Spy Patrols

The M1 spy's have been reporting in on those riders sneaking in secret ekky k's over the holiday period.

Those spotted in action have included Whiffo along Kirkwood Road this morning together with IJ along Dawson Highway. IJ receives special mention as he was also busted doing a one tree hill in what appeared to be a pretty big gear - better you than me IJ. It was looking painful from where I was.

Dogs are also talking that the Garmin Lord and SpyCat clocked up 85ks yesterday morning which included not 1 but 5 - yes 5!!! - J Hickey circuits after the Tuesday Smashfest. Who are you kidding SpyCat that you won't be starting in C grade!!!

Hmmm.. I think there's a fair amount of ekky training happening in the M1 squadron this summer. Watch out Rocky.

Bunch Ride - Tuesday 30th

The last Tuesday ride for the year was yet another memorable ride, mainly due to Scottie failing to remember that we turn LEFT at the Stickmakers roundabout - not right. Luckily for the bunch, Steve K was switched on and saved himself, Scottie and potentially the bunch from a nasty collision.

Silent achiever of the paceline was Ken the Framer. Every Tuesday Ken turns up and silently improves every week. This week he was pulling turns for longer than any other week and I think he was pretty pleased with himself - as he should be. And it was good to see that no-one dropped the hammer at the lights - Cat.

Bec obviously had her weet bix this morning along Kirkwood Rd, busting half the bunch. Nice Bec. To blow my own trumpet for a little bit, I thought I had the final big mac kick of the year all wrapped up when I had the perfect leadout from Thunder. Unfortunately, I did a Tom Boonen and sat up before the line, only to be line scabbed by the Garmin Lord. Bugga.

And Scottie - TURN LEFT.

The REAL new training bike

Ha. Got you all fooled didn't I!!!! This is really my new training bike. A present from my mum and dad - hidden in the shed for a few years after recovering from constant k's to the Power Station and return.

I'm not sure I'll be breaking any Tuesday morning paceline records on this little puppy and I think it needs a little bit of work.. But I guess its the thought that counts.

Thanks Dad.

Santa Arrives A Little Late

For a moment there I was beginning to think that Santa had forgotten what a good girl I had been this year. But, the jolly round man - hey, Matty, he sounds a lot like you (without the jolly)!!! - is making a special trip back to Gladdy to deliver my present.

It's not quite a 6.9 Pink Madone, but i won't complain. Its the Madone 5.5 pro. For dedicated blog spotters, you would have noticed that this bike made an appearance as being a "personal favourite" when the 2009 bikes were released.

A noticable change for this bike is the SRAM Force running gear. Having been a dedicated lover of Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, the shift to SRAM Force will be an interesting experience and you can be assured that I will keep you posted on my thoughts. I guess it can't be that bad - afterall, Lance now runs SRAM.

Happy Birthday

This one just about snuck under the radar, big time... but the blog mistress does not miss much. Tomorrow is Glen's (Tri Boy) birthday. Glen rides the really, really nice Trek Time Trial bike.

We haven't seen him for a little while as he's been having a bit of time off, relaxing after some long races this year. Glen has tackled the ironmen races this year - which includes a 180k bike leg. And I'm tired just thinking about it.

Happy Birthday Glen from all the M1 riders - your birth date is on a great day!!

Saturday Ride - 27th December

The first bunch ride after Christmas saw an unexpected large number of riders turn up - all with stories of over indulgence of sweet, yummy, unhealthy stuff!! Not that I was any different.

Of the 17 riders who turned up - only 4, no hang on, make that 3, turned right for the hitters ride. I was going to say 4 but, Steve K made a pretty quick u turn when he realised the company he was in - Whiffo, IJ and Thomas. Between you and me Steve K, I reckon that was a smart decision!!

The remainder of us turned left for the Bunters ride. Um, it was a little surgy, a little scarey, but a lot more fun than the hitters would have been!! Karen pulled not one, but two flatties across Schillings way whilst Popey got up close and personal with the bitumen.

Congratulations to young Jacko who survived his first trip around the block - with only a sore elbow! And a special welcome back to Pyney, who was noticably avoiding Popey's back wheel!!!

(Photo not courtesy of bum-cam).

Boxing Day Boomsticks

Ever heard the saying, Fatty Boomsticks??? That's me. After a little too much Christmas Cheer and a few too many slices of turkish delight cheesecake, I headed out for a Boxing Day Bash.

There wasn't too much enjoyment to be had after yesterday's festive activities. Someone needs to help the magpie at the top of Redrover Hill - he's a little confused about the season as he dive bombed the King and I around the top until we left!!

There were a few roadies spotted out yesterday morning - Mick England was busted and there were two others... but we won't mention names.

Dear Santa

I know I'm a little late this year getting my Christmas list to you, but I'm sure that because I've been such a good girl this year, you'll be able to squeeze my requests in.

First on the list would be a new set of legs for the 2009 racing season. I have to ride A grade womens again, so a set of legs made of steel that are as strong as the boys I ride with would be good. If you could find a set that are stronger, that would be even better.

Second on the list is a custom Pink Trek Madone 6.9, the same as Alberto Contador's after he won the Giro De Italia. I already have the Pink Giro De Italia leaders jersey, so I won't ask you to bring me one of those.

Last of all, I'd like you to sprinkle a bit of Christmas cheer and good luck over all the M1 riders when you fly over Gladstone tonite. They are a great bunch of friends.

PS - You don't have to park the Madone under the tree tonite as I know it's a little big. You can just leave it in the garage next to the other two. I'll make room for it in the morning!

Have Your Say

Here's the debate - Did Kate and Cat "drop the hammer" when taking off from the lights at the Hanson Road intersection on the first lap of the paceline?

The stats have been provided by the Garmin Lord and they are as follows: When Kate and Cat started rolling, the pace was 27.5k/hr. It took 500m for the pace to be 37.5k/hr. It appears to me, that the hammer WAS NOT dropped. And even if it was boys, we're just a couple of girls in pink, come on.

Besides the debate (that continued to rage at Maccas), the paceline was hot hot hot with an average of 39.2k/hr for the paceline. A big big big bunch for the last Tuesday ride before Chrissy - it was great to see. Maximum number of girls on the ride today too - 6!!!!

IJ thought we were racing for sheep stations along Dawson Highway and nearly made a Cat sandwich for breakfast.

Urgent - Tuesday Morning Brew

Given that its the silly season, tomorrow the bunch is doing something silly - pulling in for a brew at Maccas after the big mac kick.

Pass the message on and bring a few dollars for a coffee... and a slice of banana toast... and a coke... and some carrot cake... and a bacon and egg mc muffin... mmmm

Sunday Ride - 22nd December

Sunday bunch ride started at 5am with the ominous background of black looking clouds. 9 riders met at HJ's this morning, picking up our tenth member Ian Johnson on the way out. Ian was doing interval training and would ride with us for 10min then leave us for dead for 10 mins before coming back for a chat.

"PRO" and "ERIC" took us out to MT Larcom turn off and then decided to let the rest of us have a turn. The boys took over again at Yarwun and set the pace towards Calliope! Everyone had a turn at setting the pace with only the hills slowing us up. Bloomers was struggling from the get go as he had only go home at 2am after a big night out and decided to stay up and go for a ride????

Joan did really well up the hills showing us that she is stronger than she looks. Karen was with us all the way on the hills too and still had breath to talk, well done Karen!

We were down to 7 riders when we left Calliope as Ian stayed on the other side of the Highway doing his interval training, and Brian and Joan kept going when we stopped for a nature break at the crossroads. Fast pace (for us) was set on the way home by bloomers and i when we got to the front until we hit the hill into town where the boys once again took over!

"PRO", "ERIC". Karen and Hubby turned at Kirkwood for EKKY k's while Cat, Bloomers and myself went on to Macca's. I scared Bloomers at the end by yelling "lets go" and sprinted down the road towards Phillip street. Did well as I caught him by suprise and he only caught me at the end! Nearly did it, will win a sprint one day!!! We averaged 29kph for the ride.

Bec

Rep Profile - Kerry Bartle (Mr Trek)

Now I know I get a little excited about a few things, Trek being one of them, but until you meet Kerry - you ain't seen nothin!! DONE.

Kerry's the new Queensland State Trek rep and he's as passionate as they come. Before migrating north, Kerry worked at Clarence Street Cycles in Sydney as a sales rep for 10 years, and from what I hear, he's the same enthusiastic bloke everyday of the year. DONE.

We've seen Kerry twice in the past three months and he's helped out M1 Cycles immensely with plenty of fresh ideas and hints. He knows everything about Trek and associated products - including the correct way to pronounce Bontrager - its actually "Bo-Ranger". Thanx Kerry, we've been pronouncing it wrong for ages. DONE.

If you are wondering what's with all the DONE's, just ask Kerry. DONE.

Biff Boys

Ok. So its 5:25pm on Thursday afternoon and the bunch is about to roll out from the back of the shop for the ride. Then Chris - better known as Fabbio, turns up.

This was the look. Did I do a double take - absolutely!! I think everyone else did too, but are less likely to admit it!! It's not like you can miss those arms. Definately a biff boy.

Not sure about those glasses though Fab, not really a roadie look!!

Bunch Ride - Saturday 20th

Every Saturday bunch ride seems to be going along the same lines - the hitters were smashing, and a new fastest time around the block was achieved.

The story is no different today, except for the fastest time. Thanx to Cat losing her light along Shillings lane, the bunch was 23 seconds slower than last week - nice one Cat, you ruined the average!!!! Not to be outdone though, hubby Mick had this weeks flat and make-believe-mechanical - were you feeling a little left out Mick???

The one minute dogs have been keeping the bunch rolling over smoothly and quickly. The hitters kick was won by Eric the Viking. Did anyone see who jumped from the pack at the Penda Ave roundabout - I'm not sure who it was, I hadn't seen him all ride???

Chappo survived his first Saturday bunch ride having backed up from Thursday. Oh, and did anyone see Fab's arms on Thursday???

Happy Birthday - Farm Boy

Its birthday time again. Tomorrow it's Farm Boys birthday. He's been away all week mixing it with the "Hitters" on the Sunny Coast but that doesn't mean he can escape a birthday blog.

He's one of the strongest in the pack, both physically and mentally and he's always great entertainment value.

Happy birthday for Saturday from all the M1 crew Marty - aka Farm Boy, MM, Middle Aged Mediocre Rider and SS.

Rider Profile - Chris Anderson

What bike do you ride?

Trek 1400. Its nothing flash but it does everything I need it to. I do have carbon envy though....

What would be your dream bike?

Something carbon fibre and light.

What's your day job?

Site Works Manager for Queensland Energy Resources (QER) who have the oil shale operation. I have overall responsibility for site and all activities on site. I am a mechanical engineer by profession.

What's your favourite ride?

The Redland Bay ride in Brisbane. Its about 82k and has a long stretch of undulating hills through countryside before coming out beside the water near Victoria Point.

Most memorable biking experience?

Doing the Mt Nebo ride, near Brisbane, just before returning to Gladstone this year. There are harder rides around for a hack like me but it was a good feeling to complete the 19k climb in a reasonable time.

Least memorable biking experience?

Having a massive stack on bitumen when I was about 7 or 8. I ended up with gravel rash up most of the left side f my body and a fair bit off my face. After that would be Tuesday mornings pacelines. They hurt a lot too.

Bike rider you admire the most?

You mean apart from Kate, Matt, Marty, Whiffo and Jamie? Hmmm, I don't really idolise any bike riders but would have to say I admire Cadel Evans for what he has achieved over the last 3-4 years through his own determination and with little support from his team.

The Three Cats Ride

If Mick England had done a 299k ride, Thunder had done a 300k ride. If Mick England had done 71k/hr in a kick, then Matty has done 72k/hr in a kick. That's the way last nites ride went. Mick had two cats, Matty had three. Everyone had a laugh.

Our little bunch of 5 was in good spirits after safely running the gauntlet again this week. We did run straight past Woody & Pete - they disappeared as fast as they got on the back of us.

Wazza B was in the box - see what happens when you do all those ekky k's Wazza!! Eric the viking had been overdosing on half wheel medicine and was sticking it to everyone who he did a turn beside. For Eric's effort, he pulled a flatty across Shillings way, which allowed the rest of us to recover.

As a special treat for the last Wednesday nite ride of the year, the bunch pulled in for a coke at the cross roads. More of a sugar fix than a celebration.

Twice Busted, Lost Keys and Mr & Mrs Trek

Boy oh boy, is it Wednesday already???? My blogging duties have been put on ice for a few days due to a few committments away from my desk.

So what's been happening in M1 bike land??? Wazza B was busted YET AGAIN this morning out training on his own. I hope you still have intentions of making the bunch ride tonite Wazza!

Cat has been spotted doing running repeats - 5 I believe - up One Tree Hill AGAIN. If that wasn't enough, Cat scored a bonus trip up the mountain when she found out she lost her keys. Funnily enough, the keys were right at the top!! Lucky you Cat.

Mr & Mrs Trek were on yesterday's ride - in matching Pink and Red Trek kits, I thought we looked pretty spunky!! I guess you get that when Kerry's the Trek rep and I'm a Trek die hard.

Busted Custard

Last week it was mentioned about someone sneaking in ekky k's. Today it has been confirmed. Wazza B was busted by the Garmin Lord this morning at 5:40am doing a few solo k's.... hmmmm, no wonder the improvement.

Sounds like busted custard to me.

The Girls Only

Sunday's ride was a Girls Only event. Bec, Cat and Joan made the trip around the block, each pulling long turns to get the ride done. What's the go boys??? The girls are getting the ekky k's on you. Congrats to Bec for pulling a 350k+ week.

We caught up with the girls at Maccas for a brew and they were looking relatively fresh in comparison to how we were feeling after our ride!! We soon ate our way out of misery though!!

The Sunday Ride - 5am start

With Summer well and truly making itself known, tomorrow's ride (Sunday) will be leaving Hungry Jacks at 5am instead of 6am. At this stage the bunch has plans of going around the block - at an easy pace.

The Photo Ride

A sprinkling of rain cooled off the 19 riders who headed out this morning for the 3rd last Saturday ride of the year. The rain may have cooled the temperature but the pace was hot - yet again.

Eric and Shaun received their intiation on the hitters ride - and it appeared that it wasn't a struggle for either. Unlike for Micky Young - mate I have to hand it to you, you turn up for the hitters ride and suffer the entire way, but you keep turning up. Cat had another impressive ride - watch out C grade next year.

On the bunters ride, reports were that Joan was moving well and Popey didn't take anyone out this weekend. Bec's sneaking in a few big k's this week - a double session on Thursday, 80k yesterday and the bunch ride today.

Rocky Cup On Wheels

The Rocky Cup on Wheels is on this weekend and starts this afternoon around 4pm. Racing will go late in to the nite and will recommence again tomorrow afternoon.

The actual Wheel Race will be tomorrow nite and is great to watch. Its generally a pretty good carnival and a lot of southern riders make the trip up. If you're not having a Chrissy Party this weekend, it may be worth a trip to Rocky for a sticky beak.

Racing is at the velodrome on the north side.

Why I Like Being A Roadie.....

With the European road racing season finished, the season of cyclo-cross has started. A combination of riding and running, in often horrid conditions. After all, it is winter in Eurpoe.

I must admit that I'm guilty of primarily looking at the cyclo-cross pictures purely for the entertainment factor. This one gave me a bit of a chuckle. Makes me glad to be a pure roadie.

The Not So Quiet Ride

The start of the ride was more like an investment meeting as opposed to a social event. Eric was even very patriotic in his Rio kit.

I'll just take this opportunity to point out, and I'm not sure if anyone else noticed?? But all riders were in M1 kit - except for Rio Man, which must have looked even better when we rode past the King's brother at the power station!!

Bloomers was auditioning for the Hindenberg movie when he blew apart on the way out to Yarwun. It was an impressive display on how to blow yourself apart - really quickly!

Wazza just keeps getting stronger and stronger. How many ekky k's are you sneaking in mate? And Maree, were you pushing as hard as you could? It kept ringing in my ears, that nagging Farm Boy voice.

Happy Birthday - Brian Hayden

When I reach his age, I'd still like to be capable of staying upright on two legs. He is by far the most mature, most experienced M1 rider our bunch has and tomorrow he is turning 79. In Brians' racing prime, he claimed many race wins and even a State Title over distances and in conditions we couldn't comprehend. And they certainly didn't have carbon Madones to race on!

Its impressive to think that Brian was still racing just two years ago. And he is still out and about every week on his bike doing some k's. Its an honour to ride with you Brian and to share your many stories of racing.

From all the M1 riders, we wish you a Happy 79th Birthday for Thursday Brian.

The Shrek Ride

Puss in boots has been busy at work in the real world today, hence the very late blog posting. I know Donkey has been excited about this mornings ride... and I'm sure he's been waiting for the update.

Shrek - aka Matty - was on ogre patrol this morning, marshalling the pack up and down. And bellowing at the same time. Tidy up, tidy up ... blah blah blah. The paceline was fast, very fast. An average of 38.5k/hr for the circuit. Donkey is on good form considering he is supposed to be sick??? hmm.... I have my doubts.

Chris had a strong ride as usual but was out done by Princess Fiona for the star performer award. You go girl.

Steve K was doing an excellant job at calling "IN". Nice work Steve K, no wonder you are a teacher.

The Juice

Looking for a refreshing, healthy way to kick start your mornings? Give this a go. You will need a juicer and you will need to be a little adventurous, but its worth it. You also need the following:

1 green apple, 3 carrots, 1 celery stalk, 1 pear, 2 small beetroots (I use tin ones because i'm lazy) and a chunk of fresh ginger.

Once you've juiced them all, add the mix to a Trek drink bottle 1/3 filled with ice and shake. Pour into a glass and enjoy. Yummy yummy.

The Hitters Hitters Hitters Ride

When you roll into the start of a ride, you can never tell what you're going to get, how you're going to feel during and after the ride. But as riders like Whiffo, Marty, Thomas, Matty and Chris start rolling in, you know the pace is just going to go up, up, up.

To everybody in the hitters bunch - what an impressive performance this morning was from everyone. From the Garmin Lord, the average speed was 33.8k/hr for the hitters ride - by far the fastest ever ride for the hitters.

Coffee shop discussion revolved around tomorrows memorial ride for Noels dad. There are plenty of riders lining up for the trip, the pub at Ubobo will be open for a feed and transport is available to make it back. If you're not sure, contact Noel for more details.

Can I just say, that I'm grateful my legs were switched on today. It was needed. Oh and boys, Kitty's coming back.

The New Kits Are In

Just in time for Christmas - the new kits have arrived today. Kits are $160 a set (jersey and nicks) or $85 for a jersey and $75 for the nicks. Prices have gone up from the old kits, but that's due to changes in pricing from Cannibal.

Plenty of sizes are available in both the mens and womens designs. Be looking in the bunch tomorrow as there have already been a few kits sold.....

It's All About Scottie

Turning up for the Thursday nite ride with a real megaphone in an attempt to audition for the position of Dog Caller, Scottie was in fine form from the start.

Scotties' fine form continued during the ride. His best performance coming on the first lap through the marina, when he and his bike made the wobble performance of the year which ended in both hitting the road rather hard. Jake was giving a good post-re-enachement for those who had missed the fall.

Like a true trooper, Scottie dusted himself off and finished the ride - in one piece. Good job Scottie!! In other news, the dirt section was reasonable. Fabbio was a clear winner in the sprint - leading from start to finish. A selfless act from Pommy Ian managed to get me onto Fab's wheel, but he was just too good.

The Quiet Ride

Its been a long time since the bunch ride has had the lonely number of 3. For some there's social xmas obligations to attend to, for others - Farm Boy and Wazza - not mentioning any names, the bunch ride is too slow. Perhaps you boys should turn up for a Tuesday morning "roll" and back up for a Wednesday ride?.

3 soon became 2 after half an hour when Brisbane Boy Richard decided the pace was too firm and was turning around to roll home. What's that I hear you say Farm Boy, if Auto's riding it couldn't be that firm!!!!!!!!!!!! I hear you chuckling from the farm already....

I'm sure tonite's ride will be more social. There is talk of taking the bunch back around the usual Thursday loop, with the dirt section at the marina being partly sealed.

Bloomers - Belated Birthday

We let the cat out on the Tuesday ride, but it didn't make it to the blog on time.

Happy Birthday for yesterday Bloomers!!!

Don Crosbie Memorial Ride - 7th December

Just a quick invitation to anyone who would like to join us in a Memorial ride for my Dad ( Keen cyclist for 60yrs & beloved President of the Kerang Amatuer Cycling Club bless his soul) from HJs to the Many Peak Pub on Sunday The 7th of December (This Weekend) leaving HJs at 5:00am for a 96k adventure up the beautiful Boyne Valley through Nargoorin ,Ubobo ,Littlemore ,Bulyan & finally Many Peaks.

You will have to arrange to get yourselves back from there or stay and have a feed then ride back the way you came.Bring some money,plenty of water and something to eat along the way.Or for those who don't want to ride all the way to Many Peaks just join us for the ride out to the 3rd railway X-ing (50k) then back home for a neat Hundy.See you there and if we don't we'll be thinking of you.Hope you are fit for next year Pyney.

Noel Crosbie

Product Of The Week

They're from the past, they're a little childish and they're more than a little annoying. If you haven't guessed it, they're spokey dokey's. They're not really a roadie thing, unless you're a big kid at heart.

For $10 your kids can now colour their wheels and have a great time. What better way to payback those annoying neighbours than with the sound of spokey dokey's riding up and down the road?

Happy 5th Birthday - M1 Cycles

A special birthday wish goes out today to our favourite bike shop - you guessed it, M1 Cycles.

Congratulations Matty - Your baby is 5 years old today!! We've watched you successfully grow over the last five years and I have no doubt that there's plenty more to come.

All your roadies wish you and the shop a very special birthday!!! Only a virtual cake for you M1 - we know what you did with the last real cake!!