The Diplomatic Ride

Ummm... how do I start this?? Lets start from the back of the shop with Popey's adventure from Saturday morning. An alarm went off 15mins early, which resulted in a 120k ride half way to Biloela and back, with no water bottles and just a coke at the x roads. Popey - I don't know how you did it.

The ride just got better from there. Mark - the new guy that mistakenly turned up for the Wednesday nite smash the nite before was much more pleased with the pace of the Thursday bunch. That was of course until Pyney's best mate tried to run him into the concrete humps through the industrial estate.

Just as well Thunder was in the pack to restore peace and harmony in his usual, diplomatic way. And guess what - Dave the engineer made it through the nite with no flatties!!!

Early Morning Spy Report

Johan spotted this morning (sorry can't remember where). Mystery rider in full M1 kit heading down Glenlyon rd (zulu? or Wiff?? not sure).

Another M1 Kit spotted on Auckland st, again not sure who it was.

Sorry wasn't wearing my glasses.

Blogmistress - you are a very loyal spy and generally pretty reliable .... but I would agree... please put your glasses on next time!!

Wednesday Nite Ride - Spy Report

Spycat had kids to take to a disco so she started at 4 to tackle the Haddock Hell Circuit. On the last lap she bumped in to Have a chat on Kirkwood, have a chat was trying to avoid Haddock Hell, she was however dragged kicking and screaming over the Berg by spycat. Well done girls, (Kittstar would be proud).

5 riders left M1 on the "official" Haddock Hell Ride. Zulu, LG, Eric, Chris the engineer, and the New Guy. After lap 1 the new guy decided to go to bed as collapse was an apparent and likely option. Zulu had a technology issue and decided lights might be important, so he pulled out, Chris, Eric and LG climbed again, Lap 3 was rather lonely for LG with no friends, just the trusty groans of Old Yella pulling his behind up Haddock. That ride never gets easier.

Next week heralds the return of The King and Kittstar. We missed you guys!!!

2009 Calliope To Biloela

A flyer is now circulating for this years Calliope to Biloela race.

This is an open event, so riders wanting to wear M1 colours will need to have the Rockhampton Cycling Club logo on their jerseys' and have the relevant form completed by the club - see Matty for more details.

4th Annual
Calliope to Biloela Classic
Sunday 5th July 2009

Commencing 8.00 a.m. – Calliope Township

162km Road Race – Elite A Men
including KOM’s at 50km (2km climb) and 125km (5.8km climb)

98km Road Race - Elite B & C Men, Women, Masters & Under 19 and Tandems

(Previously run as a RCC-only event, now stepping up to the next level).

Yarwun Race

A late posting I know, and apologies for the delay. Congratulations to all those who turned up and had a race, helped out with race duties or just spectated. It was a good day for all involved.

In D grade, Bloomers and Tugmaster were out smarted in the kick but managed a third and second place. Joan was hard done by with her handicap of 12 mins but still came home strong in the finish.

SpyCat moved up into C grade and handled her handicap well. The remainder of the M1 riders were scattered behind SpyCat off all the different time slots. Greyhound and IJ had a tough day at the office with the scratchies not getting up. The remainder of the bunches formed together with a mass kick at the end.

Ol' Yella will make a return to pack riding this week after the White Knight ended in the bushes after the race.

Today's Race - Yarwun

Besides the latte laughter at the coffee shop, talk revolved around this afternoons race - The Yarwun Handicap. Numbers should be good and there are a few first timers lining up for a dig.

Racing will start at 2pm and nominations are due to open at 1:15pm. If you're not racing, still come out for a watch. The support will be welcome and there will be plenty of jobs if you want to lend a hand. Follow and lead cars are always a good way to see a bit more of the action.

Good luck to all those turning up for the race. A special good luck mention to Joan and Tugmaster who are turning up for their first road race. With the form you displayed on this mornings bunchie, you should go well Tugmaster.

The Nippy Ride

Winter is well and truly on the way as the numbers on the town bunch ride were up on previous weeks. Converts for this week from the block bunch include Joan and the tandem twosome. Welcome to the warm side. Welcome back to Thomas aswell, still recovering from the Wednesday nite smash Thomas??? Toot Toot.

BSB needs some serious assistance with his attire. First it was the socks, now its the ahh track pants??? BSB, don't take this the wrong way, but when you wear your trackies, can you please ride 500m off the back off the bunch??? We're TRYING to look pro.

The coffee shop was full of laughter and lattes. From the tiny to the "small", jokes were on. Our image of Zulu being the macho man is slowly turning to a latte lad. From green tea with sugar and cafe lattes, whilst Mrs Tandem drinks espresso??? - Dear me, your image is getting tarnished Zulu. You must need more haddocks.

Wednesday Nite Ride - 20th May

As the rather large bunch rolled out from the back of the shop, I don't think anyone was aware of how much of a smashfest the ride would turn into.

Lap One - This one belonged to the girls - BB1 & BB2. Although not claiming victory in the hill climbing department along Haddock an attack from hell was launched along Cockatoo by BB2 with BB1 in hot pursuit. Only Zulu was able to catch BB1 & BB2 before the decent. Phew.... glad lap one is over.

Lap Two - The bunch was now missing a few. Lord Garmin was sent home to cook dinner for BB2 and the Tugmaster was passed going in the wrong direction. Anyone who thought the pace and attacks would back off on the second lap were WRONG. There was a lot of heavy breathing going on.

Lap Three - Where did everyone go???? Only four riders made 3 laps. Zulu, Thunder & BB1 stuck together whilst BB2 snuck down Kirkwood for a solo lap of the climb. All survived.

Tuesday Ride - 19th May

The only thing I can think of at the moment is how body tired I am after this morning's ride. The legs are sore and the body wants a sleep - but its good to be able to hurt yourself as we did on the bunch ride this morning.

A welcome back to the pack for Whiffo's new red love - just put some oil on that chain Whiff before the weekend.

Although the average speed of the paceline was off a little on previous weeks, the kick in the end saw the lead bunch spike to above 53k/hr but the bunch pretty much held together until Stickmakers. Grazza was feeling under the weather during the ride and took the short cuts home - hope you're feeling better Grazza.

I didn't see you in the big ring on Haddock Lord Garmin - I think you must have lent it to your wife this morning. Cockatoo was one for the girls - the boys were left to chase through the hills. What was that you were mumbling Woody?

A good hard hit out for all who turned up.

Mackay Racing

Day one of racing in Mackay was a successful day out for the M1 riders. Both Bec and Cat were off 8 minutes and their bunch stayed away from those chasing behind. Catching the two bunches in front of them, the girls were there at the finish in the winning bunch. Cat claimed 7th place and Bec claimed 8th. Both in the money - next year they will know where the finish is.

Day two saw the bunches all form together for one mass sprint finish. Lord Garmin was there at the end, but the race was won by the Scratchies in the kick. Average for LG's bunch was above 40k/hr.

From all reports, all riders were more than happy with their PB race speeds and performance. Job well done guys.

Saturday - The Tap Ride

The general concensus and primary topic of discussion at Maccas this morning was the cold. No matter which ride you turned up on - it was cold. The layers were on, the fingers were frozen and the taps were running.

We caught up with the Ghost out and about early doing a few ekky k's before the ride. The madone still looks new mate - more k's must be needed. On the townie circuit we had about 11 riders plus a few additions along the way. We won't mention the paceline. The King was not happy. On Haddock BSB was on fire - jumping off the front at the start of the climb, he was never to be seen again. Must be all the solo Haddock traning during the week.

Passing the Block Bunch it was evident that it must have been pretty cold - even Bumble Bee had long knicks on!! Now that must be cold!! Pyney and Popey are still convinced they can survive the winter and do the block every Saturday - bets on boys.

Rider Profile - Steve Kanowski

1. What bike do you ride?

I ride my trusty Bianchi carbon with Campag. There is just something about that bike that makes me want to stick with it. Even when my I had my Trek TTX I would always pull out "Bertha" the Bianchi for my long ride.

2. What would be your dream bike?

Being a Triathlete it has to have aerobars on it!! The new Bianchi time trial bike with full Campag record and Zipp deep rim carbon wheels would probably do me. However I am not the biggest bike fanactic so I am happy with anything that is light and fast (with aerobars!)

3. What's your day job?

I am the Deputy Principal at Kin Kora State School. My job entails getting cranky at naughty kids amoung other things.

4. What's your favourite ride?

My favourite ride locally has to be the Saturday morning Summer Smashfest out to Targinne and around the block. This ride followed by a 10km run certainly makes my legs feel alive!My other favourite ride a do most school holidays with a couple of mates starts at Stones Corner in Brisbane and goes over Mt TAmborine and down to the Broadbeach Surf Club. From there it is a swim at the beach followed by a counter meal and a few beers. Normally after this it is a ITT to the Robina Train Station to catch a lift home.

5. Most memorable biking experience?

My most memorable biking experience would be when I had a week long training camp in France at the base of the Alp Du Huez. Everyday we would set out and ride some of the famous Tour de France climbs such as the Alp Du Huez (we even ran up it!) and the Col de Galiber. Bloody tough rides but awesome scenery and decents.From a competition point of view, riding under the hour for 40km at the 2007 World Triatlon Champs in Hamburg, Germany was definately a highlight.

6. Least memorable biking experience?

Least memorable experinece emotionaly would have to be the day after Luke Harrop was hit by a car on the Gold Coast. While I wasn't that close to Luke one of my good mates, Craig O'Connel was also hit and suffered a fractured back and ankle. We were due to race that afternoon in the national grand prix series but we went to visit Craigo first. As we were leaving we saw Luke's family all hugging each other in tears (turns out that it was the point they decided to turn off life support). The race that afternoon started with a roll around the course in memory of Luke (even though he hadn't been pronounced dead). During the race nobody's mind was really on racing and everyone went through the motions and just finsihed. As the last competitor finished they announced Luke had passed away. All very emotional stuff.As for tough days in the saddle, a ride to Bundy with Prue in the lead up to Ironman definately takes the cake in terms of toughest! It turned out to be 200km of rain and headwind and definately the toughest day of training in my life.

7. Bike rider you admire the most?

I really admire the guys in Ironman that nudge the 4 hour mark for 180km and then run a 2.40 marathon! Guys liike Chris McCormack, Chrissie Wellington and Tojborn Simballee and even the old school guys like Jurgen Zack and Luc Van Lidre (I know you roadies have no idea who these people are). As for cyclists I don't have any favourites as all my favourites end up testing positive (e.g. Pantani, Tyler Hamilton, Nathan O'Neil).

This Weekends Racing

A few M1 riders are heading off around the country side for some open racing.

Lord Garmin, SpyCat and Have-A-Chat are heading to Mackay for two days of handicap racing. Saturday is 60ks and Sunday has been increased to 86k - both handicaps.

IJ is heading further north to Darwin for the Arafura games. I believe there is a 100k road race and criterium on Sunday.

Rocky racing is for the time trial wannabes like Zulu. No road race in Rocky - just the time trial.

Good luck to all those who are venturing off to race.

Wednesday Nite Ride - 13th May

Before the ride even started, the antics were on. Lord Garmin had issues getting dressed - he couldn't decide on what jersey would best match his new Skin knicks. Dear me. Everyone's legs were feeling great knowing that Zulu was still struck down with the Flulu and wouldn't be riding.

The pace was firm on the trip out to our local climb. Cassons rep Matty Wood was along for the ride and of course smoked everyone up the climb. Have-A-Chat Bec on the other hand was nearly having convulsions at the top - we could hear you trying to breathe before we could even see you Bec!!

Jaime Henkinson came across to the dark side for his first Wednesday nite smash. I think he enjoyed the pain of his first lap, but didn't see him after to find out??? Chris A is now aware of the short cut circuits so life will be a little easier next week!!! As if.

BSB has now been everywhere - including secret solo training on Haddock.

Race Etiquette & Bunch Riding Tips

Those of you who are on the Rocky Cycling Club email list would have received this email from Peter Reaburn, but I thought the tips would be useful for all the M1 riders to keep our bunch as safe and enjoyable as possible.

1. Be predictable with all actions. Maintain a steady straight line and avoid braking or changing direction suddenly, especially if contesting a sprint. Remember that there are riders following closely behind. To slow down gradually move out into the wind and slot back into position in the bunch.

2. Point and call out any road hazards ahead. These include pot-holes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, parked cars, etc.

3. Don't overlap wheels. A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause a touch of wheels.

4. Pedal down hill when at the front of a bunch. Cyclists dislike having to ride constantly under brakes.

5. Stay to the left when in front to allow room for others to pass safely on the right, particularly in traffic. Pass other riders on their right hand side whenever possible.

6. Be smooth with turns at the front of a group. Avoid surges unless trying to break from the bunch. A group will travel quicker when turns are completed smoothly.

7. Avoid leaving gaps when following wheels. Cyclists save about 30% of their energy at high speed by following a wheel. Each time a gap is left, riding is so much more difficult. Also, riders behind you will become annoyed and ride around you, especially if the bunch is working together to break away or catch a break-away group.

8. When climbing hills avoid following a wheel to closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the seat in a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touching

9. Don't panic if contact is made with other riders. Try to stay relaxed in the upper body to absorb any bumps. Contact is a part of cycle racing in close bunches and is quite safe provided riders do not panic, brake or change direction suddenly.

Product Of The Week

I'm pleased to say that I think I may have found a way to get my head around the Wednesday Nite smash! It's with the help of this weeks Product of the Week - Black Currant Power Gel.

There are some pretty decent tasting gels out there - and some horrid ones too - but the Black Currant one takes the cake in the taste department. Its also got the caffeine load of 50mg - which is perfect for those Haddock repeats. I was impressed, so much so that I'm looking forward to more Haddocks just so I can have another one!!!

4 O'Clock Itus

Its that time of day again on a Wednesday afternoon where my thoughts shift from - "what's for lunch today?" to "how do I get my head around another Wednesday nite smashfest?".

Thoughts of the coldness that awaits heading down into the freezer, Farm Boy tearing the legs of the pack - even when he's riding the tractor and the jumpy legs that won't lay still when I try to get to sleep make 4pm Wednesday afternoons pretty hard to take.

Better try some positive thoughts. The smashfest will make me a stronger rider (apparently), the smashfest will burn off the popcorn I just ate and I have a new pair of Skins to wear to bed.

Must be time for a cup-of-soup.

Bargain Of The Week

No, I'm not about to make a mistake with the amount I'm about to post.

Matty has picked up 3 pairs of mens small Shimano Bib & Brace knicks and is selling them for only $50 a set. No mistake.

Normally, retailing for $139 a set you can see why they are bargain of the week. Perhaps they should be bargain of the year.

The Rooster Tail Ride

How many times do you get up in the morning, look out the window, see a dry road, get your gear on and turn up at the start, only to have it start raining the minute before the bunch rolls out???? Well, today was another one of those rides. Despite the cold and the rain, 13 roadies still made the effort.

Greyhound (who was originally mistaken for Grazza) was spotted doing ekky k's before the bunch ride around 4:30am. The paceline was a relatively smooth affair, although it was pretty hard to see anything with the constant dirty spray in your face. Bumblebee was making good calls at the back of the pack and got in some sprint practice for Thursday nite.

Haddock Dve - Special K led us into the climb with a good strong turn. Grazza made a come back on the last hill - that heavy breathing was freaking me out a bit!!!!! Lord Garmin opted for the small chain ring for the climb - you must be a sprinter with that ego LG.

Congrats to Woody who won his division of the 6hr MTB ride in Rocky on the weekend. No wonder your legs were smashed today. Nice pink tool bag SpyCat.

In Your Face

I think it is true to say that sprinters are a breed of their own. They're the ones in any pack at any level whose egos and mouths are 10 times bigger than the gear they push in the kick.

This pic is from the first road stage of this years Giro d'Italia. Before the Giro began, Cavendish was openly stating that he would win the first road stage of the Giro. In the end Petacchi crossed the line just in front and gave Cavendish "the look".

Sprinters will be sprinters. Is that Bob at about 4th wheel????

Weekend Wrap Up

Saturday - 6 turned up at the town circuit loop at 5:30am. The compliment was complete when our bunch picked up Greyhound and Woody along the way. Chris A was in wheel clipping mode in the paceline - sorry mate, it was a scarey sight!!

All but two turned right into the freezer for a trip up Haddock drive. Special K was in the mood for ekky k's and kept going solo. On our second lap, Thunder and I rolled past the Big Block Bunch. You guys looked colder than I felt!!! Especially Sumo - have you heard of arm warmers Sumo????

Sunday - Zulu must be missing the heat of his Savanah origin and has come down with "flu like symptons". I'm sure you know a good witch doctor that will see you back on the bike soon Zulu.

Grazza was spotted in the afternoon - and he was a man on a mission!!! No time to stop to say hello, the pedals were pumping.

A great weekend for k's.

Weekend Rides

M1 Rides scheduled for Saturday include either a 5am start at Hungry Jacks or a 5:30am start at Fordy's in Tank Street. Either ride will lead you to the coffee shop... just depends on how cold you want to get!!

Lord Garmin is organising an "easy town spin" for 1pm on Sunday. For more info, get in contact with Lord Garmin (Mick) or SpyCat (Cat).

Keep your eyes open for a new pair of bling Shimano shoes in the pack. Unfortunately, they don't belong to the Blingmistress... and my eyes are green with envy!!

Thursday Nite Spy Report - 7th May

As the riders congregated at the rear of M1 cycles on Thursday night, the conversation focused on QANTAS luggage allowance, white Bontrager saddles, Skins adverts, cycle lights and tattoos. Yes, you’ve guessed it; Thunder has returned from the Tour of the Tablelands and was back on the Thursday group ride.

One rider immediately noticed that Thunder had replaced his AyUps with a Topeak front light and when this was highlighted, Thunder let fly about the inferior AyUps and gushed about the superior Topeak. The jury is still out on whether the Topeaks are indeed superior and bets are currently being taken as to who will be the first to play follow the leader and part with their hard earned cash for an alternative system.

Up to ten riders participated in the ride although not all at once as some elected to part ways after one lap and others joined the group throughout the circuit. Noel was one rider who joined half way after chasing down the group during the first lap.

Welcome also to (Dr) Adam Bush and Alex who joined the group midway at the Marina.

The pace was at times comfortable but other times firm and as the group entered Spinnaker Park for the second and final time it was Fabio and Brad who contested the kick. Unfortunately without a very powerful set of binoculars, this spy reporter was unable to get close enough to the action and be able to identify the eventual winner.

Rider Profile - Ian Johnston

1. What bike do you ride?
I have a Norco CRR, with 105 Gear, and a Viner Maxima.
The Viner was bought 2nd hand off Cameron Hughes. It’s the Grafton winning bike from 2007 and it is VERY nice to ride.
2. What would be your dream bike?
One that goes up hills fast! A new Viner Maxima with SRM cranks, fast light wheels, Dura Ace 7900…. Yum!
3. What's your day job?
Team Leader Process Control at Rio Tinto. Keeps me off the streets so to speak. Then again it keeps me on them too!
4. What's your favourite ride?
Coming back from Mt Nebo to the Gap. Fast! I used to fang around there on motorbikes, but now it’s a little slower and safer but just as much fun. Around here I like the Tuesday ride, the way we do it now with a pace-line and a lap of Haddock. I like tight crit courses. Pretty disappointed the Yungaburra crit was called off the other day.
5. Most memorable biking experience?
There are a few… Getting spat off the bunch rides early on was memorable in that I just wanted to get better as a rider so bad. I’ve had some good races in Rocky – first A Grade win at Cawarral was one. Last years and this years Tour de Tablelands were great. Probably the best was last years Cunningham Classic – I was having a good day. Got away from the bunch at the New England Highway and rode with a young guy from Gold Coast all the way to Warwick. It was blowing a gale like it always does. I remember looking at the speedo – we were going flat out doing 27 km/h. Ended up second, but it was a good ride nonetheless. Then of course there was last years Grafton. Probably not my best day on the bike, but that will just make this years so much better.
6. Least memorable biking experience?
Training in the rain, flattys, coming home from work into the wind. Sometimes being on the bike sucks.
7. Bike rider you admire the most?
I truly admire anyone who rides a bike for a living – it’s a tough way to earn a crust! I have to say though Cavendish is awesome at the moment. The finish to Milan-San Remo is just unbelievable. I could watch it on YouTube over and over and over again. I am also a big fan of Lance. And Contador, the new generation. Can’t wait for this years Tour. C’mon boys, gloves off lets go!

Tour De Tablelands - Wrap Up

Stage 3 - Due to rain, the criterium on Sunday afternoon was cancelled. This was only after a number of crashes on the hairpin corner during the events that were still running before the cancellation.

Stage 4 - They save the toughest for last at the Tour and apparently, this year's course was harder than in previous years. Approx 94ks in total. Thunder pulled off another 3rd place in B grade. Only rider in B grade to be on the podium more than once during the weekend. You just have to learn how to TT Thunder and you'll be complete!!!

How much was the excess luggage charge from Cairns and Brisbane Thunder!!

Tour De Adelaide

Stage 2 in Adelaide saw us accidently stumble upon the Old Willunga Hill Road.... ring a bell to anyone??? This was the big King Of The Mountains Climb on the second last stage of this years Tour Down Under. Needless to say, I was very excited. A few roadies were doing the climb and I bet my quads were feeling better than theirs!!!

There is photo proof of us finding the climb and the Crown at the top. Will post on the blog upon completion of the tour!

Stage 3 - Oh, that's right. No stage 3 - just work now. Keynote speaker first up on Monday morning was Mr Paul Keating. The man can talk and is incredibly smart. Today we hear from Alisa Camplin, Winter Olympic gold medalist.

Tour De Tablelands - Stages One & Two

Tonite the Atherton Tableland is having dinner listening to the sound of THUNDER. Matty Thunder Jenkin that is.

Stage One - 54k road race saw a messy bunch finish for Matty's B grade field. Despite missing the early jump in the kick, Thunder pulled off a third, line scabbing a few wheels at the end. In A grade, IJ did a fair bit of work at the front and came in with the bunch.

Stage Two - Time trial. Hmmm. You guessed it. No good results for Thunder - just happy to roll in. IJ on the other hand, set a blistering pace and could possibly have made up some time in the A grade field.

Sleep well tonite boys - there's some big days in the saddle to come.

Tour De Barossa

Stage One of the Tour De Barossa was quite a large event, covering over 200ks in a single day. Very tiring.
First stop was Jacobs Creek winery. Yep, the dessert Gramps wine was good. Got a bottle or two to help finish the tour.
Second stop - Maggie Beer's Gourmet food. Hmmm.... coffee ok.
Third stop - Penfolds. Tooooooo expensive for me. No tasting there.
Final stop on stage one was Haighs chocolate factory. $25 later, one box of chocies and 3 truffles. Yummo.
A very successful and enjoyable stage one.