Keepit Real 100 2014

As we headed out of Sydney it looked like we might miss the regular afternoon storm. Dinner was at Singleton and there was a fair way to go to reach Tamworth. The clouds were brewing, forming the inevitable rain-cloud shape with just patches of clear sky. Unfortunately the roads weren't heading in the direction of the clear sky and on the radio the Hunter Valley were being warned of hail and high winds.

There was rain, hail and high winds, so much so we pulled the car over pointing it into the oncoming weather, fearing the bikes may be wrenched from the roof otherwise. The rain persisted all the way to Tamworth featuring some spectacular lightening along the way. Thankfully our lakeside cabin was dry, while we enjoyed camping on the foreshore last year the additional crew joining us this year needed a few more amenities.

Slightly damp conditions around Lake Keepit,
tell-tale signs of the possible trail state.

We were at Lake Keepit, just west of Tamworth, for the second edition of the Keepit Real 100 by Switchback Events. A challenge by distance event along the shoreline and forested sections adjacent to the lake ridden mostly on the fire-trails and single-tracks in the area. We were signed up for the 50km again this year and pretty happy with the addition of more single-track for 2014 rendition.

Race day dawns, still humid and overcast but no longer raining. Time for breakfast and some pre-race prep before heading down to the registration area to pick up our race number, timing chip and goodies.

As we count down to the race we spot some of the top competitors this event has drawn, Jamie Vogele and Peter Selkrig fresh from last weeks National Solo 24hr Champs, and Torq/Merida team mates Em Parks, Holly Harris and Billy Sewell. But more impressive was the rest of the riders, it seems that there was twice as many people up for the challenge this year.

There was a new starting loop before we traversed along some 4wd trail and were spat out not far from the dam wall. It was a fast start with last years winner Sam Spokes putting plenty of pressure on the remaining field.

From the dam we headed into the steep hilly country where the Switchback Events crew and hardy volunteers had crafted the additional single-track sections. This single-track was intermixed with more open fire-trails, usually just in time for a steep climb!

Jamie Vogele and Billy Sewell lead out the 50km event.

The fire-trails were clay based and when not flicking globules of orange at you they were attaching themselves to our tyres. Thankfully we took the On-One which is built for these conditions, its wide stays and thin tubing now allowed for our super fat clay-laden tyres to pass easily and not collect as much muck.

At the 10km mark a deraileur misalignment saw us stop to fix the mechanical, our only one for the event. Handfuls of riders passed us and our work was cut out to work our way back up the ladder. The single-track helped, we were able to rocket along the sweeping narrow trails and over the technical sections with relative ease. On one of the more gradual climbs we caught team mate Sara Mills and further on it was known roadie and recent MTB convert Ray Griffin.

Riding with Holly Harris at the start of the back 20km.

The trail turned back towards the dam wall and we burst out of the forest, we were now riding with last years winner Sam Spokes, a mate of his and Holly Harris. Sam had turned off the afterburners due to some pedal cleat issues, turns out mud and road-shoes just don't mix. While Sam wasn't racing to win he still pulled some solid efforts as we transitioned from the first 30km to the flatter, more open remaining 20km.

It was time turn up the hurt just a little more and we broke away from the group before the course turned onto the hard packed fire-trail section. Then it was into a TT position to maintain the gap back to the group, just insight ahead was a CX bike (Lewis Garland). I really wanted to catch the CX bike but every time I came close the course would flatten out and he would gain time. We were now returning along the shoreline and it was exceptionally boggy, almost like riding on wet sponges.

Turning from the shoreline up towards the finishing arch, locking out our X-Fusion fork and determined to leave it all out on course, sprinting all the way. We didn't catch Lewis on his CX but made up a place overall passing young Michael Harris, finishing 13th overall and 7th in Senior Male Category. Full results are available here.

What a blast the Keepit Real 100 was! A heap more singletrack, nice overcast conditions and the most leg-sapping mud we have seen in a long time. Thanks to Switchback Events for putting on another challenging event in a great location, you should look out for more events from this dynamic team. It was great to catchup over the weekend with my JetBlack MTB Racing team mates, thanks to the team and our sponsors for their continued support. 

JetBlack 24

It was November and we are again considering the final big event for the year, the JetBlack 24. A running history of some tough conditions this event has seen us ride both successfully and less-successfully across a variety of categories. For this year we chose to compete as a team reeling back to a 6+6 in hope of some rest and recovery overnight, dialing the fun up to 11 during the day.

The hectic start for the teams in the 24hr and 6+6.

There were warm conditions again this year and hydration was going to play a key aspect of anyones ride.  A trail extension was added, only just completed the week of the event and this would see riders enjoy a couple more built features and then turn around to hurt badly on the winding climbs.

Open fire-trail start gets the first few teams into the single-track without serious conga.

Rocky Trail Entertainment had scored the National Solo 24hr Championships to be held in conjunction with the JetBlack 24hr. This saw some of the best endurance riders gravitate to Mt Annan from as far away as New Zealand and South Australia. But it wasn't just the specialists in attendance for the Nats but plenty of guys and girls giving solo 24 a go for the first time. It was great to be able to watch as top contenders Andrew Lloyd, Ed McDonald, Jason English, Liz Smith and Tory Thomas played their hands throughout the event.

24hr solo first-timer Kevlar.

For us in the 6+6 it seemed like we had picked the most competitive category with many teams including some serious XC and Marathon talent. We still laid down some decent lap times while hovering close to the top 5 teams in the category, many thanks to our team mates for the no stress transitions and chilled vibe while off the bike.

Team-mate Mick hands off to Shane in the 6+6.

The on-course atmosphere was very laid back, it was pretty sweet to be able to ride with so many top-level and representative riders. There is always plenty of passing opportunities and everyone was courteous, solos, teams, who-ever. 

Another great event by Rocky Trail, thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team and our sponsors for all their support this year. 

We were able to relax overnight while the 24hr rides rolled through.

Full results here.

Highland Fling 2014

Words by Belinda Althaus.



Twelve weeks of intense training, lots of hill climbing (like crazy amounts), and a few 4hr races had led to this day, the Highland Fling.  Time had come around again, however the day was a contrast difference to 2013 whereby average temperatures were about nine degrees, drizzling light rain, no dust and a few less k's.

 

It was what you would consider ideal climate, sunny with a light breeze.  However this brought with it some downsides.  It was dusty, hot in the exposed areas and the wind only picked up as the morning rolled on.  An extra 6kms were added to this year's Full Fling which in hindsight doesn't sound like much…. What they didn't tell us was that there would be a lot more climbing as well. More singletrack was added in the second loop as well which would test the skills, particularly in my case as this hasn't always been a strong point of mine.  



My goal this year was to ride a sub-six hour race with the 2013 race being 6hr 6mins.  I was feeling confident, I had trained hard, and prepared well.  I was mentally and physically fitter and it had all come down to this race.  I decided I would race with the elite women, noting that these women are strong and brilliant at what they do.  Some of these girls included the likes of Jenny Fay, Peta Mullens, Christy Henderson, Rebecca Locke, Lucy Betchel and Naomi Hansen who was the current leader in the Marathon Maverick series.  I was clearly not within the calibre of these riders, but I wasn't going to let this deter me in racing my best.  The Full Flingers (excluding elite) and 100milers set of 15mins earlier then us, and before long time had rolled around for us to hit the pedals. 



The elite bunch including males and females weren't large (20-30riders) which made for a surprisingly pleasant start.  I was aware of my experience and ensured I stayed out of the main field and instead tacked onto the back.  This may have proved a bad move but I didn't want to be seen as "that rider" so for me it was the safest move.  The start wasn't too hectic and the bunch stayed together for the first 5kms.  I was holding on the wheels of the bunch with relative ease, however clicking it back a notch on approach to a loose sandy corner followed by a moderate pinch the gap began to open and the bunch was spreading out.

 

Naomi Hansen had also fallen from the back and I was holding her wheel.  We both began to lose contact and it was at this point that I made the decision to ride behind her wheel rather then lose contact altogether.  Naomi was a strong rider, consistent pace; however she was lagging on hills which suited me.  I used this to my advantage and therefore was able to ride consistently with her in my sights knowing that I only had to put a few good pedals in on the hills and then just maintain on the flats. This worked well, and it enabled me to ride into Transition 1 directly behind her with having over-done it.



Transition went well, a bottle change and some solid food and I was off ready for the second stage.  At this point I was in front of Naomi and help this position until the first section of single track appeared. I was riding well, except I came to a rock garden which I baulked at which was then followed immediately by several riders coming through with I waiting with no where to go until they passed.  Naomi was in this group and so again I was behind her. No time to give up I got back into rhythm riding with intensity, pushing up the hills where I could.  It was getting hotter, the exposed fire roads weren't helping either and my two water bottles were rapidly emptying.  I was conserving my water with anticipation that the mid way water refill would come soon.  A welcomed relief when I saw it, stopping quickly to refill.  Within 10kms of the finish of Stage 2 I descended a hill to see Naomi on the side repairing a puncture.  This was my opportunity to put some time in and with that I was spurred on to keep pushing all the way home.  

Transition 2 appeared and I was clearly behind my goal time of 4hrs.  It had now been 4hrs 40mins but I wasn't going to let this disappoint me.  I had a race to finish and I just wanted to finish strong. Another brief stop in transition, some more solid food and I were again on my way for the final leg. This could arguably be described as the hardest part of the ride as there is a section of single track within the last 15kms that tests every ounce of your concentration and mental capacity.  After a disastrous finish in 2013 whereby I nearly gave up at the 90km mark due to hitting the wall, I was determined this would not happen again.  Instead I continued to eat, and broke it down into 3 lots of 10kms. You do what you can to get you through and this was my best option on the day.  

It worked and I rode a strong final 30km, riding well against the times of the elite women ahead of me.  The single track seemed to fly by and the "final 5km" was getting closer every minute.  Once I saw this, the pedals were turning with exhilaration and determination knowing that once again the Fling had been flung and I had managed to finish with a sense of strength not to mention contentment in my effort regardless of the finish time.

 Unfortunately the goal of sub-6hrs wasn't met, and instead I rode a 6hr 29min.  This was the case for many riders including the elite riders however with many saying it was a lot harder and many riding a 1/2hr longer race.  This was a relief knowing that it too was a tough day for them.  

Overall I had a good day.  Will I do it again in 2015, well I would hope so!  It's a challenging race, but it's a race that can suit a lot of different riders.  For now though, it's just about the end of a season in what has been quite a lot of racing and travelling.  I'm very much looking forward to putting my feet up for a few weeks and just enjoying some sleep-ins and some social rides (or no rides). 2015 looks to be an exciting year of improving my skills and tackling that singletrack!!

 

Many thanks go to the team at BerryMountain Cycles for their continued support and service, they always keeping my Fate in tiptop shape. In addition I would like to thank Lawrence Drummond from Origin Fitness for his guidance and coaching and pushing me consistently to be stronger and fitter. This race proved that Effort = Results.

Muc for Lube

For us Muc-Off have been the brand providing some great bike cleaning products, our bikes receive a regular dose of Muc-Off Bike Cleaner which keeps them clean till our next ride. What was a little less known to us was that the Muc-Off products go further than just cleaners, they follow a whole of bike clean, protect, lube philosophy.  

We grabbed their Dry PTFE Chain Lube and are going to pit it against one of our favourite dry lubes, Squirt, see how it holds up.

This is what Muc-Off have to say about their product, Dry PTFE Chain Lube is formulated to hold up to the extreme pressures that are applied to modern drive chains. This highly versatile, dry weather chain lube has superior penetrative qualities that ensure every part of the chain link is completely lubricated. Our advanced ‘Dry Formula’ creates a clean, durable and protective chain wax layer that inhibits rust development and chain link corrosion. The added PTFE creates exceptionally low surface friction to provide incredible drive chain efficiency without attracting contaminants. 

We initially reviewed Squirt Dry Lube as follows;

Squirt - Long Lasting Dry Lube, August 2010.

This is a waxed based dry lube I have been using for many months now. It claims to be biodegradable solvent free and a heap of other things most lubes claim. What I know is that it works well in all the dry, and limited wet conditions I have ridden in. Being waxed based helps the chain to not gather dirt and this aids as the chain becomes more simple to clean. Bottom line I like using Squirt as it lasts for hours and the chain stays cleaner, the other bonus is that the cap does not leak like a lot of other lubes and my tool box is now oil free.

2010 JetBlack 12hr

We look forward to seeing how the Muc-Off Dry Chain Lube goes.

WSMTB Club Championships

80 riders rolled up for WSMTB's Club Championships. The morning warmed up quickly and once "go" had be shouted the racing was red hot.
In A Grade the clubs Jr National Representatives were making it hard for their more senior competitors. I did't feel fast on the first lap as the remainder A Graders seemed to ride away. An additional climb in the course for the Champs made it extra tough, especially considering the days temperature. While I went on to ride within my comfort zone for the remainder of the race I made the most of the fast B Graders holding their wheels after they passed for the next section of trail. Placed 8th in A Grade for the Champs. 

Photo: Alan Dinham/Aus Ride Photo 

There was a good turn out from my team mates from JetBlack MTB Racing, Sara Mills went on to place second in the A Grade women after a fast start. Elton Judd, Team Manager, rode in B Grade, dropping his chain and quite possibly a place as a result, 8th. Ben Go rode mid pack in C Grade inching out Ian Butler, 6th and 7th respectively.
A big turn out for the team in the U13s too, with the Judds entering their first WSMTB race, both not to far off the race pace finishing in 8th. The Browns were under the watchful eye of mum while dad was in Canberra riding the ‪#‎Mont24‬, Candace 3rd and Charlotte 7th.

With the BBQ, cooked by the dedicated local RFS, and a cold drink included in the race entry fee everyone was a winner today.

Official results here.

WSMTB XC Club Round 7

Steeper than it looks. Photo: Flynn

It has been a while since we last raced with WSMTB but it is always great to roll into Yellomundee and see close to 100 people rolling around on their bikes.

In A Grade Luke Brame was back from the UCI World Championships, along side Ben Metcalfe and Ben Green this trio were going to be hard to keep with throughout the fast five laps.

It must have been close to a record field of women across the five senior grades, with the Chocolate Foot pair, Melissa Nuttall and Fi Dick taking line honours for A and B Grade respectively.



Spectators were in awe of the single speed riders, who made everything look so easy. The on-lookers found their preferred spots where they could see the grind climbs or technical descents, encouraging riders as they passed by.

Full results of all Grades here.

The WSMTB Club Championships is the next XC event on the calendar. 26th October at Yellomundee. Keep an eye out for the club's 4hr Summer Series in the coming months too.

Ascent from Max's Bridge. Photo: Simpson

Tractor Tyre. Photo: Pickles

Grand Prix Stromlo

Tar start. Photo:Sonter

It is that time of year when the Rocky Trail Shimano Grand Prix visits Canberra and the trails of Stromlo. Every opportunity we get to ride Stromlo gets us excited, from the 24s to the DH runs. And so it was we work our was through the recent roadworks at the foot of Stromlo pulling up with plenty of time to prepare for another instalment of the GP4.

Photo: CrummyMTB

Rocky Trail picked the same trails for us to ride as last year, with a good series of climbs and descents, making the use of just a small section of the mountain. Dry hard-packed trails and exposed rocks throughout the technical sections saw us choose the Pivot 429 for its more comfortable ride. There were a couple of changes from last year, a loop of the bitumen crit track as part of the start lessening the initial conga and finally, electronic timing.

A quick review of lap times and of the riders we finished between we were the worst starters. Lap 7 saw us sit back easy behind a couple of 7hr solos on the climb, giving a couple of minutes to our previously consistent times and on lap 8 we were joined by a team-mate, probably taking it to easy on the descent.

A fun GP4, a great bunch of riders. Thanks to the team for their support. Another rocking event.

Back Yamma Bigfoot

Back Yamma Bigfoot had always been one of those events we had heard about but just hadn't gotten around to checking out. So when Rod from RocketOn2Wheels, the event organisers of the Ginja Ninja 250, reminded me early in the year the BYBF was on, I snuck it onto the calendar, locking in our trip to central NSW.

Parkes township. Photo: CrummyMTB

And so it was we headed away from the coastal rainstorms and precipitation in Sydney for the sparseness of the countryside, clearing skies and wide-open roads. Parkes is the closest township to the Back Yamma State Forest and is home to two main themes, Elvis and the radio telescope now commonly called "The Dish". Just once a year midst the travelling trucks, caravans and locals, mountain bikers converge on the picturesque town for the BYBF.

A short dusty trail brought us to the event centre, plenty of parking and plenty of people had taken the opportunity to camp on-location. Kids were on bikes, Rotary were warming up the BBQ and there was a leasurely vibe before the start of our BYBF challenge.

The exciting thing about getting to an event, new to us, are the unknowns, but I couldn't help myself and visited Ed McDonald's blog to see what the past events have been like and what I might be expecting. I wasn't expecting "the rules", but then you get a little wackiness from Ed's glorious reads.

RocketOn2Wheels promised the fastest marathon in Australia, along with vivid images Ed painted and words from those who pre-rode sections of the course, it was suppose fairly flat, fast and mostly single-track.

The Back Yamma Big Foot was this plus more. A hard, fast start and long fire-trail opening section sorted the field out. The trail was dry but somehow we found the mud and it was sprayed, moto-style, all over us.

We lead Steve through the 50km transition. Photo: CrummyMTB

The dry creek lines we had to negiotate were a surprise and the single-track was better than expected. Fast, flowing and they seemed endless. We would eventually bust off the back of what seemed like the second pack a good twenty minutes or so into the race and then joined by two riders who we would spend the rest of the race with (Steve and Brian).

Out in front James Downing was making his own race and you can read about it on his blog. We were some way back rapidly finding ourselves on no-mans-land, some where between fast and steady. Just us and the trail.

James pinning it. Photo: CrummyMTB

Pivot's 429 was the ride of choice for us at Back Yamma, making the trail a magic carpet ride even through the rough and raw new sections of single-track. It was great to see such diversity of riders all enjoying the trail, managing to catch and encourage some 50km riders on our second loop. While we were out on trail the 27km event was started and completed, with plenty of juniors giving it a good go. A couple juniors commented how it was a "sweet run" and to "bring on Back Yamma 2015", competition looks fierce.

Magic ride. Photo: CrummyMTB

The Back Yamma Bigfoot is a great ride, we couldn't believe there was so much singletrack in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. If your looking for your first 50km ride, if you want a personal best or first time 100km, the Back Yamma fits the bill. Get off the coast and enjoy country NSW's fine trails.

Keep an eye out for RocketOn2Wheels' next event the Ginja Ninja 250 and catch you on the trails soon.

Result Summary of our 2014 Back Yamma Bigfoot.

Brian from Sydney XC Racing - 7th Open - 4:23:49

Steve from WSMTB - 2nd SS - 4:24:31
Crummy from JetBlack Racing - 8th Open - 4:25:51
Ian Anderson - Who we thought was way ahead - 9th Open - 4:26:32

Rocky Trail Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix - Stromlo

Words by: Belinda Althaus

Mt Stromlo trails, need I say more?  A satisfying 4hrs or racing with a combination of trails which would put a smile on any eager endurance rider.

The RT crew picked a course which had a superb balance of leg pumping climbing, followed by equally fun berms and flowing singletrack and let's not forget "skyline"!

270 odd riders, ascended on the day and the competition was fierce being the last round of the Shimano GP series.  Rival competitor Wendy Stevenson was quick to gain front position and managed to hold this lead ahead of Erin Zimmer and the rest of the 4hr elite women competitors.  I managed to hold 4th position behind these two and local Kim Smith for most of the race. 

My lap times were consistent, and my legs were feeling good. Coming round for my final lap and I had Kim in my sights and I was spurred on to draw her back. 

A steady climb ahead proved a valuable opportunity and with that I made the pass and opened up a 3 min gap. 

Podium time.

I came in behind Wendy and Erin to gain 3rd on the podium and another successful day on the mountain bike.  A great event, and its nice to meetso many encouraging people of all abilities. 

What more could you want when your grinding it out for 4 hrs....  

General Graph of the GP4 Elite Woman lap times.

Specialized Women’s Cascades – XC MTB Shoes

Words by Belinda Althaus.

Slippers, super-light, rigid, and down-right cool looking.  This is my take on the Specialized Cascades. 

I’ve used them in a few endurance races now and they’re incredibly light weight for a mountain bike shoe and with a carbon sole are incredibly stiff - increased power transfer, done!  These bad boys are only 40gms heavier per shoe compared to the S Works XC shoe and have a carbon sole stiffness index of 11.0 compared to 13.0 of the S Works model.  The other bonus is they are primarily black, which when it comes to mountain biking always goes down well when weather can unpredictable. The shoes come with the main boa dial plus two Velcro straps.  Extra grip lugs are also provided and as with all Specialized products replacements for most working components are available in the case of misfortune. 

Whether you’re a weekend trailblazer, recreational racer, out to set PB’s or podium these Cascades will win you over in comfort, stiffness and looks and most of all make you feel faster.

#Berrymountaincycles #SpecializedAustralia #WomensCascadeXC

Chocolate Foot Singletrack Mind Series – Rnd 4 Coondoo Nowra

Words by Belinda Althaus.


Flowing, fast, super fun, and amazing weather. This was round 4 of the Chocolate Foot STM Series at Coondoo in a nutshell.  The weather put on a show after what had been a pretty miserable week and even had the organisers on their toes right till the last minute. However the correct decision was made to keep the race going ahead and I’m glad they did!

BMC Setup.

I was keen for this race, it was my local track and that meant one thing….I knew it!!  This eased the anxiety and allowed for a relatively cruisy morning for the travelling and setup.   After helping the BerryMountain Cycles crew a little to set up their shop tent, it was time to prep the bike, sort my food and get in a warm up – Done!  Before long we were all riding up Coondoo road in anticipation for the start.  With minutes to spare, we were off and racing. 

The race as usual had a mass start followed by single-track which created the well-known bottleneck and slowed to snail’s pace, but I had managed to stay near the front bunch and this provided a good position going into the laps.  I knew I had at least three other competitors, but in reality I only really new who one of these were.  The girls I was up against had been challenging each other over the whole series and therefore I was the dark horse.

Race Reporter, Bel Athaus.

The first lap went well…until the mud. We had been warned about this, and true to their word we just had to suck it up and grind it out.  I still to this day vouch that this was the hardest part physically of the entire lap...No not really it, it just slowed me down  Coming round to the end of the first lap and I found Eva Boland approaching my tail.  She had been scanning for competitors coming up the snake track.  I made the mistake of identifying myself as her fellow competitor in the 4hr open female category, and this was my first mistake. She followed me to the climb and at this point opened up a gap which was going to make me work hard. I held back fearing we were only on the first lap and had quite a few to go and came up towards the “Bridge” at transition. Pedal hard, power up and don’t think too hard about it. Down the other side and I was relieved to have successfully gotten over it.  Lap 2 saw me approach Eva again in the mud section.  I stayed with her, but again she hit it on the climbs, and slowly creeped away.  I knew at this time that the only thing holding me back was some fitness, and therefore settled into a comfortable but consistent pace.  My goal now was to ensure no other competitors in my category passed me.  The laps went well, I was racing pretty well and about mid-way learned I was in second place. I was determined to stay at this position and pushed on to the end.  The final hour saw me squeeze in the last two laps and bring my total to 7.  I was relieved to finish, and congratulated Eva on her ride well done.  Melissa Nuttal came home in third place. 

Photo: Dave Bateman

Another great and successful day out on the bike.  The girls were fair, raced hard and proved to be worthy competitors.  The team at Chocolate Foot did an amazing job with organising and I’m glad they held the race even against the weather gods.  The amazing trail blazers from South Coast United Mountain bikers had the track mickey-mouse and have worked tirelessly over recent months to build new tracks and refresh the older ones, and this day was a showcase of some awesome trails.  I’m glad to have the privilege to ride them whenever! Thanks also to the continued support from BerryMountain Cycles for keeping me geared up, my bike tuned and just for the encouragement.  You guys rock! 

The final round of the CF series sees it heading to Orange in October. I’ve locked this one in because they too have some amazing trails, and I can’t wait to get back there…Till next time.

Ground Effect Frosty Boy

We grab the jacket, it is soft and fleecy, it keeps us warm through the coldest rides. Since the morning temperatures dropped below 10 degrees and all through winter we have been donning my Frosty Boy, we throw it over a simple base layer and we’re ready for the early starts.

With a windfoil front, shoulders and arms it is so, so toasty. It is well cut, has a high collar and a Ground Effect generous tail to cover your back when in a cycling position. Integrated reflective piping helps keep us more visible in low light conditions.

We did however try to layer-up one very cold morning and the Frosty Boy over the top was just too much once we were warmed up. In saying that we have seen Frosty Boys as the jacket of choice for Tour Divide riders, it is defiantly suited to those more extreme cold conditions possible and at just over 300g it is nice and light. It fitted neatly next to our First Aid kit in our backpack for our epic rides.

Finally it did rain in Sydney and we were out in it with our Frosty Boy on, surprisingly it held off the moisture for our short trip and dried quickly when hung between rides. The ¾ zip is good to let a little cool air in or to get the jacket off with a helmet still on.

The Frost Boy is another great bit of kit from Ground Effect, it has cut through the cold air virtually every day this winter, our arm warmers have been long forgotten.

Focus on the Goals

Hurting at Ourimbah. Sonter Photography.

Get back on the bike. After a couple of months with very little riding it was the Shimano Grand Prix at Ourimbah that was the returning race. My mind was keen but my body wasn't ready for the intensity and duration of the event. Hitting the wall at 2.5hrs of racing, turned the afterburners off and cruised for the remainder of the 4hr race. Race report is here.

JetBlack MTB Racing team mate Kevlar joins me for a lap. Cell Bikes.

For the JetBlack 12hr my goal was to lower the intensity, relax and get all the other things right. After a great start and a swift sighting lap I wound it back a couple of gears. I ate and drank, having fun on the single-track. In this relaxed mode everything came easy but I always had to remind myself not to push to hard. Very happy with a solid 6hrs and 100km completed, there was plenty more in the tank but this was all about not over doing it. Race report here.

Leading WSMTB's A Grade at Blue Gum. Allen Dinham.

 Next event was WSMTB's XC round at the tight Blue Gum trails. The sighting lap before race start reminded me of last years Blue Gum round and my focus became getting the best start over total race intensity. 2013 Blue Gum round saw me slide out on the first corner, so this year I practised the start loop technique three or four times and visualised the how the strategy would work in a bunch start.

The Racing Ralphs held, the technique worked and I headed into the single-track well in front of the bunch. Keep an eye out on WSMTB's calendar for the 2015 Blue Gum XC round, it is a great little trail  that is spectator friendly.

Rough start. Sonter Photography.

Rocky Trail's Shimano Grand Prix Mt Annan. For the 4hr GP I really wanted to race faster than the 12hr, get competitive, but still get all the little things right. It didn't start well, I was in the back half of the start chute and looking back now gave seven minutes to my competitors. The remainder of the race went well though, only a fleeting moment when I thought my body was about to say, "your cooked", but I was able to power on completing the 4hr with super consistent, competitive laps. Thanks to my team mates for passing bottles and keeping me out on the trail.

Nutrition is a key to consistency. Sonter Photography. 

I find setting goals helps me focus on what I want or need out of an events and training. It also allows for self assessment, giving me an ideal opportunity to evaluate and better my riding.