Gosnells and back Sunday 27th. Looking like an M&M pack.

Up early and attacked a ton of paper work and preparation for work.
By lunchtime I only had a small tidy up left, so by three in the afternoon was getting ready to get outside in the sunshine.

Where to ride? Go and say hello to my trike buddy Chuck? Good idea. Map? Naah, I know the way.
Ring first? Naaah, nice surprise.
As I was going to ride on roads most of the way I went for the high vis clothes.
Bright orange leggins, blue knicks over the top, red longsleeved jersey and my bright day glo flag.
Can't believe how well it all worked. Drivers could really see me. It was a little distracting at first to have bright orange knees come into view. Easy to count cadence today. :)

Roads were good, traffic light and my pace was nice and fast.
No one  home so rode back to Roe highway path and up to the Freeway.
Almost empty path, a few walkers and I use the slight uphills to do some interval training.

The sky was glorious with brilliant sun beaming through heavy dark cumulus.

Saturday 26th Freowheelers Down to Zero

Well almost. '0.' something?
I had three layers of summer stuff on.
Peeled one off before the start at Freo and was pretty warm while riding.
But when I stopped I started to ice up as my perspiration turned me into a freezer.
I must fork out for some winter gear.

The Freo Wheelers group was small and at Mt Henry, we lost them. They chose to do a short ride and their were other riders in the group who were not part of it. I did not know about the short cut.
No harm done. These rides always work out for the best and are enjoyable, no matter what.
We could see them two to three hundred metres in front. We chased them to the Narrow's without bridging the gap. So being close to home and with Rob doing a short ride, we bailed for coffee in Mends St South Perth. That is where I started freezing. My buff was soaked and my hair wet.
Glad to get home to an early warm shower.

Only one ride this week

A huge storm on Tuesday and Thursday I couldn't get my helmet on. I had a skin cancer removed from my forehead and it was pretty painful. Also severe ankle pain due to extra assessments by surgeons (30 year old motorbike injury requires knife work).
I am looking down the barrel of ankle fusion to reduce pain. The sooner the better as after cycling the pain is incredibly severe. That means I am off the bike for 3 months and will miss the PAP and start of the ATTA season.
Around the river with the freo wheelers.
I was thoroughly enjoying the roll ons and was mid pack in all the climbs.
Rob punctured at Ardross so stopped to help and keep company.
We shortcutted to Berwick and Canning to pick up the group after a 10 minute wait.
The firefighters were closing the Bunnings buildings as a water main had broke and Bunnings was flooded in waist deep water.

Was doing fine until the last climb out of Cottosloe. I was only 100m off the group but could not catch them on the sprint into Port Beach. I had spun up my highest gear which equates to about 45km/h.
Average for the ride 33km/h
Geoff in Group 2 punctured 3 times.
Ride home was good fun with about 6 riders.

Sunday Reverse Around River Ride

I missed the Saturday ride due to work but met the guys for a coffee where I was invited to ride with them on Sunday. Me with the Group 2s - Oh yes!

Kept up on the flats and low hills, but the steeper climbs around Buckland Hill and Mosman was where I suffered.
Even so I am riding those hills three cogs stronger, so was pretty pleased with myself.
They blasted away the last three kms at 43+.
Couldn't hang on, so sat on about 40km/h and reached the finish 100m or so behind.
A fabulous ride, beautiful cold sunny weather, no wind,  and fantastic scenery.
Thanks guys

Long Weekend 5,6,7th June

I was strapped for time this long weekend, but managed short rides on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday
After getting the new furniture from IKEA home, I was off on a ride. It was a toss up between scooting down the freeway south path for a set time or a more picturesque up to Bethesda in Claremont and back.
By the time I arrived at the Narrow's and viewing the river and parks along the way, I decided I wanted more of that and went up to Bethesda.
Staying on the PSP along mounts Bay allowed me to ride within metres of the water. Something for some reason I really enjoy. Four biplanes in formation flew overhead and I let out a long wave.
The Uni was very busy with students just leaving. I thought this odd for a Saturday. It must be exam week?
Jutland parade was an absolute scenic delight. River, boats, parks, trees, houses..... and I was pulling a gear higher on all the rises thanks to a strong tailwind.
Back at the Narrow's I decided to ride up to Canning Bridge and back which made a very memorable magic ride.

Sunday
I volumteered to marshall a corner for the ATTA Shenton Park event and left at 6:45am by bike riding through all the side streets to the registration area.
One of the positives of marshalling is you see all the riders come through.  You also see how they are looking each lap. The top riders are brilliant. Always composed and always fast. A perfect line through the corner with the power on. There were some good tips for me.
After I chose to ride down to Freo but only got as far as the Showgrounds station. Ron on his Sigma was riding towards Subi, so went with him and got the latest info on his upgrades to the Sigma. I really want one of these lwbs but only after they have done all the improvements. I test rode it last year as was impressed at how well it did everything. Commute, tour, race.
I think it is a good platform for a Cyclo team. If only I can get 5 bikes and 5 riders organised.

Saturday Ride 105km

Usual Saturday group with a 32km/h (20mph) average.
I stayed with them for the whole ride. Took my place in the roll ons and it was all good fun.
There is a final sprint down passed a beach area into a headwind - about 2km.
I was at the back when the sprint started and fragmented the group. I blew past the lead riders with
about 1km to go and held to almost the end when they caught me.
That's the first time I have ever done that and it felt awesome.

No Riding Today

A huge winter storm came through Perth today so I stayed inside.
I did 20km on an exercise bike.
Hopefully, my new winter gear arrives soon and the weather won't bother me.
I have ordered full fingered gloves and waterproof jacket.

Update

Since the Champion Lakes ride I have been completing the regular Tuesday and Thursday rides and the Saturday morning with the Freo Wheelers.
I missed last Thursday  and Saturday due to weather.
Three rides or about 160km a week will have to do for a while as family and work commitments are high on the list.

This morning we went up to Kings Park and I was rewarded with two things.
1. I rode the hills at a very fast pace, even though the others were way ahead of me.
2. The city backed by the dawn light was a beautiful sight to behold.

I spotted a good secondhand Oppy on the weekend, but justed missed out on it.
I think I missed it as I am in two minds to get back on a road bike.
So to clear the mindset up I am doing up the MTB and will commute on it to work to see how it goes. I have  a spare set of pedals and crank length adjuster so it will be setup properly.
the thing is I really love the Baron and I really like to ride in a group.
Time will tell.

Champion Lakes 20km TT

A fast 4 laps with a strong headwind down the 2km backstraight.
That headwind sucked my average speed down under last year's effort.
It was still a great TT going close but not doing a PB.
I only used the top three gears for the whole course which is big plus.
With more power in the legs I will do better.
I think I am reaching a threshold speed and need to traing differently to improve further.

The big plus was the family out to see the action. It was great to see and hear them as I finished each lap.

Distance 20km
Time: 33m 34s
AvSp: 35.7km/hr

Saturday River Ride

Bike Bag setup. Also some image of how I make and use my hydration bottle.

I use the Radical Seat bags to carry my spares, pump, water, food and other bits and bobs.
they work really well. Even when they are bulgingly full they are still quite aero. I have taped a water bottle cage on the stem to see how it goes. Water in that bottle and a cordial mix in the hydration bottle that goes in the bag.

I rode to Freo with Rob. There were less than 10 riders in Group 3. Busselton ironman half marathonTriathlon was on this weekend. Road home giving about 110km. the group ride (65km) averaged 30 to 32km/h. Give or take traffic light stops.
It was a very pleasant ride but not very sociable. One rider commented to another that they did not like being behind a recumbent. "Why is that." I ask? "When I turn my head to the side you are too low to be seen." Okayyy.
I wonder if I was met so stoically by the others because of their issues with recumbents?
I am sure some to them are of the opinion that group rides are for DFs only. MTB and TT bikes are also excluded. Should I continue to persevere riding in a group?
Other than watching them just in front or using them as a hill target, I did not feel like I was keeping
good company. Is a recumbent rider's lot is a solo one I don't want to go there?
Why aren't any other RR (recumbent riders) interested in forming a group ride.
I perceive the Sunday ride to be for the old RR brigade.
I love riding recmbent and don't want to change, but how do I get into a fun, fast sociable ride.

I might try riding 10m behind the group for the whole ride and have a coffee with them at the end.
Next week I will do the usual Tuesday, Thursday  rides.
The 20km TT is on Sunday - season closer.

Gidge Superhilly Sunday 25th April

 Image by Troy Coulthard

This is the hilliest TT on the calendar. 40km on rough chipseal.
Luke Durbridge (uner 19 World TT Champion) beat the one hour barrier today - 57m 59s - an incredible ride. What an up and coming star. It was great to see him over the finish line.
I knew a slow time was coming when I did the warm up and the legs felt heavy with lactic acid.
I also had trouble shifting to the smallest chainring when under any load at all. So I badly missed the changes on two hills.

My time was 4min 37sec faster than last year, but I came in with the slowest time.
Time: 1h 44min 37s Av Speed 23.7km/h

I played elastic bands with a few riders. They pass me on the uphill and I pass them on the downhill.
That is until the elastic broke.  The first rider got ahead of me. The second rider was further back.

The scenery was beautiful bushland with only a few cars until the last 5km along busy Toodyay Rd.

160km ITT Sunday 18th April

I realised a milestone in my cycling and personal achievements by completing the 160km ITT, in less than 6 hours. I really wanted to finish well in 2010 as last year I was only able to do 3 out of the 4 laps.
160km
5h:49m
27.7km/h average
With less than a week before the event I lost time fixing rear axles. The freehub broke on wheel 1 and a retaining nut would not tighten up on wheel 2. I made up good wheel out of the two and hoped it would hold together to the finish.
Laps 1 and 2 went to plan. I stopped for my second drink bottle and lost time turning ice into water. Lap three I just could not eat. I gave up on solid power bars and started on the gels. Lap Four - Hot, no wind, lots of aches and pains, but each corner got a victory salute.

I don’t like Punrak road at all as it is only one lane of potholed bitumen and lots of gravel shoulder. I love Rapids Road with the cool shade over it and the greenery around the Serpentine River. I worked out the best way to ride St Albans with its very bouncy chipseal. Simply ride faster. Like driving over corrugated roads, ride fast enough that the wheels float over the high spots. The other advantage to this method was to flatten the hill and gradual rise. I am sure I made good time over this section.

Yes, I was the last to finish, but it was pretty cool having my own pace car with flashing lights. I must have looked real important. Around the final corner and up to the finish line. I was euphoric, I had finally done it.

I want to thank all the organisers and volunteers for their time, effort and encouragement. A fabulous event and your enthusiasm and encouragement to riders is highly motivating.

Rear wheel fixed

All the grinding was from a collapsed bearing in the the freehub.
I got the shop to swap out the broken FH and use the spare that came of the first wheel with the stripped FH retaining nut.
Completed a 60km ride and it worked perfectly.

Roll on Sunday and the 160km TT.
By the way I am first rider away wearing Numero Uno. :)

Sorting out Rear Wheel Issues

My second rear wheel is now making a scraping grinding sound when I pedal.
If I freewheel there is no awful sound.
When I start pedalling again the sounds come back withing 20 seconds.
The spokes are fine so it is something in the hub or cassette......
Back to Quantum Cycles to get it sorted.
They have a secondhand Easton hub for my other rear wheel, so will go with that.
The spokes will be silver not black which will match the front wheel they rebuilt.

Freeway Run

Did a ride straight down the Freeway yesterday.
I had intended to ride from South Perth to South Yunderup and back, but two things stopped me part way.
1. My right knee started tightening up and aching (no sharp pains) just after Thomas St.
2. The newly rebuilt rear wheel started making a grinding noise.
I turned around at Karnup Road, making a total ride of 110km  instead of the 160km I had planned.
My knee is still stiff today but getting better.

After the runaround this morning to and from Quantum Cycles, I had the derailleur hanger straightened and the derailleur readjusted. Also the rear brake pivot had binded (?) up and had to be serviced.

My other wheel had its free hub retaining nut come loose and stripped its thread.
I am not going to muck around. That wheel is getting rebuilt with a Shimano sealed bearing 105 hub.

80km TT Wandi

Had an absolute blast today and did better than my target of 2.5hours.
2:26:23 - so I am rapt. :) - that gives me an average of  33.8km/hr.
Lap 1 - 0:18:25
Lap 2 - 0:18:37
Lap 3 - 0:18:41
Lap 4 - 0:18:19
Lap 5 - 0:18:50
Lap 6 - 0:18:05
Lap 7 - 0:17:38
Lap 8 - 0:17:48
Time - 2:26:23
Average - 33.8km/h 
I found it very difficult to eat and ride. The best thing I did was starting to eat a gel, an energy bar
and a saltstic about thirty minutes before start time.
On the ride I consumed: two gels, 3/4 of a power bar, one saltstic capsule and 1.2l of water.
I think I will have to eat more for the 160km TT, or else use liquid food of some sort.
After the ride I consumed 1/4 power bar, 750ml of water and 750ml powerade.
I was all over the place with gear selection the first two laps. By lap 3 I settled on
sticking to higher cadence to protect my ankles and knees and this helped me settle into a better rhythmn.
I always felt out of breath (especially after a drink). I might have been a little too close to going anaerobic??
On the flats I would catch up to riders, but they would inch away from me on the crest of hills.
I almost stopped on one corner for cars existing a roundabout and on a few others, sprinted to get in front
of a rider I had been closing on and new I could get around the corner faster.
Laps 5 and 6 were really ratty. I think the wind changed direction and blew hard down the front straight. Every gear seemed too tall.
Then for laps 7 and 8 there was no wind at all.

I pulled up really well with no soreness in my ankles or knees.
So, hopefully, I am on target to complete the 160km in two weeks.

Bibra Lake TT

A beautiful morning and Bibra Lake is full of wonderful wild life.
So close to Perth and so beautiful.

The course is 2.5 laps of a 6.2km circuit.
Rode to and from the event from home- 18km - checked out the last half of the circuit on my way to the finish where registration was located.
I felt really good on the ride down.
Going to the start I felt the lead in my legs and my lip was stinging like mad (sunburn from last Sunday).

First half lap felt good but sorting out gears. Nearly missed a turn as the lollipop man was off having a smoke.
First full lap felt good, but fell into trying to maintain too higher a gear in the second.

36km/hr - 26m:46s - Happy and will aim for the 38 next time.
Fasted was 50.7km/h in 19:03 - new record - would love to do that average on a recumbent. :)

Chatted with a few of the really fast guys and girls, helped a little at getting results to the rego desk and headed home to some delicious Hot Cross Buns.

There were a lot of occasional riders out today. One couple had parked in the middle of the blind corner going onto Canning Bridge.
"Park it on the Grass Mate!" I yelled and cursed having to stop and get a lower gear.
What is it with some cyclists? Why don't they get off the path when they have stopped to do something?

Freeway Blast

I missed the usual Saturday ride due to cleaning up after the big storm. We were able to dry out the whole garage and contents. The swimming pool is now useable after 4 hours of cleaning.

Sunday morning, after a sleep in from a heavy night, I left home about 9:30am for a ride south on the Freeway cycle path to Baldivis, or the Safety Bay Road turn. About 43Km from Perth.

Some say it is boring, but once passed Murdoch train station, it is all non stop cycle path.
There was quite a strong Easterly headwind this morning and with the undualtions in the path, made for an excellent interval training session.
The interchanges are about 3-5km apart and they all have a rise up to their underpass. I was pleasantly surprised I could pull a 7 or 8, second chain ring, up these inclines. This was my best ever and it was well within my comfort zone - all in all a great training run.

I decided to take it easy on the way back and enjoy the tailwind. I was cruising passed a guy on a mountain bike (slick tyres, road gearing). He matched speed and I eased to let him have a draft (what little there is) and the chat started. Really nice guy, so had a good exchange.
Before I knew it we were back to Canning Bridge. then the Narrows and coffee.
I must get a bike computer as he could read out speed, average speed, cadence etc. I am pretty sure this will help with TT.

I was wearing new sunnies and got sunburnt on my upper nose and top eyelids. God it hurts and I have never been burnt on my eyelids before. People only notice when I blink. :)
I really miscalculated the sun strength today. I hope it comes to nothing and will try to avoid it again.

Distance 86km and feel good for the 80km TT in one week.

After The Storm

Three of us did the Shelley Loop this morning with a quick and steady pace. Rob threw a chain near the end when some debris landed between it and the cluster. I was alongside and saw it all happen. However he had it fixed and was back up to speed in no time. What a smooth operator. Onya mate.

The amount of debris left by Monday's storm was huge. Sand, leaves and twigs on every corner. Huge River gums and other longstanding trees uprooted along the Esplanade in Shelley. It was sad to see so many trees destroyed, but I am sure they will be replaced.

A lot of cars have been "golfballed" in the hailstorm. Plenty of property damage but not one person badly injured or killed, which was an absolute blessing.

My garage flooded and all my storage boxes and contents were destroyed. My station wagon looks very much like a silver golfball on wheels and all the revision mirrors were smashed. Definitely an insurance job or worse a total writeoff.

What a Great Way To Start the Day

Road with the guys this morning on the usual Shelley loop. All five of us turned up so that made it even more fun.
I felt strong all the way and really punched it out when I was leading.
Blasted up the hill not far behind Geoff and Pete.
On the way home passed 'colinoldandcranky' on his unicycle. What a guy, gave a wave and a shout.
When I pulled into my driveway, Chuck had spotted me and stopped on his way to work to say hello.
I hadn't seen him for ages. It was great to see him and his recumbent trike always so practical with all the good stuff. That guy does 10000km a year easy.
Absolutely the best start to a day I have had in a long while.