tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58511046382370713342024-03-08T20:36:16.553+10:00Graham's Varied AdventuresOlder, fitter, happier.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-61462773264812825212018-02-18T19:53:00.000+10:002018-02-18T19:53:58.918+10:002018 Anthem Advanced Pro 29ER 0 - First thoughts.To say the last couple of months have had me excited about a new bike would be the understatement of the century.The anticipation of getting a super light, 29 inch wheeled dual suspension bike was slightly tempered by the fact that I have really enjoyed the 27.5 inch wheeled Anthem. It is a super fun bike can really haul (well, under a better rider it could) and has that element of playfulness that my previous 29er's lacked. Reading over the details for the 2018 Anthem Advanced Pro 0 soon had me like a kid in a candy shop. I waited patiently (not!) for it to arrive and now I have had the absolute buzz of riding it and getting together a few initial thoughts on it. My caveats as always, I've done about 100km on it, I had a short shakedown ride which proved I didn't need to change too much and so far the longest ride is just under 3 hours. Not a definitive testing regime by any means but here goes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah it is...</td></tr>
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I won't go into the nitty gritty of the spec and numbers. It's got Eagle, it's got Fox, it's all carbon! The link below has all of that in way more detail than I could be bothered with. I figure the highlights and how it feels to ride is where it's at. Highlights for me are pretty straight forward.<br />
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https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/anthem-advanced-pro-29er-0<br />
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Fox suspension with a dual remote lockout. Awesome. The Evol rear shock runs a very low pressure and so is supple and responsive. The Maestro suspension means there is limited bob under power and you get heaps of tyre contact when braking. The forks do as they should be expected to on a bike of this level. They track well and are smooth through the travel. Being able to lock both out on one lever means that for long climbs and sections of smooth fire road you can get every bit of efficiency through the pedals and I have to admit to using it heaps.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evol shock with remote lockout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step Cast to save weight.</td></tr>
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My second highlight is maybe a little unexpected. The saddle on the bike is the Giant Contact SLR Forward model. I have had one of these on two bikes now and they are very comfortable! I haven't had any issues and it took no time to break in. It may not sound like much but when you ride a lot.... A sore butt can really spoil your day. All of the Contact SLR stuff is really nice. It is finished well and is light and strong.<br />
The last time I rode a 29er was 2014. It was a previous incarnation of the Anthem and I loved it. It was a great bike to race marathons on and long days in the saddle seemed made for it. In tight singletrack and on more technical descents though it was a little less capable. The 2018 version has gone a long way to making these shortcomings a thing of the past. The cockpit is longer, the stem shorter, the head angle slacker and the rear wheel tucked up more under the rider. This gives a very confident feel when ripping through rough trails and lets you turn faster than I would have expected possible. One of my favourite bits of singletrack has a long section of off camber roots and broken shale that drops following a sharp left hander. The run in always presents a moment of hesitation as the right line takes you through the roots before setting you up to launch the shale and land in a corner. The bike cruised through the roots with barely any loss of speed or control and then easily flicked the tail to get the correct line into the shale. The stability of the 29er coupled with the very forgiving suspension made me feel a bit pro as I dusted my mates through the section. So yeah, descending is good!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contact SLR cockpit</td></tr>
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What about going up I hear you say? The cockpit feels nicely stretched out so no worries there. Having the rear wheel tucked in tight under the rider gives shed loads of traction whether you are locked out or negotiating tricky ascents over obstacles. My local trails are very loose at the moment with very fine dust over hard pack. While I can break traction if I stand and stomp, while seated there is great transfer of power to the rear wheel. Couple this with the lockout and you have a very fast bike when the trail goes up. I'm liking it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bling!!!</td></tr>
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What more is there to say apart from a HUGE thanks to Jaaron and Fi at Giant Brisbane. Without them I wouldn't be riding such awesome bikes. Hopefully soon I can do a report after racing it!<br />
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<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-34496472137613625522017-12-19T13:11:00.000+10:002017-12-19T13:11:33.903+10:00Older, fitter, happier.It's been a long time since I posted anything here. Life has been busy and complicated, but I guess that's why it's called "life" and not "easy". I'll try and get the energy up to post more about the last year in particular soon, but for now I have bike stuff to write about and frankly it's a lot more fun for me.<br />
So Giant, wow. In particular Giant Brisbane. It's been nearly eight years of amazing support and great bikes to ride. The support from Cyc'd for Bikes, QBC and now Giant Brisbane is nothing short of brilliant and I can't explain how much it has meant to me over the past 7 years. This year and for 2018 I have the honor of being an ambassador for Giant Brisbane and continuing my friendship and support from Jaron and Fiona. As context, Jaron and Cyc'd for Bikes were the first sponsors I ever had and were the main reason my 2010 Terra Australis and fund raising efforts were so successful. I'm still a pest at QBC though and will continue to help out with events and the like as often as I can. So for a bloke who doesn't win races, finishes mid pack at best but LOVES bikes, I am seriously blessed. A huge thanks to you all.<br />
Obviously I have kept riding. I have raced a couple of Epics, a couple of marathons, a bunch of shorter XCO type stuff, a stage race and a 24 hour race. I have been in essence pretty happy with my efforts and if nothing else the training is THE best medicine for my state of mind. I am still using the "Today's Plan" online system and it works pretty well for me. The flexibility to change around the sessions is critical for me as sometimes life just gets in the way! The structure does keep me motivated though and I love seeing the analytics as I progress through the program. Thumbs up.<br />
Gear wise I am riding a 2018 Anthem Advanced 1 29er currently with some exciting upgrades due in the new year. I haven't had the chance to get enough miles in to do a review of the bike yet but my intention is to do one in the next week or so. My initial thoughts though are after coming of the 27.5 version of this same bike it feels more stable through trail chatter and the feeling of sitting in the bike rather than on the bike makes climbing very comfortable. More to follow here.<br />
All in all, the title says it all. I'm definitely older, definitely fitter and working on staying happier than I have been for a long time. Life should be about a journey and not a destination. My goal is to enjoy that journey and live and feel the experiences along the way.<br />
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<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-77658759389528567002015-09-15T13:37:00.000+10:002015-09-15T13:37:10.724+10:00Wrap up of an attempt.I didn't finish the Epic. I had all kinds of excuses that I was going to use but I thought the truth would be best. I say this because the real reason is that after a long and very emotionally exhausting couple of weeks, when I toed the line yesterday I was already half beaten. I had no nervous butterflies, no anticipation of the flowing singletrack or the long climbs. Nothing.<br />
You need a reserve of mental toughness to push through the times that your body is tired or your plan isn't going quite right or even when you have a slower rider in front and you want to get around. You need that. I didn't.<br />
I'll take a few positives away though. My first 50km was good. My recorded time and the time on my Garmin are at odds but it felt good and controlled. The nutrition plan worked a treat and I had energy the whole time I was on the bike. Today's Plan had my body as fit as it has been for years and I felt comfortable on the bike.<br />
I didn't deal with the problems mounting up in the weeks before the race. I should have talked more about them and worked harder on solving them or at least coming to terms with them. I hope by saying this that someone else can feel comfortable in talking about a problem or letting the people around them know they are struggling a bit and seek some help. You are not alone in feeling down and you do not have to be alone in dealing with it.<br />
I will be back racing in November for the Bayview Blast. I haven't decided whether to do the 100k or something less. My honest belief is that I should do the big one.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-71683653087843701382015-09-10T16:19:00.000+10:002015-09-10T16:20:20.050+10:00Epic preparations.When a little over 14 weeks ago I did a race down at <a href="https://refusenixracing.wordpress.com/2015-jacks-ridge-xxx-100km/">Jacks Ridge</a> I had this little itch inside to have a go at the <a href="http://www.cycleepic.com/">Cycle Epic</a>. My biggest struggle in the last couple of years has been the motivation to get out and do some miles to make sure I got the smiles. The pattern went like this. Say I am doing a race, put all the good intentions in the world forward about how I can train and how good it will be to get fit and then watch it all fall apart around me because I let everything else that is not riding my bike get in the way. There is no structure or tangible goal to meet on a daily basis. I kept looking at my performances over the last couple of years and it is always the same.<br />
Anyway it was time to sort out the entry to the Epic. My good mates at <a href="http://www.epiceventsmanagement.com/">Epic Event Management</a> helped me out and I was entered. There was an interesting email that followed a couple of days later offering a training plan through <a href="http://www.todaysplan.com.au/">Today's Plan</a>. The pricing was fantastic and it looked quite good value. I have wanted to try a plan for years now but it hasn't fit in financially and if I had to pull out for work reasons of just because I was too slack it was a huge outlay. I finally decided that it was a small investment to make even if it didn't work out. I was in full stealth mode though. I didn't tell anyone. So on the 21st June I did a threshold test.<br />
Fast forward to today. I am into the taper week before the Epic and I feel pretty bloody smug. I have completed almost all of the sessions apart from a couple of anomalies due to illness and life pressures and I can feel the benefits from consistent, focused training. It isn't anything like having rockets strapped to my calves but I get out for a 3 hour ride and feel strong and energised. I have looked after myself with recovery times and eaten better food. All in all I can honestly say this is the best I have prepared for an event since 2010 and I am excited to get on the course and see how I go.<br />
I have kept my goals modest. The last time I raced the Epic I manged to finish in shade under 6 hours. It was a tough slog for me and I have to say I didn't really enjoy most of the day. I placed 51st in my category and was not really happy with my performance. I have never done the Epic with any real preparation much less a proper program and taper so it is really untested ground for me. I have looked over the times from the last couple of years and I have set my top end goal as top 20 in my age group. That would mean I need to drop over 30 minutes from my last time. Of course this is all speculative as I get further into the field and more fast guys make it up into the 40+ category but you have to have a goal. Why not push it a bit?<br />
My race plan is straight forward too. I know the course really well and the first 50km has some serious climbs but some faster fire road and tarmac sections. I smashed myself hard in the tarmac last time I raced and really blew up bad so that lesson is learnt. I am going to use the road to eat and drink and hopefully get in bunch to get some respite. I am happy to do a turn but last time a couple of wheel suckers latched on and wouldn't come around. If I can just get a good rhythm on the climbs I'll be stoked. While the last 37km is the most fun, I also think it is the hardest. There are a lot of singletrack sections that offer no rest and I always find it hard to get a groove for the Dandy's and Yowie sections. Couple that with Grinder and it can be a very tough day at the office. I am trading my usual singletrack brutality for a more composed and hopefully energy efficient approach. We'll see if that works!<br />
The bike is only as good as the rider they say. Well, my Anthem Team is way ahead of me in terms of capabilities but it is certainly a great comfort to have it to race on. It is dialed. It got a little love over the last couple of days to make sure everything is tip top. Some new brake pads tonight and a final clean after Saturdays pre race warm up and it will be ready to rock. I can't speak highly enough of the Anthem platform.<br />
No good deed goes unpunished and my mates at <a href="http://www.cycdforbikes.com.au/">Cyc'd for Bikes</a>, QBC and Giant know that for sure. Brent, Darcy and Jarron look after me way too well for an old wannabe. Huge props for that!<br />
Finally, and my weakest area in a sea of weak areas, is what I will fuel myself with. I have had a nightmarish time with race foods of the pre-prepared and packaged type. I have consciously used only a small amount of electrolyte drink and otherwise whole foods during the 12 week training. They are by no means as convenient as gels and liquid food but I am yet to have any stomach issues from this course of action. If it works out though it picks up 10 minutes of the 30 minutes I have aimed for by simply not having to rush off into the bush with stomach cramps! Besides that an almond butter and cranberry tortilla is damn tasty!<br />
Right, so I am off now. Two more rides before the race on Sunday and I am pumped. Stay tuned for the post race report which will either be Sunday night because I am bursting to tell the world how well I went, or sometime in 2016 when I get over the disappointment.......... :)<br />
<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-20519526316171346412015-07-31T13:59:00.000+10:002015-07-31T13:59:24.306+10:003+3=FUN.A little video of the Giant 3+3.<br />
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https://video.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xta1/v/t42.1790-2/11759203_999066186791800_285019297_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjgwMSwicmxhIjoxNDY4fQ%3D%3D&rl=801&vabr=445&oh=e735e5aed09156687a01bc390ad75156&oe=55BB1406Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-79023644958706096492015-07-21T12:19:00.000+10:002015-07-21T12:19:31.835+10:00I was just riding along and.....There has been a bit of a resurgence in my riding of late. I got motivated and started training for the Cycle Epic in September almost by accident and now I am 4 weeks into a training plan with Today's Plan and feeling pretty bloody good. I have tried many times to analyse the reasons I stop riding from time to time but there is really no explanation other than I forget how good it is! I love it in all it's forms whether it is the roll around the river on the road bike, a quick bash through some sweet single track or a multi day adventure into the bush. I really dig pedaling my bike.<br />
It isn't like I haven't had anything to write about either. In the last couple of months there have been some very exciting additions to the stable of bikes currently residing with me. My most recent is a cyclocross bike. A TCX SLR1 to be exact. Getting that thing out on some trails and bridleways is an absolute hoot! Around my home is the perfect area for such a bike. The Pony Trails, Mount Nebo, The Goat Track. All of these are in close proximity and I can head out on the quiet roads and then jump on the dirt from some fun and hard climbs. The 105 groupset is bomb proof and the hydraulic brakes have an amazing feel and of course will pull you up way quicker than you probably ever need. The power and modulation is boss though. I hope to get out and race a few CX events soon but we will see.<br />
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The other and perhaps most exciting steed is my Anthem Advanced 0 Team. OMG.<br />
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/anthem.advanced.27.5.0.team/18983/76577/#specifications<br />
This thing is fast and comfortable. I am running mine stock apart from the usual grips, saddle and tyres. ESI Chunkies, a Fizik Gobi because I love it and some Maxxis Ikons tubeless and the whole thing comes in a touch over 9.5kg. I have become such a fan of the hydraulic actuator on the SID forks I now want the Black Box version of the rear shock so I can have the lockout there too! I took a little while to get the suspension set up right as I have been used to the Fox variants for the last couple of years but now it is really sweet. The Rockshox Monarch RL has excellent small bump sensitivity but does have the slightest hint of "Bob" when pedaling hard on the flat. Really though, do you notice it in the real world? Nope. Could it be my crappy pedaling style? Never.....If you are climbing there is no bob and the traction is as to be expected with the Maestro system. The trail chatter is dealt with really well too. The fatigue levels in my lower back can attest to that!<br />
I have raced a bit too. There was a top trip down to Nambucca Heads for the Jacks Ridge XXX. It is a 100km race on some really awesome single track in a beautiful part of the world. Big thanks there to Pete for the company on the drive and to Warren and Leslie and the Clews's for the conversation and banter through the weekend. While the race had to be pulled up short due to a pretty serious crash I still had a blast and hope to go back next year. The meals at the pub were certainly highlights as was the cooks tour back along the North Coast. Top weekend!<br />
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Most recently I got on the mic to become the host with the most for the #Giant3Plus3. What a top weekend! The link is to the event organisers wrap and I coudn't have said it better myself.<br />
http://www.3plus3.com.au/event-organisers-wrap-up/. See you at next years?<br />
I should definitely mention this whole training plan thing. Today's Plan is an online coaching system that is tailored to your needs. It has the facility to fit around your week and gives amazing feedback with graphs and instruction on workouts and goals. http://www.todaysplan.com.au/<br />
It works for me on a couple of levels. I have a structure. I love structure. It is realistic in the time parameters as you basically set them yourself. And lastly it gets results.<br />
When I say results I am not talking muppet to machine kind of results. I feel stronger and on a climb I have struggled with recently I felt more relaxed and in control of my body. The plan runs through until September and I can see that if I stick with it there will be some serious improvement in my fitness and riding. Don't expect to see me on any podiums but you might be able to see me next to you on some training rides chatting away happily when before I would have been out the back blowing like a train! Should be fun right?<br />
As always my mates from #Cyc'd for Bikes, #QBC and #GiantbikesAUS rock! I still pinch myself most mornings that I get to hang out and ride such awesome gear. Ta!Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-25347244290727085312015-02-04T10:47:00.000+10:002015-02-04T10:47:02.433+10:00Connection correction.It's been a busy time! I made this half arsed promise to myself a few months ago to take the pressure off and stop worrying about whether I was training and just get out and be more active. It has worked really well. There were a few struggles with early mornings, I am not naturally a morning person, and a few struggles with the initial lack of fitness but they have both settled into a nice regular rhythm that I actually look forward to. On the measurable and quantifiable scale I have lost a few kg's and can now manage a bit higher average speed across my activities. The most exciting and less quantifiable areas though are what have me most excited.<br />
I feel really level and grounded. I am enjoying work as I feel much more prepared to deal with the stress and peaks of workloads. I have way more patience when dealing with my boys than I have had for a while. That has led to some really great times with heaps of laughs and cuddles. Alison, well we had an amazing break over Christmas and even though there has been some stress with school starting again I feel very close to her and very connected. All in all the abundance of emotional energy is transferring itself into a deep and spiritual enjoyment of exercise.<br />
I own a lot of bikes. They are all being ridden. That statement alone is new and exciting given the last couple of years. I have a very dirty and well used pair of trail running shoes. Yes, running shoes. I now do a regular core strength workout and boy is it paying dividends. That's right folks, planking, sit ups, push ups. The whole bit. I am eating REALLY well. Lots of fruit and vegetables with very few sweet treats. No booze and lots of water. 4 kg dropped people. 4kg.<br />
So what is it all for? No particular reason. I am just riding the wave. Sure I have entered some races and have set a couple of targets but they are there for perspective, not to live my life towards. Being healthy and feeling great leads me to want to set goals and try to achieve results and not the other way around. Do the ride, do the run, wake up early. Because you can.<br />
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Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-14897375895316662332015-01-15T16:09:00.003+10:002015-01-15T16:09:59.803+10:00Back on the horse in the Wild West!Well I jumped back on the horse this weekend and knocked out a short course XC race. Bloody hell it was hard! The race was out at Adare as part of a great series called the Wild West Series on a course that is best described as sandy on the flats and rocky on the steeps. While the course wasn't long it had heaps of fun bits in it and the challenge of trying to keep up with riders that are much quicker than me kept me well and truly entertained.<br />
I have never really been fast as a mountain biker, or in any sport I played really. When a short course race happens it is all hands to the oars right from the gun. Just to add a little humor to my story I left my race number in the van and had to bolt back to get it before the race. I got back to the line as my category was lining up with my heart already racing and at the back of the pack. As the race started I got caught in the back markers and had a very slow start. A few times some of the less skilled riders were walking over obstacles which created a traffic jam of epic proportions. Serves me right really. The traffic eased on my second lap a bit and I got into a group of similarly paced riders and we traded places for a while. It was really great to actually feel like I was racing even if it was at the back of the pack.<br />
I dropped the chain a couple of times. Again my own stupid fault as I had realised I needed to adjust the front mech before the race. There is nothing quite so demoralising as working to pass a group of riders and dropping a chain then watching them all ride past again. Oh well, live and learn.<br />
Lap three was fun. I had a bit of clear track and I had a guy trying really hard to catch me. I got a little rush of adrenaline as I went around a corner and caught a glimpse of him. There was one last steep climb before a descent into the finish line and boy was he hauling to get to me. I ran up the last bit of the climb and then pinned it back to the finish. A great way to finish a fun race.<br />
I should mention the likes of Jared Graves and Ben Forbes, both of whom passed me on my last lap like I was standing still. At least now I know I should be racing B grade.....<br />
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Image courtesy of Daimon Wright. https://www.facebook.com/Daimonwrightphotographer?pnref=lhcGraham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-36648410831261335602014-11-10T10:53:00.000+10:002014-11-10T10:53:23.195+10:00Stripped Back and Laid Bare.There is no hiding from the lack of posts here. I look over the number of drafts and aborted musings as well as the last post date and it's really pretty obvious. It may look like I have been off the planet, not riding and just not present. It's not really true though. New job, trips overseas, two very busy kids and a very, very purposeful avoidance of any means of tracking my activities just gives that illusion.<br />
No GPS. That's the first step in my stripping back the riding I have done. Just go and ride the pace you want, where you want, when you want. No kudos or comments unless I choose to announce the activity. Most of all no self imposed pressure or goal. I just ride because it feels great.<br />
Part 2 of the strategy, bust out the single speed. Nowhere to hide, no excuses. The lack of riding and fitness for me is just such and open wound once I hit the trails on that thing. My goodness it hurts. The pay off though is pure single track heaven with no distractions and that burning, gut wrenching joybomb that is getting over the rise, cleaning the tricky line with a rigid bike or just rolling back to home feeling honest and spent after a ride.<br />
Part 3 of the strategy, just smash trails. I got a loan of a 5 inch trail bike. It's a Trance Advanced 1 with all the good fruit. While it isn't the bike I would choose for my goals next year it is a fun missile. I am genuinely coming home blasted from my rides on this thing because I just have to give it full gas all the time. Even climbing! There was a playfulness about riding when all those years ago, my mate Ricky (thanks mate) said to me "Buy a mountain bike mate, they are awesome!", and I seemed to have lost it. Go hit some trails and jump stuff. A water bar is an excuse to see what you can do. Get the whip on, land in the corner and gas it out the other side. Manual that section of brake ruts and go nuts out into the next section. Just get your moto back on! Man is it time to ride again yet?<br />
Part 4 of the strategy, there are no strategies. Fitness is it's own reward. I've been trail running because it feels great and I see things I sometimes miss on the bike. I ride the bike I feel like riding. Pretty obvious really. The road bike has been neglected for a while but she'll get over it, the single speed probably feels like it's been ridden hard and put away wet. A good clean and a little love and it will be fine. The Revolt is raring to go and soon the chance will come. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just riding and smiling.</td></tr>
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<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-50796786799031183702014-03-30T15:00:00.000+10:002014-03-30T15:00:02.471+10:00Join the Revolt!So I have been riding around on a dirty little (not so) secret bike for a couple months now. With my growing interest in bike packing and my long term desire for a bike I could do a bit of social cyclocross racing on it seemed a no brainer that when I saw the Revolt 1 I would end up adding one to the stable. I have to thank Giant and of course Cyc'd for Bikes for looking after me for so many years now and without the support there is simply no way I could ride such awesome bikes.<br />
So here are the <a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/revolt.1/14904/66425/">specs.</a> The Revolt is a little bit strange looking at first glance but the spec and practicality of it soon become obvious as a commuter, beginners cyclocross bike and with a few changes a very decent touring bike. I have taken the Revolt to work many times now and on the bike paths it just cruises along with comfort and ease. The larger 32mm tyres that come as standard have a semi slick tread that is easy to push but provides a more cushioned ride than narrower road tyres. They also provide better traction on our often slippery bike paths. The addition of the integrated down tube mud guard is also a welcome feature as it catches quite a lot f the road grime that comes up at you. The spec is solid. A Shimano drive train that is practical rather than flashy with Avid BB7 brakes makes for a reliable and efficient parts mix. The carbon fork takes a bit of the snap out of the road and a little weight as well. It's a lot of fun in the pony trails out around home especially if there is a bit of water around. It feels quite Euro! A set of slightly more aggresive tyres would be a good idea if you intend to use the bike for more cyclocross racing than commuting though. Full length cable outers all round. Winner.<br />
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Now for the changes. I was pretty keen to try this bike as a touring platform. I had an inkling that my 29er wheels would slot in the frame quite nicely giving me the option of a larger tyre and some real off road tread. Luckily Jarron at Cyc'd let me mess about with the bike on the shop floor and low and behold it worked, really well. The next part of the puzzle was the frame bags I already had made for my other tourer. While they were a little small overall for the Revolt they did fit and allow me to add a bottle cage behind them making the space pretty usefull in all. The seat bag was a cinch to fit and with a bit of re organisation the handle bar roll sat beautifully against the suicide levers. I thought they might provide problems but instead they stabilised the load really well.<br />
All of this left me with one problem to solve. Carbon forks and no bosses to mount additional cages. In some cases a pipe clamp and some old tube will sort this out no worries. Not such a good idea with a carbon fork though. I had a Salsa touring fork from my other bike but the Revolt has an Overdrive head tube. That means standard for won't fit and there is no commercially available reducer set to make it happen. With a bit of help from my local bearing supplier though I got a bearing to fit and solve the problem. Awesome. So how did it turn out?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully kitted up with bags and water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripped back and bare. Salsa touring fork, anything cages, monkii cage underneath and we're good to go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the front.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Specialized Captain 1.9 does the job on the back. Just enough clearance. </td></tr>
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Being able to put my 29er mountain bike wheels on and add the Salsa fork makes this a very versatile bike. I've loved doing a bit of cyclocross riding and commuting with the Revolt in standard configuration so it really meets the requirements for me of three different bikes. There are a couple of things I will change before my next bikepacking adventure though. I will look towards putting an all mountain XT crankset on to bring the gearing down to something that my chicken legs can handle a bit better and probably remove the suicide levers completely as they are surplus to my requirements. Other than that though, a 15 minute change over makes the bike my tourer or my commuter and cyclocross bike. I love it.</div>
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Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-60167455752212592762014-03-10T22:38:00.002+10:002014-03-10T22:39:02.696+10:00Scenery for the Soul.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For me there are few pleasures greater than the feeling of cresting a hill on a bike. Call me mad, it's just the way I am wired. When the hills are tough and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular that feeling is amplified and takes on a near euphoric level.<br />
Rients and I took off on another little bike packing expedition over the weekend. The plan was to head out from Lake Moogerah and trek to Koreelah Creek camp ground in the Koreelah National Park. The park sits just in the New South Wales side of the border ranges. Resting there for the night we were then to set out for Queen Mary Falls via Spring Mountain and then back through the Condamine Gorge and on to Moogerah. The clues were there. Main RANGES, Spring MOUNTAIN, and a bunch of other mountains that while we wouldn't have to crest them, the foothills and spurs would provide plenty of additional vertical meters.<br />
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When we set out the pace was relaxed and very moderate. The lessons from my first experience of bike packing still sat at the front of my mind. The extra weight of gear and the need to back up for a couple of days means that conservation of energy is a sensible idea. I haven't weighed my bike and gear but I think that I would carry an extra 12kg or so. That's about 4 litres of water (which incidentally wasn't enough) and the rest in tent, food, cooker, clothing and spares.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly just outside Maroon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rients on the Muru. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Revolt in full riding order. </td></tr>
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The route headed through Mount Alford and toward Rathdowney skirting the township of Maroon and then along the edge of Lake Maroon. The scenery along the first part of the route was pleasant but once we hit Lake Maroon it turned spectacular. There had been some tough climbing already to this point but it was only a hint of what was to come. We stopped for a lunch break on Burnett Creek. A pretty little spot with shady trees and an area to get off the road and relax. As usual, it was a gourmet stop. Fresh coffee and a hot meal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnett Creek.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chef at work.<br />
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Things got progressively tougher from here though. We headed up through the valley created by Burnett Creek until the start of a climb up to Carneys Creek. This was brutal. I was able to manage anything up to 12% gradient on the gravel but after that my high gear ratio meant burnt legs and loss of traction. A surface of blue metal interspersed with red clay hard pack made for very slippery conditions. I walked a couple of the pinches as the climb went on. The heat and humidity had also built up to a very uncomfortable level as well. I had lost sight of the scenery and adventure for a moment and focused on the discomfort in my legs and back from pushing the bike up a kilometre of gravel road in the heat. There was finally a flattening of the way and I could pedal again and it didn't take long for the peace and quiet of the area and the beauty of the surroundings to calm my unrest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scenic Rim.</td></tr>
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The top of the climb was also the border with New South Wales. I felt pretty chuffed to be there and that feeling only grew as I embarked on a long descent to a cross roads that Rients explained we would return to the next day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elated but shattered.</td></tr>
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Finally we were on the old Koreelah Road. It was a roll down to the camp ground with little to no excitement other than great company and more gorgeous scenery. I looked forward to setting up camp, taking a dip and eating some food. My water was low but I thought I could fill up at the camp ground. This turned out to be the only flaw in an otherwise perfect weekend. The water in the tank was green. The creek was low. I was starting to stress a bit now as the day had been hot and I had used a lot of water. Fortunately a fellow camper was interested enough to ask what I was up to and then to offer to share some of his water with me. I am forever grateful. Rients had offered but that only promised to leave us both short. Anyway, all good. Tent set up, meal devoured and I was a new man. Well, I felt pretty good. Rients outdid me though. He had a meal and a red wine. Now that's travelling in style.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rients' home away from home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two little orange beacons of comfort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koreelah Creek</td></tr>
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I should mention at this point as a sort of caveat that during Saturday I had received a text from Alison reporting that Rohan had fractured his arm. He was fine but she just wanted to let me know. I was a bit stressed about it but really there was nothing I could do.</div>
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It rained for some of the night which meant packing down wet tents for the return trip. No great issue, just a bit of a pain. We were soon on the road though with the day dawning cool but humid. It made for very cold descents! There weren't too many descents though. Head Gate Road was stunning. The forest changed from open eucalypt to lush rainforest and then the rabbit proof fence cut through it and almost immediately we were back in the eucalypts. A short descent took us to the base of Spring Creek Road. From there things got really interesting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or bikes.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our destination is the escarpment on the left at centre top of the image. Up.</td></tr>
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Spring Creek Road was a necessity for us to get water and food. The plan was to go over the mountain and get to Queen Mary Falls and the caravan park there. The first 2k's were a very pleasant 7 - 10% gradient on tarmac and I got a nice rhythm going on the climb. I had been warned it wouldn't all be like this though. As I turned a corner the cliff wall that was 17% gradient awaited me. Discretion being the best part of valour, I got off and walked. It felt like forever going up that last kilometre. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the climb. </td></tr>
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I was getting worried about how long it would take to get back to Moogerah and home to check in on Rohan. The Spring Mountain Cafe provided a rest, great food and coffee (mmmmm, coffee...) and a chance to assess our plan. Rients very kindly offered to cut the ride short by excluding what promised to be a highlight. The trip through the Condamine Gorge. Oh well, next time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Cafe. Great food and coffee.</td></tr>
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We ate, refilled water and generally recovered for a time. Then came the descent back down to Teviot Brook Road and the detour back towards Moogerah. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory selfie from Rients.</td></tr>
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It was spectacular. Massive granite boulders and lush forest following the brook for 10 kilometres. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view towards home. </td></tr>
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We eventually hit Carneys Creek Road and then onto Croftby Road. If there was a perfect way to finish a ride, Croftby Road would have to be up there on the list. It rolled through farmlands at a gently descending gradient. The odd small hill was there just to keep us honest but in the main it was easy to maintain 20kph without much effort at all. All around the ever present mountains broke the views with granite bluffs and cliff lines. Gorgeous.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long and winding road.</td></tr>
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The turnoff to the caravan park at Moogerah came up quickly and unexpectedly. We had been cruising along nicely for the past hour or so and when it appeared I wasn't ready to stop riding. I wanted that can of coke, but I wanted to continue the adventure too. I had been torn when we made the decision to cut the ride short but it was in truth the best idea. After a hot shower, a can of coke and some time off the bike I was feeling very satisfied. A roadhouse burger along the way made for the perfect finish.</div>
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So I crested the hill. I feel the achievement still in my legs and more importantly in my soul. Sometimes my descriptions don't do them justice but the hills were tough. I never wanted to give up though. I wanted to see the next amazing scene laid out before me. </div>
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Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-42777394079339188812013-12-25T12:36:00.001+10:002013-12-25T12:36:23.577+10:00Optimism.Merry Xmas to all!<br />
There goes another year for me. As a brief recap for the year it went something like this. I changed jobs 3 times. Yep, 3 times. I have had some niggling health issues that have made life a bit ordinary too. My anxiety and depression issues returned to a point where I sought help again in order to get them under control. Sounds pretty bleak? Well surprisingly not.<br />
As much as each of the moments in themselves were a bit scary, or concerning or just downright annoying there was never a time when I felt alone. I always had support. The anxiety reared its head in January but Alison was there to talk it through with and my friends and family showed concern but tempered it with support for my decisions and understanding for the behaviors and moods that had been a precursor to it. I'm travelling along swimmingly again now.<br />
Jobs. Just wow. I had a contract that was coming to an end and was stressed that it might mean I was unemployed for a period of time following that. At the last possible minute I was snapped up by a company in the same industry and immediately dropped in the deep end. It was hectic and somewhat stressful but I survived it and learnt a bunch along the way. I loved my work mates and really appreciate the opportunities that the position gave me. I would still be there if not for an opportunity that arose out of nowhere. I have been out of the arts industry for nearly 2 years and each time I have contact with it again I see what I am missing. Sure it can be hard work and often thankless but there is still nothing like seeing a performance come to life. It's a bit special. So a position as a Production Manager came up for QPAC, the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. I applied with no expectations as there was a strong field of applicants and the reality is that these positions are rare. I interviewed well and walked out thinking that if someone else got it, they were going to do a good job. I'd given it a red hot go. I can't tell you how happy I was when I got it. Stoked.<br />
The health issues really were a speed bump as it turns out. After having things prodded into places I would really rather not have things put, it seems a couple of small issues were giving me grief in a long term way. Sorted now though with a bit of simple day surgery. Et voila! Here we are.<br />
What has any of this got to do with my adventures? Well life is one great adventure isn't it. There have been some moments along the way but all in all 2013 was OK. My family is happy and healthy, I have great friends and I always have the potential for some really cool adventures. This year it's about converting the potential into reality. No promises but it could be a great 2014.<br />
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<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-77952334565238415942013-09-07T18:53:00.000+10:002013-09-07T18:53:56.529+10:00Have bike, will explore.For a while now I have been toying around with the idea of doing some touring or bike packing style adventures. I guess it was a grasp at getting some passion for riding my bike back and a chance to combine riding my bike with camping, two of my greatest pleasures. A couple of things happened to align that meant I was able to both get my bike ready for such shenanigans and kit myself up with a few necessities like some bags and a bit of kit. In later posts I will go into more depth with the set up and what has and hasn't worked but for now the sheer joy of the weekend is what I want to write about. In the most part I want to let the pictures do the talking. Maybe just a few words here and there to express the thoughts and feelings captured in the moment will be enough to get my message across.<br />
My first (and at this stage only) trip was a ride from Esk in the Brisbane Valley to Blackbutt at the foot of the Bunya Mountains. Over the two days there was about 160 kilometres of riding on old rail lines and back via farm roads and part of the Bicentennial National Trail. The route formed a loop with the first day being the easier, gently climbing path along the Brisbane valley Rail Trail. It's scenic, it's peaceful, it's relaxing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">The former station at Toogoolawah.</td></tr>
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The riding is easy with a gradient of only 2-4 percent. It does go on for a long <span style="text-align: center;">way though.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The easy riding made for a lot of chatting and planning of rides in the future. I can see how this kind of riding gets addictive. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snack on the rail trail.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The totally relaxed pace of the first day and the increasingly fantastic scenery quickly made the woes of the world disappear.The salve for the soul that is cycling is only heightened by connecting with a journey rather than a destination. We had let the pace slip a bit and the goal of reaching Yarraman really looked like a trudge. It didn't matter. We had shelter, we had food, we had water. As it turns out we also had a pub with cold beers when we reached Blackbutt. Day complete.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuCXv_WJkE0/UhcMNh4VDJI/AAAAAAAABds/jDU1QvfBpqk/s1600/DSC01170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuCXv_WJkE0/UhcMNh4VDJI/AAAAAAAABds/jDU1QvfBpqk/s640/DSC01170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackbutt Showgrounds. Not exactly roughing it but a great place to stop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some shelter for the bikes and us. There's even a bar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvg37OWbmFI/UhcMwJc3IHI/AAAAAAAABeA/tRZQLW7_yW0/s1600/DSC01172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvg37OWbmFI/UhcMwJc3IHI/AAAAAAAABeA/tRZQLW7_yW0/s400/DSC01172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillaxin'...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp gourmand. </td></tr>
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The morning was foggy and cold. My sleep had been a little sketchy as I left my sleeping mat behind to save space. Lesson learnt. I still felt great though as the reflections on the day before left a warm glow and the thought of my home made porridge with cinnamon and a hot coffee really stoked the fires for another day. The simple pleasures of some tasty nourishing food and that black gold that is coffee were all I needed.<br />
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By the time we had struck camp the fog had burned mostly burned away. It would make a comeback as we entered the valleys on our trek back towards Esk but the sunrise over the camp was still pretty awesome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed and ready to roll.</td></tr>
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The highlight of the trip was yet to come. The ride through the Emu Creek gorge was stunning. The pictures will tell the story much better than my words.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBSc9slZnpg/UhcOVPIAWjI/AAAAAAAABfA/kCgIY2yynjI/s1600/DSC01181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBSc9slZnpg/UhcOVPIAWjI/AAAAAAAABfA/kCgIY2yynjI/s400/DSC01181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out of Blackbutt. The fog returned</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling farm roads and great views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down into the gorge at Emu Creek.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rfqj4NJkMM/UhcPUamD5KI/AAAAAAAABfs/O3ohKvC6iRU/s1600/DSC01186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rfqj4NJkMM/UhcPUamD5KI/AAAAAAAABfs/O3ohKvC6iRU/s320/DSC01186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last photo before the drop proper. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emu Creek Gorge. The view was truly beautiful as was the creek itself. This area took a beating in the floods of a few years ago.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVeWstrqvvc/UirWggT4mSI/AAAAAAAABlM/Xok2sGQBC2Y/s1600/IMG_20130818_085938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVeWstrqvvc/UirWggT4mSI/AAAAAAAABlM/Xok2sGQBC2Y/s400/IMG_20130818_085938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We started the climb out. We climbed a lot. The views on each side made it easier but it was still hard work. Massive granite rocks stuck out at us and the hillsides were covered in Grasstrees.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rest about half way up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ua_o5qbgs0I/UirWt_sCDOI/AAAAAAAABls/9poRAUXspTI/s1600/IMG_20130818_090911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ua_o5qbgs0I/UirWt_sCDOI/AAAAAAAABls/9poRAUXspTI/s400/IMG_20130818_090911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More stunning scenery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still climbing though....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plHjnqWe3wM/UhcQNOhIGGI/AAAAAAAABgQ/PxeAQCAeedY/s1600/DSC01190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plHjnqWe3wM/UhcQNOhIGGI/AAAAAAAABgQ/PxeAQCAeedY/s400/DSC01190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and still climbing....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2t2myEXz1C8/UhcPk4-dFBI/AAAAAAAABf8/D7L52zoUVyo/s1600/DSC01188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2t2myEXz1C8/UhcPk4-dFBI/AAAAAAAABf8/D7L52zoUVyo/s640/DSC01188.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but still smiling!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJZk2UwcO2Q/UhcQlVm5tGI/AAAAAAAABgc/sL2yazdV9Kk/s1600/DSC01192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJZk2UwcO2Q/UhcQlVm5tGI/AAAAAAAABgc/sL2yazdV9Kk/s400/DSC01192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....until finally we got to the top and were greeted by this.<br />
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When I reach the top of a truly challenging climb and can see the road stretching out in front of you with no cars, no houses and no people it just stirs the adventurers soul in me. Rients and I just took a few minutes to take in the view and the reflect on the ride so far. I was genuinely sad to leave the gorge but the possibilities ahead beckoned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4F7cL4_vtw/UhcQ2EHY7pI/AAAAAAAABgo/OxMEeefTwk0/s1600/DSC01193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4F7cL4_vtw/UhcQ2EHY7pI/AAAAAAAABgo/OxMEeefTwk0/s320/DSC01193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm roads and gates. Leave 'em as you find 'em.<br />
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Lunch was at the community hall in Anduranbah. The last of the dehydrated food was consumed with great gusto. My bolognese was just the ticket for a hungry rider. We ate and drank to fill the holes and just chilled in the quiet sunshine. This was much to the amusement of some passing locals who looked at two cyclists in the back of nowhere with no small amount of scepticism. You could see the "Crazy bastsards!" written all over the faces.</div>
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We came across a bearded dragon in the middle of the road. This little guy was not moving for two crazy guys on bikes. I waited for him to scurry off as I approached but in the end he won the stand off and I went around. </div>
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We just rode then. The roads were quiet and the two of us just pushed along at our own pace. We would regather at the intersections or tops of hills Sometimes we rode together and talked of future trips, we talked about gear and we talked about what we were about to complete. We also talked about the meat pie and chocolate milk we were both about to devour when we got back to Esk! The rail trail into Esk was a fittingly relaxed way to end the ride. The 3% gradient climb on the way to Blackbutt turned into the slight roll home towards Esk. Even the magpies who had been so ferocious on the way out took pity on us. After the food and drink was consumed at the bakery and we had a rough wash down it was time to drive back to Brisbane. The chatter all the way home was of the places we passed and how we could explore them. Every little dirt road was a possibility. Endless possibilities.</div>
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Mission accomplished.</div>
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I have to add a very special thanks to Rients. Not only did he plant this little seed of bike packing in my pea like brain nearly two years ago but he also helped endlessly with gear selection and bike set up. It is such a boon to have a person who has used the gear, made the mistakes and learnt the lessons and is willing to pass on the knowledge. My bike and gear were nearly perfect on the trip and I owe that in no small part to his help. Rients also set up the route and and provided the means to get to Esk for the start. And lets not forget the burgers at his house to finish!! Cheers mate.</div>
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Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-72549158395878105802013-02-04T21:24:00.000+10:002013-02-04T21:24:17.334+10:00Strava says I'm feelin' good.I've been quietly knocking out a few rides over the last month. It's been very busy with family and then work stuff too though so my musings have taken a back seat.<br />
There is a definite correlation between the number of rides I am doing and the state of mind I am experiencing. While nothing of late has been earth shatteringly huge or set land speed records or done anything other than get my arse on a bike there is no denying that each and every time I get out and ride the resultant mental state is overwhelmingly positive. So what does that pile of bollocks mean? I really love riding my bike.<br />
I have made a regular booking for Thursday nights with Stokesy and Rients and so far the rides have been very relaxing. A roll through the local trails or a jaunt up Camp Mountain on a beautiful summers evening is a damn fine way to end a day. I think that as the fitness levels of all three of us increase the pace will undoubtedly follow suit. Right now though it is cool to chat and pedal.<br />
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I have still maintained the occasional solitary ride too. I just love getting on the road bike and just going. I haven't had time or the fitness to bash hundreds of K's but a good solid couple of hours gets me to some very cool places. I love the Winn Road loop that takes me out around North Pine Dam and the back roads of Samford.<br />
I am regaining my single minded desire to make the time and effort to get on a bike, any bike and go pedal it. I am racing this year in a few events but rather than the hurried, often stressed out feeling of needing to "train" I am just enjoying riding. For the first time in over a year I am starting to crave the physiological payoff that comes with having a crack.<br />
My new bike helps too. Yeah, I said it. I have a new bike. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of Cyc'd for Bikes and Giant. Since 2010 these guys have helped me out in more ways than just with bikes. I try to give back where I can and I only hope that my appreciation shows through. The bike? Well it's a 2013 Anthem Advanced X1. It really is about as perfect a bike for me as I could ask for. I will do a full review in the next few days. I have only just got it set up properly and done a few short rides. This weekend promises something a bit more solid to give me a much better feel for what it's really like. The truth is, I have a great platform, with the running gear I love with a carbon main frame. What's not to love.<br />
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So there it is. Strava says I did some rides. My state of mind confirms it. I love it when a plan comes together.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-86731856173653157492013-01-01T13:45:00.000+10:002013-01-01T13:58:35.758+10:00The Beer Burner.Out and about on the first day of 2013. I must say that this year the holiday season has been blessed with very mild summer weather. I even got up late and didn't leave for my ride this morning until 9am! That's unheard of in previous years. While it was still warm, there was a lovely breeze to keep it bearable and particularly on some of the small descents the conditions were just awesome.<br />
I wouldn't really class todays ride as a training ride. It was slow with only 790m of ascent in the 50 odd K's. I may have slightly over indulged last night in some fine Australian ales and was really planning for a ride to burn off the festive cheer and to start 2013 in the manner I wish to continue. No New Years resolutions for me, no half arsed promises. Do what I can, when I can, and enjoy it!<br />
My legs felt like they had 5 beers in them, which they did. I got over the Settlement Road climb by reminding myself how crap the ride profile would look if I turned around and went home. This effort was only to be trumped by my grovelling progress up the short pinch on Gap Creek Road. At least when I made it over that I had started to feel a little better. I wasn't about to set any land speed records today but perhaps a ride of respectable size for New Years Day was on the cards.<br />
The plan for the ride was to get as far from home as quickly as I could so that I had no choice but to make a decent fist of it. I got over to the river beside Jindalee where I took a moment to sit down, drink a bit and splash water on my head to cool down. That was like a magic tonic from a fairy tale! I got back on the bike, sped up the first climb and was half way along the Centenary Cycleway before I knew it. Nah, not really. I was just as slow as ever but I did feel pretty good.<br />
I returned along the Corro Drive bike path and was rewarded with no traffic, a clear run and a favourable tail wind. It was nice to sit up and just roll along and enjoy the scenery. Even the short blast along Roma Street was easy with no hassles. When I got home I just turned the hose on myself and sat there for a few minutes. Great way to cool off.<br />
So there it is. 2013 has started. Giddy up!<br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/35050995">Beer Burner.</a><br />
<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-55200668679631298682012-12-31T08:35:00.002+10:002012-12-31T08:37:01.500+10:00Tumbleweeds.As it is the last day of the year and it was pointed out to me that I haven't posted for months, I thought I should try and squeeze one last sagely script in.<br />
This year has taught me that seldom do things go as planned. I struggled with depression again having thought I'd beaten it, I changed jobs, I all but stopped riding. None of these things was in my plan for 2012. So just like so many times before it's been a case of adapt and overcome.<br />
The change in jobs has been refreshing if not a little scary at times. The project has been very rewarding and as it comes to a close there is a certain pride in what I have managed to achieve. Of course there have been many people involved but I can only comment on my part and my performance. With that I am very happy.<br />
The depression thing is just a pain in the arse! It comes from nowhere and messes up an otherwise perfectly acceptable week. The coping strategies and management strategies work great though and with a little slap around the back of the head I can sort myself out and get back on an even keel. I have said it before and will say it again, I can not ever find words to thank my family and friends for being my "Jiminy Crickets" and telling me when I plunge down the slippery slope. Sometimes you just can't see the woods for the trees.<br />
Riding. Ah my parachute, my reset button, my safety net. How is it I can walk away so easily from you? There is always a reason to not ride. Too busy, too tired, too hard. Too bad I can't turn it around to always finding that reason to ride. Slowly but surely though I am getting back into riding with a few short rides and plans to do some longer ones over the next week before I get back to work. I even grovelled up Camp Mountain yesterday and plan on pushing it up Nebo on the roadie for New Years day!<br />
I hope to blog a lot more next year too. I hope to have something of note to post about and of a positive nature in then ear future. I am focused on a 24 hour race in March currently and although the preparation has started late and won't be particularly thorough I still love the lessons I learn every time I race and particularly in a 24. I also love the camaraderie on course and the fact that some of my crazy mates are willing to come out for a weekend and hand bottles and food to me. Crazy.<br />
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So that's it. 2012 goes out and 2013 comes in. I'm looking forward to it. New challenges, new possibilities. I hope you all stay safe and happy and look forward to sharing my upcoming adventures with you all.<br />
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<br />Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-28362242348409963692012-09-17T20:52:00.000+10:002012-09-17T20:52:00.561+10:00An Epic way to spend a day.Well that was interesting! I did my first Epic ever and now I know why it's called that. This race truly has an epic amount of single track and really does have some testing and mildly heartbreaking sections.<br />
As far as my race report goes it was relatively dull. There was a seriously competitive field with lots of fast guys who actually train and prepare for events like this. My hope is that next year for this event I might be one of them. My goals were modest with a view to finish and if possible knock it over in less than 6 hours. I managed to achieve both with a provisional time of about 5 hours 50 minutes. I had a couple of little problems with a few cramps in the calves at about 70km and some stomach cramps around the 79km mark. Those were the worst because I was so close to finishing and it really took some effort to get up off the ground and pedal again. Otherwise I just ground it out. Every time I turned the pedals, I got closer to finishing.<br />
There were a couple of high points along the way. I climbed razorback without getting off. There was a line of riders getting off or in various states of falling off as I hit the bottom of the climb. It was pretty loose and very steep but I toughed it out and made the crest with a heart rate similar to a race horse on meth. Red line much? I also had a strong pull at the front of a group of rather unhelpful riders along a tarmac section leading into Mulgowie. Thanks to the guys who did help out. I enjoyed the paceline heaps! Of course there was the social aspect too. Nick was very kind and offered to drive out and back and we had a great chat. I rode along for a while with Paul Burrows too until he left me on one of the longer climbs that I struggled up only by pedalling with my eyelids. Yep, that bad.<br />
Strangely I am not in the least disappointed with my result. Results come from hard work and preparation and I have been sadly lacking in both for some time now. I've got the urge back to race now though and that was what pushed me on over the line yesterday and will keep me fired up to train and try and achieve some more note worthy results over the next year or so. I promised I would try my guts out and if the cramps weren't proof of that I don't know what is. Don't be expecting to see me on top of any podiums but hey, let's see what happens.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-65061071549934734322012-09-12T17:41:00.001+10:002012-09-12T17:44:10.915+10:00The Boomerang.Yep that's me. I went out into the blue, spinning furiously, and just when it looks like there is no chance I will ever return....... I curved, lurched upwards one last time and came rushing back. It was a hell of a flight and at times I had no control over it. Scary but a little liberating at the same time.<br />
So what does all that lyrical clap trap mean? It has been a long, long time since I have shared anything here and an even longer time since I actually wanted to share something here. It was a chore. It was laboured. Why now? Well things have, as they invariably do, changed. A lot.<br />
I left my job of five years. I went to a risky, casual employment scenario. It meant I left the stress, the uncertainty and the anguish behind too. So far it has invigorated me and made me feel motivated and valued. As for the financial part? That's working out OK. The weight has lifted off my shoulders and my vest is back. I want to go ride a bike.<br />
My plans are grandiose as always when it comes to riding and competing. Next year there are some serious IOU's in terms of pain and suffering to be cashed in and a whole bunch of proving that I am willing to fail in the pursuit of success. I have sat on my arse this year and made excuses for not racing. I love racing. I love competing. Stay tuned for the gory details of my successes and failures. It will be fun to watch.<br />
This weekend I will race the Flight Centre Epic. Eighty seven kilometres of trying my guts out. There won't be any miraculous good result here. There's no training behind me to see that happen but there is a desire to go out and empty the tank. I'll give it everything and feel shattered come the end. I'll finish, and that will do for this year.<br />
How far can I go in one year? Stick around and find out.<br />
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Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-91249558711737236652012-04-16T20:23:00.000+10:002012-04-16T20:23:54.742+10:00Goomburra!Over the Easter long weekend the Menzies clan was lucky enough to be treated to a trip to Goomburra in the Main Range National Park. If at points this post sounds like a tourism commercial it is only because the place was that good. It's a beautiful place, the company was awesome and the weather perfect.<br />
I spent most of the week before we left getting camping gear ready and stocking up on things that had not been replaced since our last trip. I put two extra bike mounts on the car roof so that the boys could have bikes with them. It really is the only downside of the family getting into biking. Everyone wants to have a bike with them camping! I packed the car on Friday so that we could leave nice and early Saturday morning for 3 days in a little piece of heaven. The load in the car was a marvel of modern logistics but at least all my hard work paid off with just enough room to fit everything with no need for a trailer. Well almost. I left the cutlery and plates behind......<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I mentioned the awesome company. The trip had to Goomburra had been suggested by Nick after a conversation a few weeks before. I was really keen to get out of town for a few days and do some camping on my break. Nick offered up Goomburra and that was that. The Mills family, Nick, Annick and Emily were joined by Emily's friend Misty for the weekend. They had arrived on Friday and saved a spot for us right next door. There was plenty of space though around the site. I was quite amazed that for a long weekend there were so many spots still available. On the drive in though I was concerned we would be camped on top of each other as the couple of private camping areas were packed. No need for concern.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rohan found a comfy spot.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday afternoon brought the first adventure if the trip. Alison, Jack, Nick and Annick went of for a walk on the Cascades Circuit. All up it is a 6km round trip taking in a number of little creek crossings over Dalrymple Creek and up to a waterfall. Jack set off as the trail blazer and even decided to race Nick up a couple of the hills. He also learnt a hard lesson about the Gympie Stinging Tree. There were a few tears but he bravely marched on after the shock had passed. I think the walk and the adventure overcame the pain pretty quickly and he was off again. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack was rapt to find the Bearded Dragon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intrepid adventurers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cascades</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alison in Dalrymple Creek.</td></tr>
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</div><div>Everyone returned from the walk a little tired but well happy with the views along the way. Annick even backed it up with a night walk with the kids later that evening. We saw a couple of frogs and even the worlds sleepiest python. It was back to the camp for a few toasted marshmallows and cups of tea. Perfect end to a day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sunday was the day set down for a ride. Nick and I planned to head up to the top of Mount Castle and then on to The Winder. All up the trip is only 27km but there is over 1000m of climbing in a pretty short time. In fact most of the climb is in the first 8km. The ride through the rainforest to the clearing was beautiful. The canopy came over us letting dappled light filter in. The air was cool and damp until you passed into the sunshine where the day was warming up. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Winder was used to raise logs up one side of the mountain and lower them over the other side to be taken to the mills for processing. Logging stopped in the area in about 1968 but the machinery remains as a reminder of how much trouble people went to in order to satisfy the relentless need for timber during the 40's and 50's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crank it up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick. He took it easy on me this time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sylvesters Lookout. A little break on the way back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The ride out to The Winder was fun and pretty easy. Coming back seemed a whole lot harder. The grass and soft surface made the climbs just a bit more challenging. The reward was certainly in bombing down the descent back to camp though. We passed a couple of four wheel drives to very perplexed looks. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC9zV9176OM/T4vyEw9PIQI/AAAAAAAAA-8/SFjXdrBlQ0o/s1600/P1020006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC9zV9176OM/T4vyEw9PIQI/AAAAAAAAA-8/SFjXdrBlQ0o/s400/P1020006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parting shot.</td></tr>
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<div>There was no rush come Monday morning to pack up. A very leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs and coffee furnished by Nick made a great start to the day. Slowly but surely the camp came down and was packed in the truck. We were loaded and ready to go after a brilliant weekend. Gotta do that more.</div>Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-71941372753387186782012-02-25T22:04:00.001+10:002012-02-26T09:33:57.925+10:00Journey to "The Darkside".Nope, not the Force and no Darth Vader is not my father. It's a review about riding the Giant TCR Advanced 0 road bike. I was fortunate enough to be handed a big cardboard box with the shiny new bike in it a little over a month ago. I was excited to be able to finally be on a Giant road bike and even more so one with the new Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset. Setting up the bike was a snap. I watched a youtube video, read through the brief instructions and had the whole thing up and going in about 40 minutes. The automatic indexing of the Di2 made the job so simple even I could do it.<br />
Anyway, I get the thing out on the road and take it for a spin. The first thing I noticed was how well it shifts under load. My chosen loop for the day was Winn Road and it has a couple of pinchy little climbs after long descents. You hit the paddle and it just does what it's supposed to. You can be cranking it up a hill and need to drop a gear or two and away you go. Punch it, bang, there's the gear. Very snappy.<br />
Any comment I make about geometry probably won't mean that much. I am not an experienced road racer and really only a masher at best. The bike feels very comfortable on the 70km rides I have done so far and I really like the way it climbs. The acceleration when you stomp the pedals seems good with the power core bottom bracket nice and stiff and the massive down tube allowing you to grab the bars hard and give them a good wrench for leverage.<br />
In an interesting move Giant is using an in house wheel system and tyres. Again any comment I could make on this is probably not really all that informed except that the wheels feel stiff and responsive and the tyres roll quite nicely. My only negative comment in fact is levelled at the tyres. We have had a lot of rain here lately and they are quite slippery with moisture on the road. The wheels are branded all over with Giant but the literature that is cable tied to the the skewers is DT Swiss. Read into that what you like.<br />
All in all the bike is a really tidy looking unit with the internal cable routing and the reduced amount of control cables from the cockpit. The battery for the Di2 sits under the non drive side chainstay and there is even the neat "Ride Sense" unit built into the chainstay too. Ride Sense is an ANT+ sensor unit that talks to any device that is enable with the technology. In my case it is my Garmin 705 and it sends cadence and speed data to the GPS unit. Very neat.<br />
I have to give a big shout out to Matt and Brent from Giant for hooking me up with the Advanced 0. I'm a very lucky chap. I can't say my foray into the darkside is complete because I still love my mountain bike. Riding around on the TCR Advanced 0 has certainly made the choice of what bike I will ride as a matter of choice much more difficult now though.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-64049583709811031152012-02-09T21:14:00.000+10:002012-02-09T21:14:39.558+10:00Insert cricket noises here.....Yep, it's been pretty quiet around the old bloggosphere. It might lead you to think I haven't had much going on but the truth is the exact opposite.<br />
January is a month of birthdays for our family. My son Jack turned 9 and received his first full sized 26 inch mountain bike. I think I was more excited than he was. It took nearly a fortnight for him to want to get out and ride the bike though. Finally we took off for a run along the rail trail near home. There is a walkway we normally use to get back to the bike path for the trip home but some construction work had it closed. It made this part of the journey pretty hazardous as it took us onto a busy road and Jack was less than keen. I offered the option of a bit of single track instead to get there. While Jack was a bit sceptical about the single track he was really not keen on the road. We did it. Before I knew it he was flying along down the trail and climbing like a champ! I reckon he needs a little more practice with the shifters and he will have it nailed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTDQwLrCeiI/TzN4Xq7GfdI/AAAAAAAAA7g/bYUdQq4VIyA/s1600/26012012301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTDQwLrCeiI/TzN4Xq7GfdI/AAAAAAAAA7g/bYUdQq4VIyA/s320/26012012301.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of red frogs later, away we went.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the last couple of years January has also been crazy busy with work. We delivered a news set for a local TV bulletin in the last week of the month. It looked pretty cool and all went really smoothly. I know it isn't about bikes or family but it did keep me away from both. The video is a time lapse of the removal of the old set and install of the new one.<br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://au.news.yahoo.com/local/qld/#fop">http://au.news.yahoo.com/local/qld/#fop</a></span></div><div>I got an early birthday present too. Matt and Brent from Giant handed me a spanking new TCR Advanced 0 road bike. Yep, a road bike. There will be a detailed review soon but suffice to say it is great to ride. It has the new Shimano Di2 electronic groupset and boy does it make changing gears easy. The weather here has been pretty wet and so I haven't put any really serious miles in on it yet but it's great to have a bike that fits with nice kit hanging from it. I look totally pro in the new Ronde kit too. Here's the goods....</div><div><a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/tcr.advanced/9671/50835/">http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/tcr.advanced/9671/50835/</a> <br />
And right now. Well I made a promise to myself that every day this month I would ride. So far so good. I also have stopped drinking alcohol completely for an extended period. Feels pretty darn good so far. I am really looking forward to the end of the month to plug all the numbers in to the Garmin Connect and see how my totals come up. I know it won't be huge but after the amount of time I have spent doing everything but ride it should still bring a smile.<br />
Anyway, stay tuned for the review on the roadie and as the race season heats up for more of my ramblings about riding bikes. I reckon this year will have a bunch more stories about riding with the kids given the look on Jacks face after the his first ride on the big bike. </div><div><br />
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</div>Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-56979634901414906282012-01-02T20:27:00.000+10:002012-01-02T20:27:21.774+10:00There are probably a lot of words I could say to sum up 2011. In the end if you watch the images, you'll get the point. We made it, we survived and hopefully in 2012 we will thrive.<br />
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</div>Enjoy.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/34456483?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/34456483">2011 is gone.....</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3229902">Graham Menzies</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-37532210701408813882011-12-06T10:57:00.001+10:002011-12-07T11:27:04.248+10:00Updates on the new bike.I've now got a couple of races and some reasonably long rides in on the XTC 29er 0. Overall it is a solid and well behaved platform that can really haul arse. The feeling of sitting "in" the bike rather than "on" the bike adds a level of stability when descending fast fire roads and comfort during long, sustained climbing. Both of these traits are valuable in quite a lot of the riding I enjoy. The frame is stiff and responsive so there is no perceptible loss of power when you stand up and put the power down. The front tracks true with the Overdrive 2 head tube junction and the Fox forks teaming up to keep you pointed where you aim. I am a big fan of the Fox forks and after messing around with pressures a bit I have it right where I want it. I use the lockout a bit but generally I don't feel the need. I love riding this bike.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwgsnuyifRc/Tt7AtAXI4WI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/xX9uIOMO2h0/s1600/pedal-puke_MG_5694+Mango+Trees..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwgsnuyifRc/Tt7AtAXI4WI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/xX9uIOMO2h0/s320/pedal-puke_MG_5694+Mango+Trees..jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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It's not all roses though. I am really not a big fan of the Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres. I know a lot of riders love them, I'm not one of them. They are OK but I think the side walls are too soft and that means I feel I need to run more pressure to compensate for the squirmy feel. Once that happens you lose some of the bump absorption and traction in loose surfaces. A tubeless kit may fix it but as yet I haven't put one in. Not a big fix but worth mentioning. The Avid brakes. Man those things squeal. The performance is fine, the set up is fine and I quite like the lever reach adjustment but the noise is just hard to ignore. There is also a 205mm rotor specced on the bike for this year and for me it is too much brake. I can see that for a bigger human there would be value in it as the increased stopping power would come into it's own. For my 70kg frame I really don't need it though. When I grab a handful of lever I often need to check that my fillings have stayed put after I have nose wheelied down the trail. I'm picky. Too much brake, sheesh.<br />
The highlight for me is still the Shimano XT drive train. This stuff works. I love that even after 4 hours of slop and crap it keeps shifting with confidence. I am not known for my light shifting technique (read masher) and sometimes when I get tired (read after lap one usually) my gear choices are made rather late forcing a big jump in ratios and that disturbing crunching sound to emanate from the drive train. Even with that obvious disadvantage the XT doesn't complain and hits the gear allowing me to look like I might actually know how to ride a mountain bike. Love it.<br />
So if wishes were fishes what would I do? First up Shimano XT Icetech brakes. No question there. Next would be some tyres and that would probably be Maxxis Ikons. I have one to try here right now but as yet it hasn't made it onto a bike. At 2.2 inch it would hopefully give a bit more volume and suppleness to the ride without saggy sidewalls. I have had great success with Maxxis as a brand but again this is a personal thing. After that it's a hard decision. While there is a case for lighter wheels it is a big expense when the stock wheels are solid with hubs that roll well and are easy to service. Get the wheels checked after a few rides and keep the tension right and they aren't too bad. If however Shimano ever gets it together and makes the XT wheelset with a 15mm hub I'll be all over them like white on rice.<br />
As always, these thoughts are based on my personal preference and keeping in mind that I have 2 small children, a wife and a mortgage. I search out performance balanced with value and the XTC delivers both of these in spades.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-21819048473616445172011-11-30T11:04:00.001+10:002011-12-02T18:27:39.371+10:00Wheels on Woodenbong.Funny name, great weekend.<br />
So there's this new race called WoW. It's in the tiny township of Woodenbong about 2 hours south of home. As there was camping advertised at the race site and the family were keen for a little adventure we packed up early Saturday morning for the drive down and departed with the hope of a nice place to pitch the tent and some good food at the local pub. Both came true and really set the scene for the weekend.<br />
The camp site was a massive, flat grassed area which backed onto a sandy creek. When we arrived there were barely half a dozen other campers and so we stretched out and made ourselves very comfortable. he boys got straight to exploring the creek with Rohan managing to "fall in" while fully clothed. Alison and I had both joked about how long it was going to take for that to happen. As it turned out we were pretty accurate with our estimates of half an hour. They were having fun though. We were also treated to the lovely surprise of Mark, a regular racer and often lap partner for me, showing up and setting his camp right beside us. We sat and chatted for a bit and once the tent was up my wonderful wife showed just why she is so awesome for the second time in a very short space of time. Alison let me go and do a test lap with Mark of the course to see how it was. More about the lap later, and about my awesome wife.<br />
We had planned to go to the pub for dinner as often the food in a country pub is quite spectacular. Not in the "Quail toenails with a parsnip and mint jus rested on a stack of blanched bok choy" kind of way but more the head sized rump steak and thick cut chips kind of way. I was disappointed to see the menu was surprisingly short of some of my favourite pub fare. Rohan was keen on a pizza and as Alison thought she could share one with him I opted to get one too. All three of us would get a decent meal that way and seemed like a good idea. Now, the pizzas weren't good, they were frikken fantastic! Great bases, fresh topping and really nicely cooked. I was stoked. Rohan proceeded to destroy his usual half of an adult size pizza and a few of his brothers chips. Not bad for a 6 year old. Alison and I were very satisfied with the meal and the setting out the back in the beer garden just topped it off. Jack had fish and chips.At least he is predictable. After that it was back to camp with left over pizza in a box and into the showers before bed. A small mention must be given at this stage to the adopted family member and bit parter for the weekend, the green frog in the ladies showers. Rohan had gone for a shower with Alison so we could get the boys into bed quicker when he spotted the frog. It was like Christmas. Alison even had to go back the 200 meters to the toilets with the camera and get a photo of the frog to show me and Jack. Frogs are amphibians don't you know.......<br />
Bed, slept like a log. Woke to a foggy (yep foggy in Spring) day with the temperature already going up steadily at 6:30am. It was shaping up to be a hot day. I cooked bacon and pancakes on the tailgate of the ute and watched as the boys engulfed as soon as they were cool enough. Man they can eat when we go camping. I just strolled around from then on eating a bit more, drinking a bit more and getting my shit together to go and do some racing. I had no high hopes for a result because you guessed it, I haven't really trained. I should just not even say it now and it should just be assumed that I don't train hard. I barely train at all. Anyway, enough griping about my lack of commitment to training.<br />
Paul and Leanne were coming down for the race as well. As Mark could do with a hand putting up his gazebo I went over to the transition area and we set up a nice little race base before the crowds arrived. While I was there I reserved a spot next to us for Paul and Leanne and hung around until they rolled up. Another lovely surprise greeted me when Paul number 2 showed up as well. I used to ride quite a bit with Paul but just lost touch with work and life stuff. It was great to see him and he was looking pretty fit. Not as fit as the new and improved Paul B in his Superman cape and tights. I have no idea how much weight Paul B has lost but my, he is looking lean and strong. That fact was only proven to me as he dropped me like I was standing still on the first lap. If the racing had of gone to poo, the social aspect more than made up for it right there.<br />
Race time. Got to the start line and felt okay if not a little hot already. The day was heading towards scorcher rapidly. Mark had said to me earlier in the day I should aim for 10 laps of the 5.3km course and see what happens from there. I have no data for the course as I hate racing with a Garmin or similar. The course was straight forward enough with the first half being a long, steady climb after a short double track section, then 3 heart breaking little boggy areas, another short false flat and then 3 long descents with short flat sections all the way back to transition. 161 meters of vertical according to the race profile.<br />
As I get older it takes me so much longer to get into the swing of things come race time. The first 2 laps were like chewing broken glass. It hurt and to keep going just felt like it would make it worse. My only reason to keep going, and my dark little secret from a month or so ago is my complete failure at the last race I entered. I have never pulled out of a race before until then. Only 3.5 hours into a 6 hour race, pop! Broken Heartlidge and race over. Yeah, I didn't even do a post about it.<br />
I had no idea about the times I was doing, no idea of a placing and less than no concern for either piece of information. On lap 3 though Rohan and Alison had come over to see how I was going from the campsite. Rohan handed me some gels and a new water bottle, told me about the fun he was having and said I looked muddy. I asked him if I looked alright and he stopped, considered his answer and then let me have it. "You look okay, but how's your bike race going Daddy?" Slap. Yeah, how is it going Graham? Well, I'm upright, I'm feeling a little better, there are guys out there suffering way worse than me and bugger it, I'm not trying to solve world hunger or perform life saving surgery. This should be fun. From then on I was good to go. My times didn't drop or anything miraculous like that but they did stay reasonably consistent and most importantly, I was having a good time.<br />
I busted out my 10 laps and got a time check going around the last checkpoint. It was a close thing according to the marshal with only a few minutes left until the 4 hours ticked over. I came around the last corner only to see the clock sitting on 8 minutes to go! With such short laps that put me in for another slog around if I wanted it. I wasn't sure though. My legs had been cramping most of the last 2 laps and I just backed off and kept pedalling to stop the inevitable lock up that comes with effort. It didn't seem right to pull up though as I had managed it for 2 whole laps. 2 whole laps of gingerly pedalling and crawling up the climbs. Paul B saw me in a bit of trouble and immediately offered up some magic electrolyte tablets. I scoffed them down and drank deeply before swapping bottles and heading out again. I was happy to go and make the lap slow but finish it. what happened next was both stupid and surprising.<br />
I had seen a guy lapping around at about the same time as me. I was also pretty sure he was on the same lap as me. While I sat at transition and pieced myself back together on the previous lap I had seen him pass me and go out for a final lap. As I trudged along the grass section just past transition I could see him in the distance approaching the long climb. To my great surprise when I got to the climb he wasn't that far in front of me and to my greater surprise as the climb went on I was actually making ground on him. A spark of competitiveness flickered to life in my pea like brain. My legs were saying "don't you dare!" while my heart was saying "it's the last lap, how bad can it be?" Hmm, a quandary indeed. Hang it, I'm going after him.<br />
I got close before the first short descent into the boggy areas. I watched as he went through the bog and got off to walk up the pinch climb straight after it. Hmm, interesting. I powered through the bog and up the pinch with legs screaming. He was still in front.The second boggy area was much the same and on the other side of this bog I could almost hear him breathing. The third bog I was on his wheel. there weren't any places to pass right there but there was just the last little pinch climb before the long descents started. Hmm, a chance?<br />
I'll tell what happened next as I saw it. There is also a touch of the dramatic to make it more fun to read and should the competitor it is about read this and call it another way, I'm more than happy to set it right later. When we reached the bottom of the climb I was millimetres from his rear wheel. The trail opened up slightly and I called track right, meaning I intended to pass on his right. Only problem was he went right. I could see the tendons in his neck straining, hear his breathing ragged from effort and it "looked" like he tried to block me. I saw his right shoulder drop and just that millisecond before felt he may do this and so was prepared. I ducked left and onto the smoother part of the trail. I had only called right as it was polite to make the pass in the tougher part of the course so as to not disrupt the flow of the other rider. Besides, you don't give up the prime line easily. I was hanging it all out up the pinch. I hit the top a meter in front and immediately slammed it up to the middle ring and stood up. I think you could have heard my legs screaming from Mars. Shut up legs and do as you are told. the final climb was maybe 50 meters long and I crested it with a small gap on him. It was big dog time and for the first time all race I was pedalling down the descent as hard as I could. So was he. A tight right hand corner slowed us both down and again for the first time all race I got it just right and powered out clean. Another meter or so opened up. I could still hear him breathing though. A little false flat was the last pedalling before the final descent down to transition. You had to negotiate a hairpin corner at the bottom and pedal over the line. Through the day I had been using a little short cut on the corner which allowed you to not lose so much speed provided you could make the 2 foot drop on the end of it. I was pinning it and as the corner came up I could hear him grabbing a handful of brake to get around. I shot over the corner and popped it off the drop and stood up on the pedals to sprint to the line. I got him by 1 second. Cool. My legs turned to toast soldiers and before I knew it I had cramps on my cramps. I was still smiling though.<br />
Now I mentioned my wife was awesome. Why is that you ask? Well as I was out pummelling myself on a bike, she was quietly packing up our camp. No small job with 2 kids to watch as well. I got to head over to the camp, throw the stuff in the ute and relax in the creek and at the presentations before Alison drove us home. Awesome. Darling, you are the best pit crew ever.<br />
I got 9th place. Not bad for an old fart racing an all in brawl.Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851104638237071334.post-36542412113525086422011-10-11T20:53:00.000+10:002011-10-11T20:54:46.728+10:002012 XTC 29er 0. Some first thoughts.Lucky me has a new bike to ride. Over the next couple of months I will be out there in the dirt with a shiny XTC 29er 0. I haven't had a chance to really put all that many miles on the bike yet but so far I'm pretty impressed. I have the 2010 model of this bike and the up speccing is pretty obvious this year. Shimano XT running gear, Avid Elixir 7 brakes and the banging Fox F29 RL fork. Another nice little addition is the Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres. I haven't had a lot of experience with the brand but these tyres felt quite good right out of the blocks. Time will tell if that continues and whether they wear well or not.<br />
My first ride was out at Clear Mountain in the steeps. It climbs like a spider monkey on Red Bull. There is no flex from the Power Core bottom bracket and that translates to all the power going into forward motion. again the tyres were a pleasant surprise with little slippage in the gravelly conditions.<br />
I did get a little time in the singletrack over the weekend and I liked it. The steering is precise and quick. I got it around the trails with no effort at all and the brakes were good if not great. There is a 180mm rotor on the front this year and while it isn't essential for someone my size, I guess it will help with brake fade on long descents.<br />
This may look a bit lack luster as far as thoughts go but that is far from the case. This is a step up from my 2010 XTC 29er no doubt however I knew what to expect. I expected the bike to ride as well as it did, I expected the XT to work as well as ever and I expected that the package would be as good as it is. All in all, I like it so far.<br />
Once I get some more time and a race or two done on the bike I will do a more in depth review. For right now this is just a teaser. Check the specs below.<br />
<a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/xtc.29er.0/9716/50971/">http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/xtc.29er.0/9716/50971/</a>Graham Menzieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385253918143916071noreply@blogger.com1