The 2011 Canungra 6 Hour

The blog is starting to sound like a broken record with our Gladstone riders getting places everywhere they go!

The most recent one, again, is Ray, placing second at the 2011 Canungra 6 hour. Ray was determined to beat last years placing of 4th at the 6 hour, this year he blew it out of the field, placing against younger, not so fitter riders.


Well done Raymond!

The Grasshopper

Little grasshopper asked advice from the master in an email early this morning.

How do you hold onto yellow in the South Australian Criterium Championships?

Thunder said, "Grasshopper, I have studied this photo many times for three long days without eating, I consumed only water from the purist source, and at the stroke of midnight on the 3rd day, it came to me... Son, you must go down to your nearest TREK dealer and ask for the purist form of bicycle, the 6.9ssl. Then hopper, the Yellow will be yours forever. Go forth down to the Trek shop my boy, and grab your dream."

Just a couple of pics of my good mate Marky Chadwick, he is in the Yellow Jersey on the left, and currently competing in the South Australian Criterium Series.

He is currently the representative for Focus Bikes Australia, which are quite nice bikes.

http://www.focusbikes.com.au/

The Flat Flat Ride

It was a perfect day for riding this morning and the turnout at the start of the ride was a reflection of this. Biggest numbers we've seen on a Tuesday for a long, long, long time.

As you would expect, with the extra numbers, the paceline was nice and firm. The good thing about it though was that the extra numbers also meant that you only hit the front once - or twice if you were really unlucky!!! From Sticky's into the Ant Nest, Grainfed pulled a solo turn from hell - too strong for every other rider in the pack. I would post SpyCat's comment on Grainfed's effort, but we're a family blog here and those choice words she used may cause offence!!!

After the paceline it was just flat, flat, flat. It was definately a chick thing this morning. SpyCat was the first to go followed by me a few k's later. Oh, but in between flat one and two, Grainfed and IJ got up close and personal with a bus going out to collect Ants. Good thing you were both breathing in at the time!

I'm pretty sure everyone on the ride this morning would agree that it was one of the best we've had!

The Frilly

Whilst doing some track building this morning, Thunder let out the most un-manly scream I've ever heard - complete with a hot shoe shuffle!!

It was just a little Frilly Thunder!!!!

The Sunday MTB Ride

After the usual town circuit float this morning, it was soon transition time to head up to the Sunshine Track. There was a good turn out. TrySmurf, SpyCat and myself headed over to the Cotton Wool track first for a couple of practice laps before the big boys turned up.

TrySmurf decided that it would be more manly of him to hand around with the boys, so he stayed for a few hot laps whilst SpyCat and I headed up to the Big Track. At the top we hooked up with LG who was waiting, complete with camera. The thing about MTBing is that it finds you out if you're a bit tired and the concentration isnt there - today this was me. On the second woo boy I went off the track, over some tree at the bottom and bounced all over the place until I somehow managed to get to the top in one piece. Seriously scary stuff. Unfortunately, one of the switch backs did get the better of me and once again I ended up eating dirt. Damn it!!!!

After about an hour of playing the boys decided to do some track building on the Cotton Wool track - they must have felt sorry for us chicks. All in all we added another 100m to the existing track, so now its about 500m long. SpyCat worked it out, that in preparation for the Capital Punishment ride, we'll have to ride 100 laps of the extended CW track to make 50ks!!! Yep - I can see that happening!!

A group vote sees the MTB rides on Sunday now starting at 8am. Meeting spot will still be the Choice Petroleum.

The Capital Punishment Challenge

BSB has laid down the challenge. BSB is doing the 2012 Capital Punishment MTB race in Canberra on March 17th.

The challenge - should you choose to accept - is either 100k or 50k around the best single track Canberra has to offer.

With everyone in M1 land getting more and more into the MTB scene perhaps it could be an opportunity for a M1 MTB road trip adventure????? We might have to fly to get there though! Anyone keen????

www.capitalpunishmentmtb.com.au

The Sultana Ride

Waking up this morning it was almost like a Ground Hog day repeat of Tuesday morning - blowing a gale and sprinkly showers. This time though, the four of us didn't pull the pin.

It actually turned into a bit of Girls v Boys ride. Thunder took first points for the boys when he took out the kick at the end of Kirkwood road. Some how though everyone else in the pack didn't get the memo about there being a new designated sprint zone. Boys 1 Girls 0.

Despite Floyd's best efforts on Kittens Mittens, he couldn't get to the top before SpyCat. Boys 1 Girls 1. I don't recall there being any points up for grabs over Haddock Drive. The girls took out maximum points for the pairs time trial in the Haddock Valley despite a late attempt by the boys to pull back some ground. Boys 1 Girls 2. I don't think there was any more points up for grabs for the rest of this mornings ride so it looks like the girls SMASHED the boys into pieces!!

And what's with the Sultanas??? Well according to Thunder I reminded him of some Sultana Bran ad where the Bran was going back to rescue more sultanas.... Don't worry, I didn't get it either!

See you all on Saturday mornig - 4:45am from the Craigs Bakery.

The Never Was Ride

To those of you in M1 land who never made the effort to get out of bed this morning for the bunch ride..... you didn't miss much!

Only 5 riders turned up at the start, but we all went out separate ways within about 500m when we got a little "sprinkle". Apparently when you've washed the road bikes on Sunday its a Go-Back-To-Bed clause when there are a few clouds in the sky and it LOOKS like rain... better luck Thursday morning.

Oh, and a another big congratulations has to go to the Silent Assassin who backed up again on the weekend for the WA state MTB championships. This time he went one better with a 2nd place. Given the trend SA, I think you need to find another state title to have a crack at... you may just go one better!!

The Mud Rats

With all the rain over the weekend, the Sunshine track has turned into a bit of a Mud track as the youngest member of the Dirty Rats found out on Sunday morning......

I'm just glad its not me that has to clean the bikes!!!

The Superfly Demo Bike

If you are after a new mountainbike, 29er dually, 26" all mountain, then we are slowly recieving demo bikes for you to take out for the day. Currently, we have a 2012, 19" Gary Fisher Superfly 100 elite in the shop ready to go.

Just a few things to go through and the bike is yours! Give us a call to organise a time.

There will be a 2012 Gary Fisher Rumblefish, and a 2012 Trek ex 9.8 arriving shortly.

The Grand Tour Bike

Forget tests that determine how fast a bike goes down a hill, check this out!

http://pelotonmagazine.com/Tested-Bikes/video/8/284/Madone-69SSL-Video-Review_prerolldone

The Champs

How is this for a champion effort. Who would ever think that the Silent Assassin would ever pull off 3rd place at the State Mountain Bike Championships. Not sure on Rays side of the race, but he will be letting us all know very soon no doubt.

Whispers in the corridor leaked, and apparently ray said he would have won if he was on a Trek. Just like old mate next to him. Onya Ray!

On the other side of the country we had Lewy (fossil) Marshall competed in the Australian Masters Road Champs. He placed 4th in the Time Trial (7 seconds from 1st) and won the National Criterium Championship. I also believe he grabbed the Champion of Champions, and won gold in the Time Trial at in the Australian Masters Games by 2 minutes!

Well done boys. You have both just confirmed my first ever cycling rule. "Never under estimate an old cyclist".

Last Chance For Big Savings

Here are the road bikes that are still available at the shop-

2011 Merida Ride Lite 94 - S, M/L - rrp $1899 - M1 price $1400 - full 105
2011 Merida Ride Lite 93 - M/L - rrp $1449 - M1 price $1019 - full tiagra

Remember that ALL Merida mountain and hybrid bikes are 30% off rrp. (exc 2012 models).

Call the shop to see what is still available.

The SSL

Need we say more? Come into the shop to see the rest.

The Package Deal

Yet another awesome deal for the everyday bike rider. If your after a simple commuter to get around on, or a bicycle to smash to work on, then the Trek 7.2fx is the way to go. The 7.2 compliments itself with a hydro-formed frame- offering superior ride quality and a lightweight bicycle. It is equipped with full shimano running gear, including a cassette hub and sealed bottom bracket. How could you go wrong?

Driven By Time

Here is Treks latest web vid on their top triathletes and time trialists.

http://www.youtube.com/user/trekbikesusa#p/a/u/0/yQFK2RSkkaA

Speeking of speed, just remember that it is a house rule that NO rider is to use their tri bars at ANY time whilst riding in, around, or any where near the M1 Cycles pack. This is just to keep riders safe, and so that we do not have any crashes that could be well prevented.

Thanks guys.