I found myself stepping back from the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com team the other day. It was kind of an odd move to make – the support, camaraderie and new riding experiences made possible by the team are excellent. It was a small matter of me not being suited to a lot of the equipment the team are […]
Overcoming Obstacles at the Briars Highland Fling
On the calm side of the finish line at the Briars Highland Fling riders are quick to tell anyone and everyone their tale of woe from the event. Cramps 30kms in, flat tyres (plural), dehydration following bad fluid calculations, feeling amazing then blowing like a volcano…. We’ve heard them all, but when it happens to […]
Fast, Fun and Flowy: Real Insurance NSW State XC 3
I raced the NSW XC Series in 2009 and 2010 and enjoyed seeing new trails and the challenge of racing well throughout the both series to hold on the women’s lead. I remember finding the racing really exciting, but also feeling quite nervous during the lead up to each event. I think it’s the words […]
The Reality of Racing
Standing on the start line for the Kowalski Classic I was so excited about the race ahead. I’ve been feeling really strong on the bike lately and was looking forward to a good, solid race. I joked with the people next to me about the frosty temps, peeled off my warm down jacket and looked […]
This bidon is not like other bidons…
It’s not often that a bidon is a conversation starter. I know this because I carry mine everywhere, and have done so for about 15 years. So imagine my surprise while, armed with a CamelBak Podium Bottle, I have witnessed not one, but several people interested to know more about it. This bidon is not […]
HED Winter Short Track and Cyclo-cross Wrap
In early August an email landed in my inbox that went something like this: Hey Bick Our next CX race is on 25-Aug, then the Nationals are the 29/30-Sept. If I can hook you up with a very sweet bike will you come and race? Pretty please. I’m not sure if it was the pretty […]
Mixed Teams Racing at the JetBlack/WSMTB 12 Hour
Mixed teams racing demands mixed teams tactics, most of which revolve around the chick. Can she bake good muffins? Is she quick off the gun? And, where it gets dirty, is she prepared to sit out a lap if the team is down a few minutes on the win. Working as a team when riders […]
Fun, Games and Some Good Old-Fashioned Rivalry
With only a couple of days now until the Rocky Trail JetBlack/WSMTB Sydney 12 hour race, anticipation is building. We caught up with Subaru-MarathonMTB.com team ring-in, Gary Harwood, to hear his pre-race thoughts and so he could tell us, once again, how pumped he is to be on the team. Naturally, we’re pretty stoked to […]
Postcards From Big French Mountains
“Grab your helmet and hurry up!” These the words that woke me from a much needed sleep. An hour later I found myself hanging onto metal railings, high above Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne, where Le Tour de France had made its depart earlier that morning. Sydney riding buddy, Yvoine McCort, who grew up in the area looked […]
Mountainous Appeal: The (Shorter) Dolomiti Superbike
The Dolomiti Superbike is a race has appeal in a way that is distinct from any marathon I have raced before. Like many races I don’t know much about, most of the appeal is let loose by the name alone: it’s big, it’s tough, it’s Euro, and it’s in a beautiful part of the world. […]