tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58808915866710451432012-02-17T02:00:20.077+11:00Bike related chat, touching on local, national and international racing, bike industry talk, the latest goss and developments from home and abroad.Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-48686837113462276532010-05-27T10:07:00.000+10:002010-05-27T10:08:26.797+10:00

And so after a week of R and R in Perth I am left feeling relaxed and marginally more healed, although it's still a slow process. My great friends, who are due with twins any week now, in no small way played a huge part in my enjoyment of such a lovely city. The smorgasbord of simple and rather unhealthy foods we prepared most nights, along with a large intake of very good quality beers (not for

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-81562204131387911702010-05-27T10:06:00.000+10:002010-05-27T10:07:13.680+10:00

A couple of weeks after surgery and it seems that things are starting to improve. The X-rays look good, the bone is healing well (although still a good four weeks from healed) and most importantly at this stage, my movement is returning. The recent physio appointment revealed that I wasn't far from a full range of movement, which is great considering I have been immobile for nearly four weeks.I

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-32916813003590723772010-05-06T14:56:00.002+10:002010-05-06T15:38:11.591+10:00

Having booked myself in for four months of Euro therapy riding and racing the bike all over the World cup circuit, I at least had a goal. I was back on the bike after a run of bad luck although resigned to being "bunch filler" for the first month of my travels as I got the legs upto Euro race spec.And so, to kick it off with the National Marathon Championships in Avoca, just out of Melbourne. I'd

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-58649269651623706722010-05-06T14:37:00.002+10:002010-05-06T14:55:43.214+10:00

The last month or so has seen nothing but silence and I apologise. You see there hasn't been much to write about, the adage "nothing good to say don't say anything at all" applies here. I has quite frankly been a nightmare lately. I am aware that things travel in waves, good will follow bad etc, but it has still had friends at the recent races on "suicide watch" keeping the toaster and bath tub

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-84246012336704251322010-03-10T06:57:00.002+11:002010-03-10T08:06:54.636+11:00

A five day epic from the heights of Koziousko to finishing at sea level in Narooma, with racing and transition stages to boot, makes this one to tick off if you like a challenge.Stage 1 saw a "super D" from Thredbo top station at nearly 2000m to Thredbo itself at around 1300m, but don't think it's all beer and skittles. A 5min fireroad climb thrown in for good measure. Still it was fun, most

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-63553175734125923692010-03-08T08:42:00.002+11:002010-03-08T08:59:29.153+11:00

Shepparton, home of.....um, that's the issue here, it's not at all known for is cycling culture, or even having a hill big enough to host a race!And yet, the local council have jumped on board to start building a facility of some undertaking, developed in conjunction with Glen Jacobs, as everything seems to be (sure this desk i'm using is Glen Jacobs designed) He must be an extremely busy man!The

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-8900945123481469242010-01-28T17:19:00.003+11:002010-03-08T08:42:01.845+11:00

Adelaide, city of churches, home of the Torrens and many German settlements. For nearly two weeks the place was transformed from any of these to cycling paradise.The 2010 Australian Mountain Bike Championships kicked it all off, with riders coming from all over to vie for a jersey that was up for grabs since the defending champ could only ride a stationary bike. In the womens race, it was a less

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-55435472776315828112009-12-15T18:06:00.003+11:002009-12-16T15:36:57.564+11:00

In what was a weekend of few surprises, Team Torq rider Dan McConnel and current Australian National Champion and Tasmanian local Rowena Fry have taken out the first round of the Australian National Cross-Country series held in Glenorchy, Hobart at the weekend. Few would have bet against the pair who look likely favourites to take line honours at the Australian National Championships to be held

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-54875441918141270102009-12-03T18:14:00.002+11:002009-12-03T18:44:15.093+11:00

Why is Sydney Crit racing so damn negative?Every race I enter, people just aren't willing to put it on the line and have a go. Seriously, it's not the World champs and that $30 for the win ain't going to get you a grill. It's a club race, no one cares if you go out the arse. YOU CAN'T SPRINT. Bottom line. Stop sitting on the wheel, following, not touching the wind. You know full well the dude on

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-79222589110617499782009-12-03T17:30:00.002+11:002009-12-03T17:43:35.277+11:00

It's good to be back from a break and riding again. I'd forgotten how much fun it is. The early mornings, feeling tired all the time, 3.30itis, eating anytime you're not asleep.With a basic plan and 4 solid weeks of riding in the legs pushing big gears, it was time to hit up some local races. Peleton sports put on a Wed arvo crit round the driver training centre for fun, and it is! Nice little

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-64436618334117549482009-08-07T18:14:00.000+10:002009-08-07T18:17:35.904+10:00

Customs although extremely serious in nature, can often be a joke if not boardering  on the ridiculous. I take my example from North American customs who, according to their propaganda whilst moving through, "pledge" to do almost everything under the sun. Pledge seems to be a word they have taken on board as it is often used in formal occasions or occasions of high importance, therefor it may

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-73469406053954521492009-08-06T04:34:00.001+10:002009-08-06T04:34:53.178+10:00

I liked Quebec, it's charm, the place we stayed, distinctly less American. But it's back through Montreal to Bromont in Old Gold, ya!! Bromont is sweet, nestled below one of the smallest ski hills i've seen, it makes Thredbo look massive. Our accom was a nice little cottage positioned in the sticks with the promise of WiFi, sleeps 6 and self catering. It was one of those, but charming none the

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-11970039961049209552009-08-06T04:27:00.004+10:002009-08-06T04:34:23.815+10:00

World Cup Mont Saint Anne has held a race here without fail for around 15 years. Massive history here, so it's nice to be involved. And that's about all I ever was, involved. I never got my head around the track, not sure why. Rooty, rocky and once it rained, very slippery. the UCI even intervened to put a last minute B-line down the Squirrel - a step section full of rocks that once wet, you

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-70792968103345023202009-08-06T04:27:00.000+10:002009-08-06T04:28:39.754+10:00

Montreal city has a certain lack of charm. For somewhere that is supposed to be a Quebecois hotspot of culture, mixed with North American stylings. It's really just a snooty north american city, nothing more. Burger joints, obese people drinking gallon Cokes and Grand Lattes topped with cream and worst of all.....filtered coffee. I was lucky/unlucky enough to be staying gratis at friends

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-11304854844891166592009-08-05T02:45:00.002+10:002009-08-05T02:49:36.821+10:00

So it's off to Canada for some world cup action! My first outside of Aust and hopefully an experience to remember.The first thing to remember is not to book with Delta Airlines. If you have a bike you will be charged an extraordinary amount to take it with you. Really you could freight it over cheaper and with insurance for what they charge. $376AUD and you still have to sign the waiver! What a

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-36688159058889248202009-05-10T17:46:00.003+10:002009-05-10T18:02:30.280+10:00

The Merida 24hr has long been held at Koralbyn Resort, and rightly so. But there is a new kid on the block for trails up in Toad Territory, Peppers Hidden Vale Resort.Following the success of the Flight Centre Epic, Peppers have been busy building single track on their vast property so that people like us can enjoy singletrack to our hearts content. And that's what we did, 24hrs of it in fact.

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-90784706723257349232009-04-12T10:44:00.002+10:002009-04-12T11:20:25.965+10:00

Another Thredbo race, another shambles of a course. What joy is there in racing up a grassy ski slope? The demise of Raw NRG, thank God, would usually bring about change for the better. Alas the people that matter, the riders, were left wanting, as usual by unimaginative course design, regulation red tape and interference of MTBA to produce another anticlimax when this race should be elevated to

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-5065417078047919722009-04-12T10:18:00.002+10:002009-04-12T10:41:06.293+10:00

Here we are again! For the 5th year running in Wellington, enjoying the wind. But we're also here for the rain this year. The first year i've had to race this in foul conditions. Good times, could we see some patented tripod action?With the lack of single track, probably not, but puddles, oh yes, lots of puddles.The traditional Makera Peak ride was had, with us jumping off things we shouldn't be

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-30593778422648414962009-04-12T10:01:00.002+10:002009-04-12T10:17:34.677+10:00

Another race, another missed start. Well almost. I wasn't on my bike when the race kicked off as I was letting some of the 60psi out of my tyres, but I did manage to get back up the front of the pack, then we hit the first major climb.I was comfortable in the anonymity of the 4th bunch on the road, besides the 3rd bunch weren't far up the road, and when we caught them, I could have a chat to JK,

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-8083272068291238182009-04-12T09:45:00.002+10:002009-04-12T09:58:31.380+10:00

The 2009 Natioanl Champs kicked off at Mt Stromlo for the 3rd and last time, next year being moved to Radelaide. All the usual suspects lined up, with one notable exception; myself. Having missed the 08 edition of this race, it was nice to be back. Back in the seriousness of it all, the hype, the jokes, the lack of form. It all means nothing when the starters gun fires, except the lack of form,

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-36281574877359306572009-03-25T20:25:00.002+11:002009-03-25T21:08:38.145+11:00

Why indeed?Mavic wheels have always looked good. Simple. Across the board, low to high end, the Mavic range is distinctive and attractive. Meaning people are buying them for the looks? Well why not? With so many riders now more interested in looking good at the cafe, why have a wheel that actually performs well? And why did Mavic change the original design of the Ksyrium when it worked so well?

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-5452207125865621072008-12-26T17:11:00.002+11:002008-12-26T17:53:38.178+11:00

Ah Victoria, in Australia's south. Famous, currently, for it's lack of rain. This big brown land has never been browner and browness is what we were greeted with upon landing at Tullamarine airport. Brown and a place called Lazy Moe's where the food is plentiful and reasonable.We hired two All Terrain Vehicles (read; hire cars) for the trip firstly to the Peacock's lovely abode out in the east.

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-43963845026927526142008-12-18T21:07:00.002+11:002008-12-18T21:23:06.582+11:00

Mountain biking is fun! I really do enjoy it. It's the whole reason I traveled to the Gold Coast and then traveled a little further for National round #3, to Illinbah. Never heard of it? How about Nerang? No? I can't name any other nearby places as there aren't any, so you'll have to look it up.Greeted by bad coffee and piklets (sure have been pancakes) the first thing you notice (other than the

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-77396567789260782492008-11-23T23:18:00.002+11:002008-11-23T23:38:52.217+11:00

Think of the last ride you went on. Were you in a group? Did you see anybody out on a mountain bike? Did anyone have a "riser handlebar" (that is, a handlebar that curves upwards a little) with "barends" (the little stubby bar that sits 90 degrees to the handlebar on each end) on?I bet they did. Why? Well I'm not sure. Let me take you through why I'm not sure.Firstly, back in "the day", whenever

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-11425783279036555372008-11-04T18:06:00.002+11:002008-11-04T18:27:09.969+11:00

It's been run, and won. The 2008 Crocodile Trophy again proving a little too tough to make a sizable impact on. The Merida Flightcentre team had lofty ambitions, coming in with their strongest team. It was a 3 pronged attack in the mens with Nick Both, Adrian Jackson and last years 3rd place getter Tim Bennett looking to improve on 07. In the womans category, Jo Bennett (wife of Tim, but she's

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880891586671045143.post-2163862242096876132008-11-04T14:53:00.000+11:002008-11-04T14:56:47.049+11:00

Afternoon all!Welcome to the first edition of "the rolling word." Here you will find all there is to know about the Australian mountain bike scene, the what's and where's, who's and why's. Latest race results and most importantly the progress of the Merida Flightcentre mountain bike team as they travel the globe in search of the greatest races!Exciting times ahead, stay tuned.

Nick Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862545256117850848noreply@blogger.com2