Third night in the six week dirt criterium series tonight. General attendance was fairly similar to past weeks but the SPR contingent was down a few. Just me, time-keeper extraordinaire Lozz, young gun Nick & enduro specialist Chris tonight. The mozzies were out again too but I'd remembered to get some repellent this week!
Same course as previous weeks but run in reverse this time around. A quick warm up suggested that going in the reverse direction would make for slightly slower lap times, partly because at one of the mounds you couldn't ride up it and had to dismount and run up.
B grade again for me this week. The bunch took off at a great rate of knots (standard...) and I settled in towards the back end. I found Chris's wheel and held it for most of the first lap. I was sticking so close behind him in the tight singletrack that I was finding it difficult to stay on the track and was constantly smacking my bars into shrubs and over correcting. Chris was laughing at me and my resulting profanity!
Second lap and I was still glued to Chris's wheel. A small train of four had formed and was storming around the course. The guy in front missed a turn and Chris followed him, allowing me and another rider to sneak past and tear on up the track. Lots of Shimano Automatic Shifting™ going on at this point - about time I gave the dually a little bit of TLC...
Third lap and I was going well, passing plenty of riders in other grades. I was stuck behind some in the singletrack and was getting impatient when I hooked a shrub and came crashing down. A bit of claret on both legs but no major damage and I was up and riding again momentarily. I wasn't sure if Chris had gone past me whilst I was on the deck or not.
Fourth lap I was with the organiser of the dirt crit series, Greg, for a bit before passing him and also passed Nick on this lap. He was looking very comfortable and going great! I think he is enjoying these races!
I was heading out at the start of my fifth and final lap when the leading A grade duo powered past. I was also catching plenty of back markers on this lap making it a bit tricky. John, who was sitting in third place in A grade passed me before the mounds. No other happenings and I came home strong. Chris and Nick rolled in shortly afterwards.
Another great night out Garvey Park, topped off with Lozz's brownies. Numbers might be a bit down week as there is a little horse race and associated frivolities on during the afternoon.
Details of my ride can be found here.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Golden Spokes 2010
Thursday before the race... phone call....
Dave : "So how you feeling about the weekend?"
Toby (deadpan): "Yeah, I'm gunna win C grade at Golden Spokes"
Dave : "Oh ok then! I'll come second shall I?"
When we were released the pace wasn't anything special and the pack was cruising along. Everyone seemed to be settling in and finding themselves in the first five kilometres or so. Approaching the hairpin for the first time, I made a bit of a meal of it and I was on the tight inside line. Accelerating back up to speed it seemed the peleton was a bit sluggish resulting in myself, a guy with a red jersey and a moustache, Mark H and Zac getting a bit of a gap. I was bang up for a bit of this action and kept it going. Had no plans on staying away for the entire race but it'd be fun to ride in a break for a bit. These plans needed a slight re-assessment when I looked about after a turn and discovered Mark and Zac had gone back to the bunch. Moustache and I persisted for another lap but I had to ease up about four times and wait for him to tack on. No point pushing on with five more laps to go so we just pedalled on until the bunch caught us just after the hairpin again.
The third lap and nothing much was doing. Down the back straight the crosswind dictated that everyone was hard right on the bitumen, ducking the occasional bush and shrub that was jutting out. Irish Nick in particular stood out for me doing some strong work on this lap.
The death. Just before the final turns Zac had a dash. More than one of us thought this a race winning move. Clearly some had other ideas! This point of the race had kind of snuck up on me and I found myself in a less than desirable position down the back. Ian and myself had caught the Jordan Express and moved up a bit but was still nowhere going into the turns.
The group snaked it's way around the final turns and then we were in the finishing straight. Not quite sure how, but I'd gone ok through the turns and now there was a more manageable number of riders in front of me. Zac was still out there, Toby had somehow dug deep and was stuck to Mark H's wheel, as well as a few others. A flat out, dead straight drag to the end. I don't recall finding a suitable wheel so just went up a few gears and powered on. Pulled in a few punters, Zac and Toby still ahead. I didn't think I could reach our captain on the road, but had just enough to steal second place on the line. SPR taking the first four places!
A video of the finish can be found here courtesy of El Prez.
It was a fun day out racing and the SPR team spirit was in full effect. A massive thankyou to those volunteers that helped setup and packup, take photos, manned rego desks, marshaling the course, counted laps, supplied support and all the other things that made it a successful day on all levels.
Dave : "So how you feeling about the weekend?"
Toby (deadpan): "Yeah, I'm gunna win C grade at Golden Spokes"
Dave : "Oh ok then! I'll come second shall I?"
This race had been on the calendar for a while but it only really morphed into a 'must do' race for me once it became clear that it would be the first race that the South Perth Rouleurs were hosting. It was important that the host club presented well for their inaugural official race event.
As was my usual way, I was running late and rocked up to Champion Lakes a little behind schedule. No time for a proper warm up, just register and make sure the bike was functioning before a short roll around before the start. C grade was a sea of green with something like 14 of the 21 starters SPR members. Talk about stacking the deck! The general race plan was to get Toby to the finish so he could do his thing.
When we were released the pace wasn't anything special and the pack was cruising along. Everyone seemed to be settling in and finding themselves in the first five kilometres or so. Approaching the hairpin for the first time, I made a bit of a meal of it and I was on the tight inside line. Accelerating back up to speed it seemed the peleton was a bit sluggish resulting in myself, a guy with a red jersey and a moustache, Mark H and Zac getting a bit of a gap. I was bang up for a bit of this action and kept it going. Had no plans on staying away for the entire race but it'd be fun to ride in a break for a bit. These plans needed a slight re-assessment when I looked about after a turn and discovered Mark and Zac had gone back to the bunch. Moustache and I persisted for another lap but I had to ease up about four times and wait for him to tack on. No point pushing on with five more laps to go so we just pedalled on until the bunch caught us just after the hairpin again.
Completing lap two the peleton was stretched out through the start area in kind of a venturi effect, but once the turn onto the back straight was done nobody wanted to apply any pace. There was a crosswind but it wasn't exactly raging, yet people seemed content to amble about. Being the patient soul I am, and having had enough time to recover from my earlier effort, I upped the tempo and moved off the front. Once again, not hoping to stay away but figured the longer I stay out in front then the better off any SPR team mates in the bunch would be. This move probably also contributed further to the slower pace as nobody would've bothered chasing hard. My time in the sun came to an end shortly after negotiating the hairpin for the third time and a bit before Scott's and Lorraine's vantage point.
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| Strung out down the back straight. |
Fourth lap and I was starting to pay for my earlier adventures. Took in a gel at the end of the back straight, which was right when some guy wanted to try it on. Zac covered the move easily, and I could go back to trying to refuel. There seemed to be a lot of green hanging about at the back of the pack which concerned me at the time. Looking back, with the number of club riders it was inevitable that this would happen - there were just so many of us!
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| Jordan, Toby & Nick pushing it. |
The usual speed up occurred at the end of the lap and Jordan was upping the speed across the top. I wasn't aware of it at the time but it was the little general himself, Toby, calling the shots here and he wanted the pace up. Down the back straight he was ended up well off the front by himself. I can safely say that I don't think I was the only one thinking that he'd had a brain explosion! How the bloody hell was he planning on hanging on for two laps? I even heard a few of the non-SPR riders mentioning that he was our sprinter. Toby built up a decent gap and by the end of the lap it was a few hundred metres.
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| Toby showing how it's done. |
Sixth and final lap revealed Toby to still be off the front. A few of the independent riders were trying to organise a chase down the back straight but a couple of crafty SPR riders were constantly inserting themselves and disrupting the effort. It was almost heart-breaking to see the moment when the non-SPR riders realised they were screwed and had to bite the bullet and chase. There was a guy in Cyclemania kit that wasn't helping at all much to their consternation. Despite Toby's mammoth effort, we approached the hairpin for the final time and it was clear that he would be reeled in. Jen tried to bridge across (and may have done, I was too far back to confirm) and a couple of other riders had a go too. No joy. All together with a few kilometres to go. Only one dodgy moment was when the speed was going up and somebody had a wobble in the gutter.
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| Zac in the lead - daylight second. |
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| Out of position... far from ideal. |
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| Winner winner chicken dinner! |
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| Placings inversely proportional to height? |
It was a fun day out racing and the SPR team spirit was in full effect. A massive thankyou to those volunteers that helped setup and packup, take photos, manned rego desks, marshaling the course, counted laps, supplied support and all the other things that made it a successful day on all levels.
Toby's awesome writeup is also well worth reading and more photos, courtesy of Mark de Castro, can be viewed here.
All pictures used in this report credited to Mark de Castro and Richard Smith. Many thanks.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Second dirt crit
Although it's a bit of a logistical effort to get to the dirt crits, I'm so glad I've been making the effort. So far I'm really enjoying the riding, the location, the people and just the buzz from having a crack during the week. All the Usual Supects were lurking about - Pete, Nigel, Cheryl and Chris (not racing) as well as some having their first go - Scott, Gregor and Lozz's son Nick. I took Nick out for a quick lap of the course before the racing started and he was doing it easy. I forgot the Aeroguard again this week and was getting eaten alive before the start...
Tonight I entered B grade again and like last week it was the largest field. I was at the back of the pack from the start, maybe second last and overtook a guy about midway through the first lap. It seems that most of B grade was riding as a pack a bit ahead of me but I never caught them. I was tearing around the course mostly by myself but overtaking a number of people which I presume were in C and D grades. Unless they publish results I really wont know. I was putting up with a lot of automatic shifting - might be time to give the poor girl some TLC. Lap four was my most eventful lap. I passed Nick sucking down some water at the back of the course, almost fell off the second lot of mounds, went crashing through some bushes which almost ripped my helmet off in some tight singletrack and passed Scott coming towards the end of the lap. I sustained a fairly uniform pace over the five laps and never got passed by anyone - so I managed to hold off A grade despite them starting three minutes ahead. A much improved effort from last week where I was lapped and only completed four laps.
Highlight of the night - refuelling with a Lozz Special Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffin.
Tonight I entered B grade again and like last week it was the largest field. I was at the back of the pack from the start, maybe second last and overtook a guy about midway through the first lap. It seems that most of B grade was riding as a pack a bit ahead of me but I never caught them. I was tearing around the course mostly by myself but overtaking a number of people which I presume were in C and D grades. Unless they publish results I really wont know. I was putting up with a lot of automatic shifting - might be time to give the poor girl some TLC. Lap four was my most eventful lap. I passed Nick sucking down some water at the back of the course, almost fell off the second lot of mounds, went crashing through some bushes which almost ripped my helmet off in some tight singletrack and passed Scott coming towards the end of the lap. I sustained a fairly uniform pace over the five laps and never got passed by anyone - so I managed to hold off A grade despite them starting three minutes ahead. A much improved effort from last week where I was lapped and only completed four laps.
Highlight of the night - refuelling with a Lozz Special Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffin.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
State Team Time Trial Championships
Another first for me today - Western Australian State Team Time Trial Championships in Pinjarra. Never participated in a team time trial before and was quite looking forward to this. A fairly flat course awaited us.
SPR had entered five teams, three in Masters and two in Open. We were 'SPR Masters C' and our band of merry men consisted of myself, Mark, Snuggles (John) and Jordan. I thought we were a pretty well matched team and I was keen to get on our way. A short warm up on the trainers and a brief discussion about what was to follow. Shortish turns between thirty and sixty seconds would be the order of the day and letting each other know if the lead person was flagging. Jordan and myself had clip-on aerobars for the event, he had never used them before and I couldn't remember the last time I'd used them in a race. Advised the others that because of this they might want to give us some room instead of sitting an inch off our wheels. Better to be be marginally slower and not stack me thinks. Everyone was to stay together for the first 10km and no stopping for punctures or mechanicals - unless there was only three of us left of course (need to finish with at least three). Not much thought was given to the order of riders on the road but once we got underway and settled down it was Jordan, Snuggles, Mark then me.
I thought the pace was on for the first 10km and was acutely aware of not letting myself stay too long on the front. Jordan was pulling strongly, Mark had ants in his pants and was putting in great efforts and Snuggles was powering away too. I was getting my usual feeling of "Oh shit,... not sure I can keep this up..." The second 10km I came good and felt quite comfortable. We were passed by the 'SPR Masters A' team who started two minutes behind us somewhere here.... A small hiccough at the second turn (..go *around* the witch's hats Dave!!!) was overcome without further drama. I managed a big turn shortly after that and despite a moment where we thought we might splinter, we all rolled around the turn-around together.
A quick decision was made to stick together, dropping no one, for the time being. It was more of a headwind on the way back and having the team together would be handy. The Eddy Hollands team had popped one their contingent but still sailed past us with ease. We could see about 400m ahead of us one of the guys that had dropped off from 'SPR Masters A' which turned out to be Jason, but we never caught him! In fact I think he pulled away further in the last 10km!
The final turn for the last 10km seemed to give us new life. I was chomping at the bit and was coming through early on Mark (sorry!), Snuggles was having a second wind and Jordan was as solid as ever. A small disorganised moment came at an unfortunate time, right when 'SPR Masters B' passed us with a few kilometres to go, but no harm done. We powered on to the finish, Mark was breathing down my neck and so I just kept going. Crossed the line together, 42km down at 37.7kph average. Not bad - SPR Thursday ride pace with only four of us. I was content with that, we all rode well, sensibly and hard.
Results indicate we finished 8th from nine masters teams.
Team time trialling is not unlike any other skill - it takes practice to excel. When to go hard, when to skip a turn, when to encourage, when to ease up. A lot of it is familiarity with your team mates, knowing their strengths and weaknesses. I had a good time riding with the guys and I'd hope to be considered for a team in a future event.
My ride details can be found here, Jordan's here & John's write-up here.
SPR had entered five teams, three in Masters and two in Open. We were 'SPR Masters C' and our band of merry men consisted of myself, Mark, Snuggles (John) and Jordan. I thought we were a pretty well matched team and I was keen to get on our way. A short warm up on the trainers and a brief discussion about what was to follow. Shortish turns between thirty and sixty seconds would be the order of the day and letting each other know if the lead person was flagging. Jordan and myself had clip-on aerobars for the event, he had never used them before and I couldn't remember the last time I'd used them in a race. Advised the others that because of this they might want to give us some room instead of sitting an inch off our wheels. Better to be be marginally slower and not stack me thinks. Everyone was to stay together for the first 10km and no stopping for punctures or mechanicals - unless there was only three of us left of course (need to finish with at least three). Not much thought was given to the order of riders on the road but once we got underway and settled down it was Jordan, Snuggles, Mark then me.
I thought the pace was on for the first 10km and was acutely aware of not letting myself stay too long on the front. Jordan was pulling strongly, Mark had ants in his pants and was putting in great efforts and Snuggles was powering away too. I was getting my usual feeling of "Oh shit,... not sure I can keep this up..." The second 10km I came good and felt quite comfortable. We were passed by the 'SPR Masters A' team who started two minutes behind us somewhere here.... A small hiccough at the second turn (..go *around* the witch's hats Dave!!!) was overcome without further drama. I managed a big turn shortly after that and despite a moment where we thought we might splinter, we all rolled around the turn-around together.
A quick decision was made to stick together, dropping no one, for the time being. It was more of a headwind on the way back and having the team together would be handy. The Eddy Hollands team had popped one their contingent but still sailed past us with ease. We could see about 400m ahead of us one of the guys that had dropped off from 'SPR Masters A' which turned out to be Jason, but we never caught him! In fact I think he pulled away further in the last 10km!
The final turn for the last 10km seemed to give us new life. I was chomping at the bit and was coming through early on Mark (sorry!), Snuggles was having a second wind and Jordan was as solid as ever. A small disorganised moment came at an unfortunate time, right when 'SPR Masters B' passed us with a few kilometres to go, but no harm done. We powered on to the finish, Mark was breathing down my neck and so I just kept going. Crossed the line together, 42km down at 37.7kph average. Not bad - SPR Thursday ride pace with only four of us. I was content with that, we all rode well, sensibly and hard.
Results indicate we finished 8th from nine masters teams.
Team time trialling is not unlike any other skill - it takes practice to excel. When to go hard, when to skip a turn, when to encourage, when to ease up. A lot of it is familiarity with your team mates, knowing their strengths and weaknesses. I had a good time riding with the guys and I'd hope to be considered for a team in a future event.
My ride details can be found here, Jordan's here & John's write-up here.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
First dirt criterium
Tonight was a first for me. I've never participated in a 'dirt criterium' before and the experience was a good one. I wasn't sure what to expect and had brought the dually after briefly contemplating bringing the 'crosser. This proved to be a good decision. During the racing there was a guy on a 'crosser struggling on anything other than the open bits. IMNSHO the perfect steed for this racing would've been a 29er hardtail and there were several punters rding them tonight.
The course was a 3km loop consisting of grass, hardpack dirt paths, newly cut tight singletrack, obstacles resembling large mounds, a couple of sandy areas and some rutted doubletrack. My impression of the track was that it's not the sort of place you''d go to ride your mountain bike but as a course for racing it was excellent. The creators managed to come up with a track of decent length and enough challenges to make it enjoyable for mountain bikers and still have plenty of places for the fitter crew to power along.
A few familiar faces were amongst the 44 punters including Pete, Chris, Nigel and the effervescent Cheryl.
I'd entered in the largest grade (B) and we were keen to get going before the mozzies made a meal of us. 'A' grade came through to complete their first lap and then 'B' was released. Didn't take too long for the field to spread out. Highlights of my race included :-
- missing one turn and briefly going the wrong way
- couple of sketchy moments turning off dirt paths (still reluctant to ride with low pressures in my front tyre...)
- oversteering in the start/finish area and coming to a complete halt so I didn't bring down the pretty bunting.
- Missing a turn in the fast, tunnel like singletrack, ploughing through a bush and then realising I was still on the track!
- Being passed by the three eventual 'A' grade winners going Warp Factor 9 .
I was supposed to do five laps but after four they were pulling people off the course which was fine by me. Pete ended up finishing fourth in 'B' - not bad for an adventure racer!
I think the night was a great success. It was great to get out on the dirt and get the heart rate up on a school night. Much fun was had racing an interesting track and located within the metro area. In the past I have ridden through this area as part of my commute to/from work but I never thought it would suitable for mountain bike racing. How glad I am that some of the genius's at Perth MTB club have a better imagination than I. I'd like to get out there during daylight hours and get some pics of the course. Top marks to the organisers (just don't run out of bunting next week!) I'd encourage anyone who doesn't mind a dose of mid-week dirt competition to get out there and give it a go. Only $5 if u already have a MTBA licence. Don't forget your Aeroguard (or mozzie repellent of choice). Unfortunately I wont be able to attend next week but I'm looking forward to having another crack at this format of racing in the following weeks.
Details of my ride can be found here.
Pete's report is here.
The course was a 3km loop consisting of grass, hardpack dirt paths, newly cut tight singletrack, obstacles resembling large mounds, a couple of sandy areas and some rutted doubletrack. My impression of the track was that it's not the sort of place you''d go to ride your mountain bike but as a course for racing it was excellent. The creators managed to come up with a track of decent length and enough challenges to make it enjoyable for mountain bikers and still have plenty of places for the fitter crew to power along.
A few familiar faces were amongst the 44 punters including Pete, Chris, Nigel and the effervescent Cheryl.
I'd entered in the largest grade (B) and we were keen to get going before the mozzies made a meal of us. 'A' grade came through to complete their first lap and then 'B' was released. Didn't take too long for the field to spread out. Highlights of my race included :-
- missing one turn and briefly going the wrong way
- couple of sketchy moments turning off dirt paths (still reluctant to ride with low pressures in my front tyre...)
- oversteering in the start/finish area and coming to a complete halt so I didn't bring down the pretty bunting.
- Missing a turn in the fast, tunnel like singletrack, ploughing through a bush and then realising I was still on the track!
- Being passed by the three eventual 'A' grade winners going Warp Factor 9 .
I was supposed to do five laps but after four they were pulling people off the course which was fine by me. Pete ended up finishing fourth in 'B' - not bad for an adventure racer!
I think the night was a great success. It was great to get out on the dirt and get the heart rate up on a school night. Much fun was had racing an interesting track and located within the metro area. In the past I have ridden through this area as part of my commute to/from work but I never thought it would suitable for mountain bike racing. How glad I am that some of the genius's at Perth MTB club have a better imagination than I. I'd like to get out there during daylight hours and get some pics of the course. Top marks to the organisers (just don't run out of bunting next week!) I'd encourage anyone who doesn't mind a dose of mid-week dirt competition to get out there and give it a go. Only $5 if u already have a MTBA licence. Don't forget your Aeroguard (or mozzie repellent of choice). Unfortunately I wont be able to attend next week but I'm looking forward to having another crack at this format of racing in the following weeks.
Details of my ride can be found here.
Pete's report is here.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Kalamunda Loop - Return of the MTB Jedi
Went out and did the Kalamunda mtb loop again today. Joined by Ainsy and Kat, we were going along nicely but there was rain threatening. Kat bailed near Pickering Brook so we wished her a safe ride home and continued on. The rain came but it was more drizzling showers than a solid downpour.
Lots of fun had. Whore No More is still a tough climb but no longer seems the massive obstacle it was the first time. Before we knew it we were at Gungin and doing that cool bit of track back down. Still didn't ride over the car. But one day :) Scorpion Track, The Dell and the long slog up the powerlines before the Kalamunda circuit and descending into Piesse Brook valley. Saw plenty of kangaroos and colourful birds. No problems except I thought I may have pinch flatted my front wheel on one fast rocky section, however it remained inflated enough and I was just a bit more carfeul after that. Ainsy apparently managed to head-on a blackboy on the way down but no damge done. Manged to ride most of the Elevator except for the usual right hander and made it back to the carpark soggy, dirty and content. And a little bit tired :)
Incidently it turns out we'd ridden the course within 13 seconds of the time that I rode it the other week!
Lots of fun had. Whore No More is still a tough climb but no longer seems the massive obstacle it was the first time. Before we knew it we were at Gungin and doing that cool bit of track back down. Still didn't ride over the car. But one day :) Scorpion Track, The Dell and the long slog up the powerlines before the Kalamunda circuit and descending into Piesse Brook valley. Saw plenty of kangaroos and colourful birds. No problems except I thought I may have pinch flatted my front wheel on one fast rocky section, however it remained inflated enough and I was just a bit more carfeul after that. Ainsy apparently managed to head-on a blackboy on the way down but no damge done. Manged to ride most of the Elevator except for the usual right hander and made it back to the carpark soggy, dirty and content. And a little bit tired :)
Incidently it turns out we'd ridden the course within 13 seconds of the time that I rode it the other week!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Joondalup
I decided to ride to my fitness course course today in Joondalup. The weather was a balmy 12 degrees and the trains were out north of Edgewater station. I took the 'crosser as I haven't spent much time on it recently and the cycle path north of the river is so much more comfortable on the 'crosser compared to the roadie.
My ride was progressing well, I'd warmed up quite well and was humming along at Canning Bridge. It was here that I came across a couple of other riders who latched on whiled I pulled them at 35kph. I was fine with that and kept it up till just before the Narrows. I slowly rode up the hill past Parliament House and navigated my way across the city to Leederville and the path heading north. No drama and had plenty of time for a shower, coffee and banana bread before class started.
Today we were learning about lower body muscles and had fun drawing them on Sam with a thick texta. Some practical sessions in the gym were quite informative too. I learned some stuff about Bosu boards and fit balls, squatting and discovered (well it was more like confirmed) that I am shithouse at chin-ups. The only way is up with regards to that simple exercise.
Ride home was warm and generally uneventful. One bored magpie had a half hearted swoop before leaving me alone and also the usual fuckwits pissing about on motos near Cockburn. Was pretty stuffed by the time I got home though - long way from Joondalup. Devoured a big bit lasagne and heaps of liquid before starting on the chores.
My ride was progressing well, I'd warmed up quite well and was humming along at Canning Bridge. It was here that I came across a couple of other riders who latched on whiled I pulled them at 35kph. I was fine with that and kept it up till just before the Narrows. I slowly rode up the hill past Parliament House and navigated my way across the city to Leederville and the path heading north. No drama and had plenty of time for a shower, coffee and banana bread before class started.
Today we were learning about lower body muscles and had fun drawing them on Sam with a thick texta. Some practical sessions in the gym were quite informative too. I learned some stuff about Bosu boards and fit balls, squatting and discovered (well it was more like confirmed) that I am shithouse at chin-ups. The only way is up with regards to that simple exercise.
Ride home was warm and generally uneventful. One bored magpie had a half hearted swoop before leaving me alone and also the usual fuckwits pissing about on motos near Cockburn. Was pretty stuffed by the time I got home though - long way from Joondalup. Devoured a big bit lasagne and heaps of liquid before starting on the chores.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
No right turns...
Track tonight was worthwhile. A few punters showed up including Ainsy, Kat, Carlos, Mike, Jonny and Lisa. Nice solo silent warmup followed by some slightly faster stuff. Nathan was doing some sprint training so I tried to not let him get more than half a lap before catching him. Did a nice stint behind Ainsy - dude is a machine. Went round and round for the longest time at 45kph and then still ramped it up for 4 ro so laps at 49kph before pulling off. Solid as. I threw in a few sprints for good measure. Jonny, Carlos, myself and Ainsy went out again as a 4 man pursuit style thing and reeled off some more solid work. Comfortably tired at the end and managed 50km all up.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Hump day over
I'd forgotten how much of dogs breakfast the PSP heading north from the city is. More than once I found myself channeling Obi Wan Kenobi in an attempt to choose the correct correct path. This is a result of not enough clear signage and the vandalism of the signs that are there. Some of them are so covered in graffiti that makes them almost unreadable. The path itself is far from smooth although it does improve in the newer sections the further north you go. Certainly makes me appreciate the fantastic cycleway we enjoy south of the river and it's clear to me why so many triathletes use it rather than the north section for riding.
Saw a few commuters and plenty of idiots without helmets (or a helmet dangling over their handlebars...) One guy riding a roadie with knicks, a t-shirt tucked into them and then a generic safety vest over the top of that. Stylish.
Despite the small hiccoughs along the way it was an enjoyable ride, always nice to ride in places that one isn't too familiar with.
My fitness course tonight started to introduce us to some of the machines and ways of introducing them to people. I came across something I hadn't seen before - a seated assisted dip machine. Quite like it.
Caught the train home with Tim. I was absolutely amazed at all the kiddies dressed as prostitutes on the train at 9:30pm on a Wednesday night. Don't they have parents?
Sensibly decided to pull the pin on SPR Thursday ride. No chance I was gunna get up after getting home after 10pm, eating something, doing a load of washing, sorting out stuff for track, and getting to bed.
Disappointed I missed Cameron Meyer in the Commonwealth Games points race. Took 3 laps from the field which is unheard of. Too classy for the competition by far.
Saw a few commuters and plenty of idiots without helmets (or a helmet dangling over their handlebars...) One guy riding a roadie with knicks, a t-shirt tucked into them and then a generic safety vest over the top of that. Stylish.
Despite the small hiccoughs along the way it was an enjoyable ride, always nice to ride in places that one isn't too familiar with.
My fitness course tonight started to introduce us to some of the machines and ways of introducing them to people. I came across something I hadn't seen before - a seated assisted dip machine. Quite like it.
Caught the train home with Tim. I was absolutely amazed at all the kiddies dressed as prostitutes on the train at 9:30pm on a Wednesday night. Don't they have parents?
Sensibly decided to pull the pin on SPR Thursday ride. No chance I was gunna get up after getting home after 10pm, eating something, doing a load of washing, sorting out stuff for track, and getting to bed.
Disappointed I missed Cameron Meyer in the Commonwealth Games points race. Took 3 laps from the field which is unheard of. Too classy for the competition by far.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tomorrow had to start somewhere...
Ok. Didn't make it to the SPR ride this morning (despite sorting out my back brake last night...). Not going to beat myself up over it. Accept it and move on. Try again Thursday.
Started my fitness course last night. Five people (Samuel, Kelly, Melissa, Katie and Tim) plus myself made for a good little group. I'm the only cycling freak but three of the others are into basketball so there is a bit of common ground. All friendly enough and I can see myself getting on quite well with them. There might be one other person who didn't show but I hope not as six is a good number for splitting off into pairs for exercises and tasks. Just a bit of an introduction for the first night with a bit of a foray into what exactly is your 'core' and some information about your back and spine.
Also discovered a nice bruise on my hip from when I hip checked a tree on Sunday. Tried to take a pic of it - but it wasn't coming out so good.
Physio again for my neck this evening. Hopefully get that back to being good soon.
Started my fitness course last night. Five people (Samuel, Kelly, Melissa, Katie and Tim) plus myself made for a good little group. I'm the only cycling freak but three of the others are into basketball so there is a bit of common ground. All friendly enough and I can see myself getting on quite well with them. There might be one other person who didn't show but I hope not as six is a good number for splitting off into pairs for exercises and tasks. Just a bit of an introduction for the first night with a bit of a foray into what exactly is your 'core' and some information about your back and spine.
Also discovered a nice bruise on my hip from when I hip checked a tree on Sunday. Tried to take a pic of it - but it wasn't coming out so good.
Physio again for my neck this evening. Hopefully get that back to being good soon.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday-itis
Woke up this morning with two dogs and another warm lump, which I assumed was Max cat, pushed up against me. Could've slept in for another two days but must go to work. Whilst I'm enjoying the resumption of my mountain biking, I'd forgotten that it works the upper body more than just cruising on the road. Struggling to get through the day now.
I'll need to perk up this evening though. I start my personal training course tonight and I'd like to be awake at least.
Thinking ahead to the SPR ride tomorrow - assuming I can fix my back brake that is rubbing rather badly - was thinking I need to have something right by the bed for when I wake up. Maybe an apple. Just something that can kick start things fairly instantly without me having to re-locate the espresso machine or a small fridge full of Red Bull to my bedside table.
I'll need to perk up this evening though. I start my personal training course tonight and I'd like to be awake at least.
Thinking ahead to the SPR ride tomorrow - assuming I can fix my back brake that is rubbing rather badly - was thinking I need to have something right by the bed for when I wake up. Maybe an apple. Just something that can kick start things fairly instantly without me having to re-locate the espresso machine or a small fridge full of Red Bull to my bedside table.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
WA State XC Championships - Murray Valley
I'd decided to enter Sport as they had 9am start time. The other category I was eligible for, Masters, didn't kick off until almost midday and I had other commitments.
Arriving at the venue, I had time to manage a sighting lap - pretty cool course, lots of up but all rideable. I'd estimate 90%+ singletrack with just a few bits of joining fire trail. Rather tacky too, none of the usual pea gravel! I decided to put a little bit more air into the tires too. I know I get a bit lazy when I'm tired and didn't want to pinch flat.
Sport class was being combined with the U/17's due to there only being one punter in that category. So I think there were about 12 punters all up. Straight off the line there was a short and steep fire road climb and I settled in behind everybody else. One keen customer managed to knock wheels and veered off the track before remounting and rocketing up the incline. Turning off into the uphill singletrack I encountered a phenomenon that all cross country bike racers are familiar with... the 'get off and walk because some hubbard has stopped and not moved off the track'. I was forced to stop and walk which sucked but at least it gave me a moment to get my breathing under control. I was rather enjoying the rest of the rocky and rooty singletrack until I smacked my hip into a tree on one of the fast sections. No damage but I was concerned I'd smashed my glasses that I'd put in my jersey pocket. Shortly afterwards at the base of a steep bit of track I managed to drop my chain off the front chainring AND inside off the rear cogs. A short bout of swearing, yanking and reefing ensued before I realised one junior rider who had stopped on the climb was watching me intently. Whoops. Chain re-aligned, I checked my glasses - all good - and continued on. Wasted about a minute and a half stopped. The guy who I'd been chasing was gone. Getting to the end of the first lap I could hear the leading sport female rider approaching and set about trying to reel in the guy I'd let get away.
Second lap was uneventful. Caught and passed Bruno (super Grandmaster old dude mountain biker character).
Third lap was mostly uneventful too. Caught a few dudes from other classes (think Veterans) and was lapped by three dudes (dunno what class they were in). Managed a few Scott Specials (shoulder-to-tree interfaces) whilst flying about the singletrack but again, no damage. Heard a couple of guys about 30m behind me and was getting ready to let them pass when I heard a fairly abrupt stack by one of them. That was the last I saw of them.
Didn't quite catch the guy I was just behind before my chain issues but he came in 6th so I reckon I must of got 7th or thereabouts.
I enjoyed the track but I'm glad it wasn't a part of the Dwellingup 100 from the other week. I don't think I would've appreciated the technical and steepness of it on top of the challenges of that event.
Another great event from Tony Tucknott and the Perth MTB crew.
Course map and other boring details can be found here or here.
Results can be found here.
Arriving at the venue, I had time to manage a sighting lap - pretty cool course, lots of up but all rideable. I'd estimate 90%+ singletrack with just a few bits of joining fire trail. Rather tacky too, none of the usual pea gravel! I decided to put a little bit more air into the tires too. I know I get a bit lazy when I'm tired and didn't want to pinch flat.
Sport class was being combined with the U/17's due to there only being one punter in that category. So I think there were about 12 punters all up. Straight off the line there was a short and steep fire road climb and I settled in behind everybody else. One keen customer managed to knock wheels and veered off the track before remounting and rocketing up the incline. Turning off into the uphill singletrack I encountered a phenomenon that all cross country bike racers are familiar with... the 'get off and walk because some hubbard has stopped and not moved off the track'. I was forced to stop and walk which sucked but at least it gave me a moment to get my breathing under control. I was rather enjoying the rest of the rocky and rooty singletrack until I smacked my hip into a tree on one of the fast sections. No damage but I was concerned I'd smashed my glasses that I'd put in my jersey pocket. Shortly afterwards at the base of a steep bit of track I managed to drop my chain off the front chainring AND inside off the rear cogs. A short bout of swearing, yanking and reefing ensued before I realised one junior rider who had stopped on the climb was watching me intently. Whoops. Chain re-aligned, I checked my glasses - all good - and continued on. Wasted about a minute and a half stopped. The guy who I'd been chasing was gone. Getting to the end of the first lap I could hear the leading sport female rider approaching and set about trying to reel in the guy I'd let get away.
Second lap was uneventful. Caught and passed Bruno (super Grandmaster old dude mountain biker character).
Third lap was mostly uneventful too. Caught a few dudes from other classes (think Veterans) and was lapped by three dudes (dunno what class they were in). Managed a few Scott Specials (shoulder-to-tree interfaces) whilst flying about the singletrack but again, no damage. Heard a couple of guys about 30m behind me and was getting ready to let them pass when I heard a fairly abrupt stack by one of them. That was the last I saw of them.
Didn't quite catch the guy I was just behind before my chain issues but he came in 6th so I reckon I must of got 7th or thereabouts.
I enjoyed the track but I'm glad it wasn't a part of the Dwellingup 100 from the other week. I don't think I would've appreciated the technical and steepness of it on top of the challenges of that event.
Another great event from Tony Tucknott and the Perth MTB crew.
Course map and other boring details can be found here or here.
Results can be found here.
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| Start / Finish / Rego area |
Saturday, October 2, 2010
PDCC Casuarina road race
A decent turnout for today's race despite the 'footy' grand final rematch. I was sticking to C grade after already having been for the SPR bunch ride this morning. 8 or 9 punters headed off around the course in quite windy conditions. We settled into a rough version of rolling turns and this was the order of the first couple of laps.
I think it was about lap three that Blair took off on his own and had a gap of about 150m. It took us around three-quarters of a lap to reel him in. T'was around this time that our little group was reduced to five with the others disappearing off the back somewhere. Back to rolling turns with a few little spurts that didn't dislodge anyone. Young Jamie was doing a lot of work and the more experienced Daryl also very strong. Blair was recovering from his efforts and then there was me and Carl, not skipping turns - but not the strongest riders in the group. All was going well until with about three kilometres to go Blair took off again. I couldn't latch on and if it wasn't for Daryl then I would've dropped off right there. As it was he towed me back and powered into the headwind on the long finishing straight. It was Blair, Jamie, Daryl, me and Carl coming over the line with about 25 metres between each of us.
A well deserved win by Blair and a hard ride in windy conditions.
51km
35.5kph avg
Further details here or here.
I think it was about lap three that Blair took off on his own and had a gap of about 150m. It took us around three-quarters of a lap to reel him in. T'was around this time that our little group was reduced to five with the others disappearing off the back somewhere. Back to rolling turns with a few little spurts that didn't dislodge anyone. Young Jamie was doing a lot of work and the more experienced Daryl also very strong. Blair was recovering from his efforts and then there was me and Carl, not skipping turns - but not the strongest riders in the group. All was going well until with about three kilometres to go Blair took off again. I couldn't latch on and if it wasn't for Daryl then I would've dropped off right there. As it was he towed me back and powered into the headwind on the long finishing straight. It was Blair, Jamie, Daryl, me and Carl coming over the line with about 25 metres between each of us.
A well deserved win by Blair and a hard ride in windy conditions.
51km
35.5kph avg
Further details here or here.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday track training
Down a little on numbers tonight and only a few SPR riders too.
New rear tyre (Michelin Pro Race 3 - 23mm) installed as the Zip Tangente 21mm that I had been using wanted to seperate from the bead... Am trying slightly lower pressures (between 100 & 110psi) in an effort to make sure this doesn't happen again.
20 mins on the rollers.
80 laps behind Murray on the moto - I lasted until about lap 23 or so.
Combined B + C 15 lap scratch - did a turn then sat in on Chris on the tandem. Came home for 3rd with Sean 4th.
New rear tyre (Michelin Pro Race 3 - 23mm) installed as the Zip Tangente 21mm that I had been using wanted to seperate from the bead... Am trying slightly lower pressures (between 100 & 110psi) in an effort to make sure this doesn't happen again.
20 mins on the rollers.
80 laps behind Murray on the moto - I lasted until about lap 23 or so.
Combined B + C 15 lap scratch - did a turn then sat in on Chris on the tandem. Came home for 3rd with Sean 4th.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Kalamunda Loop Redux
Enjoyed yesterday's loop so much decided to do it again! Gabby wanted me out of the house as she was studying and producing an essay, so I went for my second impromptu mtb ride in two days! I'd slept in this morning and missed out on the SPR public holiday ride which would've been cool. So I was keen to make up for that.
Every bit as fun as the first time - perhaps even more so due to the fact that I knew what was coming and where I was going. Managed to ride almost all of Whore-No-More and all of the Elevator except for the tight right-hander.
Every bit as fun as the first time - perhaps even more so due to the fact that I knew what was coming and where I was going. Managed to ride almost all of Whore-No-More and all of the Elevator except for the tight right-hander.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Kalamunda Loop
After the late night I didn't make it to the SPR hills ride. But not long after lunch I was feeling like a ride. I'd gotten a good GPS track of one of Gregor's mates and thought I'd go exploring on the dually for the first time in ages,.... and the first time actually using my Garmin for navigation.
Heading off from the trailhead, otherwise known as the carpark of Kalamunda Coles..., I was full of enthusiasm. It had been some time indeed since my last solo expedition on the mountain bike. A few recent blats in the vicinity of The Dell and Mt Gungin had re-ignited a spark for riding off road.
The trail was at first a narrow fire trail, fairly smooth and small sections of singetrack, pretty flat with nothing too taxing. This is a popular section for walkers as it cuts along the back of houses in Kalamunda, not that I saw any this afternoon.
Heading off from the trailhead, otherwise known as the carpark of Kalamunda Coles..., I was full of enthusiasm. It had been some time indeed since my last solo expedition on the mountain bike. A few recent blats in the vicinity of The Dell and Mt Gungin had re-ignited a spark for riding off road.
The trail was at first a narrow fire trail, fairly smooth and small sections of singetrack, pretty flat with nothing too taxing. This is a popular section for walkers as it cuts along the back of houses in Kalamunda, not that I saw any this afternoon.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PDCC PK Cycles Serpentine Handicap
After participating in my first handicap several weeks I was keen to ride another one. I quite enjoy the standard road races but it's good to mix it up every so often. This handicap was 5 laps of the dead flat Serpentine road race course.
Several groups were let off before my name was called. I was in a group of seven riders with (I was to find out later) a 5 minute & 30 seconds head start on scratch. After a kilometre or so of fluffing about we got ourselves organized and starting rolling through. We were managing 39kph and I was happy we were rolling rather than pulling turns.
Sometime after the first lap the pace was too hot for Clint and he disappeared. Three quarters of the way round the second lap, our group reeled in a bigger group that had started off nine minutes. We didn't have the firepower to just blow past them so things were a messy for a time after the junction. Quite a few from this group managed to hang on and some integrated into the roll through. It was here I started to struggle as we headed out on the 3rd lap. Not being very experienced with handicaps I was a bit suprised that the riders from the group ahead of us seemed to have more legs than I thought they might. Some had dropped off but others were quite fresh it would seem.
Approaching the finish to the third lap I popped. I'd spent the last half lap having to get out of the saddle just to keep on and it proved too much. I drifted off the back and spent most of the fourth lap by myself save for passing a few fellow stragglers. I thought I was doing ok, checking behind from time to time and couldn't see the scratch markers, when they appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It was a large group and I entertained the possibility of getting on for about ..oh, a good four or five pedal strokes :) before realising it wasn't going to happen. They were doing better than 42kph on the home straight and I couldn't hold that.
My fifth lap consisted of me chasing Kelly, who had just popped off the back of the express, for a bit before catching her and riding to the finish with her and two guys. There was no sprint for our quartet and we rolled over the line.
It was a tale of two races for me - 39kph average before being dropped and then two laps at 35kph. Happy that I'd had a good hit out but dissapointing I wasn't able to hang on to the bigger group that formed after we caught the nine minute group. The rain that I was expecting never eventuated either.
1hr 11mins
44km
Several groups were let off before my name was called. I was in a group of seven riders with (I was to find out later) a 5 minute & 30 seconds head start on scratch. After a kilometre or so of fluffing about we got ourselves organized and starting rolling through. We were managing 39kph and I was happy we were rolling rather than pulling turns.
Sometime after the first lap the pace was too hot for Clint and he disappeared. Three quarters of the way round the second lap, our group reeled in a bigger group that had started off nine minutes. We didn't have the firepower to just blow past them so things were a messy for a time after the junction. Quite a few from this group managed to hang on and some integrated into the roll through. It was here I started to struggle as we headed out on the 3rd lap. Not being very experienced with handicaps I was a bit suprised that the riders from the group ahead of us seemed to have more legs than I thought they might. Some had dropped off but others were quite fresh it would seem.
Approaching the finish to the third lap I popped. I'd spent the last half lap having to get out of the saddle just to keep on and it proved too much. I drifted off the back and spent most of the fourth lap by myself save for passing a few fellow stragglers. I thought I was doing ok, checking behind from time to time and couldn't see the scratch markers, when they appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It was a large group and I entertained the possibility of getting on for about ..oh, a good four or five pedal strokes :) before realising it wasn't going to happen. They were doing better than 42kph on the home straight and I couldn't hold that.
My fifth lap consisted of me chasing Kelly, who had just popped off the back of the express, for a bit before catching her and riding to the finish with her and two guys. There was no sprint for our quartet and we rolled over the line.
It was a tale of two races for me - 39kph average before being dropped and then two laps at 35kph. Happy that I'd had a good hit out but dissapointing I wasn't able to hang on to the bigger group that formed after we caught the nine minute group. The rain that I was expecting never eventuated either.
1hr 11mins
44km
Sunday, September 5, 2010
PDCC Dog Hill road race
Presented for another bash at C grade today. I don’t mind the Dog Hill circuit, it’s pretty flat and usually fairly fast. Roads are a little rough but not as bad as the Serpentine course. A dozen or more punters in C including fellow SPR stalwart Lisa (who had already smashed out 80km or so in the Hills this morning!)
It was a race of fits and starts with a solid core of riders doing most of the work. Elliot seemed to have ants in his pants and seemed keen to get out in front and Clint wasn’t much better, both of them having short dashes off the front. Geoff (KD Cycles) was also involved in some good pulls but seemed to have a bit more patience. Lisa had a small dig on one lap which seemed to take a few riders by surprise but it was short lived.
Nobody was able to get away with everyone generally chasing down any accelerations. In the second half of the race Lisa seemed to be a fixture on the front with nobody really coming through. In fact for the whole race there was never any organisation or roll through – it was more a case of just waiting for the rider in front to drop the speed before doing anything about it.
Completing the third (or fourth – can’t remember..) a selection of 3 or four guys got a gap of about 50 metres. Pretty sure it was Clint, Elliot and 2 other stronger riders so it was certainly a danger. In my mind I felt it could’ve been the critical move of the race if they were allowed to get away. I had a plan and was prepared to chase them later on in the lap if they got away but my hesitation (did I say that? I meant well considered risk/reward decision-making process….) paid off. The bunch chased and brought them back not long after. In hindsight here would’ve been a good spot to have a dig myself but it honestly never entered my mind till now. Knowing what to do and having the legs to sit off the front for a lap or two are two different things….
Last lap was a bit ridiculous. On the back straight I found myself on the front and it wasn’t where I wanted to be. Tried pulling off once, twice, three times to no avail. No one was coming thru. Swung waaaay out over to the other side of the road, still no one biting. Back on the front, soft pedalling letting the speed drop 35kph,…. 33,… 30.. all the way down to 23 before someone came past! Onya Daryl ! Daryl was the most hated man in the peleton attacking fairly regularly to cries of ‘Bloody hell! not again!’
The bunch was all together heading into the sweeping curve left about a kilometre before the finish, riders jostling for position and streaming by on my right. Lisa was still at the front or near it. I was sitting about 8th or 9th wheel, with maybe 600 to 800 metres to go when I went for it. (I looked on Google Maps and think it was about that far but it’s easy for recollections to be wrong…). The bunch was drifting towards the centre of the road leaving some room on the left. I powered up the inside, still seated, but giving it heaps. I don’t know who was behind me but after I hit the front I glanced behind and had a gap. I kept going, a little surprised that no one had come with me (maybe jumped too early?) The finish line seemed an eternity away and I felt myself tiring and losing speed. Another quick glance behind and I could see the angry bunch catching. I had to stand and sprint to hold the closers off and crossed the line about five lengths in front!
Flat handicap at Serpentine next week. Only ever particiapted in one handicap before so I’m keen to have another go.
It was a race of fits and starts with a solid core of riders doing most of the work. Elliot seemed to have ants in his pants and seemed keen to get out in front and Clint wasn’t much better, both of them having short dashes off the front. Geoff (KD Cycles) was also involved in some good pulls but seemed to have a bit more patience. Lisa had a small dig on one lap which seemed to take a few riders by surprise but it was short lived.
Nobody was able to get away with everyone generally chasing down any accelerations. In the second half of the race Lisa seemed to be a fixture on the front with nobody really coming through. In fact for the whole race there was never any organisation or roll through – it was more a case of just waiting for the rider in front to drop the speed before doing anything about it.
Completing the third (or fourth – can’t remember..) a selection of 3 or four guys got a gap of about 50 metres. Pretty sure it was Clint, Elliot and 2 other stronger riders so it was certainly a danger. In my mind I felt it could’ve been the critical move of the race if they were allowed to get away. I had a plan and was prepared to chase them later on in the lap if they got away but my hesitation (did I say that? I meant well considered risk/reward decision-making process….) paid off. The bunch chased and brought them back not long after. In hindsight here would’ve been a good spot to have a dig myself but it honestly never entered my mind till now. Knowing what to do and having the legs to sit off the front for a lap or two are two different things….
Last lap was a bit ridiculous. On the back straight I found myself on the front and it wasn’t where I wanted to be. Tried pulling off once, twice, three times to no avail. No one was coming thru. Swung waaaay out over to the other side of the road, still no one biting. Back on the front, soft pedalling letting the speed drop 35kph,…. 33,… 30.. all the way down to 23 before someone came past! Onya Daryl ! Daryl was the most hated man in the peleton attacking fairly regularly to cries of ‘Bloody hell! not again!’
The bunch was all together heading into the sweeping curve left about a kilometre before the finish, riders jostling for position and streaming by on my right. Lisa was still at the front or near it. I was sitting about 8th or 9th wheel, with maybe 600 to 800 metres to go when I went for it. (I looked on Google Maps and think it was about that far but it’s easy for recollections to be wrong…). The bunch was drifting towards the centre of the road leaving some room on the left. I powered up the inside, still seated, but giving it heaps. I don’t know who was behind me but after I hit the front I glanced behind and had a gap. I kept going, a little surprised that no one had come with me (maybe jumped too early?) The finish line seemed an eternity away and I felt myself tiring and losing speed. Another quick glance behind and I could see the angry bunch catching. I had to stand and sprint to hold the closers off and crossed the line about five lengths in front!
Flat handicap at Serpentine next week. Only ever particiapted in one handicap before so I’m keen to have another go.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Kep Track
With the Dwellingup 100km off-road enduro coming up in September I found myself presented with a problem. I’d ridden my mountain bike exactly once (a 4hr enduro) since the last 100km effort (2010 Karri Cup[1]). I remember telling myself after the Karri Cup that I’d need to put in some more saddle time on the (near ten year old!) Giant dually before doing something like that again. The time for action was nigh.
I’d wanted to tick the Kep Track off my list of ‘Rides To Do’ for some time now. I'd read about Andrew's expedition and thought I'd like to give it a go. It’s basically a dirt track that follows the Golden Pipeline from Mundaring Weir to Northam, 75km away. It’s not technical at all but does provide ample riding distance on dirt which would suit our purpose nicely. I’m not really into touring and staying in Northam didn’t turn me on so it was put forward that we ride it out and back. It’s not even hilly but my thinking was that what it lacked in elevation would be made up for in distance. The Dwellingup100 involves quite a lot of up and down but is only a mere 100km – so surely this would be a good training ride! A few emails to some interested parties, a short debate on a free weekend and a date settled on. It’d be good to knock this one over in a day.
By the time Sunday morning rolled around our band of riders had been whittled down to four. Scott, Lee, Craig and myself rocked up to Mundaring Weir Hotel carpark at 0600 [2] where it was deserted and dark. Scott and me on dually’s, Lee on his cool Focus hardtail and Craig on his Surly Long Haul Trucker. After some Mindless Banter™ [3]- mostly about how chilly it was, and jibes about me and Scott not having lights we set off shortly before 0630.
Three of us heading up the road and then we wondered where Scott got to. He had done this ride before and knew the way. He did the first half klick on the track whilst we plodded up the road and then joined the track. Jumpers and jackets were discarded shortly afterwards. The 7km or so to Mundaring township is mostly wide-ish sniggletrack [4], crosses the road a couple of times and very pleasant to ride, even uphill. It was dark, with just enough moonlight, and a bit of mist. A favourite part of any ride, I was just waiting for the Tauntauns to appear out of the white haze...
Negotiated the unsigned dogs-leg at Mt Helena with no hassles thanks to Scott’s prior knowledge. Most of the track is easy to follow but this intersection could be a trap for first timers.
Past the BMX jump track at Chidlow The rest of us resisted Craig’s call to ride the jumps. I’m useless in the air. Once my bike wheels leave the ground I may as well be a triathlete [5] for all the skill I have.
Section of flat path that was dry but quite bumpy. In the not too distant past it seems a horse or two had been through here when it was wet and left many hoof marks which had now dried hard. Kind of like corrugations but different. Certainly not the most pleasant surface to ride on.
Went past Baker’s Hill and it’s over-rated pie shop (IMNSHO) It was somewhere about here that I first started to feel it. Yes it wasn’t that far into the ride but lack of mtb saddle time and yesterday afternoons racing was reminding me that the effects were still present.
Nearing Clackline there was a fun downhill run ending in a gully across a stream. Video
Six or seven kilometres of deserted road provided Craig with a chance to stretch his Surly’s legs necessitating him to wait for the rest of us at a lovely paddock edge. Reminded our two ex-pats of Wales apparently. It is quite scenic in parts and all the sheep were out with their lambs following them about. We continued past the West Northam water tanks followed by a nice run of sniggletrack just before Northam. A cool, rough downhill, complete with dodgy pipe crossover before a short pathway blat into Northam town centre where the Garmin told me we had done 75km on the dot.
Not much doing in Northam on this lovely sunny Sunday. I was looking forward to the mountain bikers lunch of choice [6] but was sadly disappointed with what was on offer. A bakery, a cafe or Chicken Treat. We settled on the bakery which was empty when we arrived but within a minute of entering it was filled with more than a dozen locals. Purchases were made and we adjourned to the local park by the river to scoff down our sausage rolls, pies, buns, pastries, milk & Cokes.
After refilling CamelBaks and bottles we headed back out of town and climbed the steepest part of the ride. The rough track next to the pipeline wasn’t as hard going up as I thought it might be when I was barrelling down it earlier on.
A regroup at the Wales-esque paddock took place before the short roll down the road to Clackline. We waited there too as it seems Lee had a puncture. Craig went back to help him out with me and Scott heading off up the track. It wasn’t too long before Craig and Lee caught, then passed us and we were off the back again. This might have been the last time I saw Craig until I finished the ride! Lee I could see in the distance for some time and almost caught him at a road crossing but then he disappeared into the yonder again. I was really hitting the wall at this point and it was somewhere around the 135km mark that I stopped and waited for Scott. I was knackered and inhaled my emergency gel. Scott turned up after a few minutes and we had some more lollies. A lady rider heading the other way said she hadn’t seen anyone else on the track. I figured Lee and Craig must’ve finished. We re-mounted , determined to finish off the day. I spent most of the remaining kilometres back to Mundaring township yo-yoing off the back of Scott’s wheel. I perked up once we reached the downhill sniggletrack back to the Hotel and we bombed down it, legs forgetting that we’d already asked 144km of them. I finished the last of my water somewhere around here. Rolled into the carpark, band was playing in the pub across the road, with 150km on Mr Garmin.
Craig was waiting for us – and had been for 25 minutes! Strangely, Lee turned up a few minutes later than us. Turns out he stopped to fix another flat and then got lost, probably missed the dogs leg mentioned previously at Mt Helena on the way back.
I was completely spent. I’d drunk 1.5 litres of water on the way out, 3 litres on the way back, a small Coke, sausage roll, small mocha milk, two bananas, two fruit & muesli bars, two Coconut Rough’s and my emergency gel. It was a bit before 1645, slightly closer to my self-imposed limit of 1700 than I’d planned.
The ride was certainly harder, or perhaps it’d just taken more out of me, than I’d anticipated. The mission was accomplished (which was to get some time on the dually) but if I was doing this ride again I’d definitely take my commuter (the Salsa ‘crosser of Orangeness). It’s much better suited for this ride. Hopefully I’ll get in a couple more sensible rides on the Giant before Dwellingup.
Scott will be along shortly with his version of events and possibly some cool video footage of the final piece of singletrack into Mundaring :)
Cheers,
Dave
[1] Karri Cup Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4
[2] “It's 0600. What's the O stand for? Oh my God, it's early!” - Adrian Cronauer, Good Morning Vietnam
[3] Meaningless MTB-OZ reference
[4] Sniggletrack = singletrack
[5] Let the flaming begin... (but if you'd rather read something funny try this)
[6] burger with the workx & caramel milkshake
[gallery link="file"]
I’d wanted to tick the Kep Track off my list of ‘Rides To Do’ for some time now. I'd read about Andrew's expedition and thought I'd like to give it a go. It’s basically a dirt track that follows the Golden Pipeline from Mundaring Weir to Northam, 75km away. It’s not technical at all but does provide ample riding distance on dirt which would suit our purpose nicely. I’m not really into touring and staying in Northam didn’t turn me on so it was put forward that we ride it out and back. It’s not even hilly but my thinking was that what it lacked in elevation would be made up for in distance. The Dwellingup100 involves quite a lot of up and down but is only a mere 100km – so surely this would be a good training ride! A few emails to some interested parties, a short debate on a free weekend and a date settled on. It’d be good to knock this one over in a day.
By the time Sunday morning rolled around our band of riders had been whittled down to four. Scott, Lee, Craig and myself rocked up to Mundaring Weir Hotel carpark at 0600 [2] where it was deserted and dark. Scott and me on dually’s, Lee on his cool Focus hardtail and Craig on his Surly Long Haul Trucker. After some Mindless Banter™ [3]- mostly about how chilly it was, and jibes about me and Scott not having lights we set off shortly before 0630.
Three of us heading up the road and then we wondered where Scott got to. He had done this ride before and knew the way. He did the first half klick on the track whilst we plodded up the road and then joined the track. Jumpers and jackets were discarded shortly afterwards. The 7km or so to Mundaring township is mostly wide-ish sniggletrack [4], crosses the road a couple of times and very pleasant to ride, even uphill. It was dark, with just enough moonlight, and a bit of mist. A favourite part of any ride, I was just waiting for the Tauntauns to appear out of the white haze...
Negotiated the unsigned dogs-leg at Mt Helena with no hassles thanks to Scott’s prior knowledge. Most of the track is easy to follow but this intersection could be a trap for first timers.
Past the BMX jump track at Chidlow The rest of us resisted Craig’s call to ride the jumps. I’m useless in the air. Once my bike wheels leave the ground I may as well be a triathlete [5] for all the skill I have.
Section of flat path that was dry but quite bumpy. In the not too distant past it seems a horse or two had been through here when it was wet and left many hoof marks which had now dried hard. Kind of like corrugations but different. Certainly not the most pleasant surface to ride on.
Went past Baker’s Hill and it’s over-rated pie shop (IMNSHO) It was somewhere about here that I first started to feel it. Yes it wasn’t that far into the ride but lack of mtb saddle time and yesterday afternoons racing was reminding me that the effects were still present.
Nearing Clackline there was a fun downhill run ending in a gully across a stream. Video
Six or seven kilometres of deserted road provided Craig with a chance to stretch his Surly’s legs necessitating him to wait for the rest of us at a lovely paddock edge. Reminded our two ex-pats of Wales apparently. It is quite scenic in parts and all the sheep were out with their lambs following them about. We continued past the West Northam water tanks followed by a nice run of sniggletrack just before Northam. A cool, rough downhill, complete with dodgy pipe crossover before a short pathway blat into Northam town centre where the Garmin told me we had done 75km on the dot.
Not much doing in Northam on this lovely sunny Sunday. I was looking forward to the mountain bikers lunch of choice [6] but was sadly disappointed with what was on offer. A bakery, a cafe or Chicken Treat. We settled on the bakery which was empty when we arrived but within a minute of entering it was filled with more than a dozen locals. Purchases were made and we adjourned to the local park by the river to scoff down our sausage rolls, pies, buns, pastries, milk & Cokes.
After refilling CamelBaks and bottles we headed back out of town and climbed the steepest part of the ride. The rough track next to the pipeline wasn’t as hard going up as I thought it might be when I was barrelling down it earlier on.
A regroup at the Wales-esque paddock took place before the short roll down the road to Clackline. We waited there too as it seems Lee had a puncture. Craig went back to help him out with me and Scott heading off up the track. It wasn’t too long before Craig and Lee caught, then passed us and we were off the back again. This might have been the last time I saw Craig until I finished the ride! Lee I could see in the distance for some time and almost caught him at a road crossing but then he disappeared into the yonder again. I was really hitting the wall at this point and it was somewhere around the 135km mark that I stopped and waited for Scott. I was knackered and inhaled my emergency gel. Scott turned up after a few minutes and we had some more lollies. A lady rider heading the other way said she hadn’t seen anyone else on the track. I figured Lee and Craig must’ve finished. We re-mounted , determined to finish off the day. I spent most of the remaining kilometres back to Mundaring township yo-yoing off the back of Scott’s wheel. I perked up once we reached the downhill sniggletrack back to the Hotel and we bombed down it, legs forgetting that we’d already asked 144km of them. I finished the last of my water somewhere around here. Rolled into the carpark, band was playing in the pub across the road, with 150km on Mr Garmin.
Craig was waiting for us – and had been for 25 minutes! Strangely, Lee turned up a few minutes later than us. Turns out he stopped to fix another flat and then got lost, probably missed the dogs leg mentioned previously at Mt Helena on the way back.
I was completely spent. I’d drunk 1.5 litres of water on the way out, 3 litres on the way back, a small Coke, sausage roll, small mocha milk, two bananas, two fruit & muesli bars, two Coconut Rough’s and my emergency gel. It was a bit before 1645, slightly closer to my self-imposed limit of 1700 than I’d planned.
The ride was certainly harder, or perhaps it’d just taken more out of me, than I’d anticipated. The mission was accomplished (which was to get some time on the dually) but if I was doing this ride again I’d definitely take my commuter (the Salsa ‘crosser of Orangeness). It’s much better suited for this ride. Hopefully I’ll get in a couple more sensible rides on the Giant before Dwellingup.
Scott will be along shortly with his version of events and possibly some cool video footage of the final piece of singletrack into Mundaring :)
Cheers,
Dave
[1] Karri Cup Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4
[2] “It's 0600. What's the O stand for? Oh my God, it's early!” - Adrian Cronauer, Good Morning Vietnam
[3] Meaningless MTB-OZ reference
[4] Sniggletrack = singletrack
[5] Let the flaming begin... (but if you'd rather read something funny try this)
[6] burger with the workx & caramel milkshake
[gallery link="file"]
Sunday, March 28, 2010
NDCC Gnangara criterium
Turned up expecting to be the only SPR rider there (there was a ride with phil Anderson organised by our club and I thought everyone would be going on that) but found Josh and Jason warming up at the start.
Entered in C grade with us 3 SPR dudes, 4 BikeForece guys, a million NDCC riders and a few individuals and blow ins.
Course was 1.7km and race was 30mins + 2 laps.
Took it real easy up the front for the first few laps - no one wanting to push the pace. The usual antics by the NDCC guys launching off the front came to nothing. After about 5 mins there was a break of 3 riders (a Cyclemania guy, Jason from SPR and an NDCC kid) who took off and quickly gained a solid gap. With the other "teams" represented in the break it was up to the BikeForce guys along with the individual riders to chase and they didn't appear too happy about it.... Nor were they good at it.
The break got out of site and I'm suprised they didn't lap us by the end. I did my turn up the front including chasing down the odd NDCC rider that wanted to launch. During one of my turns up the front i sensed the pace slowing down and so I put in some hard ones and went off up the road for a bit. One young NDCC guy had come for the ride but he was stronger. We swapped a few turns but then he had his turn and I couldn't hang on. He gapped me and eventually sat up for me. I felt bad - as I had nothing left and he was left in no mans between the bunch and the break.
I started to drift back towards the bunch and was promptly spat out the back when they went past. The young guy held on for 4th (behind the break) and our other SPR team mate won the bunch gallop for 5th. Our guy in the break got outsprinted for 2nd. I rolled in 10 or 15 secs behind the group.
Happy to have had a hand in how the race went but dissapointed with eventual outcome. My race idea changed when I realised there was some team mates at the race. Until then i was planning on sitting in and then having a dig at the end. But with mates it gave me something to work for and it was more interesting.
Next 'race' is a 4hr solo mtb enduro on the 11th and the following week there is a road race on a 21km circuit (3 laps for c grade) which I'm looking fwd to. I've raced the circuit before and it's as rough as guts.
1000+km for March. Motivation for cycling is on the rise. Weather is awesome over here atm. Finally the killer hot is over.
Entered in C grade with us 3 SPR dudes, 4 BikeForece guys, a million NDCC riders and a few individuals and blow ins.
Course was 1.7km and race was 30mins + 2 laps.
Took it real easy up the front for the first few laps - no one wanting to push the pace. The usual antics by the NDCC guys launching off the front came to nothing. After about 5 mins there was a break of 3 riders (a Cyclemania guy, Jason from SPR and an NDCC kid) who took off and quickly gained a solid gap. With the other "teams" represented in the break it was up to the BikeForce guys along with the individual riders to chase and they didn't appear too happy about it.... Nor were they good at it.
The break got out of site and I'm suprised they didn't lap us by the end. I did my turn up the front including chasing down the odd NDCC rider that wanted to launch. During one of my turns up the front i sensed the pace slowing down and so I put in some hard ones and went off up the road for a bit. One young NDCC guy had come for the ride but he was stronger. We swapped a few turns but then he had his turn and I couldn't hang on. He gapped me and eventually sat up for me. I felt bad - as I had nothing left and he was left in no mans between the bunch and the break.
I started to drift back towards the bunch and was promptly spat out the back when they went past. The young guy held on for 4th (behind the break) and our other SPR team mate won the bunch gallop for 5th. Our guy in the break got outsprinted for 2nd. I rolled in 10 or 15 secs behind the group.
Happy to have had a hand in how the race went but dissapointed with eventual outcome. My race idea changed when I realised there was some team mates at the race. Until then i was planning on sitting in and then having a dig at the end. But with mates it gave me something to work for and it was more interesting.
Next 'race' is a 4hr solo mtb enduro on the 11th and the following week there is a road race on a 21km circuit (3 laps for c grade) which I'm looking fwd to. I've raced the circuit before and it's as rough as guts.
1000+km for March. Motivation for cycling is on the rise. Weather is awesome over here atm. Finally the killer hot is over.
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