Saturday Morning, a few hills, some flat and a flat.

Thankfully the flat wasn't mine.

Link

Sydney Olympic Park - Monster X, Part 2

The BMX course at Sydney Olympic Park.

Sydney Olympic Park - Monster X

Two runs down the X track while on a leisurely cycle around the paths of the Sydney Olympic Area.

Winmalee Ride

A ride around Winmalee Firetrails.

Data from my Bryton Rider 30 for STM Round 8 1/4

Yep that is my lap with Andy Hall with the peaking HR towards the end.

STM Round 8 1/4 Video

Direct link --> http://youtu.be/EgN8T9Wn8GY

Chocolate Foot’s Single Track Mind Series Final Round for 2011, Round 8 ¼

Held at the people’s favourite trail, Awaba, we finally got our chance to ride the flowing lines that this trail is well known for. After a number of rained out attempts through out the year it wasn’t just the crew from Chocolate Foot that had their fingers crossed for some fine weather. With a record cool start to summer everyone was hoping for a clear few days so the trail would be in perfect nick and vehicular access to the trail would be achievable.
The trail was in good form with just a few possible damp spots, like if you were still hugging the ground after a certain fast fire-trail down-hill run. There were a couple of sandy corners and sections that may have caught out a rider or two but the remainder of the course remained hard-packed and mostly grippy. Once again the Camel Back climb forced some riders off their bikes, not many riders were going to be able to claim a full lap in the big ring.

Photo by: Mike Israel (TORC)

I enjoyed my race, making the most of all the descents and just pottering back up the hills. With this being the last event for me for the year (others will be attempting a new event, a NYE 8hr Enduro at Jindabyne, Wicked Wombat, check it out) I was out just out to enjoy myself. With a new big-ring fitted a week ago my SRAM adorned Yeti worked flawlessly. I have to thank Enduro Pulse and our sponsors for their ongoing support.

At the pointy end of the solo field Jason English had pushed off the front leaving Andrew Hall and Ed McDonald to sort out the minor placings. When I caught up with Andrew for a chat on course in the final hour, he mentioned that he was having much more fun not worrying about the lead. With in excess of seven hours riding virtually without any company Andrew was happy to have someone to chat with. I was riding at Threshold and was struggling to return the banter. Andrew finished in second and Ed, on his SS, a credible third, both would go on to place first and second respectively for the series.

The Chocolate Foot crew once again have brought us a great series, highlights which include, Round 6 at Rydal on the fresh new Lithgow trails, a tacky Round 4 on the superb Wingello trails, but who could forget Round 2 on the hero dirt that is Coondoo. Catch you all next year for more MTBing fun.

Copperhead Trail

While on Copperhead we stopped to let Ben session a small section, going big for an A line.

Sydney 24hr Video

Woops, how could I forget the JetBlack 24hr?

The second running of the JetBlack 24hr for 2011 was to be held at Botanical Garden Mt Annan on the ever growing Enduro Trail.
With recent JetBlack 24’s being known for getting some terrible Hawkesbury February weather, Rocky Trail Entertainment decided to move location and the month of the event.
I cringed when I heard it was to be in December, imagining a sweltering South Western Sydney summers day. However, I convinced my support crew I would take it easy and if it was extremely hot, riding would play second fiddle to hydration and shade.
We arrived at the event centre and it was already bustling with bikes, people and tents. Coffee, BBQ, showers and toilets all the basics seemed to be catered for, bike mechanics, live DJ, and Bernard beverages. Wait a minute, beer? At Rocky Trail events anything is possible.

After a week of mixed weather Saturday turned out to be fine with clear skies. The trail was in good nick too, hard-packed and dry. We started with a loop around the event centre on the fire-trail to spread out the field before heading onto the single-trail of the Enduro Trail.
The first couple of laps were good sighting laps, getting a feel for the flow and grind. The double tabletops at the far end of the trail were an instant favourite, popping them for some easy air-time, but it was on my fourth lap I popped off the second one landing on the short down ramp squirreling on the front wheel.
It had attempted to roll the rubber off the wheel and there was dirt in the bead letting out air. I guess I was having too much fun.

The afternoon heated up, reaching into the thirties and after hours of constant use the trail was beginning to get dusty. Leading solo riders Jason English and Ed McDonald had already lapped me but this wasn’t unusual (they commonly pass me mid race during an eight hour). I was attempting to ride in a low heart rate zone, aiming to have plenty in reserve for later.

With 500 riders gathered from around NSW, ACT and even as far away as QLD for the 24 and 6+6 event the event centre was always busy and had a nice vibe with plenty of encouragement from other riders and spectators.

Out on the trail there was always a spot to pass or be passed without much effort. Everyone was enjoying the twists, turns and berms that feature so heavily in many sections of the trail.

It was probably not the time or place to figure out my last event, the BottleButt 100, had just about trashed my (big) 39t chainring. This Forced me to drop to the granny, 26t ring, and leave it there.
Or that I hadn’t fully recovered from the event and subsequent respiratory illness picked up while my defences were low.
My body was starting to struggle, as my support crew fitted batteries to my Ay-Ups and I headed out for some night laps the mental games were starting.

Where had the fun gone?
This was usually my time to shine, steadily working through the night, keen to feel those uplifting sunrise effects and blasting through the next morning. Instead I was pulling on a set of tracky-dacks and wiggling into a sleeping bag. I think I just called it a night.

Just after first light I was back up and into a new set knicks. I was at a mtb event, there was a nice trail just outside my tent, it was time to at least stretch my legs. Out I went to complete a further 6 laps before calling it quits for the day.

Rocky Trail once again had brought us a great event with heaps of atmosphere. Thanks to my crew and team for their ongoing support during these challenging events, especially when the chips are down.
I look forward to the next enduro event, see you there.

Copperhead Trail

With the launch of this new trail just last week, and words like unique, flow and downhill filling the spaces for description, I just had to check out Mt Buller’s latest collaboration with World Trail. Coined as a “flow down” trail, Copperhead is gravity assisted, machine rolled and capped trail featuring plenty of berms and rollers. Offering a downhill like descent with none of the demanding technical features, no crazy rock-gardens, no drop-offs, no gaps. But don’t think that it is just a stroll down the hill, there is still plenty of downhill edge, just let go of your brakes and while the trail is still fresh the loose top surface was like riding on marbles.
The trail is achievable on every style of bike, XC hard-tail through to a full DH rig. Riders should look forward to the official opening of the MTB season and chair lift to make the most of this trail. Copperhead and the chair lift will be the feature of the Bike Buller MTB Festival Stage 2 Race – The 5hr Brake-Burner. With the growing popularity of Super D and All-mountain events, were downhill and cross-country trails are incorporated, Bike Buller is leading the way to bringing gravity trails to all mountainbikers.

Bike Buller

With a variety of trails linking around Mt Buller and over to Mt Stirling, Buller MTB Trails your cross country and downhill needs are catered for. There are endless views when you stop for that needed breather on the trail, mid the forest of Mountain Ash and Snowy Gums. These trails are not for the faint hearted and suit competent MTBers right through to mountain-goat like experts. These often challenging trails have the distinct build markings of the World Trail team and are designed to be low maintenance and sustainable. Buller is well on its way to becoming a MTB mecca.StoneFly – Launched in early 2011, Stonefly has been labelled as one of the best trails in the country. The 10km loop extending out to Mt Stirling offers rugged climbs, tight switchbacks and flowing descents. With creek crossings, rock armour and many other features, you are kept you on your toes, if the scenery wasn’t a distraction already. The long gradual climb is rewarded with a fast and flowing run back down the mountain and in its self is sure to test the skills and endurance of all riders. A jewel in Buller’s crown of trails.

Misty Twist – Simple yet effective Misty Twist single-track blazes through the Victorian Alps as you enjoy the flowing downhill and work, often deceptively back up, towards Corn Hill.

Gang Gangs – Descends from the Village to Corn Hill and is a great little single-track with a few technical sections.

Enduro DH?

Is this the next area to open up? With big travel bikes, lots of DH and challenges, oh hopefully this is what they call Super D! I believe RockyTrail is bringing us the Rollercoaster Series in 2012 at Ourimbar and Stromlo. Hold onto your hats! More information at Rock Trail.

BottleButt Stats as collected by Bryton 30

2011/11/19 07:24: Activity Type: Mountain Biking

BottleButt Vid

BottleButt - The Race

Race day cleared to a fine morning and it was expected to be warm. I had a camelbak of water, Hammer Gel, Bars and all necessary bits to fix any of the usual bike related issues. Lining up beneath the start-arch, it was going to be straight out the front gate, 500 meters of road before we hit the fire-trail.
It didn’t take long before it turned rough, washed-out and it sorted out the front bunch. I attempted to keep with the small lead group which included Jason English but they were powering up the hills and I was just off the pace. Finding myself between the two distinct groups I noticed a rattle and during one of the early tough climbs isolated it to my bottle cage. Thankfully it was a slow point and I was happy to stop, whip out the multi tool for a quick re-torque of the attachment bolts. It was during these moments the following group caught me, but it was early days yet.
Completing the first loop, it defiantly felt longer than the 27km indicated. The steep fire-trail to water bars were the highlight, the “new” single-track was super fresh and I dug the front end in and found myself off the bike, that and pushing the bike on a steep hill so early were the other sections I care not to remember. At this point I was happy to skip the drink station, with what felt like a fairly heavy bladder still on my back and half a drink bottle of Perpetuem concentrate on the bike.

The “Green Zone” on the eastern side of the highway was another push-fest, both the 100km and 50km riders would traverse this section, once in each direction. It was at this stage one of the riders I was keeping up with compared the event to the Husky, it wasn’t favourable comparison as we trudged through the muddy forested area attempting to avoiding knee deep moto trenches. On the bright side once we hit firm ground one of the volunteers commented that we had seen “pretty much the worst of it”. Over the next two loops of the Jolly Nose trails, it was evident that it may have been drier but it was still enough for my counterpart to pull the pin. The course changed only a little bit from the first loop to the second, thankfully with only ninety riders starting the event, it didn’t get much muddier. The biggest change was a huge tree that had fallen across the track, well I don’t remember having to trek around a tree the first time round.

Getting to the final drink station was a relief, my camelbak was now dry and I had rationed a bottle of HEED through the second lap of Jolly Nose loop. The day had heated up to a scorcher and in amongst the trees it was very humid. I refilled my bottle, munched on at least two oranges before adding a little extra water to my bladder “just in case”. Sure it was just 20km to the finish but if I was to go off the last eighty I quickly calculated there was possibly another hour and a half of riding. The volunteers suggested that there had been less than ten 100k’ers through.

The last section was more of the same, fire-road into muddy single-track. There were multiple unachievable sections including a very long and steep moto gouge which I couldn’t ascend without a small breather. From there it went back to fire-trail and eventually opened to just rolling steep hills with little shade. I passed a GSC rider, he seemed to have hit the wall but said he was alright. I rode on alone just hoping at every hilltop to sense that the finish was at the bottom. Thankfully the trail entered a forested area, the shade was a relief, then it swung onto a tar road, was this it?

I reached the top of a rise and spotted the moto-facility. I crossed the line exhausted after 6:45hrs in and out of the saddle. My Yeti ASR-C continues to be a good balance between speed and comfort. The SRAM drive-train shone non-stop and shift smoothly despite the wet and muddy conditions.

It was evident there was a big dropout rate as the carpark was mostly empty of cars. Turns out there was a 30% DNF rate over both the 50 and 100km. At the presentations it was disappointing to see the participants who were successful in their category not get their podium moment. But the iAdventure team should be praised for putting together a well marked course and a smooth event. The choice of location with “real” toilets, hot showers, bike wash, there were free tents to camp in, a BBQ and live music close to the Event Centre.

When Jason English remarked to me, “wasn’t that the hardest 100km you’ve done?”. I have to admit, yes Jas, it was.

Highland Fling Video

Thanks to Spriggsy for collecting the footage.

BottleButt Prelude

The BottleButt is newest 100km event to join the ever growing list of MTB Enduros. Located in the Port Macquarie region and designed in consultation with local resident 2x World Solo Champion Jason English. The trails used by the event were to take us through the lush State Forest of the Mid-North Coast around Queens Lake and Burrawan.

Due to clashes with other events in the area on the first scheduled weekend the BottleButt was postponed to November, just one week after the highly popular Highland Fling in the Southern Highlands . The Fling was to be the final round of the XCM Marathon Series and the BottleButt, originally on the list, therefore was scrubbed from the Series.

A week before the event changes were being made to the course. Bago Bluff climb was removed and the 100km riders would now complete a double loop of the Jolly Nose trails. Entries remained open till mid-week before the event, unlike most 100km Enduros this year the event did not reach capacity. Turns out numbers were slim and more like a club Enduro with 140 entrants over both the 50km and 100km.

Weather was going to play a factor as the region had approximately 70mm of precipitation 48hrs prior. The Otway has had one (or two), Pleasure and Pain, Capital Punishment and most recently the Husky, all have seen wet races. Forecast was for it clear for the weekend.

CX/Short-Track

When it is all done and dusted.

ADCC Mountainbike Championships

A ute loaded with bikes and a weeks worth of possible medical gear we left Sydney for the unpredictable weather of Canberra and the 2011 Australian Defence Cycling Club Mountainbike Championships. Monday morning was familiarisation session on the trails of Stromlo. A small group of us choose the trunk trail to get up past the observatory and then of course the spectacular Skyline and Luge on the way down. It gave us an opportunity to ensure our bikes were ready for the weeks racing and scope trail conditions.
In the afternoon it was a skills session with Indi Boer, former Australian National DH Champion, and James Bashford, Australian DH representative, on the 4X track and DH trail. Leaning new skills like manualing, and the line selection experienced riders use added to everyone's abilities.
Tuesday morning was 4X and I used the new found skills to fly through the heat and into the semi final. During the semi final run I missed out on the Final by half a bike length.
In the afternoon it was the XC and it was lightning fast. It was a carpark sprint to the first corner between scattered showers and onto the now tacky track. With only four laps and a total of just 28km it was an all out sprint. I gave it a solid hit-out and attempted to red-line the whole race, lap 1 was a little slow with traffic but lap 2 through to 4 only varied by less than 10 seconds. I just couldn't make back the time to the XC specialists in such a short distance..
The weather was continuing to be wet on Thursday morning and the DH riders headed up the mountain for some timed runs. Slowly the scattered showers started to clear and the wind picked up drying off the trails. Just before lunch I headed up for one timed run and a starting time to work from for the afternoons final race runs. I was happy to post just under a 4 minute time.Stromlo's Downhill track is world-class and has been used for Australian National Championships, UCI World Cup and the 2009 UCI World Mountainbike Championships. With a variety of terrain and features, my aim was to attempt as many A-lines as "reasonably practicable". The infamous "Rock-Garden" was on the list, but the G-20 drop, Triple Treat and road gap were not. The afternoons competition runs were a little interesting in the wind, my first run I crashed after a bad line after a drop-off and small rock-garden, completing the run in 3:45. My final run clocked a time of 3:28 and was about a smooth and clean as any run I had completed all week.

It was great to spend almost a week on the trails of Stromlo, catching up with and making new friends, and of course riding two Yeti Bikes. Results for the ADF Champs, Semi Finalist 4X on the AS-R 7, 5th Elite XC on the ASR-C, 6th Elite DH on the AS-R 7.

ADCC Downhill

Yeti's AS-R 7

Big bike, big travel and the big brother to the highly popular 575, Yeti's AS-R 7 is a serious machine for those long crazy descents with the capability of riding to the top again.
Its generous reach had me immediately comfortable and a flick of the ProPedal, set to ride to the top of any hill. The long wheel base was only noticeable on the tightest climbing corners and the extra bulk play a bit of a factor when keeping up with lighter, short-travel bikes. Best treated as a seated climber.
It wasn't until the sweeping descents and baby-head rocks we en-counted heading back down the mountain that I really understood the AS-R 7. Although on the tall side, the bike's length provides great stability, confidence and smooths out the rough terrain. Assured of the bikes DH ability with its burly 2.35" tyres, DHX Air shock, through-axle front and rear, it was time to drop the seat and put it to the extent of my DH riding abilities.
Unfortunately the AS-R 7 was running a standard seat post and with the interrupted seat tube I couldn't get the seat super low, though the bike is adjustable seat-post ready with clips on the top tube. After two deep breaths I pointed the Fox Float RC2 fork at the Double Diamond run...
With no hint of flex, the bike handled precisely and easily soaked up the terrain. Extra emphasis is needed on big drops/launches with plenty of weight over the back wheel due to the bikes tall nature. The AS-R 7 challenged my skills at full speed, with ledges, launches, drop offs and doubles not normally considered. This bike took on everything I pointed it at and did it with ease.
If your prepared to ride to the top and need plenty of travel for the way down or need a versatile in the AM/DH category this could be the bike for you.

Ok here it is...

Take one Yeti AS-R7, Stromlo DH trail and an endurance rider.

The Highland Fling

"F-ling awesome" and "don't even feel to wrecked right now, but lets leave my time out of it, hey..." were just some of the comments post 2011 Highland Fling. The Fling is one of a few times a year the usually sleepy town of Bundanoon is awakened with a chorus of pedal clicks and gear crunches. Nestled in the Southern Highlands and close to great MTB location of Wingello the competitors were in for a treat.

For first time half Flinger, Andrew Coppleman, it was all about completion. "I am still alive,... I didn't come dead last", Andrew had chosen the half Fling to be his first MTB event, from all accounts he had a ball especially on the technical single-track towards the end, "the quality of track was best and watching other riders make a meal of it was amusing". When pressed Andrew revealed that the sand at the top of "Broke Back Mt" was a definite low point.

When the on-course decision had to be made, "Your Call", between the step-ups and the fire-trail around, it wasn't as bad as he expected, though he did walk the step-ups. "The other guys I normally ride with did really well and I can appreciated the value of training". Andrew is now considering his next event, possibly something a little more DH based, Super D perhaps?

Scott 24hr solo, STM Rydal 8hr, Syd to Gong, endurance rider Mark Astley has been leaving plenty of tyre marks over the last few months. Most recently he pulled up a bit sore after the full Fling. With no dedicated training since early October and the Scott 24, there was no surprise the Fling hurt a bit. After taking the first loop nice and easy Mark made good time on the second loop and absolutely smashed his time for the same loop last year.It was the final loop that makes or breaks the ride and the "Rollercoaster" around the 95km point is perfect for sorting those things out, "was smashing the flats and dying on the hills, ...granny gear an all".

The Highland Fling continues to be a "must do" on a ever growing list of 50/100ker events around Australia. Have you Flung recently?

Thanks to Andrew and Mark for their inspiration and perspiration.

Photos to Follow...

4X @ the ADCC MTB Championships

Take a mix of bikes, a mix of abilities, Stromlo 4X track and a ton of fun.

The Convict Trail

A great way to revisit the trails of the 100km Classic, learn about our history and methods of making roads.

A follow on from Road Racing, what the...?!?

NIght Ride

Having some fun and getting back into night rides.

Port Mc

On a recent trip up the NSW coast I stopped in at Port for a taste of the great trails. The 6 & 12hr is hosted here early next year, dont forget to check it out.

Also the Bottlebutt 100km is hosted from this local area too, on in MOvember!

Close up on SB-66

Will this be the Team Enduro Pulse bike for 2012? Or will it be a 29er, carbon...

Bowen Mountain

Hundreds of vertical meters later at the top of Bowen Mountain you may find the Burralow Trail. Back down the mountain on the other side, the dirt side, then cross up to Bells Line of Road. Sounds like fun, turn around back down, then up the mountain again. At the top look east across the Hawkesbury Valley, sweet. Now head down the tar side of the mountain and in doing so cut 1/4 off your travelling time, weeeeeeee!

GP Series Wrap-up

Check out the wrap-up at Banzai. Results for this series over the last three years has been good with a 1st in the inaugural series, 4th last year after missed the final round and a 3rd this year. Thanks to Rocky Trail for putting on such good events.

STM Rydal

What a day, what a great location. Just outside of Lithgow, edging on the Rydal Showground the 6th Round of the SingleTrack Mind Series made camp. Shade from the gums, real toilets, showers, BBQ, live timing and the mountain biking in the Australian bush. It was another great event by the Chocolate Foot Crew.

And this track sure took the cake for singletrack. With almost all of it being the twisty, on-camber, but mostly off-camber, flowing, but with plenty of tighter corners, SINGLETRACK. It all wrapped up on a fairly flat ridge-line and made the most of the land available.

Bring on the next round!

Vesrah XC SL Pad Review

In early September DIY MTB handed me a set of brake pads and said check these out. I was a bit dubious at first having never heard of Vesrah pads, the claimed 50% reduction in weight seemed excessive and more stopping power from my Elixir’s, I already stop on a dime. Usually you have a choice of two out of the three possibilities, durability, weight and cost, where were the Vesrah XC SL’s going to sit?
Weight was easy to test, a set of standard pads went onto the scales, then the XC SL’s. Yes they were half the weight of the standard pads and I think this is mostly due to the Alloy backing.
In the price range stakes, the Vesrah pads right across the range sit below the RRP of the OEM products and neatly with the other non OEM pads.
On the actual testing. Usually with products I do a bit of research or field-testing, to find out what I’m getting into before I set out on my own road to discovery. But not this time, out went the OEM pads, straight in went the XC SL’s and out onto the trails I headed. First impressions were mixed, the pads were noisy but the stopping power felt more direct. It took a few rides, some fine tuning and I finally had the pads running noise free. The packet the pads had arrived in claimed “motorcycle technology” and during the rides and races following it felt like I was packing more than 160mm discs as the pads gripped solidly and had me braking later before corners. All-round these pads are not excessively wearing and seem to be highly effective.

Vesrah is a division of Takara Corp which was founded in 1950, originally manufacturing brakes for Japanese bicycles. Due to market change and the popularity of motorcycles Takara moved into brakes for motorized transport and shortly after stopped their bicycle brake line all together. With the market once again changing Takara is back in the bicycle business bringing with them all they have learnt from the motorcycle industry. Vesrah are producing four different lines of pads, standard, XC, DH and XC SL, to cover all styles and rider preference. My bit of research has found the US hasn’t had much experience with them but the Kiwi’s have been riding successfully on them since ’07.
Check out the DIY MTB website and you should find a set of pads for most model brakes, find out for yourself how good these pads are.

Pacing

To link the whole paper here, http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/?xml=defencenews_airforce.xml, and check out the sport in the back.

For my story read it here.

Scott24 Vid

There is more, this was just a cut down of over 60mins of footage!

Scott 24 - First Time Solo

I was introduced to 24hr races back in 2009 in a team of 6. I raced in the Scott 24 Hour for the first time, since then the Mont 24 has been raced a couple of times as well as the Scott 2010, which was run alongside the World 24 Hour Solo Championships. After seeing the WSC I decided to race the Scott this year, solo.

Putting a plan together for training, it included racing in the Singletrack Mind 8hr Enduro Series and trying to ride about a 1,000kms a month.

This would give me 9,000kms prior to the race, hopefully enough conditioning. I managed the 1,000kms a month only once and reached 6,500kms of the planned 9,000kms. Work just seemed to get in the way of my well laid out plans...

The big day arrives.

As the event manager for the Albatross MTB Club I had organised a team of 6 for this years Scott 24 as well as some guys to come down as my support crew.

But due to work commitments, I ended up with just the team of 6 as my support crew, not ideal. Come to the rescue Crummy who was willing to help out as support crew, mechanic and motivator.

My race plan was to take it easy from the start and see how the body survived. Being that I had not ridden for more that 8 hrs before.

First lap was the red lap and it was beautiful sunny start to the race, this was going to be fun in the sun. First transition was a nice and fast as it was straight through the transition zone and not going through the camping site until the crowd died down a bit.

With the entry for the Scott we got a nice camp site down in the transition area for the team of six so I decided to run all my transition through there, and it worked well.

With 10hrs down and keeping an average between the 2 laps to an hour each it was looking good. I then had a bit longer of a transition on this one to get some pasta in and get some warm clothes on.

I put in four more laps with some longer transitions and started to feel buggered, so I pulled the pin for a couple of hours to get the head down and try and eat some more food.

When I got out of bed I very slowly started throwing down some food and started to feel much better.

In this time Crummy was giving the Giant a clean and lube and found that I had crack in the bikes frame. I had the spare bike ready to go, hard tail 29er , but Crummy offered up the his Team Enduro Pulse Yeti ASR-C to get me through the remainder of the event. I liked the idea of ridding on a dually to finish of the race.

So at about 0700 in the morning headed out again on the Yeti to finish of the race, as I came back into transition this was the only time I looked at the score board and my lap time was 5:42 and I was in 12th place. Lap times were good for the next 5 hours averaging the 1 hour laps again.

The guys gave me some lap times in transition for the rider behind and the one in front, they told me I had 40 mins on the guy behind so keep doing what I was and finish in 12th, I was very happy with that for my first solo 24 hr.

I was lead to believe there was about 1 hr to 11th place and I was not going to make that up, in the next hour. So I just settled in to a nice rhythm towards the finish of the race, the final laps was a blue lap and enjoy the ride. I ended up crossing the line at 12:01, with no need to go back out.

I somehow managed to pick up two places in the last lap, (could have been some dodgy info from the boys in transition), so I finished in 10th position with 18 laps under the belt.

Awesome day and night of riding and I can’t wait for the next one.

Thanks to Mark for being a sport, giving us an insight to Enduro riding with his words and photos.

Good Deeds and Training Steeds

Having done quite a few commuting k's over the last couple of weeks I was doing some on-bike exploring of the local area the other day attempting to find some new routes and back-roads to link up. I had ridden around and was on my way back when I rode up beside some stopped vehicles at traffic lights, noticed a caravan-er had an open fuel door on their 4x4 ahead. I slowed and pulled up beside their open window and inquired to see if their fuel cap and door was suppose to be in an it's open state. No? I didn't want to ask how long it had been since they had filled up,but just scootered back to fit the cop and close the door with a reassuring clunk. I continued on my way down to the lights and it wasn't until two more sets of lights, a couple of kilometres later the caravan passed me with a polite wave.

Who was the mountain biker riding along the soft sand on Manly Beach and what were they training for? Could it have been the Simpson Desert Challenge or MTNs to Beach? And what techniques, the weirder the better, do you use to train?

Manly Dam

Word on the street is that Warringah Council is looking to develop further MTB trails at Manly Dam. So I headed out to the unique location to see how the trails have been holding up.

Manly Dam is just a few short k's from Manly beach and is easily accessible via the roads off Condamine St. The trail is sandstone based and is mostly hardpacked with a mixture of sandy and rocky sections. Highlights include single track and downhill sections that take some practise to smoothly ride. Over the years boardwalks have been added and rocks moved to counter natural erosion and the constant use of the trails by bikes, runners and walkers.

The trail was mostly dry but rain three days earlier had still left some puddles, a little mud and more water in the stream crossing than usual. Not much had changed climbing up from the school and it wasn't until the traverse across the top of the golf course that significant work had been carried out. Ground level boards had been replaced by a raised board walk, a great move for more sustainable trails. Further on and moving into the returning descent a nice little section of rock armoured trail has been built leading to the B-line near the massive A-line "Humvee" roll-over. With the heavy use of this trail it is good to see work being done that will last for years and years.

Of course with any public multi use trail it is a good idea to keep in mind the other users, it is not uncommon to come across walkers and runners using the trail in both directions. It will be interesting to see what the Council and local trail users come up with over the next year for Manly Dam.

Scott24 Vid Super Shorts

Scott 24 Random Pics

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You will have to wait for the highlight Vid...

Scott24 - A short write up

Great to see the turnout of MTBers at the SCOTT24. Even though I wasn't riding I still of a few butterflies at the first glimpse of Stromlo will all the tents on it.

I knew riders in the Solo category, teams in Pairs, Sporty 4's through to riders in teams of Mixed 6's. Everyone would have got a good taste of the Stromlo mud and rocky conditions.

I'm not sure anyone really warmed up to the Blue Lap but that didn't stop the smiles and "Gordo Style" grimaces through transition.

First-timers on the Red Lap just wanted to get back out for another run on Skyline and the Luge, in an instant they had forgotten the +30mins of straight climbing involved to reach the top.

The weather gods were just toying with those on the mountain, blowing up some incredibly dark clouds, bone chilling winds, little precipitation and then kicking back with some sun and a rainbow for laughs.

As darkness fell over the quietening camp the trails remained ablaze with bikes and lights, it is always a spectacle to look up the hill as lights flickered and wound their way around.

When the sun rose over Canberra many weary, muddy faces were washed with the red dawn. Slowly energy was kicked back into riders, the nights efforts now showed, in some cases the hunt was still on for that elusive position or team. In others, riding through the night had brought on a multiple lap advantage, an early shower, hot food, rest and recuperation before the presentations.

Like Bathurst, for MTBers, it was all good.

More to follow...

Rocky Trail GP Final Round and Uber Weekend

A thousand words for a picture, a million for the video.

Caught at Mt Annan

Road Racing? What the?!?

Day One: Road Race, located within the Royal National Park on closed roads. Thanks to the race organisers for all their efforts brining together the RTA, Police, traffic control and National Parks. The course consisted of two major and one minor climb per 26km lap, morning showers had dampened the road but it cleared quickly to a warm and sunny day. I had to complete two laps of the course.

From the gun I lead the peloton through the neutral section onto the main road, opening up a couple one hundred meter gap to the peloton. After five kilometres out the front by myself I backed off and waited for the group, happy to sight the rest of the course from the bunch. On the main climb from the furthest turn around broke the bunch from 20 to around 10, we then went on to complete the lap without any incidents.

On the minor climb before the final climb to the finishing line I attacked away from the peloton. Other riders attempted to make the gap and only one made it across, we took turns on the front to hold off the peloton. I was then out climbed to the finishing line, crossing second but with a reasonable gap to the rest of the riders.



Day Two: Critirium Race, located at the Sutherland Shire Cycling Club (SSCC) Crit Track. Thanks to SSCC for hosting us. The track is smooth and fast and has three variants we were to use variant two, mostly flat, and three, which included a small climb. My grade was to complete 35 minutes, plus two laps, half on variant two and the final half on variant three.

It was a mixed pace race, only punctuated by a few half hearted attacks. The bunch kept together and I lead it into the final lap. With two corners and the climb to go I was swamped by riders attacking for the final sprint and rolled over the line in 8th place.



Day Three: Time Trial, located within Holsworthy. The 13km per lap course was undulating and included a down hill start and finish, to give you a false sense of speed. My grade was to complete two laps and we were to set off in reverse General Classification. I had not given much time away during the Crit and remained 2nd in the GC, therefore second last to go.

Things were looking good and I could see I was slowly gaining on the guy infront of me. At the turn around point some riders had made the mistake of turning right instead of u-turning, I briefly slowed to make sure a u-turn was correct, which allowed the leading rider to catch me. We also had the third placing GC rider just behind me after he made the right turn mistake. There wasn't much in it till transitioning into the second lap where substantial gaps opened. But it wasn't till presentations that we found out how we went.



Final Results:

2nd - Road Race

8th - Crit Race

3rd - Time Trial

2nd (Runner Up) - General Classification

Thanks to Enduro Pulse and our official partners, Dave Perry for lending me his steed, TWE for a fast set of wheels, Mick, Bel for all the little things.

WSC 2010 Vid

Zipping through WSC's vid and found this sweet capture. Ay-Up's Andy Fellows and Bozz Bekkers. In the background, the trainer and FTP guru Mark Fenner. Next to Fenz is "now back in multi-sport", and killing it, Katrin Van der Spiegel.

On test for DIY MTB over the next couple of months are some Vesrah brake pads. Made in Japan, with an alloy backing and (yes weight weenies) half the weight of standard pads. I hope to give these Cross Country SL's a workout. Results to follow.

JB 12hr gets covered

In the fine print, are all the category winners, even the Enduro Pulse Racing Pairs.

Mr English gets to show his colours on the back page of the Hawkesbury Courier.

NSW XC Champs

While not strictly a XC rider, XC events have been very much part of my riding. From the early days of Sport cat socalisation at SCUM events, through to building for Worlds last year, attempting A grade with WSMTB and SCUM. And when I heard there would be a 2011 NSW XC Championships, hosted by SCUM and all pulled together by a south coast crew, I knew it wouldn't be "just another" XC round. The only problem, I would be racing for the fourth weekend in a row.

We, the Expert men, were launched briefly after the Elite men scratching for the front positions up the fire-trail, almost making the gap to the Elite men before the single-track. From here we were on the Superbowl's turms, narrow on-camber traverses, log roll-overs and a few rocks to keep you focused on the task at hand. The pace was fast, a small mistake could mean loosing multiple positions. Winding down the hill and crossing the gully a multiple of times, you could test your skills with log doubles and narrow bridges.

I lost a couple of places on the first lap after a technical mistake and fought to hold onto my slipped position. Gasping for breath and with my heart trying to burst through my chest I zipped along the single-track. Then the track turned back up the hill, on the fire-trail, I cursed but held it in the big ring. Then it was back down the other side of the hill all on single-track and back to transition, onto the next lap. Gee, how many of these do I have to do at this pace?
It turned out I had to do three more and they were just as painful as the first.

Thanks to the organisers for their commitment, I had a lot of painful fun, as I'm sure many others did.

Wingello, this time, no monkey business!

With the Husky 100ker, the JetBlack 12hr and a little GP under my belt in the last month it was time to tighten it up a notch or two and emulate my team mates success. Sure, they didn't have the same racing schedule as I but, it was Wingello, fun, fun Wingello. Time to put the serious hammer down and have a ball.

There was a little problem, as for the Husky the weather was playing a factor, well lets just say Moss Vale had a fairly high rainfall the previous 48hrs. I forced a smile, there wouldn't be big bottomless pools of water, there would be a bit of sticky clay and possibly some mud. From what I could remember Wingello was hard packed, mostly on-camber and could handle a little dampness.

With a mix of mostly Canberra and Sydney riders numbers did seem down a little from previous rounds. The rain had stopped some time during the early morning and it was breaking into a fine morning as we bunched up, the fast boys hustling the front rows, for the fire-trail start. I squeezed next to Merida rider "Tails" and just behind SS Ed. Then we were off and flying.

Thanks to a great long fire-trail sections before and after transition and regular breaks in the single track I never had any problems with traffic throughout the day. Early on it was all about holding the fast pace, keeping up with the team riders and holding a good line through the muddiest bits. Before long it was lunch time, the track had cleaned up nicely but if you were looking for mud you could find half an inch of it covering myself and the Yeti.

Then there was the sweet single track, you hardly had to brake it flowed so nicely. Winding up and down the ridgelines with a few pinches just to keep us honest. My crew said I was in 7th early on and I kept my pace as high as sustainable, then it was 5th, over the final hours I pulled in 4th and managed a little breathing space too. Time to break out the GoPro on fun, fun Wingello.

Very happy to finish 4th. Loving the new Team Enduro Pulse kit from Champion Systems, have to say, they best knicks I have ridden in yet. Thanks to my support crew for dishing out my Hammer fuel and for keeping an eye on me. It was super fun to ride with such nice riders out on course, see you at the next enduro!

Pedal 4 Pierce at the JetBlack 12hr with Enduro Pulse

http://pedal4pierce.webs.com

JetBlack 12hr

A week of 12hr work days wasn't the preparation I had in mind heading into the Rocky Trail weekend at Dargle Farm. That and carrying out a full bike rebuild after the muddy Callala 100km. So between work, the rebuild and adequate sleep, there didn't seem enough time in a day to punch out a nice taper or even just a lap around the block.

We arrived early Saturday morning for the start of the JetBlack 12hr, but it wasn't near as cold as last years 12hr. The NSW and ACT members of Team Enduro Pulse were all due to arrive with our dedicated support crew, excited to get out on our Yeti's and have some fun. Craig and Jamie planned to team up and give the pairs category a run for it's money while my plan was just to ride through the day and enjoy the night laps.

The track was very similar to last year with just a couple of short additions to get around some fallen trees. Due to some moisture laden ground sections did get a little tacky but nothing to worry about. The trail is a mixture of open fire-trail, rocky single-track traverses, a few berms and pumps, with just about all the downhill sections being single-track. You even would have to use the granny on the finally a climb, unless you were a SS.

After some solid hours out on track I was sitting comfortably, it seemed like everyone was out for a good time, happy to chat and offering room to pass. There were few incidents that I saw, the occasional flat of the first few hours, a couple of broken chains and a few of the unfortunate stick vs hanger/frame. There was a generous vibe and relaxed atmosphere over the course of the 12hrs, can’t forget a big shout back to those people encouraging throughout the race.

Just before the half way point I had a small issue and made a quick fork swap on the bike, then headed back out for my remaining laps. From there it didn't seem to long before everyone way putting lights on, bring on the darkness, I had my Ay-Up's fitted from the start of the race. The darkness brought with it a temperature drop and out came the arm warmers and wind vest.

Jason English made it look easy, again winning the event. While I placed a comfortable 7th, Team Enduro Pulse Pairs pulled themselves into a podium position and took out the top peg. Congratulations to the riders who backed up from last weekends Callala 100km. And a massive thumbs-up to the half a dozen or so dedicated riders who helped getting the injured rider out.

A big thanks to my supporters for their dedication, real advice and keeping me riding. Thanks to Team Enduro Pulse and our team partners who keep us on the trails and racing. Keep an eye on Enduro Pulse for a full report and the next great event.

Mum, Dad I want to join the Circus - Pictorial

When Ay-Up turns up to a race, things can get a little freaky.

Ay-Up Enduro rider Bozz finds a tongue warm-up before a race helpful.

Al and me catch up before the night performance, watch out for Al at Enduro events in QLD.

Sneak-peek

Warming up for the 12hr? Watchout for these flash new threads, who? Team Enduro Pulse.

THE 100ker

The day dawned bright and with an almost cloudless sky. As we were on the coast, for the second running of The Husky Enduro 100ker, the morning air was cool but not cold and riders were streaming into the event hub. Then they streamed out to park on the street outside the event location due to the moisture laden ground.

There was anticipation, hydration packs and a few mudguards. As we milled around the grassy start area, the ground turned to mush, a sign of things to come? We were launched down beside the golf course on a hard packed track in large bunches but there seemed to be quite a few riders short of the 500 odd registered for the 100km.

Sure it did start out well, great trail, it separated riders as we pushed along. But it wasn’t long before we found our first puddle, riders dived to the outskirts for the shallow ground but were you one of the riders who threw caution to the wind? I know I did during that first section, flying down the hill there was no fingers on the brakes, I was hoping for a shallow hole or just a little bit of moving water. No, there was a brief second where the water was some where above my knees as I kept the bike well in front of me, hoping not to bury the front wheel. Then I popped out the other side very wet, I had cold feet and was still very muddy.

Not everyone was lucky, just in this first section I came across a couple of riders who had buried their front wheels while attempting a puddle crossing and were a little sore from the ungraceful dismount. Then even before we crossed Forest Road a guy was asking which way was the fastest way back, he had seen enough and just wanted out. He may have been one of sixty odd riders who started their 100km journey but didn’t make it through the course, defiantly not an isolated case.

Did a lead rider take a wrong turn? Why did 100km riders have 50kers riding head-on to them on the same trail? These are some of the questions I have, does THE 100ker need to be reviewed for continual suitability?

But credit to the riders who were out there for nine plus hours. Credit for the selection of SCUM single-track, we rode some of their best, with highlights from firstly Superbowl, then Butterfly and finally after more fire-trail the classic Coondoo. It wasn’t an easy day and as I passed riders pressure washing their muddy rigs, I pondered the massive rebuild ahead of me.

Yes that is my headset, jockey wheels, main pivot and link bearings. Next is the BB and wheel bearings......, not a quick job.

Mum, Dad I want to join the Circus

Another rendition of the Three Ring Circus Night Performance was held on the weekend. Performers had travelled from far and wide, with a large contingent making the pilgrimage from Queensland. I caught up with a large bunch from Queensland before the Night Performance, as they were enjoying the meticulously hand-swept single-track. There were plenty of positive comments on the trail, the Big Top's facilities and the atmosphere.

As the sun set through the pines Ring-Master Huw gathered the performers, with their Ay-Up's shining brightly they corralled beside the BigTop. The colourful creatures of Wingello came out to play, all flags and flames, then with a crack of the starters gun the lights were launch onto the trail.

At the high performance end Ay-Up's Andy Fellows lead the performers from beginning to end, putting the most time between himself and his other competitive performers during the final and longest ring. I caught up with Ay-Up rider Sean "Bozz" Bekkers shortly after piloting his 29er across the line in 4th overall, "I was having to much fun on the single-track and forgot we were racing, then it was like, oh crap we ARE racing".

There were 150 performers enjoying the Three Ring Circus Night Performance with around 30 of those borrowing a set of Ay-Up's to complete their Rings. It was a great sight to watch the fun and festivities that is the Three Ring Circus.

3 Ring Circus - Snapshots3

Ay-Up Team riders Bozz and Andy clown around after smashing the competition

How was that 55minute ride? No more like 45...

Big Top

Bozz streaks through the night

Andy leads the performers onto the final Ring

3 Ring Circus - Snapshots2

The Circus was put together by some seriously professional clowns

Out early on the first ring

Performers head out on ring One

The night performance start line

Fellows and another performer chat casually before the starters gun

3 Ring Circus - Snapshots1

Roll Up!

Yeah Huw, thinking 55mins tonight, Ay!

Atmosphere Ringside

Welcome to the Big Top

QLD guys checking out the trails

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.

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.

Frozen Foot

The start line, frozen in time.
Trying to keep warm, a balance between effort and the conditions.
Are you sure I can't ride in jeans?

Onza's collecting the frost, then gripping all day.

Happens to be frozen water on them there bars.

Frosty mornings in the Hawkesbury didn’t prepare me for icy reception we received at Mt Stromlo, home of the third round of Chocolate Foot’s Single Track Mind Series. I was rugged up and almost prepared to ride in my hoody and jeans when they called the briefing. There I was, beanie under my helmet, two sets of arm warmers and jerseys, leg warmers, woollen socks and my cold weather gloves, still chilled to the bone.

The Chocolate Foot team had picked some great tracks to ride for the day including Willo’s link, my first ride on this trail. With no heavy climbing, the trails linked together almost seamlessly, rewarded every assent with flowing traverses and fast descents. It was fun just to head out for another lap as the fog lifted with the offer of sweet burms and a cool but sunny Canberra day.

It took a couple of laps for the three hundred odd riders to really space out and for me to feel like I may have done a reasonably fast lap time. Then I was happy just to keep warm, pacing myself, having a ball with whips and cross-ups over the rollers. About half way through the day the leading riders finally caught me and I attempted to hold Dylan Cooper's wheel but to no avail, I found he rides on the verge insanity and disaster.

It was great to get out and enjoy the trails, it seemed like almost every one was having fun. Thanks to my dedicated support crew for braving the frigid conditions, keeping me hydrated and well fed. To Canberra's own Team Enduro Pulse rider for the good company and Chocolate Foot for putting on another great event.