tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66346438511932248892024-02-19T19:56:01.127+10:00AntZ - MTB, Photos, RockAntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-43646180245111771332014-03-24T23:00:00.000+10:002014-03-24T23:00:41.860+10:00LunarC 8hr MTB Enduro<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
LunarC 8hr MTB Enduro</h3>
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My latest article for Pedal Torque. My experience at this years LunarC 8 hour Enduro at Murrenbong.<br />
<a href="http://pedaltorque.com/brisbane-blast/" style="color: #dd814d; text-decoration: none;">http://pedaltorque.com/lunarc-8hr-mtb-enduro/</a></div>
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AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-42871866578806726492014-01-01T11:53:00.001+10:002014-01-01T11:53:38.155+10:00What a Blast!My latest article for Pedal Torque. My experience at the Brisbane Blast Criterium.<br />
<a href="http://pedaltorque.com/brisbane-blast/">http://pedaltorque.com/brisbane-blast/</a>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-60522339670576670732013-11-06T10:54:00.000+10:002013-11-06T10:54:04.562+10:00Grafton to InverellNow live on PedalTorque<br />
<a href="http://pedaltorque.com/grafton-inverell/">http://pedaltorque.com/grafton-inverell/</a>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-82527122456942474032013-10-22T20:07:00.000+10:002013-10-22T20:07:22.822+10:00Commuting as a Form of Training<br />
My latest article on PedalTorque<br />
How I use commuting as the major part of my "training"<br />
<a href="http://pedaltorque.com/commuting-form-training/">http://pedaltorque.com/commuting-form-training/</a>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-39248084521364898932013-10-07T21:37:00.000+10:002013-10-07T21:37:27.551+10:00Big News<div>
I will now be contributing over at <a href="http://pedaltorque.com/">PedalTorque</a>, a new website for those passionate about all things cycling. </div>
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Thanks for all the visits and comments, and I love to you to keep reading over at PedalTorque, along with some other like minded cyclists, like <a href="http://pedaltorque.com/author/rachel-edwards/">Rachel Edwards</a> aka <a href="http://sockpuppetracing.blogspot.com.au/">Sock Puppet</a>.</div>
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AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-71833146390077391332013-08-08T06:40:00.001+10:002013-08-08T21:58:52.914+10:00UpperLimb.com Cunningham Classic 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look away now if you are only interested in dirt, mud and mountain biking. I have never blogged about a road race. Mostly because there is not usually much to write as they are short and somewhat formulaic, and as such it would usually go like this "Group ride, with a few failed breakaways with a bunch sprint finish." Add to this, that I usually miss the important part of these races...The sprint finish. The <a href="http://kpccevents.squarespace.com/">Cunningham Classic</a> in general is different, and this one (and I might be a little biased here) was A LOT different.</div>
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This was my 2nd Cunningham Classic, with my participation last year in the 30th running of the event, exceeding my expectations and leaving me looking forward to this year's event as soon as I crossed the line. What I liked was climb up the range, the rarely flat terrain, even the fabled head and cross winds for which the Cunningham Classic is renowned, but most of all I liked the 96k distance. It certainly makes for tougher and more interesting racing than a criterium at the Nundahdome.</div>
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Like last year, Masters B was divided into 2 groups, each with around 50 riders. I was number 51. I was happy to see a couple of mates in my group, first timer Dillon Price, and Sean Dench, who knows how I race, and we figured we might be able to make a breakaway work with 10k or so to go. The main aim would be to keep my nose out of the wind and not chase down every break.<br />
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On the start line in Gatton, the conditions for the 31st edition of the Cunningham Classic were looking ideal, a bright sunny day, around 18 degrees, and only a slight breeze. However, I knew from my experience last year that the wind conditions in Gatton were usually calmer than over the range. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Race Start</td></tr>
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Master B1 had race start of 9:30 and we casually rolled off with a neutral zone until we were safely on the main road. It was not long after being released, that a solo rider made a break, the race had started already. Sean edged toward the front, and I followed figuring that I'd try stick close to him and we'd see what panned out. The solo rider was quickly brought back to the bunch without too much effort. Then a 2 man break went, and almost out of habit, I jumped after them. For me it was a half arsed effort to try and encourage a bit of a chase from the main group, but, it was at this point I realised that there was still more than 90K to go, and it not likely to be a race winning move to go this early with unknown riders, so I was happy when we were caught quite quickly by the bunch. <br />
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I dropped back to find Sean and tell him to "reign me in", but before I could talk to him, he was off the front chasing down a lone rider (Damien Stacy). I went after them and the breakaway group was formed with just under 90k to go. We worked well together and it was not long before the Moto told us we had a 30s break, and it started to feel so real. Just like watching the TDF on TV :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the KOM</td></tr>
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We were getting updates from the Moto and our lead was extending until we were told there was a 2 man chase closing in. We continued to work, hoping to make the KOM with just the 3 of us, however we were only part way up the first part of the climb when Jon Hobson and Luke Stenner caught us. We were now 5, but were working well together on the climb, and especially across the flattish area before the real KOM. We had a gentlemen's agreement that it was every man for himself at the KOM, but that we would regroup after that for headwinds which we knew would destroy us if we broke into smaller groups. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final part of the KOM</td></tr>
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Jon got the KOM fairly easily, but we regrouped for the run though to the New England Highway. We shared turns into the wind, but there were signs of some cracks forming in the group. When we turned on the New England Highway the Moto informed us that Luke, Jon and Damien had sat up. Jon and I quickly discussed our options, and decided our best bet was to continue. The combination of road surface and headwind with just the 2 of us made for some tough going. Somehow I won the "Most Impressive" jersey in 2012 and decided that my best option of winning anything this year was to try for it again. Jon and I worked well together in to the crosswind, with me spending as much time on the front as I could. Eventually we were joined by another 2 riders, Jamie Smart and Tim Barnard (I think). The 4 of us tried to form an echelon as best as 4 riders can. Just before the turn off the highway at Allora we were caught by a bunch of 6-8 riders. <br />
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Jon, Jamie and Tim sought the refuge of the bunch, but I kept to my target of chasing the MI jersey and rode in a way that many would think insane. I never missed a turn on the front, and even filled in the gaps as riders struggled to take their turns. It was already the case that out of the 10 or so riders in the group, only perhaps 5 were really driving. Updates from the Moto were a fairly constant 1min 30secs, but I wanted to make sure we stayed ahead. I was about 4th wheel when we turned at Allora, and was quite miffed when the 3 riders ahead of me started to look at each other to see who was going to do the work. Anyone who knows how I ride, knows that this kind of carry on drives me wild, and true to style, and in keeping with pursuit of the MI jersey, I went to the front. Things continued in this vein, with me trying to spend as much time on the front as I could handle. On the gentle rises, I was feeling strong relative to the bunch, often riding off the front and soft pedalling back to the group. I did this 3 or 4 times, and I was on the front with about 10k to go when Jamie tried to breakaway with another rider .Somehow I managed to go with them.<br />
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Everything from here is a blur...<br />
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We worked a few turns each until it was just Jamie and I. Another couple of turns each, and I think we were caught by more riders, but to be honest, I didn't look back to know for sure. Next climb, I pedalled away again, but this time I pushed hard on the descent. I quickly established a gap, and with about 6km to go it was ITT time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finish Line</td></tr>
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I only glanced over my shoulder a couple of times, and I seemed to be holding the gap, I pedalled every downhill, I started to recognise landmarks from last year, and my Garmin told me I was getting close. 5K, 4k, 3k, then in front of me was what looked like the left hand turn in to the main street that had caught me out last year, but it seemed too soon, so I yelled to the traffic controller, and thankfully he confirmed that I had to turn left. I turned in to the main street and pedalled like my life depended on it, the final straight seemed longer than I remembered it, but then I saw the 200m to go sign, and I sprinted as best I could after 96k, and somehow after being in a break for nearly 90k I crossed the line in 1st, about 200m ahead of the sprint for 2nd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0EFJbBkl63YijNy14fBMQ-PplPmWnkrO5OAAO8nrj9BNbVQVJXa_7GvXiE_GC2iJsazZVeFwGtPXh_vjUr0_1rFdSJhS0nmaTomu99PT01iyiXuHqMOGhFPKGR0LDTLr8E7pX3NCQ3DB/s1600/2013-08-03+14.47.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0EFJbBkl63YijNy14fBMQ-PplPmWnkrO5OAAO8nrj9BNbVQVJXa_7GvXiE_GC2iJsazZVeFwGtPXh_vjUr0_1rFdSJhS0nmaTomu99PT01iyiXuHqMOGhFPKGR0LDTLr8E7pX3NCQ3DB/s400/2013-08-03+14.47.33.jpg" width="400" /></a>A big thanks to the <a href="http://kpcc.org.au/">Kangaroo Point Cycling Club</a> and officials. Thanks to the Dillon and his father, Malcolm, for spending the day to drive Dillon's car so we had a way to get home. Thanks also to <a href="http://esisportsphotography.fotomerchant.com/">ESI Sports Photography</a> for the pics. The burgers and chips at the Horse & Jockey Hotel really hit the spot while we waited for the presentations. It was also mission accomplished on the Most Impressive jersey too, so I really could not have hoped for a better ride. Final results are <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/qld/downloads/Events/Results%202013/Cunningham%20Classic%202013%20-%20Results.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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My Stats for the day...</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/71782072/embed/e7e89eae0fd150b9a32f2c85537618cbe263be65" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-7155730784025456322013-07-04T06:21:00.001+10:002013-07-04T06:21:02.879+10:00MTB Super Series - Race 4 - Murrenbong(Swamp Edition)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr7ijzwg_JwudtYwH1tYdrIZMTctxUBzuLIO6294lPc-eHoUVnW7lnl8uJB9nOghSe_Ihl4mzOXnMFkmRyj3Yf7meEki53cw1_qhOfzNGTwjO2yyatM1r_CNBTbzbTlWOxUrRJ5DYAbXq/s500/58-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr7ijzwg_JwudtYwH1tYdrIZMTctxUBzuLIO6294lPc-eHoUVnW7lnl8uJB9nOghSe_Ihl4mzOXnMFkmRyj3Yf7meEki53cw1_qhOfzNGTwjO2yyatM1r_CNBTbzbTlWOxUrRJ5DYAbXq/s320/58-1.jpg" width="212" /></a>The last round of the MTB Super Series was once again to be held a Murrenbong. After fantastic conditions in <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/mtb-super-series-race-3-murrenbong.html">round 3</a> the weather on the days leading up to race 4 suggested the track was going to live up the its nickname of Muddenbong. Living not too far from Murrenbong and only getting light rain, I was in hope of if only being a damp track, and then only in the lower parts of the course. News coming back from those that had done a practice lap was mixed, anything from "Its not that bad" to "I'm going home!" Never mind, these were the sorts of conditions that got me into single speed MTB in the first place.<br />
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There was heavy cloud, but it was not actually rain, so hopefully conditions would improve. Ever the optimist, I decided to stick with the Ignitor tyres that I had on my Superfly SS rather than swapping the more mud capable tyres off my spare bike. We were racing in the reverse direction from the direction we generally ride at Murrenbong. I had geared up from the previous race, but a little less than I may have done in dry conditions. I didn't see either Jacob or Jeff that ridden so strongly in race 3, but on the start line, I spotted Jeff. I had a feeling I was running lower gearing, but I thought I could try to ride with him for the first lap. We had an unusual rolling start, and I got boxed in and by the time I got in the clear, I was well behind the front runners as they turned off the fire road on to the first single track. Once things settled down, I realised I'd forgotten to start my Garmin, which also meant I was not sure of the race timing(I finally remembered to have a look at the official clock at about the 3hr mark).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FbCj3aE94cwCagQtQvFyytJI_y8W-w9AGtl_vomS8zdxvDv-gSlDqjjeX2SURSen62rTUxt5vebLIS6ZtKcZ8Y8Ga6kxuHzPr22ENEFcJl5jmT4PHtnvsPC420K-ziNPWJZo2tTdrA1/s500/58-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FbCj3aE94cwCagQtQvFyytJI_y8W-w9AGtl_vomS8zdxvDv-gSlDqjjeX2SURSen62rTUxt5vebLIS6ZtKcZ8Y8Ga6kxuHzPr22ENEFcJl5jmT4PHtnvsPC420K-ziNPWJZo2tTdrA1/s200/58-11.jpg" width="130" /></a>Even in the wet, the track was a heap of fun in the reverse direction. Conditions on lap 1 were OK, until we got the creek section, and the first crossing was bottom bracket deep. Otherwise there was some hope that the track would improve throughout the morning, but after 3 or 4 laps the track deteriorated until some parts were slop. Grip on some of the climbs and descents was almost non-existent, with a couple of logs crossing the trail nearly taking my rear wheel away from me many times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMjNvx6PNJ3bxeCIfTqGxUmnFbcY1WIvWmc3cb0PexK6Lfkw6E8bbUqqiF1D_DJPKYU0T7oN5hBH7MBW8jIYFTPExlqPuJbJ_q3KBEQkDaZTcgE4BypwLJZAYICp1v21a07gGZ711vk54/s1600/1005594_539564879425486_1491299515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMjNvx6PNJ3bxeCIfTqGxUmnFbcY1WIvWmc3cb0PexK6Lfkw6E8bbUqqiF1D_DJPKYU0T7oN5hBH7MBW8jIYFTPExlqPuJbJ_q3KBEQkDaZTcgE4BypwLJZAYICp1v21a07gGZ711vk54/s200/1005594_539564879425486_1491299515_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I started to have difficulty seeing, with the mud covering my glasses. I manage to clean them a few times, but eventually discard them when I stop to change bottles and grab a banana. Eating and drinking without getting a mouth full of dirt was impossible, and really meant that I was definitely under fuelled. Fortunately you can get away with that a bit in a ...4hr race if you start well hydrated...especially when it's not too hot. Otherwise, I was feeling pretty good. The whole track was rideable, it just took some extra concentration at each log. The last couple of laps was particularly treacherous, with the top layer of mud in some sections coming up in whole, sticky layers, turning my tires in to slicks which led to lots of 2 wheel drifting...and lots of fun.<br />
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I crossed the line in 4hrs 11mins, which was good enough for 2nd in the Single Speed category, and 8th overall solo. Jeff Toohey was in a class of his own, winning the single speed category and finishing 1st overall solo. I was turned up enough times in the series to win the 4 race SS category, with Hallam Brooks in 2nd and Jeff Toohey in 3rd. Although I'd prefer a bit of a mix of race lengths(ie longer), the series was well run and well attended. Thanks to the organisers, sponsors and assistants.<br />
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AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0Kurwongbah QLD 4503, Australia-27.238104468422012 152.9421650701172-27.241633968422011 152.9371225701172 -27.234574968422013 152.9472075701172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-53756106071325380862013-05-27T23:17:00.000+10:002013-05-27T23:17:13.199+10:00MTB Super Series - Race 3 - MurrenbongRace 3 of the <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=56">MTB Super Series</a> was back at Murrenbong, where all of last year's races were held. After what has been a tough week for me and my family with an emergency trip back home. I didn't get to touch my bikes until Saturday afternoon, and my race bike still had it number on from <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/mtb-super-series-race-2-mt-joyce.html">race 2</a>...which also says something about how little MTB I have been doing between races. I did not really study the course profile, but my knowledge of Murrenbong should have seen me increase my gearing quite a bit. However my hectic week, lack of prep time, reluctance to make late bike changes and most of all laziness meant that I left the same gearing I used at the much steeper Mt Joyce track.<br />
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One of the many things I like about Murrenbong is that is only 20 minutes from home, and I only left home after 8am. I arrive to see that Jacob was racing this round after missing the first 2 races, and that if last year was anything to go by, I was about to get schooled. Jacob pointed out that the track did not really go through the area where the majority of people had set up. I also heard that there were a greater number of SS riders this round, and it turned out that there were 7 riders, up from the 4 in the first 2 rounds. </div>
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Again there was to be an alternate fire road start to avoid too much bottlenecking into the single track. We got away early, and my plan was to stick near Jacob and see how I went. It became immediately apparent, that despite spinning my legs off, that I was under geared. Not only were the geared riders disappearing into the distance, but so were the fast half of the SS field. </div>
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With the knowledge that I was running lower gearing that the guys in front, I could only push the gear I had, and hope to make some ground back at the end of the race if anyone was over geared. On a course I know quite well, I was able to make good time in the single trail, but the flat and downhill fire roads were killing me, and I was easy picking for the average geared rider.<br />
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Towards the middle of the race I came across a cramping SS rider who has possibly over geared. I thought at this stage that I was possibly in 3rd behind Jacob and Peter. However, I was unaware that former 24hr Age Group World Champ Jeff Toohey, had entered SS until he passed me with 2 laps to go. I managed to stick with Jeff for the remainder of the race, not sure if he was lapping me and therefore in 2nd, or passing me, and we were possibly fighting for 3rd. With about 500m to go, I decided to push ahead of Jeff in case we were racing for 3rd..turns out we weren't.</div>
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Around the the 3 hour mark, the track was shortened, presumably to allow a rider who had gone down to be carried out. I wish whoever it was a quick recovery.<br />
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The final results were Jacob, Jeff and Peter, so congrats to them. It also turned out that Jacob and Jeff were 2nd and 3rd overall solo.<br />
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Another great event on a great course and in fantastic conditions. I could not believe how awesome those not at the point end were in giving up track for faster riders.</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/56300655/embed/d58e54165484c60273d56a136f5a2c06695b28ec" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-76621025691213230822013-05-02T22:35:00.000+10:002013-05-02T22:37:10.168+10:00MTB Super Series - Race 2 - Mt JoyceFrom all I'd heard about <a href="http://www.mtjoyceescape.com.au/bike-trails.html">Mt Joyce</a>, I was expecting a tough course for race 2 of the <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=56">MTB Super Series</a>. On paper it looked interesting, with about 250m of climbing in under 4K, followed by a descent of similar proportions. Having never ridden at Mt Joyce, I had no idea of what to expect. The good news was the weather conditions were nearly perfect, especially when compared to the mud of <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/mtb-super-series-race-1-adare.html">Race 1</a>. On the negative side was my total lack of MTB riding since the 24hr, and an attempt on Friday afternoon to remind myself of what SS MTB was all about, ended in a fairly heavy coming together with a tree and a massive bruise on my left forearm.<br />
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From my home on the northside of Brisbane Mt Joyce is a 90min drive. I arrived just under an hour before race start and with the transition a little way away from the carpark, I really didn't have that much spare time to get set up and ready to race. The transition area was very exposed, with no shade from trees and only those organised enough to take a portable gazebo having any protection from the sun. I managed to set up my gear with Paul Fletcher and Emma Thomson. I registered, and it looked like there were only 4 single speed riders.<br />
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The race started with an 800m gravelly fire road climb, with a very steep pinch before the single track that offered some climbing respite before turning uphill almost immediately for a further 3km of climbing. With the team riders and faster geared riders heading off into the distance, I was leading a group of 5 or 6 riders, pulling away in the steeper corners, but being caught up on the more gently climbing straights. After what felt like 100 switchbacks, we crested the top of the course, and let gravity be on our side at last. Surprisingly, I caught up to a small group of riders which I had thought were much further ahead, and I was feeling fairly good. The downhill was an absolute hoot, and made the climb so worth it. The remainder of the course was undulating, but the fast descent to the start/finish line was potentially treacherous if taken too fast.<br />
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The first couple of laps seemed to go quickly, up then down, not really catching other riders, or being caught. The track was fun, but finding somewhere to eat and drink was tough. Essentially the run in to the finish, and the fire road climb were the only places. I stopped bothering to carry food and I would just scoff down what I could immediately after transition. I rode a couple of laps with Peter Winfield, with me leading up the climbs and him providing me something to chase on the way down. Trying to keep up on the undulating bottom section was hard on the SS, but when Peter stopped for food and I did not, I caught back up and we were back in formation for 1 more lap until I stopped for water on the next lap<br />
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It warmed up quite a bite, and by the 2 hour mark, I was sneaking in a drink at the top of the climb. I was still lapping consistently, and enjoying the down hill and honing my descending skills. I had no idea what was happening at all in the race. I thought for a moment I was about to be passed, but realised the SS rider I saw was actually in a team.. With 2 laps to go, I stocked up on drink bottles, and grabbed a banana. On the climb, I passed 2 single speed riders, who both looked they were struggling a bit, but still rolling OK, but I figured I was in 2nd at least.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI22SZYXWnCR_dQFAWfH0_qnblA3tdyEPZSiosdqFhLzRqdDLhky4_yofEItREvuD1gWA_wQdR6467G1zWoxx2LrOMq7a7U5jM8XjOImAk4xycWdfosQ35M-0cOfkfF5pPbXS5_aZcuYaI/s1600/428608_513804422001532_391164599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI22SZYXWnCR_dQFAWfH0_qnblA3tdyEPZSiosdqFhLzRqdDLhky4_yofEItREvuD1gWA_wQdR6467G1zWoxx2LrOMq7a7U5jM8XjOImAk4xycWdfosQ35M-0cOfkfF5pPbXS5_aZcuYaI/s200/428608_513804422001532_391164599_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I crossed the line in 4hr:17mins having covered 71K and climbed 2413m, 1st in SS and 14th overall in another great turn out of 75+ solo riders. This was my first time at My Joyce, but I can't wait to go back and investigate further. Another well organised event, on awesome trails and fantastic attitude by all...apart from 1 team rider who was really quite aggressive in passing. Race 3 is just up the road at Murrenbong, which is always a fun track.<br />
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Thanks Paul and Emma for the use of your Gazebo too.<br />
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If anyone has any photos they'd like to share, or I could use on my Blog, drop a link in the comments, and I'd be greatly appreciative.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/51098410/embed/e01e6b8e22357802a578e17756f3ffcbde70c946" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-15504085352104501692013-04-01T21:11:00.000+10:002013-04-02T06:17:00.246+10:00Kona 24hr...Solo<div style="text-align: justify;">
With no 24hr events in Queensland in 2012, it's been nearly 2 years since I last did a 24hr event. The Kona 24hr was my 4th attempt at a 24hr MTB event solo, a discipline I have only ever ridden on a Single Speed. As per usual, it was a small field of only 4 riders, but that was 1 more than my <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/super-series-race-3-24hrs-of-brutal.html">last 24hr</a> and more than some age groups. This race was at <a href="http://www.spicersgroup.com.au/property/spicers-hidden-vale">Spicers Hidden Vale</a> on a slightly longer and more technical version of the <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/merida-24hr-at-ohv.html">2010 </a>and 2011 24hr races making it a 16.8k lap. The circuit had 2 transitions for the teams, allowing them to do 2 roughly 8k laps.</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/y_AbtUt1smk/0.jpg" height="266" style="clear: right; float: right;" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_AbtUt1smk?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_AbtUt1smk?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>The Easter weekend date meant that we could have a fairly relaxed race preparation. Arriving Friday afternoon and camping the night. My wife and other great friends were in a 4 person team would provide support. One of my main concerns in the week leading up, was what gearing to run. In previous years I have run 32/21, but an "interesting" rule that any spare bike for SS riders must have the same gearing, and the only gearing I have 2 of was 33/21. I knew that would be no problems for 1 or 2 laps, but for 24hrs... On Friday, after setting up camp, Ben, Ali and I went for a test lap. (See video) As I heard a number of times over the weekend, this was a "Real Mountain Bikers" course! It was raw, rocky, technical with enough fun to keep you going out for more, and I was OK with my gearing choice and the weather forecast was looking good, slightly hot, but no major rain forecast.<br />
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The race was scheduled to start at midday, giving plenty of time to install race numbers, check tyre pressures, lube chains and generally get things ready, and still have enough time to catch up with friends. Part of the action on race day was a 4hr race(starting 5 mins after 24hr) on the full track, and a kids 24min race on a much smaller loop. My eldest boy entered his first MTB race in the kids race, and I was on photographer duties. By the time that raced finished there was less than 1hr until race start. The race start was on the main fire road, and designed to allow for the field to spread out before we entered the first single track, and from what I saw it worked very well. </div>
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I started towards the front, but behind Larry Dyer in his distinct pink kit who was also riding SS. Thankfully the fire road is slightly uphill which makes it easier for single speeds to keep up with the geared bikes. The start was fast and furious, but I managed to keep Larry in view, and dragging him in ever so slowly, but it was not until towards the end of Aeroplane that I finally managed to pass him and concentrate on just running my own race. The temperature was in the low 30s for first couple of laps and I was trying to keep the fluids up. I was also conscious that this was a long race, and I tried to back off a little from the super fast pace of the first couple of laps. I'd decided on the first lap to take the B-Line switchback up ladder to save the legs from the punishment of the fire trail, even-though I was able to ride it Friday afternoon.</div>
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With lap times just over an hour, I was starting to think that I would need to carry lights well before it got dark. As I rode in to pits at the end of my 5th lap I thought I heard on the PA, that lights were compulsory, however despite this I did a bottle change and headed back out, but as I approached the pit exit I saw Hayden (probably checking for lights) and I remembered. I headed back to our site and mounted my lights with the assistance of Ali and Ben. I was told I had about a 40 minute lead, which was good news, but with so much of the race remaining no time to sit back and relax.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDinxUXKWZ7R_37iglGDs3i46tiQC8-om31LAQY-GTJEr0VVyTln1njD77vbLkwettZDN-ji2wZBQeXc-m_SGNaa-XbeVFsSJ0hOl-S5oG0y59HHahD34ZcuBNMgI29y-ROCxXlYvnVf8e/s1600/HVTD0358.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDinxUXKWZ7R_37iglGDs3i46tiQC8-om31LAQY-GTJEr0VVyTln1njD77vbLkwettZDN-ji2wZBQeXc-m_SGNaa-XbeVFsSJ0hOl-S5oG0y59HHahD34ZcuBNMgI29y-ROCxXlYvnVf8e/s320/HVTD0358.jpeg" width="320" /></a>The night laps are my favourite, especially at this time of year when it does not mean ridiculously cold temperatures. For me night riding brings with it a sense of focus. The great thing about an Easter weekend date is that it means a full moon and slightly higher level of ambient light. Sometime early in the night I passed all 3 SS riders. I rode about quarter of a lap with Larry, and we just chatted generally about cycling. About 8 or 9 I stopped for some warm food and a coffee, which gave me a new burst of energy and a change from the muesli bars and bananas.</div>
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Midnight and we were half way, but I was starting to hurt. My hands, back and feet were the worst, but the fine dust was quite abrasive, and every other part of my body in contact with clothing(including my HR monitor) was getting rubbed raw. My eyes too had been filled with their fair share of dust, but nowhere near as bad as in 2010 where my vision became very cloudy. I was also walking the climb from Ladder as it was as fast as riding the B-line, and the occasional bit of walking felt good for my back. </div>
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The laps and Ks kept ticking over, but returning to the pits each time to see Ali waiting was like a power boost that gave me the energy to get back out there. I was told all the other SS riders had stopped riding, but my goals were to rack up as many Ks as I was able, and while it was not super cold, the fast descent out of the pits felt much worse after a long stop, so stops were short. My bar light went flat right at the end of one lap, and although I carry spare, my helmet lights were bright enough to make it back safe.</div>
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The Kookaburra's heralded the approaching dawn, which would also mean there was only about 6 hours to go and no more battery swaps. I was still keeping stops short and plugging away. The fun of riding Rock Bottom, 007, Gully, Western Creek Track and even the first part of Ladder were out weighing the hard slog of Old Man's, Woodworm, the fire road from Ladder and Escalator. The camaraderie of fellow solos and encouragement of team riders all making it worthwhile. On one lap the courteous question of "You right?" to a stopped rider came with the response "No, my chain is stuck!" I decided that I could afford to stop. The chain was stuck between the spokes and cassette and a little brute force and it was all good to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sgRyF0-527VN5ehxUMKaLui_gn1gbhn0zQS617mS3kmoxr3OmKZzk4mrK1ugSi7_ZlEhY9gsuGjJHMx_ih2yjEBboY7hSszPJqtfTdYDVeIKhEXZM5kqjCdJN-AG_-QJBpekKYTvAVOY/s1600/884945_10152082294242923_2129661731_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sgRyF0-527VN5ehxUMKaLui_gn1gbhn0zQS617mS3kmoxr3OmKZzk4mrK1ugSi7_ZlEhY9gsuGjJHMx_ih2yjEBboY7hSszPJqtfTdYDVeIKhEXZM5kqjCdJN-AG_-QJBpekKYTvAVOY/s320/884945_10152082294242923_2129661731_o.jpg" width="230" /></a>With about 4 hours to go I had a lead of 5 laps, so I stopped for some more real food, and contemplated my options. I was keen to have a shower, and while there was the off chance that I would need to go out for another lap, I could not relax. After nearly an hour off the bike I decided to guarantee the win and went out for one last lap. I had a gumby stack on Woodworm and was practically picked up and put back on the bike by Matt "Dog" and <a href="http://bozzablog-bozz.blogspot.com.au/">Sean Bekkers</a>.</div>
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I rolled home with 18laps 307k in 22hrs20mins, which was good enough for 1st in Single Speed and about 7th overall. Thanks to Hayden and Fleur for another awesome event and fantastic trails. All riders were friendly and courteous (it's pretty rare that they are not). Now to contemplate the next 24...</div>
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AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-3368599189824931822013-03-21T23:34:00.001+10:002013-03-21T23:38:20.710+10:00MTB Super Series - Race 1 - AdareIf you've read any of my posts over the last couple years, you probably know that 4hr races are not really my thing, but it's always fun to catch up with the MTB crowd and ride new and interesting trails....and lately it seems racing is the only MTB riding I've been able to do. I'd never ridden any of the trails at Adare before, partly because most of the opportunities to race there have been "sprint races", and because I thought it was further away, than it turned out to be. I only entered the race on the Thursday before the event, waiting to see what the likely weather conditions would be. The forecast was good, and with no real rain in the previous 2 weeks, I was hoping for a track in good condition. When I arrived at Adare, there were riders returning from test rides. The general consensus was that the track was in great condition, with just a few wet patches. Sounds perfect...<br />
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As soon as I got out of the car, I was hit with a wall of heat. It was going to be a hot one, not the conditions I have been riding in lately with all the rain and general lack of riding. My setup for the day was an esky with food and hydration sitting on the side of the tack. Waiting for the race start the temperature was climbing, and with little shade we were sweating just sitting around.<br />
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I was told at entry there were 6 or 7 rider in the Single Speed category, which was a reasonable field, but I had expected more in such a short race. I was hoping to start somewhere towards the front, but I couldn't get with in 30 riders of the front row, which isn't so surprising looking at the results which show that there were probably over 150 riders on the start line. I got away to a reasonable start and made up a few spots on the flat sections before the single track. The "Maze" section was tight and twisty, but most of all fun...and there was dust. It's been months since I last saw dust on local trails. Out of the Maze a short sharp descent then a grass section, followed by a reasonable climb that presented good passing opportunities for me. More fun single trail and a long off camber corner that took me 6 or so laps to perfect. Then came the climb that on a normal day would have been the iconic section of the course. Averaging 10%, but with sections approaching 30% and a killer switchback. From here it was down hill to what on the first couple of laps was a damp section, but still ride able. Another gentle climb and it back past the homestead, some flat single trail and back thought the start/finish chute. Before the race I'd been given some false info on how we were to go through the chute, and followed "<a href="http://hubcapasaurus.blogspot.com/">Hubcap</a>" out to the teams transition area. Lap 1 was complete in under 20mins. For me, short laps make for a mentally challenging course...it was going to be a long day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqA6RJu0LvRsNQC9DZ-s1q2tPnRR7QEp6FqweVcAnmjTQEDFlmJ3bgKNPs3xdH6O79a8HzJ6bSPpThryDNkjk_U7L6aECi2zW2_uR4ejsKRueCDKquXylVrGdO2YNjv8KaLeyn-t2_JKY/s1600/485923_497720173609957_297757335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqA6RJu0LvRsNQC9DZ-s1q2tPnRR7QEp6FqweVcAnmjTQEDFlmJ3bgKNPs3xdH6O79a8HzJ6bSPpThryDNkjk_U7L6aECi2zW2_uR4ejsKRueCDKquXylVrGdO2YNjv8KaLeyn-t2_JKY/s320/485923_497720173609957_297757335_n.jpg" width="213" /></a>Lap 2 was nearly as quick, but by lap 3 the track was deteriorating in the low area. By lap 4 it was an axle deep quagmire, and mud in the brakes sounded horrible. It started to feel like my rear brakes were stuck on for the uphills, and barely working on the downhills. Just before the 2 hour mark, I was starting to think about withdrawing from the race. I really didn't feel like replacing my brakes, and usually any stop in a race this short really compromises any sort of result. I think I was really feeling the heat, and in the end the thing that kept me going was the need to do some more MTB racing before the up coming 24hr. At this stage I was really just riding to consolidate my position in the SS category. <br />
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Somewhere early in the race I managed to get some scratches on my arm and with heat, they were stinging in a mix of mud, sweat and dirt. I was being very generous when letting other rider past, and each lap the mud hole got deeper and the hills got bigger. Looking at the track profile earlier in the week, it had looked harmless enough. <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/8hrs-of-lunarc-iv.html">LunarC </a>was similar, and it was an 8hr race, so I figured I'd get away with similar gearing of 33/21. I probably didn't factor in the short length of the track meaning that the steep bits were coming around twice as often. I also hadn't factored in the heat or mud and the last couple of laps really hurt, and despite still being able to smash past most geared bikes on the bottom of main climb, I had to resort to walking the part leading up to the switchback. Getting back on to the bike was tough, and descent was not as much fun as it might have been with my brakes only just doing their job and knowing that at the bottom was that horrible mud pit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_WU9KnxRG5oTS_dJxEu6g-Wnpk51bBKRuFAmFcXIBa6PMt_Xiv1YdeVvoEz5RAyZfi6LxPRTt6dDWLs0XuKA9LHx1nGOy0UjT67TuBXuzVLcl7xGQwxm_NVWeXx-qgpb638pNmzNzx7r/s1600/60451_497929293589045_119193339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_WU9KnxRG5oTS_dJxEu6g-Wnpk51bBKRuFAmFcXIBa6PMt_Xiv1YdeVvoEz5RAyZfi6LxPRTt6dDWLs0XuKA9LHx1nGOy0UjT67TuBXuzVLcl7xGQwxm_NVWeXx-qgpb638pNmzNzx7r/s320/60451_497929293589045_119193339_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I crossed for the 2nd last lap with about 15 minutes to, and for the first time I was glad it was a short lap, but with a little bit of extra energy knowing it was the last time to wade through the mud, I was off. Imagining every rider coming from behind as an SS competitor, I pushed as hard as I could. I finished with 11 laps in a time of 4hrs 14mins covering 57.4K. I didn't see another single speeder once we left the start line, so I had no idea if I was first or last. In the end there were only 4 riders in SS, and I managed to finish in 1st place, and about 15th overall. So, my first time at Adare was a success, albeit a very hard race in trying conditions, on what was a tough SS course with some steep stuff and a fair bit of flat that would have been fun to smash in a bigger gear. Congrats to everyone that got out there and gave it a go, thanks to the volunteers and organisers on a well run event. Thanks John P for the fantastic venue, I can't wait to ride it in the dry.<br />
<br />AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-7412327087575861062013-02-17T16:20:00.001+10:002013-02-19T21:51:15.458+10:008hrs of LunarC IVI think it is fair to say that <span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/the-dark-side/lunarc.php" style="background-color: #141414; color: #dd814d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">LunarC</a><span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span> is my favourite event each year. The 8hr lengths seems to suit me, so do the cooler temperatures of night racing. This was the 4th running of the event, and the 3rd at Murrenbong. Having done well in this race in <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/8hrs-of-lunarc-iii.html">2012</a> and <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/8hrs-of-lunarc-ii_05.html">2011</a>, this was definitely a race I was hoping to do well again this year. Preparation had gone well over the New Year, with lots of rides with friends and commuting. However with less than two weeks to go, I managed to hurt my lower back and was barely able to walk, let alone ride. A couple of visits to the chiropractor, and I could walk, but still could not ride. The with just over a week to go, on the advice of a friend, I visited an osteopath who adjusted, massaged and performed some acupuncture and I was like new person...not 100%, but at least able to start some short commutes to work. Eventually managing only 50K in the 2 weeks prior to race start, and no recent night riding. LunarC was going to be a ride of discovering how my back and legs were feeling...more than usual. My confidence was down a little too, so mentally this was going to be tough.<br />
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Conditions on race afternoon were not great, and driving home in torrential rain, I definitely considered not showing up. A quick call to Ben setting up, suggested that Murrenbong had had less rain and the track would be fine. The rain continued as I packed, and I only live about 5K from the track. Still thinking about pulling out with the risk of a slippery track increasing the chance of hurting my back. By the time I headed out to the track, the rain had lifted, but the dirt road in to race HQ was slop, and thoughts of previous <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/2012-super-series-race-2-4hrs-of.html">mudfests </a>at Murrenbong came flooding back. I found where Ben had set up, and went to register. There were only 6 single speeders registered, but there was always the chance category changes, especially due to the expected conditions.<br />
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Unlike previous years when the race started at Midnight, this year it was scheduled to start at 10pm. This suited me because the wait for midnight did seem to drag on, and an earlier finish sounded better too. This did however mean more of the race was in the dark, and therefore more batteries for lights. Another change to the track for this year was adding about another 2km to make the course just over 10km, which is a better length for the solo for an event of this length.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/O0rRqf1LhZM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>So after some setting up, deciding on which bike to ride, it was time to see how I really felt for my first MTB ride in 3 weeks. The fire trail was better than expected, and I felt OK on the bike, maybe I would manage more than 1 lap. I lined up on the 2nd row, hoping to get in to the single track in good position with the false flat fire trail separating the riders and quite favourable to my SS gearing. The plan worked, and I hit the single track in great position. The track looked good, until we hit the creek section, which was quite muddy. I didn't have the best of tyres for mud, but I was fairly confident that in a lap or two, they would be the perfect tyres for the majority of the track...which they were. There were some sections which filled both my front and rear tyres with mud, and it was a case of pointing in the general direction you wanted to go, and hoping for the best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAQksHBNzBtW2hyphenhyphencrZZm6AE1dT31HGgj5dDplJ0MqCMi0yhMFnuqtlIqSVyJUAZAUfCHUW5OKpllsj4CT_jrC4PFJ4sR18tcRS0Cgp3EMXokdAY3J-78i-zf-qI9Nw-HvoQwVn6rzFOgv/s1600/482615_4586203209129_255983902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAQksHBNzBtW2hyphenhyphencrZZm6AE1dT31HGgj5dDplJ0MqCMi0yhMFnuqtlIqSVyJUAZAUfCHUW5OKpllsj4CT_jrC4PFJ4sR18tcRS0Cgp3EMXokdAY3J-78i-zf-qI9Nw-HvoQwVn6rzFOgv/s320/482615_4586203209129_255983902_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I got through the first lap and felt pretty good, maybe this was going to be OK. Thankfully I'd set my bikes up with lower gearing than last year because of my back issues, and I would have gone even lower had I known how wet it was going to be. The climb to what has been aptly named Mordor was still as impossible as last year, but the new sections like "Crying in the Chapel" were fantastic and well suited to single speed. On the 2nd lap my glasses started to fog up, and I eventually had to take them off, and left them at camp.<br />
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I was getting passed by more riders than normal, and not really passing that many, and I felt like I was not riding well at all and my back was starting ache. I had not seen many single speeders but did get passed by one like I was standing still. It turned out to be a team rider, but at the time it was a little demoralising.<br />
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About 3:30 the heavens opened, and the course became even muddier than the first lap. It was nearly impossible for me to ride some climb because I had no grip. I went down once when I just lost momentum and could not get unclipped in time. Later that same lap, came across another rider that had suffered the same fate. Now with out glasses and the return of serious amounts of mud I was also having problems keeping my eyes clean. At this stage I was suffering quite a bit of back pain, and my feet were sore from pushing the bike up Mordor every lap. The heavy clouds also made for a later sunrise delayed the great morale boost that comes with it.<br />
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My lap times had dropped off from 35 mins to about 50 mins, I considered pulling out, but I know that quitting hurts more in the long term. I always prefer to finish these timed events "on the bike" and I worked out that I was going to sneak in that "extra" lap. I desperately wanted to know if I needed to do it or not and given my lead up to this race, probably would have stopped if I could, but there seemed to be no results that Ben or Andy could find, so I had no idea, whether I was first or last. It turned out that in the single speed category I did not need to do the lap, but I suspect overall results may have changed significantly. Of course now I am glad I did the extra lap because it feels like I finished the race as it deserved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqI3ukFiH57ZSxDR6335jt4-_hi7cfE1nnlnCVvLdCcNJRHNQqcJVCdPx3bRJb2vfR2uf3KEdrAdC85DYIIF_cTHcjwjp-6mwt19PPoo_-TXy8d1BMN-5SixInd_VFjomDGhZlM2N5ymf/s1600/10890_4586374013399_1303182521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqI3ukFiH57ZSxDR6335jt4-_hi7cfE1nnlnCVvLdCcNJRHNQqcJVCdPx3bRJb2vfR2uf3KEdrAdC85DYIIF_cTHcjwjp-6mwt19PPoo_-TXy8d1BMN-5SixInd_VFjomDGhZlM2N5ymf/s320/10890_4586374013399_1303182521_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>So in the end there were only 4 single speeders that showed up, and it was a close run thing for 1st with only about 10mins back to Ashley Howlett in 2nd who pushed me again this year. Overall I was about 7th solo, but also on 12 laps. It was also another great ride by John Sloan who for the 2nd year in a row was actually the fastest solo rider, showing the young guys how it is done.<br />
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A big thanks to Ben and Andy for support, to the Robyn and Simon for an other awesome event (I've come to expect no less from <a href="http://in2adventure.com.au/">I2A</a>) and to all the volunteers and helpers. Also a massive thanks to <a href="http://www.holistic.com.au/">Brisbane Holistic Health Center</a> who took me from just able to walk to an 8hr MTB enduro in 8 days.<br />
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I'll try to update with some more photos if some become available. Check out the video by <a href="http://www.elementphotovideo.com.au/">Element Photo and Video Productions</a> above.<br />
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Compared to most others and the published track distance, my GPS reading about 10% under and should have been 120K.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/activities/41008246/embed/ba0db2ffbf34aad0dc166a8c6c2d96711fb2d0d9" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0Kurwongbah QLD 4503, Australia-27.230801796464782 152.93145775794983-27.231684296464781 152.93019725794983 -27.229919296464782 152.93271825794983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-29519823305187616932012-12-09T23:03:00.001+10:002012-12-09T23:14:23.443+10:0030+ 3plus3<br />
I was at the original OHV <a href="http://www.3plus3.com.au/" target="_blank">3plus3 </a>about 2 years ago, and apart from a race destroying puncture on day 2, I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great concept. This was a much larger event and there was a great turn out. This year there was an SS category with at least 11 riders signed up, which was nice number up from the 4 or 5 we often have at SEQ events. I was a late entrant having had doubts due to a rib and shoulder injury. With these injuries, and a "training" schedule built mostly around commuting, I'd barely ridden MTB or SS at all in the previous month.<br />
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Race weekend rolled around, and it was going to be HOT...both days, and I'd not done any riding in the heat since last summer. Camping too adds another aspect to race preparation, setting up camp in near midday heat is certainly not ideal, but thanks to the family we were setup in time for lunch.<br />
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Due to my late entry, I had not studied course at all, but I knew was that over the 2 days we rode most of the single track at OHV. I didn't even really think about gear, just leaving the 34/21 on from last time I raced. <br />
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According to my garmin, the race started in 38 degree heat, with an open fire road start the pace was pretty hot too. The cover of the trees in the single track was a welcome relief. I didn't realise at the time, but the first lap was a short one cutting out some of the single track in some attempt to minimise the bunching that usually occurs when we first head in to the single track. It seemed to work, as I had no real issues other than normal for an SS among geared bikes. The track was technical enough to make it hard to pass and hard to drink in most places. The fire road was the best place for both passing and feeding. I caught and passed a couple of SS riders, and I eventually caught up to Peter Winfield who although he was riding a SS was riding in his age group (which he won on both days). I did almost a lap with Pete and thought my rear tyre pressure was a bit low and possibly had a slow leak. Toward the end of 007 it was confirmed, with they tyre too soft to ride on. I found a place in the shade to stop. I managed to re-inflate the tyre with a CO2 canister hoping that I could get the sealant to fix it...and for a second it did, but then phssst, it was flat again. I was going to install at tube, but was not able to remove the tubeless stem. All this time watching many of the riders I'd passed come rolling past. I started to walking, and realised that I was quite close to the pits. I made a snap decision to push my bike back there to repair my tyre. With the repair done(by me), I returned to the place where I'd left the track. It turns out that this may or many not contravene the rules and eventually resulted in some issues for me. (See <a href="#myBelow">below</a><span id="goog_10155133"></span><span id="goog_10155134"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiackQvcPJCoMnye2EKEZEOP54n3lOoj0NUoxhWfA7S7kG_zZERr3f1I5fbNFAGOxEeKQ8BflKhjQZSPEsYtxirkmfciTEfBbJ3jSpXGaDzrQ6eWKmiCeFiIL7eOkca6v6SpkNSlN39q8Ht/s1600/2012-12-01+18.46.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiackQvcPJCoMnye2EKEZEOP54n3lOoj0NUoxhWfA7S7kG_zZERr3f1I5fbNFAGOxEeKQ8BflKhjQZSPEsYtxirkmfciTEfBbJ3jSpXGaDzrQ6eWKmiCeFiIL7eOkca6v6SpkNSlN39q8Ht/s320/2012-12-01+18.46.10.jpg" width="320" /></a>At this point, I given up on a good position and was really out there to complete the race, and enjoy the trails. If I'd had my head screwed on, I would have saved some energy for Sunday, I just pushed hard and my lap times would show later that I regained a lot of the time I lost with the puncture and repair. It cooled as the afternoon went on. Finally, the first 3hrs was done, and somehow I was sitting in 2nd only about 2mins down. My stats for day 1 56.7K in 3hrs 16mins with an average temp of 34 degrees!<br />
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The idea of a Christmas even with camping is cool, and it was great catching up with friends, especially since it had been a while between MTB events for me. I signed up too late to do the feast, but what I saw looked pretty good, so I'll have my name down for that next year. <br />
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I had a reasonable recovery and sleep that night, but the morning meant packing and getting the bike ready. This proved to cause me a few problems, I had to make 3 trips back to my gear between race brief and race start, and I still managed to forget my timing chip. So I started deep in the field, and really got caught up in the pack, struggling in the switchback climb after the skills park, with no way to get past slower riders. Aeroplane allows a few places to pass, but Rock Bottom not so much, and Bear Valley is also tough to pass on an SS due to spinning out. At the end of the slightly shorter lap 1 I realised I'd forgotten my timing chip and had to make an unscheduled stop to put it on. Lap 2 was eventful with stick derailing my chain, then a spectacular dismount after taking a poor line in some of the technical single track. Thankfully I landed on my feet uninjured and asked for an encore by a nearby photographer. The rest of the race was just pushing hard to make up time and trying to stay hydrated. I found the Sunday track surprising quite hard on the body. Whether that was due to backing up from Saturday, I'm not sure, but I knew I was not MTB fit going in to 3 plus 3 and by mid way though Sunday, my back was hurting and it felt like I'd burned holes in my palms. I crossed the line in the same time as Saturday 3hrs 16mins, covering 54.5K with an average of 33 degrees!<br />
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Across the 2 days 110K in 6.5hrs. All riders were accommodating and friendly in both passing and being passed, with lots of encouragement for new riders and heaps of support from spectators and fellow riders. I also had great feed and bottle support from my family and friends.<br />
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Thanks to Hayden, Fleur and all the organisers. The tracks were fantastic as usual, well marked. Still one of my favourite tracks around is Rock Bottom(I think is should be a mandatory inclusion in all circuits). Thanks for the water sprays on both days, they really helped keep things tolerable. It was a great way to end the MTB year, and I am already looking forward to next years event. <br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/30544333/embed/e75f35f73749b6e228c5ba6f4aa596c9f562c185" width="590"></iframe>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/30544385/embed/0ab4db6a8fdbf84e0acb2ffcb1d613b2d1192c07" width="590"></iframe><br />
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<p id="MyBelow">
In reference to the puncture repair, it seems there was issue taken by someone. While not wishing to dwell on it, all I can say is that I rode the kilometers and I rode them hard. I was as surprised as anyone to only be 2 mins down after day 1. I paid my penalty in lost time all in all it cost me a lap. Maybe it was a little karma payback, because usually this happens to me at the furthest point from transition which is exactly what happened in 2010 3plus3. </p>
AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0682-700 Grandchester Mt Mort Rd, Grandchester QLD 4340, Australia-27.717497216622256 152.46723175048828-27.724525716622257 152.45736125048828 -27.710468716622255 152.47710225048829tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-90953888863963274532012-09-21T21:22:00.000+10:002012-09-21T21:28:19.962+10:00Epic 2012I was a very late entry in what was to be me 2nd ever <a href="http://www.cycleepic.com.au/">Flight Centre Cycle Epic</a>. I'd realised there was a bit of a date clash for me with the HPRW Club Champs Road Race on the Saturday. Run on a hilly and usually windy road course, the road race was due to start at 1:30 and would run for 2hrs and therefore finish around 4pm. Backing up to ride SS at the Epic was always going to be tough ask. To make it even tougher, it was my first week in a new job in the city, so back to commuting and to top it off our home was broken in to, which apart from consuming time with police, insurance, reassessing security was somewhat disconcerting.<br />
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Saturday's race turned out to me tougher and more tactical than I ever thought, and in the end went poorly for me and took a heap out of me. Roll around Sunday morning, and I was not the least bit interested in climbing big hills, descending rocky descents and flat boring road sections on a one gear bike. I was a little excited that the SS category was well represented with 18 riders. Thankfully Andy had picked up our race packs the day before saving us a mega early start(as if 5am isn't early enough). Thankfully I had got everything ready as possible the day before, so when I arrived at OHV I could fairly leisurely get ready. Unlike <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/my-1st-epic.html">last year where I last rode a geared MTB</a>, this year the SS category were the last of the waves to roll off. I was expecting to meet serious traffic, but apart from the 1st climb where I still managed to pass a lot of riders but taking to the grass, I had less problems than last year as backed up single trail. I rolled away casually at the start, but as I saw a bunch of SS riders heading in to the distance, my race face appeared and I upped the cadence in pursuit.<br />
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I caught <a href="http://news.fortheriders.com.au/2012/05/one-gear-362-km-24-hours-josh-for-the-win" target="_blank">Josh Bamford</a> and we settled in to a nice pace chating, but also aware there were a few SS riders ahead. My legs were feeling heavy, and I knew I was in for a long day in the saddle. Josh and I made our way through the field on the first climb, but as it got steep Josh disappeared in to the distance, but somewhere on the descent I saw him running back towards us(somehow I knew he was retrieving a drink bottle). I happy to get out to the first road section on a functioning bike as it was in this section last year that my race ended with a broken chain. The flat section that followed is one of the sections despised by single speeders, which is followed by a tough, but more SS friendly climb that seems to go up and up and my legs were feeling like lumps of lead. I think I even contemplated hopping off the bike at this stage, but a climb like that always has its rewards, and with it new burst of energy. This was followed by the infamous flat section in to Mulgowie. Having passed me on the previous climb, I could see Josh ahead of me, and I pushed to catch him using the pace line of geared bikes where I could. I caught Josh and we worked in to the wind. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFfXcdgpxa9jsd1zvkVpkPbpUFb5ZxbCYe8DDJ8EITbcbowghF0_j0B1n9SECMsitGEGzCu8hzpWLBLFSoPx9msArnKcObLMaTrRTsuIQTyVQ_wXNMVYRbkauNr32eDyU9YZbirCg29Of/s1600/IMGP2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFfXcdgpxa9jsd1zvkVpkPbpUFb5ZxbCYe8DDJ8EITbcbowghF0_j0B1n9SECMsitGEGzCu8hzpWLBLFSoPx9msArnKcObLMaTrRTsuIQTyVQ_wXNMVYRbkauNr32eDyU9YZbirCg29Of/s320/IMGP2185.jpg" width="320" /></a>The worst part of this section however is not the wind, or the flatness, but knowing what comes next. Its the climb that makes the Epic what it is. In reality, it is another SS friendly section, even though it means a bit of walking near the top. Somewhere on this climb Josh disappeared again. The descent is full on for XC style riding. Its bumpy and long, and I could smell burning brakes. I was lucky to have put 2 bottles in the transition area because somewhere around the 40K mark, I lost one of my electrolyte bottles...the full one, having emptied the other first to be changed out at the 50K point. The 50k point was THE point that everyone thought would be the start of the fun, because it was thought to be 37k of sweet single trail. However it was also the point where fatigue and heat were really starting to kick in. It proved to be both fun and hard. These are sections of trail I know well having done hundreds of ks in various events over the last couple of years, and despite often coming up to slower riders, I was quite passive in passing them, by this stage I was just looking forward to the end.<br />
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Some how I had caught Josh again, and he was starting to hurt, we rode together for a while and he said his support said we were currently 2nd and 3rd. Given my head space coming in to this race and how I was feeling right then, I'd have been happy with 3rd, but heading up Ladder, Josh had to dismount and I managed to keep pedalling and realised it was my chance to push ahead. <br />
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It was starting to get hot, and there were times where it felt like I was the only person on the trails with no riders in sight. When I did catch riders I was generally happy to follow for a while. The sections of trail were starting to look the same (sometimes they were), but at least the ks were ticking by. Geared riders were starting to start looking for lower gears on the climbs(while I wished for the same), but it meant I was catching and passing more and more riders, perhaps some from the 50k event. To my horror, we dropped to the grass section heading towards Mt Mort Rd for the second time. I didn't enjoy this flat, SS unfriendly section the first time, so doing it a 2nd time really felt like a chore. It was also quite open, not shade from the sun and no protection from a slight wind.. but at least once we got through it we were nearly done. Once I hit escalator, I got another energy burst and when I got the fire road home, it was full steam ahead.<br />
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In the end I crossed the finish line in 5:00:29, in 2 position Single Speed 7 minutes behind Ollie Whalley and 4 minutes ahead of Ashley Howlett. Congrats to Ollie on a great ride, and well done to Ashley.<br />
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Thanks to Hayden, Fleur, OHV, all the organisers, volunteers, and of course all the riders. I loved and hated this years event so much more than last years, but there is a fair chance I'll be back next year.<br />
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Categorised results can be found <a href="http://www.timingresults.com.au/epic2012/87km.pdf">here</a>.<br />
Overall results can be found <a href="http://www.timingresults.com.au/epic2012/87kmoverall.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/22115634/embed/b9c69d2e4a4535aafc99028e6379db9b6e3588f2" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-40132083312435320232012-06-21T23:49:00.001+10:002012-06-21T23:49:30.953+10:002012 Super Series Race 4 - 6hr<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Super Series final was originally planned to be a 24hr, but the race organisers decided some time back that the cost and logistics of putting on a 24hr race did not stack up. This was still going to be the longest race of the series at 6hrs. The track was at Murrenbong Scout camp-ground using another combination of the various trails we have raced in the previous races in the series. Conditions were perfect, and there was a good roll up of solo and team riders, with 5 riders in my category of Single Speed. I had the Superfly SS ready to go with 34/21 gearing, and repaired bottle cage bolts to hopefully prevent the bidon ejecting frustrations of the last 2 races. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsnLNyVDnmUcWJ1-88oxZeDL7XDRYnb1Br-g4mLdAQI_GgzHdebmSfCxVHPZJ0JCvZixfTguseiAjyZSZvrA1T-KELPJQxoDhPJ504eaGbz7KKascvEO2Z9I6c2kmyWrx017IjoRQgevj/s1600/550752_388522234529752_1684864536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsnLNyVDnmUcWJ1-88oxZeDL7XDRYnb1Br-g4mLdAQI_GgzHdebmSfCxVHPZJ0JCvZixfTguseiAjyZSZvrA1T-KELPJQxoDhPJ504eaGbz7KKascvEO2Z9I6c2kmyWrx017IjoRQgevj/s400/550752_388522234529752_1684864536_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
I managed to get towards the front for race start, although I was on the far right and there was a left turn about 50m from the start line. So immediately the start gun fired, I edged across to the the left and managed to get around the corner with out an issue. I had only ever ridden this part of the track in the other direction, where it was mostly a downhill run home. Now it was slightly uphill, with some undulations making for some high speeds around some trees, kind of like a slalom run. I managed to clip my helmet on a branch, which gave me a bit of a shock, but didn't really cause me a problem(I did it on lap 2 too :-D). We proceeded to some more single track and then a flat to slightly down access road, which was well above my SS gearing. The next bit was a fast bumpy downhill with massive, foot/pedal/wheel destroying concrete block to the left, that I would have to remember to avoid for the rest of the race. This finished in the creek, that I have only ever ridden in extreme mud. Again this was not an SS friendly section of track, but the climb up to the dam wall was. The climb up from the dam wall was another nice section for the SS, The next section of track I knew quite well with <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/8hrs-of-lunarc-iii.html">LunarC </a>this year and last year and a couple of Super Series races using this track. Its a heap of fun and fantastic on the SS...as long as you are not stuck behind someone on a climb, because there are a few technical root sections that really need a bit of momentum on a single speed. At the end of this single track, there is fast slightly downhill access road section that is another section that gives some respite, but really allows the geared bikes to unwind. At the bottom is another fun creek section which has just enough turns to be OK on the SS. The climb out of the creek is also very SS friendly, especially late in the race. The bit of single track that followed was fun, but with a couple of tight turns which were a little tricky. Another little climb and then a downhill run home. A total of about 7.4Km.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first lap took about 24mins, and I was on the 3rd lap with in the hour! Such short and quick laps somehow make the race seem to take longer. This was going to be a long race! Things were starting to settle down and I was mostly able to run my own speed, but at times I seemed to be passing and being passed by a couple of geared bikes as we hit the parts of the tracks that suited each of us. As it turned out I would battle these guys until about 3 laps from the end when I managed to get away from them on the climbs as they started searching for granny gear.</span></div>
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I felt I was riding quite consistently and with good pace. The flatter sections were a bit of a grind, but I felt like I was climbing the hills strongly. If there was one negative it was the way the transition area was configured, our usual spot was not actually on the race track. I had to make a detour to get drink and food, except for the one time my son and his mate as pit crew met me at the start finish line. The rest of the race was generally uneventful other than on a couple of successive laps I managed to tear a hole in my socks and cut my knee buy running too fine a line around a tree and then managed to take a chunk out of my hip on a broken off branch on another tree. </div>
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The track held up really well, even though the tight switch backs towards the end of the course that had become quite loose and dusty. I saw a couple of riders struggling on these corners. It was great to see the number of kids out there and making it look easy.</div>
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In the end I came over the line in 6hrs05mins having completed 14 laps, 105km, which was good enough for 2nd in single speed and 6th solo over all. I just managed being lapped twice by winner Jacob who again finished 2nd over all. Another top effort. Some how he manages to ride massive gears. There is no way I could run 32/17 for 6 hours on that course.</div>
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Full results <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=61">here</a>. Look like despite missing race 1 I ended up 3rd in the series. Congrats to <a href="http://nickthegardener.blogspot.com.au/">Nick </a>for 1st in the series.<br />
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My garmin managed to miss half the race, but this is what it did record.</div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/11004623/embed/6050d79896574cdcb86ee466ef0be7431531ca5a" style="background-color: white;" width="590"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Image courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.imagewerxphotography.com.au/" style="background-color: #141414; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">http://www.imagewerxphotography.com.au/</a><span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span>
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<br />AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-25990815276030130452012-05-26T12:04:00.000+10:002012-05-26T12:04:01.195+10:002012 Super Series Race 3 - 4hr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyB5b_H3zA2ZXANv3I6cMwFUK8aNqoV6ZxZNZiYNnd-578Fb-LsujjralQ_UYgBM4Qqcfa-tSO2kUv7RzmV21eaXKB5PM3ujScBVp_HiWHFgzRVk8Ttieze2qWmO67gE6bNGh7fBbR7LN/s1600/149720_373121299403179_135138409868137_953325_1526644762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyB5b_H3zA2ZXANv3I6cMwFUK8aNqoV6ZxZNZiYNnd-578Fb-LsujjralQ_UYgBM4Qqcfa-tSO2kUv7RzmV21eaXKB5PM3ujScBVp_HiWHFgzRVk8Ttieze2qWmO67gE6bNGh7fBbR7LN/s320/149720_373121299403179_135138409868137_953325_1526644762_n.jpg" width="212" /></a>The 3rd round of the <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/">Tailwind </a>2012 MTB Super Series was only the second race in this series for me. It was another 4hr race. With the first 2 races at this venue being absolute mudfests the fine weather leading in to this race and no rain forecast, it looked like we were finally going to have a dry race. I only looked at the course the day before and realised that along with some new sections, much of the course was in the reverse direction from how I had ridden it before. My imagining of how some particular parts of the track would be in the reverse had me worried about a couple of climbs. I decided to go out for an easy test ride to see what the climbs were like and whether I needed to lower my gearing. The new single track felt to me like we were riding it the wrong way, with a couple of overly tight climbs(especially SS), but other than that, I was quite happy with the course overall and decided to stay with the 34/21 gearing I had on my Superfly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNKbCa257NZOqla5rvJtIT5AllxD4iT_7hmINCUCkyesh7adbBB1n1dvFxA2FiokGayiUoObRcTdRhrk19CVcCZ3TQsT3WXkNyBfuatHyiHQ84GoeGUiQr_ulG58ghmlsGXul43BFm3SU/s1600/427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNKbCa257NZOqla5rvJtIT5AllxD4iT_7hmINCUCkyesh7adbBB1n1dvFxA2FiokGayiUoObRcTdRhrk19CVcCZ3TQsT3WXkNyBfuatHyiHQ84GoeGUiQr_ulG58ghmlsGXul43BFm3SU/s320/427.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
The fine weather had made for a huge roll up of over 100 solo riders (including 7 Single Speeders) and about 20 teams. We queued up for race start where we all expected the start line to be, only to be informed that there was an extra loop added and we were actually heading off about face. That meant that some of the faster guys ended up mid pack, and I was further from the front than I wanted to be. The race started and I seemed to get away OK, and probably a little too well. There was some tyre rubbing and I went down, taking some skin off my knee. I was quickly back on my bike and tried to get composed. We hit the single track and I had to walk the tricky ascent as riders in front stopped and started. Having ridden the track already helped a little and I was able to make up places through out the first lap. For the second race in a row one of my bottles came out of its cage. At the end of lap 1 I was told I was the first single speeder though, and I was happy with that. I stopped to grab a bottle and headed off again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3e5JeaJ8V_71iTlMA8G9irjvaV_goi-l29izGUD-ypwHXto4gskwYu9qCSVOb4icmQqO-x3xMlPAS0OiB2S37hyhskmXZEoHHOri2gxsxFZ4UlH-IRuo0BjkBwi84S8OwS1tC0abhAPh/s1600/424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3e5JeaJ8V_71iTlMA8G9irjvaV_goi-l29izGUD-ypwHXto4gskwYu9qCSVOb4icmQqO-x3xMlPAS0OiB2S37hyhskmXZEoHHOri2gxsxFZ4UlH-IRuo0BjkBwi84S8OwS1tC0abhAPh/s320/424.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
I spotted my bottle on lap 2, but didn't stop to get it. I passed more riders on lap 2, then stated to ride with geared bikes of about my speed, trading places in various sections of the track. The Superfly was going great, except that there was some play in my cleats and every time I pulled up on the pedals I felt my feet come quite lose of the pedals. On lap 3 or 4 I stopped to pick up my bottle which was at the bottom of gully where I always tried to keep the speed up. Getting up that hill without my normal momentum took a bit of extra effort. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZhxBJbJcvRNZ_316Nh24dcnctJCgdYB1qrWVAAgLWpr_HixmFDSM2gfrJcnzzvoJmhUH5xChmupvYWzn5avuVtJMgkZMLKtX2Yszb8WBlSNLmw0oco5HODacwPzFE3IxbAP4AB1vZvAz/s1600/425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZhxBJbJcvRNZ_316Nh24dcnctJCgdYB1qrWVAAgLWpr_HixmFDSM2gfrJcnzzvoJmhUH5xChmupvYWzn5avuVtJMgkZMLKtX2Yszb8WBlSNLmw0oco5HODacwPzFE3IxbAP4AB1vZvAz/s320/425.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
The course was a heap of fun in this direction, and when I was clear of other riders I was happy with my speed as the laps ticked by. I was not quite sure of my placing, but thinking that I was possibly leading as no SS riders had passed me since lap 1. In any case I was riding about as hard as I could. At about the 3hr mark, I was informed that I was in a safe 2nd which actually didn't really bother me. I was somewhat surprised however when I was passed not long afterwards. I was either in 3rd or had just been lapped.<br />
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I started trying to work out how many laps I would get in within the time remaining and if I need to stop for food or water. I wasn't even sure of my lap times, but I had a feeling it was going to be a close thing, so I kept pushing. I came across the line with less than a minute to spare. There was probably not much to be gained by doing that extra lap, but I was just warming up and felt great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXyBUunGMMg3VsY1eryrANOP460Vp15zUPRYGr9SQPdWANqbMybDFanK_BH0eqfRrrGiJA1xX7UEO6JRQo9FBLkYm0Sv9UBaY4lGcvCC-Utlh8uQorDWwySnUTR32heMaRWAftRPbW7Ug/s1600/426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXyBUunGMMg3VsY1eryrANOP460Vp15zUPRYGr9SQPdWANqbMybDFanK_BH0eqfRrrGiJA1xX7UEO6JRQo9FBLkYm0Sv9UBaY4lGcvCC-Utlh8uQorDWwySnUTR32heMaRWAftRPbW7Ug/s200/426.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
The track was very quiet on my last lap, so I pushed to get it done. It turned out that I finished 2nd and I was lapped by Jacob Roberts, who actually finished 2nd over all, only 1 minute behind super star<a href="http://andy-fellows.blogspot.com.au/"> Andy Fellows</a>. Top ride by Jacob. Marty Comer finished 3rd, from what I heard having tough fight with <a href="http://nickthegardener.blogspot.com.au/">Nick Westwood</a> who was having some bike issues.<br />
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The next race is a 6hr race which is a bit more to my liking. So until then, keep pedalling.<br />
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Final results are <a href="http://tailwindpromotions.com.au/PDFs/Maxxis_MTB_Enduro_Super_Series_Race3.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Images courtesy of <a href="http://www.imagewerxphotography.com.au/">http://www.imagewerxphotography.com.au/</a> and heaps more pics <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/MaxxisRace3/index.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/8913867">http://app.strava.com/rides/8913867</a>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/8913867/embed/c4e6f2b7a5e6de17097ce6c3cef9692baf3cf44b" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-20806091915368487892012-04-26T21:32:00.000+10:002012-04-26T21:32:08.212+10:00Dirtfest 2012 - QLD SS ChampsAfter <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/dirtfest-2011-longest-short-race-ever.html">last years mudfest</a> at the same venue and after an extremely muddy race just 7 days before, the prospect of a dry race and strong SS field should have had me a little more excited than I was feeling going in to this years event. Getting my gear ready on Saturday afternoon, I realised that the bottom bracket on my Superfly SS was on its last legs, but I really wanted run the gearing(34/20) and tyres I had setup on it. After some cleaning and extra TLC, I was fairly confident it would get through the 50K of <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/dirtfest/">Dirtfest</a>. I'd also had to recover a saddle from my "spares" pile after breaking the seat rail on my much loved Fizik Gobi in the previous week's race.<br />
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I had everything ready the night before, and was on the road by 6am to get a good park fairly close to the event and save lugging my stuff too far. The traffic on leisurely drive up the coast was fairly light, but somehow there still managed to be an accident that closed the highway and we were forced to take a diversion. I realised at this point that I was about 5 cars behind my mate and sometimes pit crew Andy. Luckily the traffic in general seemed to know where they were headed as my phone GPS was playing up. In the end we arrived only a little after 7am and were able to park about 200m from the track. Andy and I found a good spot right on the track.<br />
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One of the peculiarities of this event was deep down in the rules(as found by Andy), it stated that changing bikes excluded a rider from the placings. I still decided to take my back up bike in case I changed my mind about things before the race. I decided however, to leave it on the car.<br />
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An announcement was made that the race start was to be delayed by at least 30mins due to the accident on the highway. Potentially a problem as I only had pretty much the amount of fluid I thought I'd need before and during the race. My plan was to be well hydrated at the start of the race and go with 2 bidons on the bike and if necessary stop for one bottle at the 5 or 6 lap mark. This was another reason I wanted to race the Superfly, it had 2 bottle cages where my Ti Inbred had only 1...even though it would turn out I would notice pre-race that one of the mounting bolts was loose, and I used duct tape to make sure the cage would not come loose.<br />
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Race start finally came around, and it was wave starts with Elites off first, then Open and then single speed. Including the SS girls, there were nearly 20 riders, a sizeable field. I started on the 2nd row, but with the first row being about 7 or 8 riders wide, I found myself around 10th after getting through the start/finish chute and on to the fire trail. I settled in behind FTR riders(Tim and Isaac), who were going just fast enough to make passing difficult. On the first bumpy descent, I lost both of my drink bottles as they bounced out of the cages(Oh the irony). I decide to push on and hopefully pick them up on the 2nd lap. With the tallish gear I was running, I managed to get past on the flatter fire trail. Memories came flooding back of the circuit last year all muddy. It was so much fun in the dry. I started to catch and pass the open riders who had set off ahead of us.<br />
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When I got back to transition, I had to stop and get my one and only spare bottle, and got passed by Tim and Isaac. I sat just behind them again so that I could get my dropped bottles which were still lying in the middle of the track. With only one cage available, I drank as much of the 3rd bottle as I could and threw it off to the side of the track. I eventually caught up to Tim and Isaac and rode with them for a while. Then again 1 bottle bounced out of its cage! This was somewhat bewildering as I have done many hundreds of ks with these cages and bottles and never had this kind of issue. In lap 3 I was able to run my own pace and hit the climbs fast. On one of the descents nearly halfway round the track I hear a crack and the saddle disappeared beneath me. I figured the stand-in saddle had suffered a broke rail like its predecessor, but when I looked down the seatpost is gone. I rode on, trying to decide what to do. Riding with no seat is way tougher than I thought, especially on flat ground with the low gearing of SS. I decided that I would probably hurt myself if I pushed on in the single track without a saddle and turned around. There was still a substantial amount of single track before the I got back to the start/finish, but I still make OK time and even found my lost bottle. On the way back I changed my mind on pulling out of the race and got my spare bike and turned a disastrous race in to a fun training session on a fun track that I can't ride at any other time.<br />
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When I got back to my gear, I couldn't find the car keys only to discover I had them in my pocket. I eventually changed bikes. I stupidly decided to reset my bike computer, and headed back out on track. The Ti On*One rides beautifully as always. I found the bottle that I threw beside the track and stopped to pick it up. With no spare cages I had to carry it in my pocket. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful except that I was never really sure what lap I was on. I also had to stop to fix my down tube mounted pump that had come loose and started rubbing on my crank. I also had to stop on the last lap to re-mount my chain which was derailed by a stick when I passed a rider by going a bit off track.<br />
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In the end I did 7(+3/4) laps in 2:52 and finish well down in my <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/dirtfest/Results/2012/QLD/2012_Dirt_Fest_FTR_XC_MTB-Overall-Results.htm">category</a>. Its funny how the short races seem to be the most exciting and have the most drama. As always, the event was well run, and it was a an awesome track in the dry, and no bike clean-up afterwards is always a good thing. Hat off to all the DirtMasters and DirtMistresses on a tough weekend.<br />
<br />AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-67400686428737246112012-04-16T23:32:00.001+10:002012-04-18T11:49:29.066+10:002012 Super Series Race 2 - 4hrs of Mud(just for something different)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj720cX0JnyswslZZyA_BK6lNf-DBmjvLTkeApjeswoacLg5xZERPxZIpk6PDQ7-tJTk2B9x-dPytmXvVwx8C4rQQz5D7FnVKzsgBU_iFEbK_er826eUR7MJvhm7NSQarxV559Wwl-8Krdb/s1600/_DSC3023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj720cX0JnyswslZZyA_BK6lNf-DBmjvLTkeApjeswoacLg5xZERPxZIpk6PDQ7-tJTk2B9x-dPytmXvVwx8C4rQQz5D7FnVKzsgBU_iFEbK_er826eUR7MJvhm7NSQarxV559Wwl-8Krdb/s320/_DSC3023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This must be first lap because I am so clean.</td></tr>
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Race 2 of the <a href="http://tailwindpromotions.com.au/">Tailwind Promotions</a> Super was to be my first race in the series this year after missing race 1 for a number of reasons. The outlook for the race was good. There had been some light rain during the week, but nothing to worry about. Having ridden <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/8hrs-of-lunarc-iii.html">LunarC 8hr</a> only a few weeks before using many of the same tracks, I figured that I would go with the same gearing, and basically the same bike setup in general.<br />
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My wife, Ali and friends were racing in various teams, and we went out on Saturday afternoon to get a good spot in transition. Ali went out for a test ride and found that the track was bone dry other than a few puddles. Excellent news. I knew it rained over night, but still expected the track to be OK and stuck with my Gary Fisher Superfly SS. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vOkQxdGyZYspxV_2xJ5rhHsg276ztla_25XwCAYx9HuVAd-8nyYeQJE0qYuDjY59ciWCfiVzhdIHednoWF1-vNRC9zoq6JxFV2cCkJADgRHRaKqZ6tQ2MKzlkogqbmCLvAUj7Q868-cE/s1600/_DSC2732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vOkQxdGyZYspxV_2xJ5rhHsg276ztla_25XwCAYx9HuVAd-8nyYeQJE0qYuDjY59ciWCfiVzhdIHednoWF1-vNRC9zoq6JxFV2cCkJADgRHRaKqZ6tQ2MKzlkogqbmCLvAUj7Q868-cE/s320/_DSC2732.jpg" width="320" /></a>At race start, I lined up 15 or so riders back. There was only about 30m or so of wide trail before a massive bottle neck as it went to single trail. I managed to merge in with fellow single speeders Nick and Peter, but I knew "Matt Dog" was ahead somewhere. The first part of the lap was the same as the 6hr last year, and while it was a bit wet, it was OK until the first climb. It was at this point I realised my rear tyre choice(Maxxis Crossmark) was not the best and combined with my tallish gearing resulted in wheel spin. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw6w_VN2UY4dkI-Q5rZdg6p6VbhHeNeX22jHa5qQAwGX7UuLvQq-FcrVBTDyAFVa3zQzKX6By0zHQRQKP1IIk5JxVd5_5pCKvq3doYjx8dE_QhKeeEfQrUyPf3z_bI5u2gJ_MLQ0pxYSQ/s1600/578515_3443406777692_1646297733_2817472_481650115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw6w_VN2UY4dkI-Q5rZdg6p6VbhHeNeX22jHa5qQAwGX7UuLvQq-FcrVBTDyAFVa3zQzKX6By0zHQRQKP1IIk5JxVd5_5pCKvq3doYjx8dE_QhKeeEfQrUyPf3z_bI5u2gJ_MLQ0pxYSQ/s320/578515_3443406777692_1646297733_2817472_481650115_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
I managed to get ahead of Nick and Peter somewhere early in the lap and caught Matt about midway. The crossover point was a bit confusing, and I think in wee hours of a 24hr race might cause problems. The descent through the new single track (which was unrideable uphill at LunarC) was very technical, but fun. I pushed on the fire trail and had a small gap when a poorly marked turn had me go the wrong way for a few seconds. Second lap Matt came back past me up the first hill running where I initially tried to ride but got too much wheel spin and had to walk too. I sat behind Matt, but had a shocking series of corners where I got wheel slip on some roots then had to give track to some geared bikes which then held me up, and I didn't see him again.<br />
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It started to rain and some parts of the track became very tacky. The new single track was particularly so with the top layer coming up and turning tyres in to slicks. Steering was incredibly unpredictable and I drifted off into the trees a couple of times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TxpO1aYyQqKXqawDpfkIJiR5mGJxyw_9KouZE-2-dy7iy6VE7xk1g6cA3Jepx5_ENSSAPq9U6TJy1LYx-UnT3t_W-VtoqtdLu1TocC0TwZileK1xKw7kKHq-tVeJUGFuAX64JEc1JWdT/s1600/562948_349895691725740_135138409868137_899353_1197937100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TxpO1aYyQqKXqawDpfkIJiR5mGJxyw_9KouZE-2-dy7iy6VE7xk1g6cA3Jepx5_ENSSAPq9U6TJy1LYx-UnT3t_W-VtoqtdLu1TocC0TwZileK1xKw7kKHq-tVeJUGFuAX64JEc1JWdT/s200/562948_349895691725740_135138409868137_899353_1197937100_n.jpg" width="133" /></a>At some point Peter caught me back up on the first mud climb as I walked and he rode. He got away from me for a while, but I pushed to catch up and followed him until he got a puncture. With my bike sliding all over the place, I managed to break the rail on my seat when I went in to a G-Out awkwardly. It didn't really slow me down too much, but was thankful that this happened on the lap that the single track was closed, and when I got back to transition I changed to my On-One Inbred Ti. Which cost a few minutes changing over race number etc. Mostly it turned out to be a good thing because I had lower gearing and Maxxis Ignitor rear and was able to ride parts of the track I could not previously. The mud clearance on the front was not great though, and I had to stop on some laps to scrap mud away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SXUmkB3crBNBbsAjIKzy5sLi7OIDZiai6Fw_XiS4tAXlGg9IOTd0jYnTThHPbmQpu6k4-Si4CHVxXNWHKyYwYI5VQECtziIQN2A1mju03T3PiogXD5iTC-ZVpLvnaTK-u7VLiFGO-EVJ/s1600/_DSC5772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SXUmkB3crBNBbsAjIKzy5sLi7OIDZiai6Fw_XiS4tAXlGg9IOTd0jYnTThHPbmQpu6k4-Si4CHVxXNWHKyYwYI5VQECtziIQN2A1mju03T3PiogXD5iTC-ZVpLvnaTK-u7VLiFGO-EVJ/s320/_DSC5772.jpg" width="210" /></a>As the track dried it became a lot faster and more fun, and I realised with a lap to go that I was going to be close to squeezing in an extra lap and pushed hard. By my clock(which I started on the gun), I crossed the line with just over 10s to spare(results have me in with 20s to spare) and expected to head out for 1 more lap, but was told the course was closed. I was bummed to say the least, as I felt that I was starting to feel quite strong punching out a sub 28min final lap.<br />
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In the end I managed 8 laps, 62k and 2nd in SS and 10th solo(if I read the results correctly). Congrats to Matt and Nick, tough luck to Peter(punctures suck). I always wish these races were a bit longer. I just can't seem to pull these short races together and seem to be coming on strong as the race ends. Well, maybe next time. Good result nonetheless, and had fun, catching up with heaps of riders and it was not nearly as lonely a race as LunarC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCsGkiwc4wb_P5NX9bwYSYuWoyXbJeNFWu5qoSm-BGH-tUfIEBj_H-tGFVmgXiWrSnZQWv2g8XaO-FzbwAlRbBMdFzjNaIU2u_kBLcnN85IUbCkpHOSCkFBSq2jA_HhGlYfMWtVOV4a_j/s1600/564949_3447657603960_1646297733_2820371_677753824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCsGkiwc4wb_P5NX9bwYSYuWoyXbJeNFWu5qoSm-BGH-tUfIEBj_H-tGFVmgXiWrSnZQWv2g8XaO-FzbwAlRbBMdFzjNaIU2u_kBLcnN85IUbCkpHOSCkFBSq2jA_HhGlYfMWtVOV4a_j/s200/564949_3447657603960_1646297733_2820371_677753824_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Thanks to helpers, Darien, Caeli, Flynn, Ben, Lee, Andi and Ali. Also props to Shannon Duggan and his daughter who rode for 2.5 hours on a tandem bike, you guys looked like you were working hard, but having fun.<br />
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View full results <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/PDFs/Maxxis_MTB_Super_Series_Race2_Results.pdf">here</a><br />
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Picture credits go to Alan Uthmann(heaps of great shots <a href="http://s845.photobucket.com/albums/ab18/utty_71/MTB%20SUPER%20SERIES%20RACE%202%202012/">here</a>), <a href="http://www.imagewerxphotography.com.au/graphic_design.html">Imagewerks</a>, Tailwind and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1646297733">Riley Taylor</a><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/6766309/embed/6fa66bd2a5b21a6ffff00c55a2574299791f2ad7" width="590"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-40214178324140374962012-04-01T18:04:00.001+10:002012-04-01T19:42:02.317+10:008hrs of LunarC IIITime again for what has been 1st race of the season for me for the last 3 years, <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/the-dark-side/lunarc.php">LunarC</a> 8hr. The unique thing about this race is that it starts at Midnight. Perfect for its scheduled time of late summer. This years event was scheduled for 24th/25th of February but was cancelled due to high rainfall. The race was eventually held on 30th/31st of March after a week of almost perfect weather. With the rescheduled dates, it was almost 5 months since my last MTB race.<br />
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This was my 3rd LunarC event, with the first one in 2010 at Slickers my first ever Single Speed event, and I was entered in the SS category again. <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/8hrs-of-lunarc-ii_05.html">Last year's event</a> was moved to Murrenbong and great for me and I loved the track. This year was a slightly modified version of last years track, so I decided to go with similar gearing of 34/20 on my Superfly SS. With my back up On-One Inbred setup with lower gearing of 33/21.<br />
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This year I decided not to get to the event too early' learning from the last 2 years that midnight seems to take a long time to roll around. Leaving home, I was not very keen at all to go race, and wondered why I do these enduro events. I got to Murrenbong about 8:30, and the dirt road in to HQ was like a little adventure in itself, but I eventually dropped off my gear at the gear drop and parked the car. I'd also learnt from last years event to pack light, and this year all I had was my food, a box of tricks and my bikes and no Gazebo. At sign in, the SS entry list looked pretty slim and as it turned out of that list a number had changed to teams or age group category, leaving only 5 riders in SS make category. By about 9:15 I'd found a place to set up. I made my way around the transition area catching up with everyone I've come to know over the last couple of years racing. <br />
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Race briefing rolled around and we were told to line up with solo riders on the left and team riders to the right. Cue, dramatic music as a devil masked character rolled down the hill with a burning torch befitting the <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/the-dark-side/index.php">Darkside </a>LunarC theme. The race eventually started and with a slight uphill, it suits strong SS riders, because the fast geared bike get out of the way leaving a bit of space when we get to single track. I knew most of the track from last year, then we hit the new stuff, which was too steep for me to ride, even on lap 1....I knew I was up for a looong night. I briefly considered changing to my spare bike with lower gearing, but think I may even have struggle to ride it on a geared bike, so slightly lower gearing would not have helped. The course as a whole was in great shape, but was muddier in placed than I would have expected. Most notably in 2 spots. One, a soft muddy climb that deteriorated through out the night so that I sunk deeper and deeper each lap and it just sapped the energy. The second was first grassy climb under the power lines which last year was my favourite climb, but this year was a wheel spinning affair that actually found me heading in the grass to get traction.<br />
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In some ways the first 3 hours of the race were the hardest. I hated not being able to ride the whole track, I had some knee pain and I realised my pre-race meal which included some beautiful salmon was not ideal. Once my stomach got settled again and the pain in my knee went away, I got in to a nice rhythm and the laps just kept on ticking over. I even knew when was the best place to unclip on the bit I had to walk, when to get back on the bike. All in all I had quite an uneventful race, I had one soft fall at the top of the afore mentioned soft muddy climb when my mud clogged tyre slipped on a diagonal log. I almost had an OTB in a muddy G-out that had developed a deep groove that gobbled the front tyre. I had a couple of closed calls when slower riders in front had moments in various tricky parts, but I managed to sneak past. I had to stop and tighten my rear quick release at about the 6hr mark. Through out the race, I had no idea where I was, I didn't see many SS riders or anyone really, so it really was a matter of ride for 8 hours and see where I was. I finished the race in 8hr16mins and according to my GPS I was only stopped for 3mins. I really think these 8 and 12 hour races are the right length for me. My last lap was only 30s slower than my first and fastest lap. That was partly due to me pushing hard and the fact that it was day light and the track was much clearer than on all other laps. When I check the result listing at the end of the race I still had no idea where I had finished, because the results were from 6am(This was my only complaint of the whole event, I'm not sure what has happened to the electronic timing that I2A usually have), and riders I expected to see were not even listed. So I was not sure of the final result until the presentations. In the end I managed 14laps(117K) which was enough for 1st in SS and 2nd overall, and according to <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/the-dark-side/results.php">posted results</a>, only 1m28s down on first over all.<br />
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All in all passing was not a problem and the track is quite good because there are regular fire trail sections that allow for passing. The track was definitely tougher and therefore slower than last year, I did 2 less laps, mainly due to amount I had to walk.<br />
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Thanks again In2Adventure, the Marshals, to everyone that rocked up to support, to all the riders first timers and veterans alike. <br />
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My Superfly SS was flawless and AyUps lights were fantastic as always.<br />
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Detailed results <a href="http://www.in2adventure.com.au/the-dark-side/Results/2012-LunarC-Results.htm">here</a>.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/5957745/embed/e2006193514716536ba70d5a0ba82337e73e0268" width="590"></iframe>
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Hopefully I'll get some pics to post soon.AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-54265168384006398352011-11-13T23:25:00.001+10:002011-11-17T22:06:18.550+10:00Everyone Wanted a Dry Race.....and that is exactly what we got, a dry hot race. After last years <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2010/10/4hrs-of-filthy-fun.html">Karingal Mudfest</a>, and a number of other muddy events at Karingal, I was looking forward to hitting this awesome track in dry conditions. Looking at the weather forecast, it was destined to be the warmest ride I'd done this year. Just before race start, there was some cloud cover that looked promising to keep things a little cooler than they may have been, in fact, I was kind of hoping for a little shower or two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dWwNWml9DzieLWI7PJUWM8wmpigCHPLR96V77ftBxoDiroaPIUmwcgKIPPZEUMnDGjblw4pmBF0DGCbgMSGJi37TOkGayA-32WeYGCw73q5Ebs1UdvF5Aq2HhNibfqdkLcLY7YJULWgs/s1600/2011+4hr+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dWwNWml9DzieLWI7PJUWM8wmpigCHPLR96V77ftBxoDiroaPIUmwcgKIPPZEUMnDGjblw4pmBF0DGCbgMSGJi37TOkGayA-32WeYGCw73q5Ebs1UdvF5Aq2HhNibfqdkLcLY7YJULWgs/s400/2011+4hr+1.jpg" width="266" /></a>The Karingal 4hr is run by the Southside Rats MTB Club, and is a great event and I was entered in the Single Speed category. There was an alternate fire road start in order to allow the riders to get sorted before the single track. I did not get as far to the front as I would have liked, and had to pretty much track stand at one point due to congestion. Part way through the lap, putting the power down to get past some slower rides, I had my chain jump off in what seems to have become standard fare for me on first laps. My legs were feeling a little heavy, after having done a road crit on Saturday and as usual doing way too much work.<br />
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On the second lap, we hit some sections of trail for the first time, with a couple of interesting features. A little bridge which we hit an angle, followed immediately by a pinch climb, followed shortly there after with a little G-Out that was just horrible if you hit it hard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YVsMP4rpSh4JQamnXXy5Q4ehF16iYgAsyrCP_134-QL-5sVaqpvrL7n_dvAIxQdo-HPeP5b6hlXWYtme5R12ywcDejRU5oIuv2wcPcayHV_okLEgD9XHQFMo6y1Gr0DWOjlOoU8ctrPT/s1600/2011+4hr+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YVsMP4rpSh4JQamnXXy5Q4ehF16iYgAsyrCP_134-QL-5sVaqpvrL7n_dvAIxQdo-HPeP5b6hlXWYtme5R12ywcDejRU5oIuv2wcPcayHV_okLEgD9XHQFMo6y1Gr0DWOjlOoU8ctrPT/s400/2011+4hr+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Not being able to remember what gearing I had run last year, I settled on 34/20. I think with fresh legs, this might have been the ideal gearing...maybe it still was, as I did not have to walk any sections, and there were some flat bits that still caused me to run out of legs. I was also running my Gary Fisher Superfly (which is designed for the much hyped G2 fork), with standard forks. It was handling beautifully, and confirms my suspicion that the whole G2 thing is marketing BS.<br />
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One minor annoyance was that my race number kept curling backward, and I had to try push my number forward so the marshals could read my number, and even then I had to call it out. By mid race it was getting hot, but I felt like I was keeping up the fluids, and getting the food in. On about lap 4 I heard that I was in 3rd, but it was not like I could push any harder. The bike was going great, apart from the horrible creaks coming from the crank/BB area, but that was nothing new. But then I dropped the chain again twice with 2 laps to go, and stopped to retention the chain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ipHXU7WSWBRGCmyt9UhyphenhypheneCPwRGbS8tZnwWjTK3JdbwW6BOwXSybu-gZzhEh0bv3_H6ymnpN25tfOvBLMYJ9a7fMLQ4SgeSXFWXMuiP8DMjwZ3i6G1Et9HzrlLzgE8O6FKzPjEhms38a5/s1600/388161_10150387017357923_729522922_8310817_249310403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ipHXU7WSWBRGCmyt9UhyphenhypheneCPwRGbS8tZnwWjTK3JdbwW6BOwXSybu-gZzhEh0bv3_H6ymnpN25tfOvBLMYJ9a7fMLQ4SgeSXFWXMuiP8DMjwZ3i6G1Et9HzrlLzgE8O6FKzPjEhms38a5/s400/388161_10150387017357923_729522922_8310817_249310403_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>I went through to start my last lap with 24mins left on the clock. I had that burst of energy you get from knowing it is the last lap. About 1/3 of the way around, my crank stops spinning, and I look down to see my chain ring all bent and twisted. I pushed the bike up the hills and rolled down the hills, but the chain was rubbing on the tyre or banging on the frame, so I stopped to remove the chain. This was much better, but due to the bent chain ring I could not position my pedals in the best position for cornering. With no idea of how close the riders behind were, I hustled as best I could, but MTB shoes are not meant for running, and there are some flatish bits that fast riding that were really slow on foot. By this stage in the race, the track was quite empty, but I still had to keep getting off the track to let riders through. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPRNbxiYtxrjDMCUJZG8-i46wYK3pky1zlac7uGWq7FedGhVVG-yBOmbODUaQG3EcN4MEco8REUNbrsUsqzkX9JcnHXngRXYXW5yVXLAA8XPChB5l0qXmvKrbX9bOlIkW_raLeJbDGeg/s1600/2011+4hr+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPRNbxiYtxrjDMCUJZG8-i46wYK3pky1zlac7uGWq7FedGhVVG-yBOmbODUaQG3EcN4MEco8REUNbrsUsqzkX9JcnHXngRXYXW5yVXLAA8XPChB5l0qXmvKrbX9bOlIkW_raLeJbDGeg/s320/2011+4hr+3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was passed by at least one SS rider and assumed I had dropped at least one spot. I was so glad to see the finish line. In the end, some how I had hung on to 2nd in SS(by about 15 mins), but dropped a lot of spots in combined solo. It looks like I was about 8 minutes slower on the last lap. All things considered I was happy with my ride, although a little disappointed by the dropped chains and damaged chain ring.<br />
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The race organisation was great, the volunteers were awesome and the prizes for general participation were great. I even managed a little sympathy pack of lube, chamois cream and other stuff for my damaged bike. This was my final MTB event for the year. Most likely LunarC will be my first race of next year. Hopefully by then I'll have my Superfly ready to rock and roll.<br />
<br />AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-38117071502414907582011-11-02T21:58:00.000+10:002011-11-03T23:09:16.748+10:00Oh so close.The <a href="http://www.twowheelpromotions.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=84">TWP Matrix 6hr Enduro</a> at Canungra was a hot one. After finishing 2nd at <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2011/09/sleep-is-for.html">Dusk to Dawn</a> riding SS at this track just 1 month ago I was hoping for a good result at this one. Admittedly, 6hrs are typically a bit short for me, but I was riding geared, for only the 2nd race in over a year and hoping to get closer to the front runners.<br />
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The race was to start at 9am, which allowed me a fairly leisurely morning. It was quite overcast and rain looked possible, but at least would keep things a bit cooler. I arrived at Canungra about 7:30 and setup in roughly the same spot as Dusk to Dawn and just backed the car up to the race track and opened the rear door. It was the easiest race setup ever. It turned out that I had setup next to "Zepinator" and "Squirrel", so I had someone to chat to once I finished bike setup. I was to ride my On One Inbred titanium 29er which was setup geared, but had my Gary Fisher Superfly SS as a spare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8mML_LLUuhWZP8tWpsKOuAvQj2YgTjgZepgMTb9dAq_WotTFOlV2FZaP7gISu9-jOEsccx8rPObBQIocqnq1vmCZiaBKSdhB8STDYTRmDMr06fTKuNS8hKTXw4VmpLncpPLpjbPbi9xF/s1600/Matrix+6hr+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8mML_LLUuhWZP8tWpsKOuAvQj2YgTjgZepgMTb9dAq_WotTFOlV2FZaP7gISu9-jOEsccx8rPObBQIocqnq1vmCZiaBKSdhB8STDYTRmDMr06fTKuNS8hKTXw4VmpLncpPLpjbPbi9xF/s320/Matrix+6hr+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Race start was right next to my pit area, and I lined up in the 2nd row behind really fast guys. There was an extended section of track for the first lap only to prevent a bottle neck at the single track entry that occurred at the 12hr. By the time the race started, the front row was about 15 riders wide, so by the time everyone got in line at race start, I was deep in the pack. I lost sight of the Andy Mallet who I expected to be somewhere on the podium. The only issue I had on the first lap was bouncing my chain off, causing me to loose a few spots. The pace was quick, and I felt horrible at the end of the 1st lap, but being able to run my own pace on lap 2 I was starting to feel better. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7gKzqr5ogyi-oqBEj2s-5yu9efnkLLZxgCaw9wAoOziRfHYVf1en1zWrMjKYf1Te4zzgVukknxO9K3Qir6VklS9LJ5PyaSp3TNFB0CwFZwdMlezohkJuChEXhiD6fA8zRv6gJcC9eleM/s1600/Matrix+6hr+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7gKzqr5ogyi-oqBEj2s-5yu9efnkLLZxgCaw9wAoOziRfHYVf1en1zWrMjKYf1Te4zzgVukknxO9K3Qir6VklS9LJ5PyaSp3TNFB0CwFZwdMlezohkJuChEXhiD6fA8zRv6gJcC9eleM/s320/Matrix+6hr+3.jpg" width="213" /></a>Again the shortness of the laps at this venue starts to weigh on you when look at the time on your 4th lap and see that it is less than 1.5 hours. It was at the end of the 4th lap that I my front tyre burst off with an loud bang. There was still heaps of sealant in the tyre, so I tried to re-inflate it with a CO2 Canister. That didn't work, so I put in a tube and struggled to get it to correct pressure because I my hands were slippery with sealant. Being so close to the pit I decided to go with the pressure I had and use my track pump. Once I got rolling, I realised the wheel was buckled, which may have caused the tyre to blow. I got back to the pit and snails pace, and with the buckled wheel, I decided to swap the front wheel from the Superfly(which was sporting one of my favourite tyres - <a href="http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/mountain/small-block-eight.aspx">Kenda Small Block 8</a>). All in all I the whole tyre problem cost me just over 20 mins, and while I was changing wheels, I saw the race leaders fly past.<br />
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It was starting to warm up, but I managed to unlap myself after a couple of laps and I was feeling a bit more positive. I seemed to be pass 1 million riders per lap, but it takes some extra effort for each person you have to pass off the racing line. The track was getting loose in a number of sandy descents and full attention was required. On one lap I forgot I was on the big ring at the front, and changed all the way the big ring at the back which causes the drive train to lock up. Another minute lost while I released it. Through out the race I had a number of mechanicals. Twice I had to stop to realign my rear wheel, once to fix the quick release on my front wheel and once for the dropped chain. Nearly every time I had to stop for a mechanical I was re-passed by 3 or so riders I'd just passed, usually in placed that it was difficult for me to pass them back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3gY2uEkimRt23U53yAWrfGBqmJwjRqQATg2lkcV7Xx_DQumXDY42jMCUdsZlKCI09h38tpIFbxhwQMaTBnvjF1DkOku9ZZEur-Sc-icnUdfCpKg7mK1Z8C7thk093N3TIDTJssp5xbq/s1600/Matrix+6hr+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3gY2uEkimRt23U53yAWrfGBqmJwjRqQATg2lkcV7Xx_DQumXDY42jMCUdsZlKCI09h38tpIFbxhwQMaTBnvjF1DkOku9ZZEur-Sc-icnUdfCpKg7mK1Z8C7thk093N3TIDTJssp5xbq/s320/Matrix+6hr+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>With about 3 laps to go Andy Mallet caught me again, and I followed him for 2 full laps. The 2nd last lap was probably the hardes, and I was really feeling the heat and was probably under hydrated. I downed a gel, and that seemed to do the job. On the start of the last lap "Zepinator" told me I was down 4 or 5 mins on 3rd. I couldn't really respond to this information, and basically that's how things finished. I was 4th Solo and only about a lap and 10mins down on 1st and 6mins down on 3rd.<br />
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In the end I did 87k with over 2000m climbing. Again the track was fun, but too short. My next MTB event will probably be the Karingal 4hr which has a SS category :)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/125155078" width="465"></iframe><br />
Photos courtesy of <a href="http://michael61.smugmug.com/Sports/Mountain-Bike">Michael Phipps</a>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-83827929417909643372011-09-25T17:43:00.002+10:002011-09-29T06:12:39.156+10:00Sleep is for...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODQXZurkH3ffi_BzjkO8g3uLc2M9WdIsXKF_oyMx_kx3rNuUAtKMLnpNeThKm3doSJwcGbd0-Cz9QU147ryFEFJ6w9_xKJ0sXnSYVHMhVvQ2XDBW7slssJaUSYKc9Ik3us0jC8Lv0UVfd/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODQXZurkH3ffi_BzjkO8g3uLc2M9WdIsXKF_oyMx_kx3rNuUAtKMLnpNeThKm3doSJwcGbd0-Cz9QU147ryFEFJ6w9_xKJ0sXnSYVHMhVvQ2XDBW7slssJaUSYKc9Ik3us0jC8Lv0UVfd/s320/001.jpg" width="352" /></a>I've done every Dusk to Dawn since 2008. With the first one at Kooralbyn my first ever night race as part of a 2 person team. There is just something about night riding that I love. It forces you to focus and really look to where you are riding, especially in corners. My lead in to this event was mainly on the road bike, with only a couple of MTB rides since the <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-1st-epic.html">Epic</a> with practically zero night riding. Despite this, on top of <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2010/08/dusk-to-dawn-canungra-2010.html">last years unexpected success</a>, I went in to this years event with some expectation and a full 3 x 9 geared bike (compared to 1x9 setup last year). My other secret weapon this year would be support in the form of Andy. <br />
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<a href="http://michael61.smugmug.com/Sports/Mountain-Bike/TWP-Dusk2Dawn-2011/19237936_P8jbks#1501060445_z85XnWN" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jAb6AEzRZ40FgfNcb5t-gTrM7KONXyMotgDvJBQ3IQ1WC-StN6xgdkqDrBawf9Mh-YkxKrXOASPXVla_SZWE7tv4bZgX41ETaDFBmxEuI87p5A5fk6h4M1irZ9nIS_dwlk2bawS3ptgL/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a>The good thing about a race that starts at 7pm, is that you get the morning to take your time packing. I started by getting my On One Inbred 29er ready by checking the tyre sealant, cleaning and lubing the chain. I also prepared my Superfly SS as a spare bike or just in case I felt the urge to do some single speeding for kicks. I got the rest of the car packed and despite some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6176117261/">reptile distractions</a>, and were ready to go about 1:30pm. We arrived at Canungra just after 3pm to a nearly empty camping/transition area. The timing area was somewhat different from previous events, which caused us some confusion in trying to select a spot to setup camp. We found a spot right on the race track about 500m past the finish line which turned out to be a great spot.<br />
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<a href="http://michael61.smugmug.com/Sports/Mountain-Bike/TWP-Dusk2Dawn-2011/19237936_P8jbks#1501060445_z85XnWN" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zZxZGz6U-tNQxdeXDDsyGam60Rb29u1ntFFDC-2JbL6ktzFMEWHxQ2qVGaSmUt35G7ro3TbiL9Y_HxrkMfEX7kOmKCKxpMZLOOKeih7tXRaVNJ2ziRczwJLgfwplhyphenhyphenvW7UKTLhbSxX4T/s320/063.jpg" width="320" /></a>With camp setup and registration done and bike setup, I went for a walk to say "Hi" to a few friends. I stopped to talk to Matt Dog and saw he was running single speed and after some talk, Matt suggest since there were 3 single speeders plus me we could see if TWP would create a single speed category. Not quite sure if I really wanted to, but always up for a challenge, we spoke to Libby and 'Hey Presto" there was a single speed category at D2D. Libby did say there would be no prizes. Cool I don't do it for the prizes...they're nice, but not the reason to race.<br />
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I got about changing over my race number and front wheel from my geared bike to my SS and I wasn't sure if I'd done the right thing by changing to the SS category. I really haven't ridden much SS since the <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2011/06/super-series-race-4-chased-by-dog.html">8hr in June</a>. Fortunately I put on some nice low gearing 34/22 when I prepared my bikes, which turned out to be about perfect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2SFmIaDPPD2HWMnDNzQMkTFVNdx0vmd07EOtIb9pk8-nmvt30XbNsnOZUYyAHuuA6Ji0F4bU2ltkMImnNzPpcuq4FEEWzOv7k9wkHPrtuYNbcAIS43utGdKGa4PMYdCJOp10C6yE1xJ9/s1600/154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2SFmIaDPPD2HWMnDNzQMkTFVNdx0vmd07EOtIb9pk8-nmvt30XbNsnOZUYyAHuuA6Ji0F4bU2ltkMImnNzPpcuq4FEEWzOv7k9wkHPrtuYNbcAIS43utGdKGa4PMYdCJOp10C6yE1xJ9/s320/154.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've attended most events at Canungra and seen it develop race after race. Apparently <a href="http://www.twowheelpromotions.com.au/index.php">TWP </a>had made some recent changes adding some new trails and making some changes to the iconic switchbacks. I was a little concerned that they may have dumbed them down ...I needn't have been. Relaxing in our camp, I heard a few riders coming back from test laps raving about the new single track and how most of the grass sections had been removed. I went out for a test ride and while I'd been cold minutes before, I quickly warmed up on the new pinch climbs. All felt good, except that some of the new track was still quite loose and my Maxxis Crossmark was not the best tyre. I considered changing to a Ignitor like I had on my geared bike, but that seemed like too much trouble and hoped that what I lost on loose stuff, I'd make up on the hard pack.<br />
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Night time eventually came and it time to roll. Starting towards the front with <a href="http://bozzablog-bozz.blogspot.com/">Sean Bekers</a>, Dog and Al, we were off. I pushed fairly hard and settled in to about 10th and watched the geared bike disappear in the AyUp dust trails. I was a few spots be Matt for a while and then he too disappeared in the distance. The new sections were run, but a little raw and in a few spots traction was nearly non existent. The first 3 laps felt terrible, and I was cursing my decision to ride SS. On lap 4 I caught Dog and settled in behind him assess how I was feeling. I followed Matt for the remainder of the lap, 'chatting' as best one can, and Matt didn't seem too happy, mainly I don't think he was enjoying the short laps. When a lap takes less than half an hour, you do suffer from a bad case of 'Deja Vu"..I was feeling it too. In any case Matt pulled over at the end of the lap, and think that was it for him. It was about lap 10 when Andy told me that I had some time on Josh and that Matt had probably packed it in. That took the pressure off a little, but really I had the goal of riding 150k and riding for 12hrs, which meant there was about 9hrs to go, but I was starting to feel good in the legs. The contact points on the other hand were starting to suffer.<br />
<a href="http://www.wanats.iinet.net.au/016x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.wanats.iinet.net.au/016x.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
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I had an interesting lap when I caught Josh. Firstly I went OTB on a little tree stump that I've never seen before in the 50+ laps I've done over the years. Then having got past him, I suffered a case of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_fixation">target fixation</a>" and drifted off in to ditch. Josh stopped to get the bike off me and decide to let things settle for a bit a just settle in behind him. Then towards the end of the lap, I tried a different line in a series of corners I was struggling with only to clip a pedal or something and go sliding across the dirt. That was the most eventful lap of the race. There were a couple of laps where I saw snakes, and couple of Brush Tailed Possums, a blue legged frog and a Bandicoot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4kg8uaOekjG0X-t0rsVc3Pejyj1OPO7_NpWJYjnp57Zh1ToGEGQT9V5rJwkYH0vEPijV0ZMyjZyAtqNJrs7U2f6t4z0iKeCSxdTXSFgq0AhkhNFmTcSRhx-qwNPlLfYi6BzpN0DM5uGS/s1600/109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4kg8uaOekjG0X-t0rsVc3Pejyj1OPO7_NpWJYjnp57Zh1ToGEGQT9V5rJwkYH0vEPijV0ZMyjZyAtqNJrs7U2f6t4z0iKeCSxdTXSFgq0AhkhNFmTcSRhx-qwNPlLfYi6BzpN0DM5uGS/s320/109.jpg" width="320" /></a>About 2:30 there was a shower of rain, which turned the top layer of dust in to sticky mud that instantly fill the tyre tread, making them slick. Where I had little traction before, I had none. The rain continued for a lap or two, so that on some of the older track there were little rivers running down the trail. A couple of laps after the rain stopped, the standing water soaked in and the loose areas bedded down, making the track awesome. The Kookaburras started laughing about 4:30 and the sky started to lighten just after 5am. The morning laps are always awesome as the end approaches and the track starts to fill with riders again. Andy told me I had first in SS secured, but I was also interested in overall position solo. I was sitting in second behind enduro legend Clint Pierce. In the end, I crossed the line in 12hrs9mins, 23 Laps, 145k, 3662m of climbing. 1st place in SS, 2nd Solo and 10th overall(including teams).<br />
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The only disappointment in the whole thing was the way they treated the SS category as a "social" category, actually worse. It was the only category that wasn't called to the podium, but just read out names. I can assure everyone that SS is as completive as any other, and to be honest had more entries than some that got prizes...and for once the prizes looked pretty good.<br />
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Big thanks to Andy for the support. It can't be understated the extra something that having dedicated support makes.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="558" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/116795194" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://michael61.smugmug.com/Sports/Mountain-Bike/TWP-Dusk2Dawn-2011/19237936_P8jbks#1501060445_z85XnWN">Photos courtesy of Michael Phipps Outdoor Images</a></div>
AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-59909787337645873642011-08-07T21:26:00.000+10:002011-08-07T21:26:52.704+10:00My 1st EpicWhile this was a totally different format to previous Epics, it was a course deserving the name Epic. This was both my first Epic, and my first race that wasn't doing multiple laps on the same course. I was entered in the 75k version, the longest of various races over the weekend, and after much deliberation I decided not to race single speed for the first time in about a year. The race started and finished at Spices Old Hidden Vale with some serious climbs, some flat bitumen sections and some fantastic single track. With $5000 up for grabs, the starters list saw a number of high profile racers lining up with 1100 or so riders across the weekend. The race was started in waves based on expected ride time. I figured I could get the 75k done in 5hrs which meant I was in the last group along with the elites.<br />
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I started mid pack and the elites at the front got away at a smashing pace. The rest of us were still riding pretty hard along the dirt road. I was feeling OK as the pace started to settle and we hit the grassy and bumpy double track climb, and we had already started to catch the wave that had left 15mins before us. So far the gears were working for me, but on the first of the bumpy descents my chain dropped off on the inside. I managed to recover it without stopping, but some time on the next descent, I thought I had dropped the chain again. I tried to recover it in the same manner, and when I couldn't I realise that I had lost my chain altogether. Most likely 1 of the speed links had come undone. I walked the up hills, "scootered" the flats and rolled the downhills wondering how I was going to get back to the car. Fortunately we exited the bush on to a road section where one of the SES volunteers was stationed to control traffic. At this point I thought my race was over and asked the SES volunteer how to get back. There was also another rider waiting with his rear derailleur snapped. He saw my predicament and started to fiddle with his chain. I asked if he had a quick link on his chain and he said he did, but he couldn't get it to release, but if I could get it off I could use his chain. I borrowed a leatherman with pliers from the SES and put the chain on my bike and I was off. Thanks Andrew(#221).<br />
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I'd barely travelled 20m and there was "<a href="http://hubcapasaurus.blogspot.com/">Hubcap</a>" repairing a flat. He needed a pump to put a bit more air in his tyre as the CO2 canister just didn't quite do it. I stopped to lend a hand. We had no end of problems with getting air in to the tyre, but eventually we were off. Hubcap got a head start(cursing all the way;) while I put the pump back on my bike, and he took some catching. We rode together for nearly 20km and worked the bitumen like the pros on TV :) Then the MASSIVE climbs started. This is where we really started to catch big bunches of riders. The descents were almost as demanding as the ups, and my brakes were squealing horrendously, which actually worked quite well to let people know I was coming through. At some point I managed to get a stick through my wheel, bringing me to a quick stop, but thankfully not doing any damage.<br />
<br />
At some point I lost my bottle with my electrolyte mix. This left me with just 2l of water, and I was a little concerned how I was going to manage the rest of the race. At least it wasn't too hot, and I did have some gels to help with electrolytes.<br />
<br />
I caught a bunch of about 20 or 30 riders in the single track at about the 40k mark and there was a lot of stop/start riding/walking with a lot of riders hopping off on anything that looked slightly technical. This section of track should have been fairly fast and not that much of a challenge. The second bit of outback single trail was much more fun as I hit that pretty much solo.<br />
<br />
With about 25k to go I came across "Matt Dog" repairing his 5th flat and showing the signs of having been down hard. I lent him a tube and suggested that I ride the rest of the race with him, and I knew he'd do it for others. Back on the bike I let Matt set the pace since he was riding single speed rigid. He was moving OK but I heard the odd comment on the real bumpy stuff due to his wrist. Back to OHV proper we hit Rock Bottom and Escalator, trails I have ridden so many times in the last year. Then it was Snake and the resurrected Gully trails for an awesome way to finish an epic ride. With the finish in sight, Matt urged me to power on, which I did with a heap of energy left. Even with the various stops, I finished under 5hrs and wonder what might have been.<br />
<br />
Thanks Tailwind for another great event and to all the volunteers for making these events possible. To top it off, the boys up front managed a dead heat for 1st. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/104554236" width="465"></iframe>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-11855379356999439642011-06-20T22:38:00.004+10:002011-06-22T21:54:30.700+10:00Super Series: Race 4 - Chased by The Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/morbomorbo/8%20Hr%20MTB%20Hiddenvale%20June%202011/?start=all" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRTdGj82CkxyrzwhVOQWk3sSmyBYxPgQVBdBM2YUlAjkBL7tjedYpVzisP-CTLECIjis3AY7-PmQqjtr5sbjA1dCe2S6b0BpYnHP_q5LnvRZR8ZAn-11v7HBuqii5yefu1_1m8ZQYLL_s/s320/4def9dfa.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><pre style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was time for the final race of the <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/">Super Series</a>, an 8hr enduro at OHV. I felt about as good as I have before any race this series. With a slightly lighter than normal commuting week and a full day on Saturday to check bikes and pack the car, it was a pretty cruisy preparation. If I was lacking anywhere it was in nutrition, and all I had was muesli bars and gels, plus some treats of licorice allsorts. THe forecasts were for fantastic weather. On the drive out I saw the outside temperature plumet to 2 degrees on the car thermometer.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I arrived at OHV to find transition was setup at the Billabong rather than the Resort. Andy and Lee had already set up camp. I registered and picked up my goody bag. There were about 7 riders in the Single Speed class, making a reasonable field. As I was putting my number on the bike, I noticed riders riding across the land crossing in the billagong, and viewed from a distance it looked really cool. We were to realise later, that the crossing was quite muddy. These days, it seems there just has to be mud.</span></pre><pre style="word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div></span></span></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6Iby5gjicGWdxdBTpaATvq0UQwhSY9kWxXaQp8Ao2NvxgXXz_KatFlPfXC_h9VY0ONU4XJPtW4DIuObyGSHA7Vph4fbkiH420XSN1sgEZbXVEJ4_1UzEXWT03EsHuCjhlTfI94vfnFQE/s1600/5d514116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6Iby5gjicGWdxdBTpaATvq0UQwhSY9kWxXaQp8Ao2NvxgXXz_KatFlPfXC_h9VY0ONU4XJPtW4DIuObyGSHA7Vph4fbkiH420XSN1sgEZbXVEJ4_1UzEXWT03EsHuCjhlTfI94vfnFQE/s320/5d514116.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">R</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ace start seemed to go extremely fast. One second there was 2 minutes to go then it was 10 seconds, and I was still trying to fire up my Garmin as the race started. I was further from the front than I would have liked, but by the time we got on to the first climb I was following Al Cook as he made lots of passes. By the time we got to the dirt road we could see Matt Dog and caught him up. We all rode together for a while. Swapping and changing position. I have to admit at this point I was feeling like I hadn't ridden a Mountain bike for weeks. Once we got through Rockbottom Matt was an orange dot in the distance. I though about chasing him down for fastest lap, but figured it was going to be a long day. Climbing Escalator I had small off, clipping my foot <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">on a rock on the trail edge.</span></span></pre><pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></span></pre><pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Apart from the final laps, Lap 2 was the most drama filled for me. About half way around the lap, something did not feel right and I thought I had a puncture. I almost riding off in to the trees trying to look at the rear tyre. I had definitely lost pressure, but it was still ride able. I rode on taking it easy in the rocky stuff, hearing(and feeling) a few rim strikes!! With Al riding off in too the distance, I made it back to transition with about 12psi in the tyre. Andy grabbed a track pump and pumped it back up to my desired 30psi. It felt like an eon at the time, but in the end I lost about 5 minutes.</span></span></span></pre><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><pre style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2S5b6R0TW_wDPUCrPFAsbLn2AFnKfVM85_lnM7D5Ug9KmbrrPEnXpFSUouLdySYlnkW5rNp-y0mjjXOoCp0PF9JJRVDFvoA5wfzt0ot7pwUE0iQbpXVwbhwmbpX9K3nenyZ8v5VaVSYu/s1600/38d4a194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2S5b6R0TW_wDPUCrPFAsbLn2AFnKfVM85_lnM7D5Ug9KmbrrPEnXpFSUouLdySYlnkW5rNp-y0mjjXOoCp0PF9JJRVDFvoA5wfzt0ot7pwUE0iQbpXVwbhwmbpX9K3nenyZ8v5VaVSYu/s320/38d4a194.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-wuB9ncjnJ0_s2IdyK365fc-p4Ef7_ax_O4yq5ZD1mJYKqscoI2WspXJnAgpmibwqFVa6d2M2RsK3sr-YMFp1V1iaJSIiHB9WvoSnIqqS1ZW9Os4zy9YP2gvHtenJMVHZ6q4P6hVZLdv/s1600/43e3af38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span></a><div style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Back on the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> bike </span>I </span>pushed to catch Al. It took a couple of laps, but I finally caught up on lap 5. I rode with Al for a while, then decided to pass him on the dirt road leading up to Aeroplane. As I did, Al says to me "Dog" and pointing up Aeroplane to where Matt was about 200m ahead. With a new lease of energy Al pus</span>hed on and I followed. We caught Matt as he was passing my friend and super MTB Chick Lee :) and another rider. So the SS boys had come together and it was looking like an interesting afternoon, but as we dropped in to Rockbottom, Al must have said something nasty to Matt because he disappeared like the proverbial "Bat Out of Hell" :) Once Al and I got out on to the flat of Bear Valley, I decided to chase Matt down and thought that Al would come with me. I'd almost caught Matt by the time we got back to transition, as when he stopped to get water and food I took the lead.</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></pre><pre style="word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-wuB9ncjnJ0_s2IdyK365fc-p4Ef7_ax_O4yq5ZD1mJYKqscoI2WspXJnAgpmibwqFVa6d2M2RsK3sr-YMFp1V1iaJSIiHB9WvoSnIqqS1ZW9Os4zy9YP2gvHtenJMVHZ6q4P6hVZLdv/s1600/43e3af38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-wuB9ncjnJ0_s2IdyK365fc-p4Ef7_ax_O4yq5ZD1mJYKqscoI2WspXJnAgpmibwqFVa6d2M2RsK3sr-YMFp1V1iaJSIiHB9WvoSnIqqS1ZW9Os4zy9YP2gvHtenJMVHZ6q4P6hVZLdv/s320/43e3af38.jpg" width="213" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">By this stage the Billabong crossing was getting very muddy with many riders walking. My legs were still feeling good, the rear tyre had maintained pressure but my fingers were starting ache and there was a Dog chasing me. The next couple of laps were fairly uneventful, concentrating on pedalling circles and keeping focus on the non technical stuff. On lap 7 or 8 I lost the front end on the 2nd berm on Happy Gilmor, and I noticed later just how loose this berm had become. No major damage, just a graze and scratches on my left thigh.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ith about 3 laps to go I passed Graham "Wingadelic" Menzies and he came some encouragement that gave me another boost. It was on this lap that I again clipped a rock in the grass while climbing Escalator. As I hit the dirt road on the way back to transision, I noticed my Garmin was gone! I realised that I must have knocked it off as my chest brushed the bar when I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> nearly came off the bike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on Escalator. I was now riding blind, not sure of how long was left in the race and what lap times I was doing, not to mention that was going to be expensive to replace, but hoping Graham had seen it on the trail and that it hadn't fallen in to the grass.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">W</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laps 10 and 11 were spent looking over my shoulder. I'd seen from previous laps that Matt was still chasing me down. I'd figured from when I still had my Garmin how many laps were remaining, realising I was going to cross the finish line at about the 7hr50min mark and that Matt would also make it under the 8hr mark and that an extra lap was going to be necessary and that was going to be one lap too many for me. I knew too though that Matt would be hurting a bit too..even if he is part machine :) Looking at the final lap times we took turns at faster laps and in the end I mad it home in 8:34:42, just over 1 minute ahead of Matt. Thankfully too having my Garmin handed back to me.</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeqXAOHL-YiEQWX53qhYnc7YYLbKTHAs0e_jLAX0bdYcpKP4Gm3UhtN7hbySg0nsf2gogtUPDTtLnA2g7xL2RXmCz32cN_Ka0omWg8fvsJuckjvMkk3ncA4KxqsxqzWBFHGbj__wo1Xxx/s1600/263979_127745813973678_100002147815612_206734_8022746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeqXAOHL-YiEQWX53qhYnc7YYLbKTHAs0e_jLAX0bdYcpKP4Gm3UhtN7hbySg0nsf2gogtUPDTtLnA2g7xL2RXmCz32cN_Ka0omWg8fvsJuckjvMkk3ncA4KxqsxqzWBFHGbj__wo1Xxx/s320/263979_127745813973678_100002147815612_206734_8022746_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the end, I covered 154km(11 laps) in 8:36 to finish 1st in the Single Speed class closely followed by Matt and Tim Clarke(who I had a great chat with after the race). Clint Pierce took out the 40+ category and overall win, <a href="http://bozzablog-bozz.blogspot.com/2011/06/monkey-off-my-back.html">Sean Bekkers</a> was 1st in the open category and 2nd overall. I was 3rd overall with Matt in 4th, so a good show in the SS category with the closest fight of all categories, although <a href="http://sockpuppetracing.blogspot.com/2011/06/tailwind-race-4-8-hours-of-getting-over.html">Rachel </a>and Kylie had a great battle in open female category too. Another great event by Tailwind, and thank for all the support from spectators and fellow riders. A special mention to Andy and Lee for packing up my gear and Graham for finding my Garmin. <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/Portals/2/PDFs/SS4_results.pdf">Full Results</a>.</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congrats to <a href="http://matt-dog-training.blogspot.com/">Matt </a>for taking out the <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/Portals/2/PDFs/SeriesPointsFinal.pdf">Series</a>. I had a ball, with a couple of hiccups along the way, but lessons learned and look forward to next year.</span></pre><pre style="text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></pre><pre style="white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeqXAOHL-YiEQWX53qhYnc7YYLbKTHAs0e_jLAX0bdYcpKP4Gm3UhtN7hbySg0nsf2gogtUPDTtLnA2g7xL2RXmCz32cN_Ka0omWg8fvsJuckjvMkk3ncA4KxqsxqzWBFHGbj__wo1Xxx/s1600/263979_127745813973678_100002147815612_206734_8022746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Edits to add some hyperlinks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2S5b6R0TW_wDPUCrPFAsbLn2AFnKfVM85_lnM7D5Ug9KmbrrPEnXpFSUouLdySYlnkW5rNp-y0mjjXOoCp0PF9JJRVDFvoA5wfzt0ot7pwUE0iQbpXVwbhwmbpX9K3nenyZ8v5VaVSYu/s1600/38d4a194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div><pre style="white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"></pre>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634643851193224889.post-23242554857601272842011-05-18T20:28:00.003+10:002011-05-18T22:57:19.425+10:00Super Series: Race 3 - 24hrs of Brutal.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After the first 2 races were mudfests it was a delight to see some fine weather leading in to the Merida 24hr.. Race 3 was back at <a href="http://www.spicersgroup.com.au/property/spicers-hidden-vale">Spicers Old Hidden Vale</a> and roughly using the same trails as last years Merida 24hr. <a href="http://imagesbyantz.blogspot.com/2010/07/merida-24hr-at-ohv.html">Last year</a> I loved this track, and having assisted with some trail care the weekend before, I had a fair idea of what to expect and what gearing to use. Accompanying me, my wife Ali and friends Andy, Lee and Jason who would be racing in the 4 person mixed category, while I raced in Solo Single Speed.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I expected there to be the usual suspects from the earlier races, however, only series leader and part man, part machine, <a href="http://matt-dog-training.blogspot.com/">Matt 'Dog' Powell</a> was there and one other John Warren, making a total of 3 competitors in SS. A little disappointing after last years field of about 10, but I guess that was due to the fact that the event was a qualifier for 24hr World Solo Championships held in Canberra last October.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcnfoHRO1GoLWgX-_YovwMzhLnvtI_greptfEOBN5HZlFSptV2oZ1asPdXynR6Qyk_WT9q_MGnY6oFHmTkc53ncMIDK54JD5mZ1dfH4SUebMChNgNm4iRr3d82qOvnPo4B_lxGbVVyPkJ/s1600/_DSC0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcnfoHRO1GoLWgX-_YovwMzhLnvtI_greptfEOBN5HZlFSptV2oZ1asPdXynR6Qyk_WT9q_MGnY6oFHmTkc53ncMIDK54JD5mZ1dfH4SUebMChNgNm4iRr3d82qOvnPo4B_lxGbVVyPkJ/s400/_DSC0304.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.17337679024785757" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For once I started towards the front of the pack, but nearly crashed before we got out of the transition area in the loose sandy conditions at the first turn. After we rolled down Happy Gilmore, the the faster team riders disappeared into the distance, while I settled in behind Matt. The climb up "Old Man's...' is a great climb with the right SS gearing and flattish area across to 007 would be a great place to eat and drink later in the race. 007 was a blast, and Matt made it look effortless as he pulled away. I was back behind Matt as we hit the fire road, and there were no other riders in sight. I felt comfortable sitting behind Matt, but though I might be annoying him by sucking his wheel and decided to push on up the fire road and along Aeroplane. I dropped in to Rockbottom with no riders ahead or behind, however it was not long before Matt was back with me. We had a clear run all the way until Escalator when we caught another rider and paced ourselves up the climb. The final run along the dirt road to transition, with its corrugations was both a blessing and a curse, but that was lap 1. As it turned out, it was sub 44mins. I only realised our pace, when part way through the second lap I expected to see that we were well in to the 2nd hour only to see only 1 hour had passed. </span><br />
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</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcnfoHRO1GoLWgX-_YovwMzhLnvtI_greptfEOBN5HZlFSptV2oZ1asPdXynR6Qyk_WT9q_MGnY6oFHmTkc53ncMIDK54JD5mZ1dfH4SUebMChNgNm4iRr3d82qOvnPo4B_lxGbVVyPkJ/s1600/_DSC0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The next couple of laps Matt and I passed each other a few times, not racing as such, just riding our own race. At one point(lap 2 or 3) I had a gumby stack at transition, in the soft sand as my shoe did not unclip, falling on my already injured left wrist. The track was mega fast, bumpy, but a pleasure compared to the mud last time we raced there. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I don't think my forks were taking up the bumps as well as it might, and my fingers were starting to hurt. I made some random setting changes to the rebound and suddenly heard the suspension starting to work and if felt like an improvement. T</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here were still a few patches of mud to keep things interesting and to catch out the inattentive. I was lapping consistently, eating and drinking well and feeling great. I was ahead of Matt, and had not seen him for quite a while. If I had any complaints, it was that my music was stuck on some random, hour long playlist that repeated over and over and over. Quite maddening, but if that was the biggest issue I faced all day I would have happily put up with it.</span> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwWqNP1uu6kaUdYkt2qBoXIizqGznjfbPSWNDOR6hacLwD4bUM5ViI25mi1Utma3X_2gvS3YH_83f6ZMQsYTBvIiNrEl8l95GGb99CNOwT-L8SQpmbR2tGZOBc_gd4SxSVTBZP33B-I-C/s1600/_DSC0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwWqNP1uu6kaUdYkt2qBoXIizqGznjfbPSWNDOR6hacLwD4bUM5ViI25mi1Utma3X_2gvS3YH_83f6ZMQsYTBvIiNrEl8l95GGb99CNOwT-L8SQpmbR2tGZOBc_gd4SxSVTBZP33B-I-C/s1600/_DSC0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwWqNP1uu6kaUdYkt2qBoXIizqGznjfbPSWNDOR6hacLwD4bUM5ViI25mi1Utma3X_2gvS3YH_83f6ZMQsYTBvIiNrEl8l95GGb99CNOwT-L8SQpmbR2tGZOBc_gd4SxSVTBZP33B-I-C/s320/_DSC0392.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.17337679024785757" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I started to think about the night laps and stopped to mount my lights and batteries. I think in future I will start with these mounted. As darkness fell, it became time to test the new 40% brighter AyUp light I was running as a bar light...the verdict, they are awesome bright. I’ll be looking to do the upgrade on my helmet lights next. I love night riding, following that beam of light through single trail, forcing that extra bit of concentration. </span><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was on the 1st full night lap, about to lap John, that I heard that dreaded hissing sound that denotes a puncture. I’d managed to slice a sidewall on my rear tyre in a little mud patch at very start of Escalator. At first I decided to see if the Stan’s Sealant could do its thing, but it didn’t. So I thought I’d run the nearly 2k back to camp and fix it there, with better light and a track pump, but as I thought about the long flat haul along the dirt road, I decided to try fix it on track with a tube. I quickly discovered that the brand new tube had managed to get a hole worn in it over the preceding 7.5 laps. So I tried a sticky patch, but that didn’t work. At some point Matt passed me and I had lost me lead. With no other option, I legged it back to transition, somewhat dejected. In the meantime Matt had let my crew know to expect me with a flat tyre. The guys readied my 2nd bike and were waiting at the start line, and off I went with a new energy. The bikes are setup quite similarly, but the major difference was the tyres, with the tyres on my 2nd bike more suited to loose or even muddy conditions. I never gave this much thought until making a turn on some hard packed dirt on the Billabong track, I lost the rear and slid into a tree. The impact was not overly hard, but I managed to take a strip of the top layer of skin from my wrist to my elbow. The other difference on the 2nd bike was the higher gearing, which on the most part was not a problem but combined with some tiredness caused me to fall heavily on a large square edged rock on Escalator bruising my thigh. All up I recall about 4 little crashes on that lap, and was happy to see a new tyre on the Superfly when I returned to the pits. I stopped for some of Ali's wonderful risotto and put on some warmer layers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> went out for a couple more laps, but let the pain from my injured wrist and thigh get to me. After lap 11 I decided it was time for a coffee. I hopped off the bike while the kettle boiled, and there I stayed. My thigh was hurting, and I really couldn't care if I lost my 2nd place. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was off the bike for nearly 8 hours, but only slept for a couple of hours at most. I rested as Ali, Andy, Jason and Lee kept rotating laps, and I recovered my desire to get back on the bike and go out with Ali on her next lap and just cruise around and let my leg warm up. While we waited for Lee to return Andy looked up the results on Facebook(what a revolution that was) to discover that I was last, but only 30mins behind John in 2nd. I headed back out and felt pretty good, and smashed out a 50min lap, and early on the 2nd morning lap I was back in to 2nd. I kept pumping out laps around the hour mark and was enjoying myself until I got another puncture. Another disastrous lap on bike two, dropping the chain a number of times. Again the guys did a tyre change and I returned to the Superfly. I managed to do 6 laps in 6hrs Sunday morning, totalling 84km. All up I did 17laps for a grand total of 240km.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Highlights</u></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The biggest highlight of the race was seeing my wife smashing out quick laps and looking awesome doing it. Also the support from everyone, spectators, the stars in the timing tent and fellow riders was fantastic. The camels, even though I have seen them nearly every time I ride at OHV, they are just so surreal. The bridges on Rock Bottom at night were super cool, branching across the black void below.</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were a number of firsts for me in this race. It was the first time I got away at the front of the pack instead of losing minutes to the leaders. This was the first time I slept and went out to ride again and it was the first time I finished a 24hr out on track, both of which gave me a credible result.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QGw16w2EDgnP6S3R3eGzlUbBBTeefOfiApnMFbW8m3FZJLk0bfO5PFZMUVHgbAyZWWTkv_4x_dTU6Jt-IBRjEcwtfOoDqsHROj3QNTTY2GjbSTZ3IcGqgJNC7gVjOEvhV1jIiUdsvqy-/s1600/242664_185610124820965_135138409868137_444459_2244550_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QGw16w2EDgnP6S3R3eGzlUbBBTeefOfiApnMFbW8m3FZJLk0bfO5PFZMUVHgbAyZWWTkv_4x_dTU6Jt-IBRjEcwtfOoDqsHROj3QNTTY2GjbSTZ3IcGqgJNC7gVjOEvhV1jIiUdsvqy-/s320/242664_185610124820965_135138409868137_444459_2244550_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From L to R: Me, Matt, John</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was only my 3rd 24hr solo, and there was much learned, and still much to be learned. I consider myself to be mentally strong, but I capitulated in the face of quire minor adversity. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After a flawless and mechanical fee ride </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">last year, I let a few unplanned things weaken me mentally, but I can learn from that. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think a plan for the things that can be controlled is necessary. Having goals outside of placings is important to provide motivation and having someone to remind you of those goals in the dark times that inevitably come. All things considered, with the injuries I took in to this race on top of the ones I picked up during the race, the overall result was not a disaster. With nearly 8 hours off the bike I still managed about 14th overall. Really 2nd in SS was good for my points in the series, but nothing more. But then as Peter Creagh said at the presentations,"You have to be in it to win it." In any case if guess if someone wants an easy podium, they are giving them away in the Solo SS category :) This was far from my best ride. I am most annoyed that my legs could have powered through easily. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were super rides by, overall solo winner Clint Pearce, womens winner Jodie Willett, SS winner Matt Powell, <a href="http://grahamsvariedadventures.blogspot.com/2011/05/merida-24-hour-redux.html?spref=fb">Graham Menzies</a>, the young AyUp team and last but not least the whole "People that know Ali" who managed to keep someone on track for 24hrs and place 3rd in 4 person mixed category, all while keeping me going.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/">Tailwind Promotions</a> again turned on a fantastic event, great venue and organisation.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The final race in the series is an <a href="http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/RaceInfo/Race48HRMTBEnduro.aspx">8hour</a> race in 4 weeks. Hopefully we will see a few more single speeders and it will be a fun race. In the meantime, some work to understand my suspension, review some other types of grips and find some tyres with tougher side walls. I also plan to avoid being hit by cars and having silly training stacks that mean I start races injured.</span></span></div></div></div>AntZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16259509802576965858noreply@blogger.com3