Another maintenance update...

After the filthy ride on Sunday I had feared the worse for the brakes. Once the pads get worn down leaving metal on metal action not only are you up for a new set of pads, but most likely a new rotor too. Rotors chewed up by this kind of stuff get so pitted and rough that they then chew through the replacement pads in no time - keeping them is a false economy.

Wow what a ride. I'm just glad we made it back before dark. Thanks to everyone that came along, that was definitely the toughest day of mountain biking I've ever had . I'm not sure what felt more punished at the end of the ride - my bike after 100 km of chain suck or my body.

Cheers Lincoln

Why does blinking make sand come out of my eyes?

Yes, this was a top, top ride but not really what was intended. I had this mental plan that today was to be the peak of Dirtworks training (2 weeks out). In this mental plan I was to ride until something broke, me or the machine, or the 80Km target in my head. After having a cold most of the week figured I would break first but the trails had different ideas.

Ooooh... bling!

This evening the Rush got new X0 rear mech, new PG990 cassette, two new FSA alloy rings (granny + middle), new HG93 chain. The chain will be lubed with White Lightening Wax for a while to see how it goes. Tried that before but think I shouldn't have been quiet so liberal with it so new regime will be followed.

Thanks to cupcake for the SRAM tuning tips!

Sorry, none of this is that interesting, save for reference later to see how long things last.

The Rush got a new Crossmark on the front just now (5 months, 900Km old). Annoyingly had to go to the servo to get it to seal. The rear won't be lasting too much longer, what with all the talk of Larson on the back maybe I'll try that when the time comes.

thanks for a great ride. For those who had flats, the tire protection that we discuss has a brand name of Mr. Tuffy. here is a link to a random google result: http://www.bendigobicyclecentre.com.au/products.asp?cid=216&pid=2532

See you on the next ride.

Thanks to all for a great ride and the legs are feeling it tonight. Just remember that every bit of pain we feel now is a little less we have to feel on the Dirtworks. I kept myself that as I continuously watched Steve and others disappear out of sight. Cheers Lincoln

Couldn't make the Anderson's and Oaks ride so did the Dam instead in the afternoon. Awesome fun. Finally conquered all the steps after the golf course including the one after the boardwalk going uphill towards Wakehurst Parkway.

Absolutely loving the new bike. It just soaks up everything...but then again anything would be better than the 100mm of travel I had with those Rock Shock Darts!

Did 3 laps and felt good.

Someone (I think it was that Fat Cyclist dude) once wrote about how to explain the love of riding to your friends. He reasoned with them like this... imagine you have an incredible sports car... and imagine a breathtaking piece of road to drive it on... then imagine being able to drive that road flat out, as fast as you like without fear of hurting anyone else or being pulled over by the cops. I'm sure you get the metaphors... mountain biking is this rush!

Well, sadly this morning I had other things to attend to (yes, sorry, aside from the trail day which had to be binned), but this arvo got out on a ride in Royal National Park and had one of those moments. Well, actually, it was more like 6 minutes of pure bliss that encapsulates the above theory and more.

I can now officially say that the Thredbo DH course has a big tick beside it. Blackbettysdad and I ducked up their for a days riding yesterday.