Quantum of Solace

Yes it's a bit corny, but being a James Bond fan I just couldn't resist the pun on this title and the reference to our awesome team Quantum Racing.  The last two Saturday's have played out unexpectantly with two huge epic rides and not only have they been immensely enjoyable, but the fitness and strength is coming back too.  The first one last week was a 188km tour of South West Sydney, taking in the M7 Cycleway, then taking a loop through Wallacia, Warragamba, Picton, Menagle and back to the start at Bella Vista.  Michael, Jindra and I had a great ride that day, the conditions were perfect and we even had some energy at the end for a few fun games of attack and chase.

Parked at Warragamba Dam - no riding the security guard said in case we somehow inexplicably crash in the hand rail on a 5m wide path, go figure

The view from above Picton - quiet roads, green hills, lot's of sunshine

Today there was certainly no Solace as Ondrej and Alex joined the party, and Ondrej turned up the pace very early.  The ride was the famous Oaks-Ingar-Andersons-Oaks return loop right on 100 km and well over 2000m elevation.  We had a slight false start with a dodgy tyre, so whilst Jindra and Ondrej sorted that, Alex, Michael and I took a little reccie of the single track with fresh legs.  Once we all came together again the pace was on.  Ondrej, ever talking up his form, backed it up with a pace that left the rest gasping.  Michal, the poker face, kept his cards close to his chest and even better, kept Ondrej honest.  Jindra is the quiet one in the pack, you get the feeling he is just waiting for the perfect moment to jump out of the saddle and slay the bunch.  Alex, who is more my vintage rode like a trooper today and should be very happy with his form.

For me I was stoked to finally conquer the Ingar climb, but by the time we reached the highest point of the ride (also the halfway point) I knew I had burnt too many matches and the return leg, which still has heaps of climbing, would boil down to a lesson in suffering.  Either I was tired, or we had set a scorching pace up to Boddington, or both as it turned out.

I dont think I'll ever forget the climb coming back out of Bedford creek, at that point I could barely walk let alone ride, but the guys were there patiently waiting and happy to see me finish the segment.

In my mind the option of the train back to Glenbrook was being contemplated, but once we reached the Oaks trail again, I knew I could make it, I'd just have to suffer a little more.
A bit of luck for me, unlucky for Alex who punctured, but thanks to Jindra who helped with the repair, whilst I made for the exit as fast as my broken legs would propel me.

Finally the new bit of single track that replaces the old rocky goat track is an absolute ripper, and tired as I was, I enjoyed every metre.  Nice one WSMTB and National Parks.

It was another perfect day and we had a very strong crew, with Ondrej and Michal compelting the riding in around 4:30.  great training for them and the rest of the team for the Croc Trophy, go for it boys and thanks for a really unforgetable ride.  Maybe my legs will thank me in a few days time

Keep Riding
Mike

Oaks Epic April 12, 2009

Perfect weather greeted 7 determined mountain bikers early Sunday morning for an epic tour of the Blue Mountains. The planned ride taking in the Oaks, Ingar and Andersons trail would clock up an impressive 100km, the perfect hit out before the upcoming Dirtworks in a few weeks time.
Ben and Mike led the group up the initial climb, though it wasnt long before our first of 5 punctures of the day announced it's arrival with a predictable pssssshhhhhhh. Turns out Simon had decided to test out a new tyre design with ventilated sidewalls. A quick repair and Ben continued to lead the charge with Steve and Mark in hot pursuit. Pete was having a quiet day still wincing from the gravel inflicted damage from a recent road ride and Greg was left to huff and puff his way up the hill.
Greg and Mark turned back at Woodford to leave the other 5 to forge ahead. The next stage winds down toward's Murphy's Glen which brought back memories of Sunday School picnic's I attended as a child growing up in the area. I cant think of anything funny to say about that, which might be a good thing, but I am sure if you are still reading you will put some suggestions to me at this Friday's Fatbuster.
The road steepened as the made our way down the creek, and while the descent was a heap of fun, it was difficult to ignore the nagging voice at the back of my head whispering "haa haa you gotta climb this sucker on the way back!"
Crossing the creek in the picturesque gully it was time for the hardest climb of the day that never really levelled off until Wentworth Falls, but by that point we knew we had the worst behind us. Now Anderson's is a must see trail as a mountain biker and having never ridden it, I thoroughly enjoyed the gradual descent of double track, the smooth sweeping corners that culminate in a brake burner of a descent back down to the creek. It is usually around this distance into a 100km epic that you discover whether you are going to make it or not, or more precisley if you have eaten enough.
The climb out didnt seem too bad and what would have been a full day's ride as a 12 year old on a BMX was a simple transition back to the head of the Oaks trail. A good break here for some much needed food and drink to get us home. Steve greedily gulped down a Red Bull and a Cadel's trail mix while the rest of us look on enviously, but he paid for this cruel gesture later with a puncture.
Hell's Corner is a nasty tight left hand off camber corner that appears out of nowhere, and has seen many a would be rider cartwheel off into the bush, but once that obstacle is negotiated it's full steam ahead on the hard baked clay trail.
The final section of single track is the best of the ride and after passing a few slower riders, the five barrelled down the trail with Mike pushin gthe pace as quickly as he dared. At the half way point we paused as Steve came up with the quote of the day"I was glued to your ass and couldnt see what was coming but it was unreal!" This was followed by an brief moment of silence as we all contemplated the meaning of his words and agreed the best course of action would be to fix his slowly deflating tyre.
In the end it was the call of the cafe with coffee and the best chips that money could buy that got us back to civilisation. A great ride was had by all.
Keep ridingMike I