Ramblings of a racing addict

So here it is..... My new toy/race weapon. The 2008 Gary Fisher Superfly. I love it. Sitting at about 10.4kg as you see it. Full carbon frame. SRAM X.O drive train, and big 'ol 29" wheels. Eagle eyes will spot I'm running the 'Crow' tyres from Stans. Pretty much bald but amazingly grippy when run at low pressure.

Bike still has to have its race wheels added (Stans wheels + rotors) that will drop quite a lot of rotating weight.

Oh, and not to the "Ride Clean" graphic. I still think "Dopers Suck...." But figure ride clean is a slightly more positive message?! I'll be running the matching socks throughout the year.

It's Monday, so I am back at work. This, is actually a good thing. Means I finally have time to slow down a little. Things have been rather hectic and a wee bit stressful since my last posting!

 Thank's to Jenny Smith for the nice posting on her and Brian's blog re-introducing my participation into the interweb world. Despite her comments I've actually been pretty restrained as of late so far as reigning in my addiction to racing nonstop. Have only raced 7 times I think since I got from Germany later in September. All that however will change shortly as things kick into gear. Like this weekend for example. 3hr MTB race Saturday, NZ Sprint Tri Champs Sunday. Should be nice training huh?!

Anyway, whats been hectic and stressful?

After Monday's Karapoti incident, Nic decided she liked spending time in A&E so much she try some more. So after a Nic + bike, versus a Truck incident on thursday (which the truck won suprise surprise) there was quite a bit more time in Palmy Hospital. Smashed thumb, and deep knee laceration...... as a physio she isn't gonna be working for a while. She is coping remarkably well however.

Around that I had some long days fitting in training sessions either end of the day. Got a mint 3hr MTB ride in Saturday, before taking in 1st race of local Tri series on Sunday. 5.5km run, something like 26km bike, and a wee 400m swim was a nice blowout. Clocking in 1hr05 I was happy enough with a comfy win.

Then rushed off in haste to Woodville to catch the action at the NZ MX GP. Haven't managed to watch that for years so was great to see NZ's best (some of the Worlds best in fact) ripping round the dirt. It was rather inspiring, and has hatched a couple of new plans that could soon complicate my event calander..... I'll keep you posted as further news comes to hand.....

 So I'm back at work on what is a stiffling hot day, and thanking my lucky stars I now have an office job and airconditioning (can't believe I just said that!). The past weekend was a 3-dayer for us in the lower Nth Island due to Wellington anniversary day. So after some good training, chilling out, and a coaching clinic in Wellington...... we figured what better way to spend a public holiday than a nice 'cruise' around Karapoti? Great chance to let Nic know what she's letting herself in for in March.

 It was all going well, and I was loving my 29er. Smooth over the rough stuff, and climbing like a mountain goat. All well that was until the last decent, where Nic momentarily had a wee concentration lapse, and had a wee tumble. Unfortunately Karapoti is not so forgiving.

 Check out the below pic. Being able to see bone, and tendons moving isn't usually a good thing. The rest of our day was spent in Hospital as we awaited further assessment, then specialist treatment to clean, trim, and repair the wound. Mmmmm...... (and yes, she's still smiling)

And here I was thinking off-road disciplines risky. Here, from the international sports photos of the year for 2007, is exhibit A as to why Track and Field might not be such a good idea. Think I'll stick to the dirt thanks