The Legend of Wezzy

Recovering

2011-06-09T12:09:00.000+10:00

After a hernia operation last week and in the middle of three weeks off work I have had lots of time to catch up on things MTB on the net. Hopefully I can get back on the bike soon and start riding the trails.

New Post

2010-09-16T13:36:00.002+10:00

Quick post something or they'll close my account

Off to Hospital

2008-12-14T09:20:00.003+10:00

nnFrom The Legend of Wezzy

No, not me! It's the Surly Karate Monkey - I found a crack in the drive side chainstay and I have had to send the frame down to Melbourne to Gripsport who will weld the frame and add a gussett to strengthen the chainstay ($225). Apparently this is a common problem for hardtails/rigid bikes. Hopefully the frame will be back home for Christmas.

Riding in the Outback

2008-12-08T15:57:00.003+10:00

Just a 10 minute ride from work and I am in the "outback" amongst the ant hills. The trails are a bit wet at the moment but there are still some trails that have drained well and I was able to put in a good 18 km before work this morning. I was going to say how great my new bike is going - I will reach 1000km this week so just another 500km before the Rohloff is "run in".

Wiry Panic?

2008-12-03T16:15:00.005+10:00

I went for a late morning ride through Daisy Hill this morning( silly mistake - way too hot) and when I came to the top of Stonehenge I saw the new sign above - no more Stonehenge?

Smile & Ride

2008-12-02T12:56:00.001+10:00

The decal on Salsa bikes reads "Smile & Ride" and I try to uphold this saying when I ride and today was just another great day where it was a privilege to draw breath. I cannot understand why some community groups feel that mountainbiking is such a detrimental activity for the environment. Done properly with sustainability in mind it is just a walker on a bike. Let common sense prevail!

Blog Renovations

2008-11-28T08:57:00.001+10:00

Changed the blog layout around. Added some more pictures and some music - just to make your visit more enjoyable. I love looking at some of the old pictures and remembering some of the great adventures I have had with my MTB friends - that's what it's all about. I just wish I could get out riding more as of late but that is going to change.

Crocodile Trophy 2008 - A Team Manager's View

2008-11-27T11:01:00.002+10:00

I just read the last post on Naomi Hansen's blog which features a review of the race by Christi Valentine and it was a great read from a different perspective - have a read.

Wet Wednesday

2008-11-26T08:40:00.003+10:00

Once again it is raining on a Wednesday morning and I am still not feeling 100% with this lung infection hanging around so off I went to a spin class at the gym to try and keep my legs going around.

Also the latest copy of Dirt Rag arrived so I must take the time to consume the contents

In the beginning ................

2008-11-24T06:37:00.005+10:00

My first new bike - Finch Hatton 1967

I was so excited as a ten year old to get my brand new blue Malvern Star Dragster. But 41 years later and the thrill of riding has increased and the new bikes now cost as much as a car back then. I am still trying to shake off a chest infection/cold/bronchitis that has been with me over a week but it will be back on the bike tomorrow.

Goals, Flu and Streakers

2008-11-17T21:37:00.003+10:00

I started last week with a goal to ride each day of the week. Monday and Tuesday mornings I was out exploring Karawatha Forest on my pat malone. Wednesday morning I spent chasing Meg and friend around South Boundary Road and only catching her when she stopped and waited for me. Then Thursday came and so did a very sore throat, fever and feeling miserable. Friday I stayed home from work sick - I had intended doing the Eastern Escarpment but too sick, too wet.

Saturday I had bought tickets for the Rugby League World Cup game - NZ v England and had promised my son we would go so I dragged myself along to watch the game. The highlight of the game - other than the Poms getting beaten - was a streaker who ran across the filed and did a handstand on the halfway line - what gets into these guys?

Now it's Monday and the rain is still coming down and I am still coughing. Hopefully I can get on the bike in the next couple of days.

Karawatha Adventures

2008-11-10T14:31:00.005+10:00

Wezzy at Paratz Lookout

This morning was another beautiful Monday morning and as usual the best way to start the week is out on the bike. I am thinking of sending out an open invitation to other riders as I feel guilty enjoying these rides by myself. Below are some recent photos I found on my mobile phone camera.

Meg and Gillian at Paratz Lookout

Rhino Powering up the Eastern Escarpment (Kenzo in awe!)

Freedom Marathon - Sat 18th October 2008

2008-10-19T16:05:00.002+10:00

I was still smiling after 60km and almost 6 hours in the saddle. That was some ride. It was either uphill or downhill all the way. One section was almost 9km continuous downhill. I was a bit too casual in my approach to the ride stopping too often to help people with broken chains, flats, etc - I don't mean don't help where necessary but it was the theory of "many hands make light work" and I wasn't needed.

My son Tim and I arrived at Rummery Park camp grounds on Friday at around 1pm and set up our tent. It rained most of the afternoon as we set up but promptly stopped at about 5pm and didn't rain again all weekend. We met lots of friends and other riders and it was a great weekend and well worth the 3 hour drive from Brisbane. We will be back.

Eastern Escarpment

2008-08-29T10:32:00.004+10:00

This morning a group of 7 adventurers set off from the car park near the BMX track into Daisy Hill forest to wend our way out to the eastern escarpment. It was a great morning - a few degrees warmer and no need for serious winter gear - spring is almost here. The trails were great and we had a ball. It was difficult to then drag ourselves off to work. But it does pay for our bikes.

Yummy - Salsa with a Rohloff

2008-08-15T18:07:00.005+10:00

At last I have my new bike - a Salsa El Mariachi rigid steel 29er fitted with a Rohloff Speedhub. After about 6 weeks of holidays, sickness and endless disruptions I am back on track with my riding and with a new bike comes renewed enthusiasm. I picked up the bike this afternoon from For the Riders at Annerley who did a great job at putting together my new bike. They also did me a great deal which could not be matched by any other LBS. Now with spring just around the corner I expect to be out earlier and a lot more often. I have heard so many good reports about the Rohloff Speedhub so I have high expectations with my choice - only time will tell.

R & R

2008-07-04T09:00:00.002+10:00

Just relaxing at the moment on holidays at the beach just north of Mackay. I don't have the computer resources to update Rhino's whereabouts at the moment but just go to his blog - he is living the dream - I'm envious!!

WHERE'S RHINO

2008-06-24T06:59:00.003+10:00

As you know Rhino is off representing Australia in the World MTB Marathon Championships in Italy and he left on Saturday. He is a great bloke and to add to that he is a great mountainbiker who lives and loves to ride. I just thought I would add some pics of his trip there. Remember to visit his blog often for any updates - go Rhino!

My Heart's Not in it at the moment ?

2008-06-20T17:47:00.002+10:00

What? Please explain.................

Monday 9th June I awoke at about 9.30pm to find I was having serious heart palpitations - no I wasn't dreaming I was racing Rhino up to Mt. Nebo. Subsequently I ended up in hospital and have undergone a series of tests but at this stage inclusive. The stress ECG was like like going up Camp Mountain the short way. So I am still here but not on the bike until it comes good. Still having a bit of tachycardia(palpitations) at the moment but Tuesday 24th I am having a stress echocardiogram and paying $500 for the privilege. I reckon it's my tyre pressure - I think I will lower the pressure.

Wezzy's Next Bike - The Final Four

2008-06-01T20:32:00.006+10:00

There are now four bikes left in the running to be chosen as Wezzy's next geared bike. Click on the links - what do you think?

1. Surly Karate Monkey 29er - with gears
2. Niner MCR9 29er
3. On One Inbred 29er
4. Gary Fisher Ferrous 29er

Problems a Foot Long

2008-06-01T19:32:00.003+10:00

This is not a photo of my actual foot. But it feels like that.

I had to go to the doctor today as I now have an infected foot. It started out as what I thought was a prickle in my sock last week and then grew into a big red nasty swollen foot. I am now on antibiotics and can hardly put a shoe on. Don't you love the random nature of life's experiences.

Wednesday Morning Birthday Ride

2008-05-28T10:40:00.000+10:00

Some of the crew.

Today is my birthday - I always have my birthday off work - therefore I must ride. Another Wednesday morning cruise in Daisy Hill with the crew.

Queen Mary Falls Adventure Ride

2008-05-25T19:53:00.004+10:00

(Credits to OUTDOORGAZ for the photos)

The family and I went down to Queen Mary Falls for the annual mtb adventure ride courtesy of MADMIKE, The weather was crisp on Saturday morning but seeing we didn't start the ride until 10am and it didn't take long to warm up the weather was just great. I made the fatal mistake of putting on new chainrings, new chain and thinking the rear cassette looked "fine". You guessed it - 52km of chain skip was my reward for stupidity. Why is it that hindsight can be so clear? I basically had two gears big chain ring/smallest ring and small chain ring/biggest ring. Everything in between was skip skip skip. But I was determined to enjoy the ride and blasted when and where I could. I was great views plenty of fun moments with thrills and spills and sore legs at the end.

Wednesday World Championships

2008-05-21T20:14:00.000+10:00

For the full story see Rhino's Blog -

http://thechargingrhino.blogspot.com/2008/05/wednesday-world-champs.html

Just another fun day on the bike - Rhino you're a blast!!!

Hairy Peloton?

2008-05-12T09:29:00.003+10:00

These Guys are doing it Tough

With a quiet week last week(only 2 rides) it was good to start the week with an early morning ride. I will be finally picking up the duallie this week after being without it for 5 weeks with a broken rear chainstay. Plenty more rides this week I hope. Lokking forward to the Killarney ride on 23/5.

Brrrrrrrr ........... That was cooler

2008-04-29T09:16:00.003+10:00

The Three Amigos - Wezzy, Jaman and Trickle

Where's my leg warmers .... as soon as I got up this morning I could tell it was going to be a cool ride today. But we managed to make it through the first cold morning this year. Other than it being a bit cool it was another great morning in the forest. Good luck Trickle at the Dirt Works 100.

Night Life

2008-04-26T20:58:00.001+10:00

I went for a ride last night in Karawatha and found myself riding over a moving stick. I stopped and went back to check and yep a little snake of some type. The weather was perfect for riding. Riding at night is so relaxing.

It is about the Bike!

2008-04-24T18:45:00.002+10:00

I have been without my duallie (Specialized Epic Comp) for about 3 weeks now. It is sitting in the bike workshop awaiting parts so that it can be repaired. The rear chainstay and linkage have cracks in them and need to be replaced but the distributor keeps sending the wrong chainstay so I am awaiting the arrival of the correct part so I can pay $900 to ride it again. It is not the problem of the bike shop but I doubt I will buy another specialized again. As I have said before I will definitely be buying a 29" for my next bike and probably steel and probably hardtail and probably Gary Fisher (see sidebar on the blog). I will definitely be keeping my Surly Karate Monkey 29" single speed and they will have to "take it my cold dead hands" when I die. I can't live without it

Ahoy the Karate Monkey

2008-04-19T20:30:00.004+10:00

With a bit of spare time on my hands due to the flu I decided to give the Karate Monkey a good clean and service - plus add a few pirate stickers. I'll be back on the bike next week or I am going to die. I mentioned to someone at work this week that I was going crazy because I had been sick and unable to ride for a week. He said he hadn't been on the bike much - only three times this year - I felt for him but could not understand how you could let this happen.

The Lurgie!

2008-04-14T08:17:00.002+10:00

I picked up an infection on Thursday so have been out of action with a few days off work and just feeling miserable. I hate taking medication and it seems to take just as long to get over the flu with or without it. I bought the latest copy of MBA on Sat so that picked me up for 30 minutes. Anyhow a few more days and I'll be back on the bike.

What does $15 buy these days?

2008-04-11T13:38:00.003+10:00

$15 buys me a 1976 Raleigh Sprint - now what do I do with it? I suppose I could ride up Mt. Tamborine or Springbrook. What do you reckon?

Strange Sighting in Karawatha

2008-04-08T09:51:00.003+10:00

Just as I was about to enter Karawatha forest this morning I was standing around waiting for Trickle (again) I saw this strange being in the light beam. It looks like it only comes out early on Tuesday morning and then scurries off along the trails.

Friday Night 5B Daisy Hill Ride

2008-04-04T22:46:00.001+10:00

Some of the Crew

The Friday Night 5B Daisy Hill Ride has a unique tradition. Only riders who have qualified by riding on the Wednesday morning rides are eligible to attend (or others who may receive a special invitation). Riders leave from a secret location and then after the ride participate in long held traditions referred to as the 5B's.

Wednesday Morning Daisy Hill Ride

2008-04-02T09:21:00.005+10:00

The Daisy Hill Wednesday Morning Crew

Another great ride around Daisy Hill with the Wednesday Morning Crew. This is such a great ride. The weather is perfect for riding this time of the year.

Wezzy - Out of the Saddle on the Single Speed

Autumn is Here

2008-04-01T09:15:00.004+10:00

The mists of Lake Karawatha

I love riding this time of the year with a slight nip in the air. Jaman, Trickle and I hit the trails in the dark around 5am this morning and by the time I got back to work it was almost 3 hours on the bike. Work seems like a chore after a morning ride like this. Just thinking, I can retire in 4 years and do this all day everyday but then I am reminded that life is like a box of chocolates and variety keeps things interesting.

Enough is enough (talking about mtb's)

2008-03-29T18:45:00.001+10:00

Took my Specialized EpicComp into my LBS as I have a crack in my linkage and then discovered a crack in the chainstay. I now have to wait to see if Specialized cover the crack in the chainstay under warranty - I know they don't cover the linkage. I am a bit disappointed that for a bike just under 3 years old I have to worry about a cracked frame especially considering I don't mistreat the bike at all.

I am now looking at my next bike to be a steel framed hard tail - I have been looking at Gary Fisher bikes and the Ferrous 29er looks good.

Out with the old .... in with the new

2008-03-19T18:24:00.000+10:00

Today saw the end of friendship ...... my old red ute has made way for a new member of the Wezzy mtb team.

Now I will be able to go further on my mtb adventures.

.... and then there were three!

2008-03-18T13:06:00.000+10:00

Trickle joined us today for our Tuesday morning ride. Great to have you along to enjoy those early mornings in Karawatha and today didn't fail to live up to our expectations.

Why Ride?

2008-03-11T10:06:00.004+10:00

4.37am - Wezzy getting ready for another early morning cruise

Jaman carving up the trails

Daisy Hill Wed Morning Ride

2008-03-05T14:20:00.004+10:00

What a glorious morning to go riding. My wife just told me of a walking holiday her sister just came back from in Tasmania and how much fun it would be to go on an adventure holiday. I told my wife that I go on an adventure holiday every time I go out riding and I can go anytime I want to. It's true. The trails in Daisy Hill were perfect and there was even some dust.

I've decided my next duallie will be a 29" and I am keen on some of the Gary Fisher models www.fisherbikes.com/ but that'll be awhile.

Tour de Karawatha

2008-03-04T08:15:00.000+10:00

Watching the sun come up over Lake Karawatha is the way to start the day. A cruisey ride around the forest and life has meaning again. Thanks to Jaman for great company.

Autumn Approaches

2008-02-25T15:26:00.001+10:00

With the change of seasons upon us it is staying darker longer and the air is getting cooler but the riding is just as much fun.

Who'll Stop the Rain

2008-02-19T20:47:00.002+10:00

Up at 3.30am this morning to get my gear together to get to work by 4.30am to meet Jaman at 5am at Karawatha. I just love my Ay Up lights on my bike - I just need to get myself waterproof and winterproof(when winter arrives) and there will be no need to change my early morning rides. Riding in the dark and then to see the sun come up is a special experience especially in Karawatha. We rode just over 2hours this morning and the trails were great with the usual puddles due to the ongoing rain but compared to the Daisy Hill trails they're a treat. When I finished the ride it was off to work, shower and have a nice big "Bundy Special" mango and some macadamia nuts for breakfast. Then charge the Ay Ups ready for the next early morning ride.

Saturday Morning Saunter

2008-02-16T10:35:00.000+10:00

Since I missed Friday morning's ride due to rain etc I had to get out and stretch the legs. I went for a 2hr ride around Karawatha. I was going to meet someone but a no show for whatever reason. I just love my Surly Karate Monkey(thanks Rhino/Exkarter) it just loves Karawatha. A few sprinkles of rain but the air is so charged with oxygen early in the morning that I can't stop smiling when I ride. Hopefully more rides this week in between the rain.

Monday Morning Karawatha

2008-02-11T20:02:00.000+10:00

Wezzy and Jaman at a secret location in Karawatha

Today was a 5am ride through Karawatha with Jaman. It was good to have company as I normally do this ride solo on a Monday morning before work. We spent 2 hours riding the trails which were perfect with just a couple of little puddles.

Thurs Road Ride

2008-02-07T15:42:00.001+10:00

Went for a brisk road ride from Loganlea to Logan Village with some guys and girls from BBTA . I took the Surly Karate Monkey as I love it that much only to find I had the cadence of food blender for most of the ride except for the hills when I went sailing past most of them and they couldn't believe their eyes - it was just I kept hitting a sweet spot with the ss and I couldn't help myself. My knees were a bit sore after the ride due to my cadence but I almost had a funny thought of buying a road bike for a moment - will it ever happen?

Daisy Hill Wed Morning Ride

2008-02-06T09:04:00.001+10:00

Chris4242, MaxR, Wezzy, Nacnud

The heavens are still open and the rain continues to keep us out of Daisy Hill Forest so we hit the bike paths and road this morning for our usual ride. A brave five riders comprising of LazyRay, MaxR, Chris4242, Nacnud and myself enjoyed a short and sweet 20km ride in perfect sunshine.

Monday AM Ride

2008-02-04T08:44:00.000+10:00

The weather looked like it wasn't going to rain for a couple of hours so I left from work at Logan Central at 6am for a short ride through Karawatha Forest before starting work at 8am. There were plenty of puddles on some of the trails and the most I have seen there for the last few years. But the weather held up and I was able to squeeze in a pleasant 20km on the 29 SS. I always enjoy a ride before work it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Lake Manchester

2007-12-29T16:01:00.001+10:00

I went exploring today at Lake Manchester. I wanted to see how to get through to South Boundary Road at the back of Mt. Nebo. I was able to get to Light Line Road. It was just a small ride but it cleared up some questions I had about the area.One of the interesting sights is a small log cabin on the shore of Lake Manchester.

Bayview Ride

2007-12-27T08:46:00.000+10:00

What's the best thing to do on Boxing Day - go riding of course. So, Chris4242, eXRider, Nightrider and I left from Underwood Park at about 5am to head off to meet the other guys(OutdoorGaz, TheChad, deanO) who were leaving from Valley Way shopping centre. We had a great ride 65km all up. The batteries on my GPS ran out just before we got to the Valley Way shopping centre so the map above only shows part of the route we took. There is such a variety of trails throughout the ride.