On Sunday my son Kieran and I competed (pfft) in the 2010 Careflight Woodford to Glenbrook Classic or the Woody Worlds. This race is a 30km mountain bike race along the Oaks Fire Trail from Woodford to Glenbrook. It is a charity fundraiser for Careflight.
This was our first crack at the "Woody Worlds" and we had a great time. Fantastic even that is run very professionally. Kieran and I didnt start in our age groups as we were keen to ride together in our first event, so we started in the "final wave" at the back of the pack but ahead of the runners.
I was glad that Kieran and I had riding this course a couple of weeks ago so we new what to expect. Our ride went pretty well and overall our time was a lot quicker than a fortnight before. Kieran got a flat tyre and that held us up for probably 10-15mins but its all part of the experience.
I have to say that in hindsight, I am disappointed in our time. Obviously the puncture didnt help but I think that overall we were too conservative. I am already looking forward to next year when I am really going to push hard, and probably blow up before I get to the helipad.
I love this sport.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
My MTB Dream
On Foxtel the other night I watched a race called the BCBike Race. I was instantly hooked and this is now my dream to compete in this race.
Basically it is a stage race over 7 days (approx 70km each day) over British Columbia in Canada. The only thing stopping me competing in next years BC Bike Race is lack of funds for the airfare and lack of fitness! Other than that I'm there. For me now I am in another race. A race to find the funds to get there and the fitness to finish, all before my body gets too old to contemplate it. I have a dream, now to turn it into a goal.
The BCBike race site www.bcbikerace.com descibes it as...
"Picture this... one epic journey... two mountain bike tires spinning toward a common goal... three podium spots awaiting at the end of each stage... four scenic ferry sailings... five mental breakdowns on your quest to the finish... six nights to meet new friends from across the globe... seven days of spectacular west coast mountain biking... and countless incredible tales of your legendary adventure that will keep you pumped for weeks to come!
With an epic route designed and endorsed by super endurance mountain bike racer, Andreas Hestler, BC Bike Race is in a class of its own. The lure of riding the best of BC's world-class mountain bike trails has already attracted a broad range of BC Bike Race competitors, from hardcore weekend warriors to some of the world's finest mountain bike stage racers.
So join us...with the best singletrack in the world, and 96%+ racer completion rate, this is an experience you won't want to miss! It is the ultimate singletrack experience!"
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Oaks
Well I have lost my Oaks cherry....
My son and I hit the Oaks Fire Trail run on Sunday. Ever since I have taken up mountain Bike riding I keep reading and hearing about this "must do" ride and I have to say I was not disappointed.
At just short of 30Km, it is the longest single ride that we have done to date and I was nervous about that aspect. I really think the training that I have been putting in lately really helped, particularly with some of the steep climbs.
This ride has a little bit of everything. The first third had some steep climbs and sharp downhills. The middle third fast exhilerating fire trails where we really built up some speed. The last third was great singletrack that really we both loved.
The singletrack had a bit of everything, fast flowing sections, some great rockgardens with a couple of big drops and a last technical steep climb just to keep you interested.
I was completely invigorated after this ride and I am looking forward to riding in the Oaks Classic in a fortnight.
My son and I hit the Oaks Fire Trail run on Sunday. Ever since I have taken up mountain Bike riding I keep reading and hearing about this "must do" ride and I have to say I was not disappointed.
At just short of 30Km, it is the longest single ride that we have done to date and I was nervous about that aspect. I really think the training that I have been putting in lately really helped, particularly with some of the steep climbs.
This ride has a little bit of everything. The first third had some steep climbs and sharp downhills. The middle third fast exhilerating fire trails where we really built up some speed. The last third was great singletrack that really we both loved.
The singletrack had a bit of everything, fast flowing sections, some great rockgardens with a couple of big drops and a last technical steep climb just to keep you interested.
I was completely invigorated after this ride and I am looking forward to riding in the Oaks Classic in a fortnight.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Training
Well with the short days in winter and work / family commitments, I am really struggling to get any decent rides in. This is coinciding with a period of maximum motivation and so has been a little frustrating. My solution has been to buy a fluid trainer and it has been great. I have been on it nightly doing High Intensity (for me) Interval Training (HIIT).
For me this means:
10min warm up - Second lowest gear, moderate cadence
2min work - Second highest gear, high cadence
2min rest - Second lowest gear, high cadence
2min work - Second highest gear, high cadence
2min rest - Second lowest gear, high cadence
3min work - Second highest gear, high cadence
2min rest - Second lowest gear, high cadence
3min work - Second highest gear, high cadence
5min cooldown - Second lowest gear, moderate cadence
It has been a great hit out for me and I can really feel improvement in fitness.
Last night though I changed it up to try a Long Slow burn. 1hr in about 4th gear at high cadence. Whilst it isnt as lung busting as the HIIT workout my calves were cramping after about 45 mins as were my guts.
Calves are REALLY sore now and I hope they calm down before my son and I hit the Oaks trail for the first time on sunday
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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