The second instalment of the Real Insurance XCM powered by Cyclenation series took riders to the sweet trails of Sparrow Hill, Kowen Forest, Majura Pines, and the world class Mt Stromlo Mountain Bike Park. There was much discussion before the race on expected temperatures on the start line and what the best strategy for clothing […]
XCM One – Done.
The first installment of the 2012 XCM Series, brought to us by Cyclenation and Real Insurance, was a fantastically well-run event and a perfect introduction to the most anticipated marathon season Australia has to offer. The Wombat 100 by Maximum Adventure took in the singletrack in the Woodend & Cammeray Waters regions, cleverly linked together […]
Get set, 2012 marathon season launched.
With only days till the Real Insurance XCM Marathon Series kicks off for 2012, there’s a definite buzz around the trails of NSW in anticipation of the country’s biggest collection of marathons. Those looking to compete in each event will soon be treated to three marathons, in three different states, in 13 days, thanks to […]
Adrian Jackson dominates Bike Buller opener
Blue skies, groomed singletrack, and mountains welcomed 400 riders for today’s first stage of Bike Buller. The 50km stage was made up of 4 major descents followed by equally steep climbs. To be expected, the pace was hard and fast from the get-go with small groups forming up the first major climb. There was a […]
From Marathons to Stage Racing – Mount Buller
After a spectacular Kona Odyssey which now tops the ranks as my favourite marathon, I am spending the next three weeks in anticipation of my first stage race, Bike Buller. As far as providing the best possible introduction to stage racing, the guys at Rapid Ascent have thought it through well. Many stage races across […]
Subaru-MarathonMTB.com team bike – first impressions.
Preparation for the Kona Odyssey has been ticking along smoothly. Not manic, but smooth and steady. The La Niña weather pattern in Sydney recently has resorted the training regime purely to road miles upon road miles. I’m told road miles early on in the season forms a great base and with any luck this will […]
Path to the Kona Odyssey
Inspired by Pete’s journey to the Kona Odyssey, his first epic marathon, I felt it fitting to compare experiences leading up to arguably Australia’s hardest marathon. Two regular guys taking on the Otway trails in hope of glory. Ok, maybe not the glory associated with winning, but glory of having a great day out on […]
Maxxis Ikon Tyre Review
The Scott 24h and the 5th installment of the Singletrack Mind Series at Mt Annan a few weeks prior both left me with the need to wrap some new rubber around the Spark. I had been using Continental Race King Race Sports as tubeless, without much success. Whilst super light and fast, leaky sidewalls had […]
Tate Dogan: Flinging Observations
The 7th edition of the Briar’s Highland Fling was everything I expected it to be: hilly, hot, and hard. Whilst it was warm, temperatures were significantly more bearable than last year, which made for more enjoyable riding, especially at the back-end of the race. I had set myself a plan of a sub-5h time for […]
Highland Fling: Final Showdown
In a time where mountain bikers are being blessed with races with events held across the country almost every weekend of the year, there are a number of marathon races during the year which are a must do for any mountain biker’s calendar. Four of these increasingly popular events have formed the basis of the […]