The Jelly Bean

Ahh, the humble jelly bean. Over recent weeks these colourful little treats have become my favourite 'mid-ride' fuel source. When you see me digging in my back pockets, you can be assured I'm searching for one or two of these.

The glucose variety available at evey good chemist are the ones I would consider to be the best, providing an almost instantaneous increase in energy levels - hmmm.. maybe its just because they're full of sugar.

My personal favourites are the red ones - and no Matt, its not because of the colour, its because they taste the best.

At the end of the day, I'm not sure the jelly bean is the most recommended mid-ride snack for roadies, but who cares, they sure taste darn good and I love 'em.

Saturday Ride - 27th September

The world championship road race and time trials are on at the moment, but the topic of discussion before the start of this mornings ride was last nites NRL game between the Storm and the Sharks. We are such a dedicated bunch of roadies.

Last year a bunch of 15 would have been considered HUGE by our standards, this year however we are hanging around at 4:44am going - is this it? The numbers turning up on the rides are fantastic and sure makes life easier when you are in the box - Karen "in the box" means "struggling".

Kat lived up to her promise from last week to attempt the hitters ride and was joined by Sharksy for their first trip down Targinnie Lane. From the look on Kats face at Maccas - I'm guessing it was a memorable trip.

Shaun rode well in his first bunch ride - we certainly accepted him in the hitters bunch (even though he's a tri-boy).

There was controversy in the Bunters Big Mac kick with Noel and Scotty being pipped at the post by Bloomers. Regardless of the fact that Bloomers only did 30k's instead of the block, its victory on the line that matters.

Woody aka Bob was certainly in the box today but don't worry, he wasn't the only boy on the hitters bunch who got a slapping - especially over the river ranch hill circuit!

Dont forget 6am tomorrow at Hungry Jacks.

Weekend Rides

Don't forget 4.45am tomorrow morning at Hungry Jacks. The hitters bunch are once again only going to the church. Bunters wanting to make the jump across to the hitters are encouraged to do so whilst the pace is off - don't expect any easy rides after Christmas.

Also, Noel is getting lonely on the Sunday ride leaving from Hungry Jacks - at the more reasonable time - 6am. This is a good recovery / social ride after Saturday's faster paced effort. Don't forget!!!

Andrew - I don't think its fair you give yourself an award as Prez of the society.... WHOOPS... did i just mention names?????

Special Edition

G’day Blogsters,

Since it’s the end of road season, and in light of recent Saturday performances I thought it the right moment to present:

INAUGURAL GLADSTONE M1 CYCLES - ROAD CYCLING AWARDS.

After considerable deliberation and (a fair amount of alcohol consumed), I’ve come up with the following :

First off the rank…………….

Matt J - Leadership Award - His previous experience as Kremlin Re-alignment Facility Kamp Kommandandt has held him in good stead. Be warned – there’ll be 17 riders looking for your wheel this year at Maryborough.

Kate P – wins the “Not Bad for a Girl Award”. Recent strong performances put her as a contender in the QLD Spring Crit series down south. Her recent acquisition of a rear wheel cyclotron is widely believed to contain an illegal propulsion system – scrutineers are investigating……..

Woody – No award. Coming back after a brief layoff period, could be a contender at 2008 Maryborough Masters or MM ( often referred to as CQ Middle-Aged Rum Drinkers in Lycra).

Bronwyn – 2008 Bicycle Mechanic of the Year. Manages to juggle work, family, cycling etc and still race. Deadly on a tandem with MC.

MC – Best Wheel to Follow. His bus length machine is sure to protect you from the elements - unless coupled with Bronwyn thus making it impossible to keep up with. Could be a big threat at MM if he keeps off the rum.

Whiffo – Honourable Mention - for half wheeling above and beyond the call of duty. Secret member of the Hairy Legged Underground Movement.

Big Dave – No award, but big heart – recent member of the Targinnie Team. Dave, can you please get rid of the pesky magpie on your corner? If anyone has a shotgun with spare ammunition - Dave is in need of one……

Warren – No award – Ineligible due to lack of appearances. Saturday therapy needs to continue on a regular basis – recommend elevation to the Targinnie Team. This has been approved by your wife.

Noel “Good for One Sprint” C – No award - with a title like that, who needs one anyway……….mandatory elevation to Targinnie Team required.

Popey – Rescue of Damsel in Distress Award – Recommend elevation to Targinnie Team.

Pyney – No award – Could well feature into Targinnie Team if Saturday therapy becomes a little more regular.

Slick Mick E – No award. His rise to the giddy heights of pro, now make him ineligible. Simply because we’re a bunch of amateurs……..

IJ – Perseverance Award. Although his rise to the lofty heights of stardom almost made him ineligible. Is this sounding familiar?

Mick N – Biggest Improver – Takes out the coveted “2008 Ute Full of Building Waste” to add to his collection. When can I drop your award around?

Mick Y – No award - not enough appearances. Though does a nice aerial over blocks of timber/big rocks…

Steve K – No award - not enough appearances. Police sources say he isn’t on the missing persons list yet.

Phil H – AKA “Mongrel” – no award – not enough appearances - last year took out the “2007 Biggest Stack from a Pothole” award.

Katriona – No award – Could feature in the summer triathlon series, though what possesses someone to do triathlons I’ll never know……..

Graham – wins “2008 Biggest Loser” title for recent weight loss. Graham - change your title – I hate reality TV……G is prone to doing silly stuff like marathons.

Friekke – Did I get the spelling right? No award due to lack of local appearances, but often heard muttering about injuries he picked up during the Boer War – don’t believe it – still a contender in a sprint finish.

Scotty – Strangest Accent in 2008 – that new machine of yours + more regular appearances have earned you a place in the Targinnie Team.

Thomas the Tank Engine – No award but always impressive – especially since finding his middle range gears. Defies the stereotype of fat ex-rugby league player. Rumour has it that a late night mishap caused him to be banned for life from Gladstone McDonalds, which would explain his continual non-appearance at this venue.

Chris - No award, not enough appearances but a recent addition to the Targinnie Team
Bryce or “Boris” – 2008 Youth Award. Can only improve if he stays away from skate parks, BMX tracks and rap music.

Rebecca – Your recent suffering means you miss out on an award. Believe me, this is a good thing………………..


Well folks that’s all for this year. If you have missed out (lucky you) there may well be additional awards handed out at later stages. Watch this space…………

The Prez (AKA MAD ASS)
President and Founding Member
Middle Aged Delinquents Against Saturday Slouching

Thursday Bunch Ride - 25th September

Well the weather conditions may not have improved from Wednesday, but the numbers in the pack certainly did - 15 at the start, picking up an additional 2 along the way.

Given the wind factor, the bunch did extremely well to keep the bikes pointed in the right direction. Aaron Wood aka Bob made a good save at the Red Rover Roundabout, avoiding a rear end collision.

The kick wound up earlier than usual with the young guns (Chris and Bryce) driving hard to catch the attack.

Warren Hodgson - Happy Birthday - and no, your new M1 knicks are not to loud!

Armstrong - Tour Down Under Confirmation

Well its been confirmed. Lance Armstrong is going to make his return debut at the 2009 Tour Down Under in Adelaide.

Lance will be riding for Team Astana along side this years Tour of Spain winner and last years Tour de France winner Alberto Contador. It will be interesting to see who the team will ride for during the pro season - Lance v Alberto. Not sure if Alberto will be visiting the land down under in January.

At least Lance will have a nice bike to ride again - a Trek of course!

Wednesday Nite Wind Fest

Its funny how the weather affects the ride. The bunch goes from 13 riders on Tuesday to 4 riders on Wednesday!!!

Having said that, by the time the foursome got to the Yacht club it had turned into a twosome!!

Not great training conditions - but that's the sport we play.

Wondering if Thursday's ride will have better numbers???? And wondering if Warren Pyne has been doing any secret time trial efforts in preparation for tonites Spinniker Park breakaway??

Tuesday Ride - 23rd September 2008

Matty was in good form, claiming maximum sprint points on each of the three kicks.

13 riders in the bunch and pacelining to Spinniker Park was great, with a majority of the riders holding it together until the GPA roundabout. Good effort by Sharksy - haven't seen him on a Tuesday morning bunch rider for ages.

The climb up the berg off Kirkwook road tested everyone - but someone showed some particularly good mountain goat skills (way to go Karen!!!). It was good to see everyone in the bunch have a go at the berg.

Someone's having a birthday....

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is Matty's birthday.

From all the riders in the bunch - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Rider Profile - Karen Field

What type of bike do you ride?

Trek 2500 I think - she is baby blue.

What would be your dream bike?

One that goes fast!...a nice light one with carbon fibre and AYUP lights. Don't know all the techo stuff so can't even indicate a preferred brand.

What's your day job?

Environmental Engineer / Environmental Consultant.

What's your favourite ride?

tough question - any ride in a scenic area with minimal motorised traffic.
Narrowing it down to usual rides the M1 bunch does around Gladstone, my favourite is out via the Taragoola Road. Going further a field, did a road ride in the Gold Coast Hinterland/Tweed Valley last year, route taken was going up to Springbrook on Springbrook Road (10km climb I think) to the intersection to Pine Creek Road - that steep road that drops down into the Numinbah Valley. The road along Numinbah Valley is Nerang-Murwillumbah Road crossing the border into NSW with the obligatory coffee stop at Murwillumbah. We went inland from Murwillumbah to Burleigh Heads to our departure location at a friend's place it was about 100km circuit. Check out the following website for the map.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Coffee-Crawlers-Broadbeach-Numinbah-Valley-Murwillumbah-Broadbea

What's your most memorable biking experience?

The road ride I did in 2007 on the day of the local road race from Calliope to Biloela. I didn't participate in the race, but I rode from Gladstone to Biloela - it was the first time I believed that I was capable of riding long distances.

What's your least memorable biking experience?

Any time I am subject to verbal abuse from morons in cars.

Who are the bike riders you admire the most?

Famous bike riders that I don't know - Cadel Evans
Out of the bike riders that I do know personally - Michael England, Prue Oswin and Peter Salisnew

Number of years riding?

Been riding about 2 years - started on a borrowed friend's road bike (Prue's bike) for the first 5 months before I bought the trek.

Grafton Results

Mick finished 16th in elite A.

Ian Johnston finished 27th in elite B.

Full results and story are available on www.cyclingnews.com.au

Magpie Madness

In an earlier post I mentioned that this was my favourite time of year with the new bikes coming out. It's also my LEAST favourite time of year with the arrival of the dive bombing magpies.

There's one in particular that deserves special mention on the M1 Blog.

This not-so-lovely bird resides at the GPA roundabout at the Marina. Today he took it upon himself to swoop and attack all the way from the roundabout to the end of the buildings. By far the longest and most aggressive attack I've seen. And guess what? He waited for us to return from Spinniker Park for round two.

Be aware - this magpie does not like Roadies.

Saturday Bunch Ride - 20th September

There's probably two words that sum up Saturday's ride - Laughing Bunch. At Macca's the crew were in fine form - especially the King himself - drinking Popey's coffee and filling everyone in on how women qualify for Masters racing - I'll just leave it there!!!

16 riders made the start - not bad for the start of the school holidays. Conditions were VERY foggy across the way. For a few k's I thought I had signed up for the Tour of Great Britain, the fog was that dense.

In the hitters department, Bloomers and Mick decided to step up to the plate - and step up they did. Woody must have thought that we were having a "Bob the Builder" costume ride, turning up with a very attractive fluro vest.

A few of the bunters made the trip down Kirkwood road (good to see), whilst others decided that the temptation to be first in line at Maccas was too much to resist.

2009 Trek Bikes

This is my favourite time of the year - its the time of the year when the new bikes come out and I spend hours drooling over the latest bling that will shortly arrive in Australian bikeshops.

All good Trek riders will know that the Trek website has now been updated with the 2009 bikes. Not many technical changes to the Madone's this year - except for the replaceable d/hanger. The main changes are cosmetic - specifically a lot of red!!

My personal favourite would be the Madone 5.5. The only downside for me is the SRAM running gear (nothing against SRAM - I'm just a Shimano rider), so I doubt you'll see me on the 5.5 - but still, nice bling.

Jump on the website and have a look for yourselves. www.trekbikes.com

Grafton - Inverell

One of the biggest - and certainly the longest - one day races in Australia is happening this Sunday - The Grafton to Inverell.

Ian Johnston and Mick England are both competing and everyone from the M1 Bunch wishes them the best of luck.

The Blog will keep you all updated with information as available. Good luck guys.

Tuesday Bunch Ride - 16th September

Its nice to be able to start the day by debating whether or not to wear arm warmers. The weather this morning was pleasantly warmer and those who decided to stay in bed missed the great conditions.

11 riders made the start, however IJ left his big chain ring at home (not sure what the go is with that) and subsequently couldn't hit any wind.

Pacelining through to spinniker park was near perfect with the bulk of the pack remaining together until the kick - which Matty took. Its great to see riders like Mick pulling through for turns all the way to the finish and Kat hanging in until the end.

Kittstar took out the coin slot sprint - with a very pointed victory salute at "Thomas". The Kittstar / Thomas battle took place agian on redrover hill with Thomas winning the hill climb - this time.

Not sure why Bec wasn't on the bunch ride this morning???!! and Karen - where the devil are you????

Bunch ride leaves Wednesday nite from the back of the shop, 5:30pm sharp - remember, Polar time is never wrong.

Local Rider Attacks Unsuspecting Gutter

An interesting story has arisen overnite. One of the bunch girls, Bec was out training on Saturday nite (is that dedication or what?) and had a collision with a gutter.

Fortnuately for Bec, she came out of it mostly ok, except for some nasty gravel rash on her face.

Unfortunately for Bec, her Trek WSD did not fair aswell with her bike now being in two pieces instead of one.

I'm thinking that there may be more behind this story as it may be seen as a plot for Bec to upgrade her WSD to a Pink Trek Madone....hmmmmm interesting Bec!!

Mick England / Sunday Ride

Congratulations to Mick England - 2nd in the Goulburn to City race (NRS Road Series Race) - only finished 2nd by the smallest of margins. Job well done Mick.

Bunch ride organised for Sunday morning - leaving Hungry Jacks at 6am - thanks to Noel.

Saturday Morning Bunch Ride - 13th September

Well, the second big Saturday ride for the year saw another good turn out, with 14 riders venturing out at the wee hours of the morning for a roll around the block.

Ian Johnston made an appearance before disappearing on a solo 200k ride to Biloela and return in preparation for next weeks Grafton to Inverall - good luck IJ.

The bunch split at Yarwun with only 3 riders doing the hitters ride - and might I say at this point, the bunters option was looking more appealing!!! Never-the-less Andrew (who half-wheeled the Matty and I the entire ride) took off down the dark Targinnie Road to the turn around point at the Church. No excitement until Andrew's flat on the last rock of the dirt section. A good average of just over 31k/hr for the hitters - not to shabby. Next week the hitters will be working on our version of "Banana Bread" across the way - so if anyone's keen for a sing-song come along.

The Tandum Tyrants (Marty and Maree) joined the bunters bunch to keep things in check. Noel made a good display of bicycle gymnastics at the Calliope Cross Roads - but I doubt it will be a new sport at the 2012 Olympics! Karen - keep putting more pressure on those pedals!

On a final note - Matt Hunt and Popey, you need to set your alarms next Saturday 5minutes earlier to make the start of the ride (if not, enjoy the time trial).

Next bunch ride is Tuesday morning - 5am start at Fordy's Fish and Chip Shop.