to roll out the door.

Time to start thinking about my head. I truely believe 24 hours is as much about that, as your body and fitness. God, these races can hurt. and if you let your head get in the wrong place it can be insurmountable and it WILL end your race. before you know it you are pulling in for extended rests, or finding reasons to not ride. The reasons are always there, it is just whether or not you choose to focus on them.

my daughter had her first sports carnival this week. nothing like watching a bunch of 5 year olds just getting into 'the doing'; it is all you need. Also helps to have a kook dancing on the sidelines. Sean, TR - take note.

2.5 weeks of hurt

2009-06-15T11:42:00.003+10:00

That is how my coach Steve has described my next 2.5 weeks.

Can someone tell me why is it whenever training gets hard, work also decides to get busy, school has things to attend and everything becomes chaotic? On the plus side I know this at time I am so very nearly there and it would seem the training really is working. I think I am fitter than I have ever been. I rode a nebo on the weekend, and didn't even notice the first of the two major climbs.... spent the last 3rd of the ride wondering where the other climb was - when I had already done it!!!! Encouraging. I remember only a couple of years ago when I had my first ride up south boundary.... I am sure there was walking involved.

Brekkie at Nebo - a great weekend event

I can see the otherside - once I get through these next few hurt weeks I will be almost into taper time for Canada. I cannot wait, it has been a hard slog. Taper will be when I will find the time to arrange, pick up and pack gear. Having travelled twice on planes to races this year means I know the drill and I feel confident.

In other news, friends are great!
One is rebuilding my bike - thanks Shannon.
One is loaning me something to ride in the meantime - thanks MattDog.
One is getting up to ride with me morning after morning after morning - thanks TR.
One is loaning me some spare wheels - thanks Winner.
EDIT: and ONE of them (the small one) designed my race jersey - thanks FLYguy.

A few are racing Insomnia with me for some 4-person fun (Mick, TR, and Shan!). Bring it.

44 Days

2009-06-04T07:35:00.002+10:00

Time to get it together.

Start to set expectations at work that I won't be doing any extras for the next couple of months.
Start to create lists of what to take, what to buy, what to order.
Service the shocks.
Avoid anyone who is sick like the plague!!!
Much of the fitness work is done. Time to finish it off, and dial in the MTB skills. OHV it is.

Canada is coming.

Getting it done

2009-05-09T14:04:00.006+10:00

So the last few weeks have been hectic, including a trip to Tokyo for work. Luckily, like my last trip it did line up with a recovery week - so a long ride squeezed in on a Friday night, plus few chunks on a stationary trainer did the job. I learned the lesson from my trip to London in february, if I felt too tired I did not force it - seems to have worked and I am swine flu free. Tokyo is the land of the bike. People ride them everywhere, and you can easily hire them.
Home on Friday, and the packed up to head for OHV for a weekend in the remote cabins with family. A great set up, but a 4wd is a must to get out to them.
Already plans are in the mix to return, for more than one night. We got a short ride in that featured many, many accompanying cows who ran ahead of us on the track - producing a dust cloud that was a great substitute for the first lap of most OHV races.

In other news, things are starting to come together for Canada which is just as well since it is ONLY 8 weeks away!!!! Bike bag tested. eLoad sourced. Flights and accomodation booked. Car hire booked. Most exicting of all, kit is here and it is looking sweet in black and pink... definitely looking the part which is 98% of being the part!

Canmore Race Kit modelled by TR Frank.

BMC100 - done.

2009-04-23T17:08:00.003+10:00

Not too much racing going on for me this year, as training working and keeping a family together and happy leaves little idle time. The BMC 100 was on the calendar early since a group of good mates were headed down for some fun and I thought that sounded like a top option for my first 100km race experience. Did somebody say ROAD TRIP!!!!

Well, actually we flew. Plans were to test all the bike packing/travelling and also to get in a big hit of single track from a marathon that boasts 100% dirt and 80% single track. Only one dent from qantas and everything in working order. Big thanks to Shannon from Black Sheep for the loan of a rear brake. If only I could keep the hell off them I would be so much quicker!

Race morning arrived, and the plan was to ride the single track as best I could working on the things I know I suck at. Hearing people talk about 'heaps of northshore' and knowing it was wet I was freeeeeeaking out. Still race face on and time to sit in the car and freeeeeze waiting for the delayed race start!

race faces

Wasn't long till we were out lining up. I promptly lost TR in the starting corral but lined up nice and close to meg and addie. Bang - off. I forgot to put my garmin on, so no time, no distance, no HR. Just me. Which is actually how I have ridden my last few 24 hours. It can be cruel, but it also encourages you to find the zone and cruise. The single track was on us almost immediately, I struggled to find my flow. Plenty of people stalling and unclipping for no apparently reason reminded me to get further up the front next time.

Nutrition was hard with that much single track - and I had a couple of flat spots during the race due to stretching out the feeeeeed zones. Nothing a few gels won't fix! Wasn't long till I found my mojo and picked up the pace through the tight and twisty.
What a tough track..... max adventure certainly lived up to their promise of more single track than you could want, with plenty of obstacles thrown in too. Pushed myself to ride as much of it as possible - but not ashamed to admit the 5 metre high northshore over the gully was a walker! Not ideal to learn on, and the consequences of getting it wrong looked permanent!

Swapped the lead all day with Addie... and ended up with a 2nd place. That chick can rip the single track. 5km more firetrail and it may have been a different story.... but then that ain't mountain biking! Very pleased for my first marathon and looking forward to more.

Smash it, 2100 is coming

2009-04-03T09:40:00.003+10:00

Best comment ever! Words to ride by, if I ever heard them!

When it is dark, I am riding
When it is raining, I am riding
When it is cold, I am riding
When I am tired, I am riding.

In the bank.

Inferno Race 2

2009-03-31T10:05:00.004+10:00

Inferno Race 2 rolled around and it was time for a high speed hit out. The womens solo field was not only large, but contained a few of the bigger names; with Black Sheep (Meg) and Chain Gang (Jo) well represented. I was looking forward to trying a faster pace than my normal 24 hour solo pace, and knew any chance of standing on the podium would need to be earned.

For once, I think I positioned myself at the right spot on the start. Did not get trampled, and also did not have anyone stall in front of me when we hit the first single track or climb. I rolled with Meg and Jo this lap and could stick with them on the more open stuff - but come the single track those two were g o n e. I was riding out of my skin to pick them up again and closed the gap at around the 8km mark. As we rolled into transition, I realised I had probably made a mistake. I had only taken a bottle and needed to transition, but the other two were smart and had camelbaks - allowing them to roll right on through. I caught one more glimpse on lap 2 as they finshed the climb I was just beginning and *bang* gone. There is something about being able to see your competition that keeps you pushing - and once they are out of sight the chasing is somehow harder. Not to worry - time to focus on the pedals.

flying into transition.

OHV and Tailwind turned on an awesome course. It really is some of the best single track we have in SE Qld. I found it challenging enough, and definitely found that the rocky/rough stuff made for an interesting, if not pain-filled ride. I need to ride that stuff more.

in good company!

Finished a close 3rd - managed 8 laps in 5.50 or so.... In truth I had time for another, and would have moved up a place if I did - but I had answered my questions, and was belted in the neck and arms. This time last year, I rode 3 laps at inferno, wanted to die, and got concussion. This year, I rode 8 laps and some of it with my hero (Meg!).

I am getting better. Thanks in part to Steve for the great training programs at uTurn Fitness, Jez at Ride Inn for the machine, and thanks in part to my own hard work.

Now it's all about the recovery... Meg is taking me riding next wednesday, why did I say yes.... 2100' per lap. That's why.

Intensity

2009-03-16T10:11:00.004+10:00

Ok, so I am over the cold and getting with the program. Base is finished. Now it is all about intensity, hills and hard riding. Man - it has been a while and I think I forgot how it can hurt. On the first climb of south boundary road in the rain last week I found myself wondering how I was ever going to complete that session. Immediately in lung busting, leg burning pain. Followed by more climbing the next day at Gap Creek on our plain loop, and then finished off with Coot-tha repeats.

It is for a good reason. 2100 ' of climbing per lap is the reason. And if that don't get me out of bed, and off riding up every hill I can find I don't know what will. So new rules. If it hasn't got a view, it doesn't count.

Sunday's view.

Company helps.
Especially if it suffers worse than you!..... Well done to Adam for his first 100km+ since 8kgs ago, and his first mt mee ascent.

And to TR-Frank for beating me up a climb. His legs were so good on Sunday that he clearly didn't work hard enough during the week and should be disappointed in himself for his lack of application. Don't let it happen again.

Inferno Race One

2009-03-02T09:17:00.002+10:00

Having travelled to London and back this week, I was never going to be fresh for this race. Having caught an upper respiratory tract infection this week meant I was feeling terrible. I had gotten over the first few days of it and no longer had the full body aches, or painful lymphs so thought I would see how I felt.

After one lap it was clear to me that racing was going to do me no good at all, so I returned the ridley to it's stable and retired to fulfill pit duties for my WRB fellows - TR, Meg, Winner, Deefa, Nick, and EP.

It was actually great experience to watch an enduro from the other side. Riders would come in with instructions for the next lap - and forget them by the time they rolled back around. As the race wore on it was interesting to see how the mind gets foggy. It was good to understand how checking lap times and providing feedback, monitoring drinking and eating, and generally kicking them out of the tent and onto another lap helped these guys achieve their best. As an enduro racer it certainly helped me understand what I need to tell my support crew prior to the race - in terms of what is effective and what is expected.

My opinion is that as a rider you get to a point where you need your support crew to kick in and make the basic decisions for you. What to eat, what to drink. Don't give me a choice, because my brain does not work. Or if you do - make it a limited one (i.e. one of two). Know roughly how much carbohydrate your riders need each lap, and tell them in simple terms. ' this lap you must eat this, and drink this by the time you are back'. Don't let them go out again until they have.
It is also important to listen and watch and make sure you get an idea of how the rider is feeling and what they might need. Know when to swap electrolyte for water, when to let them into flat coke. Know when to let them stop for 5 minutes and get to know when you can push them. Know the results for your riders so they know if they can stop, or if they need another lap. Tell them they are doing great. In short you need your support crew to be your brain later in the race.

Also know some basic first aid for when this happens....
Bad luck TR. This happens to everyone at some point. It is always nice when someone has a camera to capture it! Although it might feel like a lost opportunity, I think if you review race goals around fuelling to a plan you will realise you learned some skills. Next race plan we can add 'not crashing' as a goal. This will be well timed as I think they are moving Race 2 back to last years course!

D2D Race Report

2009-02-15T17:18:00.010+10:00

I entered this years AYUP Dusk 2 Dawn with a couple of goals....
1) test out the legs to gauge how I am progressing
2) come back and do it after last years early exit due to injury
3) practice my race fuelling and night riding.

I was excited about racing something other than solo for the first time in forever. I made the decision not to push any really long solo efforts until July as last years racing, with over 6 x 24 hour or longer events, definitely left a mark. Since this was a 'B' race I didn't have that fresh jumping out of my skin taper feeling, but nevertheless I arrived ready to go.

TR agreed to ride the first lap - I hate the combination of frantic attacks, crush and delays that are inevitable in lap one. He set a solid pace which I surprisingly matched (yay!) and we set about it. We had good competition and early on we found ourselves in 4th place. Nothing to panic about, but I knew then we were going to need to earn any podium spot.

TR smashing it up

Lap 3 I noticed I was having trouble seeing the track, but put it down to the dust. Lap 4 had just started and BANG. No light from my helmet. I quickly realised I would not make the rest of the lap and keep my teeth unless I did something. Stopped to take the battery from the bars and swap with the helmet. A few minutes of controlled fumbling and done, off to ride the remainder of the lap with one light. Got back and switched to the 6hr batteries on both so there would be no further hassles. It is the first time I have ever had a problem with my lights - AYUP were awesome, I already have a replacement in my hands no questions asked. Once I could see, lap times picked back up again and we set about getting the job done. We had ridden up into second, and although first had about a lap and a half on us I had not given up the idea of catching them. It's an enduro and anything can happen.

Happy Laps!

In the early hours of the morning, things started to go wrong for TR. The first sign I saw was when a lap time blew way out. We tagged in transtion and I could see he was headed for trouble. I sent him back to the tent to eat, guessing somewhere in the last 2 laps he had lost the nutrition plan - easy to do at 2am! I think he had only ever ridden a 3 or 4 person before - and there is so much more leeway on eating with extra recovery. Pairs was going to teach a hard lesson.

He was in transition waiting for me when I got back and went for another. It must have h u r t. Again he went AWOL on the lap, and when he got back in he looked seriously bad. Wobbly and glassy eyed. I rode past our camp and called out to Bec 'find him and SORT HIM OUT'. I already had it in my mind that I might need to pull a double so he could try and recover but it was not to be. Rolling into transition I got the news TR was in a bad way and would not be riding again. I had to respect where he was willing to go, one look made it clear he had left it all on the track. I figured if Race Elements hard woman Bec couldn't put him on a bike no-one could.

Damn. 4am. We were in 2nd and the other teams were not far away. I was tired and briefly considered pulling the pin, as the idea of holding against teams of two riders seemed tough. It was only a 'B' race afterall. And how can you race pairs with one person?? Nope, I put the devil back in his box. If I was here for race practice - race practice I was going to get. I decided maybe I could hold 2nd for us and you know, just for fun, maybe I would see if I could catch first.... I stopped and grabbed food Bec had organised for me from the tent which we had trackside and rode. It was 3 laps down, before I saw TR regain some kind of consciousness. I rolled around as slowly on my 4th back 2 back knowing I had held 2nd for us and thinking I would come in after 7am. I need to buy a watch. Wasn't to be and I was sent out by everyone at transition chanting 'do another' and my team telling me the other team was only 1 minute behind us (it wasn't true). I'd held them and we'd ended up less than half a lap behind first.

Managed to crash twice in the last 500mtrs of the race after keeping it on 2 wheels all night including one in the chute. Munter. A quick check of the race goals:
1) test legs - TICK. Legs are strong!
2) ride the whole race - TICK . Rode my whole race, and a chunk of TR's!
3) practice fuelling - TICK. Felt good - expect for the 2nd last lap when I assumed it was my last and I let it slip. And then crashed my brains out. Lesson = last lap or not you GOTTA eat.

Enduro racing is hard. Before, during and after. Physically and mentally. This bit is fun though!

Ride Inn Robots

The next few weeks will be mad. Dealing with termite damage to our home, a car smash for some asshole in a car park who just drove off, a flying trip to London and of course plenty of kms on the bike.

We'll get busy too planning for TR to give him some written race plans to fuel his racing to practice at inferno race 1. When he gets that together he is going to be unstoppable. Oh yeah, and to those who might be mumbling about TR training with someone to slow and weak. IN YOUR FACE. That is all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D2D

2009-02-15T08:37:00.001+10:00

Report coming, right after I clean my bike!!!

slug.

2009-01-31T16:43:00.005+10:00

This week has been solid on the bike, with a lot of other stuff going on. I got to the long ride of the week, and I had NOTHING. Really. I just looked at the data, and my av HR was 118. Setting new levels of sluggish. The legs just didn't want to turn.
I reminded myself why I was doing it - in theory a little hurt now will save a lot in canmore.
There better be something at the end of this rainbow (actually I think there was coffee - as I swear this rainbow was ending at our new favourite cafe in Samford for mid ride snacks)...
Looking back lots of stuff has happened. Annabel started school, Gareth went to hospital for another hand op, work was busy. In addition, two of my rides were harder in terms of terrain. Hills hills and more hills. My nutrition was ordinary - I am sure I missed a meal or two. I wonder if this is enough to make me feel this fatigued?

Tomorrow is a day off and I am hanging for it. Time to rest up and eat, eat, eat. Next week is even bigger, and there is a race on Sunday. Hope I find somewhere to drop off the nothing or the dusk to dawn is going to hurt. I might just have to put some of it in TR's jersey pocket as he not only took me the 'hilly' way back today (laughing and pointing at his wheel screaming GET ON) but also decided I needed some 'extras' and took us the long way back. Training partners. You thank them later. Much later.

baselining

2009-01-24T07:58:00.002+10:00

Today was the first day of testing. The idea is to repeat the test at the end of each recovery period and hopefully see improvement. If the improvement isn't there, time to tweak the program. I chose a short simple roadie climb - the back of mount coottha. I have not ridden that climb for over a year. I have not timed myself up that climb for more than 2 years. 2 years ago it took me 12 minutes.

I know I am fitter than a couple of years back but the decrease in my time shocked me. This morning was a LOT quicker. 8.50 is my baseline.

Took my time on the descent today. In recent news a number of semi-famous cycling chicks have bitten it HARD on their roadies. My descending is improving and it is tempting to hammer. I am glad I didn't - second corner had debris the WHOLE way across the road from our recent rain. For some reason I didn't even register it on the way up. I did however register the memorial for Perko. That slowed me down too.

Best sight of the morning goes to the hippy chick riding her clunker up the climb barefooted, hairy legged and still in what looked like her pyjamas. She was a smart hippy though, as she had her helmet. And she fairly hammered back down. Classic example of someone riding for the pure joy of it (or the 'shrooms hadn't worn off yet). Either way she was having a hoot, Amen sister! WE RIDE BIKES.

support.

2009-01-20T08:18:00.005+10:00

Recovery weeks are good for two reasons. Obviously there is time off the bike for your body to recover and absorb the load - and after a hard cycle that is awesome. But perhaps more importantly in recovery weeks there is more time to spend with family.

With the self focus of riding, it is possible to forget what these guys are doing for you. With kids in the mix, your partner does have to be prepared to take charge of kid minding. I try and minimise this by getting up before everyone else and getting out but still - long rides on the weekend will take me out more than half the day. Not only are these guys missing you, but often I will return home from a ride to find Gareth and Annabel have been baking for me - this week was blueberry and raspberry muffins! Does it get any better? It is great because to know these guys are thinking about me and 'into' what I am doing makes the difference in how I feel heading out the door. There is nothing worse than a hard session, knowing that there is also pressure from home to be at home instead of training. It can be the difference between pushing through the ride or pulling the pin.

Thanks Guys!

classic sights.

2009-01-19T18:13:00.005+10:00

The long ride of the week is always a time to catch some sights, and with a slow easy on the cards photo ops were the order of the day. Highlights from our Sunday roll included the ultimate roller setup for any discerning cyclist. All you need is a univega conquest sitting on a state of the art cateye ergo. HILARIOUS. Could only have been better if the owner was in sight!!
The out and back to Redcliffe is a great ride; traversing boondal wetlands which apart from the stench is quite picturesque. I've never taken the time to check out the lookout before so we stopped and climbed up. Why is there always a massive head in the way?
Redcliffe is also quite nice, except for the bogans in cars and howling headwinds in ALL directions. There are times when the hornibrook bridge seems never ending. Today was not too painful though as I think I am starting to get stronger. I particularly liked these pelicans hanging out in the kids playground. Waiting for some little unsuspecting kid with a pack of twisties for sure...
Again TR was there to keep me company. We are hoping to suck some others in to ride with us (trickle, fly!) but if they can't be convinced no bother - we will ride anyway. It is a long road until July but the work has begun!!!!! Shut up and pedal.

week two: settling in

2009-01-17T07:37:00.003+10:00

So this week has been better. I am nowhere near as tired, and my legs are getting in the swing of regular riding. I am waking before my alarm. I have had some great rides, including a visit to the goat track and mount glorious with Pete and Nick. Nick had just returned from an alpine camp around falls creek and showed us exactly how strong he was whenever the road turned upwards. The only time I saw the guys was descending.... it would seem my skills are improving there. To test myself I attacked one particular part on the way back from glorious that has tighter turns, continuing with a push up the next hill and was surprised how much I put into the boys. Okay, so 198 bpm is not exactly an E2 ride, but I got to learn how to attack.

I've been catching up on mechanical stuff this week too. Swapping saddles, cleaning brakes, and learning how to set up stans tubeless for myself (thanks to pete's home visit lessons.... www.mtbprecision.com.au). I have already learned the basics of chains and dodgey 'get me home' field repairs which came in very handy for our team during XPD.
Team mate Andrew, one of the RAAF's finest really enjoyed having a girl fix his bike. And then remind him about it for the next 400km.
Spokes hanging off everywhere, in the middle of nowhere - only one way out!

I need to make a call about riding the dusk 2 dawn shortly as entries will close in a day or two. I am not too keen to hammer out too many long solo efforts prior to July. Haven't ridden the new track at Canungra yet so maybe I should. Off to India the following weekend for work though - so maybe I should be around home.... maybe a pair entry??

week one: send help.

2009-01-12T13:16:00.004+10:00

Week one: Smashed.
A full nebo is one of those great measuring sticks. Some days you ride up there and it feels good. No burn, so strong, attacking the climbs, big gears. Owning that trail. And other days - well, it owns you. On the weekend I got PNWED. Big time. Every hill hurt. I figured I would warm up. I didn't. I tried attacking the hills, getting angry and getting up and over. Didn't help. I listened to MattDog give me advice on how to train (thanks Matt!). Didn't help. I seriously wanted to have a girl moment and throw my bike in the bush and cry. There was a lot of nothing on that ride, and it talked to me the WHOLE way. But I hung on and soon enough (actually NOT soon enough, maybe we can say eventually) we were rolling into the cafe at the top. MDog said we 'rode a good, solid pace'. We certainly left TR and Bubble in our wake discussing the finer points of their personal nothings. Translated into mere mortal speak means it was probably one of the fastest ascents I've ever done despite feeling so bad. I settled down on the way back and rode conservatively keeping to a nicer E2 heart rate. EDIT: TR wishes to note that he was behind us as he stopped to chat to other riders on two occassions. I, for one, believe him.

I backed up with a great gap creek roll yesterday afternoon. I expected to feel bad, but to my surprise I was ok. I think the company helped - Deefa, MC and TR are always entertaining. The Dentist claimed another and despite claiming a 'step off' only, TR took an awful long time to emerge from the bushes. TR says: "does my head look big in this?"
Deefa says " I am just pleased you are taking the attention away from my oversized melon".

So I am sticking to the plan, which involved getting out for today's session solo. I've always enjoyed breakfast outdoors anyway... out the back of samford somewhere seemed as good a place as any. And how good are those Winner's bars???

I'm in.

2009-01-12T13:02:00.003+10:00

I pressed "register".
I clicked elite.
I paid my money. Done.

In July I will be an Aussie racing in Canmore, Alberta at the 24 hour World solo championships.
Somewhere near here...
It is time to be honest about preparation - it is the first step in putting a plan together. It is not always comfortable but it is important to base your approach on fact or you are stuffed before you start. So where am I at - how much riding have I been doing?

FACT: not much, to f@ck all.
FACT: how often, 3 maybe 4 times a week.
FACT: how long, some of them so short that I am not sure they even count - the coffee has taken longer.

I think I have been racing more on determination than preparation.

So it goes like this......
1) Don't cheat.
2) Don't drive to the start of rides; ride!
3) And most of all, hit 5 days a week riding consistently.

New program in place, and kicking off pronto. The making of the puppet has commenced.

shut up and pedal.

2009-01-08T11:42:00.003+10:00

Rides at the moment are to no particular plan, though I do have one in the offing.
Today saw a lazy ride from Samford to Dayboro and back. I know it was lazy because my average heart rate was 136. That is definitely on the edge of the lazy zone for me... focus really was on finding this great brekkie in samford.... $4.50 french toast and a smoothie to match my gloves....??! now THAT is rocking.

But all that is about to change. Now.
This morning I received an email that has kicked in the attention.
I have been granted an elite slot for Adrenalin - the 24 hour solo world champs, based on my performance at Kona. It was what I have been working for, and what I said I wanted.

But now that it is here, the doubts come...
'can I afford it, should I spend that money on something else'
'am I good enough'
'will I get over there and FAIL big time'
'will I even enjoy it?'
'do I want to go through that hurt?'
'what if I have a massive crash overseas??!!?'
'how will get a support crew/ how will I do it without a support crew'

I rang my bro to chat through the nerves.
His advice was priceless and somewhat to the point.

"SHUT UP AND PEDAL".

new rides, old fun

2008-12-29T16:56:00.002+10:00

Took a ride to Queen Mary Falls with a great bunch on the weekend. It is really fun to ride somewhere new, and good to have that 'not knowing how far you have to go and will I make it' feeling. Was a great group - Meg, Kim, Pete, Sean, Nick, and my usual ride company TR.

The ride started about 20km outside of boonah and went up almost immediately along a road called 'the falls drive'. The mist was swirling as the clouds were lifted over the mountain and there was some reasonable rain - actually quite welcome given it was already 24'c at 6.30 in the morning. Made a mental note never to ride with Meg and Pete again and pledged to give up bikes. We missed out on the view as we reached the first plateau - but not the chain smoking bogans. Once regrouped we quickly pressed on up the second climb. I don't know how high the climbs were or how long we took but I remember that it hurt. I'd like to know the gradient. It was definitely double digits in parts I think.

The scenery on the ride was awesome - rain forest alternating with lush green paddocks. Beautiful river spots with big flat boulders perfect for swimming holes. We noted a few mystery tracks for exploring next time. The traffic was light and ridiculously courteous. Every one waved, people even pulled off the road to allow us to pass - amazing stuff!

We reached Queen Mary and stopped at the cafe for snacks and the obligatory WRB photo shoot.
Back on the bikes and onto the outskirts of Killarney before turning north(ish?) along the condamine river gorge. We made a total of 14 creek crossings travelling the 4WD track back before rejoining the road at the top of the first climb.

By this time both the clouds and bogans had cleared and we got to see the view we had earned. I couldn't see much though, thanks to the size of TR's head.

Wicked descent reminded me of why I LOVE my new bike so much. It is better to descend fast mountain roads on than my road bike. Ridley have it dialled. Thanks to Jez & Ride Inn I dropped everyone on the way down. Some fairly stupid sprinting along the flats to the cars saw 80ish kms in the bank, and 1800m of ascent, followed by chips, beers, and roast beef rolls at the boonah pub. Not a typical MTB day out, but solid training and great fun.

Note to self. Anytime Meg & Pete invite me riding - say yes.

Contemplation

2008-12-19T14:36:00.003+10:00

Over christmas it is time to kick back with the family, and ride for fun. No programs, no pressure. If I don't feel like it, sleep in.

With 2008 drawing to a close, there is reflection on the year that was.
Like 2007 I have completed some great adventures - Inferno, Dusk 2 Dawn, The national 24s, ARQ Adventure racing series incuding Hells Bells, Geoquest, Insomnia, The Epic, Teva Adventure Race, Kona 24 hour.

What will 2009 hold?
World Solo Champs? Nationals? More marathons? Probably.

And I can't wait.
It starts again with an epic ride to Queen Mary Falls on the 27th with a couple of my bike heros (hello Meg, hello Winner).

It is probably also time to say thanks to my main riding buddy for 2008. Always up for a ride, and always happy to do whatever it is I am meant to be doing that day. Thanks TR.And buy a new undershirt. That one is nasty!

Kona Qualifying.

2008-12-03T15:59:00.003+10:00

It wasn't my day. There were no parking spaces, there were no luggage trolleys, there were huge lines. My flight was delayed, the aerobridge was busted. There were road detours on route to Apollo Bay, there was fog. Was the universe trying to tell me something? I had to push so hard just to get to the start line, that I was tense and uneasy arriving. Everything was rushed and I knew I hadnt had enough sleep, food or hydration for the ideal race. But I was determined to take the chance and see what I could do. Alex did an awesome job setting up our campsite while I contemplated what was ahead.

The Day 1 lap was more than I expected. Tight, twisty and logs a plenty. I had just fought my way clear of the mad rush, and then BANG.... Ripped my tyre off the rear, despite my tubeless there was no resealing. Tried some CO2 to get it beaded and resealed. Forget it. Watched all the people I passed get back in front while I struggled to rip off the rim strip and get stem out to replace with a tube. Done and back on, but alot of time lost. Got by with another few laps before another slow flat. Pumped it twice, before giving in and accepting I needed to change the tube. In hindsight, apart from being demoralising these mechs were seriously messing with my nutrition plans (forgotten in the heat of the moment!). Very hard to shake the feeling it was not my race... to give today away. That stayed with me, to be my battle for the rest of the race.

Night came, and with it a new lap. Slightly less climbing but long and gradual and man I totally froze. Seriously. It was down around 2 or 3' and damp. I have never been that cold in all my racing. I struggled with strong sleepiness - in hindsight I think it was mainly the cold, and the missed nutrition - though at the time my addled brain was blaming my poor preparation and advising I give up. I also started to have some problems with my eyes from the dust. Another good reason to quit. I had a lap where I went awol and took forever my support crew kicked into overdrive realising how cold I was. Sleeping bags and hot noodles - shame I was so wasted I didn't know what day it was! Anyone tried to get me out of here, I stab.
Every lap from here was a struggle but I kept them coming. Breaks were longer than they should have been but I didn't quit and I knew I was still within the 75% of the leader I was hoping for.

Dawn came and onto the Day 2 lap. HOLY CRAP! This was a BT. Major part of it was marriners run, a black diamond trail with plenty of climb and far too long (close to 18kms I believe). Pretty hardcore if you have been riding for 18hours..... Still managed my first lap and found out on my return that I was well within my 25% - one more lap and I had it, plus just as a bonus I would finish on the podium for third!

Massive thanks to Alex and Christa for giving up their weekend to stand around in the cold, wondering what the hell was taking so long! You guys rock!!!

Just do it

2008-11-27T14:32:00.003+10:00

So surgery it is, but hopefully the result will be a thumb that works.
Luckily for me it turns out to be day surgery and not a general - so with a bit of quick flight rescheduling, and begging family favours to get someone to nurse poor Gareth, the update is I am still headed for Kona. I am fairly sure I can get there sometime before the race starts. At the moment I am cramming in work, family and race organisation... .my office looks like this...

Friday will be mad. It will be close to midnight by the time I get in. Not ideal I know.
But you know what? I am going to do it anyway.

Thoughts are turning inward now to focus on the race. Push the stress and noise aside and j u s t d o i t. For me ipods help with staying focused on myself, especially personalised funky ones like this...
I did the work, now it is time to ride. I think I have learned to settle and ride my own race this year. If I forget my race plan, I can always refer to my socks...
Forrest here we come.

limbo

2008-11-24T13:32:00.002+10:00

What to say.
I live in the Gap - we got smashed with an incredibly powerful microburst in the supercell storm last sunday. Didn't get power back until bedtime on Tuesday. Damaged roof, smashed windows, amazing amount of debris to clean up, insurance companies to keep you on hold, all food in fridge and freezer gone. Cleaned up as best we could, and now living in a giant tent (tarps on the roof) but still a hell of a lot better off than some around these parts.

Ok, crisis over - time to focus on Kona. Great brekkie ride with the boys on sunday morning, followed by the next crisis.

Husband G stacks his bike badly jumping down a staircase and calls me to tell me a) to pick him up and b) he doesn't quite know where he is. Result = concussion, and badly busted thumb. Now waiting to hear from the ortho hand specialist for an appointment to discuss surgery.

And Kona..... anyone's guess.......

Nationals anyone?

ride revisited.

2008-11-10T10:06:00.006+10:00

So this weekends long ride was another solid trip up nebo, down to lake manchester via creek road, and back up to nebo via light line road. I have to say I felt much, much better on this ride compared to the last. Thankfully. With a 24 hour solo ride just around the corner I am not sure what I would have thought if I found myself with less than no legs again.

Was great company with this lot - Mick (hard man), Sean (my bro) and TR (faithful training buddy). Mick is mental, and insanely strong. Despite never once riding off the front, he left no doubt as to his position in the ride pecking order casually pulling the longest one handed mono I have ever seen on a pinch on light line whilst eating peanut butter and nutella rice cakes, and talking to me. I couldn't speak as my lungs were hanging out.

It really is beautiful down the bottom near the lake with plenty of water in the creeks at the moment. Almost makes up for the 11km climb out. Almost!

This week will consist of a skills ride on the MTB, a couple or road rides, LOAD week in the gym at Race Elements, and then another smashfest of either lake manchester, or maybe GT followed by the 'Super V' ride through northbrook gorge for the weekend. Race Day is on my mind, and it is time for the last hard kms.
That is all!

long time no blog

2008-11-04T17:10:00.004+10:00

Sorry guys, been having one of those busy periods where the demands of life prevent any meaningful time to blog. So what's been doing?

Well - firstly there was the lake manchester epic ride. A bunch of us thought it would be a good ride, but come ride day there was only two of us.... huh? Where'd everybody go? It was nearly only one, as I suffered a nasty bout of gastro and spend the Friday puking! Saturday was a recovery, and come Sunday morning the scales told me I was rehydrated so I made the call to go and at least try.... we were off.

I quickly discovered that although I managed to replace the lost fluid, I certainly hadn't replaced the lost glycogen. Despite many feed stops I hit the wall early and stayed hanging on by finger nails for the majority of this ride.

What I can say is that the track at the bottom of Creek Road and in and around Lake Manchester is beautiful, and under water!!! Here's a shot of TR contemplating riding it.

We opted for the side track.....
At the bottom we found a likely looking sign (light line link break) and headed off that way. Also known as the WRONG WAY. I have since learned that this track is also known as cricket balls. It is a very, very steep track littered with baby head rocks and for me was utterly unrideable. Nothing a couple of kms of hike-a-bike wouldn't fix. Ugh! DON'T DO IT!

Reaching the top of light line link break the view looked like this... brooooooken!

Hardened up enough to ride lightline pretty much uninterrupted, and was glad to see the cafe. Mentioned maybe calling my husband to come get me, before a hard look for my riding buddy convinced me to ride home. Heading out for this ride again this weekend -and hoping I feel not so empty!!!!

Can't wait.

where you been?

2008-10-16T10:22:00.003+10:00

Holidays at this place www.theracha.com
What an incredible spot - the andaman sea is insanely blue and clear. Managed to get some serious rest and recreation in.
And when I say rest I mean this:
And when I say recreation I mean this:
Kona is 6 weeks away.
Enough rest. Enough recreation. It is HURT O'Clock starting sunday with our nebo/lake manchester epic!!!!

8 Hour Enduro Honours.

2008-10-06T14:01:00.002+10:00

Raced the 8 hour yesterday.
Had an excellent pit crew lead by Bec my personal punisher, ahem, I mean trainer.
Ran over a snake.
Had a close call with a massive goanna.
Rode with no front brakes.
Regretted not having the new bike properly set up for me.
Cooked in 32 degree heat.
Didn't stop.
Won the solo.
130 kms or so tells me the training is working. Legs felt good, and I coped with the heat better than I expected too. Not spending time getting my bike set up was my biggest issue. The suspension was rock hard leaving me in rigid land. Hands, neck, shoulders and ass are NOT pretty after 8 hours on a rigid. How do those psycho 24 hour solo rigid singlespeeding freaks do it??!

Practiced a few mind tricks to help me remember which lap I was on, and take my mind away from other more unpleasant thoughts (like faarrrrk my neck hurts, and daaaaaaaamn my hands must be blistered under these gloves). Here is how it goes. Take one lap number. Make a up lame rhyme. Repeat. For example; Lap seven. Seven in heaven. Lap eight. trying not to hate! Lap nine feelin fine. Lap ten. In the pen (I don't even know what that means, I think I was belted by this point). Lap eleven better than seven.... But 12 had me beaten - I was blank! Any suggestions?

Big UPS to the WRB crew/ tent city who kept the encouragement coming all day, and jumped in to attend to bike problems without even being asked. Rocking. Was great to see my brother race his first solo race and come in strong. Only one lap behind me - damn, I better step it up!!!

Next stop - a weeks R&R for the family on a remote beach. Ahhh palm trees and cocktails and $12 thai massages.