Ride before you buy part 2

The second bike tested at the Tokai edition of Bicycling's Ride before you buy was the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO 29. The bike could best be described as a Stumpjumer FSR on Performance Enhancing Drugs with the specific aim to provide a true trail experience all be it with wagon wheels. There are some subtle differences. The Head tube angle is slacker at 68Degrees, the BB has slightly more clearance and it sports a 140mm Fox Talas fork that can be adjusted more or less on the fly to 110mm travel for those longer climbs. The Fox Talas fork also have 34mm stanchions. The 130mm float has 32mm stanchions. The 34mm Talas provides additional stiffness which combined with the more robust Roval Traverse 28mm rims opposed to the 26mm rims on the Stumpy FSR. The handle bar is wider at 720mm and it also sports the Comand Seat Post, Specialized's proprietary dropper seat post system. Having not ventured into the deep dark underworld of true trail riding and the thought of doing more Gravity orientated riding has not even entered my mind before, this bike gave me brief glimpses of what would be possible. While being nervous on the technical descent on the Pyga, I was looking forward to the section on the EVO. The EVO made light work of the technical section and being able to carry much more speed into the section meant a much more enjoyable experience overall. I enjoyed using a dropper seat post for the first time and can truly see the merit in investing in this technology regardless of bike choice where bikes come with more than 120mm travel. The EVO really tickled places that was not tickled before while mountain biking and would be a worthy choice, provided that the buyer is willing to drop R50 000. It is definitely tempting though. Design: 8/10 Value for money: 6/10 Suspension tech and feel: 9/10 Overall 8/10 The overall experience was a surprisingly pleasant one in that the bike does what it is supposed to do very well, with the capability to bite off a lot more than what I am willing to throw at it right now. If my skills were of the nature that I was confident in doing more Gravity oriented riding this bike would have been a very strong contender for BC Bike Race.

Ride before you buy part 1

The venue for the Bicycling "Ride before you buy" outing was Tokai. Perfect in many ways for the bikes that I was to try out in that the short 4km couse offered a little bit of everything with short steep climbs, some twisty tight single track and some smallish drop offs with roots, rocks and the odd tree stump. First bike up for testing was the Pyga OneTen 29. Patrick Morewood's latest masterpiece. The bike tested was specced with Shimano XT all round with a Rock Shox Monarch RT shock, providing 110mm of travel and a Fox Float 120mm fork. Wheels were XT hubs on ZTR Arch Rims The bike seemed to climb reasonably well with only the slightest pedal bob with the Monarch on locked out. The rear suspension is built around a suspended damper that essentially lets the suspension "float" between the shock and the chain stays. I suspect that over time I would get used to it, but it didn't inspire confidence on the technical section. I had a small "off" in one of the turns with a drop off right before it, so for the rest of the technical section my nerve left me and I opted for a short portage. My Morewood Zula would gobble that section up and should i consider this bike, I would need to up my skill-set a lot to actually enjoy the bike. The attraction in owning a botique brand like Pyga is that you can build it exactly the way you want, and if you have high end components on a 26 inch bike you can easily put them over onto a Pyga to reduce your build cost. As built the Pyga would cost in excess of R40000 which is rather expensive for an aluminum bike. I rate the Pyga as follow: Design 7/10 Ride quality 7/10 Value for money 6/10 Suspension tech and feel 7/10 Overall 7.5/10 Summary: The overall experience was better than the individual aspects, meaning that it would not be a bad purchase. The rear suspension is interesting, but did not suite my riding style

Dreams to reality

Last year when my bike got stolen, I went on a mission to get a bike that I want for a while, Trek remedy carbon, 2011 9.9 model cause of it's colour.  Between search the classifieds and talk to the agents it was a miss. I "settled" for an Ibis Mojo SL which was great spec at bargain price.

On new years eve I spot a remedy on the classified. 5mins after I email the person I decided it will not be fast and good enough and gave him a call. I arranged to have a look the next day. 1 January 2013. After sleeping in and recovering from New Years activities I confirmed that he is home before I go to have a look.

I got there and the bike was standing in the sun. It is so stunning. High spec and so light. Checking the bike I felt the fork is not well be he did say it needs a service. That and some other things I use to after loads of negotiations got a price bit down. I felt I like a 5 year old on christmas morning.

The money was not really there to be spend but how do you say no to your dream bike becoming available after 6months of searching. My plan was to try and find one in Canada when there for BCBR but now it is not needed anymore.

The bike had an Crank bothers Joplin post on which is know for play in many places. All though it did not effect my ride after a few days use the seat did not want to stay up. I clean and stripped it( small service) and discovered I was leaking oil. Now I did not really use its function as I learn to ride technical with seat up. Off it go and my Thomson post go in. At this point the bike was weighed and tip the scale at 12.01kg for 150mm all mountain bike, WOW. Anyone that picks it up cant believe how light it is.

After some TLC on the fork the ride is great. I still need to get the fork settings dialled. The way it handle jump landings is like landing in butter. It is so smooth. Roots and small buts is handle great too.

The brakes on the bike is Formula R1 which is basically new, so much that the hoses have not been shortened to the correct length yet. The front and rear has 180 rotor. Now I'm use to 180 front but 10on the rear locks so easy, almost to powerful, has taken some getting used to.

Normally when you get a secondhand bike there is load to do to get it to your own requirements that your happy with. On this bike much. I had to get the fork serviced, brake hoses shortened, and put on some protective tape for rubbing. Otherwise the bike is great. At some point maybe want to put on a wider bar as 710 feel just bit small.

Getting the protective tape on the curves was challanging

After so riding with it I'm LOVING it. The Ibis got the back seat for now and here the problem as well.  Both bike is kind of the same things. Now I can make the Remedy I play/go crazy bike by making it bit more beefy, and make the Ibis the lightweight long distance machine. At the moment the only thing not really needed to change on the Remedy to be made play bike is rims. On the Ibis the wheels and fork is the heavy items. Not sure what I'm going to do yet.

Get some air on the Paarl DH course

The past weekend I gave in to some friend try to get me in to doing downhill event with them. Paarl DH course is not that long but it is hard work. On my 3rd run on practice day my conti rubber queen front tire decide to fail. Luck for my I have learn for others and my self to take a spare tire. The only one close enough for dh use was a 2.35 high roller, which in the end performed well. The bike handle great through the whole weekend. The owner was just bit scared of the jumps, not willing to risk it 2 weekend before my 2day Lighthouse to lighthouse race. The super light weight compared to dh bike meant I could accelerate much better and with soe hard pedal did not do to bad. Got 26/38 in open men class.

This is really a do it all bike. It pedals well enough and is light enough to do any long distance event, and cant take enough of a hit to do DH races at respectable pace. This is exactly what I wanted.

Next for the bike will be a new Conti Rubber Queen for the front and want to give Specialized Ground control a go for the back wheel. Also considering try to get hold of an DRCV fork. The DRCV tech in the back shock works great.

Bike spec:
2011 Trek Remedy 9.9 Carbon
Older talas lower with newer upper kashima coated and taper steerer
Industry9 hubs with ZTR355, 15mm front axle, 12x142 rear
Formula R1 brakes
XTR shifters
XTR direct mount front derailleur
XTR rear derailleur
XTR crank with bashgaurd and 36 middle blade
Thomson stem and post
RaceFace sixc handlebar
Angled headset 0.5 slacken

Busy end of 2012

Been I while since I have post. Last few months of 2012  was bit crazy. Lost of first and probaly last. So much happened I'm going to write a bit of each of the bigger things that happened.

23 September 2012 Karoo2Coast

With hand full of endurance events there was loads of training when not doing an event.
First was the Karoo2Coast. Was planning to train hard for it but then my fuelEx was stolen so training took a good dive. Got the Ibis and had some training. Rode beter than expecting. This only inspired to be back  in 2013 to go for that sub 4h as I had loads of traffic as I start in the second last group.
K2C Result
Distance: 95.21 km
Time: 4:39:16
Avg Speed: 20.5 km/h
Max Speed: 75.0 km/h
Elevation Gain: 1,890 m

13 October 2012 Mountain2Mountain Slanghoek MTB

Next up was Mountain2Mountain Slanghoek MTB. This is one of my must do event on my calendar. The people and vibe is always great and the route improve every year. This It start with a fairly flat but the surface was loose, rough and sandy which drains the legs more than one realised. Then up and around the mountain through Goudi to down some awesome technical single track. The was made bit longer than last year as it was to steep for most. Last year I had to have almost my chest op my saddle to keep it under control , so steep was it, but this much easier. Behind the mountain it is mostly long open gravel road and some vineyards road to get around. Once you turn left toward the tar road again a good bit of climbing starts till you reach the tar. Accross the tar and n short very steep climb up to a water point, that burn the legs, pedaling hard in granny gear. Nice water points and cold drinks make it a fun stop. This is where some new single track was made and you did not have a moment to relax as it turn twist all the time while you need to keep pedaling. No time for anything but pedal, turn and miss the little tree's. The race is only 872m climbing over 60km's but the route is one hurt you special if you are riding hard.
M2M slanghoek Result
Distance: 62.34 km
Elevation Gain: 872 m
Time: 3:01:25
Moving Time: 2:58:31
Avg Speed: 20.6 km/h
Max Speed: 48.3 km/h

27 October 2012 Training ride

Some how some people talk me into doing Coronation Double Century with mountain bike and nobbly tires. This is 203km's of tar. We knew it is something we had to do some training for. For one of rides went set of early  on saturday morning for a long ride. Montagu as many of the team lived there. Starting in montagu we went up Ouberg around down through karoo, koo, keisie back to montagu. We had a back car with water, snacks  and what ever one of us wanted along the way. I have not ridden this far before and was happy to have made it by took a bit strain in the end as we finish into the wind.
Montagu training
Distance: 134.11 km
Time: 7:16:38
Elevation Gain: 1,729 m
Calories: 3,093 C
Moving Time: 6:08:16
Avg Speed: 18.4 km/h

Avg Moving Speed: 21.9 km/h

Max Speed: 65.6 km/h

28 October 2012 Buffet Olive 

After the saturday long training ride I somehow go myself to the start of the Buffet Olive race on sunday morning. I thought 42km is not that bad, having forgot the this race climbing is like. The climbs was not easy and I could feel my legs was not happy. I was a hard ride but some sweet single track made up for the suffering. I cant remember much about this race, maybe my body did not wanted to be there.
Buffet olive
Distance: 42.00 km
Elevation Gain: 1,304 m

Time: 2:55:47

Moving Time: 2:48:16
Avg Speed: 14.3 km/h
Avg Moving Speed: 15.0 km/h
Max Speed: 50.2 km/h

2-4 November 2012 Wine2Whales adventure

A friend of my and his wife was going to do this but she got injured so he ask me to fill in.  I have do the event few years back so had a rough idea what to expect.
Day 1 Lourensford - Oak Valley.  We start very far back as we did not have seeding. I know this could be trouble for us as the technical trails we love is going to have lots of traffic and so we did. On a tight  and rocky bit people went so slow that me and Pieter got suck between rock with overlapping wheels, getting of different side cause both of us t go down. A silly little brach caught my bib and caused a nice big tear.

As the route crossed over towards hansekop some good climb was to be done before we got to the new tail made on magic mountain that contours around to gantouw pass. This could have been loads of fun but with so many people walking and not give why it was really spoiled. The attitude of the riders on this event was the worst i have ever seen. They walk in the middel of the single track and even if you ask nicely to space cause your riding they ignore you and in in the trail. After nudging past one guy as we wanted to ride he start giving us lip. Over the mountain with a nice hike a bike into grabouw mto. Here I expect so fun as I knew loads of the single track. Instead we zip zap all over on the jeep tracks. All in all day 1 was disappointing.

Day2 Oak Valley-Oak Valley. Jumping up a few starting groups after day 1 gave me bit of hope for day 2. Most of the route we knew so it could help to know where to relax and where to push on. Traffic there still was but not as bad day 1. The highlight if the was as we got close to lebanon single track we push on the get past the people in front. We had it open in front and we could go and flow down the single with loads of fun. When we start the single we could not see anyone infront, but at the end of the trail we caught a few people.

Day 3 Oak Valley - Hermanus. Last time I did this event if was a boring A to B stretch of open roads. Not any more. Head out from Oak Valley we once again got some horrible traffic with switchbacks going up and then down. Between this and the start was not much open roads for the bunch to settle. After botrivier some open roads again help the people spread bit beter. Crossing over the mountains between botrivier and hermanus they have made some single track that is nice with some technical bits in.  This made for a nice day 3 end. Getting close to hermanus we follow a trail running next to the hemel en aarde valley road. Here we got little traffic and open the taps only for me to clip a tree at good speed sending me flying. This only happen 30s after we have passed so riders. I crash got up and went on without them catching me. At the beach entrance I took another dive as my front wheel caught a log hiding in the soft sand. I nice bush caught me and gave me a soft landing. Now Pieter bit infront not knowing I pedal hard to catch him. The finish came just in time as I was tired.

All in all the event have potential to be AWESOME but the traffic just spoil it. So unless your fit an strong enough te be infront be ready to deal with horrible traffic.

24 November 2012  Coronation Double Century.

Like I said earlier I dont know why I was talked into it, maybe the endurance factor, could be could preperation for the one day's Transbavians. I'm not used to road events and they start EARLY. We where in group M and start 5h14. The starting weather was not to bad but we did not expected at all what was coming later on weather wise. 

The first few km's out of town we took really easy getting warmed up. Shortly after hitting the N2  one team mate back wheel got flat. He had a problem with it night before also but thought it was sort. 3 of us stop and rest went on, we will catch them. Quickly put in a tube and off. Putting on some pace but not to hard catching groups slipping a bit en then went on the next group. After a bit he back wheel went flat again and he said go. After a few km's we join our team again, but not sure if we are one down of if he would catch up. In the end he did not. 

Weaving through little towns with such friendly people always help to keep the spirits up as we head toward Tradouw pass. This was the first of the two big climbs. Going up was not so hard. We past number of road cyclist. Some words got exchanged between our team one other team, but the in the have beaten them at the finish of the event. 

Turning at barrydale we start to get hint of some wind that is not going to be fun. This was a long straight road toward Op de Tradouw pass. This was the second big climb for the day. Bit harder than Tradouw pass. The first refreshment point was just over the pass and came just in time for the legs to get a tiny rest. 

Form this point the wind started becoming stronger and stronger. Pushing on to get to Aston, there was a feed zone. Enter the zone your time would be paused and start again on exit but pause only for a maximum of 30min. Here we lost a second team mate. Her knee did not want to go on after the rest. The road between Aston and Robertson can only be describe as hell. The wind was really horrible and at and angle so slipping was and not much effect. On this piece of the road is the most negative i have ever been on a bike. I wanted it to end. Turn left at Robertson was second best moment of the event. Now wind from behind and even a little downhill. 30-40km/h without even a pedal stroke and the legs go little rest. Heading back toward Swellendam direction the road had little rises and falls but not much. Just before Swellendam is where the rolling hills started. This would normally be no so bad but the legs are shot. It had drizzled here and there on the event  but at this point it started to properly rain again. Even while riding I was so cold, I just want to get to the finish. Entering Swellendam I expect us to go down and turn into main rd, but instead we turn earlier and up another hill finishing on top of the hill. 

I did it 203km on a 140mm full suspension mountain bike with nobbly tires. I was extreamly tired but it felt like a victory. Knowing we have beat a number of road cyclist was a great bonus. It was my first DC and LAST!!! At times I was bored out of my mind.

Distance: 203.65 km
Time: 9:10:55
Avg Speed: 22.2 km/h
Max Speed: 63.8 km/h
Elevation Gain: 2,258 m
Moving Time: 8:25:54
Offical time accourding to event 8:44:52

2 December 2012 Die Burger

As I'm doing the road Argus for first time 2013 to see what it is al about, I did this as seeding.  Having done DC previous weekend I thought this could be not bad give I dont push myself to hard. I start in group E. How I dont know but ended up being the perfect group for me. In the begin it was bit chaos and everyone for himself till on the top of Helshoogte. Dropping down I tucked in to start passing people still sitting up. As the road started to flatten a bunch form. I catch the back of it and tried to keep up. I manage to hold on to the group, averaging 44km/h until they turn at the R45 towards Paarl. There they accelerate faster than I could and could not catch them. So i decide to  dial it back and wait for next group. Next group came and i was able to tag along. As we got to Paarl the bunch became massive as it caught up to others. Working myself to a place where I felt comfortable as the road took us around the back of Paarl. When I turn to towards wellington the bunch was gone. Just a few of us making turn at the front. Thought Wellington and a water point just after. Here I stop to catch a bite as now my energy I need was in my hydration pack. Snacked got some drink and on I went. I have not riden this part of the R44 before and knowing there is rolling hills I did not know how hard I could push, so played it safe. This is where many of the road cyclist past me. But I did not care. I'm a mountain biker at heart so I'm riding alone is not a problem.  R44 drop down a bit towards the N1 i took easy as I knew the Wiesenhof climb and Knorhoek climb is still to come which in the end was very easy. In Stellenbosch we turn up helshoogte road and next thing there is the finish. I'm happy with result but at the same time I felt I could have done beter if I was not playing it so safe on the R44.


Distance: 91.38 km
Time: 3:01:36
Avg Speed: 30.2 km/h
Elevation Gain: 998 m
Moving Time: 2:59:58
Avg Speed: 30.2 km/h
Avg Moving Speed: 30.5 km/h
Max Speed: 68.2 km/h

14-16 December Leeuwenboschfontein 3 day Fun ride 

This is one of my favorite events to end of the years. It is a fun ride, no timing. Also if you do the long or short depending how you feel the morning. It is a have fun weekend with your friend in middle of no where. No cellphone signal.  The routes change some what from the previous year. 
Day 1 was not much climbing but the terrain made that you pedal all the time. On one stage a bunch of us go bit lost as a unknowing farm work closed a gate and removed a signboard. In the end we found the way. It was really hot but it was to be expected, mid December in karoo. Not long into the race I got a tire cut where I had to plug my tire. The day end with an incredible nasty climb but the descending down is awesome and made the climb worth it. 
Day 2 is a day full of beautiful views but the get there is not so fun. The day had two big climb. The second climb was a 3km long with 300m up and surface was mostly loose rocks. I put the challange to myself not to walk any of it. Got to the top with only 3 stop but no walking. On top of the mountain is a big plato with lots of wild life. I saw Eland, zebra, spring bok and more, cant remember all. I remebered from last year the going back down was fun rock technical ride. Going down was so much fun until i had a hard crash. Somewhere with my hard aggressive riding a got a small cut on front tire and did not notice my tire in deflating. So and 35km/h on a sandy turn with speed bump my front wheel just did not liek it anymore and sent me flying. Knocking my knee on handlebar that my shifter and brake lever rotate 90 degree point to the air, stem turn on the steerer and flat tire. Oh also nice big patch of skin missing on my arm. 

Fixing my bike back up I could feel my knee was not happy. But I continue on. Back at base the medics put on what the call "staaldruppels". HOOOLLLYYYY S...... that stuff burns like one can not describe. Never again will it touch body. That night the knee got very stiff and sore and decide to bail for day3. Overall again a great weekend. 

Testing...testing!

Today I had the opportunity to test a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29. The brand new machine was delivered to my local Specialized dealer (Cycles Direct in Sunningdale) on Wednesday and I just happened to pop in to see if they have received the gloves that I have ordered. No Gloves, but they did have 3 brand new shiny machines that they will be using as Test Bikes. The Stumpjumper immediately caught my eye. I have been doing some comparisons on 29ers to see what spec is currently on offer from the main brands and have been looking predominately in the XC / Endurance segment as this is what I have always been riding. The Stumpjumper sports a Fox Float Evolution CTD 29 up front and a Fox Evolution CTD on the rear. Brakes are Avid Elixirs and the drive train is a combination of Shimano SLX and Shimano XT. Wheels are Roval 26mm with Specialized Hi-Lo hubs. The bike is also fitted with Specialized Purgatory and Specialized Ground Control Tyres on the front and back respectively. With Tubeless conversion and Shimano SPD pedals the bike weighs in at 13.3kg. Not bad for a 130mm travel trail bike with 29 inch wheels and an entry level spec. Higher specced bikes could go as low as 12kg. Setting up the bike was rediculously simple. I sent my Ergofit measurements to the Shop to set the seat post height and the reach from saddle to the handle bar. When I picked up the bike the shop fitted my pedals and set the rear suspension with the autosag function on the shock. The shock is pumped to 300psi and I simply sit on the bike while the excess pressure in the shock is removed by way of an outlet valve. This way the shock is set up perfectly for my weight first time. The scene of the crime would be Contermanskloof Blue route (with a bit of the black thrown in for good measure). I invited Werner along for the ride as he is an authority on all things with bigger travel. We cycled from my house to the trail start (about 15km of tar road). During the commute to the trail I managed to get a feel for the suspension and setup of the bike. It felt as if I was sitting more upright and higher off the ground than on my trusty Morewood Zula and I was also able to notice some pedal bob on the new frame. I set the rear shock from the Descend setting to the Trail setting and the difference in efficiency was noticable. I switched the setting from Trail to Climb setting and it felt very efficient here. On the short climb to the trail start I was also able to get a feel for the effect of an extra kilo and a bit of weight on the bike, but all this was forgiven when we entered the trail network. Contermanskloof trails have about 500m ascent on short twisty switchbacks mixed with short dirt road sections in-between. I climbed to the top of the trail with reasonable ease and with much more comfort than what I was expecting. The more upright posture and higher BB height meant that I felt more in control going up than before. At the top we got our breath back and with a flick of the front and rear suspension switches the bike was transformed from heavy-ish climb bike to rediculously fun trail bike. The riding posiiton was comfortable with enough room to get my centre of gravity lower on the more technical sections. I suspect that a dropper seat post would aid this as well, but it was not long before I was much more confident and was attacking the gnarly lines rather than simply trying to get over or around obsticles on the trail. The brakes were addequite and the standard wheels felt fine underneath me. The shifting was not as crisp as my SRAM XO Gripshifts and XX groupset, but at a third of the price of my own groupset I was not disappointed in the the ride quality of the groupset. The verdict: The Stumpjumper FSR is a solid trail machine with a definate stage race and XC potential for the rider that enjoys giving it a bit of air now and again. The weight and more relaxed geometry penalty fades from memory as soon as you hit the singletrack and have the bike in trail mode. It would be the perfect choice for BC Bike Race, but to be fair I would need to test the Specialized Epic 29er as well to get a fair comparisson between the two machines on geometry, weight and more importantly the difference in suspension philosophy by comparing the brain concept with the C(Climb)T(Trail)D(Descend) sysptems. Thanks to Cycles Direct for letting me test this very capable and versitile bike. I look forward to testing the Epic in the near future and will keep all of you in the loop on what my final verdict would be on the two. Keep the rubberside down until next time xGx

Oak Valley 24 Hours

The weekend past was again time for the 24 Hour race at Oak Valley. With its fast flowing non-technical single track and its short, but steep climbs it is perfectly suited for a 24 hour endurance event like this. The climbs were all in the first half and was roughly split into 3 major climbs of around 80 meters ascent each over the first 6 km. The next 5 would take you down the roller-coaster single track to the start-finish area, all to be repeated in either a solo race or in various team formats. After 2 solo races I was happy to join up in Warwick Levey's team (Falcon's Rest) with Emily Brink and Alex Joubert. All passionate mountainbikers that while enjoying what we do, do not take themselves too seriously. Warwick was in charge of the arrangements and communication to everyone. I had to arrange the food for the weekend, Alex organized sponsored kit and Emily managed to be the second car through the gate at Oak Valley to peg down a good camping spot for us. After setting up camp and relaxing a bit before the start, the racing started at 12pm. We determined a starting order to provide the slower riders in our team with the most recovery time while the faster riders were geared to keep the laps ticking over. Somehow I was elected as the strongest rider in the team and ended up doing 3 double laps to get to 6 laps for the team. We ended up doing 22 laps which we were all very satisfied about. Saturday was hot and windy with my Garmin maxing out at 41 degrees C and we all were mindful to moderate our pace and ride within ourselves to allow for us to keep something in the tank for Sunday's stage. We kept clocking laps consistently until about 3am and after a 2 hour rest I took on the fist shift in the morning with my last set of 2 laps. I enjoyed the team format and it felt really great to be part of a team that knew how to have fun while riding a good consistent pace throughout the event. Thanks to my team mates for a great weekend of riding our bikes, sharing stories and getting to know each other a little better. A big shout out to Riaan and Rochelle that supported us throughout the weekend. While we were doing the laps, you were running around to keep us happy and made sure everyone got fed and were ready for the next lap. The legs will be sore tomorrow, but nothing say great weekend like a good suntan and a smile on my face on a Monday morning.

New Years Resolutions

2013 is going to be huge! We all think so, I've got to believe it, otherwise I might just end up in the huge rut I was in at the end of 2012. During a much needed holiday in Europe I had a lot of time on the plane to reflect on exactly why I ended up with only enough energy for 10 of the 12 months last year. Work was stressful with loosing a key employee in April with no replacement to date, 2 new dogs at home was an adjustment and getting caught in the spiral of making excuses not to go ride, get to gym or go for a run got the better of me. The end result is that I picked up much of the weight that I fought so hard to loose last year, my fitness is at a very low level and I was generally unhappy about life as a result. Time out does wonders sometimes. I had time to work out what my goals would be for 2013. These include running a 2:15 Oceans Half, loosing about 10 kg's before BC Bike race and of course being in the best shape I could possibly be for BC Bike race. I have broken everything down into weeks and more importantly I have also worked on general daily targets for myself. These include getting enough sleep, accomplishing my targets at work every day, eating correctly and being focussed on specific outcomes when training. The first week went well. With my work collegues still on leave I could ensure that I ease into my workload and I made sure that I was eating correctly and that I started with my 2 Oceans running programme. With 12 weeks until Oceans I fortunately have enough time to train properly. I am also having to juggle my running programme with cycling as well. I consider Mountain Biking as my true love and running as a neccecary evil to get me to cross train. Fortunately I have a few fun events lined up to ensure that I stay fit and focussed on the Mountain Biking. These events are the 24 Hours at Oak Valley (I'll do a race report next week on this one) and Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse in February. I'll scan the calandar to see what else is on offer in March. Doing at least 1 race a month helps to keep the intensity up and also provides a real goal to work to. I have a few things that I really need to work on as well. These are working on my skills and confidence on the technical stuff, as my BC partner is really on a much higher level than what I am. The two goes hand in hand and perhaps some additional protection to start off with may help my confidence a bit. I am also considering getting some one on one technical coaching to help with some of the bad habits that have crept in over the years. I'll let you know if I have found a good technical coach and whether this have worked for me or not. I am also contemplating the move to bigger wheels. I am a firm believer that bigger wheels alone would probably not make much difference, but nothing motivates like new toys. Now to get week 2 going. Hope you all have a good one out there. Keep safe and keep it real!