Kundas Return

If you have been reading the blog all year round, you will
know that King Kunda (aka Adnuk Fognik) retired from his cycling career earlier this year.

With his retirement being somewhat a let down, King Kunda has decided to return to the cycling scene in full form. Promising that he will make life hard for the B- grade field.

We have a picture of Kunda discussing his training program, trying to get signed onto a team for the 2012 road season.

King Kunda Promises Hope For All

I would like to personally congratulate Mick Newell on his victory in the Calliope Classic. He has been justly rewarded for his immense dedication and motivation towards the sport of cycling.
But I would also like others to know there is hope for all of you yet. I'm talking about the ones with ill-discipline, poor diets and lack of motivation.

I have decided, after much pressure from my many hoards of fans to come out of retirement for just one race. I have decided to ride the Hyne Timber Criterium on September 10. I want to come up against this well oiled, supremely executed man machine named Mick Newell and see just how good he is with my own two eyes.

Of course in the lead up to this event, I will take my preparation very seriously. I will continue with my diet as I always have. For example on Saturday I had a Big Mac deal, on Sunday I had a Big Mac Deal (it is hard to go past these new specials of only $5-95 between 1 and 2 pm). Today was much healthier, I started the day with a mandarin and three weet-bix; smoko was a spring roll and Coke; lunch was a salami roll followed by six cinnamon donuts from Coles (on special for only $1, how could I resist) and another Coke; afternoon tea was some crackers with Hommas, a Mars Bar and another Coke; dinner was meatballs, carrots and brocolli, followed by ice-cream and custard.

I will also employ the same coaching staff I have always used - me, myself and I. And I will train twice a week, 40km on Saturday, 100km on Sunday, for the next six weeks, starting from this Saturday.

Then I will come up to Maryborough and tear the legs off the B-grade field. I will do this in the nicest possible way, only to show people that you can still be a bit overweight, eat crap food every day of your life, train when you feel like it and there is nothing better to do, and still be the KING of your DESTINY.

Byfield Race- 24th July

Once again, Johnny and the boys put on a great race on the weekend. As part of the dirtclowns XC race series, this was a 25km or 50km race through the Byfield State Forest.

The track was great, mainly using fire roads as the race circuit, a few single tracks and some technical sections that would catch you out if you weren't on your game.

It was a le monde start, splitting the field greatly at the first corner.

Matty was in the main bunch of riders that got away, that lasted until just after the first set of hills.

A quarter into the race, I could see matt just about 1km infront of me. I was gaining on him quick until he took a wrong turn on the course. I took the opportunity to hammer it. My tactics were smart but the act was low. Full bragging rights, I put 30min into matty over the 50km.

Well done to Lochie, who had his first MTB race on the weekend. Never seen someone so keen to go training, straight after a race.

http://racesplitter.com/results/AC876210F

There will be another event in the coming months, so keep posted.

Merida Ride Lite 94-com

If you are after a roadie, and want even more bang for your buck then the next bike, the Merida Ride Lite 94-com comes fitted with race ready 105 components, high-strength lightweight aluminium frame, and rider friendly geometry, it's the bike you will ride to the race then home again.

The ride lite 94 was good value at $1899, we are moving them at $1349. So think twice before you look at another 105 roadie.

CALLIOPE OPEN

First of all, sorry to everyone that I didn't get their profiles on the blog. Things got a little busy at the shop and one thing led to another. Russ, Dom, Lew and anyone else that I missed, I'm sorry.

Driving out to the race I had an empty feel in my gut. This is be the first year that I have missed this road race. I have never won it before, but it is up there on my bucket list of races that I wanted to win.

We will start first with C grade. This one is pretty hard as I only saw the riders scattered as they were going past me at the top of the range. I thought to myself, hmm, that's Big Lew's race gone. Once again, Lewy pulled that ace from under his sleeve and did what he is best at. Lew time trialed back to the pack. That's what is expected of a National level pursuitest.

The next time I saw the C graders was at the finish line. The finish was taylor made for Lew. Down hill, big gear, DONE! Congratulations Lewy on your win in C grade. Not bad for a 50 plus year old.

Ray, Russ and Dom, you boys can hold your heads high. Next year Dominic will not be mucking around at the range, straight into the big chainring so he won't make the same mistake as sunday.

Dylan Nankeville placed second in his 40km handicap. He was the back marker with the U17 state track rider. Dylan pulled in every rider in the race, but was out done by the sprinter at the line.

As you all know, I wasn't racing. So I arranged to have the best seat in the house, following the B grade race. I was the first follow car with all the spare wheels. Nothing really happened on the way out, a few half hearted attempts to get away. But they were pulled back in by the bunch. As we all know, this race doesn't really start until the range.

Hell yeah, didn't the hammer go down. The boys were going that hard up the range that they were leaning on the corners. Unlike C grade, if you don't get over the range with the main pack. Your never going to get on. Marty and Brad almost paid that price, they were only a few meters off the back and it took them a good 3km to get back on.

Brad was the first to get into trouble, I drove up to him an asked him whats up. He was cramping that and couldn't pedal. His race was over.

About 5 k from the turn Sean and Micky rode off the front. The main bunch made a half hearted attempt to chase. They must have thought that if they left them out there, they will fry, we will pull them in when we want them. That was the mistake of the race. A mistake that they paid for.

1 minute became 2 minutes. The boys had a 2 minute break with 50 km to go. The main bunch were chasing hard but couldn't put a dint into the M1 Cycles team.

30km out, Sean started to cramp badly and lost micks wheel. Sean somehow kept his head on and held the pack off with cramping legs to place 2nd. What a huge effort Sean. You are no longer the Darkhorse, you are now, Horse.

Now call him what you want. LG, The Transformer, Rodent. But don't ever ask him how he is going. Man, he will tell you how many calories he has consumed, how many he has burnt. How many watts he is producing over how many km's, set out in seconds.

Micky is living proof of being hungrier then the next rider. Get one of the best coaches, weigh everything you eat, and be tough, mentaly and physically. You also need to ride the best bicycle on the market, then you can have a chance of doing what Micky did.

Mate your ride was nothing short of fantastic. I just cant say it how I want to. Best you all ask Micky about the race.

I would also like to say that Cameron Jennings did a fantastic job on this rough bit of coal, he somehow turned LG into a diamond.

It was a fantastic day, great turnout, and some great races.

The Silent Assassin. RAY

I first met The Assassin I think it would be about two years ago now. He walked into the shop mumbling on about mountain bike riding over in Collie (WA) and that he had built this 10km mountain bike track. I was thinking. Yah yah yah. Give me a break mate. I built the great wall of china too.

Well to make a long story short. He was right and I was wrong of thinking he was full of S...... .

If anyone has a mountain bike. You would be doing yourself a favor to turn up on a Tuesday night an join Rays MTB ride. They head off to the Sunshine track, where Ray has singlehandedly dug, Wippersnipped, Dragged logs and other bits of timber through the bush to build the best mountain bike track that has ever been built in Gladstone. (EVER).

Ray was just like any of us. (NEW) Ok he had done a little bit of riding. But the thing that I noticed first about Ray was that he hung in there. No matter who was half wheeling him -and Ive seen plenty of riders trying to stick it to him. He just digs a bit deeper and hangs in there. Just looking at this man you might think. "This old bloke wont last long" That will be the first mistake any rider will make this Sunday. The Silent Assassin will wear you down. He will keep coming back.

Mate I really think You can win the King of the mountain in C grade. Its just the final sprint that has me worried, as turn of pace is not one of your strengths. Just a bit of advice for you. (Dont befriend any sprinter this sunday) They only have one thing on their minds - And that is crossing the finish line first.

The Zulu. Marty Cooper

I will always remember a road trip I did with the Zulu. We were having a bit of a heart to heart. You know the one where your trying to solve the meaning of life. Marty was telling me about his old Pro wind surfing days when he was over in the USA. I couldnt help myself. I had to ask. "Mate It must have been great doing that stuff. Surf, girls , parties. Girls, party," I think the response was something like. - Thats the difference between Me and you mate. When all the parties were going on, I was still out in the surf training. I would only come in to eat an drink. Then go out again.


Like the Zulus blab on Me, we have only known each other for 6 years. We have two things in common. We ride bikes. We breath air. This weekend is the holy grail for most of us riders in Gladstone. I think Marty has the experence of big time in other sports as well as cycling to know what this race is all about. An knowing how to race this race when it counts. Marty you would have to be the most respected and the most feared rider in the M1 bunch. You cant hide behind the old "Im just riding fresh" anymore old mate. You are the Wolf in Sheeps clothing.

This weekend will unfold into a great story. I believe how you ride this race will have a big influence on the outcome of the race.

The Fence

Ever wondered what would happen if you came off your bike in the middle of a bike race and landed on a barbed wire fence??? Imagine no more.

If you haven't already seen it on the news already, you'll see it on the Tour highlights tonight. A bunch on last nights stage is hit by a car... the rider on the left is flung onto a barbed wire fence.. here is the result. OUCH!!

Matt Jenkin aka- Boonga, Thunder, The King

I can keep this profile short because if you have ever been in earshot of Matty you would have no doubt heard all the stories first hand.

Being a sprinter, I expect to see Matt finishing at one end or the other. He is not likely to cross the line, making up the numbers in the grey area of mid bunch. It will be black or white. Expect a total failure or an outright victory.

One of our fellow competitors summed it up very well a few years ago.

We were all grouped in the start area waiting for a stage race to begin. Matt was some distance off, but he still could be plainly heard explaining the finer points of his race plan. Even though he was talking to a single rider, he had managed to get nearly the whole bunch as his attentive audience. Everything was normal.

A strong GC rider who I was near, (he happens to be on the Calliope Classic start list) pointed at Matt and without any levity, made this comment to his mate.

"That fellow over there … If you come up against him in a sprint, you will not beat him."

I have seen Matt live up to that claim more often than not.

Regarding the Calliope Classic, only a fool would not rate the seasoned vet who has won Masters A races. A vet who has a list of achievements that go well beyond the 6 years I have known him.

I recently heard he took out the overall KOM at the Tablelands tour this year. Not bad for someone who reckons he climbs like a brick.

Good luck to all the competitors and to those that support this great local race.

The Zulu.

They're At It Again....

The M1 crew from Brissy - Pete and Karen - have been off on yet another bike riding adventure around the world. At the end of May, Thunder and I caught up with them just before they packed their bags and their mountain bikes to head to the US - including Maddison (home of Trek)!!!!! - and then Europe.

At the moment, they're at the Tour (again!!!) and Karen was in the right spot at the right time. In her hot little hand is Mark Renshaw's water bidon!!!.... Karen - I have bidon envy. There is no way I would be washing that - EVA!!!

Sorry guys, can't get the picture any bigger :(

Michael Newell - LG The Transformer

If Mick never wins a major open in his life, he will still be a winner. Why did I call him LG the Transformer? First, because he is slightly obsessed with the Garmin cycling computers, and also because of how mick has changed himself, mentally and physically. I have never seen anyone transform themselves so much. Sort of like a fat grub to a butterfly. Mick was over 100kg when he first started cycling, he walked into my shop a few hours ago, and notified us all that he was 75kg.

There is an old saying "If nothing changes, then nothing will change". For all them roadies out there who want to be a better bike rider, or they are sick of doing the same old thing year in, year out, and are getting busted in the same old races, in the same old grade year in, year out, if you want to improve, do what mick does. Do what he says. You will improve.

LG is 100% full on in every way. He does everything 100%. He is coached by Cam Jennings, who I believe one of the best out there. Micky does everything Cam tells him to. When I say everything, I really mean everything.

I believe Mick can win the Calliope Classic road race. Only because it's his time. Mick will climb with the main bunch, not with the best climbers. When the one or two riders get over the hill before the bunch, Mick will be the first one to start the chase, and will catch the riders who dropped him on the hill, if.

Mick has covered all bases. He can go up with the climbers, he can turn on the pace with the drivers, and he can drive them gears with the sprinters.

Mick needs to ride smart, with a brutal race plan. He will have to hold himself back from working too much so that he wont bust himself. He will have to control and use riders to his advantage. The only thing that will bring him undone is if Tucker is there at the end.

Darkhorse - Sean Vacher

When someone asks me about Sean, and what sort of bike rider he is, I stop and think for a bit. Do I put him up on a pedestal? Do I tell them that he rides with us a bit? Or do I say what I really think about him?

Sean got his nickname for one reason, and for one reason only.

I always knew that Sean had a big motor, so at Sean's first race in rocky I went up to Mark (Wild Thing) Dunlop - the clubs handicapper. I explained to Mark that this bloke can start with us, he is as strong as hell.

I do this to all the M1 riders - I try to puth them in the appropriate handicap. I threw Sean in the deep end. Long story short. The Zulu put in a turn from hell and busted Sean.

After that race we never saw Darkhorse for a while. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I do we recall that Darkhorse turned up for the Clubs Time Trial Champs. He won, and has won just about every Time Trial since.

So getting back to the original question about what sort of rider Darkhorse is.

Sean is one of the most physically gifted roadys that I have seen in years. If he decides to put the hammer down hard on the range, then I know for sure that I, and many others won't be able to go with him. Only the best few riders will climb with the Darkhorse.

One of my riding mates said that he would be at the top of the range with Darkhorse. I have $20 in my johnny rocket to say only if he wants you there.

Sean, the main thing that will hamper you in this race is that you dont have enough racing experience on the bike. My best advice for you is to think of it as a training ride, not a race. Don't be at the top of the range with anyone that can sprint. I think you know that one. If you can get in a break with someone like Craig Taylor then the rest of the pack will be racing for 3rd.

I know that Sean will be there at the end of the race for the sprint. What happens after that is how he decides to bring it home.

Rest In Peace Carly

Carly

I remember the first Canberra Tour we raced together when you said that your dream was to get to Italy. You made it Carly - racing and training in Italy. You were living your dream. Not many of us can say in our lifetime that we have done the same.

You have been taken way before your time. Your family and friends will miss you and the sport of cycling will miss you too.

May all your rides be in beautiful sunshine and may you always have tailwinds to help you on the way.

Rest In Peace always Carly.

Kate

http://www.news.com.au/world/cadel-evans-thoughts-turn-to-carly-hibberd-after-her-death-in-a-training-accident/story-e6frfkyi-1226089545312

The Old Battler - Craig Taylor.

Yesterday my phone rang. A scratchy, yet familar voice on the other end calling me Thunder. It was my old mate Craig Taylor - hitting me up for a bed on the weekend of the Calliope Classic race.

I would give anyone a bed who was a roady, especially someone like Craig, who has done the same for me.

A story that I always remember about Craig is when he just started riding the Criteriums at Muarrie (Muzza). Craigy wanted to ride A grade, but every weekend the officials would say no, you are a B grade rider.

Every weekend Craig would ride in from Ipswich, do the race then ride home. But not straight home. He would ride the long way up over all the hills. About 180km all up.

Even with all them km's in his legs, Craig rode off the front of the B grade race. He has been racing A since.

Craig has won state track and road titles, national track and road titles, as well as a world points score title.

So ladies and gentlemen. Looks like we have a bikerace.

Craig is one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet. A type of chap that will take the time to stop and chat at a race, or in the tyre section of a bike shop. He will not treat you any different if you are a hitter or a bunter. Just a good all round bloke, a True Aussie Battler.

I cant stand the way he races sometimes. He does not stop attacking. A mate of mine said to me after a race one - "You know what matty, Taylor stopped smacking us after you got popped."

Do I think Craig can win? With a solo effort. Yes. If there is a sprinter at the end that has the legs, then no. The way I see it, there are only two riders who have nominated that can sprint. When I mean sprint, I mean the type of sprinter that can drive the final nail in the coffin.

So all you "sprinters" out there, don't get upset if you have a bit of a turn of pace and I don't rate you...

On a final note. If i say anything to up set anyone in these columns, then I'm very sorry. But I do believe that you should never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Rider Results

Sorry for another late edition, but we are going to put what we know about these riders, and what they have won.

First of all was Grainfed. In the 2 open C grade races that he has ridden in Brisbane, he has placed 2nd and 3rd in both criteriums and has also won all the sprint primes in both races.

Secondly, Tucker. Tuck has won just about everything at state level as a senior rider, national track and road races, and has also got the world masters track pursuit to his name.

Russell Tucker. The Smiling Assassin

Moving onto the big boys now.
Without any doubt, Russell Tucker is my number one choice for the Calliope Classic road race. This is the full package.

You would be sitting at the card table with Tucker. In his hand he would have nothing, but his face would be telling you that he had a fist full of aces. And even if you had all the aces in your hand, you would be too scared to call his bluff.

If any rider turns up in the B grade race thinking that you have it over Russ tacticly, I'm telling you now, stop writing out cheques that you cant cash boy.


I'm not really sure if Russell is fit at the moament. But if anyone can the deliver the goods in this race, it's Tucker. He is going to be stronger, faster, and smarter then the next rider in this race. If he is fit.

Does this race mean anything to me? Hell yeah. I have raced it every year. Fit, fat, sick. I have thrown my cards on the table every year. I have never won it. I am very aware of the names that are racing. I've even thought about taking time off so I could train for this one, but 3 others are already doing this.

Rider Profile - Grainfed

Im going to put a profile of every rider that I know are riding the Calliope Classic road race. The first rider is going to be Brad Lawlor.

Nickname - Grainfed
Height- 186cm
Weight- 88.6kg
Time Riding- 1 year
Strengths- Sprinting / high turn of pace
Bike- Trek 5.5 - Sram Force

Brad is a rider who has come a long way, in such a short time. As my Grandad said to me once, "you can't beat youth", and youth is exactly what Brad has on his side. But he is young. And that is going to be his unfolding.

When Brad was going well he was winning every bunch kick for about a month. I believe if he is there at the end of the Calliope race he could win it. He has a good turn of pace and can hold it. He has something to prove and nothing to loose.

Brad's last race out at Yarwun was nothing short of terrible. So he has a lot of improving to do. I really dont think he will get himself up the hill, if he does, I think he is going to run out of legs on the way home, which I have done plenty of times.

He did impress me in the Canelands tour by never missing a turn at the front. Then riding off the front and having a go on his own a few times.

Best of luck young bull. I dont think this is going to be your time in the sun. As there are fitter and better riders that are going to make it hard for you.

SICK OF BEING SICK

Yeah, I have been crook lately, and with being crook, the old head falls off. Sorry for not writing anything on the blog. Even the training has gone out the window up until a few days ago.

Here is a quick run down, just so you all so not miss out on anything.

Saturday was the first day that I have felt half healthy in the last week.

I got up at 4am, on the bike at 4.30am, smacked out a quick hill circuit, turned up for the 5.30am bunch ride. I had all intentions of doing Haddock drive after the town smash, but with Michael Newels influence, I decided to turn left, and go straight to the coffee shop. LG does not think I need hill training.

Saturday afternoon, I went out for 1.5hrs of race- simulated training on my own, aka motor pacing.

Sunday morning my legs were smashed, I just did a 2hr easy recovery ride with the bunch.

This morning I did 20min on the rollers, and a little bit of core work.

Sorry guys, no weight listing today. The scales are ahh... out of order?

So now we only have roughly two weeks to go till race day. An the BS is hotting up, and now it is my turn to spin a little bit more, by putting rider profiles on the blog, telling you all exactly how I think they will go. This is going to be a close one.

2011 OUTBACK FESTIVAL CENTURY CHALLENGE

Saturday, 24 September, 2011
Ever wanted to ride the wide open roads where you can count
the minutes between cars, rather than the number of cars each
minute. If so, than this is the challenge for you. Two
cycling challenges that both cover a Century. For the modern
day athlete there is the metric Century (100km) and for the
stubborn traditionalists, the imperial Century (160km).

This is your opportunity to venture out west, into the
Outback and experience "true blue" bush hospitality.
Come outback, where the air is fresh, the skies are blue,
and the cars are few.

This inaugural Outback Century Challenge is being held in
conjunction with the Winton Outback Festival. So you will
have the chance to see some real Aussie characters and
events while you're out this way. There are Outback
Ironman/Woman events, bush poetry reading, live music
and of course the famous "Quilton Australian Dunny Derby".
http://www.outbackfestival.org/

HOW TO GET THERE

Winton is - 1367km by road from Brisbane
Winton is - 860km by road from Rockhampton
Winton is - 593km by road from Townsville
Winton is - 445km by road from Mount Isa
The other alternative is to fly into Longreach (177km from
Winton) or Mount Isa (445km from Winton). We are able to
assist with return transfers from either of these
destinations.

PRICE
FULL PACKAGE
$200-00 per person. This price includes the following:-
*** ride entry
*** an exclusive ride t-shirt
*** an exclusive Outback Festival water bottle
*** an exclusive Outback Festival cap
*** 2 nights accommodation in a tent city under a sky full of
stars (Sept 23rd and 24th)
*** Breakfast both mornings (Sept 24 and 25)
*** Entry into Friday's festival, featuring the Australian
Dunny Derby and Friday Fever Concert with headline act
Adam Harvey
*** automatic entry into all random prize draws
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - Enter by July 31, 2011 and pay just
$185-00 for the above package.
ALL entries close by August 31, 2011.
RIDE ENTRY ONLY is $80-00. Price includes ride entry,
t-shirt, water bottle and cap.
RELAY OPTION - Do you really want to be part of the Outback
Festival Century Challenge but don't think you can ride the
whole distance? Then put a team together and share the load.
Eg. 1 - Two (2) person team doing 50km each.
Eg. 2 - Four (4) person team doing 25km each.
The above costs apply, and all riders receive all the extras
listed depending on whether you choose the full package or
race only entry.

SUPPORTERS PACKAGE

$140-00 per person. This price includes
*** an exclusive ride t-shirt
*** an exclusive Outback Festival water bottle
*** an exclusive Outback Festival cap
*** 2 nights accommodation in a tent city under a sky full of
stars (Sept 23rd and 24th)
*** Breakfast both mornings (Sept 24 and 25)
*** Entry into Friday's festival, featuring the Australian
Dunny Derby and Friday Fever Concert with headline act
Adam Harvey
THE COURSE

Imperial Century (160km)

Metric Century (100km)

Both rides will take you along some spectacular
and vast outback roads.
The ride is flat, the only hills you will come across are
the ant hills (termite mounds along the road side). The
scenery is breathtaking, with rolling red plains, and
Mitchell grass Downs as far as the eye can see, dotted with
spinifex ground cover and the occasional patches of
lancewood and eucalypts.
At the completion of the ride there will be more outback
entertainment for you to indulge in while you unwind.
The Festival Finale on Satruday afternoon will include a
Mardi Gras (street parade), a concert featuring Dean Vegas,
the King of Rock, and 7 times World #1 ELVIS tribute artist,
and a fireworks spectacular.

FACTS ABOUT WINTON

Best known as the place AB (Banjo) Patterson wrote
Waltzing Matilda
The birthplace of Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial
Service (QANTAS) formed in Winton in November 1920.
QANTAS held it's first Board meeting in the Winton Club on
February 21, 1921.

So why not come a Waltzing Matilda to Winton to
take and take on this challenging and unique event!!
For further information, website http://www.beatyourowntrack.com/2011-OUTBACK-CENTURY.php
or contact beatyourowntrack@hotmail.com