3 Ring Circus

Well I am aware how overdue this post is considering the circus was at the end of July.. but I just didn't get round to it.

So the story goes, Ricardo, Mikey and I set off on our road trip to Bundanoon Friday morning.. only 1077kms to go.. Other than a speeding ticket for one of our possie it was an uneventful trip. We stayed Friday night in Sydney and rolled into the circus grounds mid morning Saturday, meeting up with the rest of the QLD contingent Boz, Fellows, Andrew (Mr AyUp), Mark & Ethan.

The schedule for the weekend was a 20km Night race and a 50km day race both races consisting of 3 "Rings".  Night riding has always been my preference so needless to say I was really looking forward to this stage.

As dusk approached we were dressed to brave to cold crisp evening of racing.. BANG... and we are off and racing.. being such a short race the only plan was to go out as hard and fast as I could and hold it for as long as I could.. with numbers around 150 there wasn't too much congestion only a little when we first dropped into the first section of single track.. And what sweet single track it was, so fast, flowy and fun.. having no concept on where I was in relation to the other ladies I just started picking of the boys..That's always more fun anyway..

Coming over the line at 1:09 only a few minutes behind the boys I was stoked.. turns out I was 1st in my category (but there was only 2 of us) and 3rd overall female. Time to focus on tomorrow's race.

Early rise due to such a cold night..

So we line up again for stage 2.. unlike last night the numbers swelled to around 800 (of which about 627 finished), This posed a massive bottle neck at the entrance for the first lot of single track.. I only had to wait a couple of minutes but heard that some people had to wait 15-20 mins..
Back into the single track.."Schweet" there was a heap of single track in the first two "rings" but the last one was one long fire road ride.. not how I expected it to end but none the less it was a great course.
.

Result for Matinee stage was 4th in  Open women's. Combining that with my night stage result I ended up 2nd Overall Woman.

Definitely a must do for everyone's racing calendar.. Definitely will be on mine again next year.
Biggest thanks go out to Esanda who's continuous support is so appreciated.. and to AYUP for your support and awesome lights that make night riding all the better.

Allio

Little Miss Muppet

A few months back while randomly going through good ole stalkbook I came across an event that the crew from Race Elements were putting together... Muppets To Champions..... After a little more research and a little help from my work, I was enrolled in the Muppets program.. 8 weeks 3 mornings a week of organised rides, road rides, mtb rides, skills training, and great company.. 

Starting off with a welcome dinner at Arrivedeci Pizza on Good Friday it was quite a quiet dinner being that we were all meeting each  other for the first time..

Saturday morning was a Time trial up a section of  single track and Mt Nebo fire trail, 4.7kms. Timed on the way up a 10 min break and then timed back down the same section.  This was going to be our base line to beat in 8 weeks time.

6am starts usually at Cootha or the river loop during the week meant 4:30am starts to get there on time.. (can't say I am missing that part)  Road riding in a group on our first Wednesday ride, this was a first for me, I usually do all my training alone and had no idea what so ever what all the bloody hand signals were about.. but it was a lot of fun..

A couple of mornings up at Bunya we had MTB skills training with Aiden Lefmann.. Didn't this show up the lack there of skills I had.. Track stand?? I think I lasted about 5 seconds.. oh well at least there was room for improvement,...

Freddo and  Trav mixed it up for each session.. keeping everyone interested, singletrack one morning, Cootha reps the next.. The little tips here and there made all the difference to my improvement.

Saturday 18th June was the final day  and was the Time Trial of the section we did on day one..

With a Niner frame as the prize for most improved (thanks to FTR) we were all wired to smash our best times.. I was off an I was on it... I managed to shave off  3 mins on my time and when got to the top, I was very close to spewville, Sam can vouch for that... 10 min break and then back down we go... All I kept thinking was don't  brake, (being that I am a serial braker) faster, faster, faster.. 1 min off my down hill time. Happy little muppet.. 

Dinner that night  was suppose to be the presentation of the most improved but with a couple of peeps not being able to attend  testing that morning we waited till the next week (post 8hr) so the others could do their testing..

Dinner Friday 24th June at Simon's and Sam's, awesome feed of taco's thanks guys..  After a couple of beers and a bit of a discussion Simon announced the most improved muppet as myself.. Stoked does not come close to explaining how I felt and the support of the boys in the decision was very humbling. I finished off taking 4:04 mins of my time and lost 5% body fat.

So another trip into FTR (which is becoming a common occurrence) to see Tim to discus options.. Air9, One9 or the last minute suggestion of SIR9.  Too many options I had to think this one over.. After a week of deliberation I decided on a Kermit Green SIR9, being steel although heavier a lot more forgiving  on the body with amount of time I spend on the bike.

 

Impatiently awaiting its SS build kit

 

I can not thank Simon and Trav enough for all their help.  I would recommend to anyone wanting a little extra help with their MTBing to give these guys a bell  they cater for all skill levels..They have helped me so much with my confidence on the bike and cutting my times down and on a side note have gained some pretty awesome mates.

http://raceelements.com.au/

http://www.fortheriders.com.au/

Alio

Tailwind 8 Hr 19th June

The final race of the series..

Rolled up at daylight to Old Hidden Vale for the final race of the series.  Although there nice and  early  I didn't get a chance to get out and do a practice lap, but after racing the 24 here only a month ago and the course was the same, I was happy that I knew what I was in for..

For a change I started a bit forward of the middle, Usually I tend to start towards the back.  8am and wheels were rolling.  My plan for the race was to try and stay nice and consistent and get through a minimum of 8 laps.It was great to be out racing with so many mates... new and old..

No mechanicals or flats and an awesome crew in Kel Pearson allowed me to keep rolling around this awesome course. A very close encounter with a Brown Snake was more than enough to get the heart racing.. The Carbide felt awesome after having it fitted properly only days before.. Thanks FTR

8 laps, and finishing 4th in the Solo women's gave me the points needed to finish 3rd in the series overall.

Massive thanks to Kel for single handedly crewing for 4 of us.. you rock!!! Congrats to Boris for getting back on top of the podium..

Bike Fit @ For The Riders

Thursday night beers and pizza with the Muppets clan @ ForTheRiders we wandered around the new store in awe.  After having a run down on basic mechanics and maintenance from Matt we were taken into the Bike Fit room with Tim and we were given the run down about actually setting up your bike properly.

After the recent acquisition of my Tomac Carbide I decided that having it set up properly is the least I should do.. I rolled into FTR during a heavily extended lunch break to get the bike sorted before the 8hr.

Starting from the ground up, cleats of course they were wrong as was the rest of the set up of the bike.  

After sticking velcro dots and sensors on points along your body, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder you start spinning on the bike and so does the little stick man on the computer... :-)

Although the changes didn't look like much, few mm here and there the change in comfort was amazing.  I went from a 90mm  to 60mm steam with a flat bar instead of a riser.  On completion of the bike fit, all the key point were digitally measured and recorded along with all the other information from the fit and emailed through to you for future use.

I managed to get one roll on the single track before tackling the 8hr, the change was noticeable straight away.  The bike felt amazing, the race is gonna be fun.

I can not recommend highly enough to go in and see Tim at FTR and get your Steeds set up. The best thing you can do for your riding.  Just wish I had done it months ago.

http://www.fortheriders.com.au/

Alio

Merida 24 hour - 14/15 May 2011

Was pretty pumped going into this race. Dad was flying over from New Zealand and some of my good mates were coming out to crew...

Headed out to Old Hidden Vale Friday arvo having to compete with peak hour traffic was really frustrating.   I arrived just on dark so no practice lap for me tonight.  I arrived to see Richard and Dad had set up one of the tents and they had just got back from half a practice lap.

Spoilt as I am my work was kind enough to pay for a room at the resort for me for Friday and Saturday nights, that way getting a good sleep and having access to showers for the crew.  After dinner Boz, Kiri and Fellows rocked up.. starting to get pretty pumped for the race.  After putting in lots more training and having spent a few weeks with Freddo from Race elements my skills were on the improve.

Saturday morning up at sparrows fart to watch the sun rise... Its Race Day! Strolled up to pit lane to have Mike arrive with the second tent.. up that went and our pit area was sorted..
Trying to sort out a few things with bikes and I was starting to get really frustrated.. Time to hit the trails for a practice lap. Dad came along as did Mikey with his slowly repairing Collarbone. 3 pedal strokes and the frustration gone..

The track is DRY!!!! after racing here at the 4 hour and slogging through mud for that whole time  I was elated that the track was dry..This is going to be fun. Bridges well they were a little hairy but as long as you hit them straight on you should stay out of trouble.  Back to pit lane and time to get sorted, Stace and Grant arrived with only 30 mins to start, nothing like a grand entrance.

Time for race brief and get ready to go, I decided to take the Tomac Carbide out as my main ride being that it is such a fast bike to ride.. although due to lack of time I didn't have a chance to play with the pressures and after 3 laps I was buckled to pieces after taking on the rough track. Jumped back on the Tomac Auto, nice and familiar.. My race was pretty incident free drinking well and having a crew who were totally organised makes for an easy race..

After being on the bike for about 13 hours I had to get off, my behind and seat were not getting along.  I was off the bike for 5 hours including having a shower and a bit of a rest.. I had it in my head I was done, no way I was going to be able to sit on that seat again..... Dad had to take off at 5am to get his flight back to NZ and everyone else in the pits were catching some shut eye.. so I decided bugger it I was hurting already so why not just keep going.. I was sitting in 3rd and didn't want to lose that spot, so while everyone was sleeping on I got and away I went, wasn't out to set any land speed records just needed to keep the laps ticking over.

3 laps later I called it quits I was 6 laps(13 laps in total) in front of 4th with only 2 hours to go so no need to do any more damage to myself, and I had managed to stay rubber side down the whole time and wanted it to stay that way.    Getting 3rd for my first 24 I am really stoked, and if I can get my seat sorted I will be looking forward to more like it, as my legs were strong.

Biggest Thank you's go out to all that helped me with my race.. Dad, Stace, Grant, Mike, Kiri, Boz, Richard and Fellows, no way you can compete in these races without the help of your mates.   And thank to my trusty stead's that kept me rolling Tomac Auto & Tomac Carbide.

Credit goes out to Tailwind Promotions for another superbly run race.

Bring on the 8 hour

6 Hr Super Series Enduro - 10th April

Location for this one was the Murrenbong Scout Camp, same location as the LunarC but a shortened course.
Was very lucky to have Dad over from NZ for this one so he came up along with Stace to Crew for me.
Got there nice and early time to set up the Tomac tent and then headed out for a roll with Boz.... this is going to be another mud fest!!!! Plan of attack... hmmm just keep riding..

So lining up at the start line somewhere in the middle, the gun goes off and we are off... well slowly it was a crowded first lap but it stops you from going out to hard at the start.. The track cut out a lot of the climbing that was in the LunarC, but due to the mud it was just as hard..

The track continued to deteriorate especially the first 2 kms of the lap from transition.. at some points you just had to get off and trudge through it. Although once you got through this a the water crossing it was nice fire road and singletrack. The climbs became harder as the race wore on as the mud was doing its damage. Saw plenty of mechanicals along the way... was crushing to be climbing a hill was Boz and see his rear derailer snap off.. :-(

"Just keep Riding" this usually runs through my head many times during a race but it was not coming through loud enough, I was having major dramas trying to get my drink down which was really impeding my ride.. on a couple of my pit stops I struggled to hold on to a cup due to extreme shakes..  Thanks soooo much to Dad, Boz, Stace, Richard & Mikey for tending to my bike and me... No way it could be done without you guys...

Heading out with about an hour to go I was sitting in 3rd but had no idea how 4th was behind so once I got through the muddy section (which had really started to dry and there was a dry line through most of it) I saw the lady who was behind me... thanks to the caffeine gel boz got into me in the last transition I found the energy to really push it.. No way I was giving up this place after this long.. Smashing everything I could and running the couple of climbs I couldn't get (due to lack of gears). I was really happy with this lap coming up to transition I was going to come in just in time to go out again... through the creek and the last climb to the start/finish line.. and the legs were spinning but nothing was happening.. rear hub had given up.. so I pushed my bike up the hill and over the line... and it was done... a lap in front of 4th so thankfully I didnt need to go out again..Knackered!!! but really enjoyed it.. Stoked with 3rd.

Again I want to Thank Dad, Stace, Richard, Mikey & Boz. It is definitely not possible without the help of your mates.

Now to get ready for the 24...
Allio out

 Boz about to Give me a helping hand up the hill

Mud pack for the legs...

My anti climactic finish

The Winners for solo women, me(3rd), Rach Edwards(1st), Emma Thomson(2nd)

Tre - X Short Course Off Road Triathlon - 2nd April

Well not really sure what tempted me to enter this, I think just pushing my body by doing new things to see how much it can endure.. hehehe

This race was held Wildeco up on the sunshine coast.. This is a real nice spot to camp and to race.
I headed up on Friday night to set up camp. Couldn't convince any of the boys to come and give it a crack, so I was on my own.. Always a good way to meet people.

Saturday morning is was up and about... time to do rego and go set up my gear in the transition area... having never done a triathlon of any description before I was a little apprehensive... So I set up my bike and running gear looked at it over and over.. well I hope I have got it right.

Standing on the bank of the dam my heart beat running a million miles a second.. and the horn went... in we go.. legs and arms are going everywhere.. the first 50 metres was all about trying to get going and get a decent line... Note to self next time just go at the front and let everyone else go round you... I was pretty happy with my swim.. definitely could have gone harder but didnt really no what to expect.

So out of the water and running up to transition... on with the shoes, number, helmet and gloves grab the Mac and away we went.. the ride was quite frustrating as there were a lot of people on a really wet track and wasn't much room for passing.. eventually I got a clean line and time to put the hammer down, I can't really run to save myself so the ride had to be my strongest leg. And it was... 2nd fastest on the bike put me into 3rd coming into the run.

Transition to the run was good, and I headed out for the last 4kms.. I was having a ball.. The run was great fun even though I really suck at it.. the scenery was lovely and the hills were not at all mean.. Unfortunately I lost 3 spots in the run, disappointing but not surprising.. at least I know where I need to focus for improvement.

All in all it was an awesome race... I was smiling the whole way (well maybe not while swimming) I would recommend it to anyone.. it was definitely nice to have a change up from all the XC races.
Bring on the next one.

Allio out..

The O so flattering Tri Suit shot.. lol