Quote of the Day

“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas Alva Edison

Russ' Random Pics

To boldy go where no bike has gone before ...

Most of my good friends know I've never been one to sit still for too long. Having sinusitis the last few weeks has led to more physical idle time than I care for. I've been forced to withdraw from the Scott 24hr, so what better way to pass the time then to plan my next bike tours. Adventure beckons, and this will be my trusty steed when eventually I get my hands on one.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-pugsley/index.html

http://wildworks.co.nz/csr/home.php

http://www.surlybikes.com/pugsley.html

Have a gander at these links to truly appreciate what sets this amazing bike apart from others. I'm particularly impressed by the Big Dummy and how Surly have made such a significant inroads to challenge people's philosophy on dependence to the car. Two thumbs up Surly!

Stay tuned for some adventure updates:-/

Let the HURT begin

With a little oven two months now till the Scott 24hr race, I was pleased as a pig in shit to be back on the bike this weekend. My masseur did a great job of ironing out some knots, so I'm now confident of continuing what I'm planning to be a hectic training schedule, injury free. I did a relatively flat 140km over 3 rides this weekend; just enough to get confident the leg is "good to go". Now let the HURT begin. Current weight 72kg. Now to bed for 3am wake-up.

... And guess who I bumped into lurking the streets this fine Sunday; good friend Steve Cody. I want a trip report on all those exciting NZ trails you find on your holiday Steve:)

Scott 24hr ... false start

I had some extra incentive to motivate for the Scott 24hr from the w/e; seeing a number of aussies including local lads Jeff Toohey and Andy Fellows crank out a big one in the World 24hr solo champs in Canmore. These two came 4th elite and 1st 25-29 age group respectively. The aussies clean-sweeped mens elite with top 4 places.

The Scott 24hr is a qualifying event for the Worlds, and I’m keen to be a part of the action next year. 73 days and counting to get fit again, but I’m off to a false start … Andrew Handyside and I headed up to Beerburum for another Glasshouse trail run on the w/e. Andy had a great race and came fourth, AGAIN, much to his own disgust;) One day you’ll crack it for a placing Andy! Keep up the good work.


It was only a 10.5km race, albeit through very boggy fire-trails. Both Andy and I were running with the lead 5 up to the half way point. My legs felt very tight following Hells Bells. I hadn’t been stretching during the week, instead watching the TdF. I knew something wasn’t quite right and decided to walk back. My race was over. Sadly I must have done some minor damage which didn’t really become evident until after a social ride up Mt. Nebo the next day; I have a small tear in my left hami:-( I’ll be icing tonight and getting a massage tomorrow. Hopefully by the end of the week I can ease back into training. The situation sucks because I have "re-motivated" now, but that’s life.

Hmmmm, I wonder ....

Well I've enjoyed a lazy 3 weeks with no real training (only limited racing). I live in hope that virtual training counts for something (that would be watching the tour), but somehow I don't think so. GO Cadel!!!!

I'm entertaining thoughts of entering the Scott 24hr in Canberra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKDjfxMdVxE&feature=related

A bloody long way to go for a 24hr race, but this is the biggest event of its kind in the world. Yep, we aussies love our sport! Organisers are expecting 3000 (solo and teams) for the October 2008 event.

It follows only 1 week after the punishing 580km Simpson Desert Bike Challenge. Hmmmmm, I wonder .... Time to turn some pedals before I commit:)