Off with the old...
And hello to the new!! :)
Whilst we were at it, I thought we could soup up the umm, freeride forks? :) Hotrodding things - its what we do! (why is this thing underlining??)
And whilst there is all that hype about XX, you gotta see some of this stuff...! A cassette milled from a solid block of billet, something like 9 hours on the CNC, PER CASSETTE!!! And its a 'disposable' item... Wow...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
something old, somthing new, somthing borrowed...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Running for office in Struggletown...
So we've all got dreams right. And goals. Some of them take a while to get around to, some of them take a crapload of work, and some just plain seem on the outer reaches of reality. And then there is the psychos that intend competing in the Hawaiian Ironman - this guy has such goals..!
So with Nath back in town for a few weeks, I've had him round a few times and its always ended well. For example, (back story, he lives in london at the mo, works in the Financial sector) he doesn't get much opportunity to get his hands dirty, so when he asked if he could dig a hole in the back yard, I said 'sure'! Of course, being cold, and boys, we ended up having a fire in it :)
So next visit, over a few beers, I suggested he join us for a roll next morning, leaving a bit early. Whilst it was midnight already, and we needed to meet at 6.15am, he said 'sure' and that was that... (Psycho...) Sure enough, next morning, second ride in a very long time, there he appeared!
With Jason making the mission over to the beachside of the world from the mountain land in which he lives, our little trio headed to the supposedly easy flat beach...
Glorious mornin!!
Nath aboard his Mongoose IBOC with baby tri bars took us back to a bad place in history... He spent the day drooling over the 762 Cervelo's that cruise Beach Road.
And so we rolled down to the beach until we popped out a BlackRock, without even thinking about Hell Ride, until someone said, 'are we going to make it?' Sure enough, we rolled past the clocktower 15min early so we just kept going. Hooking onto a cruisy bunch, we rolled down past Mordy, and then Jase got impatient... Typical mountain biker 'reckon we can bridge to that other bunch'...? 'Awh hell yeah' and off we went. Heart rates going stupid, chewing the stem and the memories coming back.
HellRide caught us at Frankston with this guy, and we hit Olivers before turning back and doing it all again... And it seemed twice as hard. Nath nearly made it all the way back to Mordy, but it was a road too far, and the train ran out of steam almost within sight, but not before I saw 198 on his hrm, so it wasn't that he wasn't trying!!
Block headbreeze felt like a cyclone all the way home, but we got there, whilst I chomped down on the Ascend bars, knowing that as a current home renovator, my day wasn't going to end there.
It was a cracker of a day out there, and a good bit of smashing cleanses the soul...
See you out there...
And the Hawaiian Ironman, not on your nellie..... Nuts....!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Stretching our legs.
2009 v's 2010
A friend of mine, Mr GC found that he wanted to spend more time on top of his six week old 2010 Felt F1 road bike. Would you believe this is his first road bike. We set out to top his longest ride of around 75km in 2:45min. GC also has his own 2009 Felt Virtue 1 at home but found that his consistent road/mtb rides on the mtb around Wandong left him wanting to head out further from home and let his hair down after a big day on the tools.
We set off in the direction of Whittlesea and Kinglake. The climb up from Humevale has had a dramatic change since the fires.
Me trying to do the right thing.
Me being nice!!!
The only problem with riding such a fine bike is you have no excuses not to perform at your best.
When we returned to our cars we had racked up 89.56km. I was happy to call it a day but GC wouldn’t stop until he reached his new record of 90km in 3:15min.
Today, I had a new line on my arm to remind me to do something before I go riding?????
Trail maintenance.
Thought I'd go down and play Steve Irwin, see what the fuss was about...
I guess someone beat me to it, but I still did my bit for track maintenance.. Bit of a sweep made all the difference!
And I found a new coffee stop :) Problem is that its at the start of a ride... So one carries their cup until the liquid is consumed, then carries their cup like some sort of badge, or just to test the multi use of their bottle cage...
Fitted like a finger up a, ahh, nevermind...
Monday, January 4, 2010
The great divide...
Turns out those ingenious little fellahs up in central victoria have been at it again - new trail! :)
Chatting over the weekend with someone from 'upstate', apparently there has been a bit of a winfall in central victoria for local mountain bikers, and also for the blow in tourist type. On the back of a submission to the Federal Government from a few united groups, a hefty half a million dollars have been allocated to upgrading and developing the Great Dividing Trail. Some might scoff at my interest in whats occasionally referred to as a glorified country bike path, but I've got a feeling the trail management crew might just be looking out for us little mountain bike kids... ;)
So stay tuned, and keep your eyes out for a push in the region. 500K might only buy a drop dunny and a carpark up there, but I'm tipping there will be a few blokes on rakehoes making something memorable.
This is what the ABC reported:
Central Victorian tourism operators believe they will benefit from upgrades to a major hiking and cycling track between Bendigo and Ballarat.
The Great Dividing Trail will get $500,000 of Federal Government upgrades.
The funds will build some detours for mountain bikers and improve signage and bridges.
Goldfields Tourism chairman Rod Thompson says the trail will have more appeal to Melbourne tourists when it is upgraded.
"It'll attract a lot more people to use the track being so close to Melbourne," he said.
"You can access it [at] Bendigo, Castlemaine and Ballarat by train, or driving, it's only an hour-and-a-half and the B&Bs, accommodation providers and attractions along the track will benefit greatly from the extra usage."
And hey, happy new year!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Panaracer Rampage UST
Continuing the theme of maintenance, some new treads got thrown at a mountain bike. Panaracer Rampage UST came off the shelf and headed for the mavics, with some Spex thrown in for reliability.
At 750g a tyre for UST, they aren't going to win the weight weenie award, but for a predictable, reliable and generally tough tire to go the distance, weight certainly isn't the deciding factor. The tread pattern seems similar to some popular brands on the market, yet with its 'Made in Japan' stickering, we seem to be on a good thing.
Mounting the tire was a bit of an ordeal however. To get one mounted and seated, took every trick I know, and then some more MacGyvering to get it seated. Compressors, soapy water, ratchet straps, it was just being a pain. The other one went on easy as you like, so perhaps I just got unlucky, but it wasn't without its dramas.
Mounted and seated, Spex inside and we're off for a ride. First impressions were reasonably noisy on the bitumen, as they don't have an intact centre ridge, but once onto dirt, they were great! Tacky hardpack dirt had these things hooking up like Tiger at Hooters, and they were predictable in the muddy sections before and after puddles (best I could find...) Nice and quick, plenty of lateral grip and reasonably predictable for new tyres. Next time I'll run them a little lower than 38psi, and I think they'll be even better.
So, thumbs up for Rampages from me...!
Have a good new year, and thanks for your readership this year. Whilst we've fallen off the regular post wagon of later, we're working to bring it back! So make sure YOU stop by so we have a reason to do so! Now get out there!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Panaracer Closer tires.
As the sun starts to peak its head out, perhaps I might too...
But I thought I should do a quick bit of maintenance. Some new brake pads was quite a treat on the F1C, pulling it up in a flash which is nice! Slipping new pads straight back into the holder without any adjustment is something they write about in manuals, it never really happens. Until now :)
And I needed some new tyres, so a quick phone call to GVRaceTech at Panaracer and I've got my little mits on a pair of Panaracer 'Closer' tyres... Closer?? I don't get it either, but they are made in Japan and that's a thumbs up from me! Maybe its from all the cool stuff back in the day, but Japan always seemed to make good gear...
This is what the website says about them:
"Excellent value priced right. Closer offers a ZSG Natural Compound for long lasting wear and a comfortable ride. Closer is the best balance between a high end racing tire and a training tire offering superb durability, comfort, and confidence."
So I whipped of the old tyres, dusted a bit of talc about the place and reefed the kevlar beads over the Ksyriums. Not too much effort saw me pumping them up and popping them back on the bike. First impression was that they have quite a pronounced 'point' in the top centre of the tread, and you notice it when you ride them. There is less surface area on the ground as you ride, and they feel very fast. I'll be able to tell if they are predicatable as time goes by, but so far they seem good!
So, 2010, I wonder whats on the cards for Felt Epix?
Monday, December 14, 2009
7 Peaks, The Alpine Ascent Challenge.
Mr T handed me a passport some weeks ago with the intention of inspiring me to find time to get on the bike. At first the passport was pushed aside and paperwork in the office took hold once again.
With a typical mid week office session finishing up around 11:30ish pm I needed some reading material in bed to take my mind off the day that was just about to pass. Not the kind you are thinking!!!
The passport found its way into my hand and I read the text. In the morning a text message was created and sent, let’s get some dates together and take on the challenge of the 7 peaks, The Alpine Ascent Challenge. I am inspired once again to get out of bed on a Sunday at 5:30am.
Our first ascent was to be Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with a twist. The Passport asks us to ride from Marysville to
Check out Mr T blog for his pics as mine were from my crackberry phone.
We plan to ride all seven if our calendar permits. Check the site for all info and get out there!
You never know my 2010 blog update could be from
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Ascend News
On the cold and rainy morning of September 13th, a record 3000 riders braved difficult conditions to take part in the second annual Degani Kinglake Ride. This year’s event saw riders and organisers come together to raise much needed funds for the local communities and CFA affected by the devastating February bushfires.
With an improved course, featuring a smoother descent into Whittlesea, participants battled it out as they wound their way through the fire-ravaged townships of the Kinglake area, taking in some of the best riding country in Victoria.
ASCEND sponsored riders for the event, Jason Jackson, Ash Thomas, Joel Pearson (Savings) and Shaun McCarthy (Savings) were there on the day to lend their support, having a great day out despite the inclement weather. ‘It practically snowed for 120 km!’ says Jason. ‘At one point all I could do was laugh. The rain was so heavy I couldn’t see 10 metres in front of me.’
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly ‘The Will Walker Challenge’ where riders pitted themselves against the champ’s time on the gruelling 7.2km climb into Kinglake. ‘It turned out to be a solid hit out’ recalls Jason.
The boys helped to supply the field with ASCEND Elite Recovery Bars, ensuring all involved had the strength and stamina to take on the 70km and 120km recreational rides. ‘Over the course of the day all I ate was two Recovery Bars’ says Jason. ‘My energy levels didn’t fluctuate as much as with other bars and regular food. I recovered well’.
Even with reduced visibility from the driving rain, Jason Jackson belted out a strong finish to come in first across the line with an impressive time of 3 hours 17 minutes, and even managed to have a bit of fun along the way. ‘The bunch may have been wet and cold but everyone loved it’ he says. ‘Big thanks to Ascend, Supersprint and Degani for putting on a great day for all to enjoy.’
Check out the photos below for all the action from the Degani Kinglake Ride 2009…
See you there next year!
Friday, October 16, 2009
We're everywhere!
Sighted in Queensland, the royalty cheques are starting to flow out Jason's letterbox.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
King of the Flat Hill?
Could it be??
With the 'end of days' type weather looming, it was truely the dedicated/sensless that made their way to the Yarra Flats to contest the Flat hill Crit, with our own Jason Jackson looking to make it 3 from 3!
Talk was that teh race organiserer had slipped some ringers in the field, so when Jason lined up against Paulie, AJ, Rohin, and the rest of the Total Rush freight train, it was going to be on. With hail just before the start line, the end of days looked nigh.
But with some good fortune for him, bad fortune for others, and some good hard racing, Jason took home the prize, and in the same breath talked of moving to queensland and retiring...!
When Jason returns, he's laid open the challenge to knock him from the top spot ;) Mouthy little chap, can you beat him??!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Epic....
THE GATHERING.
THE OBSTACLES.
THE NERVES MOMENTS.
THE MECHANICALS.
THE SEARCH...
THE REWARD!
THE CLEAN UP :)
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