Freedom Marathon - Sat 18th October 2008

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

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

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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

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

(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

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?

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.