Special Of The Week

Looking to get a great deal on a new bike?? Then M1 has got the deal for you.

Matty has two 54cm 2009 Cannondale 6 bikes on sale for the crazy price of $2,000. Normal RRP is $3,100. The 6 comes with a full carbon frame, Shimano 105 10 speed and a lifetime warranty on the frame.

If you're interested, be quick as there are only 2 bikes available at this sale price.

http://www.cannondale.com/

The Curly Fry Ride

It was an invasion by the City Boys on this mornings ride. Dr Ben made a return to the pack and was joined by Matty Wood and Dave Gower. We locals were just about out numbered.

It was another smooth, fast paceline this morning with a majority of the riders coming into the kick at Spinniker Park gates together. Not sure who actually got the first round of sprint points??

The Coin Slot sprint was also hotly contested by the Big Boys in the pack. There must have been some serious egos or err points on the line in the kicks this morning.

Final sprint of the day came down to a two person break away, with Bush Slasher beating HandiCat to the line. More testosterone needed HandiCat

And IJ, I didn't see you swinging off the back during the paceline???? Mecha, I've never seen a rider score so many flats in one month!!

In Case You Missed It

Ekka, here it is just for you. Rumors are that you missed your Beautiful Bettsy photo post at the beginning of the week - so here it is again, just for you.

Just 9 weeks ago, Ekka had a very nasty crash on his road bike on the Saturday morning. Its good to see you still out and about clocking up a few k's Ekka, even if it is on a dirt bike. Oh, and you are missed in the pack Ekka!!!

Thursday Night

Those riders who turned up on Thursday night for some riding were to be sadly disappointed. As soon as Matt heard there was a stash of cold ones at Spinnaker Park, the evening’s ride was shortened to one lap.

Riders who attended still participated in a sprint through the park gates although your truly was so far behind he still has no idea who won.

Happy Birthday went to Matt and Dave for the 24th September and thank you to all those who attended to say farewell to Scottie especially those who went out of their way and those who did not require bribing with alcohol.

Thank you for a fun two years riding and thank you for your friendship during my time in Gladstone. Matt, thank you for your enthusiasm, passion and keep sending the filth.

Colin

Happy Birthday!!

Not only is it Scottie's last ride with the M1 bunch today, but its also the King's birthday!!

From all the riders in M1 land, happy birthday Thunder!! No cake for you today, just a coke zero for you at the end of tonites ride!

Product Of The Week

Looking to do something a little different now that the road season is finished?? This weeks product of the week may just help you out.

Matty has Cannondale MTB F7's on the floor for $799. Normal RRP for these bikes is $1200. These bikes have double disc brakes, double wall rims, lock out front suspension and cassette rear hub - now that's a lot of tech talk.

If you mention that you're an M1 rider - you'll get the bike for $749!! Another $50 saving.

http://www.cannondale.com/

Cyclist Warning

During this mornings ride, it was bought to our attention that there is a new threat to cyclists riding through the marina.

It has been reported that the 40k/hr road signs - similar to the ones you see in this post - are literally attacking unspecting roadies who are pretending to be track cyclists!!! The latest attack occurred just recently, where an M1 rider and his bike were attacked head on by a sneaky 40k/hr sign.

Investigations into the incident are continuing. Just ask Sharkesy.

Scottie's Last Ride

Scottie will be moving to sunny Victoria next weekend, which means Thursday will be his last M1 group ride.

Scottie would like to take the opportunity to say goodbye to his M1 friends by inviting them to join him for a cold one at Spinnaker Park on Thursday at the end of the ride. This is an opportunity not to be missed as rarely does a Scotsman put his hand in his pocket and on Thursday Scottie will be providing the drinks.

Lemonade will be available to members of the local constabulary should they wish to attend.

Scottie

Rider Profile - Johannes Van Zyl

1. What bike do you ride?

Trek Madone 5.2

2. What would be your dream bike?

Ooooo - definitely a Madone 6.9 with a custom paint job and all of the latest bling off the Trek "project one" web site.
3. What's your day job?

I am a Business Analyst at QAL

4. What's your favourite ride?

Don't really have a stand out favourite - all the rides in and around town are pretty good , I like any ride that makes you feel like you have worked hard and the legs are a bit heavy! Some good training rides that do come to mind though are on the roads just outside of Beaudesert - very hilly but nice scenery.

5. Most memorable biking experience?

Well I guess to me a very exiting experience was when I got on a road bike for the first time earlier this year and thought - man this thing flies! Another exciting but scary experience was my first race up in Rocky - good old butterflies in the stomach wondering how long it was going to be before I got dropped, somehow I managed to hang on though and loved every minute of it!
Cunningham classic was a great ride - Mat said that I would enjoy it and I was certainly not disappointed. As the King would say the race was a whole story that unfolds with some very exciting conflicts/rivalries and others working together and looking after each other. It is amazing how much you learn as a rider during a race like that.

6. Least memorable biking experience?

By far the handicap race up in Yeppoon when I clipped a wheel and bought myself a piece of real estate on the bitumen road! No serious injuries in the end but the doctor copped a few nasty words when she decided to start scrubbing gravel out of all the wounds. Learned a lot in the process and gained a whole new level of respect for the sport!

7. Bike rider you admire the most?

Sure all of the pro's are awesome and I love watching them on TV. They make it look so easy and the tactics behind it all is very exciting! I have a whole lot of respect for guys in the pro teams who sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the team leader or sprinter, these guys do the hard yards for someone else to take the glory (that is team racing I guess).
In saying that though I really take my hat off to people who really train hard, morning or night, and still manage to do a full time job and look after the family - I guess the majority of the M1 bunch falls under this category! They have a decent go without all of the luxuries and the pampering that the pro riders get - legends in my mind.
Special mention has to go to Mat ( The King) - he has taught me a lot! He lives, eats , breathes cycling and just seeing someone so passionate about cycling makes me want to learn more and become a better rider!

Rocky Racing Results

The final race of the season has ended on a great note for the M1 team, with Tugmaster claiming victory in the 44k handicap.

Being promoted to a C grade bunch - due to recent dominance in D grade! - Tugmaster came home just 50 metres in front of the chasing bunch which contained LG. According to LG it was 50 metres, but to Tugmaster it was probably a mile!!!!

What ever the distance, it's a fantastic way to finish the season. Just a taste of what's to come in 2010 from M1 riders!!

Sunday Ride - Take Two

Let's try it again this weekend. Freddy Fresh legs Whiffo - who missed this mornings smash - is after a crew for an easy ride tomorrow morning (Sunday).

Set to leave Hungry's at 6am, it will probably be a trip around the block. Contact Matty for more info.

The Mad Hatter Ride

Firstly, congratulations to the Eels and the Saints who cleaned up last nite. Congratulations also to Joan who placed 6th at last weeks World Triathalon Championships! I never knew you were such a footy fanatic Joan!!

At the Yarwun split, it was a little one sided, with only 3 turning left for the Bunters ride. This week saw Mecha take on his first Hitters ride - and he did very well indeed, despite the flat along the Targinnie Road.

The Triple P committee had their first meeting at the bottom of River Ranch Hills. Enjoying a picnic of carbo shots and snakes, Maree came out with the quote of the ride - "What's taking them so long!!!". Oh gee Maree, I don't know!!!!

Bush Slasher and Greyhound were last seen heading off into the distance along Kirkwood Road for another Haddock lap. Personally, Maccas was a much better option.

Don't worry Zulu, we were all talking about you after you left Maccas. And we'll probably be doing some more talking tonite!

Final Rocky Road Race

Tomorrow is the final Rocky club race for this season.

The race is a 44k combined A, B, C & D handicap at the Caves. With tomorrow being the last race for the season - and just weeks before Maryborough Masters - I'm sure there are a few riders in the bunch who will be looking for a hard hitout.

Those riders who hired their transponders for one year only should return them tomorrow to receive their deposit back.

The Honka Hooter Ride

At 5:25pm it wasn't looking good - in fact it was looking pretty darn lonesome for the Thursday nite Thrash. With just minutes to spare another 4 riders turned up to complete the bunch. Phew.

One of the bunches youngest riders was busted inhaling caffeniated carbo shots just moments before the ride left the shop. I'm guessing Dominic must have been getting confused between the Saturday Smash and the Thursday Thrash!!

Sharksey finally managed to stop cooking and get out of the kitchen for the ride, whilst Scottie was impressed with everyone's REALLY tanned legs!! Good thing you eventually took those attractive glasses off Scottie!

A MIR report (Missing In Riding) has been filed for Thursday day nite regulars - Popey and Pyney - who failed to check in for last nites roll.

Jersey Of The Year

Some things you can't get rid of, no matter how hard you try!! This jersey is proof in the pudding.

When M1 Cycles first opened almost 6 years ago, this was one of the very ORIGINAL jersey's the King purchased from Cannibal Clothing - I'm sure they didn't have pictures of the product when he ordered it!!

Anyway, the jersey could not be sold at full price, at the 50% off sale and at the $30 sale. Now listed on E-Bay for just $9.99 - the troll jersey just won't be sold!!

Won't somebody give the troll jersey a home????

Ride of the Diminishing Bunch

The bunch may have had royalty in Lord and Lady Garmin, but there was no King. His eminence abdicated for the evening to rest and get well.

In typical leaderless fashion, a debate broke out on what to do where to go etc, before we even left the shop. Matt's near flawless attendance and leadership deserves a lot of credit.

After agreeing to stick with the usual Haddock laps, 7 riders set out. The ride quickly began to resemble the Maryborough masters road race. The legendary Maryborough road race breaks up bunches faster than the riot police.

So it was to be.

Kelvin disappeared somewhere on Red Rover. Nobody really knows where.

Jake made several early efforts to go out the back door but was not allowed to leave.

Ben 10 peeled off toward Glenlyon after one lap.

Jake also bid us goodnight on Kirkwood after 1 lap.

Bush Slasher pulled a flattie at the foot of Haddock. Everyone feeling smashed almost welcomes the chance to rest up on Wednesdays.

Lord and Lady G left after 2 laps talking of plans for a Thursday morning roll.

Bush Slasher and yours truly headed for the touch football grounds. Andrew was backing up the ride with a 7.45pm touch game.

After 65 klm, The Zulu's idea of backing up is straight home for some protein, some stretching, some showering and a good feed.

Zulu.

Rider Profile - Chris Hughes

1. What bike do you ride?

trek 1.7

2. What would be your dream bike?
probably a trek madone 6.9, painted the same as one of lance armstrongs rides, the yellow one with the black crazy lines on it is pretty ok. you
know the one.

3. Whats your day job?

carpenter, working for IM Builders

4. Whats your favourite ride?

i dont know why but i like the haddock hills circut for some stupid reason, where theres no sense theres no feeling i guess?

5. Most memorable riding experience?
id have to say winning my first (and only) race at the caves in the rocky open the other weekend was pretty good, got it in the sprint

6. Least memorable riding experience?
crashing. ive only done it the once on my road bike but when i was younger i was for ever comeing off my bike trying to do dirt jumps, i was a crap dirt jumper, bein a roadie is alot easier on the knees!

7. Bike rider you admire the most?
i like most of the aussies in the pro peleton, but probably Stewart O'Grady gets the nod,the selfless way rides for his team busting his arse on the front of the pack for one of his team mates to hopfuly get the win is something to admire. im also a Fabian Cancellara fan, hes a
good rider but i mainly like him because i think his name sounds cool

Tuesday Ride - 15th September

At 4:58am this morning, it was looking like the numbers were going to be a little down this week. Then out of the dark, arriving just in time, HandiCat does her best impersoniation of Bush Slasher and laid it down in grand fashion in front of the entire bunch!

Not to be out done on the fashion stakes was "The Hulk", in brand new Lampre kit. I think the pink really shows your softer side Hulk!! Who's the identity of the Hulk I hear you say?? All will be revealed in tomorrows blog post - stay tuned.

With a few of the big hitters missing from paceline, the average speed was slightly off - 39.05k/hr. Still not too shabby though.

The latest edition to the M1 bunch - Greyhounds girlfriend - Amanda, was spotted through Spinniker Park. Keep your eyes open during the coming months for this one. Oh, and nice bike to Amanda!!

Happy Birthday

Today the M1 blog celebrates its 1st birthday!

Many thanx to all of those riders in M1 land (and beyond) who have contributed to the success of the blog with their comments, stories, rider profiles and secret spy reports! It has certainly provided some very entertaining moments.

Here's to the next 12 months being just as successful and enjoyable as the first!!

Blogmistress

Grafton to Inverell Results

The months of hard training, early morning rides in the bitter cold and strict nutrition has paid dividends for IJ in yesterdays Grafton to Inverell Classic.

After a long day in the saddle, the remains of the B grade bunch came into the finish for a mass kick with about 20 riders. Across the line, IJ placed 5th! An excellant and well deserved result.

In the A grade race, Rocky Rider Cameron Jennings (Wormy) claimed 3rd place. Another excellant result.

Well done IJ - its great to see your hard work pay dividends at such an elite race.

The First Ride

As anticipated, the first of the summer rides drew one of the biggest bunches for the season so far - 25 in total. An excellant start to the ride.

One rider who didn't have such an excellant start was Andrew (Bush Slasher). Clipping in both feet at the start of the ride, but not rolling more than a metre, Bush Slasher promptly fell sideways onto to the bitumen. You're now a roadie Bush Slasher!

At the split, many riders were taking advantage of the more relaxed pace and took on the hitters challenge. Zulu was sporting a new Midrift jersey for the first summer ride. Still not 100% sure on that look Zulu. Thomas was sporting a jersey that had something to do with cleaning - shame you're backside and bike didn't fit the kit Thomas!! But then again, no one else was clean after the mud bath either!

For the hitters, the distance of 87ks was completed at an average speed of 32.87k/hr. I'm sure we'll see some records broken as the summer rolls on. Thanx LG.

Don't forget Johann - you owe me a rider profile now. I did get some wind on my chest.

Dont Forget...

We're down to our final sleep Pyney!! In less than 24 hours, the first block ride for the summer will roll out. Dont forget that the ride leaves at 4:45am - sharp - from Hungry Jacks.

On a sader note, tomorrow will be Grazza's last hit out with the M1 bunch for a while. Not only is he leaving for an extended overseas holiday, but Grazza is also relocating to Longreach when he returns. Grazza has assured me that when he returns to visit Gladstone, his bike will accompany him aswell - that's good news!!

You've been a great guy to have in the bunch for the past few years Grazza, and have calmed down many potentially explosive situations with Thunder and car / truck drivers (especially female kiwis)!! You will be missed!

2010 Cannondales

The 2010 range of Cannondale bikes have now been released and are available for viewing on their website http://www.cannondale.com/. I would have to say that there is some nicely spec-d bling - perhaps not quite up there with a custom pink and silver Madone, but still up there all the same!!

One of their SuperSix series bikes in 2010 features the new electronic Shimano system. So if you're into the techo stuff and want to be the talk of the pack, that would be the bike for you. Any takers???

Grafton To Inverell

It sure is turning out to be a weekend of big racing for local M1 riders - Rocky Club Championships, World Triathalon Championships and the annual Grafton to Inverell - the longest single stage road race in Australia.

IJ is making the trip to Grafton tomorrow in preparation for his second attempt at the gruelling 228 kilometre road race. This year has seen a record number of nominations for the 228k distance with 269 riders nominating. They must enjoy pain if you ask me!

Michael England will also be riding the Grafton to Inverell in the A grade division for his team Budget Forklifts.

Good luck guys.

Details of the event can be found on www.graftontoinverellcycleclassic.com.au - and yes, that is a bit of a mouthful!!

World Triathalon Age Championships

While a majority of the M1 riders will be lining up for the first of the summer block rides this Saturday, our most mature female rider in the bunch, Joan, will be taking on the worlds best at the Triathalon Championships at the Gold Coast.

Competing in the sprint distance event for her age category, Joan will swim 750m, ride 20ks and run 5ks. Also competing this weekend will be another re-located M1 rider Special K (Steve Kanowski).

We wish you guys all the best for the weekend of racing.

The Big A Ride

The threat of rain in the sky didn't stop the numbers from turning up for this mornings smash. And yes, it was yet another smash, so much so that Thomas struggled to catch the back of the pack. Perhaps more coal is needed Thomas????

With a noticable headwind, the paceline was a little bit tougher - no, make that a fair bit tougher - than the last couple of weeks. At the stickmakers roundabout on the first lap, the bunch nearly disintegrated when there was a surge by a few of the big guns up front.

For a relatively new rider in the bunch, Andrew (GT) is sure making his mark on the Tuesday pacelines - definately one to keep on eye in future months. Also going well is the Bunch Barber - Stu. Unfortunately today with the wind conditions, the going was a bit tough for the Bunch Barber!! Keep your eyes on this one aswell. The addiction bug is beginning to bite.

Thanx for noticing my muscley legs Handicat!!

Rider Profile - Ben Edwards (Part 2)

It would seem the brevity of the comments in my last profile were to the dismay of almighty Fergo.So......

I'm a gemini and hail from the Sunshine Coast. Gladstone riding comes second only to the almighty coast roads of Mooloolaba and Noosa .

I love the water and spend as much time on it as possible (not enough now that qhealth has bough my soul). I have a wakeboard, 4 surfboards from 6'1" to 9'1", a surf ski (one of the almighty long ironman ones) and I used to kite surf until I tore a rotator cuff.

I have sky-dived, out of a helicopter of all things... truly awesome.

My music taste is broad... Coldplay, Presets, Angus & Julia Stone, Smashing Pumpkins........ best festival attended was Splendour in the Grass in 2006.

Here's one you'd never guess, I've played clarinet and tenor saxophone for most of my life and still manage to drag them out from time to time for a bit of R&R.

I was meant to race with ozbikedirect this year but crashed early in the season and was off the bike for 2 months!!!!! My mates still give me grief about being a fat bastard!

Football I love, I've played all 3 codes and did so until I was 16. I broke my arm 3 times over 2 years and was told I should take up something less contact... enter long distance running. Now I hate running, it hurts too much and you never get very far and going downhill is almost worse than going up.

Being with my bikes is my favourite hobby and I love feeling fit and dishing out some pain. My girlfriend, Sof (who is stunningly beautiful) thinks I have an unhealthy obsession with my cervelo's (can't imagine why).

I don't mind a bit of climbing rocks as well.

I find myself in gladstone doing some locum work at the emergency department and have had a ball riding with you guys and girls. I go home for a couple of weeks next Friday but will return for 3 more weeks of cycling & work. I'm bringing the race bike next time so be warned!!!!

The Stranded Ride

Bike Lesson Number One - Always carry enough spares and patches for the unexpected.

Out training with Kermie on Sunday afternoon, wanting to get in a Sundy Hundy, Brad's adventure fell short at the 26k mark. Out the Back of Burke on the Targinnie Road, Brad scored not one but two flat back tyres.

With no more spares or patches, a call to "M1 Road Side Assist" was made. Lucky for Brad assistance wasn't too far away!! It could have been a long walk home.

Rocky Open Results

Wow Wow Wow!!! - What a weekend of results for M1 riders at the Rocky Open. Even though the numbers were down for this years Open event, all M1 riders placed well over the three events.

Saturday Road Race - In the top grade IJ placed 3rd in a field with some big guns. In B grade, it was M1 riders one, two and three. Fabio won the kick, LG came home in second and Sean Vacher came home in third place. In D grade Tugmaster claimed second place, but missed the win by just a wheel.

Sunday Hill Climb - The boys were up nice and early to contest the 5km individual time trial up Mt Archer. There were some fast times from the Gladstone riders, with IJ leading the way with a time of 22 mins. This was enough to gain him another 3rd place. Zulu had next fastest time of 22 mins 25. Sean Vacher - I think he'll now be known as Dark Horse, also rode a 22 minute time.

Sunday Road Race - In tougher fields and after 2 races, IJ snagged another 3rd place in A grade. Zulu took 2nd place in next grade, closey followed ONCE AGAIN by Dark Horse in 3rd place. Jake wrapped up his weekend campaign with a well earned victory in D grade.

Well done to all those who raced the Rocky Open. This weekend is the final race for the Rocky Club season and is the Club Championships.

Riders Wanted - Sunday Session

Dr Ben is looking for some company tomorrow morning for a roll around the block. It was decided this morning at Maccas that the ride will leave Hungry Jacks at 6am on Sunday morning.

Contact Dr Ben or Tugmaster for more details.

Saturday Ride - 5th September

Despite the Rocky Open being on this weekend, there was still a decent turn out for the last townie of the year. This week saw the addition of two more tri-boys from Tannum - introduced by Mark.

The paceline was another fast affair, but by the time the bunch had turned at Stickmakers roundabout, there were only 4 still pulling turns - Andrew, Johann, Frank and Chris A. Oh, congratulations to Chris A who finally achieved a podium finish for the Spinniker park kick - he made sure the Blogmistress knew about it!! Well done Chris.

It was noticed that Zulu had his Maryborough Masters overall winners jersey on this morning. Could it be that the psychological tactics are starting to come into play a month before the actual race?

Thunder just wants to be a Wallabie.

The Squeaky Ride

There was a Thursday nite rider missing from the bunch last nite. Always one of the first to arrive at the back of the shop and always one to enjoy the Thursday nite antics in the bunch. Pyney, where were you???

Have-A-Chat was in a serious mood, backing up after the Thursday morning ride to do the nite ride aswell. The serious look was a result of her two punctures in 5ks from the morning ride. In true roadie fashion, Have-A-Chat went straight to maccas after the second flat. You go girl!!

I will add that Have-A-Chat led out the boys for the kick. Depsite going early into the headwind, Have-A-chat was unable to hold off the chasing boys which included Tugmaster, Dr Ben, Scottie and most of the remaining bunch.

It was also apparent that LG was having a thoroughly good time in the bunch last nite... I think he may become a regular!!!

Oh and if anyone can give me the name of a good mechanic, I have acquired a mouse in my back wheel.

The Count Ride

Lap One Ah Ah Ahhhh..... That wasn't so bad. HandiCat and I were on a solo mission heading out early to avoid capture from the smashfest that left half an hour behind us. A little on the blustery side, but it is now spring.

Lap Two Ah Ah Ah Ahhhhh...... Where did all that wind come from??? Any why must we only have a tailwind up Cockatoo Drive, where we need it least??? Still no sign of the boys. HandiCat headed home - still recovering from yesterdays run.

Lap Three Ah Ah Ah Ah Ahhhh.... yep, over it now. Not much fun on your own. Caught up with Dr Ben, Thunder and LG on Kirkwood - the remains of the bunch after the explosion on lap one - courtesy of Thunder. That was of course after the monster turn LG pulled on RedRover....

Oh, and I never knew that "Count" was actually "Count Von Count". Thanx Wikipedia.

Rider Profile - Ben Edwards

1. What bike do you ride?

n + 1 is the number of bikes you should have, n being the nember of bikes in your possession at present, my favourite is the cervelo slc-sl!

2. What would be your dream bike?

Something I didn't have to pedal
3. What's your day job?

Lookin' good in scrubs, it's hard work!
4. What's your favourite ride?

Dr Ben loves the Thursday nite ride and Shillings road with Tugmaster.

5. Most memorable biking experience?

I rode a lot of the tour de France peaks last year, Ventoux is special.
6. Least memorable biking experience?

Can't remember
7. Bike rider you admire the most?

None of those filthy tour riders!!! They're all dirty!

Guess Who - Again...

Ok, someone in the pack is a little jealous that a certain Tugmaster got his newly shaven pistons posted all over the blog. In an attempt to gain some M1 blog fame of their own, they've emailed the Blogmistress a picture of their own legs - now that's not vain is it??

Can you guess who these belong too?? Oh, and guys, let's not make this a regular edition to the blog!!

The Spring Ride

Ahh, the first day of spring. If it wasn't for the magpies, it would be perfect. Although, I would have to say that the conditions this morning were pretty darn close to perfect. Righto, enough of the weather ramblings, on with the riding ramblings.

A BIG crew of 18 riders - sorry if I can't count and missed someone! This made for another very very fast paceline session. By the end - after Chris A stopped holding the bunch up - there were only a handful of riders still pulling turns - Dr Ben, Thunder, Fergo, Fabbio and Greyhound - I think that was it. No LG = No average speed - sorry techo freaks.

On his first Tuesday ride, Dr Ben was also lucky enough to puncture on the trip out to Haddock - lucky it was a back tyre and not the front!

Coming into the maccas kick with what was left of the bunch, Fergo got in some impromptu motor pacing behind an unsuspecting, and ungrateful scooter rider!!