It wasn’t supposed to end like this. In my mind’s eye i was going to finish the Etape du Tour arms aloft, having mastered a course that all the Facebook experts had declared to be the easiest Etape of them all. Instead i arrive at the summit of the Semnoz at a limp, legs smashed, jersey and shorts sweatlogged, an unedifying spectacle turning the pedals at a cadence that equated to 4kms per hour. There were riders who finished the course walking their bikes up who were going faster than I was … But as we Easy Riders know, finishing is not something; it is everything. And i finished. Just.

It all seemed so promising at the start. 6.30 am installed in a local cafe for “petit dej” waiting for the first wave of riders – of 13,600 – to scream past at 7 am. Wilson and I numbered in the 9000s were not due at the starting gate until 7.45. Plenty of time to survey the scene, take in the magnificent backdrop at Annecy, as picturesque a spot as one can find in Europe. I turned to a gnarled looking local sitting out on the terrace: “Beautiful day for a bike ride” i say breezily. “Oui, mais Il y aura beaucoup qui vont soufrire” he muttered. Hmm, suffer? with this beautiful weather? On the easiest etape ever …? come off it. Time to get going.

the scene at the start looked like a surreal version of one of those historical reenactments of 19th century battles – thousands of lycra clad Mamils with the odd scattering of females and younger colts lined up across acres of fields and streets. Eventually i bump into Wilson. He mutters about lack of rides in recent weeks. Who doesn’t? But we relax in the early morning sun ready for the off.

Eventually we reach the start gate, and head off at a canter. Disobeying all the sensible advice from ER about starting at a reasonable pace, i find myself tearing along at 30+kph for the first hour. Pretty soon the first of the three cat 3 climbs heave into view. I’m clipping along nicely, though note the HRM is saying “too fast”. Ah bugger it. Good weather, good company. Keep it going. we start in the 9000s but pretty soon we overtake some of the 8000s, 7000s, and 6000s. It’s all pretty encouraging. The last i see of Wilson is on the Col de Leschaux after about 40kms. He looks in great nick, weaving in and out of traffic.

The Col de Revard the cat 1 climb before the serious stuff looms ahead. a nice steady climb of 800m or so, 5-6%. folks lined up on the roads villages en fete. Beautiful ambience. However the nagging in my back reminds me that i should have taken an anti-flammatory before heading out. Oops. Stop for water seems to calm things down. Up and over and into the valley between the Revard and the Semnoz, the final “ball-busting” climb: 11kms at an average of 8.5% with long ramps at 10-11%.

From having been pleasantly warm, it is now hot – something like 30-32 at a guess. Keep drinking. The shorts caked now in salt serve as a useful reminder. So do the first twinges of cramp. I need to slow, take the rest of the course nice and easy. I head into the food station reminding myself that except for a croissant and some bread i haven’t eaten anything “real” for 4-5 hours. All good, i head back out ready for the Semnoz.

The Semnoz is completely unheralded in cycling circles – it’s rarely featured in the TDF, though of course features as the last mountain finish this year. Everyone seemed to think it was “tough” but perfectly manageable. With this in mind, i entered the village at the foot of the climb “nonchalent – pas de probleme”. The villagers knew better: “courage monsieur” – “allez. Il faut y aller maintenant”. hmm, three deep on the barriers, the villagers were out in force to witness “le spectacle”.

Straight out of the village the semnoz ramps at 10% for the first 3kms – in what i thought must be around 34 degree heat now. sultry, humid, sun bearing down. After a couple of kms i feel cramp in the stomach of all places. Have i eaten too much? Or too little? whatever it is, it’s a horrible feeling. The cramp is also getting worse and the back is really twanging in that “i really have to stop” voice. the 10%ers give way to 6-7%. but i’m feeling rough and welcome the next and last water stop. I wander around a bit hoping somehow that the knot in the stomach will give way. It doesn’t. There are 3 or 4 bodies wrapped in silver foil being tended to be the ambos. Sun beating down, sweat dripping, i hear a little voice in my head, unmistakably Norman. It says: “stop being soft”. Alright already. Back on the bike.

The rest of the 7kms is a blur of sensations: elation that i can ride for 300-400m followed by intense bouts of weariness and nausea. By now half the peloton has given up on the 8-9% ramps and is walking up – a lycra clad retreat from Moscow. I get on and off may be another 5 times. I get back on again. The big challenge is to get the mind off the pain, indeed off the ride. If only i had my turbo soundtrack with me … so i just engage the guy riding next to me in small talk. He’s thinking like I am: if we just natter away we can do the last 3kms without thinking. This is 90mins into the climb and the worst is yet to come – the final 3kms average 10%. It’s torture. It’s roasting, and worst of all those who have finished are whizzing down the other side of the road shouting “allez, allez”. If i had had a shotgun i would have taken a few out. However the strategy seems to be working. We talk our way up, up, forever up, until passing the final bend. My arms are not aloft. They are limply clutching the handlebars. I dribble over the line at 4kph. It feels feeble. and it probably looks a lot worse. On the other hand, it’s over. Done. Finished.

A mix of emotions washes over one on these occasions. On the one hand, one should feel proud and happy that one has set out to do what one wanted to do. I didn’t have a finish time in mind, but worked out that 6 hrs 30mins would be par for me. I finished in 7 hr or so riding time – but with nearly 9 hours completed, due to stops. On the other hand, i’m also frustrated, even disappointed. After all the training, including some tough climbs in the weeks previously, i know i could have, should have done better. Now 24 hrs later i realise that this is – well, cycling. This is why we get up earlier and earlier, and ride for longer and harder. It is a sport of the infinitely disappearing horizon. Just when one thinks one is approaching ‘form’, something comes along to knock you back. So you start over. Now all i’m thinking about is the next Etape – such a wonderful event. Brilliantly organised and presided over by literally thousands of cheery French locals only too delighted to help, cheer, sing. Such passion – for the anonymous mamils gliding past. I’ll be back – and next time I’ll do …. better.

I’ll finish there – but whilst I have the mike, big thanks to coachs Browney and Norman for their sage help and advice over recent months. Shout outs too to my regular “training partners” BT, Falsh, and BG for coming out in all weather on sunday mornings – and for the flambies. But its ER itself i have most to thanks – 5 years ago a pal in the UK asked me if i would do the Etape with him. I shook my head “no way – too tough”. Well, that’s not the ER way – “only as fast as the slowest rider”. Too right. Anything to keep the pedals turning …

A bientot.

4:30 is a horrible time for the alarm to go off a Saturday morning.

But once up (and after realising for the first day of winter, it actually wasn’t that cold), I started to get excited about the 100km Audax ride Michael, Graeme and I were signed up for.

In a dark street in Dee Why we gathered. Michael operating on minimal sleep, Micheal’s mate still a bit dazed, Boycey with a funny tummy after an early morning banana smoothie and Magoo running through last minute equipment checks, again, only to find my other rear light is broken. That makes 3 now. I think I am going to keep them all and when I have enough broken rear lights, make an artistic sculpture full of my deep seeded red blazed emotions and send it to the Museum of Modern Art.

I must mention how fab Boycey looked in his reflective strap. I tucked my yellow jacket away in my rear pocket, wrapping a token reflective band around my right bicep (obviously it only JUST fit). A tactic I somehow got away with. Off we went, keeping a moderate pace down Pittwater Rd. Annoyingly when the clearways are not in place, the bus lanes are spotted with parked cars, which kept the group switching lanes right into Mona Vale. Beautiful morning over Church Point, albeit with a strange red sky in the distance.

Strangely I was comfortably seated climbing the hills on Pittwater and McCarrs Creek Rd, while the Audaxians around me were out of their seats and pushing. I found it quite easy to catch then on the steeper climbs too – San Martin Drive to the West Head turnoff and Akuna Bay gave me opportunity to pass many who had passed me when I dropped my chain just after Loquat Valley. Then again, they go for 600km while I certainly do not. Got me thinking a bit about technique, approach and consistency though…

I was accompanied up the Akuna Climb by a guy who talks more than Me and Ravi combined. Nice enough, but I decided to stop at the top, wait for Graeme and see if I could find the remainder of the ear he chewed off. With ear in place and Graeme only a few minutes back, we set off again for Bobbo, passing the likes of PD, Cathie AND HERB on the way. Managed to confuse the poor newsagent at the North Turramurra checkpoint with our brevet cards, but other than that, a nice clean roll to the next climb.

The Mt Colah side of Bobbo delivered on its well established promise of punching you in the guts every now and again and falsely convincing you that you are almost there. And then 50m from the summit, it calls you fat. Boycey and I sat on the wheel of a few guys (who knew Admin actually – one named Andrew said you stalk him and play sniper on his segment times?) for a while. I hit the front, trying to give a little wheel back, but with no takers. We ventured on alone, doing a nice little turn at the railway bridge and heading back.

Alas, the Turramurra side of Bobbo was, as always, slightly more forgiving. Graeme had also just had a sugar injection, so I found myself chasing him up. The tap at the entrance to the Sphinx car park is useless, so we made a stopover at Graeme’s house to grab some more water (and for me to run in to his “Newcastle” daughter, who for the record, is very lovely!). On the road again, counting down the hills (big or small) until the end. Stopped at the 52nd red light (OMG we got them all) and TWANG! Graeme’s spoke snapped clean in half. Damage done, but not enough to stop him continuing on.

Once at Warringah Rd x Willandra Rd, the roll home was within reach. A bit of local knowledge meant I could fly through Narraweena with confidence and sneak up on the Dee Why Bike Hub from behind utilising a hardly ever utilised 1-way road (Magoo Ninja Teachings). Very happy to have our brevet cards signed off, Graeme and I headed off in our separate directions, another job well done and all before lunch time.

Magoo

P.S > Lemming? No show? After you spent all that time calling me soft and leading me to declare myself as a twatwaffle?

I often wondered what it would be like to do a TT, just you and the bike ….the most ’honest’ form of measurement.

So after 18 months of procrastinating I finally did my first 25km ATTA event at Calga last month.

The day before the event, I raced around after Saturday sport to find a TT bar to put on my colnago, and found one at Thornleigh bikes, with a nice narrow clamp so I wouldn’t need to remove bar tap to fit it.

Really a 15 minute job.

So on the day , and in fact days leading up to it, I woke early and tried to picture how it would go.

So on the day…

I also thought about warming up, its no good going flat chat and not being warm when you do it, so I rode about 10 km before the start. It was also the first time I had aero bars on the bike, took a while to venture out on to them, bringing your chin closer to the road….

I thought about diet, so had a coffee and breakfast before driving up there.

I also had a ‘mother’ soft drink about 15 min before the start, thinking glycogen and caffeine over 25km might help.

Brownie was in the TT start ramp, which was a great help for someone not used to the start procedure.

They let you go on the minute ( just like the tour TT ) and roll down a ramp and away you go….

This might seem weird but I felt comfortable in the pain that came next, the trick is to push yourself right to the edge of the lactate cliff, and stay there.

It was remarkably like rowing in a single scull, being in a whole world of hurt ..but remain totally relaxed, particularly in the top half of your body.

The 25km ATTA course at Calga is undulating and net 150m vertical on the way out and 150m down on the way back. There is a hill called ‘blood hill’ which knocks the wind out of you on the way back…about 700m of 5-10% ouch!

So after the event , I noticed everyone ahead of me was on a TT specific bike…..and so the questions flowed over the following hours and days.

One such conversation happened down in Bowral, and a cyclist lady said’ hang on a moment’ when I asked ‘ how much time will a TT bike and helmet mean to the TT course at Calga’ , and she speed dialled her coach at the NSWIS….

Back came the news ‘Frame and wheels 90-120 sec, aero helmet 30 sec…..’

WOW!

So the research for a new stead began.

I started with ‘what frame’ and looked at the Colnago first… wow very aggressive and expensive, I’d have to do yoga for a year just to get down onto the bars! I then looked at a few ‘out of the box solutions’ but they all run Shimano which is good but I have all my bikes on Campag, which would mean I would have an ‘orphan’ in the house.

I then looked at the Ridley Dean RS, which was not as aggressive as the Colnago, meaning the head tube was a little higher, but still TT, and came with brakes, seat post and headset, and was comparatively good value.

After trying to ‘beat’ that frame I couldn’t , so for my needs I started the build there.

As I mentioned it came with seatpost and headset, so all I had to buy was crankset, stem, TT bars, derailleurs, TT gear shifters/brake levers , pedals, seat and cables.

I already had the wheels.

I chose Campag chorus because, that’s what I have on my other bike, so all ‘bits’ can be swapped across the bikes. I also stuck with Speedplay pedals , so I only need one pair of shoes! I had no idea what seat to get, so I got a TT specific prologo which had several palmares..

I also bought the extra 30 seconds with an ‘alien’ helmet…really weird. I hope that was a good purchase with a melon like mine…

Finally Mr TSS was commissioned to put everything together, and I provided the measurements off my road bike so the ‘fit’ was a snip !

This weekend I am planning to ‘ride’ at Calga, hope to see some of you give it a go!

The name of the bike is “Death Star”

Van Diemen

As there were seven stages and a criterium race on the 8th day, there were a lot of fantastic memories. Not possessing the cunning wit of Danny Boy or the deluded ramblings of le Bullet, I felt I wouldn’t do the memories justice by compiling a ride report.

However our magnificent driver/soigneur/mechanic Martin (Matt’s dad – one of the riders) got a lot of the footage on camera. I’ve included a link to some of our memories of the tour below.

The next edition is in 2015 due to the fact that this year was only its second year and funds are currently lacking to maintain a yearly race. I would love to see a few ER teams (of 4 to 5 riders) head across the ditch in 2015 and take on the kiwis at snatching away their own title. It’s an amateur race but one that is run at quite a quick pace (see some of my Strava rides). It takes in sometime breath-taking kiwi scenery (I’ll give it to them – they do have some incredible scenery… and a better rugby team for that matter) and two groups run simultaneously (one beginning at the northmost point of the north island and the other – which we did – beginning in the southern most point of the south island – meeting in Wellington for a criterium on the 8th day).

I haven’t really gone into the key facts of the tour in this email (distance, experiences outside of the stages each day, etc) so if you are interested/want to hear more please feel free to send me an email, call me or shoot me a text (0439418447).

It was hands down the greatest cycling experience of my life (and yes unfortunately it tops 2013 3Peaks due to the incredible amount of fun I had being involved in an 8-day stage race). I’m definitely returning in 2015 (as apart of the United States Poostal Service) and would love to enjoy the experience with as many ER’s as possible. I honestly believe.

I will mention one quick story if you are still with me this far through the email:

Before we got to New Zealand we were being hailed as a very strong team that will most likely challenge the GC standings. I’m not sure where they got this from as two of our riders had not ridden for more than 4 months and our “racebook page” on the Tour of NZ website stated that we were just “four big powercats trying to cause some trouble” and “we’ve got the skillz to pay the billz” (spelling included). Due to the fact that we thought we might get disqualified for having a team name – the United States Poostal Service – we initially raced under the alias – Australian Postal Service. So when we got to the tour it was hilarious that they had mistakenly assumed we were apart of the actual Australia Post and that we were chosen from 1000’s of employees to make up an incredible race team that would bring a somewhat Sky-esque dominance to the 7 stages and crit of the Tour of New Zealand. After two of our riders placed second last and last out of 120 in the peloton on the first stage, they had to reassess their understanding of us (Matt and I actually placed quite well over the race – Matt even nearly taking out a stage win but coming off the bike on the second last corner). After an interview with all of the Poostal boys at the end of stage wrap up at the local pub, the peloton finally understood that we were actually just a rag-tag bunch of misfits looking to have an awesome time while taking the proverbial out of Lance.

Anyway apologies for the essay but I hope I’ve at least caused one or two sparks to ignite that will result in an ER force crossing the ditch in 2015 to take the overall win in the 2015 Tour of New Zealand.

Simba

http://www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz/rb.php?team=105

Who: Blue Stratos, Pink Stratos, Simon, Simon’s Brother Paul, Magoo, Fore

Where: St Ives > Allambie Rd > Manly > North Head > Reverse Fluffer > Church Point > Akuna > St Ives

After the fun we had last Saturday with the Easter Ride, and given I had a whole lot of Strava segments I needed to do for the second time, it was decided that the Manly/Church Pt ride should be held again this morning, afresh with some new faces and new challenges.

Challenge # 1: Getting there on time.

I was 10mins early! Simon and Paul rolled in soon after, followed by Fore. We rolled down Mona Vale Rd to the Wildstratos Gardens to meet the Tandem, only to find Blue had shot back home to grab extra rain gear. But we happily waited in the rain with Pink because that’s the type of people we are. Blue wasn’t far off. Did I mention I was early?

Challenge # 2: Keeping up with the Tandem.

I am very pleased to have accompanied the tandem on its longest ride ever! True to form, Stratos²  flew past us on the descents and flats. Proving that 4 legs are better than 2, it also managed its way up that hill in Manly (leading up to the hospital, conveniently perhaps) and up McCarrs Creek road. People all over the Northern Beaches were fascinated.

Challenge # 3: Staying Dry.

As luck always has it, after 2mins of rolling, it bucketed. Fore’s gilet went a little see-through. But the rain passed and we managed to get all the way to Narrabeen without it raining again. A little shower was not enough to wash away our enthusiasm (and desire for coffee), and by the time we were drinking said coffee at Church Point, the sun was out. Considering the weather recently and the forecast, I think we did well to stay as dry as we did.

Challenge # 4: Allambie Rd

Alex loves to join our rides, but only “fore” a while (HAHA DAD JOKE!). We said our goodbyes at the bottom of Allambie, when he proceeded to turn around and climb right back up. Respect bro and we do love the way you drop in J

 Challenge # 5: Finding a Bandicoot.

Despite the 17 road signs stating that I should watch for Bandicoots, I still haven’t seen one at North Head. Not even a dead one. Maybe next time. However we did find out that the Stratos Backyard has lots of them. Did you know Bandicoots carry ticks and that if you have free range chickens, they will eat the ticks and your cat or dog is 90% less likely to get a tick? True story.

 Challenge # 6: Pancakes and Chicken Nuggets

“Sorry, your pancakes are coming, they are just in the oven.”

Excuse me? What? Who makes pancakes in the oven??!

But they looked pretty damn nice when they finally did come (food envy) and watching Blue and Pink share them, ala Lady and the Tramp with the spaghetti, was very cute.

Also – if you see Simon or Paul reach into their jersey pockets for chicken nuggets, don’t question it. Just get ready for them to take off at great speed.

Challenge # ₓⁿ : The Phenomenon that is the “Magoo”

I didn’t crash or have an OHS defined “Near Miss”! But I did decide that I wanted to flog myself up Akuna while the others shot back home to pre-existing commitments. After parting ways, I was enjoying some good old Briony time until half way up the Reverse Akuna climb I hear the familiar (that’s just sad) sound of my rear deflating (haha that’s what happened to it! SNAP). Upon closer inspection I found a small stone had taken upon itself to infiltrate my tyre through an existing hole, like James Bond sneaking into a snowed under castle in the alps and anonymously breezing through the party of an evil Russian multimillionaire.

Because I’m awesome I fixed it, but my canister-valve-connecting-thing isn’t as awesome as me and I headed off for another 2km with a half-inflated tyre after it spewed more co2 on the valve than in the tube. Resorting to damsel in distress tactics, I flagged down another cyclist (quite a good looking one actually – WIN) who topped me up. Good to go. Until another sound starts to bother me. My rear wheel wasn’t spinning freely, but my brakes were not rubbing. After taking off the wheel completely I managed to magically fix it, but covered myself in grease in the process. I even somehow had a grease moustache.

Awesome ride all in all. If you haven’t done it, you need to.

Hit me up, yo.

Cheers!

Who: Drastic, WBA, Admin, B1/c, VD, SatNav, Finchy, Schleck, Mike, Dragon and Magoo

Where: Pattinsons > Forest Way > Allambie Rd > Manly > North Head > Manly (Breakfast) > Reverse Fluffer > Church Point > Akuna > Pattinsons > Home

After 130kms of the Ettalong Gettalong yesterday, I spent the night resting and stretching in preparation for the ER Easter Ride this morning. In true Magoo Easter Weekend form, there were again some “issues” with the start time. Got up at 5 to stretch, have some food, triple check tyre pressure (yep Comet, I have a floor pump), check tyre pressure again and get to the meeting point 20 mins early. Turns out the calendar event was listed for 6 (not 6:30 as per emails) and I was actually 10 mins late for my own ride. SKILLS! We quickly sent a text to Chris (B1) who also working for 0630, agreeing that he would meet us at Manly.

We set out along Mona Vale Rd, shepherding Dragon who was having some light issues. Now, I don’t like to be predictable, so the theme of today’s ride was very ad-hoc in terms of navigation. Burke and Wills didn’t know much about where they were going, but they had fun along the way (well until they died I guess). We turned down Forest Way, got a little bit flogged by Drastic and Mike (must have been hungry) and FLEW down Allambie and into Manly.

Almost had a Magoo moment at a crossing – Finchy stopped for a pedestrian that I didn’t see. Having been very close to his wheel, I was presented with an excellent opportunity to practice my ice skating routine, much to the appreciation of Schleck, who might I add, was wearing a superb jersey today. Top marks from self-appointed CFO (Chief Fashion Officer) to him, as well as Finchy (sleek in black) and for the high occurrence of Egg and Tomato.

On the subject of fashion, Chris, was that, or was that not, the same jersey and knicks as yesterday? You didn’t seem to smell so either you didn’t need to sweat yesterday (possible) or you managed to wash yesterday arvo (while Goaders was sleeping) (probable). A hot lap of North Head was completed, with the group somehow splitting into 3. Some stuck to the road, some went on the path to the lookout and I guess Drastic and others hid in the bushes, because God knows how we missed them? Anyway, on to Manly.

Breakfast. After giving the “Scruffy Little Mutt” cafe a miss (we determined it to be too posh), we ended up at Bluewater Cafe. After the Barista had his glass of milk (??), we ordered some coffees and Admin ordered his “bacon and egg thing”. Not wanting to be too far from our steeds, we moved outside and started to move some tables around until Satan’s Blonde Step Daughter came and told us we couldn’t do that. We also couldn’t touch the sign, pay separately and assumingly, couldn’t go to the bathroom without asking her permission. Lucky some of the boys managed to charm the nice British girl, and given we are still alive, it seems they didn’t poison our coffee after all. (Hands up straight if you want an egg and bacon roll!)

So off we set again, trying to follow the reverse flutter (mostly we did OK!). Finchy started stressing as we ran into an RBT – lucky they let him through without doing the drugs test. But not to worry, he gave a Urine Sample to some bushes just off Pittwater Rd at Narrabeen, while still managing to remain on his bike. This man is Impressive!!

Up Church Point we went, with the likes of Schleck, Finchy and Co hammering forward. Many added Akuna Bay to the ride. I still don’t know why I was so quick to say yes to that idea, or why I thought it was a great idea to attack Admin and WBA half way up. It left a feeling of pins and needles where my legs were meant to be. But onwards we rode, like the legends we are, to St Ives cycling heartland. More coffees and some hot cross buns ordered at the regroup point (Pattinsons), as well as a chance to meet Finchy’s youngster (very cute). From this point we went our own way, with Admin and I (Team Princes St) riding down to the gates at Bobbin Head (amongst a few other detours) to get our 100 km for the morning.

Overall a fantastic ride with a fantastic group, apologies for the start time incident again.

If you want to buy me a watch, there is a Cartier one I have had my eye on!

Magoo

Dawn at North Head with the sun appearing out of Van Diemen’s ear

The view towards the city which Sat Nav would have seen if he’d bothered to leave the main road

Drastic Hiding in the bushes

My own story: First ¾ was fast and flowing and felt really good. The down hill from FC with no traffic allowed all the road to be used, a rare treat. Fast forward …. Like everyone else though I was a tad overdone by the time we got trough Ovens and into Happy Valley, I was relatively early and the sun had not hit its full potential. Still seemed OK, although I found it hard to hard even hanging onto medium pace pelotons as we came towards MB. The up Falls was going reasonably to Bogong, and thoughts of sub-10 still floated, however 2km out of Bogong , I just hit the wall. I could feel twinges coming for a while, but then the full blow leg cramps came. I had to get off, the world was “whiting out”, sat, stood, drank, back on bike, instant cramp as soon as my knee bent on firs peddle. Pushed for a while. Then an angel descended, from nowhere, a white 4WD was offering ice and water , dumped my luke warm dregs and it was heaven, however think it was my electrolytes rather than just straight de-hydration. Tried to cycle, no way , cramp. So the long plod. At this point few ER’s passed; Mr Pink – thanks for the pat on the back then , Andy H, 10h out of the window. And others it was great to get these little boosts, and some others I don’t remember as I was pretty much face down now. The snow poles loomed … 6km to go ….. the hut … 4km. Called wife to say I’d be late (she offered to come get me, but I soon put that to rest, the things you’ll do for a shirt), finally FC appears round the corner, 2km … still pushing, thank goodness for mountain bike shoes. Approaching the line Stealth cajoled me back onto the bike (thanks), every push ended in cramp, but by standing I could rest for a few seconds on each rotation and stretch the left leg out, why do they make you cycle up past the finish line and then back ? anyway the little downhill to finish was fantastic and my kids and wife all ran out. It was a good feeling now. Never again. ….. St.Nav on hand for support …. into pub …. first beer …. well maybe next year. But I’ll try hydralyte …

Wilson

I am sure we have had enough 3P’s reports so mine will be pretty short.

Anna and another ER rider saw me proudly wearing my 3 Peaks Finisher Jersey at the northern end of the Bridge this morning and congratulated me so time I added to the 3P ER story.

For those that don’t know me I am fairly new to the the Easy Riders and as my ER Jerseys are coming in the next delivery I didn’t try to ride with the Easy Riders group and started up the back in Wave 4 with my brother and a friend. I have ridden 4 Fluffers with BG and these were a very important boost to my training so thanks to Big Goaders for those joyous morning training sessions

Same experience as most on the downhill and I could hear BG yelling “hold your line” in my head. If only some of the other riders were aware of the concept of holding a line, nough said!
I did see Falsh once or twice near the end of the descent but that was the last time I saw him… so he obviously climbs better than I do 🙂

It was on the descent from Mt Buffalo that I like others realised it was going to be bloody hot in the valleys, there just wasn’t that cooling breeze normally found on big descents.

Had lunch and headed out, then after the train I was on broke up on the way into the hot little village of Ovens, I said hello to Danny P having guessed who he was as one of the younger ERs, I used to work with his dad Louis so not much detective work needed.

From there on it was just a battle against fatigue in the heat to make it to Mt Beauty where we were told we had 20 minutes till the Flame Rouge started so we better get going!
10 minutes later I started the Falls Climb with my one remaining team mate, my brother sadly done at the 190km mark with a heart rate 20 bpm higher than mine and we are normally similar, just to give you an idea what the heat can do to your body!

As the climb started I thought 2 hours and 40 should be OK to make it but after 6-7 km I started thinking that the sag wagon was not a dishonorable option and with fatigue and the dreaded “hot foot” striking I took a 10 minute fuel/drink/recovery break. After hoping back on I started to feel much better and I had BG’s voice in my head again this time saying “Its in your head, you decide if you will make it” or words to that effect. So I decided I would make it!

There was also a great quote on a board “Pain is temporary, Memories last forever” – Stuart O’Grady
As one of my favourite hard men of cycling this was very timely encouragement.

Anyway after one or two more short recovery breaks and with the temperature dropping I finally made it to the finish line and still got a cheer and had more than 7 minutes to spare.
So even though I barely rode with the other ERs I still got lots of encouragement knowing they were there and hearing BG’s words of wisdom and I am sure I can improve my time next year wearing the ER colours and riding with ER team mates.

So for those that have ridden with me on a Fluffer, you can see that a 3P ride is possible for those of us who are not in the elite ranks of cycling

Cheers

Phil (Philby or Big Phil)

Loving the 3P wrap up. My story is an interesting read. With only a precious few hours training beforehand, finishing the three climbs was always going to be tough. After the gun went, I was quickly well into last place when my new little bag with all the gels fell off my bike and I had to go back up to the start to find it and put it back on. Lesson 1: dont use new gear on the day. Descending solo was good however, and at that time of the morning it felt like I had the road to myself. Unfortunately, this was all to true when I missed the turn off to Tawonga Gap and headed straight through the valley. Still not sure why the marshall didn’t return my friendly wave with a shriek of “why the bloody hell are you going the wrong way?”…anyway, 12 kms on and not seeing anyone but another wayward traveller and no gu’s on the road made me turn around and head back. Lesson 2: know the route and don’t rely on others to follow.

With an hour lost, it was always going to be tight. I spent the next few hours trying to catch the guy in red. He had stopped at a cafe on the other side of the first climb when I passed him. The rest of the day went fairly well. Unfortunately because of my place well back in the pack, I barely linked onto a train and had to do most of the flat stretches solo.

In the end, the SAG wagon picked me up, at about 735pm, approx 5 kms from the finish line.I was the last person to be picked up as far as I know. They guy in front of me walked the last few kms solo. I was completely beaten and am still gingerly hoping around today.

2014 it is.

Chris Parks