Racing Wrap Up

What a weekend of results there is to report about!!! From the South to the North, the M1 riders left their mark in a BIG WAY!!

Firstly, lets head South with the M&M boys - no need to guess which one is the peanut M&M. Damp conditions on Saturday morning threatened the Masters A Crit at Maurarrie, but Peanut M&M threw his bike on the start line anyway. Red M&M - the brains of the pair - thought it was a safer option to sit the Crit out. After holding good position for the race, Peanut M&M pulled off a 4th place in a mass bunch finish. Best result for Peanut in Masters A for this season.

Sunday, belonged to Red. With little training in the legs - besides 160k the weekend before - Red had the ride of his life in the Masters A road race. An extremely strong field of 70 was shattered to pieces in the hilly, windy conditions - only the strongest survived. What remained of the lead bunch sprinted at the end, with Red claiming 6th spot. Former Gladstone rider IJ had the ride of his life and also took out first place to claim his biggest victory of his career - so far!

I need a rest. Too much excitement for a Monday morning...

Ok, heading North now. In A grade, The Proclaimer came home in 4th place - how many turns was it that you pulled Proclaimer???

In B grade, HandiCat confirmed that she won't be a front marker for this Weekends Canelands classic, by coming 5th !!! The Silent Assassin wasn't so silent and stuck his head out the front for too long on the last lap and got busted on the final sprint to the line.

Somehow Bloomers managed to get a start in D grade for the Cawarral race???? Needless to say, Bloomers scored his first and last win in D grade for the season - automatic promotion to C grade for you Bloomers!! Claiming another place this week was the Dominator - a 3rd to add to his 1st from the last Rocky road race.

Well done to everyone who flew the M1 flag high on the weekend.

Weekend Adventures

Its yet another weekend when there is a fair amount of riding adventures happening in M1 land.

The weekend will kick off with the Saturday morning bunch ride, leaving Fordy's at 6:00am. Saturday afternoon racing in Rockhampton will be at the Cawarral loop, starting at 2:00pm - not so sharp.

Sunday morning you have the choice of the Ubobo ride with BSB, leaving K-Mart around 6am or the usual Bunny's ride at 5:30am. There will also be an easy paced ride happening sometime Sunday afternoon... get in touch with Flossy or LG if you're keen.

The Zulu and Thunder are heading down to the city for the Metros. Saturday will see them tackle the Maurarrie crit course and back up on Sunday for the berg filled road race out the back of Boonah.

Happy cycling everyone.

Tuesday Nites

The crew at M1 Cycles have decided to get out and about a bit more during the week and will be starting up two new rides on a Tuesday afternoon to add a bit of variety.

Your choices will be.... an introductory / intermediate mountain bike ride in bush close to the city area OR an easy pace road ride, taking the same circuit as the new Thursday nite route.

Both rides will leave from the back of the shop at 5:30pm and will finish around 7pm.

For more info, contact Matty or Grainfed at the shop.

Product Of The Week

Instead of jumping on the Band Wagon, all the roadies are jumping on the Tandem Wagon!!! Or they soon will be with this weeks product of the week - the Trek T900.

Trek have advised that they finally have some T900's in stock - but they are moving out fast and already there are only 8 left in Australia.

If you're looking to get your Partner or kids involved in the wonderful sport of cycling, than the T900 is perfect.

RRP for these babies is $1,699.

Thursday Nite Circuit

Last week the bunch made an alternate Thursday Nite circuit which avoided Red Rover road altogether. Unfortunately, it didn't stop us from copping a couple of sprays from our fellow road users.

Instead of turning left at stickmakers, the bunch went straight through - heading out to the Port Authority roundabout and on to Spinnaker.

To make sure we don't miss out on the k's, the bunch is doing 3 laps of the shortened circuit - remember that for tonite boys and girls who are lining up for the kick!! 3 laps, not 2.

So if you're late for some reason, you'll know where to find us. I think all were in agreeance that the new circuit is far safer than the old Red Rover loop.

Chris Carter - MTB Coaching

We all know that Chris Carter is pretty handy on the mountain bike - probably about a 1000 times better than I am!!

Anyway, Chris has decided to pass on his knowledge and experience to other MTB riders in the area and has commenced his own MTB Coaching business.

This weekend Chris has social rides on both Saturday and Sunday - so if you're keen to find out more, give him a call on 0423 202 174 or email him on chris@mtbtips.com. Check out his website for a bit more info www.mtbtips.com

The Noosa Century Ride

Mr and Mrs Smurf, I mean Mr and Mrs Zulu together with Dark Horse ventured down to the City jungle on the weekend for the Noosa Century Ride.

It is only supposed to be 100ks - as the title of the ride suggests - but somehow Mr and Mrs Zulu ended up with 160ks for the day!!! Getting in a few ekky k's for the Metros this weekend Zulu??

The Black Coffee & Beetroot Diet

I'm not going to mention any names on this post - but I'm sure most of you will be able to figure out who has invented this extreme "weight loss" diet.

The diet consists of Black Coffee and Raw Beetroot PLUS all the Hungry Jacks, Magnums, Dorritos, Garlic Bread, Softdrink, Sticky Date Pudding and Hot Chips you can handle.......

I don't think this ones for me....

Its A Girl !!

On Saturday evening Tuggy and Carmen became proud parents of a baby girl - Aurora Veronica Pattison.

Congratulations Tuggy!! We don't expect to see you out and about on the Madone anytime soon!!

I would post a picture of bub - but I'm still waiting on Tuggy to email me the promised photos!

As you can see... I got one!!

Ubobo Ride

BSB is calling all riders who are interested in a long Sunday ride out to Ubobo and back this Sunday - 30th May.

BSB plans to leave from the Kmart Carpark at 6:00am. Obviously, if you're not keen for the whole distance, drive out to Calliope and hook up with the bunch from there. As BSB mentioned in his email - Hopefully the shop in Ubobo will be open for refuelling!!!

Around The Bay In A Day

Nominations are open again for this years Around The Bay In A Day ride in Victoria. You have a choice of distances ranging from 50ks to 250k.

Numbers are always huge and getting bigger by the year. If you're interested and will be in Victoria on Sunday 17th October go to www.aroundthebay.com.au

There are some flyers in the shop. If you enter before June 11 you'll receive a free cycling jersey.

The Record Slasher

Well boys and girls, in running there is the magic 4 minute mile, in M1 cycling land there is the magic (or insane - depending upon which way you look at it) 4 minute mountain climb up One Tree Hill.

Last nite before the ride, Bushy set a new record up the climb. 3 minutes 58 seconds from a standing start position at Valley Vista road at the bottom of the climb to the top.

The challenge has been laid down. Let the record breaking attempts begin!!

Grainfed was the first challenger last nite and took on the climb in a pretty reasonable time of 5 minutes 10 seconds. Credit has to be given that this attempt, was after the ride!

CHECK THIS OUT

Remember the pothole just as we turn onto Blain Drive, or better known as the dump road? Well the city council has done well to look after everyone who rides on the left hand side of the road. Can anyone remember how long this pothole has been here for? For a while when the roadworks were happening on the corner I thought someone might walk a few meters and throw a bit of hotmix in it. Atleast they let us know where the pothole is, I suppose.

Mt Perry MTB Race

Just a reminder that the closing date for nominations for the Mt Perry MTB race is the 30th of May.

A few of the M1 boys have made plans to go for the weekend, so mak sure you get your nominations in by the closing date.

Go to www.mtbgoldrush.com

Wednesday Nite Circuit Change

Tonite will see the bunch head out to Haddock for a couple of laps instead of the journey around the block - Yes, I hear you sighing already Zulu, I know you're disappointed!!

Given the increase in traffic along Redrover Road, Thunder has decided to take the bunch single file past the duck ponds and along Glen Lyon Road out to Kirkwood. From Kirkwood the bunch will start a "moderate" paceline straight along Kirkwood and out to Haddock for the first lap. "Moderate" means - NO SMASHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS - BSB and Hayley were spotted at the marina this morning doing a bit of sneaky winter ekky....

The Grainfed Apollo

Keep an eye out in the bunch for Grainfeds latest edition - an Apollo Ultra C - it arrived today.

This full carbon bike comes complete with Ultegra SL, a nice set of Easton wheels and a pretty flashy price point of $4,000 rrp.

If Grainfed can get the Proclaimer in the Spinnaker Park kick on the ol' GT - wait until next week when the Ultra C is out on the road!! Better spray some de-mister on your glasses for next week Proclaimer!!!

http://www.apollobikes.com./

Product Of The Week

The only time ergos appear to be a better option than a road ride is on mornings like this morning - when its cold!!! Mind you I was also sitting on the ergo with my new Bellwether winter jacket on - the one thats featured in the latest Bicycling Australia mag - so far it works a treat!!

Anyway, M1 now has all the winter gear you could ever need to keep your fingers snappy and your toes toasty during the cold months. Bellwether arm warmers, leg warmers, gloves and toe warmers are all in stock. There is also a Large winter jacket on the shelf as well.

Happy defrosting.

Interesting Website - Mick England

For those wanting to find out what Mick's been up to and to keep up to date with Mick's travels and racing adventures in Belgium, here is the link to his personal website.

http://michaelenglandcycling.webs.com/

Weekend Results

For those who headed north on Saturday - it was a pretty darn successful trip.

A grade - Zulu snared a third place in the Kremese. Dark Horse and the Proclaimer also came in with the bunch.

B grade - Bush Slasher was pipped just on the line to claim second place. A much better result than Bushy's first race at the Caves.

D grade - The Dominator had an absolute blinder and claimed victory in his 3rd race of the year. After the start you've had Dom, its great to see you come up trumps with a win.

For those who ventured south to the State Criterium, it wasn't as successful.

Masters 2 - IJ claimed a 5th place after being in a breakaway during the race. Unfortunately, the break didn't stick and they were pulled back to the bunch.

Masters 4 - A breakaway of three riders stayed clear from about 15minutes and claimed the first three places. Mind you, the bunch was breathing down their necks in the finishing straight. Some bad positioning in the last lap saw Thunder hit a bit of wind too far from the line - leaving the King without a crown. Thunder did manage a 7th place. A credible finish for most, but don't mention it to Matty.

Masters 5 - Fossil had a good dig at a solo break about 20 minutes into the race. Gaining around a 15 second advantage, it looked as though Fossil may stay away for a sneaky victory. As with IJ's race, the bunch got their act together and pulled him back in. A great display though Fossil.

State Criterium

The State Criterium is on again this weekend in Brisbane. Thunder will be competing in Masters 4 - 40 minutes + 3 laps and I will be competing in Elite Women - 30 minutes + 3 laps. We both have strong fields and the racing will no doubt be hard and fast. Hopefully some Criterium Gold may be making the return trip back to Gladdy.

In local racing, this weekend is the Kremese course in Rocky. Good luck to anyone going up.

Tomorrows coffee shop ride is still leaving at 6:00am and the Sunday Bunny's ride will roll out at 5:30am. Pull out those arm and leg walmers - after this morning, I think winters on the way.

The Last Wed Nite Block Ride

8 riders fronted for the ride only to find out the fearless leader was pulling a sicky.

The King doesn't miss many. Rolling out of town was marred by a driver deliberately giving the bunch a close shave even though there was a clear right hand lane available. Brad fortunately moved left as the car squeezed by. The wider horse float that it towed, came within a few centimetres. Lowered silver magna, trailer rego 424QJJ???

Some bunches will turn into rabble without a shepherd to watch over them, but the discipline was very good last night. The pace out to Yarwun was uniform and civilised. Best yet. There was a very exciting moment passing the Orica turn off. A stop sign has been placed in the middle of the turning lane at head height. Being edge on, it is difficult to see and would produce horrific facial injuries if struck at 40kph. Some late calls from the back of the bunch saw us just get past. Be careful and aware.

The rest of the ride was very courteous and incident free. Most doing the hills. As for yours truly and Mrs Zulu.... the hills were doing us!

Good riding fellas (and Mrs Zulu) and a welcome to new M1 rider, Peter Barnwell from Brisbane.

Zulu

Last Wednesday Block Ride

Tonite will be the last organised bunch ride around the block.

From next week, the bunch will be heading out at 5:30pm from the back of shop as per normal for a couple of laps around the Haddock loop. The number of laps is up to you - the pace will be kept off for the first lap to encourage the bunch to stick together - for at least one lap!!! That's the aim anyway!!

Oh, while I'm blogging - someone was spotted riding a uni-cycle this morning on the Bunnings bike path!!! This rider has been known to turn up for a few M1 bunch rides, but hasn't been spotted lately until today. The things you see.

The Bling Bling

Someone in the bunch has scored themselves a pair of Sidi limited edition Bling Bling shoes - And no, its not me!! Any guesses?

And if you're after a pair - there is another set for sale in the shop. But be warned, this Bling comes with a serious price tag - RRP $650!!!

Level One Coach

It appears that our wonderful local paper has got it "not so right" once again today with an article about Level One Cycling coaches available in Gladstone.

Its been confirmed with Queensland Cycling today that the only Level One coach residing in Gladstone is the one and only Matty "Thunder" Jenkin. Just setting the record straight.

Product Of The Week

Matty's clearing out the old stock to make way for the new. On the floor there are two Apollo 24 inch mountain bikes - suitable for kids - that must be moved.

Normally $349, Matty's letting them ride out the door for $200!!! So if you've got kids, or know of anyone looking for a bargain kids bike - send them in.

The Snoop Dog Ride

With the influx of traffic lately, the bunch is now taking a different route on Tuesday mornings. The 13k paceline and the Coin Slot kick still remain, but when the bunch hits the Stickmakers roundabout, we're rolling straight through until the parking bay on the left hand side of the road about 300m from the roundabout. We're avoiding Red Rover road.

Today the new route worked a treat except for the truck that just HAD to get past the bunch before the roundabout. The only thing funnier would have been if he had lost his load as he went through. Hope you're helmet cam got the plate Proclaimer.

Well done to Tuggy who had an absolute blinder in the first paceline. Great work Silent Assassin for bridging that gap back up to Tuggy's wheel. I'm still shaking my head at the Coin Slot kick. Yet again, the bridesmaid, thanx to Grainfed.

Wouldn't have a clue what happened over Haddock, we took the short cut, and boy was it good!

Saturday Coffee Shop Times

The question has just been asked - do we start the Saturday coffee shop ride at 5:30am instead of 6:00am??? Are we too soft leaving at 6am when Pyney is still heading around the block over an hour earlier? Post your response and a decision will be made!!!

Happy Tuggy??

Mount Perry 6hr Race

With the M1 boys cleaning up at the weekends MTB race, it might be a good time to mention that this years Mount Perry 6hr challenge is fast approaching.

The main event is on Sunday 13th June but there are also events on the Saturday and Monday. Categories for the main event include solo and teams for both age cat and male and female. From having a quick squizz at the website, there is some good prize money up for grabs - might just be up your alley Grainfed.

Nominations close 30th May and can be made via the website www.mtbgoldrush.com

Only downside is that the Mount Perry Challenge clashes with the Tour De Tablelands. Bugga.

Bundy Racing Results

With there being no road racing in Rocky on the weekend, The Proclaimer and Fossil headed south to Bundy to check out the racing action down there.

With both riders starting from scratch in the 60k handicap, the boys had their work cut out for them. To their credit, the boys caught all the riders just on the finish however, in a rather messy sprint, The Proclaimer got tangled up in another riders handlebars sending him waywards into the bush. Luckily though the Proclaimer rode away to sing another day, which is more than can be said for the other rider who is now resting with a broken collar bone!

With all the fuss, Fossil snatched 2nd place in the sprint. Great effort boys!

MTB 6 Hour Results

It was a pretty impressive effort by the riders from M1 who went to Rocky yesterday for the 6 hour MTB race.

In the solo sport division, Bushy took at first place. Apparently his time was fast enough to win the elite category aswell. Next time back yourself Bushy!

In the teams sport division, Grainfed and Thunder took victory aswell despite a few mechanicals along the way. In the first lap Thunder lost his back brakes thanks to being rear-ended by the Silent Assassin! The Fisher was unrideable so both boys finished the race sharing Grainfeds Lefty - which also suffered a snapped chain later in the race.

Not to be out done, the Silent Assassin and Chris Baker took out 2nd place in the teams elite division.

Well done boys. Good thing this "racing is easy prize money" hey Grainfed!

M1 Kit Registration

If you are wanting to compete in any Open races this season - like the Calliope to Biloela or the Rocky Open - in the M1 kit, you will need to get yourself and your cycling licence into M1 Cycles by the end of next week - Friday 14th of May.

If you're name and licence aren't on the form by next Friday you won't be able to wear the M1 kit at Open racing.

You should also remember that the Rocky Club logo needs to be on your M1 jersey for Open races. See SpyCat for details of the sewing person who is able to do this for you.

Riding This Weekend

Pyney assures me that he will still be venturing around the block tomorrow morning at 4:45am. Numbers have dwindled as the temperatures have dropped - but if you're keen on a 60k float, turn up and keep Pyney company.

Otherwise, the town circuit bunch will leave from Fordy's at 6:00am. And no Tuggy, the time won't be changing!! Its nice to get a sleep in!!

There is no road racing in Rockhampton tomorrow, however a few of the boys are going up to do the 6hr mountain bike race. I'm sure there will be plenty of stories to be told.

If you're looking for a road race, south is the direction to travel. The Bundaberg road season has started and tomorrow is a 60k race for A & B grade and a 35k race for the lower grades. For more info, get in touch with the Proclaimer (LG).

The Sunday riders aren't getting a sleep in, and will roll out from Bunnings at the normal time of 5:30am.

The Dirty Rats haven't organised anything this weekend as most of the boys are heading to Rocky tomorrow afternoon.

Results from the Labour Day Handicap have finally been posted. Jump on the Rocky Club website for a look.

Rodgers Memorial Hadicap

On the 22nd and 23rd of May there are two days of racing in Mackay - both Handicaps. Traditionally there is good prize money up for grabs both days.

Saturday - 45k handicap commencing at 2pm.
Sunday - 56k handicap commencing at 7:30am.

Nominations can be made through the Cycling Queensland website and entries close on Saturday 8th May - this weekend.

At least you'll know where the finish line is this year SpyCat!

Labour Day Cup

A good number of M1 riders made the trip up to Rocky on Monday for the annual Labour Day Cup Handicap - Tuggy, SpyCat, The Proclaimer, Grainfed, Silent Assassin, Thunder, The Dominator and Flossy. Bushy piked late on Sunday nite - apparently he couldn't get himself organised in time!

Although only a relatively short distance, the Labour Day Cup is one of the races that is hotly contested each year. Perhaps it has something to do with the great big trophy thats up for grabs! I do believe that one M1 rider was overheard saying that he would have "tried harder" if he knew there was a trophy!

Tuggy somehow managed to score himself a relatively "soft" starting mark - a minute and a half in front of SpyCat and Flossy. Go figure? The Dominator somehow managed to make a "wrong turn" on an out-and-back course. Go figure?

Ride of the day went to Grainfed who came home in 4th place, closely followed up by Tuggy the Soft. I also have to mention that Thunder claimed the bunch kick - he still hasn't shut up about it. And remember Proclaimer, POSITION, POSITION, POSITION!