Many thanks to all the keen competitors from last weekend's Convict 100 race who took the time to blog about the event and share their stories. There were indeed some fantastic efforts and great yarns.

It's not fair to single anyone out - every participant makes an event - but is always good to share a photo so here's Tristan riding the infamous bridge. Have a look at Cycologically Challenged! to hear how he went.

Great to see so many riders keen to share like this, and so many comments of appreciation, encouragement and congratulations. This is what MTB is about to many - a huge challenge out in the (relative) wilds with mates and strangers alike. Strangers who, after a ride along the Woomerah Range, somehow you will have a special connection with forever. If you've been there, done that you know exactly what I'm talking about!

For those not sure about trying an event like this, take a look at the blogs on the Convict 100 2014 page. Just don't be put off too much. Remember: nothing worth doing in life is ever easy!

Also remember that blogs like this build into a handy reference of event results in a tab on your profile and you don't have to write an essay to do that.

While we encourage everyone to support local bike shops, and in particular our local sponsors, Bike Addiction and Bicycles Online... it's understandable people shop around for deals.

To that end, here's some of current promotions:

Update: Don't you love it when they change the codes 2 days later.

From CRC:

Not relevant to me but helping get the word out.

Do you Cycle in or through north Sydney?

North Sydney Council have released a draft plan for review for their Intergrated cycling stratergy.

Submissions have been extended until until 9th May.

Have your say on your future NOW!

http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_Meetin...

I had a thought that it would be good if in our profiles below the "favourite places to ride" there was a "Trails I have helped maintain" field.

This would give the opportunity for those who have helped maintain a track show they have helped in some way and even write a little blurb about what they have done.

For those who haven't done any Maintenance, this may help spur them on so they don't have that blank field in their profile.

Like I said, was just a thought and curious of your thoughts.

Today I competed in the Convict 100 at St Albans. About 21km into the race on the first section of water bars where people stack every year there was a rider down with 3 other guys frantically waving me down. Naturally I stopped to find he had banged his head and had opened it up. The panic was due to none of them having any first aid kits on them.

I used my kit and then went for help. Lucky for him he had a nasty gash but didn't appear to have concussion or any major damage so I went for help and he was transported out of there.

Going to use co2 canisters for fixing flats instead of pump. Question is what size co2 canisters do I need to fill a mtb tyre? 16g or 25g? Tyres are 26" 2.1-2.3 around 23-28psi. Thanks.

Now I know this is a Mountain Bike forum, however, a few of us also do a bit of road riding, so for those of you worried about bike accidents on our roads, the Minister has the answer:

"Licences for cyclists should be considered as a way to combat traffic collisions, the NSW Roads Minister has said."

and furthermore:

"Mr Gay said he would consider banning cyclists from certain roads in the name of safety." Might have to rethink your daily commute?

I'm due for new tyres so I'm looking for some advice here first before I spend my $$$.

***Trail Tyres***
Currently riding Specialized Fast Trak S-Works for the front (stock tyres) and Fast Trak UST on the rear. Don't really like them as I've had quite a few wishy washy experience with them on very ordinary conditions. The S-Works are light tyres but the sidewalls are very very thin and had them torn on my rear on my first ride with them.

I'm down in Tathra and just had Andy Johnson show me around the trail network and it's fantastic, some of the best flowing track I have ever ridden. The work that Andy and other local trail builders have done is incredible, so thanks Andy for showing me around, I really appreciate it.

If you are planning a trip to the far South Coast of NSW make sure you stop off at Tathra for a ride I'm sure you won't regret it.

http://youtu.be/x9Qozvqm8W8

Just something I have been working on for a bit. Patented Pending and ready for negotiations/manufacturing

Just a quikie - is stem length measured from to centre of the handle bar to centre of the steerer tube or the distance between the handlebar and steerer tube?

I am entering my first team 24 hour race.

What advice do you have in terms of what equipment, spares, general kit should I bring?

Thanks