I just had a really interesting hit out! Went out on my local time trial run expecting to come back in a little under 80mins. Bike was still dirty so gave the chain a quick lube, fired up my HR monitor and hit the road. I haven't been using my HR monitor much lately, only in racing really but I better get on it again because I had some interesting readings today.
I went out with the intention to push hard for the duration and turn it into intervals if I get a bit puffed. The first 5min 'warm up' hill I normally hit in middle to middle ring, but today I felt ok in big to 4th ring. Got to the top and didn't even crack 155bpm. My legs were feeling it a little after doing 2 1/2hrs of forest bashing yesterday but my lungs were coping just fine.
Up Stromlo I manage to keep pushing out the big ring the entire way. So something has changed with my fitness for the first time ever, I think I actually have some core fitness now and need to start working on strengthening again.
Time Trial - 61mins (I'll have to check the route because I think I must have taken a shortcut)
Max HR: 165
Average HR: 152
Monday, 21 November 2011
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Flung Out - Highland Fling 58km
I scored a late entry to the Highland Fling about 3 weeks before the start gun went off. My first thought was yeah I can probably ride for 100km, especially if I get heaps of riding in before now and then. But the first week of riding was mediocre, and the following weeks were much of the same. Good hard sessions when I got out but not nearly often enough with only completing 2 or 3 rides a week. So winding back the entry to the half fling turned out to be a good idea.
It was to be a solo road trip for me, not that I mind, actually I was excited about spending some time on the road to just chill out and think about the race ahead. Driving into Bundanoon at 9:30pm I couldn't help but think of the back packer murders, as the bodies were found in 1992 only 20kms away from where the race was to unfold. The community would be moving on by now but man it must have rocked the surrounding area for a long time. Camping in any of the surrounding forests would have the makings for another edition of Blair Witch but I was lucky this time because there were at least 1000 other people camping next to me that night.
I didn't get much training in so I thought I would at least try and eat and drink the right things in the lead up to the race..I dropped as many fats and sugars from my diet as I could, I took some advice and loaded the magnesium pills into my system for about a week, apparently this helps with cramping and general muscle performance. I had some good Italian carbs the night before and eat 4 pancakes on the morning of the race. After a Mark Webber dash for the porta loo I was ready to race. Expecting to be finished up in something over 2hrs I loaded my bike shorts with 4 GU's (energy gel shot things). A handful of people rocked up to the startline with about 30mins to spare, at first I laughed, but then thought about the 6 A4 pages of rider entries and 5 minutes later I was on the start line too. Sure enough the start line was packed and it was super long, I reckon I had about 80 people in front and around me and there were another 900 or so behind me lined up down into the bush.
Being my first 58km, I kept my plan for the race nice and simple. Start out cruisey, get into a groove, ride smooth and efficient and leave nothing left over in the last 10km. Oh yeah I also had to do this eating on bike thing, a new concept but seems to work and makes racing for 2hrs+ a lot less painful. Every 30mins I downed a GU shot, disgustingly sweet, but rewarding a short while later when some of your energy comes back.
The first few km's were tarmac and fire road but it wasn't long and we were hitting up farm tracks and green pastures. Wasn't a bad warm up for me and I was only passed by a handful of riders in the first 15kms. Then it was into the usual routine, everyone stops pedalling on the down hills, I blast past any way I can find and then most of the riders I just over took, get me again on the climb. This cycle went on a few times and you get to know some of the riders who are keeping a similar average pace.
The descents were mostly on farm tracks, fire roads and 4x4 tracks so there wasn't much technical stuff. But the wide open roads made passing possible in the faster sections and I rarely got held up by people riding out their anchors. On your right, on your right, ooooop, up the middle lads, thanks for that. There were a few sand traps in corners and at the end of fast sections of fire trail. So many riders were getting caught out and running wide but I managed to find some sneaky lines around the inside where the grass was hanging onto some grip. A highlight was taking 4 riders in one turn, holding the big ring up a small pinch to keep flowing on through the traffic into the next rocky section of MTBing heaven. I had a few big rear wheel wash outs but my front was hanging in there and I was really enjoying the riding.
Probably the highlight of the race for me was in the last 10km, the track opened up to hard packed fire trail, and there were about 6 of us all in a bunch and pushing hard. Well I was getting a free ride, tucked in low and getting dragged along by a grey hound on a 29er. After a few mins I thought it was time to get to the front and pull me weight, I pulled out and started stomping it out. Had a quick look and 2 of the riders had dropped off. In about 500m there was track marshal ahead and we were directed the the driveway of another farm, still with plenty of pace, I looked up to try and see where the track was going, right, left through a gate, hard right down a fence line and back into the paddock. I looked back with a smile on my dial ready to acknowledge the nice flowing corners with my fellow race dudes but not one of them was in sight. They must have thought I was a local and timed the move to the front perfectly. Nope!! Hack from Canberra gets lucky again.
For the first time this year I actually paced myself to finish stronger then I started so I'm happy with that. My result was just inside the top 10%, that sounds ok doesn't it?!?!. But It was an awesome race, no crashes for once and no mechanical problems, I'll be back again next year for sure so all in all I'm stoked :-)
Ground Effect Stage - 1:08:42.9 (48th)
Gu Stage - 1:41:05.4 (35th)
Finish - 2:49:48.3 (35th)
Check out Dylan Cooper's and James Downing's blogs for a view point from the pointy end of the field. Links on the right.
Until next post.
Ride on!
It was to be a solo road trip for me, not that I mind, actually I was excited about spending some time on the road to just chill out and think about the race ahead. Driving into Bundanoon at 9:30pm I couldn't help but think of the back packer murders, as the bodies were found in 1992 only 20kms away from where the race was to unfold. The community would be moving on by now but man it must have rocked the surrounding area for a long time. Camping in any of the surrounding forests would have the makings for another edition of Blair Witch but I was lucky this time because there were at least 1000 other people camping next to me that night.
I didn't get much training in so I thought I would at least try and eat and drink the right things in the lead up to the race..I dropped as many fats and sugars from my diet as I could, I took some advice and loaded the magnesium pills into my system for about a week, apparently this helps with cramping and general muscle performance. I had some good Italian carbs the night before and eat 4 pancakes on the morning of the race. After a Mark Webber dash for the porta loo I was ready to race. Expecting to be finished up in something over 2hrs I loaded my bike shorts with 4 GU's (energy gel shot things). A handful of people rocked up to the startline with about 30mins to spare, at first I laughed, but then thought about the 6 A4 pages of rider entries and 5 minutes later I was on the start line too. Sure enough the start line was packed and it was super long, I reckon I had about 80 people in front and around me and there were another 900 or so behind me lined up down into the bush.
Being my first 58km, I kept my plan for the race nice and simple. Start out cruisey, get into a groove, ride smooth and efficient and leave nothing left over in the last 10km. Oh yeah I also had to do this eating on bike thing, a new concept but seems to work and makes racing for 2hrs+ a lot less painful. Every 30mins I downed a GU shot, disgustingly sweet, but rewarding a short while later when some of your energy comes back.
The first few km's were tarmac and fire road but it wasn't long and we were hitting up farm tracks and green pastures. Wasn't a bad warm up for me and I was only passed by a handful of riders in the first 15kms. Then it was into the usual routine, everyone stops pedalling on the down hills, I blast past any way I can find and then most of the riders I just over took, get me again on the climb. This cycle went on a few times and you get to know some of the riders who are keeping a similar average pace.
The descents were mostly on farm tracks, fire roads and 4x4 tracks so there wasn't much technical stuff. But the wide open roads made passing possible in the faster sections and I rarely got held up by people riding out their anchors. On your right, on your right, ooooop, up the middle lads, thanks for that. There were a few sand traps in corners and at the end of fast sections of fire trail. So many riders were getting caught out and running wide but I managed to find some sneaky lines around the inside where the grass was hanging onto some grip. A highlight was taking 4 riders in one turn, holding the big ring up a small pinch to keep flowing on through the traffic into the next rocky section of MTBing heaven. I had a few big rear wheel wash outs but my front was hanging in there and I was really enjoying the riding.
Probably the highlight of the race for me was in the last 10km, the track opened up to hard packed fire trail, and there were about 6 of us all in a bunch and pushing hard. Well I was getting a free ride, tucked in low and getting dragged along by a grey hound on a 29er. After a few mins I thought it was time to get to the front and pull me weight, I pulled out and started stomping it out. Had a quick look and 2 of the riders had dropped off. In about 500m there was track marshal ahead and we were directed the the driveway of another farm, still with plenty of pace, I looked up to try and see where the track was going, right, left through a gate, hard right down a fence line and back into the paddock. I looked back with a smile on my dial ready to acknowledge the nice flowing corners with my fellow race dudes but not one of them was in sight. They must have thought I was a local and timed the move to the front perfectly. Nope!! Hack from Canberra gets lucky again.
For the first time this year I actually paced myself to finish stronger then I started so I'm happy with that. My result was just inside the top 10%, that sounds ok doesn't it?!?!. But It was an awesome race, no crashes for once and no mechanical problems, I'll be back again next year for sure so all in all I'm stoked :-)
Ground Effect Stage - 1:08:42.9 (48th)
Gu Stage - 1:41:05.4 (35th)
Finish - 2:49:48.3 (35th)
Check out Dylan Cooper's and James Downing's blogs for a view point from the pointy end of the field. Links on the right.
Until next post.
Ride on!
Monday, 7 November 2011
2 more hard sessions to go, then taper, then carb load...
The usual thoughts are running through my head and giving me a touch of insomnia in the process, or was that my 32kg Pointer whimpering as the thunder rolled through at 4am this morning. Thoughts like, I could have ridden on Friday arvo last week but opted for a beer and bbq instead. Hmm thats going to hurt on Sunday. Is my bike ready to go, need to get those slick little carbon bar ends installed, that will definitely fix my lower back pains and basically plant me on the podium. What am I going to eat pre race, during and post race? Have I got a goal or am I just there to give it 100%?
Well I can answer most with logical ideas and remedy the other thoughts with procrastination. All pretty obvious when it comes down to it so I'm going to write down a few observations on team racing in 24hr events instead.
We have two local 24hr events that happen during the year, The Mont and The Scott. The Mont (entries opening in 2 days) portrays itself as a friendly but competitive 24hr race, family orientated and targeted at beginners through to Pros. The Scott is a little more serious, the track is more demanding and competition seems to be smokin' hot throughout the entire field rather then just at the pointy end. Both events sell out like a U2 concert and you're lucky to get a spot after a couple days of entries opening. It amazes me that so many people (including myself) make a 24hr event their first MTB racing experience. Talk about jumping in the deep end, maybe there is comfort in the thought that you're doing it with 5 other loonies. But I tell you, those first couple of 24hr races that I did, where I thought I could train for 2 weeks, and expect to finish strongly, were some of the most testing hours that I've ever experienced. Last years Mont was really the first time that I put in a bare minimum of training and prep and it was much more rewarding and enjoyable as you'd expect. I wonder what the percentage is of first timers going on to give other MTB racing a crack.
24hr Team Racing Observations
- doesn't matter where your team finishes, what matters is where you would have finished if everyone had the same lap time as you
- finishing the race seems to be debateable, if it rains and you're not in the top three, then democracy rings true. Except for that one dirt bandit, who just can't stop riding and most likely has some sort of chemical imbalance
- trying to find a bunch of 6 riders all on par with riding speed is like trying to make pandas mate. You either have to split up an existing family or you find the perfect match only to find out that the panda gets cold paws cause they are worried about what the other panda's think.
- there is a fine line between a social team and a competitive team, social pretty much goes out the window once the first round of lap times are set and everyone is trying to get closer to the gun rider
- sponsorship is cool but comes to those who know people and not necessarily those who are fast. People who appear to be sponsored always seem to attract attacks on the track. They always have the best tent sites with flat screens and DJ's.
- the pro's go past you so quick that you often crash a few corners later cause you lose focus and start thinking about how the f'ck they do that and then a rock jumps out in front of your wheel.
- there's something exciting about having a hot shower at 3am. Until you get in there and the steam from a dozen pair of jingle jangles fills your nostrals and you just want to get back to your swag and forget it ever happened.
- Sunday night dinner after the event never tasted so good, even if it is bangers and mash. Half a beer goes down like velvet, the 2nd half does too but you can't remember because you've already fallen asleep on the couch.
I'm entering a mixed team of 6 for the Mont, we tried hard to get a team of pandas to mate but just couldn't get it happening this year. So I'm looking forward to training and racing with the motley crew that we've thrown together.
Triple lap of Stromlo this arvo, about 40kms, there has been some rain so hopefully the dust, and now mud, has settled.
Until next ride..Stay frosty
Well I can answer most with logical ideas and remedy the other thoughts with procrastination. All pretty obvious when it comes down to it so I'm going to write down a few observations on team racing in 24hr events instead.
We have two local 24hr events that happen during the year, The Mont and The Scott. The Mont (entries opening in 2 days) portrays itself as a friendly but competitive 24hr race, family orientated and targeted at beginners through to Pros. The Scott is a little more serious, the track is more demanding and competition seems to be smokin' hot throughout the entire field rather then just at the pointy end. Both events sell out like a U2 concert and you're lucky to get a spot after a couple days of entries opening. It amazes me that so many people (including myself) make a 24hr event their first MTB racing experience. Talk about jumping in the deep end, maybe there is comfort in the thought that you're doing it with 5 other loonies. But I tell you, those first couple of 24hr races that I did, where I thought I could train for 2 weeks, and expect to finish strongly, were some of the most testing hours that I've ever experienced. Last years Mont was really the first time that I put in a bare minimum of training and prep and it was much more rewarding and enjoyable as you'd expect. I wonder what the percentage is of first timers going on to give other MTB racing a crack.
24hr Team Racing Observations
- doesn't matter where your team finishes, what matters is where you would have finished if everyone had the same lap time as you
- finishing the race seems to be debateable, if it rains and you're not in the top three, then democracy rings true. Except for that one dirt bandit, who just can't stop riding and most likely has some sort of chemical imbalance
- trying to find a bunch of 6 riders all on par with riding speed is like trying to make pandas mate. You either have to split up an existing family or you find the perfect match only to find out that the panda gets cold paws cause they are worried about what the other panda's think.
- there is a fine line between a social team and a competitive team, social pretty much goes out the window once the first round of lap times are set and everyone is trying to get closer to the gun rider
- sponsorship is cool but comes to those who know people and not necessarily those who are fast. People who appear to be sponsored always seem to attract attacks on the track. They always have the best tent sites with flat screens and DJ's.
- the pro's go past you so quick that you often crash a few corners later cause you lose focus and start thinking about how the f'ck they do that and then a rock jumps out in front of your wheel.
- there's something exciting about having a hot shower at 3am. Until you get in there and the steam from a dozen pair of jingle jangles fills your nostrals and you just want to get back to your swag and forget it ever happened.
- Sunday night dinner after the event never tasted so good, even if it is bangers and mash. Half a beer goes down like velvet, the 2nd half does too but you can't remember because you've already fallen asleep on the couch.
I'm entering a mixed team of 6 for the Mont, we tried hard to get a team of pandas to mate but just couldn't get it happening this year. So I'm looking forward to training and racing with the motley crew that we've thrown together.
Triple lap of Stromlo this arvo, about 40kms, there has been some rain so hopefully the dust, and now mud, has settled.
Until next ride..Stay frosty
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
10 days to go...
until race day..I've changed down to the 50km for the upcoming race, mainly so I can get a little less pain for my gain. But I will be entering the Capital Punishment race so will be going for my first 100km race in a couple of months.
I've had some good riding sessions, 55km in 2:15 on the weekend, wasn't a bad effort but most was on the tarmac or fire road. Some good long hills and after putting in a local ride today I can feel that my legs have a bit more climbing in them now. Spent 95% of the time in the big ring today to try and get some strength into my quads. They feel like they have had a work out that's for sure.
I'm planning to do some hill efforts up Mt Stromlo road tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking 4 is a good number.
Peace out
I've had some good riding sessions, 55km in 2:15 on the weekend, wasn't a bad effort but most was on the tarmac or fire road. Some good long hills and after putting in a local ride today I can feel that my legs have a bit more climbing in them now. Spent 95% of the time in the big ring today to try and get some strength into my quads. They feel like they have had a work out that's for sure.
I'm planning to do some hill efforts up Mt Stromlo road tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking 4 is a good number.
Peace out
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