A smaller than usual bunch headed of this morning, so much smaller than normal that the Bunters had more than the Hitters for a change! First time for the season. Actually, I think it was Wazza B's first ride for the season aswell!!!
On the way out to the split, it was very observantly noticed by Bloomers that only 3 riders in the bunch of 15 were not in M1 kit. We won't mention any names, but in self-defence Bloomers, it was ALSO noticed, that you could only be classed as an M1 half-kit!!
Zulu's lip operation resulted in a lot of dribbling insults through out the ride - firstly, the Hitters who did turn up "were not really threatening", secondly, the hitters were not strong enough to warrant the big chain ring - despite the remainder of us living in the big ring and finally, quote of the day "I can't really run, but I did place at the road runners on Thursday". Next time bring a tissue to wipe up the dribble Zulu!!
For the first time this season, the Hitters caught the Bunters at the Calliope X Roads. Man, we hitters must have been absolutely smokin today!!!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday Ride - 29th October
If I had only one thing to say about last nites ride, it would be that it was darn windy. Make that windy with a capital W-I-N-D-Y.
To make conditions even better, the bunch was small, and when we turned into the headwind sections, the bunch seemed to get even smaller and turns at the front became even longer!!
For the second week in a row Croz got a leave pass to come on the ride. There were plenty of tales to be told from the Sunday ride, including the numerous flats and other mechanical issues which saw Croz restricted to just two gears - the big ring and the little ring - for the last part of the ride. Just aswell it wasn't windy on Sunday!!
BSB and family were spotted out at Spinniker park - Hayley you looked like you were enjoying that tailwind!!
To make conditions even better, the bunch was small, and when we turned into the headwind sections, the bunch seemed to get even smaller and turns at the front became even longer!!
For the second week in a row Croz got a leave pass to come on the ride. There were plenty of tales to be told from the Sunday ride, including the numerous flats and other mechanical issues which saw Croz restricted to just two gears - the big ring and the little ring - for the last part of the ride. Just aswell it wasn't windy on Sunday!!
BSB and family were spotted out at Spinniker park - Hayley you looked like you were enjoying that tailwind!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Crocodile Trophy
The annual Crocodile Trophy is currently running at the moment in Australia's top end.
I found this picture and couldn't resist. I wonder what is going through his mind!!!
A case of the photographer being in the right place at the right time!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday Ride - 27th October
The numbers were down on this mornings ride but the wind was certainly up, which definately made things difficult during the paceline.
Before we get to the paceline, it was noticed that our resident Barber in his excitement to get to the Tuesday ride first, forgot all of his waterbottles. Stu, you must be taking lessons from Popey! The Barber was also very keen to point out his brand new yellow Bo-ranger tyres - strangely enough Stu your bike now looks very similar to a certain Project One bike that is on the way.....
Now the paceline, first there was only 6 pulling turns, then there were 5 and 4 and 3 - by the time the splintered pack made it to Hanson Road for the 2nd time there were only 2 riders left pulling turns - Greyhound and HandiCat. It was a very very long paceline effort and I'm absolutely certain that there were no records set this week!!
The bunch was obviously in no mood for a hard slog with only Greyhound heading out to tackle the Haddock circuit on his own. He looked really impressed about it too!! Bushy, we heard you were out on the road somewhere, but we didn't see you anywhere. Hope you are safe and sound.
Before we get to the paceline, it was noticed that our resident Barber in his excitement to get to the Tuesday ride first, forgot all of his waterbottles. Stu, you must be taking lessons from Popey! The Barber was also very keen to point out his brand new yellow Bo-ranger tyres - strangely enough Stu your bike now looks very similar to a certain Project One bike that is on the way.....
Now the paceline, first there was only 6 pulling turns, then there were 5 and 4 and 3 - by the time the splintered pack made it to Hanson Road for the 2nd time there were only 2 riders left pulling turns - Greyhound and HandiCat. It was a very very long paceline effort and I'm absolutely certain that there were no records set this week!!
The bunch was obviously in no mood for a hard slog with only Greyhound heading out to tackle the Haddock circuit on his own. He looked really impressed about it too!! Bushy, we heard you were out on the road somewhere, but we didn't see you anywhere. Hope you are safe and sound.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Product Of The Week
New stocks of Endura have arrived at M1 Cycles in time for the summer training. A good source of magnesium to help prevent cramping on the longer rides.
The packaging may be different, but the flavours are still the same - Lemon Lime, Orange and Raspberry.
RRP $35.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Dogs In Long Grass Ride
I don't know what happened on the bunters ride - but on the hitters ride, there were dogs hiding and stalking the pack in the long grass everywhere!!!! So strange were these sightings that the bunch was even pulled up whilst the King took photos!!
For the second week in a row, HandiCat used the "sleep in" excuse for missing the start of the Saturday ride. One ride you could get away with HandiCat, but eyebrows are beginning to rise as to whether or not your sneaking in ekky TT practice and using the "sleep in" call as an excuse to avoid ekky detection??? Hmmmmm...
Dark Horse learnt a valuable lesson on todays ride - Thou shalt not hammer on thy own the nite before a Saturday Smash fest. Not only was he beaten by BB1 and BB2 over River Ranch hills, but he was completely "Gonnnnnnneeeeee" on Cockatoo Drive. Does that sound familiar Dark Horse?
On a side note, for those interested, the Wednesday nite ride averaged 35.18 k/hr for the loop. Just aswell Thunder gave us the "medium pace"speech before we left the shop!!
For the second week in a row, HandiCat used the "sleep in" excuse for missing the start of the Saturday ride. One ride you could get away with HandiCat, but eyebrows are beginning to rise as to whether or not your sneaking in ekky TT practice and using the "sleep in" call as an excuse to avoid ekky detection??? Hmmmmm...
Dark Horse learnt a valuable lesson on todays ride - Thou shalt not hammer on thy own the nite before a Saturday Smash fest. Not only was he beaten by BB1 and BB2 over River Ranch hills, but he was completely "Gonnnnnnneeeeee" on Cockatoo Drive. Does that sound familiar Dark Horse?
On a side note, for those interested, the Wednesday nite ride averaged 35.18 k/hr for the loop. Just aswell Thunder gave us the "medium pace"speech before we left the shop!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday Ride - 22nd October
It was a welcome ride to new and old riders last nite. Jason on the flat bar was joining in for his first bunch ride and Sumo was returning for a Thursday nite float having obtained a leave pass from his day job. The bike still looks smick Sumo.
Whiffo hooked up with the bunch on his way home from work. Glad to see you back on the bike Whiffo - you've been missed on the Tuesday and Saturday hammer rides.
It was a relatively easy float for the two laps, except for the breeze heading into Spinniker Park. But I guess you can't have perfect conditions all of the time. How did the spokes hold up Popey?? Hope the wind didn't knock you around too much!
Once again I have no idea who got the kick..... Spy reports on this would be welcome!
Oh, and I forgot to mention the ghost that was seen on Wedneday nite - the ghost of Mickey Yong in full Saeco kit was spotted on RedRover Road.....
Whiffo hooked up with the bunch on his way home from work. Glad to see you back on the bike Whiffo - you've been missed on the Tuesday and Saturday hammer rides.
It was a relatively easy float for the two laps, except for the breeze heading into Spinniker Park. But I guess you can't have perfect conditions all of the time. How did the spokes hold up Popey?? Hope the wind didn't knock you around too much!
Once again I have no idea who got the kick..... Spy reports on this would be welcome!
Oh, and I forgot to mention the ghost that was seen on Wedneday nite - the ghost of Mickey Yong in full Saeco kit was spotted on RedRover Road.....
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Fastest Ride
Congratulations to all those who survived the paceline this morning - it was the fastest paceline to date - 42.37k/hr. Not only was the average speed impressive, but the bunch rolled along like a well oiled machine operating at maximum capacity and efficiency. It was impressive.
On the Coin Slot kick, I finally got the call up for a lead out. For a moment I thought I was Adam Hanson in the TDF getting the call up from super-babe-sprinter Mark Cavendish - but alas, in reality it was just little ól me getting the call for a lead out from IJ - no offence IJ!!
Our Bunch Barber attracted a lot of attention on the ride today - falling off at Stickmakers - luckily not underneath any of the passing cars!! - and then a flat just a few ks later on RedRover Road.
Special mention has to go to Kermie for pulling turns all the way on the paceline. No special mention for Astroboy who never made it to the ride at all!!
On the Coin Slot kick, I finally got the call up for a lead out. For a moment I thought I was Adam Hanson in the TDF getting the call up from super-babe-sprinter Mark Cavendish - but alas, in reality it was just little ól me getting the call for a lead out from IJ - no offence IJ!!
Our Bunch Barber attracted a lot of attention on the ride today - falling off at Stickmakers - luckily not underneath any of the passing cars!! - and then a flat just a few ks later on RedRover Road.
Special mention has to go to Kermie for pulling turns all the way on the paceline. No special mention for Astroboy who never made it to the ride at all!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Don Crosbie Memorial Ride - Sunday 25th October
Just a quick invitation to anyone who would like to join us in a Memorial ride for my Dad ( Keen cyclist for 60yrs & beloved President of the Kerang Amatuer Cycling Club ).
Leaving from Bunnings Car Park to the Many Peaks Pub on Sunday the 25th of October (This Weekend) the ride will be a 96k adventure up the beautiful Boyne Valley through Nargoorin, Ubobo, Littlemore, Bulyan then finally Many Peaks.
You will have to arrange to get yourselves back from there or stay and have a feed then ride back the way you came. Bring some money, plenty of water and something to eat along the way.
Or for those who don't want to ride all the way to Many Peaks just join us for the ride out to the 3rd railway X-ing (50k) then back home for a neat Hundy.
See you there and if we don't we'll be thinking of you. Hope to see you all there if you can make it.
Regards Croz
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday Ride - 18th October
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10 bikes with 11 riders met up at Bunnings and headed out this morning for the Backward Block roll. I should say 10 and a half riders - Bloomers was looking a little under the weather before the bunch rolled out!!
At the Yarwun "Dash for Cash" it was Jamie and Vicky taking line honours in round one - Oh, hang on a minute, that's because everyone had pulled up for Pauls flattie!!! Let's try that again. Round two - Bloomers and Sumo took each other on in the kick, with Sumo making an early salute to secure the win. Which ever way you look at it, a wins a win!
The pace was indeed leisurely and the company was fantastic. After the Saturday Smash, this ride comes highly recommended for easy recovery. A very enjoyable ride.
Oh, there really isn't any Cash up for grabs at Yarwun - I just thought it sounded good!!
At the Yarwun "Dash for Cash" it was Jamie and Vicky taking line honours in round one - Oh, hang on a minute, that's because everyone had pulled up for Pauls flattie!!! Let's try that again. Round two - Bloomers and Sumo took each other on in the kick, with Sumo making an early salute to secure the win. Which ever way you look at it, a wins a win!
The pace was indeed leisurely and the company was fantastic. After the Saturday Smash, this ride comes highly recommended for easy recovery. A very enjoyable ride.
Oh, there really isn't any Cash up for grabs at Yarwun - I just thought it sounded good!!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sunday Riding
The choice is yours for tomorrows riding adventures.
The mountain bike ride will be leaving from the Choice Petroleum at Sunvalley roundabout at 5:30am. From this mornings maccas discussions, it looks like there will be a few numbers turning up. Make sure you take plenty of water and a few spare tubes. Contact Matty for more info.
On the roadie scene, the "non-shop" ride will be departing Bunnings at 5:30am also. This is a 70k EASY paced ride - aimed at recovery. The ride will be a Backwards Block finishing at the Auckland Hill cafe. Remember to wear your favourite kit.
Good luck tomorrow to Zulu who is heading to Rydges for his first solo triathalon. Brother Ferg has ventured to Melbourne for tomorrows Around The Bay ride. I believe he is doing the 250k ride.
Enjoy your Sunday Rides - wherever they may take you!
The mountain bike ride will be leaving from the Choice Petroleum at Sunvalley roundabout at 5:30am. From this mornings maccas discussions, it looks like there will be a few numbers turning up. Make sure you take plenty of water and a few spare tubes. Contact Matty for more info.
On the roadie scene, the "non-shop" ride will be departing Bunnings at 5:30am also. This is a 70k EASY paced ride - aimed at recovery. The ride will be a Backwards Block finishing at the Auckland Hill cafe. Remember to wear your favourite kit.
Good luck tomorrow to Zulu who is heading to Rydges for his first solo triathalon. Brother Ferg has ventured to Melbourne for tomorrows Around The Bay ride. I believe he is doing the 250k ride.
Enjoy your Sunday Rides - wherever they may take you!
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Chalk and Cheese Ride
Well, if Wednesday nite was the Chalk ride, then Thursday nite was the Cheese ride. I don't think there could have been a bigger difference in the weather conditions if mother nature had actually tried.
A bunch of 8 rolled out from the back of the shop at 5:28pm - 2 minutes ahead of Polar time. Don't know what the go is with that??? Be warned for Saturday morning - arrive 2 minutes ahead of schedule unless you want some TT practice!!
A rather uneventful ride followed - Dom's skills have improved immensely over the past couple of weeks and he even managed to stay up right for the entire ride. Ati also rode much better this week - holding onto the pack for a majority of the ride. Keep turning up Ati - in no time at all, you'll be pulling turns the whole way.
In the lead up to the kick, the Workshop Boys started to up the banter. In the end who won???
A bunch of 8 rolled out from the back of the shop at 5:28pm - 2 minutes ahead of Polar time. Don't know what the go is with that??? Be warned for Saturday morning - arrive 2 minutes ahead of schedule unless you want some TT practice!!
A rather uneventful ride followed - Dom's skills have improved immensely over the past couple of weeks and he even managed to stay up right for the entire ride. Ati also rode much better this week - holding onto the pack for a majority of the ride. Keep turning up Ati - in no time at all, you'll be pulling turns the whole way.
In the lead up to the kick, the Workshop Boys started to up the banter. In the end who won???
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Starburst Ride
Somehow mother nature has gotten her seasons mixed up. I thought October was the second month of Spring, not the first month of Summer!!! At 31 degrees and with a strong northerly breeze blowing, BB1 and BB2 headed out for an early mark around the block.
By the power station, I was realising that this was going to be a VERY VERY long trip around the block. At the same time, I'm sure HandiCat was thinking the same thing sitting on my wheel as she was being swooped by magpies. HandiCat - there's only one reason I was out the front hitting the wind and that was to avoid being magpie bait!!
On Kirkwood Road "Team Sawn-off" were required to administer some road side assist to BSB who had been pulled up with a flat. When BSB opened his bag of Starburst treats, I'm not sure who was providing the assistance - Us with the valve or BSB with the lollies???!!!! You were a life saver BSB!
On the hammer ride, the boys had a fun time avoiding the wildlife around the block. Snakes, Wallabies and Bunnies were all trying to attract the attention of the 7 hitters that headed out for the off season smash - thankfully all riders remained upright and with skin intact!!
By the power station, I was realising that this was going to be a VERY VERY long trip around the block. At the same time, I'm sure HandiCat was thinking the same thing sitting on my wheel as she was being swooped by magpies. HandiCat - there's only one reason I was out the front hitting the wind and that was to avoid being magpie bait!!
On Kirkwood Road "Team Sawn-off" were required to administer some road side assist to BSB who had been pulled up with a flat. When BSB opened his bag of Starburst treats, I'm not sure who was providing the assistance - Us with the valve or BSB with the lollies???!!!! You were a life saver BSB!
On the hammer ride, the boys had a fun time avoiding the wildlife around the block. Snakes, Wallabies and Bunnies were all trying to attract the attention of the 7 hitters that headed out for the off season smash - thankfully all riders remained upright and with skin intact!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wednesday Nite Rides
With the road season now finished and the winter chill far behind us, the Wednesday nite rides have returned to "The Block" circuit.
Still leaving the shop at 5:30pm, the ride will head out to Yarwun, across to the Historical Village and back into town via Haddock drive.
Still leaving the shop at 5:30pm, the ride will head out to Yarwun, across to the Historical Village and back into town via Haddock drive.
Sunday MTB Rides
Looking for something different to do on a Sunday morning? An organised mountain bike ride has been commenced which may interest those of you who are wanting a break from the roadies over the summer.
The ride leaves the Choice Petroleum petrol station at the Sunvalley Roundabout at 5:30am. The ride will go for approx 2hours - but you're free to ride for as short or as long as you like.
Contact Matty for more details. All riders are welcome.
The ride leaves the Choice Petroleum petrol station at the Sunvalley Roundabout at 5:30am. The ride will go for approx 2hours - but you're free to ride for as short or as long as you like.
Contact Matty for more details. All riders are welcome.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Racing Update
At the Ramp Sprint last nite it was M1 riders - One, Two and Three. The King retained his title claiming victory over Dark Horse in the final showdown. Sean is certainly living up to his Dark Horse reputation - time trial specialist, hill climber and now sprinter. Zulu rounded out the top 3 for M1.
The time trial this morning saw Dark Horse claim another 2nd place. I believe Zulu may have also claimed another 3rd????
The road race came down to a bunch kick with adopoted M1 rider Ada taking the victory across the line. Thunder pulled out a 3rd following a lead out from Zulu. Rumors are floating around that two M1 riders actually missed the start of the road race - arriving just as the race was leaving. Could this be true LG and Whiffo????
In Canberra, IJ finished the 98k road race in 17th place, coming home in the 2nd bunch after a break split the classy field. Specimen from Rocky claimed 5th spot in the same division.
The time trial this morning saw Dark Horse claim another 2nd place. I believe Zulu may have also claimed another 3rd????
The road race came down to a bunch kick with adopoted M1 rider Ada taking the victory across the line. Thunder pulled out a 3rd following a lead out from Zulu. Rumors are floating around that two M1 riders actually missed the start of the road race - arriving just as the race was leaving. Could this be true LG and Whiffo????
In Canberra, IJ finished the 98k road race in 17th place, coming home in the 2nd bunch after a break split the classy field. Specimen from Rocky claimed 5th spot in the same division.
Saturday Ride - 3rd October
For those of us not racing away this weekend, it was a damp start to the weekend and the Saturday morning ride. As expected, the numbers were down, but in the end the bunch rolled out with 10 riders.
I should mention that before the bunch actually managed to roll out, we had to wait for Bloomers to demonstrate his tyre changing abilities. FINALLY 10 minutes late, we rolled out. For Bloomers though, he didn't roll too far - to the Yarwun roundabout to be exact - before he got his second flat of the ride. I don't blame you for taking the car to maccas!
With only 6 riders turning right this morning, there were few wheels to hide behind. Luckily Greyhound and Bush Slasher were there to pull some strong, hard turns - until Andrew got a flattie at the base of Haddock, then it was all up to Johann.
Ride of the day has to go to Mecca who never missed a turn on the hitters ride - which did include turns next to Bush Slasher and the Banana Peeler Johann. Well done Mecca.
I should mention that before the bunch actually managed to roll out, we had to wait for Bloomers to demonstrate his tyre changing abilities. FINALLY 10 minutes late, we rolled out. For Bloomers though, he didn't roll too far - to the Yarwun roundabout to be exact - before he got his second flat of the ride. I don't blame you for taking the car to maccas!
With only 6 riders turning right this morning, there were few wheels to hide behind. Luckily Greyhound and Bush Slasher were there to pull some strong, hard turns - until Andrew got a flattie at the base of Haddock, then it was all up to Johann.
Ride of the day has to go to Mecca who never missed a turn on the hitters ride - which did include turns next to Bush Slasher and the Banana Peeler Johann. Well done Mecca.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday Ride - 1st October
The nite before a big weekend of racing, the pace was off for the Thursday nite float. The easy float even bought LG and the Fashion Police out of the woodwork.
The bunch also gained a new addition tonite - Ati. It was an adventurous ride for our newest addition, a flat on the first lap and a few wobbles along the way!! Despite the wobbles and the flat, Ati survived her first lap with a special escort from Thunder and Kittstar. Well done.
Popey, I've never seen you talk so much as what you did tonite. Any reason?
Weekend Racing
This weekend is shaping up to be probably the biggest weekend of racing for the big guns of the M1 bunch.
Maryborough Masters kicks off tomorrow with the first event being the infamous Ramp Sprint. We've all heard about it before - but can the King take out title number 10 tomorrow nite or will he be knocked off his throne from the cluster tampering Zulu?? And the Ramp Sprint is just the first event of the weekend.
M1 riders heading to Maryborough include Thunder, Zulu, LG, Dark Horse, Whiffo and Brother Fergo.
IJ is heading further south to Canberra for the Masters National Championships. Tomorrow will see IJ compete in the road race followed by the criterium on Monday afternoon.
Good luck boys.
Oh, and with a majority of the big guns being away for racing this weekend, its the perfect opportunity to turn right on Saturday morning for the Hitters ride. Isn't that right HandiCat?
Maryborough Masters kicks off tomorrow with the first event being the infamous Ramp Sprint. We've all heard about it before - but can the King take out title number 10 tomorrow nite or will he be knocked off his throne from the cluster tampering Zulu?? And the Ramp Sprint is just the first event of the weekend.
M1 riders heading to Maryborough include Thunder, Zulu, LG, Dark Horse, Whiffo and Brother Fergo.
IJ is heading further south to Canberra for the Masters National Championships. Tomorrow will see IJ compete in the road race followed by the criterium on Monday afternoon.
Good luck boys.
Oh, and with a majority of the big guns being away for racing this weekend, its the perfect opportunity to turn right on Saturday morning for the Hitters ride. Isn't that right HandiCat?