We left a balmy Sydney and watched the temperature plummet as we reached Bundanoon - it was in the low teens and the wind chill factor made it even colder. Luckily I packed a warm jacket, other not so lucky like GeordieAndy had to survive in shorts and a light top.

Pikey set up a great camp near the bush toilet and Saturday night saw us huddled together for warmth drinking beer and talking shit.

What a great weekend.

The weather was great - hot but great and the nights weren’t that cold.

Our camp site was in a perfect position – upwind from the dust, next to the natural bush toilets, far enough away from the loud speaker.

The roads were dry and it was barely spitting as we set out, but then it started to rain. That wouldn't be a problem as BOM and the Nobmob weather page indicated minimal rain during the day. However we soon found out that the trails were already sodden and muddy, but with 10 boofy blokes all wet and in the bush at night of course no one was going to turn back. As we proceeded the chorus of sand grinding metal kept us company and in my mind I could hear the Ka-ching, Ka-ching of the bike shops cash register.

Over recent times there has been increased debate over size and in particular can an extra 3 inches really make a difference – I was curious and last night I lost my 29er virginity and here are my thoughts.

The Bike: Surly Karate Monkey (Chromo) with RST M29 forks (80mm), Single Speed running 32/20.

The Track: Terrey Hills - Perimeter /Long tracks (24k), muddy and at night.

This was my maiden voyage on a 29er, apart from laps of my driveway setting up the saddle.

Nob’s Rule.

What a great weekend. Thanks Christine, the Church was the best, not to mention the toilets and the kitchen. We easily had the best setup.

After a night of little sleep due to snoring, the continual stream of blokes to the toilet, pre-race nerves, wind trainers and moaning it was up to watch the 100k’s depart. The 3 hours till race time didn’t take long to pass, but the 20 minutes wait for the race start took forever.

It was last Sunday afternoon as I set off for a lap of Cascades and the Showground sniggle. I nearly didn't go because it was drizzling.