Challenge

Travelling for work is an added dimension to training, sometimes its a welcome relief and allows my body rest. Other times, its a pain in the arse. All you want to do is train, and get some solid kms in the legs, but you can't as you are trapped in a sardine tin can in the sky. And that's how it feels like today.....a Saturday at lunchtime, sitting at the airport, and all I want it some time to train.

I cant complain really, between my job and my cycling, I have seen so much of the world..
Oh well, at least the motivation is there. I went out and bought 'the' tyres' for the season, a set of ONZA Canis. They look good, and the UST version is around 600 grams. I still want to get some small block 8 tyres, as for QLD, they would be ideal.

Tyres could well take over my glove/sock addiction....

Ben sent through the below photo, mainly to mock me that I don't have one. Fully Kudos to the man, as he has scored me one as well. These are RARE to get, and will look pretty sweet on the ARC.

Now I need matching white YETI grips too........I am sure Ben will pick up on that hint.
Now, something good.

Ben and I rode our butts off last weekend, and we got rewarded pretty well. We took home a pair of watches, which we both believe is a great prize. We got a medal as well. This is some great thinking on behalf of KONA. Getting product is nice, and does help to the high cost of racing, but it is a consumable and is soon forgotten. A watch will last a damm long time...so thanks to Full Gas Promotion
Well, another flight...........altitude training of sorts.

Laser-Beams

New bike, means a new position......

THE NUMBERS
THE CORRECT CLEAT ANGLE

DRAWING ON MY SHOES

RIDING WITH A LASER BEAM SHOOTING AT WHITE DOTS ON MY KNEES.

All leads to a new bike to train on.....

Huge thanks to Jezza at the RIDE INN for shooting laser beams at my body. I have had many a bike fit (all on my road bike, and never my MTB). I always like to get a glace done over my body. Usually I don't notice a change, but this time I did. I never noticed how much I was riding on the outside of my right foot, and Jezza made a couple of slight changes, and VOILA....I could then feel I was putting pressure across the entire pedal axle.

Also my saddle went back around 9mm (but the height was perfect), and I had to put a shorter stem on (as a result of the shifting saddle), and I have a 1.5mm wedge under my right cleat....to give that pressure feeling across the axle.

At least I am getting closer to looking the part.....

Unlucky!

Blogger isn't uploading pictures.....

I don't get it...

The joke was on me.

While I was 'napping' during the 'packing up' it became a game to see how much stuff could be put on me until I woke up.

I didn't wake up.

And Ben won the game with a can on my head........

Chalk/Cheese

VS

AyUp Special....

http://www.ayup-lights.com/

http://www.ayup-lights.com/

Kona 22:03 Hour

Reality is, I don't know where to start. It was a huge weekend. Involved everything from planes, car breakdown, supermarkets, pet dogs, Frisbee to the back of the head, late night hot dogs, mud, rain, pain and being awake for 39 hours

I will start with the arrival at the race-site in Forrest, home of the Kona 24 hour. We got there at lunchtime on Friday, and I quickly found Ben ready to set up our home. We quickly constructed out 'fort' and went for a practice lap. The course was a solid mix of fantastic single-track, with painless fire-road climbs. At this point it was hot with a dry course, perfect for a QLD Lad.
We went back to camp, showered, had some dinner and settled in with some beers. Then the rain came, then the storm and then the torrential thunderstorm that ruined a good few campsites.

Everything pointed to a very wet and muddy 24 Hour race.

Our plan was simple and aggressive. Smash out fast laps till we are a lap up, then smash out quick night laps to get a lap up, and if it rains we were to ride faster/harder to get more time up. Fun as going to be interpretation as 'hurt yourself badly'.

H-Ball (AyUp/Yeti Australia Manager) was set to look after us in his 'no bulls*£t and ride faster' management technique. He would look after us, give us time checks, make sure we ate, were warm and was the critical link in exchanging communication between Ben and Myself. Take very careful note of his last task.

Ben drew the short straw (not that there were straws) for the first lap. He donned his mega-fast YETI skinsuit for the first lap, and was keen to put distance into our competition early. He went hard, and we were in 6th place overall for the first lap. I took over for the second lap (we were going to alternate each lap, no doubles) and we got into 5th place.

Next lap Ben went out and we were up to 4th, and with my next lap we got in 3rd place Overall. We were having fun, despite the mud. At this point of time I had changed my clothes twice and had a shower. I only had 5 complete kits with me, and if it rained more I was going to be in for a long cold night.

Nighttime kicked in, and with 8 hours into our legs we settled into the race. With night meant we could bring out something special. AyUp had given us some of the latest lights, with upgraded technology. We both ran with a narrow on the helmet, and a medium on the bars. It was during the dark, when we stepped back into race mode. We punched out sub-48minute laps for the next 10 during the dark.

10 fast laps was enough to help secure our lead.
Sure we were cold, we were getting hungry and trying to keep on fluids was getting difficult. With the communication link between Ben and I handled by H-Ball, he was able to keep our spirits high. My stomach was killing me, so H-Ball would tell Ben I was still happy going lap for lap. Ben's knee were giving him trouble, so Dad would tell me Ben was looking good. It was this 'management technique' that kept our heads level, and our legs turning the pedals.

At Daybreak, we started to crunch the numbers. We were roughly 2.5 laps up on second place, but as we had not yet ridden the new 'Day Course 2' we didn't know how long those laps we going to take. We started the new laps and did 2 each at a solid pace. I finished my last lap at 9:10 and the 'team' sent out Ben for his final lap.

It would be the teams last one, despite Ben's desire for me to go out for another to 'even out the number of laps'. With that at 10:03am, Ben returned to the tent, and we had sealed up the race.

We sat looking like death, I had bloodshot eyes, and Ben could hardly stand. Still, we found the strength to find 2 beers, crack them open and enjoy the victory.

In the end we won the Mens Pairs with 27 laps in 22:03 hours, and as the race neared the 24-Hour mark we remained a lap clear over 2nd place. In good hands, we had done what we setout to do.

The Yeti’s (I was on my ASR Alloy, and Ben on his ASR-c) ran flawlessly. They were fantastic, and for the entire race we a great combination of comfort and speed. Out AyUp lights helped us win, simple as that. Our lap times at night were fast and consistent, as a result of a fantastic product.

Lastly, while Ben and I stood on the podium, the real champion was H-Ball. He orchestrated the chaos, and made the actual riding the easy bit.

Buzz Lightyear

This isn't flying, its falling with style.

The race report is written, just need to get it from one laptop to the next. Below is 5 random photos, in a timeline from the start of the race till the end...


PHOTO 1.
One lap in, bike is kinda clean and the MAVIC shoes are toning down a little. We were flying at this stage, all systems go...

Photo 2.
The rain had started, and I was about to go out for the teams 7th lap. Right at this point, we were sitting in 4th place overall. Both of us were feeling good. On this lap, it was about to get bad, the rained came in and the track was a boghole.

Photo 3.

This must be in the morning, I had just come in from the last night lap and come back to the tent. I remember looking very serious and asking Marnie to help find my beanie, she could only look and smile and tell my I already had it on.

Ben and I were fast slipping.

Photo 4.

This is right after my last lap. I crossed the line, and instantly wanted to lay down. I raced over to the tent, tagged Ben and sent him on the way. Then I sat down, then layed down and then closed my eyes. It was raining, and Marnie did everything she could to move me under the tent.

Photo 5.

Crashed out. It was around 10:30am. Ben crossed the line at 10:03am and we had worked out we have won. Ben got us some beers, we crank them and he went into the tent and I sat down on the chair....

Smashed.....

Ben and I went hard early, stayed going hard in the the night and by for breakfast we were 3 hours ahead of 2nd place. We did one more 'buffer' lap and at 10am we finished, both so smashed it took all our combined energy to have a beer together.

HUGE thanks must got to H-Ball (AyUp/YETI Australia Team Manager) for keeping us two lads smashing out the laps. He worked as hard, if not harder than us. Not only did he look after us for the entire race, but then packed up and drove home.

Special thanks to Mel and Marnie, for putting up with us, feeding us and telling us to 'harden up' when we needed to be told.

AyUp....what can I say, look at our lap times at night. With AyUp lights turning dark into light, we maintained the same lap times (if not faster) at night.

YETI.....not one mechanical, and the bikes railed everything we threw at them. My ASR is so comfortable, I will be riding to work today. This bikes are the best combination of comfort and speed. Look for Ben and I to be steeping up to the new ASR-5 soon......

Thanks to everyone else who supported or cheered us on. This looks to be the start of a serious 24-Hour two man team from now on. Yes we hurt, but not once did we say we wouldn't do another one.....

Cheers........RHINO

Coffee

After many months, I finally rolled back to GARAGE for coffee.

Suddenly it doesn't seem the 'cool' place to be, as I actually got a seat....

Where did everyone go??

Slowly.

White pedals to match Ben........
New Jet Black wheels with 'saw' rotors are ready to roll....those rotors really now how to slow you down, stopping isn't really part of the deal.

To match the hubs, I even bought new bottom bracket as well. The old XTR one had died during the Fling, so a great time to put a new one on!!!! The difference was amazing...

I kinda went Jet Black crazy....added to this I picked up some Jet Black Sealant, 2 pairs of Jet Black Gloves, and another Jet Black seatpost. All seems great value.

Cleats are put onto the FURY!!!!

Test ride feels great. Sadly without socks, but this is QLD....if I could just put spd's onto my thongs I would be happy.

Actually, the Mavic's are really comfy, even for the 1km I rode in them. Will take my old 'Bellie' Shimano shoes for if these start to hurt, but I am thinking that I might just get through the 24 hours...

All these lovely new bits, ready to be ridden in the rain and mud for a solid day.....makes me think I should put all the old stuff back on.

Countdown to Kona

4 days to go.

I have not packed, not put new cleats on the yellow fury, not yet put tyres/rotors on my new jet black wheels, not organised nutrition, not cleaned my ASR, not looks for spares, not bought a new helmet, but I have been told to expect rain.

Which is good, as I just bought a new rain jacket!!

Excited!

You bet, but not as excited as Ben....

Bring on a beer for Sunday.

Ay-Up/Yeti Australia Renegades Of Funk

That's what you get for letting Ben choose our team name.

Renegades of Funk!!!! I think I need to grow a mo.......

Sadly, according to the last time we raced as a pair (below) its more than appropriate. On that day it was the FTF Hard Day at the Office 8HR, and Ben raced a lap on a bike that he found on the side of the road (44 x 14 gearing with a back pedal brake), while raced a more stylish beast (cruiser with front brake and a nexus internal gear hub).

It may be hard to tell from the photo, as Ben is camouflaged to the background in his ARMY attire. I am however not camouflaged.....sporting a a pair of bib knicks under a pair of shorts, and wearing a HR strap. Very sporty.

This was the beginning of the 2-Man formation, and the start of an idea that one day we would race together in a dedicated 2-man team. Fast Forward a few years, and with Yeti/AyUp Team we have achieved what we set out to do (albiet with a few inter-state issues to deal with).

This weekend will be the first time we pair up for the KONA 24-hour, and it refreshing to know Ben is already organised.

Text Received Yesterday "Beer at 1pm Sunday?."

Check.

Weekend.

Ah, the weekend long ride....how much fun you are now that its again on dirt...
Another good weekend under the belt, and not just for the good ride.

1). Mexican dinner with a big group of mates.
2). Movie time on the couch.
3). Wrenching on 4 bikes, and getting them all working.
4). Somehow avoiding housework......I can feel the payback very soon.
5). Coffee
6). Scrambled Eggs.
7) Throwing the ball for Herbie, until he collapsed.

Ah well, brilliant....not I only have the upcoming weekend, and 24 Hours of pairs racing at the KONA 24 Hour to look forward to. I know my YETI-AYUP teammate Ben is super keen to smash himself and the race apart.....

Summer of 2005 (review)

It was sometime in 2005, that I joined the first wave of the FELT Enduro team. I still remember receiving my FELT bike. It was crazy light (as it had v-brakes), had the new XTR and the top of the line Mavic Wheels. It was a weapon.

The team was set around doing all the 6, 8, 12 and 24 hour Enduro races in VIC, and the big ones in ACT. It was a great year, and I had an ok season, but come the end of 2005 I had to pack my bags to leave for QLD. The mining boom had begun.

Since then, I have kept a bottle of red wine we received for coming 3rd outright at the 2005 MONT. I can remember the cold, the burning fast night laps, trying to keep fluids up, eating cold spag bol and sending ASH out for the last lap to hold our 3rd spot. All in all, it was a great weekend and roadtrip.

Well, I cracked open that bottle on the weekend. I don't know why, but I decided that Friday was THE day to finally drink the bottle of red.
And I regret it. It was awful.........maybe the QLD sun killed it. I took a sip, and the rest of the prize saw the inside of the sink (which is now stained).


So to Ash, Matt and Eddie, if you haven't opened the bottle yet, don't.......

Onwards and Upwards....

Small Promise

The late call-up to the 4hour to team up with Jaman, was a great decision. He was smashed, I was sick but together we knew it would all be for fun. FUN, a casual ride taking in some great singletrack with like-minded people.

I wanted that first lap, for no other reason but to come into the transition first, and give Jaman a clear path to move forward and enjoy himself. Sadly, it wasn't going to be that easy.

Solo elite riders were going first, then 90 seconds later the rest of the solo field, and then around 60 seconds later the pairs guys were going. With a 7km course in front of us, with around 60% singletrack it was going to be insanity. A passing frenzy, and had to be done right.

The start went, and I went HARD. I hit the climb full speed, and could hear some tyres behind me. As soon as I got to the top of the climb, just about to enter singletrack we encounterd traffic. I could do nothing but follow the wheel, and let everyone catch up to me while I slowed. At least we were all getting our breath back.

We exit the singletrack, riders behind me taking risks that shouldn't be done and now I am in 4th wheel of the pairs riders. Of we go for a couple hundred meters until we hit some more singletrack, and then again we were held up. Just waiting for the singletrack to end and open up so we can pass.

We get to the climb, and that's it for me, I go hard on the inside, and get to the front of the pairs group. Sadly, again, we are held up in singletrack.

Then a funny thing happened, I ran into a string of the 'daisy hill' crew that I ride with, and they were more than happy to let me through, just a couple of inchs of track made all the difference. I could still feel the other teams behind me, but nothing was going to get in my way.

It seemed a long time since I had really aggressively peddled in such an anger, driven to that mystical finish line for no other reason, none at all, but to get to Jaman first.

Around 3km to go, and I could still feel a rider on my tail, I slammed down some gears, stood and went harder. Putting distance between us. My poor tyre choice (very poor...a set of Killer Bee tyres with 38psi) were sliding through every corner, but I couldn't be happier.

I fly into to transition, see Jaman (who I am sure said the word awesome) and then we fumbled with the timer and he was off. With my goal done, and a good coughing up of flem, it was time to settle in for the day, back it all off and enjoy myself. So many friendly faces, smiles, cheer and chat.

As for getting in first (not that it mattered) Herbie was thrilled for me, as you can see below.

Our day would be a nightmare for both of us. Even before the race, my front brake wasn't working, and my rear wasn't much better. So my race was done with a rear brake that slowed, but never stopped.

Jaman was the puncture king with 4, and somehow killed his rear wheel too.

However, despite all of this, it was a fantastic day.

Will 'team awesome' ever unite again? Is it true that we have a facebook group already? Are the rumours that we are doing the cape epic together real? Is Jaman really going to be on the cover of next months Alpha magazine??

So many questions.....

Just a little bit....fancy...

Bellie has answered my question.....what shoes should I get?

I have always trusted those that race for 24 hours for tips on bike parts, especially clothing and shoes. If these guys (especially Bellie) can race for 24 hours, and say these are comfortable, then that's enough for me.

They arrived today, and I can tell you, the yellow on computer screens isn't a true representation of the actual yellow. They are more a very bright, dull yellow....that scream LOOK AT ME"..

Straight away, these shoes are light. Very light. While walking around for the past 5 minutes 'in conjunction with my suit pants', I can also add very comfortable from the word go.

If you remember, well over a year ago, I first saw these shoes here at a very wet, cold race in Victoria. I have lusted over them since, just waiting for them to be released to Australia. They are finally here....

Long Lost Love.

Bar-Ends.

The late call.

Jaman, training buddy, 2009 Croc Trophy Rider, insane attacking crit rider, great friend and fellow bundy drinker....was going to ride solo at tomorrows 4 hour enduro (yes, the one where I axed myself badly across a wet wooden bridge), but with the post-croc legs....we are teaming up for a pair.

It will be AWESOME.

or very close.



Now to find my bar-ends..

Why..

Getting up early on the weekends is tough.

Tough, knowing you have around 3 hours ahead, of turning the pedals over in the big ring, up long climbs.

All to build strength.....or maybe just too lazy to downshift.

However, its all rewarded when you get home, and a feast is prepared.

Breakfast is by far the best meal of the day.....