Had a good weekend at Lancelin for the Coastal Clash. Its good to get out of your pond and have a swim in the Ocean now and then. The event was well run, with about 8 discreet events over the weekend. To compete for the King of the Coast (or queen) title you had to do 5 events which they nominated. Saturday night was a criterium around a block in the centre of town. These blokes battled it out, with one bloke being knocked out every 2nd lap. It came down to the last two and they disappeared down the back straight on the last lap.... and never emerged. They pranged into each other, took a fair bit of bark off, and it was called a draw!
Sunday, was a 37km time trial, which was one of the nominated events for the king of the coast. A loop down to Ledge Point and return. Being a Wiese, and the participants setting off at 30 second intervals in alphabetical order, Sarah and I were next to last to start, and I swear to god, the sea breeze came in when they were up to the L's, and we ended up with headwind, whereas the A's got blown both ways. Thats my story anyway.
Sarah picked up a handy 3rd in the ladies for a bit of silverwear. I was very much an also ran, coming in 6th out of the blokes. Keep your eyes out for it next year. Also keep your eyes open for the Anaconda Adventure race entries opening in April. Google it for details.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It's a red one
I've just put down a deposit on a track bike, my sign of commitment to having a go on the track. Its an Apollo Record 2010 model, through Glen Parker cycles in Nedlands. I like to think they cut me a deal. They would do the 2011 model at the same price, which has a new frame with an aero cutaway on the down tube and a set of deep rim wheels, but they reckon the components aren't as good and convinced me to go for the old model. Pick it up next week.
Heading for Lancelin this weekend for the Coastal Clash which will include a bit of running, swimming, paddling and a 37km time trial on Sunday arvo on the bike. So I'll miss the weekends track session and long ride but should be back on deck the following weekend.
See you on the track, with new bike. Its a red one so it should be fast.....
Heading for Lancelin this weekend for the Coastal Clash which will include a bit of running, swimming, paddling and a 37km time trial on Sunday arvo on the bike. So I'll miss the weekends track session and long ride but should be back on deck the following weekend.
See you on the track, with new bike. Its a red one so it should be fast.....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday morning road ride - the double loop
The double loop viewed from one angle looks like an infinity sign - and a few hills on the West HIghbury Road had us thinking that this was appropriate. Trees on the roadside must have saved us from the strongest of the south easterly, and gave us another 15 km/hr as a tail wind on the Highbury to Narrogin Road home run.
Paul did most of the work at the front, and Peter was impressively strong. James was a surprise - he struggled a bit on the first loop, then got into his stride on the second loop and had no trouble at all. Marius is the dark horse - a grin on his face and "I'm right" and he was there with the group the whole way. Dennis is getting his fitness back after a rest from breaking his wrist, and only fell back a few times.
The ride was 88 km and took us a minute over 3 hours. Not bad for our group, on those hills and in that wind.
Craig emailed to say he couldn't ride - something about grappling with a CPR dummy and the dummy won - by hurting Craig's back. I leave the story to your imagination!
Paul did most of the work at the front, and Peter was impressively strong. James was a surprise - he struggled a bit on the first loop, then got into his stride on the second loop and had no trouble at all. Marius is the dark horse - a grin on his face and "I'm right" and he was there with the group the whole way. Dennis is getting his fitness back after a rest from breaking his wrist, and only fell back a few times.
The ride was 88 km and took us a minute over 3 hours. Not bad for our group, on those hills and in that wind.
Craig emailed to say he couldn't ride - something about grappling with a CPR dummy and the dummy won - by hurting Craig's back. I leave the story to your imagination!
Saturday night track ride
A few hardy souls turned up at the velodrome on Saturday night - just enough for a 15 lap race later in the evening, after a lot of warming up and a few sprints. Narrogin turned on a classic track racing night after a warm day - cold and windy! Even the bats had to work hard to catch the few moths strong enough to fight the wind under the lights (outdoor velodrome).
The youngsters (down to six years old) have a lot of fun on this track, and there were a few riders on the night that borrowed a bike and joined in, and a few that had just fixed their track bikes and were getting to know them again.
So remember to check the track calendar, and bring along the family to watch or have a go.
The youngsters (down to six years old) have a lot of fun on this track, and there were a few riders on the night that borrowed a bike and joined in, and a few that had just fixed their track bikes and were getting to know them again.
So remember to check the track calendar, and bring along the family to watch or have a go.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Don't let your partner see you looking at this!
Do you drool over bike seats - never mind, you are not alone!
Have a look at these
Have a look at these
Paul's weekend message (edited for the blog)
Hi Guys,
7am Sunday morning for a steady 45 or 90km at the rec centre for Cuby circuit followed by Highbury circuit. If you want to do the second circuit only, I suggest waiting near the cemetery at about 8:25 as we should come through by 8:35.
Probably no 'through and off', just tempo riding.
Friday was a very low key / tempo ride for 15km and if you are new to riding Friday mornings are a good place to start – 6am at the rec centre.
Cheers
Paul(Dave comment: Paul's earlier message is open, about riding the short Cuballing circuit or Cuballing return to honour Jane's memory. All start together at 7.00 am as above)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Adjusting those derailleurs - Online video tells you how
For some of you without the experience of adjusting front and rear derailleurs, these videos may help.
- Bicycle Maintenance: How To Adjust a Rear Derailleur
- How to Adjust a Front Derailleur (a bit slow to load so give it time)
The fast and the furious - and Trevor in the gravel
We had quite a few riders this morning, and decided - not quite sensibly as it turned out - to ride out on the 'tip road' (White Road). We had a moderate tail wind going out, and of course, a moderate head wind coming back - AND the sun rising in our faces.
The lead group was blasting along at about 40 km/hr, and then there were several groups turning back at 30 minutes out from Narrogin. The group that had Paul and Trevor in it were working well. Trevor, in his wicked shades, was leading, Paul was following close behind, and I was sitting in Paul's shade so that I could see the road. Unfortunately, Trevor couldn't see a thing with the sun in his eyes, and when the road started to turn, Trevor didn't! He started to crunch in the loose stone, then onto the gravel shoulder, then missed a white post and went all the way into the gutter. Fortunately, he knows how to handle a bike and managed to ride straight back onto the sealed road.
There will be a ride on Thursday morning at 6.00 pm from the rec centre as usual.
On Sunday, there will be a group doing a longer ride (80 + km), starting at 7.00 pm from the rec centre.
The lead group was blasting along at about 40 km/hr, and then there were several groups turning back at 30 minutes out from Narrogin. The group that had Paul and Trevor in it were working well. Trevor, in his wicked shades, was leading, Paul was following close behind, and I was sitting in Paul's shade so that I could see the road. Unfortunately, Trevor couldn't see a thing with the sun in his eyes, and when the road started to turn, Trevor didn't! He started to crunch in the loose stone, then onto the gravel shoulder, then missed a white post and went all the way into the gutter. Fortunately, he knows how to handle a bike and managed to ride straight back onto the sealed road.
There will be a ride on Thursday morning at 6.00 pm from the rec centre as usual.
On Sunday, there will be a group doing a longer ride (80 + km), starting at 7.00 pm from the rec centre.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Coffee
As a 4 year old Uncle Pete would feed me strong tea from the thermos, which kept getting stronger throughout the day, and sweetened with copious amounts of sugar, and I've been addicted to caffiene ever since. Dave claims the best coffee this side of Melbourne, and I understand their are some fair judges in his family. Should we finish a weekend ride at his place, or should we adopt a coffee shop, or do we have enough time invested already? When I ride in Dunsborough, the various shops are competing for the custom of the cycling groups with free coffees here and there.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Things most unexpected...
I skimped in this mornings ride a bit. While Dyso, Craig and Pete were out braving the hills and headwinds of the cuby circuit, I did a 35 km trip from the farm to town to meet the boys at the cemetery to join them for a bit of the highbury circuit. I tried for a quick 35 as my next cycling event is a 37km time trial as part of the Coastal Clash, a multisport event to be held at Lancelin in a fortnight. The easterly blowing in my face on the way to Highbury wasn't helpful so a bit hard to guage progress.
I got to the cemetery in good time and had time to chat to the Naturalist Club members who were there to pick up rubbish as part of a clean up Australia thingo. I told them I thought Naturalists were supposed to be picking up rubbish in the nude, but they said that was a slightly different club. Luckily the boys turned up and saved me from the full explaination.
We headed out Tarwonga rd until the Hay Sheds of sargeants, where I left them to it and headed on to the farm, leaving the boys to plough into the Highbury Headwinds which had doubled in strength since I did it an hour before. My ride was a lazy sixty, with the main group doing 90.
My justification was tennis later in the day. Good fortune smiled and th highbury tennis clubs best player drew me as a partner for the doubles championchip. He has strong shoulders and was able to carry me through undefeated, so I now have a tennis trophy to go alongside my ponyclub rosette from a fortnight ago (thats another story). Two most unlikely occurances
I got to the cemetery in good time and had time to chat to the Naturalist Club members who were there to pick up rubbish as part of a clean up Australia thingo. I told them I thought Naturalists were supposed to be picking up rubbish in the nude, but they said that was a slightly different club. Luckily the boys turned up and saved me from the full explaination.
We headed out Tarwonga rd until the Hay Sheds of sargeants, where I left them to it and headed on to the farm, leaving the boys to plough into the Highbury Headwinds which had doubled in strength since I did it an hour before. My ride was a lazy sixty, with the main group doing 90.
My justification was tennis later in the day. Good fortune smiled and th highbury tennis clubs best player drew me as a partner for the doubles championchip. He has strong shoulders and was able to carry me through undefeated, so I now have a tennis trophy to go alongside my ponyclub rosette from a fortnight ago (thats another story). Two most unlikely occurances
New to blogging? Try it out!
Hi Narrogin cyclists. I have invited more of you to be able to post on this blog, so have a go. Also, if you know I have missed someone that wants to be a part of this blog, tell me, and I'll add them. Only people that get invited can post.
As I said below, you need to have a Google account first, and this is quite safe and easy.
I tested out the new chain and chain rings by going to the airport, and met 'Marty' on his hybrid. Marty says that there are definitely a few people interested in a slow, social group of riders. And they would be interested in riding at about 5.00 pm on weekdays and about 4.00 pm on Sundays. If you know of anyone interested, start talking about it so that we can help the group start.
As I said below, you need to have a Google account first, and this is quite safe and easy.
I tested out the new chain and chain rings by going to the airport, and met 'Marty' on his hybrid. Marty says that there are definitely a few people interested in a slow, social group of riders. And they would be interested in riding at about 5.00 pm on weekdays and about 4.00 pm on Sundays. If you know of anyone interested, start talking about it so that we can help the group start.
Sometimes you need to stop and sharpen the chainsaw
At least, that is the story I use when 'just do it' means that the chainsaw is blunt, or in this case, the bike chain was stretched, the chain rings looked like shuriken (throwing stars), and the back tyre had so many nicks and was so worn that I was expecting it to blow at any moment.
So I did not go for that ride, and changed the tyre, changed both chain rings, fitted a new chain and checked the bottom bracket (fine - sealed bearings in those things are fantastic), and 'oiled' the cleats. And then made the best coffee this side of Melbourne (who's to argue?).
I really should grease the headsets on all three bikes,, but that will have to wait for another weekend.
Well, how about the ones that did the ride getting on here and telling us about it?
So I did not go for that ride, and changed the tyre, changed both chain rings, fitted a new chain and checked the bottom bracket (fine - sealed bearings in those things are fantastic), and 'oiled' the cleats. And then made the best coffee this side of Melbourne (who's to argue?).
I really should grease the headsets on all three bikes,, but that will have to wait for another weekend.
Well, how about the ones that did the ride getting on here and telling us about it?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Sunday ride - and Friday reminder. Paul's message
7am tomorrow morning for a steady 45 or 90km. Probably no “through and off” just tempo riding.
7am at the rec centre for Cuby circuit followed by Highbury circuit. If you want to do the second circuit only I suggest waiting near the cemetery at about 8:25 as we should come through by 8:30.
Yesterday was a very low key / tempo ride for 15km and if you are new to riding Friday mornings are a good place to start – 6am at the rec centre.
Cheers
Paul
Track cycling calendar 2011
The 'Narrogin Amateur Cycling Club' has published its track calendar, for any of you or your friends that are interested. The track opens at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start (you do warm-up laps in that period).
Note: The track has not had lines marked till now, but there should be lines next Sat (19 Mar) and that means that races can be held!
Road bikes can ride on the track, but not race, and not with track bikes. Quite a few 'spare' track bikes have been brought along by track regulars, and you may be lucky enough to try one. Bring your own shoes and pedals.
Tea, coffee and cool drinks are available to buy from the track club room kitchen, and light food is available most nights.
Note: The track has not had lines marked till now, but there should be lines next Sat (19 Mar) and that means that races can be held!
Road bikes can ride on the track, but not race, and not with track bikes. Quite a few 'spare' track bikes have been brought along by track regulars, and you may be lucky enough to try one. Bring your own shoes and pedals.
Tea, coffee and cool drinks are available to buy from the track club room kitchen, and light food is available most nights.
| Date | Day | Comments |
| 19 Mar | Sat | . |
| 26 Mar | Sat | . |
| 2 Apr | Sat | . |
| 8 Apr | Fri | . |
| 16 Apr | Sat | . |
| 21 Apr | Thu | Easter weekend |
| 29 Apr | Fri | . |
| 7 May | Sat | Last night of the track season |
Friday, March 11, 2011
Social riders want a go too!
A few friends and colleagues have asked about starting a group for those that want to talk, ride and not bust a gut. If you know of more people like this find out if they would be interested in any of these options:
- Afternoon social rides during the week at 5.00 pm starting from the Narrogin Recreation Centre car park. Rides of an hour nor less; slow; keeping a group together (no racing!)
- Sunday afternoon about 4.00 pm. Same conditions as above.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Online cycling shopping
There are some things you really need to buy from a bricks and mortar shop (or whatever they are made of), but there are some very good deals online for those of you prepared to buy online.
The ones used by local riders include:
The ones used by local riders include:
- Chain Reaction Cycles (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/). Very good range, but not always in stock. Very useful rating from buyer feedback. Based in the UK. Prices of most things are very competitive landed in Australia.
- Wiggles (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/). Good range, good feedback rating system. Based in the UK. Prices of most things are very competitive landed in Australia.
- Cell Bikes (http://www.cellbikes.com.au/). Range is a bit limited. Feedback is very limited on most items. Based in Australia. Their discounts and low price specials are very good value. Their Cell Bike brand bike clothing is as cheap as you will get anywhere. I have bought a few tops ($20-24) and bib-knicks ($39?) from them recently, and they are quite good.
- SBS Cycling Central Shop (http://cyclingcentralshop.com.au/index.html). Has a wonderful range of retro and other design cycling gear (especially the tops). Quality is good. Prices are high. There is no feedback rating. Based in Australia.
Hills hoist roundtrip!
To carry on the pun, I was hung out to dry trying to keep up with the fast group this morning, racing around the 'short' Cuballing loop (about 30 km?)., which has quite a few small hills, up which I needed hoisting (sorry about that).
Congratulations Tim on your blogging and track ride. I'm not sure about you being an 'old dog' though!
We definitely have enough riders for two morning ride groups now, leaving at the same time (6 am from the Recreation Centre parking lot). For the beginners, this may look like a bit of a race, but they can now ride as a group and take it easier, while the faster riders get stretched. Tom, Chris and Paul set the pace, with Craig, Peter and Chris P mixing it with them, and me floating off the back. Chris P is just getting back his full fitness after suffering knee pains, then getting his bike adjusted to solve the problem.
Next ride is at 6 am on Thu morning (please turn up before 6, because we leave at 6), same place. Think about the group you want, and you can set your own direction.
A note: Sunrise is now after 6.00 am, so it is a good idea to get back flashing lights and a front light fitted. In winter, you will need a good front light for most of the ride.
Congratulations Tim on your blogging and track ride. I'm not sure about you being an 'old dog' though!
We definitely have enough riders for two morning ride groups now, leaving at the same time (6 am from the Recreation Centre parking lot). For the beginners, this may look like a bit of a race, but they can now ride as a group and take it easier, while the faster riders get stretched. Tom, Chris and Paul set the pace, with Craig, Peter and Chris P mixing it with them, and me floating off the back. Chris P is just getting back his full fitness after suffering knee pains, then getting his bike adjusted to solve the problem.
Next ride is at 6 am on Thu morning (please turn up before 6, because we leave at 6), same place. Think about the group you want, and you can set your own direction.
A note: Sunrise is now after 6.00 am, so it is a good idea to get back flashing lights and a front light fitted. In winter, you will need a good front light for most of the ride.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Old dog, new tricks
Two firsts in a weekend. Haven't been able to claim that since I was a young fella. My first blog post and first stint at the velodrome.
A gentle circuit on the road bike, with Craig and I slowly increasing speed on the corners, getting a feel for the track, then onto a loaner fixed gear bike. Call me slow, but while I knew there was to be no brakes and no gears, I swear no one had really drummed in the no free wheeling bit. I got bumped by the pedals a few times, but less frequently as the night went on. I have some endurance, but not the power that some of the veterans have for a flat out sprint. The velodrome riding should be good to develop some power out of turns on the road, say for a dumbleyoung round the streets course or similar.
Really good fun.
Already searching the quokka for an old track bike, but there are very servicable bikes to borrow to have a go. Next time I will take a pair of safety glasses to keep some bugs out of the eyes.
Have a go!
A gentle circuit on the road bike, with Craig and I slowly increasing speed on the corners, getting a feel for the track, then onto a loaner fixed gear bike. Call me slow, but while I knew there was to be no brakes and no gears, I swear no one had really drummed in the no free wheeling bit. I got bumped by the pedals a few times, but less frequently as the night went on. I have some endurance, but not the power that some of the veterans have for a flat out sprint. The velodrome riding should be good to develop some power out of turns on the road, say for a dumbleyoung round the streets course or similar.
Really good fun.
Already searching the quokka for an old track bike, but there are very servicable bikes to borrow to have a go. Next time I will take a pair of safety glasses to keep some bugs out of the eyes.
Have a go!
3 for Wagin and back
Craig, Dennis and Dave (me) took off for Wagin (50 km down the road) for a coffee yesterday. If that sounds like a long way to go for a coffee, it may sound better to say that this is to get prepared for cycling about 130 km a day for 6 days in April. On that trip though, there will be beer and wine in the evenings too!
We aimed to average about 28 km/hr, and did a bit better than that, largely (no pun intended Craig) with Craig at the front leading us along, and occasionally stretching the rubber band. Dennis is just getting back to riding on the road, after breaking his wrist in an earlier cycling accident. We had a head wind going south, and a cross-tail wind coming home.
More long rides will be organised over the next month - keep in touch.
We aimed to average about 28 km/hr, and did a bit better than that, largely (no pun intended Craig) with Craig at the front leading us along, and occasionally stretching the rubber band. Dennis is just getting back to riding on the road, after breaking his wrist in an earlier cycling accident. We had a head wind going south, and a cross-tail wind coming home.
More long rides will be organised over the next month - keep in touch.
Velodrome now open!
Last Friday, a few of the old-time track riders and a few new to the game turned up at the Narrogin outdoor velodrome to ride under lights.
What a buzz - insects around the lights and bats eating those insects provided some distraction from the adrenaline pumping when new riders forgot to pedal, and realised they had no brakes! No accidents and lots of grins at the end.
Road riders from a casual group borrowed bikes for their first ever ride on 'fixies'. Craig was a bit wobbly to start with, and gradually got the hang of cornering with speed. He only got bumped by the pedals a few times! Tim was straight at home, and showed his usual power and speed in circuits of the 310 m track.
The track was recently resurfaced with hotmix, and is as smooth as it has been for many years. Lines are still to be added, so there was only one group pursuit on the night. More competition will be organised when the lines are added, and new riders get to know the etiquette and skills in track riding.
The next rides will be on Fri 11 March, then Saturday 19, 26 March and 2 April.
What a buzz - insects around the lights and bats eating those insects provided some distraction from the adrenaline pumping when new riders forgot to pedal, and realised they had no brakes! No accidents and lots of grins at the end.
Road riders from a casual group borrowed bikes for their first ever ride on 'fixies'. Craig was a bit wobbly to start with, and gradually got the hang of cornering with speed. He only got bumped by the pedals a few times! Tim was straight at home, and showed his usual power and speed in circuits of the 310 m track.
The track was recently resurfaced with hotmix, and is as smooth as it has been for many years. Lines are still to be added, so there was only one group pursuit on the night. More competition will be organised when the lines are added, and new riders get to know the etiquette and skills in track riding.
The next rides will be on Fri 11 March, then Saturday 19, 26 March and 2 April.
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