Blogs

I decided to ride red hill today.

I didn't want to use the usual entrance, so I found where a track met Wakehurst Parkway and drove there. I turned right into what looked like the start of the track, and Lo! I was at 4wd folly.

I didn't fancy driving up, so I unloaded my bike after parking a short distance away.

Well sure the wind was strong enough to blow a dog off it's chain but still a great night for a ride if you could find shelter from the wind.
And a couple of my old favs were on the hit list.
First up a gentle cruise up Hassans Walls before linking up the Ewok and Townhouses trails.
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6128778

And then, feeling energised it was back up for a run down Ch6

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6133380
Even a little chopped up by motos and with the occasional branch across the track it's still grin factor +10

OVERALL
My first actual 'event'. I did 1:07:00. If you take the total active riders (500 or something) and divide it by my position (182) and multiply by 100 you get 34. Which means I came 34/100 which I'm happy with. I was in 30-39 category.

EARLY ON

Here are the sneak pics of my new lights that are in practical completion and very very close to a test ride. Well they are in the lighting section in the gallery once moderated.

There are so many new parts and construction ideas that the final completion tends to drag on.

I know I know, incorporate the fixes into second set.

I will give details of the parts and build process in later posts.

Cheers

Craig

Coach rd was spectacular today
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6108190

We made good time with a group of 7.

two mechanicals as Phil's shock sprung a leak before we even started. A quick pit stop at insane to swap it for a shock I had spare... 5 km he managed to kill that on too. So he went home swapped bikes and caught back up to us at the second wash out.

The State MX titles were on at Clarence so a few more Motos up on top than usual but once past the Bungleborrie we had left them behind.

Well this was my first 8 hour event and I entered the pairs male (Just Cruzin) with Leopafe. Before heading up there I was thinking of getting there early Sunday morning to get in a practice lap, but the reality was we were going to do plenty of laps so why add another.

We arrived unloaded our bikes, registered and straight into the race briefing. The plan was to do two laps at a time. I headed out first with no idea what was on offer but was briefed that the track was awesome with plenty of spots to hurt yourself.

A great day was had by all yesterday. Weather was absolutely fabulous, if a bit 'taters in the morning. The sun shone, there were dry bits to ride on past most of the puddles, I took enough food and drink, and the babelfish worked well to translate Donal & Phil's Scottish diatribes.

As with most races, the last couple of days before the actual event is almost as draining as race day...
From having organised transport, date/time of departure by Wednesday, I came to the realisation that Killingworth was not just over an hour way. This threw a spanner in the works as the idea of travelling through on Sunday morning suddenly lost its appeal. This also resulted in me changing the departure date of the Midnight Express (That's Midnight Black not Blue Rob ) to Saturday but unfortunately leaving Gazza in the lurch. Apologies again mate!

So Whisper; Supagav and myself met up at the track on Saturday arvo for a couple of practise laps as we were all Killingworth newbies. After the first lap we were all grinning from ear to ear for despite the fact that there were a few damp spots on the course, it was one of the most 'flow-ie' courses I've ridden in while. With most of the course consisting of single track, a few gentle climbs, bridges (wooden and mesh) and a bit of techie stuff, this course was going to produce some quick times... Top marks to the course setter(s)! I think the only reason we stopped on Saturday afternoon was because we were running out of light.

The 9.2 Km track at Killi is really awesome, being most of it fluid single track with lots of leg killing pinches as can be seen in the profile below.

The event was great and quite well organized.

Thanks for all of the mobbers present, who set up nice and cozy transition site and congratulations to the Lap Dancers for the 3rd place and to the Scummers for the 5th.

Results can be seen here: http://www.brightorangeevents.com/08_BOE_WWS_Rd4...

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.