Rob's blog

It doesn't seem like long ago at all that I was writing about new sole protectors... in fact that's only 3 months ago and the new set put on then is now worn through.

So I began to think that this speed of wear may well have something to do with the cleats getting very worn and thus letting the pedals get closer to the shoe and wear the sole more. Well, maybe.

Either way, today the Dorothy shoes got some new cleats and a new set of sole protectors. Let's see how they go.

For reference, here's some pics of old 'v' new cleats:

Well, it had to happen sooner or later... on this morning's jaunt over to Manly and back[1] the crosser got it's first flat... ever. A very, very slow one at that, but eventually I felt the rear was a bit wobbly and looked down to see the deflation.

Had to stop on Manly beach front and change the tube. Yeah, tough place for it to happen Stopped off at Manly Cycles to top of the inflation with their floor pump. The dude there commented on my jersey (JetBlack Sydney 24 - see, it always helps to wear MTB event jerseys when <cough>scumming</cough>).

Consulting Garmin Connect, says I've ridden 6700km on the Bianchi. Hmmm... no wonder the tires look a bit worn (yup - same set of Conti Contact touring tires on there the whole time). Guess this is not a bad record in the flat department

[1]

At last... some event pictures worth buying!

For an event I wasn't looking forward to that much this one turned out to be a real goodie... as is so often the way.

The forecast was for cold weather and after last year's hypothermic experience this didn't bode well, the team had had more changes than a Kylie concert, less planning skills than the NSW state government, and I had to drive alone due to no suitable travel companions. Then driving through the M5 tunnel realised I'd forgotten my tarp, table and chair - oops!

The Rush got a a new bush in it's shock (RP23) today. That gizmo Stan at BA made is pretty cool for changing these. Nice one!

Another fantastic days racing in the Rocky Trail GP series. Being a bit soft I can't solo 8 hours but I'm liking this format a lot. Even though I finished before the 4h mark. Yeah - double soft!

Although (sorry Martin) I'm still not completely set on the whole turn-up-qualify-relax-race part but an extra hour in bed can be afforded to those who don't care to qualify and might take that option in the future.

Was really hoping for better after last year's DNF... and was pleasantly surprised... in a cheeky sort of way

Unfortunately I've had almost two months off the bike earlier in the year (even though I actually said it was only one previously) and done basically no exercise in that time. Looking at my logs beginning of July was when I got back on the dirt which gave me a rather worrying two to get that fitness back.

Happy days... today concludes my training for the Angry Doctor!

Now all there is to do is a few gentle laps of the pool during the week. And perhaps a gentle night ride on Wednesday. Maybe.

According to GC in the last 30 days I've managed:

Rides: 13
Total distance: 508km
Total climbed: 10,986m
Total time: 37h45m22s
Avg Speed: 13.5 km/h
Avg HR: 135 bpm
Energy: 27,809 calories

Interestingly a lot of this (228km, 4,651m) has been done in the last week. Yes, definitely time for a rest

Hopefully before this time next week we'll know if that was enough

Slight change of plan for this ride. Instead of doing laps of 4 gates we decided to hit the Northern Beaches Hillfest circuit and put in a lap or two at the end if possible. I knew this would come in around 45Km and 1300 vertical plus a single 4 gates say, would be around 1700 vertical and 60km but it came up slightly less somehow - I blame Garmin Connect - it's vertical calcs are a little off and doesn't show altitude half the time

Well, you have to start somewhere, right?

Having taken the soft option things went pretty well on Saturday.

It's very nice to wake up at home, have a nice hearty breakfast then tootle over to the race circuit (albeit an hour-ish drive away).