Team scv was leaving the coast early saturday morning bound for the nations capital, the greens were packed with lots of extra layers, the bikes on the back looking red and extra clean. So two sleepy riders were zooming down the highway neither to impressed to leave at 6am'sh, but we had to get to canberra so i could do a fitness workshop at 11am so with one little scare from a roadside speed camera we had arrived in a very sunny canberra but with a quick check of the temperature with the back of my hand on the car window, sunny days in canberra are quick different to the coast, but once in the shopping centre it was ok :) which had me thinking. Canberra a really cold part of australia which has a shopping centre where you have to venture outside to get to the next section??? atleast its in a straightline unlike the rest of the town, so once at the gym, it didnt seem right either....... i soon workout ive turned up at the wrong fitness first, lucky for me there was another workshop at 2pm..
Rego/spin class/practice lap/ the to our accomodation was how saturday arvo went by.
We were very lucky to have mr and mrs Mcavoy put us up for the night in a lovely warm house with a great view, filled to the brim we hit the sack.
The event centre was alive and buzzing by the time we arrived(alot later then usual) briefing had started and me and matt had barely had our race numbers on, so with a quick ride around the crit track to warm up (and canberra had def given us a very warm morning) to busy getting warm i nearly missed the start, so i barged my way into the pack, actually people really parted of gave up there spot for me so i was sitting nicely in the 2nd row, the start was frantic i had an inside line and didnt have to work to hard to stay at the front, matt had alot of chasing to do and was in fine form and got a great head start and buried the legs early to get into the singletrack, i just didnt have any racing mojo, after a leg smashing week i was happy just to pedal out a consistant lapping 7hrs thinking id be able to pick up a few places towards the end of the race as riders lap times started to fade..
With 3hrs down i was suffering constant glute/hipflexer pain, so frustrating i have not suffered like this on the bike since easter, i rode the syd 12hr so well i had the confidence i could achieve anything, but i had to get off and stretch in the pits, i looked at the ground when stretching, and then i just layed on it, and didnt move for like 20mins why im not sure, i was mentally beat...a crying baby was wat got me back on the bike, bellchambers rolled thru timing so i chased him down so i could have a riding buddy and follow some local knowledge around the course, i was 14th once back on the bike with a new seat height, which im not to confident in keeping but we will see how it goes fighting fatigue of all the climbing at stromlo..
Each time i came thru timing i was one place better so that gave me something to chase my 31min lap times were doing the job yea i was tired and sore but 7hrs felt like a cruze to the beach. pedal chew drink pedal pedal chew drink drink torq nutrition allows to go for for as long as u wanna pedal...
The race was done and i came 9th, was not to happy with that well not happy with myself, but looking at the lap times they werent slow, and 130 solo riders and no taper it would of been a better day if i truly had my race face on, but i left it home, i know wat my legs can do, ill let them lose next time, finally i could give kylie mcavoy a smile every lap i got a "go chops" the poor lady never got a smile from me but it was all over so now i was smilin..
where is matt????????? no idea i had not seen him all day weird.......
Matt rolls over the line in 4th place behind gurus of enduro racing, a mic was shoved straight to his mouth for an interview cool calm and collected matt had it under control "no fun going slow out there" got a few chuckles from the crowd.
No podium for the boys in green this wknd, i managed to win the dirtiest bike competition and the honour of driving us home as matt did more laps then me...
just chops :)
ive gotta change the name of this dam blog.... as soon as i make podium i send myself back to emergancy.... re-dislocated my shoulder while training on wednesday, its not to bad... solo world champs may not be possible, but there is no way anything or anyone is keeping me from racing the croc trophy!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
BACK ON THE FARM * hunting crocs*
DARGLE FARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was first introduced to enduro racing at this place and was over the moon when the sydney 12hr was moved to this venue.
To make it to the track before sunset the car had to be packed on thursday night so we could leave from jemmas work fri arvo, did a pretty good job for feeling very frazzled from all things that keep changing in my life at the moment. I only forgot a few things so luckly matt was around on fri arvo to help cart stuff over with me on the 30min ride to jems work, So now everything was packed into a 3door barina, and off to the farm.
We awoke to a very fresh morning but with aid of a very good bonfire i was toasty in no time.
GAME TIME: The aim was to race david ludenia over the 12hrs winner gets a free entry to the croc trophy.
So with lots of pre race interviews between me and david and 2 other leading riders brett bellchambers and jason english the race got underway.
With out much thought i smacked it hard off the start racing to make the single track i knew you could lose minutes in there if one person put a foot down, once out onto the fireroad to the end of the valley me and mark tupalski laid down some more power it was just to much fun..
So when brett and jason caught up to us on the next lap we had a good laugh about it all and settled into a more managable pace which was still above what i thought i could withstand for 12hrs.. I just tried to stay focused on eating right and getting enough fuel in, but my mind was just on were david was, i knew he could see me, i wear bright green its not hard to miss, but he blended in, so once i began requesting intel from the pits, in which they declined to tell me my ride was becoming very stressful and not alot of fun... with the following lap ending in a spectacular over the bars dismount into my marquee and a loud arguement wit my support crew my day was only getting worse, but then mark caught back up to me and we had a chat and he cheered me up and got me focusing on the big picture and not the game with in the game, so i got back on the job for doing all i could every lap..
Around and around we go...i never hated a lap never hated a section, my fav part of these races is learning new lines on the course and watching the track evolve its what keeps me entertained.
With lots of photographers out on course there was alot of chances to smile to hide the pain, and thinking back now i dont even recal an unhappy rider or one in a great hurry, this event came with such a good vibe, the event centre was a very EPIC centre with red bull and beer being given away my pit crew were having there own party while i was out building a new hurt box.
Another great moment from the race was catching up to a lil train of riders in the forest section which was being led by kath bicky i was happy to just sit on the tail and grab a rest, once out on the fireroad none of the other guys took there turn to pull us along, and i had not once grabbed a lift from another rider on this section either, "give the poor girl a break" and i jumped on the front to the elation of kath, and it really lifted my spirits as well as we chattered for around 2-3km before i said my goodbyes and pedalled on.
The temperature out on course was always changing depending on your location, but i was rugged up from the start(for which i got a good amount of sledging for from the canberra riders thinking they were in a warm enviroment) my 2xu compression longs and an Underarmour longsleeve top which is all very breathable but keeps the wind off you as well, when the sun went away the lights came out to play, and with a light on my helmet and handle bars my lap times never dropped as i could see everything i needed to see. thanks to light and motion for your lumens, just bringing short finger gloves was not the best idea, so when it began to hurt to shift it was time to stop and soak up the bonfire we had to pass on everylap and then ride away from, with always a helpful cheer from jenni english and gav who truly rounded out the cheering from the bridge to the very end of pit lane.
The night had truly set in and with a time gap of around 20mins my mind began to switch to waking up well the next day and being able to handle my week in the spin, lap times started to slip a bit as stops became longer and the climbs were sometimes walked, one more stop to put on a jacket and soak up more bonfire to the amusement of the MC, i had time so i couldnt see why not i had already surpassed all of my expectations and was very impressed on how great i felt considering the amount of riding the friendliness of the track would of helped..i took on some extra torq gels to finish the race off, i was told i only had time for one more lap, i took it at a cruzy pace just incase i could sneak one more in, but i came in at 12hrs 35seconds just as well because my light had there warning flash on for atleast half of my last lap..
Rolling over the line to second place to jason english in a 12hr race and a free entry to the crocodile trophy, i did not sleep at all that night my life was buzzing my head was spinning..
massive thanks to ROCKY TRAIL ENTERTAINMENT for making the best events..
PODIUM CHOPS :)
I was first introduced to enduro racing at this place and was over the moon when the sydney 12hr was moved to this venue.
To make it to the track before sunset the car had to be packed on thursday night so we could leave from jemmas work fri arvo, did a pretty good job for feeling very frazzled from all things that keep changing in my life at the moment. I only forgot a few things so luckly matt was around on fri arvo to help cart stuff over with me on the 30min ride to jems work, So now everything was packed into a 3door barina, and off to the farm.
We awoke to a very fresh morning but with aid of a very good bonfire i was toasty in no time.
GAME TIME: The aim was to race david ludenia over the 12hrs winner gets a free entry to the croc trophy.
So with lots of pre race interviews between me and david and 2 other leading riders brett bellchambers and jason english the race got underway.
With out much thought i smacked it hard off the start racing to make the single track i knew you could lose minutes in there if one person put a foot down, once out onto the fireroad to the end of the valley me and mark tupalski laid down some more power it was just to much fun..
So when brett and jason caught up to us on the next lap we had a good laugh about it all and settled into a more managable pace which was still above what i thought i could withstand for 12hrs.. I just tried to stay focused on eating right and getting enough fuel in, but my mind was just on were david was, i knew he could see me, i wear bright green its not hard to miss, but he blended in, so once i began requesting intel from the pits, in which they declined to tell me my ride was becoming very stressful and not alot of fun... with the following lap ending in a spectacular over the bars dismount into my marquee and a loud arguement wit my support crew my day was only getting worse, but then mark caught back up to me and we had a chat and he cheered me up and got me focusing on the big picture and not the game with in the game, so i got back on the job for doing all i could every lap..
Around and around we go...i never hated a lap never hated a section, my fav part of these races is learning new lines on the course and watching the track evolve its what keeps me entertained.
With lots of photographers out on course there was alot of chances to smile to hide the pain, and thinking back now i dont even recal an unhappy rider or one in a great hurry, this event came with such a good vibe, the event centre was a very EPIC centre with red bull and beer being given away my pit crew were having there own party while i was out building a new hurt box.
Another great moment from the race was catching up to a lil train of riders in the forest section which was being led by kath bicky i was happy to just sit on the tail and grab a rest, once out on the fireroad none of the other guys took there turn to pull us along, and i had not once grabbed a lift from another rider on this section either, "give the poor girl a break" and i jumped on the front to the elation of kath, and it really lifted my spirits as well as we chattered for around 2-3km before i said my goodbyes and pedalled on.
The temperature out on course was always changing depending on your location, but i was rugged up from the start(for which i got a good amount of sledging for from the canberra riders thinking they were in a warm enviroment) my 2xu compression longs and an Underarmour longsleeve top which is all very breathable but keeps the wind off you as well, when the sun went away the lights came out to play, and with a light on my helmet and handle bars my lap times never dropped as i could see everything i needed to see. thanks to light and motion for your lumens, just bringing short finger gloves was not the best idea, so when it began to hurt to shift it was time to stop and soak up the bonfire we had to pass on everylap and then ride away from, with always a helpful cheer from jenni english and gav who truly rounded out the cheering from the bridge to the very end of pit lane.
The night had truly set in and with a time gap of around 20mins my mind began to switch to waking up well the next day and being able to handle my week in the spin, lap times started to slip a bit as stops became longer and the climbs were sometimes walked, one more stop to put on a jacket and soak up more bonfire to the amusement of the MC, i had time so i couldnt see why not i had already surpassed all of my expectations and was very impressed on how great i felt considering the amount of riding the friendliness of the track would of helped..i took on some extra torq gels to finish the race off, i was told i only had time for one more lap, i took it at a cruzy pace just incase i could sneak one more in, but i came in at 12hrs 35seconds just as well because my light had there warning flash on for atleast half of my last lap..
Rolling over the line to second place to jason english in a 12hr race and a free entry to the crocodile trophy, i did not sleep at all that night my life was buzzing my head was spinning..
massive thanks to ROCKY TRAIL ENTERTAINMENT for making the best events..
PODIUM CHOPS :)
AT THE CIRCUS
A 50km race in the southern highlands starting and finishing at wingello forest.
We arrived just before sunset after reading all the latest mtb mags over coffee at the ye old bike shoppe, nestled under the big pines of the forrest the waiting game started and so did the cold weather, it was quite an unsettled sleep i never excpect much when in a tent but some nights are worse/better then others.
With the a wake up call to loud music straight from huw's collection any dream was soon switched to a nightmare, with no choice but now crawl out of the tent and face the onslaught of alll the arriving performers some wearing not enough clothing the day had begun, the oats were cooking teeth chattering and huw blabbering, but thats wat i come to his events for his bad/dry sense of humour (it later paid off)
Once i got up the courage to slip into my lyrca with the added dummy spit over putting on my girlfriends 2xu tights and not my own (which were soon found amongst the clothes i used for my pillow) any pre race yoga stretching was all taken care off in that tent, i headed out on course to check out the water bar that nearly claimed me last year..
The gun goes off and the circus starts with a roar, with a flurry of madness we all fight for a wheel..a long chain of elite of the elite riders leading us out, not fast enough for my mate anthony shippard (3rd) so i step it up and move up to the front to see wat the show was like and was then swallowed by the bunch, still in touch as we complete the first loop of 6km but it then throws us to the water bar i dont like, i ride it like a panzy and the bunch is gone, hmmm but here comes the hills but my legs just would not go, my heart rate wasnt going as high as i know i can push it, i felt slow.. smack bang into THE WALL... and i was reduced to a walk, righto singletrack time, i was missing corners bouncing off everything, i just was not with it..
i come thru transition and pick up another bottle to take on the final ring of the circus i started it with a big frown, i could see my team mate matt reekie far in the distant looking bright green, my legs still would not follow orders..
i was riding very safe as i did not wana flick myself off on a water bar like so many riders did just not worth it, i rode the brakes down the hill to a lil creek crossing i looked up and went nope no way my legs today will ride this hill in the dog.
Left click....still in the big ring.grrr fiddle... Left click.... still would not drop down.. sigh....
40-32 it is then, its just a training ride now chops i thought to myself, so i grinded away n grinded and grinded n grinded, pretty big hill that one, i soon see 10km to go sign hmmm, for some reason my legs finally turned up to play the game and for as far as the road stretched or the eye could see, matt reekie was at the end of it, the hunt was on, i pulled back 98% of that gap, he got me by 20sec..
i felt like i had a bad ride, i felt i had more, i knew i had more, but it wasnt to be.
my time was 2hrs 2min barely 3min off 3rd place and 14min quicker then last year, so i look at the numbers to cheer me up on this performance..
The most fun was had at the event centre catching up with everyone and congratulating close friends on winning performances.
At the presentation which we all stayed for to either get free wine or see how huw would give away stuff, he played the name game, picking on peoples name that related to the event or mountain biking, he gave away a ticket to race in NZ which is were his sponsor ground effect is based "any kiwis"???? so he gave them a stir so with my last name being LAMB i had myself a free tire all very funny..
thanks for reading.
chops :)
We arrived just before sunset after reading all the latest mtb mags over coffee at the ye old bike shoppe, nestled under the big pines of the forrest the waiting game started and so did the cold weather, it was quite an unsettled sleep i never excpect much when in a tent but some nights are worse/better then others.
With the a wake up call to loud music straight from huw's collection any dream was soon switched to a nightmare, with no choice but now crawl out of the tent and face the onslaught of alll the arriving performers some wearing not enough clothing the day had begun, the oats were cooking teeth chattering and huw blabbering, but thats wat i come to his events for his bad/dry sense of humour (it later paid off)
Once i got up the courage to slip into my lyrca with the added dummy spit over putting on my girlfriends 2xu tights and not my own (which were soon found amongst the clothes i used for my pillow) any pre race yoga stretching was all taken care off in that tent, i headed out on course to check out the water bar that nearly claimed me last year..
The gun goes off and the circus starts with a roar, with a flurry of madness we all fight for a wheel..a long chain of elite of the elite riders leading us out, not fast enough for my mate anthony shippard (3rd) so i step it up and move up to the front to see wat the show was like and was then swallowed by the bunch, still in touch as we complete the first loop of 6km but it then throws us to the water bar i dont like, i ride it like a panzy and the bunch is gone, hmmm but here comes the hills but my legs just would not go, my heart rate wasnt going as high as i know i can push it, i felt slow.. smack bang into THE WALL... and i was reduced to a walk, righto singletrack time, i was missing corners bouncing off everything, i just was not with it..
i come thru transition and pick up another bottle to take on the final ring of the circus i started it with a big frown, i could see my team mate matt reekie far in the distant looking bright green, my legs still would not follow orders..
i was riding very safe as i did not wana flick myself off on a water bar like so many riders did just not worth it, i rode the brakes down the hill to a lil creek crossing i looked up and went nope no way my legs today will ride this hill in the dog.
Left click....still in the big ring.grrr fiddle... Left click.... still would not drop down.. sigh....
40-32 it is then, its just a training ride now chops i thought to myself, so i grinded away n grinded and grinded n grinded, pretty big hill that one, i soon see 10km to go sign hmmm, for some reason my legs finally turned up to play the game and for as far as the road stretched or the eye could see, matt reekie was at the end of it, the hunt was on, i pulled back 98% of that gap, he got me by 20sec..
i felt like i had a bad ride, i felt i had more, i knew i had more, but it wasnt to be.
my time was 2hrs 2min barely 3min off 3rd place and 14min quicker then last year, so i look at the numbers to cheer me up on this performance..
The most fun was had at the event centre catching up with everyone and congratulating close friends on winning performances.
At the presentation which we all stayed for to either get free wine or see how huw would give away stuff, he played the name game, picking on peoples name that related to the event or mountain biking, he gave away a ticket to race in NZ which is were his sponsor ground effect is based "any kiwis"???? so he gave them a stir so with my last name being LAMB i had myself a free tire all very funny..
thanks for reading.
chops :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Smoothing rocky trails.
The Event of the weekend was a 4hr race run by ROCKYTRAIL entertainment, at AWABA mountainbike park.
On friday night after my usual 530spin class i was in the garage changing my rear tire over to another rim as on tuesday glass cut open the tire a 2.0 supersonic continental race king and when i went to re inflate i kept losing air from around the valve, so with barely a drop spilt and i good upper body work out on the floor pump it snapped into place delivering cold chills as it always does..
Saturday started early with a 530am start so i could have a good meal of oats :) and some toast, the tire had not lost a single psi so my spirits were up, wheels were off and the turner flux was neatly folded into the back of jem's 3door barina.
Off to awaba we go>>> THE GOALS>>75% of the winner in 3.5hrs as i had to leave early for a spin class..
We slot into a little spot on pit row and i go for a practice lap while stopping to chat to who ever i know, it really takes a long time to get ready before a race..
I spent the race briefing doing my last bit of weight reducing, i could of also removed my rear flashing lights i use for commuting to but i didnt realised they were left till i got home..
The 8hr solo's go first, then we get to race of, i slipped into the single track second and just cruzed finding my zone because we soon caught the tail of the 8hr riders, it was a slow hectic first lap with people taking each other out or me, i lost a few positions in some confused mix up, the angry pants were on for the next lap, flying through timing/pits leaving any food jem had ready.
We had a nice food plan set out. a torq gel every second lap with a mouthful of toq bar every other lap which kept me fuel up nicely.
I soon found my sniggle groove and had a massive smile just loving the sport more then ever, with a conti supersonic 2.2 mountain king up the front and the hero grip through the forest section it was pure bliss.
So i was just out there cruzing around with the bigger picture of getting 75% of the winner so i can qualify for the voting competition to win a ticket to the croc trophy mtb race.
Around lap 5-6 i could here paul craft (commentator) giving the 4hr leader a good wrap for his fast lap times and mentioned he was gona be hard to beat, i had a chuckle and the fire in my legs were now roaring as i stormed through timing 25sec behined him to the elation of the MC "and now we have a race" i stomp the big dog back into the bush, but at awaba a rider can disappear in seconds., I ended up passing the leader while he had stopped to grab a bite, he gave me a cheer on to which was nice but i soon was grabbing a gel on run and off into the lead, i was told the rider i just passed was an ex (very good) downhiller so i was keen to try to get away, my hills were my friends and my legs did all they could to flatten them.
3.5hrs done and im leading so i pull over and call it a day, MC paul was really confused i explained my situation and everyone was standing around looking very stunned.. and from the crowd a screaming jemma blasts me with alot of profanity to the amusement of everyone, id done enough to qualify and thats all i went chasing i was satisfied and very happy to have a good ride, good enough for me but not good enough for jem, (i still feel guilty for her missing my poduim at the husky) she needed to be rewarded for helping me so much, and maybe i got a bit scared with the abuse that was hurled, hmmm i wish a gel was hurled the last lap had to be ridden with only a small amount of water mixed with torq energy, so one last time down the cork screw and my last time through my cheers squad from WSMTB. At this stage i could hear the count down to the 4hr mark, sweet i was gona finish over the 4hr mark and not have to leave a gap for 2nd place to slip through to do another lap.
4hrs 1min i finish with timing it spot on, i quick speech ruined by a flat battery on the mic, i fold the turner into the back of the barina again and zoom to carlingford for the spin class.
No stretching or cool down really punished my legs as i had to climb 3 flights of stairs to get to the spin room.
It was such an adrenalin fueled day, but lots of laughs and stories were shared over lunch at 4pm.
I arrived home to a cool looking trophy a carton of beer and a XTR cassette :)
A big thanks goes to the ROCKY TRAIL crew for an awesome day
my pit bunny for her awesomeness!!!
and my sponsors SCV IMPORTS, the turner flux is the most comfortable race weapon you will find..
Im feeling the target getting bigger on my back, see ya at the next race.
REALLY HAPPY CHOP :)
On friday night after my usual 530spin class i was in the garage changing my rear tire over to another rim as on tuesday glass cut open the tire a 2.0 supersonic continental race king and when i went to re inflate i kept losing air from around the valve, so with barely a drop spilt and i good upper body work out on the floor pump it snapped into place delivering cold chills as it always does..
Saturday started early with a 530am start so i could have a good meal of oats :) and some toast, the tire had not lost a single psi so my spirits were up, wheels were off and the turner flux was neatly folded into the back of jem's 3door barina.
Off to awaba we go>>> THE GOALS>>75% of the winner in 3.5hrs as i had to leave early for a spin class..
We slot into a little spot on pit row and i go for a practice lap while stopping to chat to who ever i know, it really takes a long time to get ready before a race..
I spent the race briefing doing my last bit of weight reducing, i could of also removed my rear flashing lights i use for commuting to but i didnt realised they were left till i got home..
The 8hr solo's go first, then we get to race of, i slipped into the single track second and just cruzed finding my zone because we soon caught the tail of the 8hr riders, it was a slow hectic first lap with people taking each other out or me, i lost a few positions in some confused mix up, the angry pants were on for the next lap, flying through timing/pits leaving any food jem had ready.
We had a nice food plan set out. a torq gel every second lap with a mouthful of toq bar every other lap which kept me fuel up nicely.
I soon found my sniggle groove and had a massive smile just loving the sport more then ever, with a conti supersonic 2.2 mountain king up the front and the hero grip through the forest section it was pure bliss.
So i was just out there cruzing around with the bigger picture of getting 75% of the winner so i can qualify for the voting competition to win a ticket to the croc trophy mtb race.
Around lap 5-6 i could here paul craft (commentator) giving the 4hr leader a good wrap for his fast lap times and mentioned he was gona be hard to beat, i had a chuckle and the fire in my legs were now roaring as i stormed through timing 25sec behined him to the elation of the MC "and now we have a race" i stomp the big dog back into the bush, but at awaba a rider can disappear in seconds., I ended up passing the leader while he had stopped to grab a bite, he gave me a cheer on to which was nice but i soon was grabbing a gel on run and off into the lead, i was told the rider i just passed was an ex (very good) downhiller so i was keen to try to get away, my hills were my friends and my legs did all they could to flatten them.
3.5hrs done and im leading so i pull over and call it a day, MC paul was really confused i explained my situation and everyone was standing around looking very stunned.. and from the crowd a screaming jemma blasts me with alot of profanity to the amusement of everyone, id done enough to qualify and thats all i went chasing i was satisfied and very happy to have a good ride, good enough for me but not good enough for jem, (i still feel guilty for her missing my poduim at the husky) she needed to be rewarded for helping me so much, and maybe i got a bit scared with the abuse that was hurled, hmmm i wish a gel was hurled the last lap had to be ridden with only a small amount of water mixed with torq energy, so one last time down the cork screw and my last time through my cheers squad from WSMTB. At this stage i could hear the count down to the 4hr mark, sweet i was gona finish over the 4hr mark and not have to leave a gap for 2nd place to slip through to do another lap.
4hrs 1min i finish with timing it spot on, i quick speech ruined by a flat battery on the mic, i fold the turner into the back of the barina again and zoom to carlingford for the spin class.
No stretching or cool down really punished my legs as i had to climb 3 flights of stairs to get to the spin room.
It was such an adrenalin fueled day, but lots of laughs and stories were shared over lunch at 4pm.
I arrived home to a cool looking trophy a carton of beer and a XTR cassette :)
A big thanks goes to the ROCKY TRAIL crew for an awesome day
my pit bunny for her awesomeness!!!
and my sponsors SCV IMPORTS, the turner flux is the most comfortable race weapon you will find..
Im feeling the target getting bigger on my back, see ya at the next race.
REALLY HAPPY CHOP :)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
THE 100Ker
The day begins at 5am, i awake to some world cup soccer blurred by my roomies bling 29ers, with my TURNER FLUX tipping the scales at around 11.2kg, it was surely a very different pre race setup with no taper no pasta the night before, no weetibix for breakfast.
My pro roomies from clarence st whipped up some muesli and banana not sure what else was added, i guess that was later to be realised (thanks jen a true winning breakfast)
Driving over to the start, to a race ive only had a week to mentally prepare for, a race with around 90kms ive never seen, my first day on dirt since dirtworks and damaging my thumb..no nerves what so ever, but no race excitement either it was a strange feeling but i did have my mind set on just a sunday ride, there was no water bottle, no tools, limited food, but i was truly rugged up with skin longs on and a skin shortsleeve top on under an under armour longsleeve heat top (the red u see me in) my fav piece of cycling gear. and that very subdue green racing kit on the outside..
The warm up was a few kms out on the track i decided to drop pressure in my front tire a little to softer thumb pressure.
A very short race briefing and we were on the start line, matt reekie suggested to go to level 11 of hurt today which i was not to fussed about, but in my head i thought well im just gona pedal at full power till i have nothing,, will it last 20km 60km 80km did i have enough for a 100km.
The first 10km was loose sand and rocky when i seen the 10km marker i head sunk as i felt like ive been racing for an hour, we soon lose touch with the leaders, but me and anthony shippard with some other guys really keep the pace cranking, passing shaun lewis on our mission was a bit awkward, i just didnt know what to say to a good rider hurting so early.
20kms we get a glimpse of the leaders, it was so tempting to bridge the gap, at full throttle it looked very achievable and i was just out for fun and it was hard not to have a go at it just to see if i could get to them, the single track then began and i pulled right back as it was loose and very steep and i didnt wana hurt my dodgy shoulder.
It takes me a while to catch back up to anthony after the single track but when i do, we all stopped as a rider hit the deck pretty hard, hes was not to bad so once on his feet we ride off.
now with mark tupalski (sir chat alot) im cool with talking and riding but its my job during the week sundays are my day off and with dealing with my nemisis of sunlight flickering through trees i was at full focus in leading us through the single trail., By halfway mark had dropped of matt was back with me and anthony, poor matt with so many race kms in his legs soon drop off,
60km water stop took a while to show up which really hurt anthony running bottles he pulls in to refill i roll on by jump a puddle and chew a torq bar down, i was happy for him to catch back up so we could work together, the big wheels roll up with a heavy breathing rider on top.. we work n ride together, but the turner gets a gap on the next hill.
condoo single track soon approaches righto then something i know i gotta keep anthony at bay knowing i was in 4th was a good buzz but i just knew he could reel me in on this track, so how do i keep a rider away but recovering here so my legs have more power come the roads...
80km im still all alone and as each 50km rider approaches quite quickly i know im getting closer to the finish, the fear of my camelback going dry builds, i wait and wait for big wheels to catch up i constantly wonder if im still going as fast as i was 20km earlier, am i fading???? so i continue to chew on my torq bar.. saving my gells for a kick in the final 10km.
90km hmmm i hear wheels i look to see big wheels but i had to totally do a double look and i see its kyle ward and we put some hurt into each other up a long climb.. He then rides away and all i can think to say is "well played sir" he seems to have the power to finish the day off, but as we zipp through some single trail the 50kers cheer the battle on, and it gave me a real kick to catch him, i soon roll up beside kyle, "lets do it buddy" i say, he hangs his head and gives me a lil tap to say he was done!... so i stand and attack like a bull at an open gate never looking back.. bush bashing to over take 50kers, then seeing a mud puddle i knew was very close to the finish i give it all i got flying out onto the golfcourse, and now burying myself into a dark place to hold my position as i did not want a sprint finish with a gutter hop..
A big smile from jenni english as i ride through the carpark my legs could barely jump that dam gutter. 4hrs 16min i was astonished with my time as i come to a stop and just lay on the ground in a desperate attempt to find oxygen the race announcer says congrats on 3rd place...!!!
I was just all confused as i was riding my heart out for 4th how am i 3rd did i hear right? i struggle to even put a sentence together to talk to anyone.., i pull my phone out of my back pocket(forgot to leave it in the car) so i ring jemma to tell her the news still trying to catch my breath, i was completly trashed from the race i emptied everything i had in me, i received a very concerned hello as i did such a good time she was not expecting a call to say a result let alone 3rd.
I truly felt bad as she was not there to see the result of all my training..
A week on it still feels weird to see 3rd next to my name in elite and against the whole field.
a shout out goes to matt flemming>>> bad luck champ on a day that should of ended in your favour not mine..
So hows the expectations i feel for the next time i race???
ONE HAPPY CHOP :)
My pro roomies from clarence st whipped up some muesli and banana not sure what else was added, i guess that was later to be realised (thanks jen a true winning breakfast)
Driving over to the start, to a race ive only had a week to mentally prepare for, a race with around 90kms ive never seen, my first day on dirt since dirtworks and damaging my thumb..no nerves what so ever, but no race excitement either it was a strange feeling but i did have my mind set on just a sunday ride, there was no water bottle, no tools, limited food, but i was truly rugged up with skin longs on and a skin shortsleeve top on under an under armour longsleeve heat top (the red u see me in) my fav piece of cycling gear. and that very subdue green racing kit on the outside..
The warm up was a few kms out on the track i decided to drop pressure in my front tire a little to softer thumb pressure.
A very short race briefing and we were on the start line, matt reekie suggested to go to level 11 of hurt today which i was not to fussed about, but in my head i thought well im just gona pedal at full power till i have nothing,, will it last 20km 60km 80km did i have enough for a 100km.
The first 10km was loose sand and rocky when i seen the 10km marker i head sunk as i felt like ive been racing for an hour, we soon lose touch with the leaders, but me and anthony shippard with some other guys really keep the pace cranking, passing shaun lewis on our mission was a bit awkward, i just didnt know what to say to a good rider hurting so early.
20kms we get a glimpse of the leaders, it was so tempting to bridge the gap, at full throttle it looked very achievable and i was just out for fun and it was hard not to have a go at it just to see if i could get to them, the single track then began and i pulled right back as it was loose and very steep and i didnt wana hurt my dodgy shoulder.
It takes me a while to catch back up to anthony after the single track but when i do, we all stopped as a rider hit the deck pretty hard, hes was not to bad so once on his feet we ride off.
now with mark tupalski (sir chat alot) im cool with talking and riding but its my job during the week sundays are my day off and with dealing with my nemisis of sunlight flickering through trees i was at full focus in leading us through the single trail., By halfway mark had dropped of matt was back with me and anthony, poor matt with so many race kms in his legs soon drop off,
60km water stop took a while to show up which really hurt anthony running bottles he pulls in to refill i roll on by jump a puddle and chew a torq bar down, i was happy for him to catch back up so we could work together, the big wheels roll up with a heavy breathing rider on top.. we work n ride together, but the turner gets a gap on the next hill.
condoo single track soon approaches righto then something i know i gotta keep anthony at bay knowing i was in 4th was a good buzz but i just knew he could reel me in on this track, so how do i keep a rider away but recovering here so my legs have more power come the roads...
80km im still all alone and as each 50km rider approaches quite quickly i know im getting closer to the finish, the fear of my camelback going dry builds, i wait and wait for big wheels to catch up i constantly wonder if im still going as fast as i was 20km earlier, am i fading???? so i continue to chew on my torq bar.. saving my gells for a kick in the final 10km.
90km hmmm i hear wheels i look to see big wheels but i had to totally do a double look and i see its kyle ward and we put some hurt into each other up a long climb.. He then rides away and all i can think to say is "well played sir" he seems to have the power to finish the day off, but as we zipp through some single trail the 50kers cheer the battle on, and it gave me a real kick to catch him, i soon roll up beside kyle, "lets do it buddy" i say, he hangs his head and gives me a lil tap to say he was done!... so i stand and attack like a bull at an open gate never looking back.. bush bashing to over take 50kers, then seeing a mud puddle i knew was very close to the finish i give it all i got flying out onto the golfcourse, and now burying myself into a dark place to hold my position as i did not want a sprint finish with a gutter hop..
A big smile from jenni english as i ride through the carpark my legs could barely jump that dam gutter. 4hrs 16min i was astonished with my time as i come to a stop and just lay on the ground in a desperate attempt to find oxygen the race announcer says congrats on 3rd place...!!!
I was just all confused as i was riding my heart out for 4th how am i 3rd did i hear right? i struggle to even put a sentence together to talk to anyone.., i pull my phone out of my back pocket(forgot to leave it in the car) so i ring jemma to tell her the news still trying to catch my breath, i was completly trashed from the race i emptied everything i had in me, i received a very concerned hello as i did such a good time she was not expecting a call to say a result let alone 3rd.
I truly felt bad as she was not there to see the result of all my training..
A week on it still feels weird to see 3rd next to my name in elite and against the whole field.
a shout out goes to matt flemming>>> bad luck champ on a day that should of ended in your favour not mine..
So hows the expectations i feel for the next time i race???
ONE HAPPY CHOP :)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Husky prep
A long weekend on the couch watching tv and dealing with this flu bug has not been alot of fun, but the high quality of sport has kept me sane.
I ventured off to the gym today to help another instructor teach a spin class and just ease my legs and lungs back into it... and bought some very nice looking 400seriess skin longs.. mmmm warmth.
Ive ordered some 2xu tights but my cold tired legs have gotten to impatient for CRC... hope they arrive soon, one for road and one for home would be nice and will do a product comparrison test when ive worn both.
Once home it was straight into the torc recovery drink mmmmm and into the new skins..
My week truly kicks off in a big way every tuesday.
615am spin class
home for breaky
930am boxing class
then ride 30km to tuggerah
teach 30 school kids oh the bliss
30km ride home finding food before during or after the 30km
muesli and fruit from bodyfuel cafe my fav on a tuesday.
415pm RPM class
4min ride to the next gym
where i enjoy a good hot shower before my 630pm spin
then crawl home for food and bed
wednesday is a 60km round trip to tuggerah to teach boxing arriving home at 9pm
thursday is a 6am class 5mins from home then another trip to tuggerah for a 930spin class
friday is just the standard friday flogging at 530pm..
i guess team turner will head down south on saturday to get into the vibe for sundays race
with one hell of a hot field in the elite category.
im not sure how ill be feeling or can go, i havnt really been on the dirt since dirtworks, so ill be riding with some sense of safety, but i do hope i find my race face and just let it slide..
watch out for the boys in green....
Question>>>>> buy my 3rd pair of s-works or sidi???? any other shoes??
just chops.
I ventured off to the gym today to help another instructor teach a spin class and just ease my legs and lungs back into it... and bought some very nice looking 400seriess skin longs.. mmmm warmth.
Ive ordered some 2xu tights but my cold tired legs have gotten to impatient for CRC... hope they arrive soon, one for road and one for home would be nice and will do a product comparrison test when ive worn both.
Once home it was straight into the torc recovery drink mmmmm and into the new skins..
My week truly kicks off in a big way every tuesday.
615am spin class
home for breaky
930am boxing class
then ride 30km to tuggerah
teach 30 school kids oh the bliss
30km ride home finding food before during or after the 30km
muesli and fruit from bodyfuel cafe my fav on a tuesday.
415pm RPM class
4min ride to the next gym
where i enjoy a good hot shower before my 630pm spin
then crawl home for food and bed
wednesday is a 60km round trip to tuggerah to teach boxing arriving home at 9pm
thursday is a 6am class 5mins from home then another trip to tuggerah for a 930spin class
friday is just the standard friday flogging at 530pm..
i guess team turner will head down south on saturday to get into the vibe for sundays race
with one hell of a hot field in the elite category.
im not sure how ill be feeling or can go, i havnt really been on the dirt since dirtworks, so ill be riding with some sense of safety, but i do hope i find my race face and just let it slide..
watch out for the boys in green....
Question>>>>> buy my 3rd pair of s-works or sidi???? any other shoes??
just chops.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
BACK ON THE BLOG
I did dream of starting new blog about "team turner" just read the next enduro mag i hear we get a mention.. Alot of life has kept me away from blogging alot of life actually all of my life has been through the spin cycle since riding the kona 24hr last year..
Two shoulder dislocations has stopped me from racing anything and everything im trying to keep it intacked for worlds in october, my small business has been gurgling down the drain so funds have kept me from traveling away to races as well, the rest of my life has changed as well, but the one thing that has not change is my direction "PODIUM TO EMERGANCY BACK TO PODIUM" so my blog will hold the same meaning.
The best change ive had in all the shit ive been and going through is my "PIT BUNNY" (gf jemma) to see her in action check out the video from the national 24solo championships.. (in big bunny ears)
It was her 1st time as pit bitch and did a fantastic job never missed an order actually i didnt even had to place an order, the most stress free 24hrs i have ever had and sending me to bed when noticing signs of hypothermia was the right option thanks jem.
Ok i may have lied a bit about the stress as i missed the shut off time to register but russ let me after 10am on raceday..
I had to leave it to the last minute as i didnt know if i could scrape together the cash and i spent my last dollar to race that day but to me it was worth it, in all the ups n downs of my world me racing with my team mate matt reekie is when my life problems turn into just pedaling and thats when im free.
Once again matt gets the edge on me while i bonk during the night, but i enjoyed everypart of the race yes it hurt yes i couldnt even hold a knife to butter toast the next morning, but getting to ride for 24hrs away from the world is priceless.. so was the practice lap with jason english all smiles and laughs during that lap..
SO WHERE HAVE I BEEN??
Dirtworks>>>> i like starting elite controlled n cruzy. tire problems slowed me down again this year and big thanks to troy glennan for helping me when i crashed n split a tire, i found out later i chipped some bone off my thumb hence why we had a lot of trouble getting the nut off the valve., another tire cut after the 50km mark but i rode the bridge n still broke the 5hr mark..
SO WHERE AM I GOING????
looks like im doing the husky....
thinking of chasing the croc ticket again
everywhere on my turner flux its a rocket and loves beating the traffic with 1inch slicks on, it was even seen passing a cervello p3 in a road race a few weeks back..100km 2hrs 55min is that alright roadies???
As the year rolls on im slowly turning my life up the right way, im just focused on The world 24hr champs and not dislocating my shoulder before it, so i must not crash.. and will get the opperation it needs after worlds.
ill be keeping you posted on the races ill be at as i pay for them and ride them.
>>>>>>nothing changes unless you change them<<<<<<<<<<
just chops.
Two shoulder dislocations has stopped me from racing anything and everything im trying to keep it intacked for worlds in october, my small business has been gurgling down the drain so funds have kept me from traveling away to races as well, the rest of my life has changed as well, but the one thing that has not change is my direction "PODIUM TO EMERGANCY BACK TO PODIUM" so my blog will hold the same meaning.
The best change ive had in all the shit ive been and going through is my "PIT BUNNY" (gf jemma) to see her in action check out the video from the national 24solo championships.. (in big bunny ears)
It was her 1st time as pit bitch and did a fantastic job never missed an order actually i didnt even had to place an order, the most stress free 24hrs i have ever had and sending me to bed when noticing signs of hypothermia was the right option thanks jem.
Ok i may have lied a bit about the stress as i missed the shut off time to register but russ let me after 10am on raceday..
I had to leave it to the last minute as i didnt know if i could scrape together the cash and i spent my last dollar to race that day but to me it was worth it, in all the ups n downs of my world me racing with my team mate matt reekie is when my life problems turn into just pedaling and thats when im free.
Once again matt gets the edge on me while i bonk during the night, but i enjoyed everypart of the race yes it hurt yes i couldnt even hold a knife to butter toast the next morning, but getting to ride for 24hrs away from the world is priceless.. so was the practice lap with jason english all smiles and laughs during that lap..
SO WHERE HAVE I BEEN??
Dirtworks>>>> i like starting elite controlled n cruzy. tire problems slowed me down again this year and big thanks to troy glennan for helping me when i crashed n split a tire, i found out later i chipped some bone off my thumb hence why we had a lot of trouble getting the nut off the valve., another tire cut after the 50km mark but i rode the bridge n still broke the 5hr mark..
SO WHERE AM I GOING????
looks like im doing the husky....
thinking of chasing the croc ticket again
everywhere on my turner flux its a rocket and loves beating the traffic with 1inch slicks on, it was even seen passing a cervello p3 in a road race a few weeks back..100km 2hrs 55min is that alright roadies???
As the year rolls on im slowly turning my life up the right way, im just focused on The world 24hr champs and not dislocating my shoulder before it, so i must not crash.. and will get the opperation it needs after worlds.
ill be keeping you posted on the races ill be at as i pay for them and ride them.
>>>>>>nothing changes unless you change them<<<<<<<<<<
just chops.
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