The Sunny Sunday Rides

After yesterdays downpour, riders were out and about today making up for lost ks.

The Sundy Hundy club had about 7 riders - we watched you all ride past whilst at Maccas. Hmm, we seem to be hanging out there a bit lately - must be roadies. We picked up the oldest M1 rider on our way back in from Calliope, Brian Hayden. Nudging close to 80, Brian's got more experience than all of us combined and some good stories to tell.

Bec was spotted doing ekky k's before the bunch ride - yes, you were busted Bec. IJ was enjoying a tailwind section on the reverse block when he was spotted.

A great day for riding.

SRAM Bling

Psst. Looking for a little stocking stuffer for Christmas? I'll let you in on a secret. There are two sets of SRAM Wheels now in the shop that are worth a look. A set of 60s and a set of 80s.

If you're after a FAST set of wheels - here they are. The only faster wheels are the Zipps with the dimple carbon technology.

Be warned though, they come with a price - and a little red frog - but I'm sure Santa has no limits. And if you're on the lighter end of the weight scale, you may find them a tincy bit difficult in the x winds.

Santa, you do remember where I live?

Rain Rain Go Away

Does anything more need to be said????

Nah just kidding, we need it. Two of us dared to venture out this morning for a 70k Trek around the town limits. It was wet, it was a little slippery, but it was k's in the legs.

Pulling into Maccas for the usual banana bread and the unusual tea, who should we see? Scotty and Bloomers - both minus bikes. I just shake my head sooky boys.

The Box Ride

Is there something in the air? Is it because Christmas is just around the corner? What ever the reason, it's certainly not in the legs. The Thursday turnout - that was dramatically reduced by the cloud cover - was for riders in the box.

Legs were sore, tempers were short and the pace was off. A brief ride for the 6 who showed, including a new rider from Brisbane who is here for 3 months. Richard is a new farm hand at the Farm and has been riding for around 6 months with Marcel's training bunch in Brisbane. I'm sure he'll be welcomed into the bunch - when we are not so buggered and can manage a conversation.

There is a special birthday coming up very soon ..... I will be sure to keep you posted.

The Well Oiled Machine Ride

That's how I would describe the Tuesday morning ride - especially the first paceline. Like a machine that's in good nick and running smoothly, the bunch purred along around the 10.5k paceline. It was beaut-i-ful. (Just trying to put a bit of empahsis on the word beautiful).

For techo freaks heres the stats - last week the paceline took 16 minutes 21 seconds with an average speed of 37.06k/hr. This week the paceline took 16 minutes 43 seconds with an average speed of 36.24k/hr. I would love to be able to stake the claim that I generated these stats, but I have to give credit to Lord Of The Garmin - Mick - maybe they will make a movie with a name like that????

Good ride guys. And girls - nice to see you put in an appearance, I was getting lonely!!

The Tandem Thing

Ok. So I'm working hard, having a read of Farm Boys profile and I click on the link. Ah huh. Can I just say that it's worth a look. It certainly opened my eyes - and made me blink a few times.

I've been fortunate enough to have raced the tandem with Farm Boy last year in a handicap event in Rocky. It was certainly great fun. Not sure if we'll see any of these tandems in the pack??? Thunder would certainly have a few words to say about that circus....

Rider Profile - Martin Cooper

What bike do you ride?
TREK T1000 Tandem.
When I’m all alone and can’t find a stoker, I sometimes give the NORCO a whirl.
Getting hard to find approved stokers these days too. Ever since the M1 commandment was made public, “Thou art too strong and thou shalt not be permitted to Stoke on thy bunch ride.”
What would be your dream bike?
“What would be ?”…. TREK T1000 Tandem.
I’m already living the dream.
If you need another answer, see this link -
http://www.co-motion.com/tandem_bikes/macchiato.html
What's your day job?
Farm hand.
What's your favourite ride?
0530 roll to work. Just can’t wait to get to the farm.
Most memorable biking experience?
For racing, it was my Masters A debut @ 08 Sunny coast tour - Kenilworth RR.
For fun, it’s been the annual Tandem touring holidays with Maree.
Least memorable biking experience?
Could have been that same Kenilworth RR. The Kenilworth sag wagons were AMBULANCES and they were not idle. Overlooking the flat car battery, good luck prevailed for the M1 riders.
If you want to experience some fairly serious racing close to home…nominate for 09 Sunny coast tour.
Bike riders you admire the most?
Armstrong for inspiration, hype, TDF drama and coming back from both cancer and retirement to just do it… again.
Boonga for all the trash talkin, morale boostin, shit bagin, life style changing entertainment. Non stop. 24 hrs a day.
Pyney for enthusiasm. Being keen to ride for the right reasons.
Mick England for being the down to earth, home town hitter.
Craig Taylor for proving that actions speak louder than looks.
Dunny for showing how fast you can TT with only a modest sized engine.
PowerKat for reinventing herself as the webmistress bloggstar.

The Roller Ride

While the bunch was out doing the Saturday morning hitout, I was on the rollers doing a one hour session. Excitement plus.

The roller hour consisted of 5 minutes off / 5 minutes on. Maintaining 100 cadence for both the off and the on intervals, but dropping down 2 gears for the on intervals. Make sense? Once the legs walmed up it was obviously easier to go to a harder gear for the easier interval.

I'm talking rollers here guys, not ergos. Trackies use them alot and they teach you to pedal really well. A lot of balance and co-ordination is required and the easiest way to learn to ride them is to set them up between a doorway. That way you can stop yourself from falling off.

They make you a smooth pedaller if you can master them.

Skirts On

Ok. So the blog has been a little quiet over the past few days. I've had my skirt on, I will admit. Wednesday was just an easy roll around the marina with Micky Yong and Wazza in tow. Thursday, um well, nobody rode as the skies were a bit on the stormy side. The skirt was definately attached by then.

Predictions for the Saturday ride could see the bunch face some more rainy patches. If you want to check out the conditions just go to www.bom.gov.au. Most of us are aware of the radar site already and it's pretty darn useful at times. Some riders have been known to check the radar before a Tuesday and Saturday morning ride - guys, that's a little too much effort for me. I prefer just to stick my head outside to see if I can see the stars or not. Works just as good.

One For The Boys

Ok Croz, here's one for you and the boys. Now you can stop your whining.

Apparently there is a race coming to Gladstone, that has previously been held in New York. I'm sure the boys will appreciate it more than us "real roadie chicks" will.

Anyway, details are on the poster in the shop or see Matty. I didn't take much notice as it was of little interest to me... something about "be there and be bare"....

Good work Ken (the Framer).

One For The Girls

When the going gets tough, I go bling spotting.

Searching through the range of WSD gear available from Trek, I've found these little puppies. Team issue Gary Fisher and Trek Volkswagon helmets.... mmm nice.

If I had a choice, I'd probably go for the black one with pink. Either way, who cares. They're both Pink Bling which scores a high rating in my books.

The Rep Ride

Even with the drizzle the riders still turned up for this mornings hit out. Was it the GT rep on the ride? Or was it the opportunity to show off new kits? Nice M1 kit Jake - just aswell you got that heads up. And nice Skins Bec - speaking of Skins, there is an interesting article on the cycling Skins in the latest Bicycling Australia mag.

Mick Muel was in full GT kit and GT bling - who were you trying to impress? - and he even had the legs to match, especially on the first paceline. Cat - keep banging your head mate, you are going great guns.

There were a few quiet riders in the paceline this morning - Whiffo, didn't get a whiff of you at all. Grazza, that mo must be slowing you down and Ken, mate I think I saw you roll through once.

I'm just glad to be off the bike today.

Rider Profile - Noel Crosbie

What bike do you ride?
A trusty Trek 1500 and a BH Classic G3 Carbon is my Hollywood bike
What would be your dream bike?
A Pinnarello Prince would be nice; I like all the curvy bits and it’ ITALIANO
What's your day job?
Electrical Systems Designer for Ergon Energy
What's your favorite ride?
Early morning, with a little chill in the air, good blend of riders, heading up the Boyne Valley
Most memorable biking experience?
This years Calliope to Biloela 100k Classic, perfect weather, good road
Least memorable biking experience?
Getting taken out by some pissed bloke in a car sneaking home from the pub while out riding one night. He did a right turn in front of me when I was doing about 40kph down a hill and launched me into orbit whilst totaling my ol’TREK 1000. Off work for a month but worse was being off my bike >:D(
Bike rider you admire the most?
Simon Gerrans –Simon took a stage win in the first stage in the Italian Alps for Credit Agricole in this years Tour de France. Simon was part of a breakaway that was able to get in and attack the main pack early and stayed away. Simon then broke away once again and won the stage. He has won the Herald Sun Tour and the Tour Down Under. This lad is one to watch.

Shop Changes

A few cosmetic changes have happened in the M1 shop over the weekend. When you get some spare time, drop in and check it out. The shop is looking fantastic.

Many thanx has to go to Ada from Rocky for the new downlights.

Saturday Ride

If last week was the ride for flatties then this week was the ride for mechanical problems. First cab off the rank was Mike who lost his front brake pad on the way to the ride. Thomas, on his new frame had an issue with his sloppy cranks - just too much power Thomas!! And the final rider to go was Farm Boy with a broken spoke.

Thomas and Whiffo were leaders in the 40k club - that's 40k/hr club mind you. Boys you really have to back off that secret interval training on the way to work. You were great to draft behind but remember - I'm just a girl (with pigtails to prove it).

Pyney's mishap in the bunters bunch put a dampner on the morning. But it mite be a good reminder to everyone to back off the wheels a bit and to be careful with throwing back your bike when you get out of the saddle. Just putting my school teachers hat on - how did I go Steve K?

Update - Warren Pyne

Most of you who were on this mornings ride would be aware of the accident involving Pyney on Thozets hill.

After a trip to the hospital, its confirmed that his collar bone is broken which means a bit of time off the bike.

Pyney - we won't forget about you mate and it will only be a few weeks before you're back in the bunch where you belong.

The Shoes

When you have been a world champion and you win an olympic gold medal, this is what you get - a pair of custom gold shoes from your sponsors. They belong to Marianne Vos.

In my eyes, Marianne is a pretty remarkable rider. A couple of years ago she was world champion on the road and this year she won the olympic gold medal in the points race on the track. What's more impressive is that she took the gold by gaining a lap on the field. If you were watching the race, you would have seen that not one rider could go with her when she took the lap.

If that's not enough, Marianne isn't even 25. Talk about being a great rider and an inspiration.

The Perfect Ride

A bunch of 7 turned up for last nites ride. I must admit my thoughts on the way to the shop were a mix of anticipation and fear of what lay ahead.

With the usual traffic, the bunch made it safely out to Yarwun where we were greeted with words of wisdom from the King - Back it off, the pace is still too hard.. blah blah blah... As Farm Boy pointed out, the perfect paceline doesn't exist!

All was well until Smoothie punctured at Calliope River. There was some banter, some pumping, some more banter and even more laughing. Eventually we got back on the road - only to puncture on River Ranch Hills. I was grateful for this as I was about to experience a really embarrasing moment in my cycling career - being beaten up the hills by Jake and Wazza - take no offence to that boys, you guys are riding brilliantly.

Fears aside, the ride was great - some hard parts, some funny parts and some great company.

Rider Profile - Jamie Cogill

What bike do you ride?

Norco

What would be your dream bike?

Trek from Matts shop

What's your day job?

Mechanical Fitter

What's your favourite ride?

Home from work

Most memorable biking experience?

Riding home from work

Least memorable biking experience?

Running into back of car

Bike rider you admire the most?

Lance

Editor: As you can see, Thomas is a tank who prefers to let his legs do the talking.

The Squeak & Clunk Ride

It was a competition between the 12 riders who showed up for this mornings hit out to see who had the noisest bike. It would have to be a toss up between Thomas on the Norco and the Tandem Twins. I don't know who was worst, I just know that you could tell when one of them was coming up beside you.

The new course tested the legs of everyone. Its kind of a long way and the little hills just before the roundabout sort you out. Well done to the riders who lasted most of the way - Grazza, Scotty and Ken. Ken I have to find a nickname for you and Grazza... I'm really not sure what to make of your mo.

Watch out for Whiffo. He's on the road to speedy improvement. The key has been secret interval training. I pray that he never gets a new bike.

All in all, it was a good ride. A hard one as usual.

Tuesday Morning Changes

As we've all become aware that Alf O'Rourke is undergoing reconstruction as of this week, an alternate Tuesday circuit has been organised. See the attached photo - thanx Jake. Um, just on that Jake, you need to do a few more k's if you have that much spare time!

Expect some teething problems for a couple of weeks until we get the course sorted.

Ekky K's

At the Tannum Esplanade on Sunday morning a silver Trek Hybrid flat bar (nice) was spotted doing secret k's being closely followed by a red Trek 3700.

Hmmm... watch out Saturday bunters, someone in your pack is doing secret ekky k's.

Don't worry Pyney - I won't tell anyone, your secrets safe with me.

Position Vacant

The Hitters Bunch has an open vacancy for the position of Dog Caller.

Suitable rider candidates should have the following qualities:
1. Be willing to do the Hitters Ride every Saturday morning.
2. Have a computer or watch that has the time, preferably in digital format.
3. Be able to ACCURATELY count to 2 and a half minutes.
4. Have the ability to not be distracted by conversation with the person riding beside them.
5. Possess the necessary "bark".

Riders believing they may be suitable for the position should submit their resume by responding to this blog. Only suitable riders should apply - Matty, this DOES NOT mean you.

Riding In The Rain

My first race on the National Road Series for the 2007 year was the Canberra Tour. And what an intiation to NRS racing it was. We had the time trial on the Friday afternoon and it was just plain cold.

When we headed back to the motel, it started raining - pouring would probably be more appropriate. When we woke on Saturday guess what, it was still pouring. The photos I've found don't do the conditions justice. It just continued to pour all day Saturday. And we raced two events that day.

We were racing around Stromlo National Park and there are some big climbs and big decents, so Popey, don't be afraid of the damp conditions around River Ranch. As the King would say - Harden Up.

The Hitters Hijinx

With grey clouds looming in the distance as we rolled out from the start, we should have expected what was to come. But I don't think any of us did.

A big bunch today - 21. I counted myself today Wazza. Oh and by the way - nice bling. The pack split pretty evenly at Yarwun, with a few of the bunters stepping up for a "roll" with the hitters.

Matty got a flat at the bottom of the River Ranch hills which activated the flatty clause. Can I just point out that as a general rule it only takes one flatty for the clause to be activated on the hitters ride. Today, we had a total of seven flatties by the time we hit the Pump Station Road. By this time, any rider who had not incurred a flat, was not game to admit it for fear of encouraging the jinx. Kirkwood Road was definately a no go.

In addition to the flatties, there was a standing fall from the tandem twins, a shortage of water and an abundance of humidity and headwinds. In general it was a pretty jinxed ride.

Hey Popey, I will post some pictures from the Canberra Tour last year, just in case you're afraid that your back tyre may spin out in the "damp" when climbing hills.

Rider Profile - Jake Pattison

What bike do you ride?

"The Blingcycle" Trek Madone 5.2

What would be your dream bike?

Trek Madone 5.2. I don't know how it could possibly be any better.

What's your day job?

Tug Master. (Don't laugh, at least I get paid to do it)

What's your favourite ride?

Any ride in winter, I love the cold. But the Thursday social rides are a weekly highlight. Oh, and I love the century rides, each one is special. Do I have to pick just one?

Most memorable biking experience?

My first ride on the Madone. We went around the block and I was so hyped up at the end of the ride that I acutally pulled out of the slipstream of the I&A tandem and overtook them at the final sprint! Sure, Bloomers then blew my doors off but I had a blast anyway.

Least memorable biking experience?

That would involve a Commodore and my now battered Apollo. But I've now learnt never, ever make presumptions of other vehicles.

Bike rider you admire the most?

Matt Jenkin. From the moment I first set foot into M1 Matt has encouraged me to ride and to improve. His enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, and he respects everyone's ability no matter how well they ride.

The Thursday Thrash

A big turn out for the Thursday nite thrash this week - 19 in fact (thanx Wazza). It was quite a big sea of M1 jerseys as we left the shop - a spectacular sight to see.

One Thursday we should have a M1 jersey ride to get some good group photos for the blog....

If we thought the dirt in the industrial estate was bad last week - this week it was worse. The dirt had grown into boulders that were just begging to be run into by unsuspecting roadies. Thankfully all riders made the two laps through the mine field without incident.

Someone in the pack was seeking some sprinting advice... the Spinniker Park kick must be worth big bikkies, hey Jake.

As for the kick, it wound up early again... man, who keeps jumping from the pack so darn early?? Fabio took the prize, but was challenged by Farm Boy going through the gates.

Long time no see Pommy Ian - glad to have you back.

The 2nd Medium Ride

Rumour has it that last nites "medium" ride was once again, not so "medium".

By the time I met up with the bunch, there were stories being told. Stories of smashing, half-wheeling and turn avoidance. Most of the stories were being told by someone resembling Farm Boy, but who was wearing some unspeakably unattractive attire. So repulsive that it dare not be mentioned on this dedicated roadie blog.

A reasonable turn up I believe, Scotty and Noel daring to be adventurous for the around-the-block hammer. Squeaky Chris received a good dose of half-wheel medicine from Thomas.

And Sharksey? We were glad it was you.

The Carbon Club

The latest member of the Carbon Club will be joining the ranks shortly. The Trek Madone has been assembled and is anixously awaiting collection by its new owner.

Will the latest Carbon Club member be on tonite's Thursday ride... or will Saturday morning be the debut? Either way, it will be a sweet ride.

What's that - No Pink?

What's that Scotty - No Pink I hear you say? Well guess what? This year there will be mens and womens M1 designs. And here they are. After sleeping on the orange design, it got a little crumpled, so a few adjustments were made.

This is the new kit. No further adjustments will be made and an order has been placed with Cannibal.

Tuesday Ride

I don't know if it was the running of the Spinniker Park Cup or if it was the great conditions, but what ever the reason was - Tuesday's ride was an absolute smash fest.

It was by far the fastest average we've seen for the circuit - 32.5k/hr pulling into K-mart. To everyone who rode, it was fantastic. Every single rider is lifting to another level, making the ride smoother, faster and harder.

At the Spinniker Park kick, there were still 6 riders pulling turns. Andrew on "Consistently Good" claimed the cup, closely followed by "Blue Thunder", "Big Gear"and "Just a Girl".

Stevek K pulled a "fake flatty"clause in the paceline having run off the road into the dirt and getting a gobful from the King.

All in all, a great session. The efforts of IJ and Al on the tandem to just miss the Big Mac kick was pretty darn impressive. To have that tandem wound up the way you did all morning was fantastic.

Happy Birthday

It's past 2:30pm Mick, so I can now officially post the Happy Birthday blog - make that a Happy 40th Birthday blog.

Your birthday present from the M1 crew was a welcome back smash fest on the townie circuit. Reality check. You looked like you were enjoying yourself!! Bet you are enjoying yourself more now!!

Happy birthday Mick Newell - not muel!

The New M1 Kit

The design is in for the new M1 Kit - thanx to Adam at Cannibal.

New kits should be available before Christmas, if we're lucky.

This is the third design we have had for the M1 Roadies which just shows how far Matty and M1 have come from the early days. It took a fair bit of convincing to get Matty to have a shop kit, and the first design was a jersey only.

I don't think Matty has ever looked back.

The Spinniker Park Cup

It's Monday evening and riders and steeds are preparing for the biggest event on the Gladstone calendar, the running of the Spinniker Park Cup.

Odds on favourite to win this weeks Cup is Matty Jenkin on "Blue Thunder". Matty and "Blue Thunder" have rested well since their last hard session, and have good form on board with good placings in Brisbane racing.

Also in with a chance will be Andrew Whiffen on "Consistently Good" and Jamie Cogill on "Big Gear". Both have been consistent over recent weeks in preparation for this weeks Cup.

One to watch will be outsider Mick Newell and "Ol' Yella" - now he's no muel. Mick and "Ol' Yella" have only just recently returned from events in Southern Australia. "Ol' Yella" was spotted being put through his paces with a good session on Sunday and will certainly be one to watch.

With no rain forecasted and good conditions expected, scratchings are unlikely. The track is in a reasonable condition, with minimal potholes and rocks. Fast times should be expected.

Noosa Triathalon Results

Well, well, well. Results have come through from Marty's adventure in the Big Smoke.

Team Walla-boks finished 29th out of 735 competing teams. If this wasn't enough, the team finished 1st in the TD category (40 to 50 years young) - 55 teams were in this division.

The team was comprised of Doug Madsen (swim), Marty Cooper (ride) and Jos De Jonckheere (run).

Highlight for Marty was a top speed of 89k/hr and not getting passed whilst on the course. Marty also had the fastest cycle time in the TD category with a time of 1:03:53. Marty's comment was that he had to back off his top speed to "safely pass other riders".

Impressed - I am.

Magpie Shadow Boxing

On a Sunday afternoon session around the block, we had left the dirt across Shillings Lane heading back to Calliope with the sun behind us. Now there's a magpie along that section that isn't too bright.

This poor bird thought he would have a few swoops at us, but failed to see that we could see his shadow - as well as our own - on the road ahead of us. Every time he swooped, we countered attacked with flying hands. With perfect timing.

Oh well, it was funny to us - very funny - but I guess you had to be there.

The Sandwich Maker

Perfect riding conditions today. What more can I say... no clouds in the sky, no buffeting winds.. in fact, no wind at all and best of all, great company. A modest bunch today, mixed with a couple of new faces - Hamish and Michael.

I found myself in the Titan sandwich today on the hitters ride. A downhill section next to the tandem on dog rollover followed with a turn beside Thomas the Tank. Yep, I was having an enjoyable time. Just you wait Thomas, I'm going to train up to smash you over River Ranch. You and me hitter.

Actually, Thomas was attracting a lot of attention today - stalkers, heart rate monitors and half wheels. The boys rode well today, especially Whiffo and Grazza. Guys, its impressive.

And did anyone find out when the Thunder is heading overseas??? And of course, Happy Birthday to the Birthday girl - Alison!