The 1750

Skills

2010-08-12T10:52:00.001+10:00

He has them, possibly all of them.

Oh what a night!

2010-08-05T21:50:00.003+10:00

Flat rear.... no probs fix that. Change tube. CO2 freezes to the valve, rips the little top head out. Can't screw back in, broken valve.

Fix again. Change tube. flats straight away (turns out the tube hadn't been replaced since the last flat, or i damaged it on the lever.)

Fix again. Change tube. Al takes over, CO2 freezes to more of the valve head, but salvageable. Little presta head stays connected to the little screw bit. can screw back in, inflate manually

Set off.... joke to Ryan "oh no!!" and look at my front wheel. very funny, laughs all round

Then it turns out I actually do have a front flat. very un funny, laughs all round.

Front flat, fix that. Change tube. Inflate manually. Try to put wheel back on the front. Skewer nut has come lose and gone missing.

Look in the darkness in the long grass for a while, Ryan finds the spring. Look some more. No nut can be found.

Swap the skewer nuts over, move the nut to the front, ride with no rear skewer.

Get 15m, back wheel pops out with pedaling.

Despair, Mark suggests his brake nut, it fits! but not tight.

Set off slowly, get home.

Throw bike away.

Never ride again.

Props to the 1750 crew for sticking by me, and supplying me with many tubes.

Another race, another 1750 clean sweep

2010-07-22T15:30:00.001+10:00

1st in A Grade

1st and 3rd in B Grade

Horsley Park May 01 2010

2010-05-05T13:13:00.001+10:00

I survived my first B grade race at horsley. We raced 6 laps of the short course.
I took it easy for the first 2 laps, then I don't know what happened, I found myself out the front for the rest of the race. I was like a little puppy dog chasing the ball for the first time. Riders where breaking away, but didn't have the legs to stay away. The group would quickly reel them back in.
Then the last lap came. I wanted to conserve a little bit of energy, but no-one would come around. They left me out to dry. It absolutely drained me.
There was an attack on the first little pinch. I chased, the peleton swarmed, then found myself out the front again. With about 2 Ks to go, another attack. I chased that down, the race settled, then came the last right hand turn before the finish. The pace picked up again, I hadn't recovered from the previous effort and let them all go past. Sat up and rolled across the line dead last. Gil got second and a couple of Penrith riders got 1st and 3rd. At the end of the race Gil wanted to give me his prize money, saying I deserved it. I couldn't accept, but it was the best pat on the back ever.
Mark "the Theif", stole anther victory from C grade. We all tried to convince him he should be racing B grade, he insisted that he wasn't B grade yet. After breaking way on the second lap, Mark managed to stay out the front and pull away. Brent and Paul also managed to break away on the last, with Brent proving too strong on the line.

It was a really pleasant day, I rode out to Horsley with Thomas & Brent, on one of the best cycling paths ever, from Merrylands to Horsley Park. It did make it a big day on the bike. Leaving home at 12:30 and getting back at 17:40. I was so shattered on Saturday night, two beers and lights out.

1750 weekend race results

2010-03-14T14:47:00.000+11:00

6 members members of The 1750 in attendance.

1 in A, 4 in B, 1 in C grade, none in d and e grades.

Results

1st in A grade -The Al

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in B grade - Mick, Simon, hazza, bob

1st in C grade - Mark

Clean sweep

In future, all race entry fees are to be paid directly to the 1750
team members.

Hubbard's eye view of the 1750

2010-02-05T10:07:00.002+11:00

Damn lacc and their speedy riders

Stalker finaly gets caught

2010-02-03T20:51:00.003+11:00

I love

2009-11-30T13:32:00.002+11:00

Luke's Farewell

2009-11-25T09:14:00.006+11:00

pre-ride planning email:

----------------------------------------

We need to make him suffer. Lets see if we can make his teeth bleed.

At key points, we need to have him back in the line. person in-front of Luke drops off as the hammer goes down. Make him to lots of bridging. remember, if you've got luke behind you, do no work. even if you're first or second wheel.

Luke behind = stop working.

Key points:
1. Lilly field. make sure he isn't up the front as the road gets steeper.
2. approach to 5 dock shops.
3. Majors Bay. hammer time from the footpath. he corners like a girl so he'll be working hard to get back on.
4. approach to concord shops.
5. usual sprint line. Al, stay out of the action (see 7).
6. surprise hammer up the hill past the station at rhodes.
7. Al's turn. He'll have given it his all in the sprint. make him pay. dearly

any other thoughts?

----------------------------------------

The Ride

Riders were queuing up to deliver a warm heartfelt goodbye to our man Luke. Scotty made an appearance, along with Thomas at vic road.

Out of Pyrmont and the pace was easy, everyone too busy giving out the hugs goodbye to Luke. As we hit the col Al attacked. Properly. Luke showed no intention of saving himself from embarrassment, so it was up to Scotty to make sure that Luke made it home. Was this going to be a fizzer? was Luke going to let everything go all night? Surely not. maybe the right person just needs to attack. Getting smashed by Al is such a regular thing that I don't think anyone is really embarrassed anymore. mmmm who could cause the ultimate embarrassment. Bob.

It was up to me to deliver something, make him work. I picked my moment, the nice downhill at the start of lillyfield. Out the saddle and quickly up to 58kph. Quick glance back to see that he'd taken both the bait and the bit between the teeth. This could be on. Luke punched hard and was quickly in contact, driving it before Scotty came around and hammered it up the hill to the lights with the rest of the 1750 in tow. mmmm Luke was having an easy time on the Scotty bus. A quick word to Scotty and an explanation of tonight's rules ensured that Scotty wouldn't be dragging Luke anywhere.

Down the hill to the rowers was nice and slow, which gave me an opportunity to explain to Luke what would happen in the sprint tonight. He would be staring at my arse. Oh how wrong this prediction turned out to be. We formed a line behind Luke along the bike path, me in second wheel calling "slowing, slowing" in frustration at the lack of pace. Luke was having none of it. It was time to attack some more.

I picked my moment and darted around Luke at the lights and back onto the road, out the saddle and quickly driving it. Would Luke take the bait? Had I mentioned the sprint too early? I certainly wouldn't want him saving himself. Don’t want to look back tho, so I’ll just hammer it. Glance back as we take the sweeping left hander. And he’s gone for it. Luke, well off the front bridging the gap. I quickly ease up but make the appearance of hammering it as Luke comes shooting past.

No one is really working with Luke out front and we come together on the approach to the roundabout. Harry’s turn to attack. He’s off quickly on the approach to the five dock shops and Luke is showing no interest until Al also goes after Harry. bang. Luke’s in full flight, chasing down the escapees, spilling precious fuel all over the road.

Regrouping at the 5 dock lights and Luke is already showing small signes of the efforts. Nice. But there is some nervousness as we’re all aware of what’s install around the bay. We all make it through a nice clear gap in the cars at the roundabout and it is ON. Scotty, under the instructions of: “If Luke is behind you, don’t work, unless you are going out with a bang.”, was going out with a bang. He was out of the saddle on the limit the whole way. Al is in pursuit but well away from the action with Luke also needing to stand-up to maintain contact with a foaming-out-the-mouth Scotty.

Again, the lights force a regroup. Luke is looking like there is little left in the tank. Could this be the moment? Should I break away for the sprint now and go the whole 1.5k solo? Hell yes. Hammer time up the hill to Concord shops puts a nice gap on the group. We all get through the traffic pretty cleanly and there is a tidy little bit of distance as I head up the hill. Travis and Mike are up the front as I get unlucky at the roundabout, hard on the brakes as a car makes a right hander. Bummer. In the wrong gear and swamped by the group as Al picks his moment. He is away. Luke is not keen and we roll gently around the golf course. Luke knows it’s his last chance and puts his cards on the table. He goes all out on the hospital hill opening up a very tidy gap on the group. Oh no. could this be it? Is Luke really going to pants the lot of us on his final ride?!?!? Will our final memories of Luke be his arse riding off into the sunset? Not if I can help it. Out the saddle and shooting past the group on the hill I see Luke approaching the pinch.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! & SPLATTER

His legs explode. Bits of them come raining down as I go past, followed shortly by the entire 1750. He is toast, badly burnt toast, badly burnt toast in dead last. Unable to even see my (large) arse in the distance. Over the sprint line and still last.

Farewell Luke! Don’t forget to take the long way home via Pyrmont every now and then.

Haza Wins B Grade

2009-11-15T19:38:00.003+11:00

It had been a long time since my last race. Hitting the deck late in July haddn't helped. Saturday came, and I was ready for another attempt at B grade.
This was to be my second B grade race, I was nervous. We all rolled to the start line. A grade took off, then it was B grades turn. Mike and I where at the front. First lap, Second Lap, Thrid Lap, Mike and I still out the front. The laps started ticking over. There where a few attacks, nothing to worry about though.
We got the call, "Three laps to go". I knew, now is the time to start sucking wheels. The whistle then blew. Two laps to go. I still remained on third wheel. Some guy tried to take off, I jumped on his wheel and just stayed there. I knew I couldn't let the pelton swamp me. As he blew up Mike came around. Now it was the Bell lap. I knew I had to leave Mike out there. Just before the last corner, "click", up one gear. Take the corner, in the drops, Full gas. I gave it all, the line was getting closer, I was getting faster. I couldn't hear anyone around. I still had something in the tank and just kept going through the gears. Crossed the line alone. Victory was mine.

Five Dock to the City

2009-11-15T18:21:00.002+11:00

1750 in the Wet

2009-11-15T09:03:00.002+11:00

Homebush Hot Lap

2009-11-13T22:52:00.003+11:00

RULES

2009-09-29T13:19:00.001+10:00

Rules suck, and should never be written down.

Having said that. Here they are:

Rules – Equipment

Wheels

Minimum spoke count: 28
Maximum spoke count: 32
700c
Any form of racing wheel is prohibited eg, ZIPPS
Must be clincher
Must be aluminium
Must not have large or cool looking decals

Tyres

Coloured tyres are prohibited
Minimum width 23
Maximum width 23
Preferred types – Conti Ultra Sport, Conti Gator Skin, Conti GP4000
Acceptable types – whatever is on special
Needless to say fat or knobbly tyres are prohibited
Label must always align with valve

Frames

Must not be a European brand (old school steel frames are excepted from this rule, but they must have been re-sprayed recently)
Must not be made of titanium or other wanky material
Must not be made of carbon

Forks

Must be made of carbon

Handlebars

Regular road drop bars only (but never use the drops, except to signal Schmycledan)
No wing type aero bars
No TT extensions
No moustache bars
Bar tape must never be loose, falling off or dirty
No electrical tape near the bar plugs
Electrical tape must match the colour of the bar tape with the exception of a black/white combination

Chainrings/cranks

Minimum number of rings 2
Maximum number of rings 2
Acceptable big ring tooth range 53 – 53
Acceptable small ring tooth range 39 – 39
Minimum arm length 172.5
Maximum arm length 172.5

Cassette

Small cog should be an 11. Never use the 11. (those riders with 11 tooth cogs with have them inspected regularly for signs of use)
Maximum should be 23
Fixed or single speeds are expressly FORBIDDEN

Pedals

Keo
Clip in only
Must have sufficient scuff marks from contact with the road

Prohibited Accessories

Flashing front lights
Weird looking home made front lights (It’s 2009 people, Ayups, Newts or USBs please)
Reflectors
Bells or horns
Mirrors
Fenders
Panniers
Large saddle bags (should only be able to fit half an inner tube)
Bottles over 400ml capacity.
HR monitors
Reflectors in the wheels
Valve lid caps
Cadence sensors
Power meters

Rules – Clothing

Jerseys

Short sleeve
No team jerseys, unless you are currently on the payroll of that team and it’s a contractual requirement, this will be checked
Must not be overly worn out, unless it is an old LACC team kit and it has been damaged by racing accidents. Bonus points if your only recollection of the accident is 3rd hand information.
Must not have holes that were not caused by a racing accident
Must not contain anything relating to a cyclo sportif event (eg, Sydney to gong, spring cycle, around the bay etc)
Must not contain anything relating to the following groups:

1. Hunters Hill group

2. Hunters Hill related groups

3. Hunters Hill splinter groups

4. Hunters Hill related splinter related splinter groups with secret handshakes

Kinks

Bib nicks only
The nicks with the extra ventilation above the arse crack (also known as the bean sprout patch) are expressly FORBIDDEN
Must not have holes that were not caused by a racing accident
Must not have holes near the arse crack, even if they were caused by a racing accident

Helmets

Must not have the Australian approved sticker on the inside
Must not be scratched in anyway
Should be very clean, with the exception of the below point
Should have salt lines caked on the straps

Shoes

Sidi

Legs

Shall not have any chain/chainring markings
Shall not have hair growth exceeding 4mm
Triathlon numbering is strictly FORBIDDEN
Shall be covered by knee warmers in temperatures below 16c
Shall be covered by leg warmers in temperatures below 14c

Arms

Shall be covered by arm warmers in temperatures below 15c

Prohibited Clothing

Zip ties on helmets
Bandanas
Sweat bands
Reflective items
Hi-viz items
Large backpacks (Any back pack shall not exceed any of these dimensions H:300mm, L:200mm, D:100mm)
Camelbacks

Prohibited Activities

Talking to the hubbards at the lights (or even acknowledging them)
Discussions about getting a 1750 team kit
Acknowledging the existence of any patron of the pub standing on the footpath at Concord
Using the drops at speeds below 45kmph
Replying “Maybe” to the in-or-out afternoon email
Asking about someone’s current hart rate
Complaining about the speed
Commenting one anyone else’s appearance, except to call them fat
Unclipping on tight ramp corners – learn how to ride before attempting the 1750
Being overtaken by any bike with the following items:

§ Flat bars

§ Suspension

§ Knobbly tyres

§ Fixed gears

§ Triple chain rings

§ Panniers

§ Mirrors

§ Flat Pedals

§ Or any bike considered “ugly” in general

§ Anyone riding a European brand bike especially a Pinarello

§ Actually, unless it is Team Saxo Bank out training and being motor paced, you shouldn’t be overtaken by anyone

If you are overtaken, re-overtaking just looks desperate, never do this. Find an alternate route. OR suck their wheel all the way to where ever they are going, with a large overlap and with excessive, loud freewheeling.

Handy Weather Forecaster

2009-09-07T12:29:00.000+10:00

Idiots

2009-08-31T17:03:00.000+10:00

They come in pairs

Thursday Report

2009-08-28T16:07:00.003+10:00

With some riders lining up at the start, moaning and groaning:

Alastair at the end of a 300km 3 day bender
BoB at the end of a week that started off with a race and his hardest ever Homebush sessions
Luke with half the office stationary supplies (including a desktop computer) in his backpack

There were always going to be attacks on the cards. Since the first flu of the winter 09 any sign of weekness has now become the sign for an attack. It was just a matter of when.

Waiting for Luke to arrive a Pinarello pulled up and went through the lights ahead of us. Luckily, Luke was still not there and Pinarello was allowed to ride off at the next green. It would have been unimaginable carnage had he been in the group through Pyrmont. This was enough to send everyone’s frontal race lobes into serious overdrive. Then Luke showed up with what can only be described has his new home office setup (including fax machine) in a backpack. It was ON.

Pyrmont and the Col were spent closely watching each other as we prepared for the inevitable fireworks display on Lillyfield Rd. However, Lillyfield started rather cruzy as we were all too busy watching each other to mount a serious attack of our own. And then Haza went for it. Let the show begin. I don’t know what it did to the others but something about the sight of a supposedly “recovering” Harry riding off the front of the group made one of my race lobes explode. I had to show him he was still recovering and I put in a seated attack up the hill at 50kph, being very careful to keep my upper body absolutely still so there was nothing to show just how far I was beyond the red line.

Some bad timing with the lights meant that the group had to take the long (calmer) way around to Fivedock. Or did it….. when we looked over to cross the road there was Haza, putting in another sneaky attack. It was short but it was enough to ensure that this would be the last we’d see of Alastair and Luke until re-grouping at Fivedock. They were off, like socks from the morning Group 1 at 4pm in a crowded office.

Around the bay and it was a short acceleration from myself and a half hearted attempt to drive it before Al took the bit between the teeth and set off with Luke, Travis and Mark in tow. I was cooked, but comfortable because I couldn’t even see hazza when I turned back.

Out of Concord shops and I stepped up the pace as we came down the hill. Accelerating into the golf course corner at 50kph knowing that it would hurt Luke in second wheel, whose cornering balls are yet to drop, I held the speed until he caught up and then let it fall to 45. My chances of a win were nonexistent so I drove it again up to 50 through the next roundabout. There was the woosh as everyone came past and I could smell burning as we came to the foot of the hospital hill. I was toast. But I did have just enough to re-take that pesky recovering hazza before the official sprint line.

drink n ride

2009-08-21T16:41:00.002+10:00

Rob's first A grade - REPORT

2009-07-20T10:02:00.004+10:00

Good racing?!!? I was bleeding out of my eyeballs. It was on from the gun, attack, attack, attack (even i had a go at it) until a 5 man break went clear at about 30min into it. Scotty didn't make the break and drove very hard to get back on, main field was reduced to about 8. Anthony was there, he's getting stronger and sporting a nice pair of deep dish carbon wheels. He did quite a few turns and I did a few myself. Nearly made the mistake of going too hard and not leaving enough to jump back in the train.

The break shelled 2 of them near the end, I managed to get 5th place with second in the bunch sprint. I thought I had it with a pathetic, but all that i could manage, 53kmph sprint. Albert flew past me at about 65kph with 10m to go.

What did i learn. Even in A grade some people can't corner properly. Maintain a good position so you don't have to brake in the corners and waste energy getting up to speed. I am cornering rather well with this new (to me) pushing the front wheel out by keeping your inside arm extended.

One of many

2009-04-30T15:56:00.002+10:00

The misses will want vacum, mop and leaf blower attachments as well.

...coming soon

2009-04-30T09:15:00.003+10:00

SOP Training

2009-04-28T10:18:00.000+10:00

Roads open on the Thursday 30th of April.

I'll be in Group 5

Welcome back Al of old

2009-04-17T13:11:00.002+10:00

Some have commented but I think it has been clear to all that we are experiencing some what of a renaissance of classic Davis. To summarise, this includes efforts at every opportunity and some pretty competitive moves coming through the crucial sections of the ride home.

I have to put it down to the current lack of Homebush sessions and Al's absence from the Wednesday dawnie.

Thursday was hotly contested, Al was driving the pace through Concord and round the golf course. I decided I couldn't just leave it to the sprint and attacked up the hill which gave the me the chance to get away and cross the line in front despite nearling going over a bonnet (not really that bad).

Al continued the pace with a solid ride up Chatam. I saw 31, 32 flick up on my computer so we were moving. Matt popped near the top, Al kept driving.

It's certainly making the commute more interesting not to have everyone trying to save their legs.

I am looking forward to the return of Ryan. With a promotion at work he may have to cut back on the training which will mean that the 1750 will be even more hotly contested.

Do we really need skewers?

2009-04-14T09:13:00.003+10:00

This morning..............No.

I got a flat tyre this morning on my way into work. Put a new tube in, pumped up the tyre. All was good. As I was tightening the skewer, it breaks. I thought that was it.
Luckily for me, Al was on his way in and saw me on the side of the road. He saw everything unfold in front of him. He advised to jump back on and take it easy. So I did.
I rode approx. 10 klm's, from five dock to the city without a rear skewer.

Again....(I should of caught the train)

2009-03-27T08:55:00.003+11:00

I didn't take long. It happened again.

Schmycledan

Line Up - Luke, Ryan, Alastair and Me

I'll some up the commute with how I felt.
Anzak Bridge ---> Nice and easy, felt great.
Lillyfield Rd ---> Drove the field a little. (Big mistake, encorage Schmycledan)
Rowers Club ---> Oh no, something's going on
Five Dock Pub ---> Almost blew a headgasket from over reving.
Canada Bay ---> Get spat out the back doing 53 klm/h. Resting HR at lights 165BPM
Golf Course ---> Explosion, It's all over, nothing left.
Concord RSL ---> I could see the boy's 200m in front of me. Legs felt like lead. Taxi
The Sprint ---> No idea, still trying to get my breath back.
The end ---> Felt like spewing. Haven't hurt that much in a long time.

With Easter approaching, Bob's come back and Homebush on hold,

Schmycledan is back, bigger and better than before.

Schmycledan is Back

2009-03-25T09:09:00.003+11:00

The turn out was good. Luke, Ryan, Alastair, Bob, Mike (on his Pigeon) and Me. The roll over the Anzac was tame. Lucky, I needed a good warm up for what was ahead.
Alastair led the way on Lillyfield Rd. The pace just kept climbing, so was my heart rate. I saw 180BPM. at the lights. Little did I know I was to see that number another 3 times.
We regrouped at the lights. Bob and Mike rejoined. Not much was said at the lights. More time was spent licking our wounds. We all knew that was just the begining. Schmycledan was on.
Through the rowers we took it easy. At the crossing there was a small hold up. Bob saw a window of opportunity to escape. No-one followed, there was a gap, we all crossed, whilst Bob tried the alternate route. Luke saw another opportunity for schmycledan. In his drops, he drove the group to the pub, and drove my heart rate to 180. A few minutes latter Bob arrived. We still had Cannada Bay ahead of us. Ryans turn. He lead the charge. He waited for everyone to regroup, crusing around 25klm/h. Ryan must of been running his thighs at over 150psi. Once he let those babies rip, 50klm/h was on the clock, and rising. I was holding third wheel, doing atleast 53klm/h @ 180bpm, when I was startled by a gush of wind. It was Alastair on the Eddy overtaking me. That was the time I exploded. Coasted to the lights and tried to get my breath back. We still had concord to deal with.
Bob half heartedly created a little gap. It was going nowhere. A couple of peadal strokes, he was caught. The pace around the golf course was a little above average. Nothing over the top, around 45klm/h. There was Ryan and luke side by side then Al and myself. Bob and Mike where not too far behind. Half way up the climb Luke jumps. Ryan follows. Al chases and try to hold. I had nothing and saw 180 again. Ryan and Luke take the right hander before the sprint, as they come out of the corner Al takes them on the outside and heads for the line. He got it. Victory was his.
Schmycledan is back.

Haza's SOP Report

2009-03-16T11:05:00.003+11:00

Haza's "C" Grade race,

We had a good turn out as well. Around 15 riders.
The pace was slow, the 17:50 commute Av. speed is higher.

There where a few lame attempts by others at breaking away
that only lasted around half a lap.
C grade casually went around until the whistle lap. Some 18 year old decided to
lift his heart rate for the first time in the race and tried to get away. Little did he know I ride
in the 1750, his attempt was nothing compared to trying hold Ryan's wheel around
Canada Bay.
The Bell lap came, I was still out the front. Come the last corner I was swamped by
the peleton. Out of the corner I was at the back of the pack. I got up, put my
head down and gave it all. I was able to real them in, and got 3rd. on the line.

Al's Beaui Report

2009-03-16T10:14:00.000+11:00

hard work.

went with kor because i heard race entry was free.
got there and found out it was free for norths riders only. >:(

just under 20 riders in A grade.
some good riders in attendance including cameron peterson & phil chapman.
pace was hard from the start.

the course is a 1.6km circuit with a cone turn-around at each end and only a
mild undulation. when the smack was down we were going up the rise at 45+.
the surface is smooth-as-you-like hotmix.
3 sprint preems were on offer.

did my usual mistake of starting the race at the rear of the bunch. bad idea as you spend
most of your time recovering after bridging gaps after the cones. another mistake i was
making was entering the corners on too high a gear. pushing against a big gear out of
the corners was not doing me any favours.

moved onto the front after the 3rd lap and hotted the pace up a little.
got into a break with another guy but got chased down in 1 lap.
stayed on the front and tried again after the first preem.
got chased down again. i was marked. they didn't mind if i was out on my
own but as soon as someone tried to get over to me, everyone chased.

after the 2nd preem another breakaway formed but was kept in check.
they were caught before the 3rd preem. after the 3rd preem phil chapman
finally showed his cards and launched out of the pack with kor in tow.
they got 20m on the bunch and then cammo jumped accross so hard that
no-one could hold his wheel. i was already in the box and paying for my
earlier efforts.

they worked well together and built up a steady lead. the chase was constantly
being scuppered by scott cronly-dillon and his pointless attacks each lap. they
were never going to get caught and stayed away comfortably to the end.

cammo 1st, kor 2nd, phil 3rd.

Regards,
Alastair

ok-ish bike handling skills

2009-03-11T06:39:00.001+11:00

Yes, but can she track stand as good as Ryan at the lights?

Pornography

2009-03-02T08:55:00.000+11:00

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=6818&status=True&catname=Latest%20News

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2009/shows/nahmbs09/?id=/photos/2009/tech/shows/nahmbs09/nahmbs092/gallery-nahmbs092

Adam Hansen's SRM Data

2009-02-23T17:37:00.000+11:00

Get training - this is what it takes to be a pro.
http://www.adamhansen.com/index.php?pn=23&pg=0&srm_data_id=0

How not to bunch ride!

2009-02-19T16:58:00.005+11:00

The future of LACC training rides.

Universal truth

2009-02-18T14:01:00.002+11:00

Nice photography

2009-02-17T11:02:00.001+11:00

Some beautiful cycling related photography
http://www.elizabethkreutz.com

Rider Profile: Matt

2009-02-16T17:13:00.003+11:00

NAME: MATT
CLAIM TO FAME: Made a comeback before Lance! Even though he is a month younger.
RIDES: Cannondale Liquigas Team Bike
LIKES: Riding my bike
DISLIKES: How cold it is at 6am in the middle of winter
CYCLING CLUB: Parramatta

size vs definition

2009-02-13T12:59:00.001+11:00

I like to think what I lack in size to Harry I make up for in definition

Nice Legs...Full length Photo

2009-02-12T14:53:00.002+11:00

Thanks for the complements Luke

Nice legs!!

2009-02-10T15:49:00.003+11:00

If you think Ryan has a decent set of quads prepare to be amazed and astounded by some of the freakish examples of muscle development posted here - http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2009/01/serious-cycling-serious-legs-serious.html

Another Epic

2009-02-01T11:40:00.002+11:00

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Melrose-Park-Berowra-Waters-Akuna-Bay

It was another great ride. I had a few testing moments with equipment and physically. Luckily for me Alastair was there.
It was a rocky start. Anthony has having issues with his front fork and was about to pull out. He nursed his bike to my place, a few little tweaks and we headed to Luke's place. We get there to find Alastair by himself. Luke had to pull out due to family commitments.
The group now grew to three. We all headed to Dural where we meet Ryan. We then picked up Kore and headed to Berowra Waters. A few Klm's down the road Kore's water bottles where falling off. Alastair tweaked them up and away we went.
The Descend down to the ferry was great. Anthony was being cautious. The red fork wasn't doing the trick. We all spun slowly up where we meet Ben.
It got puncture, we all stopped. I changed the tube, started pumping, bang. The bead popped of the rim, I blew the tube. Replace the tube again, pumped up the tire, all was looking good, put the tyre on the bike. Bang, another tube blows. Alastair then repairs the punctured tube, puts the tyre on, and like magic no more problems. We where off again. Bobbin head was our next destination.
The descend down to bobbin started, Kore, Ryan, Alastair and Ben hammered down. Anthony and I took it easy. At the bottom we regrouped and climbed to the top.
I was still feeling really good at this stage. Akuna bay was now on the cards. I started feeling hungry on Mona Vale Rd. I ate a power bar, but it wasn't enough. I hit the wall climbing out. I had no energy and my legs felt like lead. Alastair then helped me up the climb by giving me a push. At the top I had another power bar and alot of powerade. I slowly came back to life.
We then went to Turramurra for a coffe and headed home.

ON REPORT

2009-01-29T20:28:00.002+11:00

Yesterdays antics on 'Cycledan' + tonight's Shenanigan's = Schmycledan

Important announcement

2009-01-29T11:11:00.001+11:00

Just so that it is forever recorded in the 1750 archive:
Luke beat Ryan in the Concord sprint yesterday.

Rob's stats from wisemans

2009-01-27T22:31:00.003+11:00

Most of the 150-159 stuff was done after the servo. Once Mike had hit the wall ;)

Wisemans Ferry Loop

2009-01-27T13:49:00.002+11:00

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Epping-to-Wiseman-s

Al, Rob, Mike, Kore and Haza present for Sundays epic.

From Door step to Door step, 6hrs 10min. and 160 klm's.

We did it. It has to rate as one of the best rides I have done.
It was very pleasant. The hardest part of the ride was getting started after a pit stop.
There where a few nice descends, a couple of little climbs and a few nasty pinches.
Kore wanted a E1 training ride. So we had to put him out front as his heart rate was too low riding second wheel. From that point, about 20-30k's in, Kore and Al lead the bunch.
First stop was at Wisemans Ferry. We all had something to eat refilled our bottles.
It was hard to do more than 25Klm/h. The back drop of the Hawksbury was awesome.
Kore left us around Maraylya, he had to be home by 11.
We then stopped at a servo in Maraylya for a refill. That was at the 100k mark. Finding the sevrvo was interesting. It was the blind leading the blind.
We took of again. There was a small rise immediately after the srevo. My legs felt like crap. I few k's on and they came good.
With about 40klm's to go Mike hit the wall. The rollers around Castle hill where mountains.
I got home and smashed down a 4 egg omlet, washed that down with some powerade, followed up with a 30min siesta on the couch. Felt really good and was buzzing for the rest of the day.
Can't wait to do that one again.

Out. Busy...

2009-01-23T16:58:00.000+11:00

Sunday's Ride Report

2009-01-19T13:03:00.002+11:00

See picture for results

With the sprint line approaching, and no one up for the job of "working-hard-to-lead-everyone-else-out", it fell to Bob, who was first to lose his cool and make the charge for the line. Ryan and Luke followed with predicable results. They were both unable to get around (due to extreme speed, girth or both) and Bob took the win.

Stay tuned for next week's sprint series titled: "Lets not leave this one so late"

Al's 1st Post

2009-01-17T07:40:00.002+11:00

Well, seeing as there has not been any pointless ramblings on the blog for a while, I think it's a good opportunity to put my tuppeny-worth in for the first time.

After the christmas break and many weeks of sporadic cycling activity, my legs have been a little off the boil of late. This was the first week I have been able to test my legs at the SOP for a while and I was a little concerned about the amount of suffering I would have to endure. Tuesday turned out to be a not-so-bad session for me. I had to rein in the instinct to always be in the mix and at the same time rein in bob who always has the spirit and the legs but not the engine. I came out of the five laps feeling happy with the way the legs went and but also happy for bob who for once was there for the sprint at the end.

Wednesday was a normal commute without training as I was farewelling the folks to NZ. Thursday down at the SOP turned out to be a really fun session. Scotty went in one of the slower groups as he was nursing post-dawnie-leg-syndrome. Eastie rolled out in first group with over a dozen others. Once again quite a few new faces in the bunch. The usual brisk 1st lap was on the menu followed by a hard grind up the blvd sprint. I saw Eastie move up on the left over the rise and grabbed his wheel followed closely by Albert. Eastie set a pace of over 50kph down the blvd and kept his foot on the gas for the next half a lap. A gap had opened up behind the 3 of us of about 25m with the bunch turning themselves inside-out to get back in contact. Eastie had other ideas though. He never looked back or even flicked his elbow for some relief. It was head down and grind the bunch into a slow death. The 2nd lap ascent of the flack was all Mr East at 45kph. He didn't swing off until near the top where Albert and I were allowed to take up some of the pressure. On the 3rd lap Mel and Jack bridged with the aid of a truck but the pace was so intense it was even a struggle sitting on. Jack and Mel were duly unhitched a lap later. The elastic snapped spectacularly on the 4th lap with the gap to the bunch over 200m and finally Eastie showing signs of fatigue. Albert and I were now able to contribute and my legs were starting to feel no-too-bad. The sprint was not contested on the last lap. It would have been quite unappreciative after being motor-paced like that for 35mins.

On the 1750 front it was good to get back into the swing of things this week. There was also an unexpected return of schmycledan shenanigans on Thursday evening. I have to mention Bob's karma is not looking too good of late. 2 attacks and 2 punctures! The puncture on Thursday called for some premeditated action in the form of operation "put bob in his place" (one of the favorite 1750 sports). It's always a dead give-away when the banter stops for 5mins that someone has is brewing a big pot of schmycledan. Lucky for me the tail wind up the col d'concord was all I needed to pour a cup and make good my escape. Ryan hit bob with a sit-down sprint and registered some serious torque.

MAN DOWN

2009-01-14T12:18:00.002+11:00

With Ryan replying 'OUT!', base Klm's where not on the cards.
It was a good turn out. Bob, Al, Anthony, Harry, Andrew, Paul, and Tom made a guest appearance.
On the Anzac everyone took it easy. As the pace was picking up on Lilly Field Rd, Bob gets a flat. Anthony turned it up around Five Dock, (Ryan would of been proud). Concord RSL was now approaching. In true Andrew style, he takes off hard early on. Bob and I were boxed in. At the top of the hill Bob took the road. He was off. I got up and chased. He won the sprint and went through the round about first. I followed a couple of bike lengths behind. Then came Andrew, over cooked it and slid through on his arse.
Al and Tom both claim a sprint wasn't on their cards. The truth is, they had nothing.

1750 Stacks tally

Harry - Anzac Bridge Over Pass, Eastern Side
Luke - Anzac Bridge Over Pass, Western Side
Luke - Round About @ Meadow Bank Station
Andrew - Round About Concord Hospital

One of the summer rides

2009-01-05T11:05:00.002+11:00

BBQ

2008-12-30T11:44:00.001+11:00

@ mine @ 3pm.

BYO beer n Meat. I'll supply the rest.

Vein envy

2008-12-30T10:42:00.002+11:00

Madeline Olive

2008-12-26T13:08:00.003+11:00

Introducing the next generation of the 1750.

Coluzzi Ride

2008-12-22T14:21:00.001+11:00

Ride was really good. left mine at 6:35, easy roll to Concord with Ryan and Al to pick up Scotty and a "Spastic strong" guy called rob. (Scottie's words)

Into town via a very quiet parra road. coffee at Coluzzi then roll out at 8am. heaps of riders, i overhead lots of people saying it was the biggest they'd seen in years. and it looked like about 40% of them were from LACC training rides! all of the Moretti guys were there.

Fairly easy pace the whole way, about 35-50kph, but you get sucked along and you don't really notice it. hardly stopped at all, most of the time we just rolled through red lights and thanked the drivers for waiting. Al peeled off every now and then with the pros for little detours. he had a great time. Did get a bit messy towards the airport with other riders we'd passed trying to hang on. i wasn't anywhere near the front for the sprint, the line of riders stretched out to about 100m long.

We waited around for a few people who got punctures to re-join then rolled around down under the Taren point bridge and back into town on the freeway. I got told off for riding 3 abreast at one stage, now i know the correct Colluzzi Etiquette. Most riders turn off at various points and the group was down to 30 or so by the time we got into the city. We broke off from the bunch and headed through Redfern, Norton St and into Fivedock for a coffee (and i finally got my gelato, it was a bit to hot for a long black at that stage). Back at home at 11:02 (i'd told Emily 11), i was a bit exhausted at that stage, no breakfast and nothing but water on the ride.

Baby Bonus

2008-12-18T16:43:00.013+11:00

Qualification Information

1. Who can get Baby Bonus?
Anyone silly enough to do the "deed" and actually follow through full term is entitled to the baby bonus.
2. What residence requirements does Baby Bonus have?
You must be an Austalian resident and member of the 1750 Sports commute.

Claim Information

1. How do I claim Baby Bonus?
The baby bonus can be claimed at any time in the last week before birth on a Tuesday or Thursday. Special consideration may be made for cases that cannot be claimed on the normal day. Working hours are from 1750 - 1920 Tues and Thur.
2. How do I find out the outcome of my claim?
The outcome of the claim can be checked at Concord Hospital round about by poking or mere sensing the lactic acid built up in the legs. If consistent pain has been felt on the lead up to the Concord Hospital round about then payment may have already been made.

Payment Information

1. How much Baby Bonus do I get?
As much as you can handle.
2. Is there an income/assets test?
Yes. All eligible people must be:
a.       Cyclists
b.      Members of the 1750 Sports Commute
c        Australian Residents
d.       Willing to suffer
e.       Willing to chase and hold wheels
f.       Willing to take occasional bribes
g.       Willing to form alliances when required with other sufferies.
3. When are payments adjusted?
Payments are adjusted on the fly depending on the suffering being delivered and the responses to changes in pace.

Current Customer Information

1. Do I still get Baby Bonus if I leave Australia?
No. Once you leave Australia you should refer to the Centre Link Guide on how to make claims on new bonus systems.
2. Does Baby Bonus get reviewed?
Yes. The baby bonus is reviewed on a applicant basis. The appropriate payment will be levied on application.
3. What should I do if my circumstances change?
If the outcome looks grim you should write to:

Centre Link Baby Bonus, Locked Bag 555, NSW 555.
If the outcome is favourable then the levy should be raised.

More Information

1. Can I appeal if I disagree with a decision made?
Yes appeals on unfavourable decisions will be heard if:
a.       The wind noise is low enough to make conversation possible
b.      The levy is slow enought to make conversation possible
c        You are close enought to make conversation possible
2. What other payments and concessions might I get?
If you are fortunate you may get a puncture for your efforts.
3. What services and programs can I use?
You may use any 2 wheeled, non reclining, pedal power service available.
4. Can I get a factsheet about this payment?
Yes. Every afternoon a role call will be made and tenders will be heard.
5. How do I find out more about Baby Bonus?
What all of that wasn't enough? In fact I'm surprised you read this far.

Sundays SOP CRIT - The 1750 Triumph

2008-12-15T21:05:00.009+11:00

B Grade - 1st Place - Anthony

B Grade - 2nd Place - Robert

C Grade - 1st Place - Harry

Sunday 14-12-2008

8:00am C, D, & E Grade's 9:00 am A & B Grades

Strong westerly blowing. (Coming up the straight was hard work)

"C" Grade
In normal Haza style, I spent alot of time out the front. The last 3 laps I held back. Half way up the straight I gave it full gas. I was nearly caught on the line. First place was mine.

"B" Grade (Combined with "A")
First Lap, Rob had a 50m lead (where was he going??). For the rest of the race Anthony attacked and attacked. With a couple of laps remaining Anthony got away. Rob followed up, convincingly out sprinting the rest of them.

( 17:50 "A" Grade Riders not present )

OUT!

2008-12-12T08:20:00.002+11:00

Back

2008-12-10T09:30:00.003+11:00

Hands up if you missed me.

We used Trek S500s to get around. They use that Shimano Nexus internal hub gearing system, it's actually really good.

http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/content/global_cycle/en/au/index/products/comfort_bike/Nexus.html

Christmas bling

2008-12-08T15:57:00.001+11:00

Blasphemer!

2008-12-03T17:07:00.004+11:00

blas·pheme

v. blas·phemed, blas·phem·ing, blas·phemes

v.tr.

1. To speak of (God or a sacred entity) in an irreverent, impious manner.

2. To revile; execrate.

3. To leave fellow worshipers for an "early getaway".

4. Harry Papadimitriou.

v.intr.

To speak blasphemy.

[Middle English blasfemen, from Old French blasfemer, from Late Latin blasphemare, from Greek blasphemein, from blasphemos, evil-speaking, blasphemous; see bha-² in Indo-European roots.]

blas·phemer -n.

Armstrong confirmed in TDF

2008-12-02T09:10:00.001+11:00

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2008/dec08/dec02news

But it looks like he'll be working for Contador

HB - Group 2 - Haza's Stat's

2008-11-25T09:39:00.004+11:00

Lap 1 - Av.HR.156 Max:181 Av. Speed: 40.5
Lap 2 - Av.HR.174 Max:180 Av. Speed: 42.1
Lap 3 - Av.HR.175 Max:185 Av. Speed: 41.5
Lap 4 - TOAST (start of Edwin Flack)

Lap 1 - Felt really good.
Lap 2 - Group was rolling around nicely
Lap 3 - Ryan turned it up around the station. Single line formed. It was the begining of the end. Approaching Edwin Flack. Still single line. Got in the left and gave it a go. Got to the front, legs said no more. Hit the eject button and headed for the gutter. Game over.

Joined Group 2.2 for the final lap.

BBQ Etiquette - The 12 Rules

2008-11-24T16:47:00.001+11:00

(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the BBQ - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory 3-metre exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.
Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE BBQ.
(6) The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat.
Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE BBQ AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ‘her night off.’ And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women.

I wish I had a cross bike like this.

2008-11-21T17:05:00.002+11:00

Todd Wells cross bike.

For full details check this link:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2008/probikes/?id=todd_wells_gtr_typecx08

Saturday ride details

2008-11-21T15:17:00.001+11:00

Meet: 3 Dent St, Epping
Time: 6:30am
Destination: 3 Gorges
Pace: We'll see

2008-11-19T11:42:00.003+11:00

LACC Bunch Ride this Sunday 16th Nov, from Rhodes

2008-11-14T06:18:00.001+11:00

from the LACC newsletter:

Albert Talone , Sydneys most popular meat purveyor , has a ride organised for this Sunday . The pace will be steady , and will regroup regularly for any stragglers . In fact Albert has said that he’ll push any strugglers (before they become stragglers) up any of the big hills to make it easier for them . Suitable for all riders and all are welcome

Roll out 6am Rhodes Shopping Centre - meet outside Gloria Jeans Coffee Shop
Rhodes/Dural/Berowra/Bobbin Head/Eastwood/Home
Come along, pace is cruisy..
Alberto Talone - Italian Legend

Outdoor movies at SOP

2008-11-13T13:12:00.003+11:00

http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2009/Free/_item/event/MOVIES_IN_THE_OVERFLOW

These are back on. Suggest we go to some if ppl are keen.

Commitment

2008-11-12T13:39:00.002+11:00

Somtimes winning is not pretty

Sprint photos..

2008-11-06T10:15:00.002+11:00

Melbourne Cup Headwear

2008-11-04T12:06:00.000+11:00

I call it: Dead Bird

News Flash!!! Al, Luke and Scott get beaten by Bob in a sprint.

2008-11-03T16:08:00.001+11:00

And I got Photies to prove it!

I can’t race for one week and…………………

So Bob claims he won a race. You all seem to be in the same race.

Luke clearly forgot to mention that in his race report.

And you guys are racing with him in B why?

1-Nov Race report

2008-11-03T11:12:00.004+11:00

Fairly good turn out from the 1750 members, with Andrew taking the plunge and joining the club. Al was looking the business with his new Carbon rims and matt black Cannondale (see below).

Harry and Andrew rolled out with C grade and kept out of trouble, with Harry on the front every time the C train rolled by (except for the final time).

I rolled out in my first ever B-grade. Pace was ok-ish with the odd "break and reel in" every few laps. Nothing overly strenuous and much easier than my usual C-grade antics. This kept us in-touch with A-grade who were having an even slower ride. I made a couple of half hearted attempts at a breaking away solo and waiting for someone to hop across, but with a smallish field of 10 or so riders none of the 2 or more breaks were allowed to go anywhere. By 35 minutes I think everyone had pretty much given up on the idea of a break and the pace slowed considerably, rolled around with the HR sitting on a very comfortable 135 as A-grade passed us.

Whistle went for 2 laps to go and brought a few small accelerations but nothing serious enough to justify getting out of the saddle. My HR was sitting on about 150 as the Bell brought the final lap. Slow acceleration towards the the last sharp corner and I was in about 7th wheel. Bunch moved to the right on the bend before the straight and I pulled to the left to start my sprint, solo. Pulled ahead with about 70m to go and couldn't hear anything behind me. I was too scared to turn around so I kept the pace high till the line and managed to stave off any other contenders for 1st place. New HR record of 188bpm

A grade and Luke also did well in 3rd, just piped at the line by about half a wheel for 1st place in a fast and furious bunch sprint.

Photos: http://61.88.106.189/

get any that you want, they'll only be there for a few days apparently.

LACC Christmas. Party

2008-11-02T18:55:00.000+11:00

28th nov. Register now!

Sent from my iPhone

1750 race update

2008-11-01T22:04:00.001+11:00

Total entry fees: $75
Total prize money: $70

More effort is needed

Sent from my iPhone

...and for those new to racing. This is the course

2008-10-30T12:37:00.001+11:00

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/LACC-Criterium-Tennis-Centre-SOP

Current weather forecast is 22c with a chance of showers.

If it's wet, stay off those white lines!

SOP Crit is on

2008-10-30T12:31:00.000+11:00

Sat 01 Nov 08, 1:30PM
JNR & ABCDE GRADES RACING AT 2.00PM SIGN ON BEGINS AT 1.15PM $15.00 ENTRY FEE
JNR 1.30 RACING
C,D,E GRADE 2.OO
A,B GRADE 3.00 SPRINT PRIMES TBA

3 sports - 50% off sale

2008-10-28T14:42:00.002+11:00

There is an easy to miss triathlon shop on York St (opposite Grace Hotel sort of) They currently have 50% off all their cycling clothes. They have quite a lot of Castelli which I understand to be good gear. Anyway thought you might be interested.

http://www.3sports.com.au/

News just in - Bob drops Ryan up Bobbin Head!

2008-10-27T13:00:00.001+11:00

He may be known for the largest Quads in the Southern Hemisphere but they were no use for the current Masters 1 National Champion on Saturday morning. The drama unfolded midway up the climb. Bob has obviously been working on his alpine ascents. Spurred on by a fresh Harry and a eager newbie Andrew, Bob delivered one of his standout efforts to leave Ryan languishing.

Time will tell how the punishment will be returned. Viva le Schmycledan!

Saturday Ride Details Released!

2008-10-24T12:49:00.001+11:00

Harry's at 6:07

Bob's at 6:10

Al's at 6:30

Hornsby Pool at 7:00

3 Gorges, home via Akuna bay.

2009 Tour Stages Released

2008-10-23T08:20:00.003+11:00

http://www.letour.fr/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html

Team time trial is back.

Last hill climb is the second last stage.

Much shorter individual time trials (two of them)

Not a great course for Cadel and I think Sastre will suffer without the CSC team riding for him. Looks like Contador is a clear favourite.

Bob's HB Report

2008-10-21T14:12:00.002+11:00

Group 2 for me, along with all the usual Group 1 riders (Luke excepted). Pace was too much on lap 2 after the Group 1 riders decided to go Group 1 after all. 60% of the group fell off, might have been a different story for me if I’d been closer to the front but I was in no mood to close those gaps from the rear. Legs felt good, but a little drained after the weekend shenanigans

Rode in the groupetto at what was still a pace right on my limit. Andrew made me suffer twice with his “super turns”, But it was good to see him off the back on the last flack, very good in-fact. Had enough for a solid sprint, didn’t look back to see if anyone else contested, I was sprinting for myself.

Tonight I think it’ll be a gear overhaul. I seem to have left them all at the coffee shop, I couldn’t find any on the way into work. :/

Cycledan tonight, Schmycledan if Andrew shows!

Tuesday Homebush report

2008-10-21T09:50:00.002+11:00

An overcast and blustery morning saw a less than spectacular turnout. It wasn't looking good when Group 1 was called and only a few of the usuals rolled out. No particularly strong legs, I knew I was in for trouble but for some reason I chose to join them anyway.

It was tough going, only 2 or 3 of us were willing to do more than a turn a lap. And after about a lap I was thinking that there was no point toasting myself as Group 2 would be rolling by soon.

That happened up Edwin Flack lap 3. It was a bit of a relief despite the shame of it, but anyway no time to worry about those sort of issues. Pace was good.

It was pretty normal going without any real attacks. Alastair and Easty were looking a bit devious bus Scott was having none of it.

Up Flack for the last time Alastair was looking twitchy. I was expecting the usual inside run and found myself on his wheel. We came fast round the bottom corner and Scotty attacked. Al saw me hovering on his wheel and passed on his displeasure - I believe I heard the word "dirty dog" in there somewhere. That was enough, with the insult ringing in my ears I jumped to chase Scotty. I caught him just before the last corner, rounded the corner fairly untidily and sprinted in the 53x13.

Scotty didn't contest and I didn't have anyone too close to me so I was happy to claim the cafe cred. Shame I didn't go to the cafe afterward.

Around the Bay - 250km

2008-10-20T12:44:00.008+11:00

The ride:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/AROUND-THE-BAY-250KM-ANTICLOCKWISE

Feeling a little nervous before the start, with my longest ride in the last 4 months consisting of a 2.5 hour burn up Bobbin Head with Luke and knowing that this one was going to take 7.5 hours at absolute best. Weather forecast was for northerly winds followed by an early morning south westerly change with drizzle. Could this be a tailwind all the way around?!?!?!

Got ready and went to bed at 10pm for a 05:00 start. Pillow felt like it was a sack of plastic bags and the temperature in the hotel room was all wrong. Didn't help the sleep and by my reckoning I got a total of about 4 hours.... awoke before the alarm and got dressed for the race. Stuffed my self with food and headed out the door, to greet the early morning southerly change. No we know, by early they mean 4am , not 10am when you want it.

Left father's "oldies" group and met up with some of the lads from the Hunters Hill splinter group (a funny story that one) and headed to the race start. Crowds were quite manageable, just a few people unfamiliar with bunch riding slamming on their breaks every now and then. Much easier to deal with at the start of the day when you've got your wits about you. Along the freeway at a decent kip ~38kph, but broken up by the on-off tactic from the local roads authority. They made the route take each exit and entrance from the free way, with a set of lights thrown in. Still, better than the route through nowhereville they took us through last year. Towards the end of the freeway section the group split up so it was just Bill and John with me and the rest falling behind. Opting to play it safe at the early sages of the ride.

Heading out of Geelong and taking the split to the 250km route the groups started to thin out. Bill took the bit between the teeth and really picked up the tempo. Caught up to a good group and then started working with a few strong riders. They turned out to be rather strong riders, and when they took the front the pace quickly picked up. 35........37.....40......42........and goodbye...... the combination of the rolling hills and bumpy energy sapping bitumen roads had taken it's toll, John popped moments after me, followed much latter by Bill (who may have just been waiting for us to catch up). Silly stuff to be doing a few hours into a rather long ride. We slackened off a little bit and finished the trip round Portarlington at a slightly more comfortable, but still uncomfortable, 34kph average. Bill was in the best form doing most of the lead work with short turns from John and myself.

Rolled into Queenscliff at about 10:10am and just had enough time to grab some lunch and head to the 10:30am ferry across to Sorrento. Ate as much food as I could stuff down on the trip over the bay (sandwich, cake, muesli bar, gel, powerbar and bag of nuts). The prm0ised drizzle arrived as we disembarked the ferry and made for a miserable 40min. Damp sandy roads sending damp sandy spray into the eyes. However, this didn't last too long and the sun came out. enough to dry the glasses and clean up the roads. Feeling rather comfortable and getting to a bit of a groove before the two big (by Melbourne standards) hills hit, and hard. Bill was feeling great and led the charge with John and I struggling to hang on. Which we just managed to do.

Bill, frustrated by the slow pace, then proceeded to lift it, which lead to the dropping of John, and then there were two. Towards the 200km mark I found myself actually feeling really good and Bill and I started trading turns, hopping from group to group, averaging about 36-40 kph. As we approached Melbourne with some 10k to go I was feeling even better and had excess energy with a seriously short amount of bay left to use it. Down on the drops and sprinting between the lights into town, I managed to drop Bill just before the end and even put in a ~700W sprint for the line. nice!

All in all a great day, no flats mechanicals or other incidents with my energy levels fairly good all day. The "300g Bag of Snakes" guide to ride nutrition worked out superbly.

So, if you need good conditioning for long rides. Don't do long rides. Do the 1750!

Stats: 248km, 7hr 45min, Avg Speed 31.8, Max Speed 66, Avg HR 141, Max HR 170.

Thursday's HB Report

2008-10-17T08:25:00.001+11:00

HB report - Todays word of the day, "toast"

Only myself and Rob present this morning. Group 2. Al was still recovering for his threshold weed removal training. Ryan was MIA. Luke was driving

It started as a very large group. First lap felt slow, Second was the same. Third lap Southerton attacked. He took of leaving large ruts from his aggressive attack just after the pool. Pavers where flying. Once the dust settled he was gone with some other guys chasing. Robs butt was bouncing about 25m in front of me, the rest of group 2, swarming behind me. I tried to reel in the attack, in no mans land, with no help. At the bottom of Edwin Flak I hit a new PB, I was toasted. Group 2 caught me, didn't even try to get on, my legs where having nothing of it. By the time I got the Aquatic Centre, there was Rob. Group 2 got the better of him as well. Caught up to him, we both cut the corner at the station and rejoined. In the distance there was a glimpse of Group 1. Rob was out of the saddle again, trying to chase them down. On Edwin Flack I could smell was burnt toast, it was Rob. I stayed with Group 2. We passed Rob, and 25m in front of us was group 1. We all hit the gas and caught them at the top of Edwin Flack. By the time we got to the Aquatic Centre I was toasted again. Rolled over the line at about 30 km/h.
Stats for the session.

MAX HR 191 (PB) AV. HR: 166. MAX Speed 51 km/h, Av. Speed 38.5 kn/h

2019 report

2008-10-15T21:31:00.002+11:00

Rather dark. No one else showed. I won all the sprints. Hurrah!

"Your" V "You're"

Another one bites the dust

2008-10-14T08:46:00.001+11:00

Kohl positive for CERA - Tour de France king of the mountain competition winner Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) becomes the latest rider whose blood samples show signs of EPO.

http://www.velonews.com/article/84274/kohl-positive-for-cera

Monday night 1735 report

2008-10-13T22:38:00.003+11:00

Hazza n I gave ourselves well earned Monday night EKOs. Bumped into Anthony who had taken the mother of all EKOs and simply not gone to work. We were out done. He rode with us to the hospital to rub it in.

Sprint was won by bob-no-chance-to-fix-the-gears-on-the-commuter-Southerton after Anthony gave up (may have been unaware there was a sprint on) and Hazza gave up trying to get around Anthony. Luke, Al and Ryan not showing also helped.

Mmmmm wall bike.....

Thursday's schmycledan

2008-10-09T19:10:00.003+11:00

With the usual Protagonists missing and Scotty making a guest star appearance it was never going to be the punishment that Al was calling for after the Col attack this morning. Gentle roll out dodging the general chaos that is Pyrmont till the ANZAC switchbacks. A repeat of this morning's attack after the last hairpin put a struggling Anthony straight into hurtis-boxis-maxis and managed to surprise Scotty enough to get past without him grabbing the wheel. A valiant effort from Harry meant that we all re-grouped on the pedestrian bridge.

Anthony, clearly not recovering well from the morning, blunted any further attacks until concord where the pace steadily rose on the hill past the shops. A Gentle 90% effort along the flat to the roundabout had Andrew isolated and the field down to two contenders for the hospital sprint. Harry took the lead heading into the final hill and had my box gift wrapped and almost sealed.

Was this to be Harry's day?

Oh so close. In preparing my box he neglected to notice the large amounts of lactic acid creeping up his legs, into his eyes and dribbling out his nose, just running out of puff as we went over the hill. Not quite managing to shake his group 2 nemisis and letting himself get dogged for the sprint.

We'd have done Chatham, but with no Al or Luke to show us the way we were fearful of getting lost or something. So we gave it a miss.

Al's Thuesday HB Report

2008-10-09T14:36:00.003+11:00

had a good workout today. back is feeling better with every day. wrist still looks like a bee stung it.

went out with group 1 after the too comfortable group 2 on tuesday. legs were very willing today. gijs was in attendance as well as a few other new faces. pace was medium-fast with scotty slacking in 2nd group. joanna was getting dropped every lap. i felt good enough to sprint every lap and holding a 50m gap to the start of edwin flack. keeps things interesting. on the final sprint i started from the back and had a dice with ivo. i was pulling him back but not fast enough. he squeaked over the line ahead of me. avg spd 38km/h, avg hr 179 (spent quite a bit of time on my own), max hr 190.

bob turned up at the coffee on the mad-one. he had the audacity to attack with fresh legs over anzac (out of the saddle all the way).
schmycledan!

Southerton's reply:

When I got over the top of the Col-de-ANZAC and no one came through I knew straight away that tonight could be painful....

Tuesdays at Heffron

2008-10-09T09:01:00.004+11:00

Has anyone thought about heading over to the Tuesday evening crits at Heffron Park. Racing starts at 6pm. I think if we were rolling at 5:30 we would make it.
It's meant to be pretty hard and pretty fast. If you're keen, let me know.

View Larger Map

Off season training

2008-10-08T10:22:00.001+11:00

With summer on it's way and in my case a second kid on the way I have been doing a bit of research on how to train efficiently for next season. Given that I probably won't be doing any 6 hour base building rides, what should I be doing?

This article on Pez had a few interesting ideas. The myths of offseason training;

Myth #1: Riding a fixed gear improves pedaling efficiency and leg speed.
Myth #2: Small Ring Only!
Myth #3: Long Slow Distance

Full article here »
Quite challenging to my general understanding of training principles, particularly the idea that long slow distance is a waste of time. What do you think?

Carbon Wheels < $1000

2008-10-07T15:02:00.003+11:00

Perhaps you need somewhere to direct the savings from the interest rate cuts or maybe you have a baby bonus on the way. Check these out, carbon wheels for under a grand. Sound dodgy? They are Australian made and they won this year's Grafton.

http://www.bouwmeesterwheels.com

Ride Reschedule

2008-10-04T10:43:00.002+10:00

Monday morning is looking like a good time. Suggestions on where?

what about something like this?

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/208886

should take us a couple of a couple of hours. I need something long-ish

Infringement Notification: Harry

2008-10-03T23:36:00.002+10:00

Friday's not quite gentle, but not very fast either, ride home was challenged by Harry today, who chose to attack up the hill towards the hospital.

Clearly the events throughout the week (and I'm thinking of Tuesday here) weren't enough for Harry who felt like we all needed additional softening on the softest of all days, Friday. Are we seeing a new aggressive side? How long before Harry gets some boxes to put us all in?

Stay tuned...

What's this? LA on moustache bars!

2008-10-03T12:10:00.001+10:00

Hey Haza, check this out you are in good (sort of) company with your moustache bars. Could this be the look for TDF 2009.

Grafton - recognise this one?

2008-10-03T09:28:00.003+10:00

Need cheap wheels?

2008-10-02T16:38:00.002+10:00

According to Cell Bikes,
Looking for a set of road wheels that are strong enough for commuting, training or taking you from A to B for less than $100?

The Swift Star Arriv's are the answer!
$59 - for two wheels.

Might be worth a try!!

For your next 5 hour ride

2008-10-01T17:22:00.003+10:00

http://www.powerade.com.au/default.aspx?s=powerade-no-sugar

Mmmmmm, what happens when you take these with you on your next epic session.

Some of the crew

2008-10-01T15:42:00.001+10:00

Pavlova Report

2008-10-01T10:03:00.008+10:00

Mmm. Pavlova is a great desert for a BBQ. And I must say that Bob puts on a great BBQ. However for the uninitiated of you, if Bob ever asks whether you would like some more, say no. Even a small piece in Bob’s eyes constitutes the last quarter! Too much for me. Normally.

Bobs greatest mistake was putting a challenge in my desert bowl. I just have to finish it. And it goes like this………

Opening salvo, 45kph over ANZAC bridge courtesy of the Schmycldan Grand High Priest Davis. Considerably reckless but none the less indicative of the night to come and an effective tenderiser. Effective in the fact that it shattered the already nervous group so badly that there was no point using Lilyfield Road as a softening device. And so it went.

Harry scored a new PB over the bridge with 189. A sign that he was going to be finding it tough during the course of the ride.

My planned attack also didn’t eventuate due to some slack riding around the Rowing shed from those behind and some over zealous riding from Anthony ‘C Grade Champion’ Pulvirenti on the front. Anthony was up for a big one and rode some nice tempo through a couple of phases, including taking bit between the teeth around Canada Bay. My normal stomping ground. So by the time we got to Concord shops there were some tired legs.

Alastair opened the throttle to about 80% up Majors bay road and we went flying around the golf course and tacked onto a tow behind a ute. Luke got dropped early which was probably a sign of the effort required to be on pace last night. That was sweet for me as it wasn’t hurting too bad behind the ute, but as I got set to have a go up the final hill Alastair had another big dig. 2 extra gears higher were needed but the attack was not enough to drop me. As we went over the top a counter attack was on my mind but I realised that Al was pretty much done. All fast twitch fibres spent, there was no need so I dog him in the sprint. It was a half arse effort as there was no real glory in that one as Al had done all the hard yards trying to drop me.

Chatham road was next on the menu. And Al once again provided and awesome bit of tempo work. Luke must have been relieved to be holding onto that one. But I think vengeance for the sprint was on Al’s mind. So I dogged him again over the top of Chatham Road. LOL. That last sprint over the top hurt a little. ;)

All in all though I think Al gets the points last night. Huge efforts and a really fun ride!

Bob. I hope you learnt your lesson. That is all.
P.S. Lets have another BBQ. Yeah!

Tuesday HB report

2008-10-01T09:26:00.002+10:00

Recovery is on the way!

Slightly delayed leaving home which left me with the dash-for-cash to HB just in time to see the Group 1 roll by at the end of their first lap. Strung out single file with Al, Ryan and Luke all to busy (or full of contempt) to even give me the nod as they shoot past, not wanting to waste any precious energy on a hello, wave, slight nod or blink. mmmmm Might let that group go and jump onto Group 2....

Group two pace was healthy with a fairly good consistant speed, HR seems to be coming back into line only 5-10 bpm above what it was 3 weeks ago. Harry was in good form but called it a day at the end of the fourth lap, content to let the group slide buy. Increase in pace on 5 lap saw a few more people call it a day and some serious gaps start to appear in the pace lines. Up the flack and roll over for the last time at the crest of the hill. Poor positioning through the corner in 12th wheel but manage to reel them back to a close second place finish out of the 8 or so who wanted to contest.