Saturday - 31st January

There was a smaller bunch today, perhaps due to the wind or perhaps due to the few showers that occured during the nite. Or maybe a few riders were just slack!!!! Whatever the reason the bunch set off with a high speed tailwind blowing us out to Yarwun.

Before we had even rolled 50m we lost Cat who decided a townie was a better option. The split at Yarwun was a little lopsided with only 3 bunters with the remainder being hitters. The ride must still be pretty soft.

The Farmers Wife was rolling around in the gutter for most of the morning. The more questions Maree asked, the bigger the hole got that she was burying herself in!! Grazza quickly fell into the gutter aswell. And so, the "laughing bunch" rolled into town.

At Maccas a few additional riders put in an appearance and Scottie was desparately trying to avoid a blog mention. Must find out what the go was there. Ken is definately going for the World Record in the dirtiest bike category.

And Popey, I have to say it - Back off that wheel.

Memoirs From Lightening

First stop, Brisbane airport. With a lengthy delay due to a flight cancellation, Lightening and I got better acquainted with Lance in the latest Ride mag. We also caught up on the 2009 details for the Tour and the Gyro. Definately worth the read.

Onto Melbourne. When we left the airport, someone had opened the oven door. When the wind blew, they had turned it onto fan forced. No kidding. After a quick drop off at the hotel, it was onto the tennis and my date with Rafa. Maybe that was a wanna-b-date with Rafa. The biggest thing about the tennis is the atmosphere. In comparison to a NRL or AFL game - actually, let me stop there - there is no comparison. If you squeak someone will tsk you. If you run to the bathroom, you can't just come back in, you have to wait for a change in ends, which can be 20minutes of play. Its different, but definately a great experience.

Its funny the things you see when you sit and watch the world go by. Whilst having breakkie on Thursday, a roadie came around the corner at full gas only to have his front tyre blow out. He slid across the bitumen right in front of my table (but on the other side of the glass!!!). Bike ok and a bit of skin off, he started walking to work. The things you see.

The two games on Thursday were the womens semi's. Serena is chunkier in real life - she's a big girl. I say that with no disrespect intended at all. The girl can play tennis and she can hit that ball REAL hard.

So Lightening, where are we off to next???

University Of Queensland - Female Study

In the latest Ride magazine (the one with Lance on the cover), I found an interesting snipit piece that may be of interest to the girls in the bunch. Its on page 16 and basically the University of Queensland is doing some research that particularly focuses on females within the cycling community.

The article says that any girls interested in being involved with the research should email Dr Megan Axelsen at m.axelsen@uq.edu.au. I will definately be emailing to give my input to the study.

The Adventures of Lightening

The M1 mascot is going on vacation with the blogmistress today to the Australian Open. Tonite we will be seeing Rafael Nadal play at Rod Laver Arena. Yummo.

The blog will be a little quiet until Friday, but stay tuned for reports from Lightening's adventures.

Tuesday Ride - 28th January

Some days on the bike are like diamonds, but nine times out of ten, days on the bike are like coal. Today I felt like an old steam train - I was shoveling the coal in as fast as I could, but the old legs weren't responding. It was a tuff day in the saddle.

Without Lord Garmin on the ride, it was impossible to tell what the average speed was for the paceline. I know this much - it was hard. Coming into Hanson Road for the 2nd lap, there were only 3 riders left pulling turns. The remainder of the bunch had been blown to pieces - again.

It appears that the bunch is splitting into 2 at the end of Kirkwood Road before the Koowin Hill - those that want to suffer do the climb, those that want to survive, avoid it. The survivors are still putting in the effort along the Cockatoo Drive section which is good to see.

Everyone just wants to get stronger.

The Master & The Apprentice

Ok. I consider myself to be a reasonable rider, but I do believe that there is always room for improvement. So, being some what motivated having just watched the TDU final stage, I decided to join The Master for a Sunday afternoon Sprint Session.

I will just say the following. I rolled TOO FAST in between efforts at 16k/hr. I put TOO MUCH pressure on the pedals in between sprints. I pushed TOO FAR into the effort. I completely missed the left hand turned after the first sprint. And I wore my Shimano socks TOO FAR up my little legs. Oh, and this was 10mins into the session. I think the Master was a little frustrated with the Apprentice.

To conclude the session, the Master gave the Apprentice these words of wisdom. "Today your bike handling skills were slightly better than a druken woman sitting on a 44 gallon drum at the Mt Isa Rodeo on New Years Eve". I don't think that was meant to be a compliment.

Oh well. Wax On. Wax Off.

Tip Of The Week

With rain about, your cycling shoes are sure to end up drowned by the end of a ride - assuming of course that you train in the rain or on wet roads!!!

Anyway, if you don't want sopping shoes for the next ride, stuff them full of newspaper. Change the paper in a couple of hours and you'll be sure to have dry comfy shoes in no time!! Trust me.

The Itchy & Scratchy Ride

On the roll out past the power station, I saw the strangest thing. A bat singled handedly clawing his way off the center of the road. Go figure - I don't even know if bats have hands??

Anyway, the split at Yarwun was a little lopsided as there were 16 hitters. Must be a result of the "hitters ride being too soft" - Hey Thomas!!!!!! Definately quote of the ride. Farm boy was in the mood for a work out, peeling off riders like a banana, until an attack came from Thunder which splintered the hitters to pieces.

Whiffo's bike was in convulsions at River Ranch with a new 39 front chain ring. This caused Johann to get some dirt time and stalled all riders behind Whiffo. Actually, Whiffo earns two mentions today as its only taken 4 years of pestering to convince Whiff to shave his legs. Man those legs are lean!!

News from the bunters was scarce - except that Bec was proudly boasting about winning the Big Mac kick.

And who owns this filthy bike that was spotted at Maccas?????

Thursday Nite Ride - 22nd January

Another 20+ ride again this week. It would appear that most M1 riders are back to the world of reality and the holiday season is over!! A few riders were picked up along the way adding to our merry bunch of riders.

Scottie was getting ready for the kick at the Hanson Road lights on the first lap. When it finally came to the kick, it wound up earlier again this week. Johann on his first Thursday ride jumped the pack and was quickly joined by - you guessed it - Fabbio.

At the tear drop, the twosome had been joined by Pommy Ian. This was the last the bunch saw of the trio and as this blog is being posted, its unsure who actually got the kick. Could it be that Fabbio's crown has been stolen???

Oh, and there was a traitor in the pack in Yellow Jersey kit.....

Kirkwood Krusaders

With the sudden on set of rain yesterday afternoon, the organised bunch ride was called off. After seeing a break in the clouds and with VERY sore quads, Thunder and I headed off for a townie.

Whilst heading into the headwind along Kirkwood Rd, we soon realised that we had stumbled into the secret land of the ekky trainers. We ran into Lord Garmin with Spycat doing efforts, Bec and Fabbio. All on the 7k stretch of Kirkwood Rd.

We also encountered some construction workers who were on the bridge in the "construction" area of Kirkwood. We were kindly advised that for our "safety" we should avoid the "construction" area for the next 4 to 5 days. Please keep this in mind guys.

Tour of Wellington

Whilst a lot of the focus this week has been on the big guns riding the Tour Down Under, our own big gun - Mick England - is about to start the Tour of Wellington in New Zealand.

Today is the first day of racing and will be the Teams Time Trial. Results and photos will be posted on www.cyclingnews.com.au

Good luck Mick.

The Bobble Head Ride

Welcome back to Chris and The Cleaner who have disappeared over recent weeks due to festive activities. It was noticed that their abscence from the last few Tuesday's took its toll, as both stopped pulling turns fairly early in the piece. Did that hurt boys?

Johann, Thunder, IJ and Lord Garmin were the only 4 riders pulling turns by the end of Hanson Road. This was after a rather shabby paceline display which warranted a spray of words of wisdom from the King. Stats came in as the fastest Tuesday paceline to date (yet again). I'm sure we'll have another crack at breaking the record next week!! The time was 15.10mins with an average speed of 39.6k/hr. I don't think the bunch will stop until 40k/hr is cracked.

With a Rocky invader in the pack, directions were flying left right and centre. Obviously Lew got a little confused with the Right at the Roundabout call!!! Don't worry Lew, we all had a good chuckle.

Rumors are that Lord Garmin spat the dummy after dropping his chain somewhere on the Cockatoo smashfest. I'm guessing it was somewhere near the Big Mac kick??

Weekend Wrap Up

From all reports floating around between mobile phones, the M1 riders have been out and about clocking up a few k's this weekend.

News from Saturday - Apparantly Johann rode with a Gel saddle cover on his $7,000 Madone to protect a few assets. There is photo evidence - of the saddle I mite add. Yep, someones got to teach Johann a little about being a roadie.

News from Sunday - Reports also flowed in that Farm Boy rode from Woodgate back to Gladstone this morning, leaving at 2am. Ah huh. Nothing more needs to be said about that epic journey. Lord Garmin clocked up a hundy this morning - a more sane distance.

Rider Profile - Jordan Hampton

1. What bike do you ride?

Apollo Ventox I think haha

2. What would be your dream bike?

Trek Madone for sure what level probably 5.2

3. What's your day job?

Bike mechanic/sales assistant I guess. Anyone?

4. What's your favourite ride?

Any ride. They're all good as each other and all different which keeps it interesting

5. Most memorable biking experience?

Well I'd have to say back in my shipper snapper when forgetting to tighten my front wheel bunnyhopped up the gutter with my front wheel travelling further than i did lol. or coming back from town with glen taking a fall coming in for the big mac sprint.

6. Least memorable biking experience?

Geez i'm not really sure there all pretty exciting so its hard to forget.

7. Bike rider you admire the most?

I guess its hard to pick a rider to admire I just admire all riders who give it their best and keep punching along no matter what.

The Long Grass Ride

The biff boys - Johann and Fab turned up for their first Wednesday nite ride. The bunch ran into Woody along Hanson Rd and then picked up Whiffo, Lord Garmin and Spycat at Yarwun aka Point Soft Serve.

When it came to River Ranch Hills, Fabbio was on fire (making up for his explosion on Saturday). He went up like a rocket and was chased hard by Thunder. Whiffo was complaining about not having a 39 chain ring at the top of the hills.... umm, Whiff, just put some more pressure on those pedals.

Both Thunder and Lord Garmin pulled flatties before and after Shillings lane. Neither were entitled to the new "Shillings Lane Flattie Clause" due to the flatties being pulled on the bitumen section of Shillings. That's a bit of a technocality.

I spent all nite searching for some long grass. Thank goodness for the second flattie.

One Tree Hill Stats

There are a few of us in the pack that are somewhat techo freaks - some more than others - who are interested in monitoring, recording and comparing stats like average heart rate, power wattage, gradients etc.

The Garmin Lord provides us with comparison data for the Tuesday paceline every week. This week he sent me something special which is worthy of posting on the blog. It's the gradient and distance for One Tree Hill.

I think the picture says it all. Enjoy.

The Tired Ride

The sprinkling of rain must have deterred a few riders this morning as numbers were well down on last weeks hit out. When Farm Boy made his appearance at the start in full kit and on the Norco, my heart sank and my legs hurt - I felt the pace go up by about 10k/hr - and I was standing still. He didn't disappoint.

The paceline was a little messier than usual, Lord Garmin was lacking sleep, Whiffo pulled a flattie and Farm Boy had a bad case of surgy-itis (comes from having fresh legs). Still, reports from the Garmin Lord are that the paceline was 39.5k/hr average. Not bad.

The Cockatoo section hurt everyone that remained, especially when Johann kicked out of the Penda Avenue roundabout. Matty was left in no-mans land (again), IJ dropped the hammer to bridge the gap and I hung on for dear life on the back of IJ's wheel.

Cat had her good wheels and legs on this morning and remained glued to the back of the hitters all morning. An impressive display Cat.... here comes C grade.....

Um IJ, why were you sneaking up One Tree Hill after the ride.....???? I nearly collapsed just watching!!

National Road Race

The Australian National Road Races have been held this weekend. Yesterday was the womens race and was dominated by Queenslanders. Carla Ryan who now rides for a pro team in Europe won the road race aswell as the time trial which was earlier in the week.

Today, Michael England lined up against a very classy field for the mens 160k road race. With only 45 riders completing the race, Mick finished 31st in the field. A fantastic effort given the quality of riders. Well done Mick.

The course for the Nationals is featured in this months Bicycling Australia mag. In a nutshell, its a 10k circuit - a 3k climb and a 7k descent. Sound easy??? Its worth a read.

Sunday Ride - 11th January

The only good thing about my Sunday ride was the fact that it finished. A bad choice in knicks, sore legs and an even worse choice in circuits left me begging for our Sunday session to be over. May I just add that I was not responsible for the choice in circuits - Thunder. Even the froggy power was of little assistance.

We ran into the Sundy Hundy bunch (Bloomers, IJ, Alison, Joan, Noel and John) at maccas - although I think they did the block instead of a hundy. They made it quite well known about the tail wind they had from Calliope back to Gladstone. Yes, I bet you enjoyed it.

IJ was talking insanity about the Mt Archer repeats - yes, I did say Mt Archer - he did yesterday afternoon - after the smashfest he did in the morning. Your dedication and determination is astounding IJ.

Saturday Ride - 10th January

A new record was set today with 28 riders turning up for today's ride!!! I think there was a few of us who were grateful for this number of riders as it meant there would be plenty of places to hide on the hitters ride. As it turned out, 16 turned right for another smashing.

Fabbio and Johann were initiated into the hitters bunch. Johann pulled a flattie at Yarwun and Fabbio blew to pieces after River Ranch and had to crawl home. It's a little different to the Thursday ride isn't it Fab??? Welcome to the land of the hitters. Speaking of Yarwun, did anyone else notice someone scurrying into the really long grass when Johann got the flattie???

A MIA (Missing In Action) report was nearly filed on Pyney after he disappeared at Shillings Lane. He was found later, doing ekky k's along Kirkwood Road. Pyney - your previous track record had a few people worried!!

Scottie was in full Scottish mode at Maccas and was virtual impossible to understand. I only managed to interpret something about Sharksey, Popey and steriods. Scottie, you need to speak english at Maccas.

As for me, today was my first ride under Froggy Power. From now on, you may all call me Kermie. Thanx Thunder.

Product Of The Week

Ok. This weeks product is the WSD Bontrager Pump. Although there are only a few great girls in the pack, most of you boys have wives, partners or girlfriends at home. This one is for them as well.

The WSD Bontrager Pump is a floor pump specifically designed for women (obviously). Its got funky little ergo grips at the top and you don't have to work as hard to get 100 psi in your tires as you do with a normal floor pump.

It even comes in a much prettier colour than normal floor pumps, just for the girls. Retails for $85 and there a few in the shop now.

Thursday Ride - 8th January

I recall there was quite a bit of mud slinging happening on last nites ride once the bunch got rolling. Oh, that started after our pre-ride lecture - I mean briefing from Thunder about backing the pace off a bit for the Thursday nite roll.

Now back to the mud slinging. There were a few culprits in the pack and I feel a little was being slung in my direction, mainly something to do with dropping the hammer. Come on guys, as if I drop the hammer - I'm just a girl!!!!

Bunch kick ONCE AGAIN went to Fabbio on his new Trek. Cat got a little excited coming into Spinniker Park and thought she was going to claim maximum sprint points... only to find out after the ride that the kick is actually on the way OUT of the park, not into it.

Noel had a um adjustment issue on the second lap - that wasn't pretty Noel. And hey Sharksey - was the pace more to your liking last nite????

PS - Bec, nice kit!!

One Tree Wonders

After many weeks of watching and hearing about Cat RUNNING up One Tree hill on a Wednesday morning, Cat has finally seen the light and taken on the hill on her BIKE.

Not sure yet how the event went (but I'm sure to find out) - but there is picture proof floating around that Cat and bike made it to the top. You go girl.

PS - Matty wants to know if you unlocked the granny gear???

Wednesday Warriors

7 riders on 6 bikes headed out to run the guantlet again last nite. After a safe crossing the bunch met up with Whiffo at Yarwun who was sneaking in a Wednesday ride for ekky k's - Spy Patrol has been watching you Whiffo and your name keeps popping up on the ekky k list quite often.....hmmmm.

Eric was in the box following his epic Fraser Island MTB ride. I was feeling for you mate, but not as much as I was feeling for myself when I got stuck doing turns beside the Farmer and his wife on the tandem. Damn.

Thunder was in damage control through the hills - trying to safe face after Tuesday's disgrace. Did I just say Thunder disgraced himself on Tuesday???? He managed to successfully blow himself apart before the x roads.

Another great ride guys.

Tuesday Ride - 6th January

I think there are a few riders in the bunch who made the new years resolution to do more k's, as today there were 20 riders in the bunch. By far the biggest Tuesday turnout.

There was a new rider in the pack today - Johann. He's also the newest member of the Carbon club. Every now and then you get a new rider who joins the pack and you wonder how they're going to go - this boy is going to go fast, very fast.

If my memory serves me correct, today was the fastest paceline - 39.55k/hr. Must have been due to Bloomers dropping the hammer out of the lights!! Crikey, if we keep going that fast, whose going to turn up for these Tuesday smash fests??? hey Sharksey.

I think everyone in the bunch was aware that it was going to be on over Cockatoo Drive, and the pace didn't disappoint. IJ managed to escape and stayed away until the Penda Ave roundabout - strong effort IJ, shame about those wheel suckers who sprinted at Maccas.

Boy - I did a lot of thinking didn't I??

M1 Legend

In strange places, the M1 jersey appears.

Karen - the smiling assasin - has landed a picture in full M1 kit in the latest Enduro magazine. With a smile like that Karen, it's no wonder they put you in the mag - Smiles and MTB Enduro usually don't go together.

Job well done Karen!!

M1 Jerseys

The framed M1 jersey's are now hanging in the shop - and they look fantastic.

Full credit has to go to Ken (otherwise known as Ken The Framer) who owns Gladstone Picture Framing for doing the work - and on such short notice!!

M1 Blog Fix

The Blog Mistress has had a technology issue over the weekend in the form of a dying modem. Sorry guys for the lack of M1 blogging. All should be up and running soon - hopefully!!