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Tassie Nationals Round 1
13 Dec 2009 Filed in: 4X
4X Race Tasmania Aussie Nationals
Poor Tassie was down on numbers for all events (*not based on actual statistics).
The DH was quite expensive ($200 for the weekend I think) and that could have contributed to the lack of people. Or maybe it was because it was held so close to xmas. It was much cooler than QLD which was a nice change. I only raced in the 4X not the DH. The logistics and cost of flying down to Tassie with 2 bikes was just not worth it. Darren and Carol from Brisbane Boutique Bikes and Barspin Imports flew down to support the Banshee team. Thanks guys! and sorry that your tent got blown to pieces....
Ben Power was racing in the DH, Ryan Hunt in the 4X and DH and Alan Hepburn in the dirt jumps. I think the Banshee would be up for the DH though. Just might be a bit rough, but I think it would be ok.
It would make me sad though if I smashed my X0 redwin red on a rock. Racing time came around and I had a clean race coming through with a 2nd place behind Sarsha. My best ever Nationals result so far (and 10 weeks pregnant)!
Ryan Hunt (Team Banshee) came 2nd in the Elite mens event. Ben came 5th in the U19 downhill and Alan came 2nd (I think... in the dirt jumps). Go team!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Poor Tassie was down on numbers for all events (*not based on actual statistics).
The DH was quite expensive ($200 for the weekend I think) and that could have contributed to the lack of people. Or maybe it was because it was held so close to xmas. It was much cooler than QLD which was a nice change. I only raced in the 4X not the DH. The logistics and cost of flying down to Tassie with 2 bikes was just not worth it. Darren and Carol from Brisbane Boutique Bikes and Barspin Imports flew down to support the Banshee team. Thanks guys! and sorry that your tent got blown to pieces....
Ben Power was racing in the DH, Ryan Hunt in the 4X and DH and Alan Hepburn in the dirt jumps. I think the Banshee would be up for the DH though. Just might be a bit rough, but I think it would be ok.
It would make me sad though if I smashed my X0 redwin red on a rock. Racing time came around and I had a clean race coming through with a 2nd place behind Sarsha. My best ever Nationals result so far (and 10 weeks pregnant)!
Ryan Hunt (Team Banshee) came 2nd in the Elite mens event. Ben came 5th in the U19 downhill and Alan came 2nd (I think... in the dirt jumps). Go team!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
4X Race - Gold Coast
06 Dec 2009 Filed in: 4X
4X Race Gold Coast
I learnt a lot more this time round. I spent more time planning my race strategy rather than just jumping out the gate without a plan. There was also extra to think about with my race. I was racing at about 80% and really did not want to get taken out by anyone.
The weather was hot and sticky. We had three heats, which I managed to get Gate 1 each time which was the toughest line with a tight corner into sand and a small drop off. I dont mind taking that line, but the sand was really loose and sketchy.
I came 1st in two of my heats and came 2nd in the other. Cherie came 1st in the last heat, which I almost go her on the last pedal to the finish. She was uncommitted in the last rock section and braked hard before hand which meant I carried more speed. But I couldnt pass her in the tight switch backs to the finish. So that meant Cherie had first choice of gate and I had 2nd choice. Julie and Brodie had the remaining gates.
Cherie picked Gate 1, but I knew she wouldnt race that line and was likely to cut in front of me into either line 2 or 3. She is fast out the gate and I knew she would get out first. I stayed back in the gate to make sure we didnt collide. I took the inside line on the 2nd corner and almost had her as she took the outside line.
Then it was up to the 3rd corner, where I chose the inside line again but it was sandier than I expected and slid out and off the bike.
All over for me. I was happy with my race even though I came through in 4th. It was worth a shot! First crash on Rampy.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
I learnt a lot more this time round. I spent more time planning my race strategy rather than just jumping out the gate without a plan. There was also extra to think about with my race. I was racing at about 80% and really did not want to get taken out by anyone.
The weather was hot and sticky. We had three heats, which I managed to get Gate 1 each time which was the toughest line with a tight corner into sand and a small drop off. I dont mind taking that line, but the sand was really loose and sketchy.
I came 1st in two of my heats and came 2nd in the other. Cherie came 1st in the last heat, which I almost go her on the last pedal to the finish. She was uncommitted in the last rock section and braked hard before hand which meant I carried more speed. But I couldnt pass her in the tight switch backs to the finish. So that meant Cherie had first choice of gate and I had 2nd choice. Julie and Brodie had the remaining gates.
Cherie picked Gate 1, but I knew she wouldnt race that line and was likely to cut in front of me into either line 2 or 3. She is fast out the gate and I knew she would get out first. I stayed back in the gate to make sure we didnt collide. I took the inside line on the 2nd corner and almost had her as she took the outside line.
Then it was up to the 3rd corner, where I chose the inside line again but it was sandier than I expected and slid out and off the bike.
All over for me. I was happy with my race even though I came through in 4th. It was worth a shot! First crash on Rampy.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Adelaide Xmas
05 Dec 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
Adelaide xmas
So I headed down to Adelaide for xmas to spend some time with family and friends. I was keen to check out the new 4X track at Eagle, but ran out of time.
Some footage of the dirt jumps in the Adelaide CBD. Just the small ones for now, but maybe one day I will hit up the big ones...
Went down to the dirt jumps at West Beach too. Which was fun. Quite windy though. Also got thrashed at table tennis.
Friday, 25 December 2009
So I headed down to Adelaide for xmas to spend some time with family and friends. I was keen to check out the new 4X track at Eagle, but ran out of time.
Some footage of the dirt jumps in the Adelaide CBD. Just the small ones for now, but maybe one day I will hit up the big ones...
Went down to the dirt jumps at West Beach too. Which was fun. Quite windy though. Also got thrashed at table tennis.
Friday, 25 December 2009
Race Jerseys
27 Nov 2009 Filed in: Other
Race Jerseys
Got my new race jerseys for Australia Team Banshee. I think they look pretty sick. One is black and white and one is white and black. I headed off to the local jump park to test them out.
I have been a bit preoccupied lately with my cat, husband and mother in law all being sick. So I have spent a bit of time traveling from Brisbane to Adelaide and sitting in vets and hospitals. So not much time on the bikes.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Got my new race jerseys for Australia Team Banshee. I think they look pretty sick. One is black and white and one is white and black. I headed off to the local jump park to test them out.
I have been a bit preoccupied lately with my cat, husband and mother in law all being sick. So I have spent a bit of time traveling from Brisbane to Adelaide and sitting in vets and hospitals. So not much time on the bikes.
Friday, 27 November 2009
4X RACE - UNDERWOOD
18 Oct 2009 Filed in: 4X
4X RACE - UNDERWOOD
Underwood is a BMX track that had been ‘converted’ into a 4X track. Its a fairly pedally track with big berms and BMX style jumps. With only 1 weekend between this race and the last one, I hadn’t had a chance to practice my gate starts. So got straight onto it.
There were 10 girls in Elite Women this time, with a few BMXers and a couple of other DH girls. Its not often there are this many girls at a race, so there was great competition.
The track wasn’t technical, and not many places to overtake. So you really needed to make it to the first corner first. I had 3 motos and came 1st in two and 2nd in the last. This put me in a good position for the semi final.
It was a tough semi and I found myself sitting in 3rd. I sprinted out hard, but couldn’t get past. At the final corner I took the outside line and the girl in 2nd took the inside.
I nearly got her on the line, but came in 3rd position. This bumped me out of the final, and I finished in 6th place.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Underwood is a BMX track that had been ‘converted’ into a 4X track. Its a fairly pedally track with big berms and BMX style jumps. With only 1 weekend between this race and the last one, I hadn’t had a chance to practice my gate starts. So got straight onto it.
There were 10 girls in Elite Women this time, with a few BMXers and a couple of other DH girls. Its not often there are this many girls at a race, so there was great competition.
The track wasn’t technical, and not many places to overtake. So you really needed to make it to the first corner first. I had 3 motos and came 1st in two and 2nd in the last. This put me in a good position for the semi final.
It was a tough semi and I found myself sitting in 3rd. I sprinted out hard, but couldn’t get past. At the final corner I took the outside line and the girl in 2nd took the inside.
I nearly got her on the line, but came in 3rd position. This bumped me out of the final, and I finished in 6th place.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
4X Race - GOLD COAST
04 Oct 2009 Filed in: 4X
4X Race - GOLD COAST
The first round of the 4X series in Queensland was held at Illinbah, in the Gold Coast hinterland. I was stoked to be out on the new Banshee. The track was rocky in places and a little bit rough.
So it was cool to test out how the bike felt on the terrain. I can change the settings on the rear shock to make it stiffer or leave it with the full travel. I opted for full travel on this track front and rear. On smoother tracks I’ll lock it out. My gate starts aren’t fantastic and I wobble a bit when waiting for the random start.
Something to improve on this year thats for sure. I had 4 motos and came in 2nd place in each. Then in the final I got a bad start and was sitting in 3rd. Then had a sprint finish for 2nd and 3rd. I managed to take a better line to the last corner and get in front (see photo below) and took 2nd place.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Photo above. Thats me on the right hand side in second place, trying to get past on the outside.
The first round of the 4X series in Queensland was held at Illinbah, in the Gold Coast hinterland. I was stoked to be out on the new Banshee. The track was rocky in places and a little bit rough.
So it was cool to test out how the bike felt on the terrain. I can change the settings on the rear shock to make it stiffer or leave it with the full travel. I opted for full travel on this track front and rear. On smoother tracks I’ll lock it out. My gate starts aren’t fantastic and I wobble a bit when waiting for the random start.
Something to improve on this year thats for sure. I had 4 motos and came in 2nd place in each. Then in the final I got a bad start and was sitting in 3rd. Then had a sprint finish for 2nd and 3rd. I managed to take a better line to the last corner and get in front (see photo below) and took 2nd place.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Photo above. Thats me on the right hand side in second place, trying to get past on the outside.
New Bike Fever!
27 Sep 2009 Filed in: 4X
New Bike Fever!
So my Banshee Rampant is complete.
I built it up with:
• Rock Shox Pikes
• Hope Pro II hubs laced to DT Swiss 5.2 rims, with black DT
• Chris King headset
• SRAM X0 Derailleur, SRAM Road Cassette, FSA Team Chain
• Avid Juicys My favourite is the X0 derailleur - Redwin Red.
It matches the bike perfectly, and not too over the top. Lets hope I dont smash it on any rocks.
I took it to the 4X track at Underwood today for a bit of a spin. Wow, this thing flies! It naturally wants to take off lips without me even trying to jump it. Nice.
The jumps are quite big at the track, so I didnt have much choice to test it out on, but once I am used to the bike, Im sure I will be hitting all the big jumps in no time! haha.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
So my Banshee Rampant is complete.
I built it up with:
• Rock Shox Pikes
• Hope Pro II hubs laced to DT Swiss 5.2 rims, with black DT
• Chris King headset
• SRAM X0 Derailleur, SRAM Road Cassette, FSA Team Chain
• Avid Juicys My favourite is the X0 derailleur - Redwin Red.
It matches the bike perfectly, and not too over the top. Lets hope I dont smash it on any rocks.
I took it to the 4X track at Underwood today for a bit of a spin. Wow, this thing flies! It naturally wants to take off lips without me even trying to jump it. Nice.
The jumps are quite big at the track, so I didnt have much choice to test it out on, but once I am used to the bike, Im sure I will be hitting all the big jumps in no time! haha.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
DUATHLON RACE
21 Sep 2009 Filed in: Multisport
DUATHLON RACE
So I decided to hit a different type of race this time. An off road duathlon, held at Old Hidden Vale. The race was a 30 km MTB ride followed by a 12 km run. I had been running a bit prior to the race, but often only 8 - 10 kms. Fellow races out to have a crack, included: Tony and Bec (team ‘T-Bex’), Gary and Joel (team ‘Gaz and Joel’), and Colin (going solo).
Race start was 9 am, which was probably a little late considering it was going to be 32 degrees.
The Ride
The ride started with all solo acts and teams at the same time. It started at a fairly leisurely pace, which was nice. On the first climb, Tony and Colin passed me. I kept my cool and stayed at my own pace. Tony was doing the event in a team, so he didn’t have to do the run after. Gary was no where to be seen, and I wasn’t sure if he was ahead or behind.
After about 30 mins of passing people and getting into a comfortable rhythm, I saw Tony up ahead. Sweet. He seemed to be struggling already which wasn’t a good sign. I passed him and continued on, hunting down Colin. The trails were great fun! After riding the flowing trail of Yowie, we climbed up Grinder.
The sign said it was 1.3 km - presumably straight up....It wasn’t as bad as it sounded. Then onto the Epic track, which was a nice relaxing track with no great climbs to worry about. Still no Colin in sight. Most of the ride I was by myself.
Sometimes I worried I had taken a wrong turn. When my GPS clocked over 30 km I was eagerly looking for the transition area. It was another 2 kms away.
The Run
A quick gulp of water and change of shoes, and I was off. Bec was waiting for Tony to arrive and gave me the news that Colin was ‘miles ahead’. There was no way I was going to catch him on the run, and I still had to stave off Bec - she was all fresh as she was doing the run part of the race and taking over from Tony.
It was hot, really hot..... The run went up a single track through the gully. There was no breeze and it felt really slow after getting off the bike. There were no other runners to be seen, and it was a bit lonely. I got to the top of the big climb and poured a few cups of water over my head and tried to drink lots of water.
I continued on and at about the 6 km mark Joel (team Gaz and Joel) passed me. I came through the transition again (2 laps of a 6 km course) and threw on my camelbak that Tony had refilled for me. The 2nd lap was the worst. I had been out in the sun for about 2 hrs 40 mins by this stage and struggled to keep hydrated.
I walked up some of the hills and another runner passed me. At the drink station at the top I was glad that there were no more hills. I saw Bec coming up behind me in the corner of my eye, and quickly ran off down the track.
She was catching me! Only 3 kms to go, and I continued on at a steady pace. I overtook another person, who was suffering in the heat, and headed toward the finish. I reached the finish line in a time of about 3 hrs 20 mins. Bec came through just after I did. We got lots of cheers from the crowd (Tony, Colin, Gary, Joel and also the crew from Brisbane Boutique Bikes). Colin smashed the mens field and won convincingly.
Colin running fast
Bec running
Results 1st Solo Women - Jayne Rutter 1st
Solo Men - Colin Fuller 2nd
Mixed Team - Team T-Bex (Tony and Bec) 2nd
Male Team - Team Gaz and Joel (Gary and Joel) 3rd
Women 30 km MTB event - Carol Bowman
Winners are grinners. $100 vouchers each from Groundeffects.
dirtyduoresults2009
Monday, 21 September 2009
So I decided to hit a different type of race this time. An off road duathlon, held at Old Hidden Vale. The race was a 30 km MTB ride followed by a 12 km run. I had been running a bit prior to the race, but often only 8 - 10 kms. Fellow races out to have a crack, included: Tony and Bec (team ‘T-Bex’), Gary and Joel (team ‘Gaz and Joel’), and Colin (going solo).
Race start was 9 am, which was probably a little late considering it was going to be 32 degrees.
The Ride
The ride started with all solo acts and teams at the same time. It started at a fairly leisurely pace, which was nice. On the first climb, Tony and Colin passed me. I kept my cool and stayed at my own pace. Tony was doing the event in a team, so he didn’t have to do the run after. Gary was no where to be seen, and I wasn’t sure if he was ahead or behind.
After about 30 mins of passing people and getting into a comfortable rhythm, I saw Tony up ahead. Sweet. He seemed to be struggling already which wasn’t a good sign. I passed him and continued on, hunting down Colin. The trails were great fun! After riding the flowing trail of Yowie, we climbed up Grinder.
The sign said it was 1.3 km - presumably straight up....It wasn’t as bad as it sounded. Then onto the Epic track, which was a nice relaxing track with no great climbs to worry about. Still no Colin in sight. Most of the ride I was by myself.
Sometimes I worried I had taken a wrong turn. When my GPS clocked over 30 km I was eagerly looking for the transition area. It was another 2 kms away.
The Run
A quick gulp of water and change of shoes, and I was off. Bec was waiting for Tony to arrive and gave me the news that Colin was ‘miles ahead’. There was no way I was going to catch him on the run, and I still had to stave off Bec - she was all fresh as she was doing the run part of the race and taking over from Tony.
It was hot, really hot..... The run went up a single track through the gully. There was no breeze and it felt really slow after getting off the bike. There were no other runners to be seen, and it was a bit lonely. I got to the top of the big climb and poured a few cups of water over my head and tried to drink lots of water.
I continued on and at about the 6 km mark Joel (team Gaz and Joel) passed me. I came through the transition again (2 laps of a 6 km course) and threw on my camelbak that Tony had refilled for me. The 2nd lap was the worst. I had been out in the sun for about 2 hrs 40 mins by this stage and struggled to keep hydrated.
I walked up some of the hills and another runner passed me. At the drink station at the top I was glad that there were no more hills. I saw Bec coming up behind me in the corner of my eye, and quickly ran off down the track.
She was catching me! Only 3 kms to go, and I continued on at a steady pace. I overtook another person, who was suffering in the heat, and headed toward the finish. I reached the finish line in a time of about 3 hrs 20 mins. Bec came through just after I did. We got lots of cheers from the crowd (Tony, Colin, Gary, Joel and also the crew from Brisbane Boutique Bikes). Colin smashed the mens field and won convincingly.
Colin running fast
Bec running
Results 1st Solo Women - Jayne Rutter 1st
Solo Men - Colin Fuller 2nd
Mixed Team - Team T-Bex (Tony and Bec) 2nd
Male Team - Team Gaz and Joel (Gary and Joel) 3rd
Women 30 km MTB event - Carol Bowman
Winners are grinners. $100 vouchers each from Groundeffects.
dirtyduoresults2009
Monday, 21 September 2009
BANSHEE RAMPANT
18 Sep 2009 Filed in: 4X
BANSHEE RAMPANT
Welcome my latest addition to the bike family. A Banshee Rampant. This lightweight beast is going to be a 4X weapon. I cant wait to get it built up and ride it. Will keep you all posted! I took some photos of the frame outside on the grass. It looks sweet!
Friday, 18 September 2009
Welcome my latest addition to the bike family. A Banshee Rampant. This lightweight beast is going to be a 4X weapon. I cant wait to get it built up and ride it. Will keep you all posted! I took some photos of the frame outside on the grass. It looks sweet!
Friday, 18 September 2009
Cedar Ck DH & Brookfield DH
30 Aug 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
Cedar Ck DH & Brookfield DH
Cedar Creek DH
Brookfield up the top of the track.
Dust, dust, steep chutes and sharp corners. Not much time to rest on this track. By the time you made it out of the tough stuff you were at the bottom.
Completely different to the recent Canadian tracks I have been riding! Which are all perfectly groomed. Five girls were racing Elite, which is quite rare for the state series. I qualified in 1st and held on to the position for the final. Its nice to be back racing (last race was the Nationals in February!).
Lea - Cedar Creek
I have raced this track once before last year. It hadn’t changed much. A few sharp flat turns with a long fire road in the middle and a steep rock garden up the top. I qualified in 1st (only just!), then couldn’t hold on for the win, with Lea getting me by 5 seconds in the final.
(photos thanks to Chris Dalziel and Graham Reid and bradleyadamphotography)
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Lea
Cedar Creek DH
Brookfield up the top of the track.
Dust, dust, steep chutes and sharp corners. Not much time to rest on this track. By the time you made it out of the tough stuff you were at the bottom.
Completely different to the recent Canadian tracks I have been riding! Which are all perfectly groomed. Five girls were racing Elite, which is quite rare for the state series. I qualified in 1st and held on to the position for the final. Its nice to be back racing (last race was the Nationals in February!).
Lea - Cedar Creek
I have raced this track once before last year. It hadn’t changed much. A few sharp flat turns with a long fire road in the middle and a steep rock garden up the top. I qualified in 1st (only just!), then couldn’t hold on for the win, with Lea getting me by 5 seconds in the final.
(photos thanks to Chris Dalziel and Graham Reid and bradleyadamphotography)
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Lea
Panorama & Kickinghorse Parks
02 Aug 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
Panorama & Kickinghorse Parks
Kickinghorse MTB park was quite blown out and dry. But plenty of trails to keep you entertained. The boys went rafting while I opted to ride the park by myself. So I dont have any photos. The next day we went to Panorama, a smaller MTB park, not far from Invermere.
This place was pretty cool, with active trail fairies looking after the place. Crazy Train was one of my favourites with a nice rock drop and pallet work at the start. The video above shows my first attempt of this section of the track.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Kickinghorse MTB park was quite blown out and dry. But plenty of trails to keep you entertained. The boys went rafting while I opted to ride the park by myself. So I dont have any photos. The next day we went to Panorama, a smaller MTB park, not far from Invermere.
This place was pretty cool, with active trail fairies looking after the place. Crazy Train was one of my favourites with a nice rock drop and pallet work at the start. The video above shows my first attempt of this section of the track.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
WHISTLER
29 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
WHISTLER
Whistler has plenty of variety to keep us entertained. We only had one day when it rained. There was lightning around, so the lifts got shut down just shortly after we made it to the top.
So we took our time down Crank It Up in the pouring rain. It was fun sliding around in the mud. It has been hot most days and steamy in body armour. But there was no way I was going to go ‘armourless’ because that would just be asking for an injury! I have been loving the Garbonzo runs.
The roots and rocks up in the top section are so much fun. So much variety, tight turns, massive berms and pallet drops... or steep chutes or rock roll downs. My favourites include Original Sin to Freight Train (or No Joke to In Deep), to Duffman and Aline. Or, Angry Pirate to Aline or Ninga Couger to Karate Monkey.
Aline had some sweet tabletops and step downs. There were a few kicky jumps that I didnt want to hit at full speed. Here are some photos of the riding.
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Jayne and Tony
Jayne on the roots
Jayne wall riding.
Tony
Tony doing GLC drop
Whistler has plenty of variety to keep us entertained. We only had one day when it rained. There was lightning around, so the lifts got shut down just shortly after we made it to the top.
So we took our time down Crank It Up in the pouring rain. It was fun sliding around in the mud. It has been hot most days and steamy in body armour. But there was no way I was going to go ‘armourless’ because that would just be asking for an injury! I have been loving the Garbonzo runs.
The roots and rocks up in the top section are so much fun. So much variety, tight turns, massive berms and pallet drops... or steep chutes or rock roll downs. My favourites include Original Sin to Freight Train (or No Joke to In Deep), to Duffman and Aline. Or, Angry Pirate to Aline or Ninga Couger to Karate Monkey.
Aline had some sweet tabletops and step downs. There were a few kicky jumps that I didnt want to hit at full speed. Here are some photos of the riding.
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Jayne and Tony
Jayne on the roots
Jayne wall riding.
Tony
Tony doing GLC drop
ON THE TRAILS, WHISTLER
19 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
ON THE TRAILS, WHISTLER
We got out on the tracks today and decided to pay for a guide to show us around. That way we will know the best way to link trails together and get a feel for the terrain.
Riding for a good 6 hrs in the sun and am pretty buggered now. We linked together quite a lot of trails, ranging from green runs, through to double black diamonds. The double black runs wern’t too full on, but the guide said they were the easiest of the double black ones.
Maybe tomorrow and later in the week we can build up to the others. There is a huge range of tracks and the runs seem to go on forever.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
We got out on the tracks today and decided to pay for a guide to show us around. That way we will know the best way to link trails together and get a feel for the terrain.
Riding for a good 6 hrs in the sun and am pretty buggered now. We linked together quite a lot of trails, ranging from green runs, through to double black diamonds. The double black runs wern’t too full on, but the guide said they were the easiest of the double black ones.
Maybe tomorrow and later in the week we can build up to the others. There is a huge range of tracks and the runs seem to go on forever.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
WHISTLER, CANADA WHISTLER, CANADA
18 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
WHISTLER, CANADA
We caught the bus from Vancouver to Whistler on Friday midday and met Nicko at our hotel. Not wanting to rush things (and end up in hospital) we decided to check out the place and have a few beers before getting on our bikes. We will ride tomorrow. The weather is perfect. Nick wanted to ride this afternoon, so we let him go up the hill (and haven’t seen him since....). The beer is good here, and not too expensive. The coffee is terrible. Our hotel is really close the bottom of the lifts. Looking forward to tomorrow. Time to build up my bike!
Saturday, 18 July 2009
We caught the bus from Vancouver to Whistler on Friday midday and met Nicko at our hotel. Not wanting to rush things (and end up in hospital) we decided to check out the place and have a few beers before getting on our bikes. We will ride tomorrow. The weather is perfect. Nick wanted to ride this afternoon, so we let him go up the hill (and haven’t seen him since....). The beer is good here, and not too expensive. The coffee is terrible. Our hotel is really close the bottom of the lifts. Looking forward to tomorrow. Time to build up my bike!
Saturday, 18 July 2009
VANCOUVER, CANADA VANCOUVER, CANADA
17 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
VANCOUVER, CANADA
After 14 hours or so of flying, we finally made it to Vancouver. The plane trip when fairly quickly as we watched movies, and had a few beers. Only about 4 hours into the trip I decided to put on some roll on deodorant.
Unbeknown to me, the roll on ball fell out (due to the pressure difference) and I ended up pouring liquid deodorant all over myself. The smell was fairly overpowering, but at least it wasn’t a bad smell.... After the deodorant incident, everything was fine. Our bikes made it safe to Los Angeles, where we changed planes and went through customs and then through it again. Nick had already told us that his bike did not arrive in Vancouver (he had been in Canada for 4 days without a bike).
Ours made it fine to Canada and in one piece. On our 2nd day in the city we decided to hire bikes and ride around Stanley Park. In Canada they run their brakes backwards (front brake on left, rear on right). Tony decided to undo his front brakes to avoid going over the bars. Stanley Park was a great place to do skids. We also saw a raccoon. This one was in the sea, scavenging around for food (I was surprised to see one in the water, but I dont know anything about raccoons...).
We found a nice brewery/pub on Granville island and also another one in Gastown called Steamworks. The city was full of cruiser bikes. They look cool, but not sure how functional they are... especially going up hills.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
After 14 hours or so of flying, we finally made it to Vancouver. The plane trip when fairly quickly as we watched movies, and had a few beers. Only about 4 hours into the trip I decided to put on some roll on deodorant.
Unbeknown to me, the roll on ball fell out (due to the pressure difference) and I ended up pouring liquid deodorant all over myself. The smell was fairly overpowering, but at least it wasn’t a bad smell.... After the deodorant incident, everything was fine. Our bikes made it safe to Los Angeles, where we changed planes and went through customs and then through it again. Nick had already told us that his bike did not arrive in Vancouver (he had been in Canada for 4 days without a bike).
Ours made it fine to Canada and in one piece. On our 2nd day in the city we decided to hire bikes and ride around Stanley Park. In Canada they run their brakes backwards (front brake on left, rear on right). Tony decided to undo his front brakes to avoid going over the bars. Stanley Park was a great place to do skids. We also saw a raccoon. This one was in the sea, scavenging around for food (I was surprised to see one in the water, but I dont know anything about raccoons...).
We found a nice brewery/pub on Granville island and also another one in Gastown called Steamworks. The city was full of cruiser bikes. They look cool, but not sure how functional they are... especially going up hills.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
CANADA HERE WE COME
11 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
CANADA HERE WE COME
So, Canada here we come. On Wednesday we will be flying out of Brisbane to head to LA then Vancouver. My bike is already packed up and ready to go. Weighing in at 25.4 kg I am hoping I can sweet talk Qantas to let it go through without having to pay excess baggage. If its over 23 kg, you have to pay extra, if its over 32 kg, it doesn’t go on the plane.
I need to travel light in my other bags too. Not just for the cost, but for ease of carrying everything. I also have a new bike! Yes its true. A lovely Banshee Rampant.
Welcome Rampant. I still need to build it up, but will wait until after Canada. I can’t wait to hit the jumps on this beast. It is sweet. The paint job is quality, the Candy Red/Raw colour sparkles a little in the sunshine. That’s it for now. Stay tuned for an update of mountain biking in Canada.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
So, Canada here we come. On Wednesday we will be flying out of Brisbane to head to LA then Vancouver. My bike is already packed up and ready to go. Weighing in at 25.4 kg I am hoping I can sweet talk Qantas to let it go through without having to pay excess baggage. If its over 23 kg, you have to pay extra, if its over 32 kg, it doesn’t go on the plane.
I need to travel light in my other bags too. Not just for the cost, but for ease of carrying everything. I also have a new bike! Yes its true. A lovely Banshee Rampant.
Welcome Rampant. I still need to build it up, but will wait until after Canada. I can’t wait to hit the jumps on this beast. It is sweet. The paint job is quality, the Candy Red/Raw colour sparkles a little in the sunshine. That’s it for now. Stay tuned for an update of mountain biking in Canada.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
JULY UPDATE
05 Jul 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
JULY UPDATE
There has not been much racing happening lately. I have entered in the last 3 State DH races, but they have been cancelled due to rain and floods. So, what has been happening..... My last DH race was back in February in Tasmania. I have not been on the DH bike much, but mainly because of the weather and lack of races. The bike has been recently serviced and my forks have pretty much been replaced.
We head to Canada in a week and a half. So my bike is all ready to go. Today I went out to the jump park to see how the new forks felt and get out on the bike. I felt a bit sketchy - but mainly because I did not want to crash and injure myself so close to going over seas. I have been hitting the weights frequently to build up strength. Even though this restricts time on the bike, its been quite wet and cold so no big deal. I have a unicycle which I am learning to ride. It is great fun and requires patience. I can only ride about 3 m at the moment, but getting there.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
There has not been much racing happening lately. I have entered in the last 3 State DH races, but they have been cancelled due to rain and floods. So, what has been happening..... My last DH race was back in February in Tasmania. I have not been on the DH bike much, but mainly because of the weather and lack of races. The bike has been recently serviced and my forks have pretty much been replaced.
We head to Canada in a week and a half. So my bike is all ready to go. Today I went out to the jump park to see how the new forks felt and get out on the bike. I felt a bit sketchy - but mainly because I did not want to crash and injure myself so close to going over seas. I have been hitting the weights frequently to build up strength. Even though this restricts time on the bike, its been quite wet and cold so no big deal. I have a unicycle which I am learning to ride. It is great fun and requires patience. I can only ride about 3 m at the moment, but getting there.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
MT CROSBY - XC RACE
06 Apr 2009 Filed in: Cross Country
MT CROSBY - XC RACE
Today sucked. I was not enthused to race and had a late night last night. The track was not fun, and I really didn’t want to be there. You may be thinking ‘well then why were you there?’. I guess the answer is, that I wanted to see a new track. There were a few fun bits, but mostly long grass hill climbs.
And then some more long grassy climbs.... I raced ok, but just hurt a lot climbing and had very little motivation. Serves me right for not riding much in the weeks leading up to the race. Mental note, train for XC next time. I came in 5th place. Not too far behind the pace.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Today sucked. I was not enthused to race and had a late night last night. The track was not fun, and I really didn’t want to be there. You may be thinking ‘well then why were you there?’. I guess the answer is, that I wanted to see a new track. There were a few fun bits, but mostly long grass hill climbs.
And then some more long grassy climbs.... I raced ok, but just hurt a lot climbing and had very little motivation. Serves me right for not riding much in the weeks leading up to the race. Mental note, train for XC next time. I came in 5th place. Not too far behind the pace.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
TASSIE NATIONALS DH RACE
05 Apr 2009 Filed in: Downhill/Gravity Enduro/Dirt Jumps
TASSIE NATIONALS DH RACE
Back to Tassie. Tony and I spent the week between the Penny Farthing Nationals and the DH Nationals driving around Tasmania. Lots of wineries, great beaches and walks. We met up with Nick and Trish on the Thursday in Hobart at the Whiskey Distillery. Nick had hired a massive van so we could get around with the 4 DH bikes (Mine, Tony, Nick and Joes). Nick found out that massive vans don’t park too well in tight car parks. The van accidentally clipped a parked BMW. Oops. Nick wasnt happy as he didn’t choose the lower excess and therefore it would cost him $3000, so we drank some whiskey. After whiskey we went to the Cascade brewery. Nick got a parking fine. The weekend wasn’t too good for Nick with a taco’ed front wheel in the DH qualifier and then we got evicted from our accommodation (no fault of our own, the park stuffed up).
Anyway, Back to racing! Last time in Tassie I only managed to ride 20 seconds of the track before breaking my wrist. So this time I made sure my bike was built right and took it slow on the first run. The track had changed, but nothing too tricky in there. It took me a while to build up the courage to do the ‘Wrist drop’ (see cover photo). Its not overly big, but has a nasty kick if you get it wrong. Tony found this out when he did it the first time and crash landed (not inspiring me with confidence!). I finally did the drop and it was fine :) yay. I didn’t feel like I had long enough to learn all the good lines on the track. I had only ridden my DH bike once since the last Nationals in Dec - not good preparation! So I wasn’t feeling too confident.
Tony practised but wasn’t too keen to race. Tony calls it CBF’d. In my seeding run, the track was fairly blown out. Some corners were very slippery and dusty. I ended up going over the bars in my seeding. Something I havent done in a while! I managed to get my feet down and run it out, so no injuries. I rode straight into a hole and stopped dead (it wasnt there before I swear!). UCI points were up for grabs on this round, so considering I didn’t race the National Champs, it was a good chance to get some points so I can aim to be eligible to race any World Cup races later in the year. My race run was ok, but fairly tentative. The track is long with lots in it. Its great fun at the top with lots of corners. Its the first time I have had good fun on a DH track in a while. I ended up in 7th Place (Now I have 9 UCI points).
The ‘wrist drop.’ doesn’t look big, but theres a hole in the landing.
Me in the DH
I entered in the 4X for some fun. I raced on my DH bike so it wasnt ideal. My gate starts are getting better, but because I have no ranking I get the worst gate numbers to start in. There were only 5 girls racing, so I had a good chance to get into the finals! Well, I didn’t do too well in my heats, but it was good experience. I ended up on equal points with 2 other girls (so sitting equal 3rd), but because I have no ranking, I got bumped out of the finals! I still don’t really understand the rules, but I was a bit annoyed. Oh well next time. I need to get a 4X bike and some practice if I want to be serious about it. My DH bike is too heavy. I ended up in 5th Place.
Me in the 4X
The National Champs are in SA for the next 3 years. I am glad its not in Canberra any more, as I dont really like that track. However, I dont think Adelaides track is up to Champs standard (the DH that is), as its quite short. Still there is plenty of hill there and more trail can be built. XC is an option, there is time to switch and focus on the XC.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
4X 
Leigh in the DH
Back to Tassie. Tony and I spent the week between the Penny Farthing Nationals and the DH Nationals driving around Tasmania. Lots of wineries, great beaches and walks. We met up with Nick and Trish on the Thursday in Hobart at the Whiskey Distillery. Nick had hired a massive van so we could get around with the 4 DH bikes (Mine, Tony, Nick and Joes). Nick found out that massive vans don’t park too well in tight car parks. The van accidentally clipped a parked BMW. Oops. Nick wasnt happy as he didn’t choose the lower excess and therefore it would cost him $3000, so we drank some whiskey. After whiskey we went to the Cascade brewery. Nick got a parking fine. The weekend wasn’t too good for Nick with a taco’ed front wheel in the DH qualifier and then we got evicted from our accommodation (no fault of our own, the park stuffed up).
Anyway, Back to racing! Last time in Tassie I only managed to ride 20 seconds of the track before breaking my wrist. So this time I made sure my bike was built right and took it slow on the first run. The track had changed, but nothing too tricky in there. It took me a while to build up the courage to do the ‘Wrist drop’ (see cover photo). Its not overly big, but has a nasty kick if you get it wrong. Tony found this out when he did it the first time and crash landed (not inspiring me with confidence!). I finally did the drop and it was fine :) yay. I didn’t feel like I had long enough to learn all the good lines on the track. I had only ridden my DH bike once since the last Nationals in Dec - not good preparation! So I wasn’t feeling too confident.
Tony practised but wasn’t too keen to race. Tony calls it CBF’d. In my seeding run, the track was fairly blown out. Some corners were very slippery and dusty. I ended up going over the bars in my seeding. Something I havent done in a while! I managed to get my feet down and run it out, so no injuries. I rode straight into a hole and stopped dead (it wasnt there before I swear!). UCI points were up for grabs on this round, so considering I didn’t race the National Champs, it was a good chance to get some points so I can aim to be eligible to race any World Cup races later in the year. My race run was ok, but fairly tentative. The track is long with lots in it. Its great fun at the top with lots of corners. Its the first time I have had good fun on a DH track in a while. I ended up in 7th Place (Now I have 9 UCI points).
The ‘wrist drop.’ doesn’t look big, but theres a hole in the landing.
Me in the DH
I entered in the 4X for some fun. I raced on my DH bike so it wasnt ideal. My gate starts are getting better, but because I have no ranking I get the worst gate numbers to start in. There were only 5 girls racing, so I had a good chance to get into the finals! Well, I didn’t do too well in my heats, but it was good experience. I ended up on equal points with 2 other girls (so sitting equal 3rd), but because I have no ranking, I got bumped out of the finals! I still don’t really understand the rules, but I was a bit annoyed. Oh well next time. I need to get a 4X bike and some practice if I want to be serious about it. My DH bike is too heavy. I ended up in 5th Place.
Me in the 4X
The National Champs are in SA for the next 3 years. I am glad its not in Canberra any more, as I dont really like that track. However, I dont think Adelaides track is up to Champs standard (the DH that is), as its quite short. Still there is plenty of hill there and more trail can be built. XC is an option, there is time to switch and focus on the XC.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
4X Leigh in the DH
PENNY FARTHING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
02 Mar 2009 Filed in: Other
Time for racing a Penny Farthing!
We flew in to Launceston late Thursday night. As usual, our bikes didn’t arrive with us (thanks Qantas..). Lucky we have learnt not to rely on them. Penny Farthing racing started on Sat morning, so we arrived in Evandale (a small town 10 kms from Launceston, TAS) at about 8am. Ian and my Mum had the Penny Farthings ready to race. The day consisted of heaps of different races.
Check out the website for more information. Tony and I had to ‘mix and match’ races as we only had the one bike between us.
SLOW RACE
I raced in the Slow Race. 25 meters as slow as you can go. I won the first heat, but crumbled under the pressure of my semi final. Going slow on a Penny farthing is very hard! Tony then raced in the slalom and then the novice race. He went well in both.
PENNY BIATHLON
Next up was the Penny biathlon – Run 1 lap, ride 2 laps, run 1 lap. I lined up with about 15 Men for the race. I was the only girl… Anyway, I sprinted off as quick as I could (and held first place until part way round the track!) and tried to keep my pace around the first lap. I thought with a bunch of blokes I could maybe crack them with a fast sprint off the line. Ian was my ‘handler’ and held the bike ready for the transition. My legs felt dead as I got on the bike. 2 guys were ahead of me now, and I wasn’t gaining anything on the bike. Then getting off the bike was a challenge. I didn’t want to come in too fast (remember no brakes on the Penny!) or too slow. But I managed a fairly good transition and did a cool pedal dismount. The last lap running, It was so hot, I was struggling to maintain my speed. The crowd was awesome and I had massive cheers as I came through to the finish line. I finished in 3rd place! STOKED.
Photo: Me pretty puffed during the run….
SPRINT RACE
Next up was the sprint a “Straight line dash of 200 meters”. Tony was up next and was up against Ryan Sullivan (who ended up coming 2nd in the National Champs Race). Tony went flat out and came through in 2nd Place!
Photo: Tony riding before the crash…
But the problem was he let his feet come off the pedals after the finish line and couldn’t stop. With the barrier coming up quickly he bailed off the back of the bike and crashed to his knees and onto the bike. Taco-ing the front wheel!!.
Photo: Broken Penny Farthing
THE LADIES NATIONAL PENNY FARTHING CHAMPIONSHIPS RACE
Photo: The start of the Ladies National Penny Farthing Championships Race
So now we had no bike, and the next race was the Ladies National Penny Farthing Championship Race. So I kinda had no bike to ride. Ian offered his bike, however, this one was much larger than the one I had practiced on. I had a quick ride up and down the road and this bike was BIG!! But it was great that Ian was happy for me to ride it. The Ladies race had 8 racers and the reigning National champion present (Bell Chamberlain).
I had a slow start as the bike was heavy and huge. But got going as fast as I could. I was in 3rd place and I pushed as hard as I could on the straights but was a bit tentative on the corners. I could see the 2 girls in front (maybe 20 metres) but couldn’t gain anything on them. Bell was first and Sally in second. I came through in 3rd Place and very happy to get a medal at my first Penny Nationals. Joanna came in first place in the Junior race and Ian in 3rd in the last race of the day. So a nice loot of bling to take home.
Photo: Me and my medal. Whoohoo.
Photo: Joanna lapping up the media attention
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TRE-X OFFROAD TRIATHLON
13 Feb 2009 Filed in: Multisport
TRE-X OFFROAD TRIATHLON
I did my first off road triathlon this month. It was an interesting experience! The trails were wet and muddy which suited me. I only swam once in a pool in the lead up, so the 350 m swim was interesting...
Lets just say it wasn't pretty! I did ok in the run, and made up time on the MTB. It was very tough though getting out the water and jumping on a bike straight away. I surprised myself and came through in first place. Next time I think I will train for the swim leg, its not a nice feeling wondering if you will make it or not.
Photo thanks to www.photoevents.net.au
Friday, 13 February 2009
Photo above: Im over on the far right standing. Not too keen to jump in that stuff.
Photos above: The best bit. The MTB ride!
Photo: Get out of my way mister.
Photo above: The crowd goes wild.
Photo above: Running to the finish.
Photo above: Yay I made it!
Photo: Tony and I.
I did my first off road triathlon this month. It was an interesting experience! The trails were wet and muddy which suited me. I only swam once in a pool in the lead up, so the 350 m swim was interesting...
Lets just say it wasn't pretty! I did ok in the run, and made up time on the MTB. It was very tough though getting out the water and jumping on a bike straight away. I surprised myself and came through in first place. Next time I think I will train for the swim leg, its not a nice feeling wondering if you will make it or not.
Photo thanks to www.photoevents.net.au
Friday, 13 February 2009
Photo above: Im over on the far right standing. Not too keen to jump in that stuff.
Photos above: The best bit. The MTB ride!
Photo: Get out of my way mister.
Photo above: The crowd goes wild.
Photo above: Running to the finish.
Photo above: Yay I made it!
Photo: Tony and I.