Coburg Saturday
Same deal as last week, ride - race - ride totaling a solid 100km for the day. Jesse (also Team Canard) was basically in every break, so I was able to just sit in near at the front and hope for a opportunity to bridge the gap. I made it half way across in one of the early breaks but the bunch caught me and also the break (I may have dragged the bunch across on my wheel). The last break was set to stick and I got in a good position for the last lap but hit the front too early and got passed around the top corner. I didn't contest the sprint and rolled through in the bunch. As usual we all rolled back to Freshman's for coffees and cakes (plural, not singular).
SKCC Sunday Pictures here
I was on the front as the first small break got reeled in and kicked straight away making it clear with 2 others. I was on full gas for the entire break and was glad when another rider joined us to reduce the workload. We had a good crack and managed to get a reasonable gap but all good things come to a end. Not too long after, I punctured mid field due to a safety pin left on the track. I was able to borrow a wheel and get back into the race thanks to BikeForce team on the sideline (they also repaired my puncture). Canard had a rider clear so I was able to sit in and get used to the feel of the new wheel around corners and this is how it stayed for the rest of the race. There was plenty of yelling but no one was working together and the break stayed clear (unfortunately our rider crashed out). 1 lap to go Eddie launched on the back straight and instantly created a massive gap. Gaps appeared everywhere as the bunch blew apart (including me) but I rounded the last corner in time to see Eddie roll over the line winning the bunch kick taking 4th overall.
P.S. Due to all the rushing around changing wheels during the race, unfortunately my clean bar tape is no longer so.
After being convinced to buy a road bike in February 2010 and setting myself the goal of completing the 210km Around the Bay in October, I again was convinced to start racing and here is my story.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
New bar tape
My bar tape had got disgusting and there was significant peer pressure from my team mates to fix it. Since image is everything in cycling and I have been rolling in my new red Sidi's, it was time to get off my arse to correct the situation.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Coburg National Boluie and SKCC Crits - B Grade
Saturday - Coburg National Boulevard
Saturday riding out to National Boulevard there was a strong head wind meaning a nice tail wind down the main straight and a head wind up the back. This being only my 2nd time racing the circuit and identical conditions (where a break stuck), allowed hope for a non-sprinter. Not to long in, a rider jumped clear and as I was feeling good, I jumped around the top corner making it across. As I did my turn and flicked my arm, my co-breaker mentioned he did not want to ride into the wind. ?!$@? Why did he initiate a break? Two more riders joined, giving me hope of having someone to work with, but the group would not work together and it was all over with the pack chasing up down. The rest of the race had plenty of other attempts but non stuck. On the last lap, I moved up the field but ran out of legs around the top corner finishing with the bunch.
Sunday - SKCC South Melbourne - Pics here
Numbers were significantly down today with early morning rain and wind (less than Saturday). Luckily enough the rain had cleared and the track was dry as we set off. The aim of the day was to keep the pace high and not let it come down to a bunch sprint. I got on the front early to help drive the pace before the attacks came thick and fast. With team mates up the road each time, I could sit in and hope for some shelter but due to the pace line formation and wind, it was fairly tough taking its toll on the peloton making it a short day for some riders. A decent break occurred and a number of riders started disappearing up the road. I was content sitting in the bunch until I looked around and realised that most the bunch was gone (in either direction). I tried to gun it and bridge the gap but it was too late. I fell back in with the remaining riders and started rolling turns as more riders disappeared leaving 4. This was sadly how it stayed until the end, we continued to roll steady turns but the gap remained and it was time to go home.
Saturday riding out to National Boulevard there was a strong head wind meaning a nice tail wind down the main straight and a head wind up the back. This being only my 2nd time racing the circuit and identical conditions (where a break stuck), allowed hope for a non-sprinter. Not to long in, a rider jumped clear and as I was feeling good, I jumped around the top corner making it across. As I did my turn and flicked my arm, my co-breaker mentioned he did not want to ride into the wind. ?!$@? Why did he initiate a break? Two more riders joined, giving me hope of having someone to work with, but the group would not work together and it was all over with the pack chasing up down. The rest of the race had plenty of other attempts but non stuck. On the last lap, I moved up the field but ran out of legs around the top corner finishing with the bunch.
Sunday - SKCC South Melbourne - Pics here
Numbers were significantly down today with early morning rain and wind (less than Saturday). Luckily enough the rain had cleared and the track was dry as we set off. The aim of the day was to keep the pace high and not let it come down to a bunch sprint. I got on the front early to help drive the pace before the attacks came thick and fast. With team mates up the road each time, I could sit in and hope for some shelter but due to the pace line formation and wind, it was fairly tough taking its toll on the peloton making it a short day for some riders. A decent break occurred and a number of riders started disappearing up the road. I was content sitting in the bunch until I looked around and realised that most the bunch was gone (in either direction). I tried to gun it and bridge the gap but it was too late. I fell back in with the remaining riders and started rolling turns as more riders disappeared leaving 4. This was sadly how it stayed until the end, we continued to roll steady turns but the gap remained and it was time to go home.
(On the front passing D grade )
Monday, 5 December 2011
2011 Tour of Bright - C Grade
I successfully completed my first Tour of Bright last weekend and what a great event. This being my second Cycling Victoria event as I have only been racing for just over a year (and riding for less than two), I was a tad nervous the night before as I attached my transponder hoping it wouldn't move during the race (Tip #1 - always bring extra zip ties). C grade contained almost 120 riders on the original list with a only a few names I recognised and I wasn't quite sure what to expect, except that it was going to be tough. The personalised Rapha numbers and show bag were a great touch at the sign in (Tip #2 -always bring extra safety pins) which I just made it too at 8.50pm after driving up from work (never again).
The Gaps Loop Stage 1 - 91km &1040m
As we rolled through the inflatable SRAM arches, everyone was jostling for position due to the big field and the first sprint being only 10km in. After everyone got settled, I was a back further than I would have liked but was nicely sheltered in he bunch steadily rolling along at speeds well over 40km/h. As moving up the bunch proved extremely difficult without crossing the center line, I settled into a rhythm focusing on saving energy, keeping up the fluids and staying alert for be sharp braking events that was rippling throughout the bunch. As expected, the pace kicked up going up Rosewhite gap and by the top almost 30 riders had been shelled. I too had slipped a little back the leaders crested the KOM and by the of bottom descent, the gap had unfortunately grown. Suddenly the commisaire car had passed me and I knew I was in trouble. I worked hard with another rider and dug deep rolling turns. Finally after a eternity, we both managed to get back as the bunch sat up and the pace relaxed. From here I tried to conserve what I had left before ascending Tawonga Gap. At the feed station I grabbed a neutral drink bottle and by the time I looked up, I was already off the back. From there was nothing much I could do but ride t my threshold all the way to the finish passing an odd rider here or there, but it was too late the damage had been done. I finished 64th place in 2h48mins.
Individual Time Trial Stage 2 - 15.7km
I wasn't on till 4pm, so I refueled and watched a few of my other club members race. I am glad I went as it was a nice afternoon with temperatures in the high twenties. Suddenly I saw one rider go past wearing full head to toe skins and winter booties. The worst part was that I found out he was a fellow club member. For the rest of the trip, we renamed him CATWOMAN and at the final presentation he was presented with his own special award and checked for heat stroke. I got ready, rolled my legs out and it was finally time. I wasn't sure how I would go as my legs felt shot but I gave it everything and even passed one rider on the way out. By the halfway mark, I had thus far managed to hold of any riders passing me but it wasn't for long as Paul from Velobourne rolled on by. I held him in my sights as long as I could and finished in a time of 25m17 at a avg speed of 37.2km/h. It wasn't world record breaking, but a solid effort on a challenging undulating course moving me up a few passes on the GC.
Mount Hotham Stage 3 - 44km & 1040m (shortened due to adverse conditions)
I woke up feeling better than expected and was looking forward finishing what I had started. Due to the adverse weather conditions at the top of Hotham (wind, sleet and sub zero temperatures), the race was shortened by approx. 10km finishing just below the ticket booth. The race started very similar to yesterday, but speeds were lower due to the head wind and slight incline on the way to Harrietville. The race exploded at the second sprint as the elevantion kicked up. A couple of riders lost their chains causing a bit of havoc and by the time I had rounded the first corner, I was well back. From there, I did what I could to make up time managing to pass a number of riders but as time passed the gaps of daylight got bigger. A small grupetto formed and set a steady pace up the MEG growing larger in size with each rider we passed. At one point we were almost organised and started rolling turns, but this was short lived one rider pulling away. I had enough left in the bank to hang on and finish strongly in 1h43min finishing 53rd.
Overall I managed to pull back a couple more GC places finishing 55th overall in a total time of 4hr56. Given that the winner of C grade and B grade had the same overall times, I was happy with my overall performance given the strong field. It was a great event that I would recommend to anyone that likes hills and multi stage races. I will definitely be back next year but perhaps arrive a day or two early instead of the late night run after work (Tip #3) and will definitely try to attend a training camp up in Bright (or two - Tip #4) to help prepare myself a little better for the larger hills.
The Gaps Loop Stage 1 - 91km &1040m
As we rolled through the inflatable SRAM arches, everyone was jostling for position due to the big field and the first sprint being only 10km in. After everyone got settled, I was a back further than I would have liked but was nicely sheltered in he bunch steadily rolling along at speeds well over 40km/h. As moving up the bunch proved extremely difficult without crossing the center line, I settled into a rhythm focusing on saving energy, keeping up the fluids and staying alert for be sharp braking events that was rippling throughout the bunch. As expected, the pace kicked up going up Rosewhite gap and by the top almost 30 riders had been shelled. I too had slipped a little back the leaders crested the KOM and by the of bottom descent, the gap had unfortunately grown. Suddenly the commisaire car had passed me and I knew I was in trouble. I worked hard with another rider and dug deep rolling turns. Finally after a eternity, we both managed to get back as the bunch sat up and the pace relaxed. From here I tried to conserve what I had left before ascending Tawonga Gap. At the feed station I grabbed a neutral drink bottle and by the time I looked up, I was already off the back. From there was nothing much I could do but ride t my threshold all the way to the finish passing an odd rider here or there, but it was too late the damage had been done. I finished 64th place in 2h48mins.
Individual Time Trial Stage 2 - 15.7km
I wasn't on till 4pm, so I refueled and watched a few of my other club members race. I am glad I went as it was a nice afternoon with temperatures in the high twenties. Suddenly I saw one rider go past wearing full head to toe skins and winter booties. The worst part was that I found out he was a fellow club member. For the rest of the trip, we renamed him CATWOMAN and at the final presentation he was presented with his own special award and checked for heat stroke. I got ready, rolled my legs out and it was finally time. I wasn't sure how I would go as my legs felt shot but I gave it everything and even passed one rider on the way out. By the halfway mark, I had thus far managed to hold of any riders passing me but it wasn't for long as Paul from Velobourne rolled on by. I held him in my sights as long as I could and finished in a time of 25m17 at a avg speed of 37.2km/h. It wasn't world record breaking, but a solid effort on a challenging undulating course moving me up a few passes on the GC.
Mount Hotham Stage 3 - 44km & 1040m (shortened due to adverse conditions)
I woke up feeling better than expected and was looking forward finishing what I had started. Due to the adverse weather conditions at the top of Hotham (wind, sleet and sub zero temperatures), the race was shortened by approx. 10km finishing just below the ticket booth. The race started very similar to yesterday, but speeds were lower due to the head wind and slight incline on the way to Harrietville. The race exploded at the second sprint as the elevantion kicked up. A couple of riders lost their chains causing a bit of havoc and by the time I had rounded the first corner, I was well back. From there, I did what I could to make up time managing to pass a number of riders but as time passed the gaps of daylight got bigger. A small grupetto formed and set a steady pace up the MEG growing larger in size with each rider we passed. At one point we were almost organised and started rolling turns, but this was short lived one rider pulling away. I had enough left in the bank to hang on and finish strongly in 1h43min finishing 53rd.
Overall I managed to pull back a couple more GC places finishing 55th overall in a total time of 4hr56. Given that the winner of C grade and B grade had the same overall times, I was happy with my overall performance given the strong field. It was a great event that I would recommend to anyone that likes hills and multi stage races. I will definitely be back next year but perhaps arrive a day or two early instead of the late night run after work (Tip #3) and will definitely try to attend a training camp up in Bright (or two - Tip #4) to help prepare myself a little better for the larger hills.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Tour of Bright Preperation
After struggling up the last climb in Dargo and walking, the one thing to help my Tour of Bright campaign is to increase my climbing and the more, the better. This meant more time on the usual suspects in the Dandenong's and trying the two longer climbs below for the first time. Next year if I plan on doing Tour of Bright again, I definitely plan to do one of the lead up camps which unfortunately I didn't get a chance to complete this year. For great detail write up on the climbs and most importantly the official start/finish points (to help time yourself for Strava), visit the Climbing Cyclist. Always bring a warm jacket as the temperatures vary around 10-15degC from top to bottom and descent is always cool. Plus always bring plenty of food and water and spares in case something happens as there is not a huge amount of traffic at times and phone reception can be non existent.
Lake Mountain - 20.5km, 992m at 4.5% ( x 2)
Mount Donna Buang - 16.9km, 1001m at 6.5% (x 2)
Lake Mountain - 20.5km, 992m at 4.5% ( x 2)
| Lake Mountain is a great ride. The first 4km's is the toughest part requiring some quite a bit out of saddle work to get the job down quickly. But once this is over, the rest of the ride is easy sitting at the 4-5% allowing a nice steady rhythm with a couple of flat areas to recover on and even a small downhill section approaching the turn off. The first half of the descent is very smooth with nice flowing corners and be careful of the last k's back in Marysville which can be very quick due to the steep gradients. | |
Mount Donna Buang - 16.9km, 1001m at 6.5% (x 2)
Even though it is over 3k's shorter than Lake Mountain, it climbs the same vertical height with a steeper and very constant gradient making it in my opinion harder as there is no reprieve. The last km approaching the summit is by the far the hardest at around 8% making it a tough finish that seems to go on forever and ever and ever (destroying hopes of a quick top 20 Strava time). Again, the descent is quick and flowing making it a lot of fun to come down but be careful, I came across a motorbike accident with his bike well of into the trees and he was lucky to walk away.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
2011 Stratford to Dargo Cycling Victoria Event - C Grade
This weekend I conquered a mountain, along with a few other climbs thrown in for good measure. To make it harder, the bunch was pushing it most of the way and the temperature was up in the mid to high 30's. It was my home club, the Wellington Cycling Club's annual Cycling Victoria event. Photos of the event can be found here at Aurora Photography. Some say this is the toughest event in the CV calendar and as it was my first, I would have to agree. C Grade had the largest field with 21 one registered riders competing as we rolled out at 9.40am. I am not sure everyone knew what was ahead of them with two riders breaking off the front just past race neutral. There was some discussion on weather to chase, but I said to the bunch to let them go as it was a bold move. From there it was fairly relaxed until Beverly's Road (a 15km stretch of undulating road) where the pace started to pick up as gap grew closer to 3minutes.
The first selection came on the climb just after the wooden bridge (which unfortunately took a victim whose wheel got caught in between the boards), where the race really started to heat up and a number of riders started disappearing of the back. By this point, I had already received my first cramp and consumed as much food and drink as I could before the first feed station at 60k's. This being my first CV event, as an after thought I packed a musette with food and drink which turned out to be handy as the bunch rolled through without stopping. After I reloaded, I had unfortunately got slightly off the back of the bunch and had to fight to get back on.
From there, we started descending with one great straight stretch on the Bairnsdale to Dargo Rd allowing myself to hit a top speed of 90km/h which smashed my previous personal best. Unfortunately this all came to an end with one last climb before Dargo. The break was still clear with a gap over approaching 4mins and the hammer was down all the way up the climb. Unfortunately, I was on the verge of blowing up for quite a while and another cramp (coincidentally occurring as a rider broke off the front) saw myself lose touch with the bunch at the 85km mark just before the descent into Dargo. If only I could have held on a little further....
Riding into Dargo alone, I had backed off the pace of knowing I wouldn't catch the bunch and remembering what was ahead of me. I didn't stop at Dargo, dropping my first neutral water but I managed to hold onto the second and kept pedaling through with cheers of support from the Wellington club members volunteering on the day. I knew this final climb was going to be tough gaining 870m over 11km with an average gradient of 8%. I climbed the first section no worry passing a few stray C graders. But it was the next part that killed me averaging 11-12% for what felt like an eternity (realistically it was around 1.5k's). There was no shade and my Garmin was showing temperatures up to a whopping 38degC. I was starting to feel dehydrated and I may have stepped of my bike in a shady section not knowing there was respite about 300m up the road. From there on it, it was a matter of just getting to the line and as the gradient relaxed to 5-6%, I felt a little better with speeds starting to top a massive 12km/h.
As I passed the 1km to go, it was just me and 'The Wall.' 500m of road with gradients up to 19% and the the whole time you could see the finish line taunting you to keep pushing. By this point, everyone in site was walking and two simultaneous cramps didn't make it a hard decision to get off. With the pleasant walk over, it was time to get on the bike and roll the last 200m to the finish line in a time of approx. time 4hrs 10 minutes. It was over and I could not have been more relieved. Facts as per my Garmin 500 (ride details here):
Overall, it was probably the single most toughest thing I have ever done and in the end finishing was an achievement in itself. Next year, I will be back with a compact group set (as a 39/28 combo made the last climb tough) and a lot more training (Inverness repeats essentially until you are forced to walk).
The first selection came on the climb just after the wooden bridge (which unfortunately took a victim whose wheel got caught in between the boards), where the race really started to heat up and a number of riders started disappearing of the back. By this point, I had already received my first cramp and consumed as much food and drink as I could before the first feed station at 60k's. This being my first CV event, as an after thought I packed a musette with food and drink which turned out to be handy as the bunch rolled through without stopping. After I reloaded, I had unfortunately got slightly off the back of the bunch and had to fight to get back on.
From there, we started descending with one great straight stretch on the Bairnsdale to Dargo Rd allowing myself to hit a top speed of 90km/h which smashed my previous personal best. Unfortunately this all came to an end with one last climb before Dargo. The break was still clear with a gap over approaching 4mins and the hammer was down all the way up the climb. Unfortunately, I was on the verge of blowing up for quite a while and another cramp (coincidentally occurring as a rider broke off the front) saw myself lose touch with the bunch at the 85km mark just before the descent into Dargo. If only I could have held on a little further....
Riding into Dargo alone, I had backed off the pace of knowing I wouldn't catch the bunch and remembering what was ahead of me. I didn't stop at Dargo, dropping my first neutral water but I managed to hold onto the second and kept pedaling through with cheers of support from the Wellington club members volunteering on the day. I knew this final climb was going to be tough gaining 870m over 11km with an average gradient of 8%. I climbed the first section no worry passing a few stray C graders. But it was the next part that killed me averaging 11-12% for what felt like an eternity (realistically it was around 1.5k's). There was no shade and my Garmin was showing temperatures up to a whopping 38degC. I was starting to feel dehydrated and I may have stepped of my bike in a shady section not knowing there was respite about 300m up the road. From there on it, it was a matter of just getting to the line and as the gradient relaxed to 5-6%, I felt a little better with speeds starting to top a massive 12km/h.
(2011 A Grade Winner - Jason Spencer)
| Distance: | 105.56 km | ||||||
| Time: | 4:11:45 (to be updated once official results are released) | ||||||
| Avg Speed: | 25.2 km/h | ||||||
| Elevation Gain: | 2,282 m | ||||||
| Calories: | 2,814 C | ||||||
| Avg Temperature: | 31.1 °C |
Overall, it was probably the single most toughest thing I have ever done and in the end finishing was an achievement in itself. Next year, I will be back with a compact group set (as a 39/28 combo made the last climb tough) and a lot more training (Inverness repeats essentially until you are forced to walk).
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Torpedo 7 Bike 2 Stand Product Review
As I run two bikes at the moment (race and training) and live in a small place, storage is key. So I browsed all of the usual online shops and found this was the cheapest and gave it a go. I ordered it on a Sunday and by Friday, it was already ready to be picked up. I unpacked it and within 20 minutes it was up holding two bikes. Since then, I have had no issues with it (except for my girlfriend complaining about having my bikes in the living room) and would recommend it to anyone want a easy unit to hold two bikes.
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