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I decided to do this race as it was the only 100k race left in 2010 after I cramped badly in the fling. Having done two 100k races and cramped in both I was keen to try some different approaches and hopefully get through without cramps.

When they postponed the race in December due to some flash flooding I got a first hand appreciation for the level of challenge in this race during what they called a "social ride". To try and put things in perspective if the fling gets a 7 for difficulty this race is a 9 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, I love the fling and its a great race however:

We rode Camden South single trail. A mate had an awesome spill because of a blowout... MAxxis kevlar bead tyres with povo CSR schrader tube....

Had been done once before by a shop. Read/heard a few times over the past year how they need frequent cleaning.

I was getting occasional buzzing/humming (particularly chocolate foot forward) sound if coasting for extended durations.

Bought a chain-whip and Shimano cassette removing tool. Had fine grit and needed a clean. Used 10mm hex, 5mm hex, Iso Alcohol, tweezers, baby oil, rag, cotton buds, old toothbrush, eye protection.

Followed video:

http://youtu.be/Y5arUG3iy0Q

and text:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/freehub...

I have been riding P & L regularly since early Dec 2010 in preperations and training for some enduraces in 2011. It's a great track for pumping out some speed. Current time from Nerang Ave out to the end of Long Trail and back is 69 min. I hope to improve on this.

Watch out for Brown Snakes!!!

Arrived in Perisher Jan 1, hoping to fit some rides in between walks with wife and friends. Staying at a private ski lodge as there's not much going on in Perisher in summer.

Rides have been:

Around 100 kays of bliss - sure feels good!

I've been having some real trouble with a compressed nerve in my neck and haven't been doing much (any!) MTB for quite some time now. Five days straight seems to have brought back some form but also taken it's toll - the back is feeling decidedly ropey today, but maybe as a sign there is drizzle in the air and this is forecast to stick around until tomorrow arvo - so time for a rest and loads of stretching.

Here are some silly stats:

Aka... bike fuel. Goes great on top of curry and a couple of beers the night before

Followed with a banana of course. Oh well... off to ride more sweet single track. Laters!

Did red loop at Awaba & pedalled my guts out!-cleared Camelback Climb via the Straw for the 1st time ever,then climbed 'the Flush' with as much energy.Garmin 500edge GPS unit I got for X-mas plus a few group rides I have been going on have lifted power in legs & increased stamina.

Went out for a short ride this morning to check out & photograph the following ride.

Berowra Valley (North Leg) between Calindra St (entry) and The Outlook - out & back 45min-1hr (less if you're not stopping taking photos)

Mainly firetrail that tracks behind the houses with about 4-5 decent hills, rocky decents, some sandy sections and about 2-3 tiny creek crossings. Good cardio workout but best to head out early. It was stinking hot at 11am. A few local walkers on the initial flat areas before the hills kicked in.

Wanted to get my goals down on paper and thought in a blog on here would be a good place to go as I am likely to posting up blogs from races on here as well. I have really been enjoying my riding on both road and offroad and have been putting in some solid hours on the bike in the run up to Christmas and had already decided in my mind that I was going to race alot this year. I currently have both my road and MTB license and intend to utilise both.

So goals for 2011 are as follows: