Kenzo - wheel nut

That's my boy

2011-11-26T21:42:00.001+10:00

Dirtjumping with my son(s) this afternoon... It is always a nice moment when you see the smiles, the sense of achievement.

Time to get outta here!

2011-11-26T00:13:00.002+10:00

Re-Post: The Good Die Young

2011-09-09T09:44:00.000+10:00

How does someone cope when doctors tell him or her they have a cancer in their bone marrow that will take their life before they reach the age of their older brother? How does that person look at their 5 year old child and smile, when they ask if they can fly to Disneyland when they are older, knowing he will not be around anymore? How does one cope when battling such a burden, yet another biological attack threatens his life and the quality thereof?

I can’t answer that. I can only watch as my younger brother, whom I first saw vomiting from chemo when he was only 11 years old, and who has now beaten into submission another lymphoma, continues to smile, and courageously watches his son play as his mind turns over the news a malignant tumour, a third cancerous attack on his body, has attached itself and entwined around the nerves in his neck. A tumour the neurosurgeons in Brisbane had never seen before and were unwilling to interfere with.

Too Young
In 1987 Graeme Ardern was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease, a lymphatic cancer not common in children, especially 11 year olds. The cancer was prevalent in his abdomen and our family was told to prepare for his death. He lived.

Life’s Good, Or Not!
Fast forward to May 2006 and Graeme had now met up with Mandy, a girl he remembered from school, married her, and through the wonder of IVF, a baby was due to the family within the month. Aside from numerous side effects, life seemed to be good.

A hit on the head at work would change all that.

Scans came back and had revealed enlarged lymph nodes. Further scans found lymph nodes through his body were enlarged the early diagnosis was the Hodgkin’s had returned. After a biopsy the truth revealed he had Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He had gone from a rare cancer for his age to one of the more common cancers. However, to get both in a lifetime was a rarity still. At least the cancer was indolent (very slow growing) at present, and he had probably been living with it for some time already.

Days later, Dean was born, a ray of sunshine in the gloom of disease hanging over Graeme and Mandy’s head. Then, a day old, Dean was taken into special care for a bleed in his brain. It would be a further month before they could bring their new baby home.

Living in Fear
For the next few months Graeme would undergo a serious of Mabthera treatments which led up to Jan 2007 and the harvesting of his stem cells, a strategy put in place to fight the cancer when it finally ceased to be indolent and attacked with a vengeance we all knew would come one day.

That day would come about 2 ½ years later. 2 ½ years of wondering when the ticking time bomb in his body would go off. 2 ½ years of 3 and 6 monthly checkups, each time fearful, that this time the news he dreaded so much, would finally be spoken by the doctors.

The Battle Begins
July 2010 would see a change that heralded the fight to come. A flu hung in for months and from then on Graeme would feel tired and often short of breath. When Nov came around, scans showed lymph nodes in his groin, under his arms, and in his neck had suddenly ballooned.

By the time 2011 began, Graeme was already undergoing treatments and chemo for the Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that had so aggressively gone from almost dormant to wide awake. The devastating diagnosis was it had also gotten into his bone marrow; the prognosis now was not IF he would die, but when. Optimistic outlooks suggest he could conceivably live with this more than 5 years, but not more than 10, and that was IF he survived this attack.

By the end of April, the initial, aggressive treatment schedule was over, Graeme’s immune system was depleted to minimal levels, and the next two years would consist of constant Mabthera treatments to try to keep the cancer at bay.

Graeme would be out of hospital less than month before his ailing immune system allowed the Chicken Pox Virus to force him back with severe chest pains and bed rest for over a month to recover. Subsequent months would see Graeme go from one common cold and chest infections to another, all of which would barely make a healthy adult slow down, but would threaten his life.

The War Rages On
And now we are back in the present, and a tumour, a rare type of tumour Graeme has had most of his life, has come to life itself.

The tumour was biopsied in Dec 2008 and found to be a benign neurilemomma, which, is a rare type of tumor that stems from the nerve. PET scans between Dec 2010 and June 2011 have shown that the tumour is growing, something benign tumours of this type shouldn’t do. The Brisbane neurosurgeons had not seen this before and are unwilling to attempt the delicate surgery required to extract the tumour. Extensive radiation from the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when Graeme was 11 years old renders radiation useless as a defense for this also.

A trip to Sydney to see neurosurgeon who has seen this rare type of tumour before has given both hope and heartache.

Dr Mobbs believes he can operate, and the operation is vital due to the now certain malignancy of the neurilemomma, however, the cost is high. An MRI has shown that it is intimately related to the C5 and C6 nerves and the C7 and C8 nerves wrap around it. These nerves control his left arm movement and there is a 30% chance that they could be damaged resulting in a serious reduction of mobility in that arm.

A Better Man
The smile is waning. The energy and vitality in his voice and eyes is beginning to pale. If I had to weather this storm he has fought his whole life, the light would have paled in my eyes a long time ago.

But Graeme wants to live his life as much as he can while he is alive.

Until he draws his final breath, and our lives become much less than they were with his around, he wants to love and enjoy his wife and child as much as can.

He, they, need our help. A little can mean so much.

To Donate
http://www.gofundme.com/7io08

I've never met Graeme, but I consider his brother and sister in law to be friends... so please help my friends if you can.

Bountiful bicycles...

2011-07-13T22:55:00.000+10:00

I really like this image... It is now the wallpaper on my desktop..

I understand it will never happen... But it looks like such a nice day doesn't it?

Just 'cause there's a bike lane, does not make it the safest place to be...

2011-06-09T15:41:00.000+10:00

Funny stuff from New York City...

Trailcare?

2011-06-05T20:14:00.001+10:00

I've not ridden off road much at all this year. It really started with the rains (which lead to the floods). So far it has rained more than 50% of the days in 2011.
The trails are muddy, the singletrack is being smashed by users uninformed by the trail erosion they cause by riding the soft mud. Tyres cutting down and spreading the singletrack into sections of double track or widening to the point where a truck could get though.
We will always have riders who are ignorant of damage caused, the are just out to have fun. To these guys and gals, the mud and the dirt IS the fun.
So fellow riders in SE Qld, please try to respect the trails we ride and hopefully over the next few years, we can get trail builder to consider other methods of trail construction which create more sustainable trails.

Wish I had a pic for you, but I haven't been out on the tracks.
Kenzo.

2011 in Brisbane - there's a bikeway under this...

2011-01-12T17:59:00.002+10:00

I live in (Brisbane) Queensland where we are currently experiencing severe flooding.
It is incredible to see what is happening to the city I live in. I am one of the lucky ones.. I live on high ground and am safe from water inundation.

Thousands of homes are smashed.. lives have been lost, dozens missing.

We help how we can.. where we can.

Bright lights of the city

2010-08-09T23:01:00.001+10:00

Nice to get away from the city lights for a while.

Went nightriding for the first time in an age. Is nice to be out in the bush again.

On the trail.

Back to the lights.

Rainy Day, Deserted Bikeway.

2010-05-06T11:00:00.003+10:00

For some, the rainy days are times where they run for alternate commuter methods such as *inhales deeply* public transport.
For me, a rainy day is a time when I know the bikeways will be clear of 'traffic'.

Local Racing Scene

2010-02-07T08:59:00.000+10:00

One of the local mountain bike clubs runs the 'Summer Cup'. Yesterday was race #1.
I however chose to ignore the rain forecast and headed out without an umbrella - this would prove to be an error.
I arrived in time to see some of the kids' race. Some impressive efforts there.
(Click the thumbnail image for a bigger pic)

Took a few moments to go and look over the 3.3 kilometre track and snapped some of the club guys placing in the final pieces of the track guides.

There were a few riders pre-riding the course... this rocky platform became a bit overwhelming for some of the less experienced riders as they dismounted and walked it. Even in the wet, it would have been one of the more grippy sections.

On the way back to the start of the C and D grade race, I looked up to see some heavy buildup in the sky - the umbrella back at the car was a kilometre away...

Declan was out and about and was sporting a new crankset:

Muster:

The race kicked off as droplets began to fall, I ran for cover but could not find any. So instead I ran back to the track to try and catch some riders on the rock platform.

Rain was pelting down heavily - my camera's life was threatened. I fired off a few shots during the downpour but due to me wanting to quickly put the camera back under my soaking t-shirt. they were all bad shots. I really should have taken the umbrella with me...

Giving up, I moved to another section and occasionally the rain would pause to allow a couple more pics.

The A+B grade racers had fitted bike lights for their laps... light for flashless photography was fading fast. Some of the riders are a touch superstitious.

I didn't hang around for the B and A grade race as the rain was not giving up. Sorry guys - no pics. Maybe the next race!

River Loop on Australia Day!

2010-01-26T21:36:00.000+10:00

Singlespeed styling on steel.

Let's ignore that I'm riding a British frame and my ride buddy for today is on a frame steeped in Italian history.

Last for 2009

2010-01-03T11:05:00.000+10:00

Last ride of 2009 was a night ride with my son. His first night ride. Equipped with Ay-Up lights he had a blast buzzing the singletrack, dodging cane toads and feeling the cool of the evening showers.
I'm looking forward to the next night ride with him... and I know he is definitely keen to get out on another night ride ASAP!

Beaching...

2009-12-22T21:11:00.000+10:00

Camping by the sand...
Sea breezes
Salty air

Sand filled tent floors
Steel bikes? No way - they stayed at home!

But we had great days out there even without my bike... (Did I really put that here?)

Yes.

Night ride.

2009-12-03T21:41:00.000+10:00

Went for a solo night ride at Gap Creek tonight. Fantastic conditions, cool temps little dust to clog the lungs and a full moon.

Way too many cane toads at Gap Creek Reserve...

Karingal 4 hour race report

2009-11-16T06:57:00.002+10:00

Thoroughly enjoyable event for me. The heat really got to me (as expected) with twinges of cramps in my calf muscles early in the second lap spreading to groin muscles, quads and hammies by the end of the third.

My fourth lap was just a cruisy affair with the odd stretch. Ran into Jaman who was taking the time to dress up as a tube monster. Gave him my spare and waved him on.

While there with Jaman we were passed by Brad Toomey and Meg Carrigan - both riding bikes from Blacksheep Imports - the people I bought my Niner from.

After a long rest there was time left only for one more lap I set out on my fifth with a little more determination. Moving over for some fast guys a foot long branch went up into my cranks and flipped me to the side.. the landing pushed my left calf muscle into a deep and strong cramp - yowch!

Eventually moving and less than a km later my rear tyre went soft.... Glueless patches - I'll be right... but no, the hole is next to the valve and cannot be patched. Walk? Declan Kilkenny comes into view and throws me his spare tube which has me away again to finish my last lap.

As expected the Definitive Concepts bike ran flawlessly and the switchbacks were much more manageable on the singlespeed than compared to my (Avanti KISS) 29er. With the heat yesterday every lap was a 'hot-lap' but it was really about conserving energy and having a good time when the track afforded it.

I used the Pacenti Quasi-Moto (2.0") on the rear for the race and it was great for traction and had no problems cornering. The Pacenti Neo-Moto (2.3") on front provided excellent cornering grip with no wash-outs in and out of the fast corners...

The Karingal track did provide a couple of loose off camber corners which became blown out dust piles which I approached with caution though... I don't think any tyre would have hung on if you went into the deepening soft edge.

7th in category... probably 65th overall (of a little under 100 solo riders)... happy enough with the result. Of course aiming for improvement.

Looking forward to riding this track again....

Uh oh, need to start saving some money

2009-11-03T21:00:00.000+10:00

I was asked this today when talking about 'which bike?', "So what is the 650B like? Have you ridden a 29er? My main concern about bigger wheeled bikes is the responsiveness through fast single track."

So...

I own two 29ers and I thoroughly enjoy them (three if you include my 700c singlecross bike).

After riding the Karingal racetrack a few weeks back on my 29er was tough work. The track has quite a few steep uphill and tight switchbacks. Not wanting to go back to the 26" I thought I'd try the 650b.

I went back to the track last weekend. The Karingal track has lots of singletrack and tree roots galore coming out of the trail in all sorts of places.

The "DefCon1" is fantastic on the track. I like the bike so much I'm seriously considering buying one myself.

The new frames Definitive Concepts are building will have a steeper head-tube which will make it more responsive. I like the way it feels now even though the fitted 100mm suspension fork (X-Fusion Velvet-R) sits higher (slacker) than when I rode it with the rigid fork.

Sliding dropouts gives me the option to fit gears to the bike... not sure I would but the option is there.

Here's a pic of the bike with the suspension fork.

I wonder what the frame would look like in blue?

Hazards of nightriding - eight legged freaks

2009-11-02T23:14:00.003+10:00

Riding the mountain bike at night is great fun.
You learn to just let the bike ride through the trail and just ride the bumps and features.
Sometimes however you run into obstacles you'd rather just go around. This one we found in time. I was not so lucky later on when I went through another web... spent the next couple of minutes second guessing myself... the spider is not on me... it's not on me... I'm sure it's not in my helmet either.

650b for the Karingal Race?

2009-10-20T21:33:00.005+10:00

Yes... there's a good chance I may be able to use the 650b single speed again.

Definitive Cycles have responded to my request to use their fine bike as I think it is well suited to the Karingal racetrack.

The track has lots of tight uphill switchback turns but still some technical sections where the larger wheel size will be beneficial too.

Not sure how it will be built up... but SingleSpeed is a must..

Now to find a nice fork for the bike too.

Spicy Purple Tube-explosion

2009-10-18T14:21:00.002+10:00

Cycling is more than just commuting, though for many that's all their bike ever does.
Here's some non-commutes:

A trip down to the local Indian restaurant for some take-out.

A leisurely 30ish kilometre loop of the Brisbane river.

An off-road bash scoping out a trail for a race in November. My tyre decided to have 'a moment'.

Nematode?

2009-10-07T23:07:00.003+10:00

Out for a night ride with some guys tonight and had a ball. They finished early so I continued for a bit. I managed to get a puncture and stopped to find some worm sliming it's way across my bike... Always a bit strange to find a worm between your legs.

Here's two pics of Mr Wormy. Anyone know what sort of worm it is?

What fun it is to share.

2009-09-27T21:28:00.002+10:00

Went for a ride with a bunch of riders and my 'significant other' was thankfully able to join me this time, She had a ball too!
Great day to be out and about, the dust in the air had just about cleared and the air temps perfect. A strong wind was blowing for most of the day but we all got back with our smiles intact.

Followed later in the afternoon with a game of football! Brisbane Roar Vs SydneyFC.. Winners are grinners...

Grinning... 1 to Nil.

A month?!

2009-09-20T23:28:00.003+10:00

A month since my last post... well I guess not much has really transpired in the world of cycling - for me anyway.
All sorts of things happening around me though...
Stories from some of the riders I know include:
- broken collar bone
- bike stolen
- friends pass away under mysterious circumstances (Police involvement).
- friend taking their own life

Take care out there people, things happen, things change, stay true to your friends and family.

It's not always black and white.

I need to build some skills!

2009-08-18T20:32:00.003+10:00

Not sure what it is exactly about the pic below, but it appeals to me.

A sense of speed perhaps? A bright sunny day? Fluidity? Seemingly effortless control?

Red Ball gives you wings

2009-08-16T22:34:00.002+10:00

Went to have a look at bike polo today. Hoping to have to have a play next weekend. I did get some nice photos though.

Seems you have to use the end of the mallet head to score a goal. Pushing with the side of the head is not a valid goal.

Much to learn!

Took my wife dancing today

2009-08-14T21:45:00.003+10:00

Yes, I took my wife on a series of long climbs on the bike where some dancing on the pedals was required.

I even rode the singlespeed so we'd both end up with smashed leg muscles.

Who says I'm not a romantic?

Night-time hi-jinx

2009-08-06T22:56:00.004+10:00

Went for a ride tonight with some new friends and an old friend.

Started with a mishap - my Camelbak was not done up properly so the water leaked out onto one of my shoes and both of my gloves. Cold hands and one cold foot for the ride. Better than being cold all over I guess!

Great to be out on a cool clear night with a full-moon.

Somehow managed to break the spring in my pedal tonight... go figure.

Was a fun night out.

Re-ignition

2009-08-02T19:54:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I forget how much fun it was the first time out on the trails.

The feeling on the hills where there is just not enough air in your lungs. The apprehension as you approach your first rockgarden and feeling of nervous confidence facing a section of loose downhill singletrack.

There is also the joy of making it back to the cars without stacking it. The burning in your legs as you bend down to pick up your sweaty helmet from the ground. The pain in your forearms and fingers from overgripping the handlebars.

The desire to get back out there again... tomorrow!

I got to relive this through some friends today - thanks guys!

Kenzo.

Well - that was OK?

2009-07-27T21:12:00.002+10:00

Woke up this morning with legs feeling good. Knees a little sore but OK. Hip a litle sore but ... OK.

Ahhh a memory..

Decided to commute on the singlespeed roadie anyway. Best decision. Great conditions to be out on a bike.

Rode to soccer training with one of those hip young courier guys... too awesome for me!

Thanks Jaman for the granny ring session

2009-07-26T20:51:00.002+10:00

Went for a ride with Jaman this morning. Just under 500m elevation gain in less than 10km. One whole hour of high cadence spinning in granny ring.

Oh yes.. I was just dancin' on my pedals... like a butterfly... gliding effortlessly up the 15% gradient like a ...

OK, I struggled today. It hurt.

Might catch the bus to work tomorrow instead of riding. Might sit out soccer training tomorrow night too.

Cruise to work

2009-07-21T22:59:00.002+10:00

Left home this morning to crisp conditions again, sun was out but a fog was down... wetness gathered on my sleeves, shoulders and face. I could see the buildup of road grime sticking to the misted moisture on my frame.

Cruising the way into the 'bacon farm' and seeing a friendly face among the commuter heads in the crowd. A moment to say 'Hello, how's it going?'

Nice times...

Better this time

2009-07-08T07:28:00.002+10:00

Camping with wife, kids and friends was much more successful this time.
Brought the bike but only managed a very short ride with a couple of freshwater creek crossings thrown in - great fun.

Kids had a ball and we enjoyed a nice hike up to Archer's Peaks.

Camping gone wrong...

2009-07-03T07:17:00.006+10:00

My wife, two sons and I went out to a 24 hour mountainbike race to enjoy the atmosphere and spend some time out camping. This was to be the first night in a tent for my sons - other than having the tent setup in the backyard of our home.

The weather seemed to be against us (and the race organisers) and we ended up setting up camp beside a gushing stream where there should not have been one.

The boys had a great time. There was a mini course for the kids to ride and a couple of age group races were held for them to get into the spirit.

There was also plenty of mud and running water for them to splash around in and test their gumboots to failure...

In the evening, my youngest son decided he would fall over and bend his finger backwards and give himself a nasty sprain. So ooff home we went to get some childrens' pain killers. Which of course led us back to our warm home and comfortable beds. We stayed the night at home and headed back out to the 'camp' site early next morning.

I entered the race but didn't have any intention of racing. I entered to ride in the event and participate in what is a fun weekend out with lots of other great people from my MTB community. I did however have intentions of riding for more than three hours, in fact, three hours was supposed to be my minimum.

The mud on course was fun, but it was not fun to clean off - especially when you know there are no shower facilities.

I rode for one hour and stopped to watch the kids race. I didn't get back out on the race course again for the weekend. I just couldn't do it. I had a great time out there in my hour of riding and I knew if I continued to lap, it would get less fun as I went on, so I thought I would leave it at 100% fun.

Thanks to the course photographers, here are some pics of me. Have to say, there were only four opportunities for the photographers to catch a shot of me and they did it every time. Astrovisual Photography - power on guys!

My 29er styling it

Rigid 29ers can jump too

Here's a great one to give you an idea of the event's "vibe".

and another - The Bunny

An indication of how much mud there was.

More photos from the event can be seen here @ Astrovisual's Photo Site

Going camping again this weekend. No rain or mud this time, however strong gusting winds are forecast!

Ends of a day

2009-06-05T22:00:00.002+10:00

Front end:

Back end:

Bar end:

The end.

Roadie roadie ... with a difference.

2009-06-01T20:45:00.003+10:00

Not entirely sure why I stopped riding road. I enjoyed the speed and the turns on front of the bunch... The occassional sprint for the painted line on the road was fun too.

Back into it.... single speed and steel.

More of a commuter but a roadie just the same. I might try running it fixed one day... for one day... might wear a full face helmet too!

Another bike?!

2009-05-17T19:15:00.002+10:00

Yep....

Project underway...

There's another wheel - it was just a hub and it has been sent off to be built.

A heap of parts yet to be ordered/sourced.... Could be a few more weeks yet.

A pile of thanks to go out to Stu... more details to come in time.

Some of you may notice I only have three of the bolts for the brake calipers. I may have one in the shed I can use, but if anyone out there has a spare... let me know.

Full Moon, Full Speed.

2009-05-09T22:10:00.003+10:00

Went for a solo night ride at Daisy Hill. My first night ride on my own for over a year now. The solitude was welcome, the conditions - perfect.

It's always somewhat eerie buzzing around at night with darkness all around except for the patch where the lights are pointing. There's just the sound of the bike, the wind in my ears and the sound of my breathing.

Occasionally you hear a rustling coming from somewhere around you. It could be a Wallaby, a Possum, a Koala or a reptile.... or maybe the bogeyman?

When you ride at night there are thousands of small dots of blues and greens. These are the eyes of insects and spiders... sometimes you are 'fortunate' enough to ride through a fresh spider web. The huge orb spiders hang out some really thick and strong webbing. When you do ride through one of these webs, you keep riding hoping (praying) the spider is not perched atop your helmet or on your chest :-O

I took out the DefCon rigid single speed tonight. What a fun bike! I'll write up a review soon for Definitive Cycles on this frame. In short - it's a fun bike to ride.
http://definitivecycles.blogspot.com/

Riding a full rigid bike (no suspension) does have its drawbacks though, when you find a section of trail like the image below, the bumps become amplified through your body. (The spots in the photo are blood sucking bugs lit up by my night riding lights.)

Roo spotting, so I shot him

2009-04-29T23:10:00.002+10:00

Saw this guy in my headlights this evening, so I thought I'd take this shot.

Power and the pushie*

2009-04-23T21:02:00.004+10:00

*For those that don't know, here in Oz, a bicycle is often times called a 'pushbike' or a 'pushie'

Have changed the KISS 29er singlespeed to 'commuter mode'. Bought a 16 tooth cog to replace the 20 tooth cog on the rear wheel. This means more speed for the same amount of pedalling. It also means some hard work uphills.. especially the long climbs which go for more than two minutes. I'm sure it'll help develop power and strength in my legs.

Added a bit of bling too... a (2nd hand) King headset.

My first ride home with the new 16T cog, down a hill, hit a fast corner, hard on the brakes and I hear a load crack noise. Seems I snapped a spoke at the rim.

Maybe time to buy a new wheel? Times of economic uncertainty and all....

Tin Roof

2009-04-13T22:55:00.003+10:00

Love the sound of the rain on a tin roof. There's something homely about it... comforting.

It's been raining pretty solidly for the last few days... no riding at all for me, just bike maintenence. More rain tomorrow and through the week so much of the maintenence will soon be undone - and redone.

With the cooler months approaching, riding home from work is now in the dark. Need to get me one of these 'helmets'.

Kenzo.

The week that was "Bike Week"

2009-03-24T06:27:00.003+10:00

Well last week was Queensland's 'Bike Week'. Activities were organised across Brisbane for bike based activities. Normally I volunteer to take part in some however this year I only participated in the 'Ride to Work' day. For me it was nothing all too special, afterall, like most riders on the day it was just another day of commuting. I would hope though a percentage of the crowd was new to commuter cycling and continue to ride in to work.

I snapped the photo during some presentations which were happenning on the day. Those who know Qld politics will recognise someone now looking for new employment...

Ken.

Highs and Lows

2009-03-14T22:33:00.003+10:00

Helped a friend put together his new bike today.

Well, we tried to anyway.

Unfortunately the bike shop he purchased the Cane Creek headset from did not have both sealed bearings. So the fork could not be fitted, the handlebar, shifter and brakes could not be fitted.
The brake lines also needed to be cut to length so this too could not be done in preparation for the replacement bearing's arrival.

It was uplifting to see the excitement on his face as we began the build. To see the look of disappointment when it had to be put on hold was not so good.

Soon mate.. soon.

Table tennis point celebration

2009-03-07T11:25:00.001+10:00

Found this on failblog.org

This really is worth a giggle.

Giving a little back

2009-02-28T20:47:00.003+10:00

Having just moved to the Kenmore area I figured I should make a trip to my local trails. I have not ridden at Gap Ck reserve in daylight since about May of '08...

Since that time there have been severe storms which denuded some sections of the canopy. This was followed a little later by quite a lot of rain. The forest floor is thick with growth and today's shadows play of shadow and light is just not given justice by the poor quality photo here.

On the way out of the forest I ran into a working bee of trail care volunteers. So, I thought I would contribute some labour to this new section of singletrack. A nice flow in section was cut leading in to a berm. The logs pictured are then benched up into a nice big berm with which I can imagine some riders will be carrying considerable speed. The picture here is before we started loading in the barrows of dirt to build up the berms against the logs and the four or so metres leading into it.

Great bunch of people these trail carers. Built for bikers by bikers. Gotta love it.

Hidden Vale...

2009-02-22T15:19:00.004+10:00

Went for a club ride at Hidden Vale this morning.

Spent most of the morning assisting with general stuff to get the day going (standing around at registration, giving riders very general directions and setting up a marquee).

Eventually went out for a very short ride with the new cranks fitted:

Interesting weeds out there....

The heat got to me today. I felt a sinus headache before heading off for the ride and 90 minutes later driving home in the car, the pain made me feel like throwing up.
Got home for some paracetemol and more fluids. Better again.

More food next time.

Great tracks out there, can't wait to get back out again to ride some of the newer tracks built by Hayden and Co.

Styling

2009-02-14T20:59:00.003+10:00

New cranks for the Niner. Thanks Rhino! Hopefully I'll get time to fit them tomorrow and maybe find time to use them this week coming. A night ride perhaps.

The alternator in the car failed yesterday... no wheels to get to the 'Sunday Arvo Cruise'. Having just moved to this area, the trails nearest me (at Gap Creek) will be muddy after a few days of rain and are probably best left alone to recover.

Big thanks to the trail care guys doing the hard work maintaining the trails I will soon get to enjoy more frequently. My wife and I had plans to get out there today to help with a working bee but without the car it was not happenning.

tarmac inspiration

2009-02-08T07:44:00.001+10:00

Just an ad for a tyre brand - not a brand I would buy though... but a great ad.

It's Your Ride from Cinecycle on Vimeo.

Settled

2009-02-07T21:05:00.002+10:00

Moving to a new home always requires quite a bit of effort - especially when there are also two children involved. The amount of 'stuff' always seems incredible.. but it just boils down to being 'normal'.
The new commute to work has been enjoyable, the singlespeed has been great but with the 18T rear cog on its way back to its owner, I am looking to replace it. The local bike shops do not have an 18T cog in stock so I'm waiting on it's arrival.

In the meantime, the geared Niner MCR has been on commuting duty and I've been enjoying the odd excursion from the tarmac on and off the curbs, up and down grassy verges and the odd rocky water course. with any luck, the UNpacking will soon be done enough for me to steal some weekend riding time.

Quick updates

2009-01-29T22:02:00.003+10:00

Mum is starting to feel better. Certainly sore and sorry. I'm glad she's OK, though sad she got hurt at all.

The slicked up commuter is great fun. Got to use it over a longer commute today as we moved house. Now my commute is either 12km to the nearest office or approx 15 km to the CBD office.

Moving house was nasty.... Here's the garage filled with stuff to go. This is a tandem garage and an entire car space has been used to stash our belongings for the move... there's still the furniture too.

I'm sure we saved a few hundred dollars of labour by moving the cartons downstairs to the garage ourselves. We could have left it up in the apartment awaiting the removalists to take dozens of slow elevator journeys to their truck.

Bye for now.

(33 x 18) + (700 x 32) = 49.5

2009-01-20T19:41:00.005+10:00

Single speeding on slicks. I was running a 20 tooth cog on the rear but Kendrick allowed me an opportunity to use an 18T. I have to say my commute has seen only a slight increase to my average speed but that's probably because it's less than 7 kms and it's over some very very flat terrain ....

When I put the knobbly tires back on and get back onto dirt with it, I'm sure I'll feel the difference - especially over some pinch climbs.

Time to call my mum though, she fell over / stumbled yesterday and broke both her tibia and fibula just above the ankle. Sure hope she's going OK. Luv ya Mum!

It's dark out there

2009-01-14T23:12:00.003+10:00

Went for a ride tonight out at Gap Creek reserve. It was my first time back there since around May of '08.

Lots of fun was had. I've certainly lost some fitness as the climb on the route called 'Dingo' beat me. I had to stop to catch my breath. Oh well, next time then, back out to Gap Creek more often for more hills work.

Thanks to my fellow riders for the company and encouragement.

Refitted the suspension fork for a bit of squishy fun.

Smiling

2009-01-04T22:08:00.004+10:00

Thanks Sean for the pic! I've cropped it in a bit tighter so peeps can see the grin.

Pressing the right buttons

2009-01-04T19:21:00.005+10:00

Went out for a buzz today at Bunyaville with the boys from the 'Bunya Sunday Arvo Cruise'.

A fun afternoon with a large and varied group of riders all sharing a keen interest and joy in mountain biking.

I got there early to do a few extra trails and took the oppotunity to pose the bike (I've been asked to take a pic with the rigid fork and knobbly tires)... so here it is.

I did however have a slight misadventure with the garage door when I got home.

The garage door is remote controlled and the remote is on a keyring among nearly a dozen keys.
After opening the garage door fully, I placed the keys in my pocket and proceeded to drive into the garage.

Unfortunately something in my pocket (probably one of the keys) pressed the button to bring the garage door back down.

Did I mention I travel with the bike mounted on the roof of the car?

Result: one slightly bent garage door and a slightly scratched frame - big boo-hoos.
I fixed the garage door and will consider the options on the frame... spot repair or a full respray?

..... OR... a new frame? :-)

Cruising on New Year's Day

2009-01-01T20:35:00.002+10:00

Went for a bike ride today on the paths near where I live.

Took the 'other' bike out. It gave me a different perspective on singlespeeding.

Do you think the Terminator would look like this if he rode a bicycle?

A diversion

2008-12-30T20:21:00.001+10:00

Makes me want to go for a ride....

Rock Lobster

2008-12-28T21:54:00.004+10:00

Had a few days of sun, surf and sand at Burleigh Heads over Christmas. I even managed to get my scalp sunburnt...
Here's a pic from the apartment we stayed in - pic was taken with a 2Mpixel phone camera... great isn't it? [it's sarcasm folks :-)]

Got to ride a clunker with no oil on the chain.... The grinding noise as a I pedalled was very painful.

The kids took a mini detour to do some skills sections when we were out.

Also saw this beauty of a roadbike... A "Fosters" with Easton components. It had a custom top tube with about eight dents across it. Flipped drop bars and the front brake disconnected. I'm no expert but it looked like Shimano 105 components though...

Back to the daily grind tomorrow.

No 'boing' either

2008-12-19T20:45:00.003+10:00

Pete at MTBprecision.com.au has come through for me again with a beautiful addition to the Niner (which I also bought from them).

The new fork will eventually go to the SingleSpeed but for now it's on the steel Niner.

It hasn't yet been on dirt but it will be in less than 48 hours time....

No knobs

2008-12-15T22:30:00.004+10:00

Put some slicks on the Niner this morning

Maxxis Columbieres. 700c x 32mm.

Pumped to 100psi.

Not as comfortable as the 2.1" wide knobby tires at 32psi.

Cornering and rolling properties are great.

New trails to ride..

2008-11-09T20:14:00.003+10:00

Went out to ride some trails at the Peppers Hidden Vale property today.

http://www.peppers.com.au/Hidden-Vale?fromDropDown=true

The 'Open Day' was held by a new MTB club...

http://www.tailwindpromotions.com.au/openday.html

Great trails have been built out there - most of it due to the efforts of these guys and volunteers.

Here's a pic by Steve Ardern of one of the trails:

There were a few moments of solitude too - time to pose the baby...

Also time to meet some of the locals.

Sunday arvo biking

2008-10-26T21:56:00.002+10:00

Had a fun ride today out at Bunya (Everton Hills).
Just singletrack and some fire-road.

Was good to get out a stretch the legs again... has been a while!

Took the kids to see 'Journey to the centre of the Earth' today - a fun movie. Now they know what to expect, will have to bring them to the 3D version at the cinema too...
At least the main character rides a bike for a few seconds in the movie.

New trails, tired legs.

2008-10-19T22:02:00.003+10:00

Rode somewhere new today. New to me anyway.
Thoroughly enjoyed the different surrounds, varied surface and loose rocky climbing.
The Niner rode fantastically and the two guys riding with me had a great time too.
Thanks for the tour of Bayview 'flyboy'!

Fire in the hole

2008-09-16T21:42:00.003+10:00

Well, a fire in the bin is a bit closer to the truth. :)

Was in the CBD today, saw a city council truck doing it's normal bin collection run. Unfortunately there must have still been a lit cigarette in one load as the back of the truck caught fire.

Arrival of the Fire Dept soon saw a stop to the spectacle.

Magazine + Rain = Soggy Dirt Rag

2008-09-06T09:40:00.002+10:00

I subscribe to Dirt Rag magazine.
Unfortunately my latest issue arrived into my mailbox at the same time as some rain..
It is mostly unreadable now....

Oh well, off to get a copy from a newsagent.

8th birthday

2008-08-27T21:52:00.002+10:00

It was my son's 8th birthday just under a week ago...

He was pretty pleased with his pressies. The Clone Trooper helmet was a hit - especially seeing as a few days earlier we had gone to the cinema to watch the Clone Wars movie.

Some pics from today

2008-08-25T00:05:00.002+10:00

I was out at the Epic today as a volunteer. I was at Gate D3 by myself from 10am through to about 4pm.

Took some photos of riders whizzing by and the odd other thing too.

Self Portrait:
One of my favourite pics taken today:

Epic Weekend

2008-08-22T20:58:00.002+10:00

This weekend I was supposed to be riding in the Flight Centre Cycle Epic race. But due to injury and illness, nowhere near enough training was done so a few weeks ago I pulled out of it.
But now I'm back in! Only as a volunteer though...
Hopefully I'll get the odd nice pic when I'm out there too.

Clone Wars

2008-08-17T21:44:00.002+10:00

Went to see the animated Star Wars feature today - 'Clone Wars'.
Wife two kids, and thre more eight year olds....

An enjoyable flick for the boys - not so for the mums.

My oldest boy turns eight on Thursday. Wow.

Darn

2008-08-16T20:26:00.003+10:00

Went for a ride on the new bike today. It is nice and easy to whip around. I think I need to get the fork pressures right before I can give it a review, but initial impressions are very positive.

I cut my ride short at only 90 minutes as I started to feel a bit too tired... seems I have another cold. Started feeling feverish. Headed home for a hot shower, some dinner and some paracetamol.

Here's a pic of the bike in its natural envirinment.

More rest for me. Probably should stop staying up late watching the Olympics.

Slide Show!

2008-08-15T22:15:00.001+10:00

It's so pretty

2008-08-14T22:51:00.006+10:00

My new bike got delivered this evening. I'm happy as a pig in mud. Put together by Pete at mtbprecision.com.au - THANKS Pete!

For more photos, click here.

I had to sell two bikes to get this one. Worth every bit of $ and effort.

Tick Tock

2008-08-13T10:02:00.001+10:00

Should get the new bike today...

Should get the new bike today...

Should get the new bike today...

The x-ray from 15 July

2008-08-03T11:41:00.002+10:00

Here you go - a view of the hip socket and my left femur...

Not much space to move in there.

2.5kms

2008-08-01T21:32:00.002+10:00

Rode the bike today for the first ride since late June...

2.5kms at probably an avg of about 15kms an hour... nice slow commute into the office from home without even breaking a light sheen on the forehead. Perfect winter morning commute.

Good to be back folks. Good to be back.

The tension builds

2008-08-01T07:36:00.003+10:00

The new wheels will be ready within days....

The frame will have left the US (or maybe direct from Taiwan) yesterday. Not sure where the Oz Distributor ordered the deivery from...

Either way, not long now.

An unsubtle hint

2008-07-28T19:30:00.000+10:00

Updated my profile pic....

Better now

2008-07-27T21:49:00.002+10:00

But having an enforced layoff from riding.
Sold the 26" MTB, selling the roadie and sent the 29er single speed off with Gazmann.
So no bike for me for a while.

Why sell? New bike on the way.. yes, the back is better :-D
New frame and bits arrive in about three weeks.

Phew.. sort of anyway

2008-07-18T23:41:00.000+10:00

Well, results are in, blood and urine tests show all normal, infact the results say I'm in good shape!

CT scans show no worrying disc compression in my spine or nerve pinching... so that's good.
But the x-ray on my spine shows definite scoliosis happenning. Arthritis in my left hip is looking quite advanced now - seems the operations I had to insert then remove a femural pin (by dislocating the hip) 18 years ago in my late teens has well and truly caught up with me. In the hip socket, I am literally down to the bone.

Must find a way to scan in the x-rays...

I'm too young to have a hip replacement as these 'parts' have limited lifespan. A visit is to be organised to see a hip (and knee) specialist to hopefully find an alternative.

Vampires ... and some pee

2008-07-08T22:36:00.000+10:00

Went to QML pathology today to give them some blood samples to start a regular health check regime.

Being a cyclist, thought it wise to get my doctor to also organise a Prostate urine test too.
Depending on the results, I'm hoping to avoid the 'digit test' on the prostate. (Imagine a gloved finger and some clenched teeth.)

Will be getting a CT scan done on my back in the next week or so too. Still not even 90% yet.

Mending not bending

2008-07-05T19:23:00.000+10:00

Another week on and my back is still a bit sore. Quite a few other spots are compensating for the back muscles too, sore across the lower abdomen, neck, and shoulders. Oh well, more rest and light stretching.

Spent a small amount of time working on the rigid 29er. Have a new wheel to switch it from single speed to running a Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub. So when I hit the long flat sections I have some gears now.

Might use this setup for the Epic... Must think about this a bit more.

Ouch...

2008-06-30T22:07:00.000+10:00

Due to a sore back I missed out on a great ride with a great bunch of people this weekend. A shame, it was another beaut sunny Brisbane weekend.

Signed up for the flight centre epic and training is sporadic at best... but hey, as long as I make it to the end, I'll be happy.

Oh well, off for more pain killers and rest.

Here we gooo!

2008-05-24T11:22:00.000+10:00

Hi,

having been inspired by Wezzy and Rhino, I too have joined the bloggers of the world. Still a complete newbie to this so here's hoping it does not turn out too uninspiring.

Here's Wezzy's blog and here is Rhino's Blog. True inspirations to a wide range of people out there.

I hope to have news of rides and events in my MTB life and adventures here for friends and MTBers alike.

Here's a pic of the bike that started it all... this was my second major event. This pic is from the 2005 Flight Centre Epic where I rode with some friends (Pagey and Anthony).
It's a Gary Fisher Advance which I bought as a commuter bike in 2004 (from Planet Cycles in Woolloongabba Brisbane). It cost just over $400.

Click here for a bigger pic

Of course... more to come soon.