Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sore Legs and Saw Bikes.

Mark “Fenz” Fenner FTP sessions are back in my daily schedule. Developed to specifically focus on development of my aerobic system I will progress through a range of quality intervals during the week. At the correct intensity these intervals have been difficult to complete but with the focal point on quality over duration I still have time to do the other things I want to.

Last year “Fenz” sessions gave me a great stepping stones with a solid base, build and performance phases to produce the personal bests I was after.

So here I am, sore legs but knowing very well, given time and dedication to the sessions, my end of year goals will be achieved.

Where can you find the TDF on a big screen, Bike Polo, BMX half pipe and flatland demos while checking out a variety of cycling related goodies?
The inaugural Bike and Lifestyle Show held at Moore Park on the weekend.
Being a bit thin-on with exhibitors, I believe the show was in no way a true reflection of the Australian cycling industry let-a-lone the diversity of cycling in Sydney . This was also reflected to the “in show” deals and samples. In saying that I think the Bike and Lifestyle Show has the potential to be a great event with further inclusions.
It was nice to check out the latest offerings from brands such as Mavic, BMC, 2XU and Shimano. Enter half a dozen draws from the likes of MTBA (a years membership free) through to Australia ’s very own pro road cycling team (Team bike and kit). All the details on the showing in Brisbane can be found on their website, bikeshow.org.au.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

My Top 5 from Rockytrail Grand Prix at Awaba

1. While checking out the conditions of the trail and as a bit of a warm up. I climbed up from the transition area and then wound my way back down via the sweet switchbacks before the end of the DH trail. Winding might not be the best description, more like hooking it. Came it to one of the corners to hot, braked to late, ran off the trail and in a spray of bark fair into a sapling.

2. Don't brake on the damp wooden bridges. I just had to make sure and after a couple of close calls, one with a big tree traversing back from the south end of the trail. The other after the infamous concrete block cork screw, there was a two wheel slide across that bridge but no off.

3. Love the trail. The cool thing about Awaba is the flow of the trail. Making best use of all the berms, rollers and downhill sections to keep momentum high.

4. When the GP4 riders finally stopped crowding the track, we really got to stretch our legs as the trail opened up. Most of us became more consistent in our lap times and had a lot more fun.

5. Sidling up to transition 20 minutes before the 7 hour mark, undecided on a last lap or just to call it now. But Martin and the Rockytrail team wouldn't have stop before the 7hr mark, a pep talk, some verbal persuasion and I was pushed back onto the single-track to do it for the last time.