2010 XC Nat Champs - BLR's Humble Efforts

Last weekend the XC National Champs again visited Wellington and our intrepid Bush pilots almost all lined up for the slice of the action and prestige.

We’d done a few laps leading up to it and all knew the course pretty well. We could ride it confidently wet or dry and didn’t care which way the weather went. As it happened everyone was treated to a proper Summer day and the trails were all dry and dusty.

In the morning race Bushlove was represented by Me, Goldfinger, Tiger and Slackshanks in M1 with THE CHAMPION in M2. We’ve already heard from THE CHAMPION. He had a steamer and dominated from the get go. Fantastic stuff. In the avo we had Sharpie and the Cross’ Bros.

Tiger

Took off like a shot. He’d done the training and was looking for a good result. A big tree read him his horoscope on the first singletrack. This knocked him back several places, but he got back in the game and hauled back up to the action with an epic effort. What a trooper. He came past me on lap 2, slipped in front and says “watch this” he drops three cogs and disappears. I got done by the Oldest Trick In The Book (you need to watch American Flyers). 6th place for Boner-T.


Slackshanks

Our muscled North Island Cup M1 Champion pretty much designed the course and romped around it. Big Boy didn’t enjoy the heat of the first lap pace, but soon got the wagon wheels spinning and moved up, no doubt dominating on the downhills and boosting the climbs good style on his home turf. I couldn’t hope to hold the Velodrome King when he passed me on lap 3 and rode off like he’d stolen something. A robust 9th for a Top Ten for Rickster.

Being an all round trail God, Slacky went out the very next day and snaffled the M1 Downhill Silver medal too. Add that to his NI Cup M1 series title. You can hear him jangling a km away now. He looks like Mr-T with all those medals.

Waghorn

Fresh from some extensive non-racing in the good old US of A, Jonny did his first ever race in M2. Maybe he could have got up those hills faster if there was a donut up there, eh Private Pile? Jonny no doubt rode the singletrack and downhill with aplomb, so looks like he suffered in the heat on those climbs. He even let lazy old me stick a whole minute on him. When Jonny loses some of those burger Kgs from the States, he’ll be back in the game. Despite letting me beat him, Jon’s time was still good enough for a satisfying 6th in M2.


Big Ed

Main man Ed, had a shabby run in to the Nats. After riding really well for a while and getting the training done, he was our lusty, handsome dark horse for a podium. A blazing Vegas Stunt Show and then a nasty cold cooled his heels though and when he braved the start line he wasn’t 100%. Ed did a few laps of brotherly wrestling with the Mailman before losing his mojo and retiring. An admirable effort. The DNF Wooden spoon for Ed though. He can use it to serve himself Sudafeds.



Mailman

After a Senior Men National title in his first year racing (which BLR claim retrospectively), Big Straight Al now races Elite. He describes his outing thus:

Right from the start of the day I was trying my best to make the day as difficult as possible with an EPIC FREERIDE RAMPAGE warmup crash. When the gun went to start the race, it wasn't much better: swamped at the start, riders unable to ride through a gate in an orderly fashion, people stalling in front of me, riders brake checking me when they spot a twig on the track. My legs obviously did not read the memo about this being the biggest race of the season, and decided they would protest that fact. Normally from here the story would be that I would write a story of self pity and possibly even call up the Wambulance... BUT I AM AN ANGRY STRAWBERRY BLONDE!

Coming back up to the Mt Vic saddle the home town advantage kicked in... the Bushlove fans! My legs made a weak attempt to convince me that slowing down was a good idea, so I dialed up a bit more pain to shut them up and get back into the race. Given I had already had my daily crash, I really let rip on the descents safe in the knowledge that I had meet my daily crash quota.

Instead of giving you a blow by blow account of how the race continued to unfold, I'll let this photo explain:


While I should be disappointed with my final result, I'm not - this was probably my best race ever! I bet Edwin (didn't care about the other riders, it's all about beating your brother for bragging rights!), rode the descents like a madman and crossed the line completely spent knowing I could not have gone harder!

The Bushlove fan club was amazing! Your support made a huge difference and made me push the pedals just a bit harder!

Goldie

Goldfinger won the M1 National title on a muddy Nelson course last year and gave BLR it’s first National Title. Here are Goldie’s tale tales from Saturday:

Was really looking forward to this years national champs race and even though i thought it was unlikely i would defend my national champ title from the previous year i was keen to give it a good crack. I had 2 races as a lead up to this event and did well in both so was feeling good about it.

I had`nt ridden the mt vic course so took the day off work and cruised down on the Friday and did 2 cruisey laps, was a bit greasy on the Friday morning so it was interesting but i did enjoy the technical nature of it, big ups to slacky and co for designing and adding a few extra tricky bits.

The masters 1 field was strong with several legends competing, cabin, hisky, jonty richie etc so was gunna be a tough day and the family made the trip down to watch so had to try and make a good show of it.

Got away to a pretty good start and set into a good rhythm, my only race plan was to not try and chase cabin as i would just end up blowing toward the end of the race, Settled into about 4th place behind tones (who is also in some great form) we hit some single track when suddenly tones spotted some good firewood or something and went about trying to fell the tree, because it was about a 50 year old pine the tree came off best. Made sure tony was ok and continued to ride solidly in 3rd place losing sight of cabin and a dude from timaru early, the bushlove cheer squad were superb and situated in the perfect spot edging us all up a nasty little pinch climb.

Was a little confused as the digital read out was placing me as 2nd masters1 man after each lap so i assumed the rider in front was leading the senior mens race but at the end of the day i was never going to catch him. Held on to 3rd place followed by silas cullen then hisky.

Was really happy with my result and my consistent lap times and hope to carry on some form to karapoti this weekend. Congrat`s to clive for his smashing M2 title and big ups to tones for picking himself up and riding his way back to a strong 6th position also davo for maning up and racing his single speed on such a tough course.

Monochops

Diesel Power Sharpe had a dodgy run in to the Nats. On top of a cold which needed antibiotics just a week out from the big day, a morning loop went awry when he went down hard on the course earning himself a busted wheel and a lot of grazing and bruising. He even recovered skin from around his stem’s top cap days later. Choice. The Bushlove Big Dog took the start line and steamed around his 5 laps, not as high up as I know he would have liked, but still gave a good account of himself, making up places in the second half to finish a fine 13th place in a field rammed with the best names in NZ XC.



Me

To justify my impending poor performance, I wore baggies and rode my singlespeed. That way everyone would think I was doing really, really well, even if I was totally out the ass. But if I did OK, everyone would be really surprised. Epic elite sandbagging. I did a good enough first and second lap but when I called the engine room for moar power on lap 3 and 4, I was given the finger.

I was really pleased with how I rode, except the uphills. I felt like I was doing trackstands most of the time and had to do a little shameful hiking on laps 2, 3 and 4 :o( 11th in M1 for me. One of us always has to get an 11th.

Wonderwoman

Ashley was chief marshal and did great. Probably the most lush marshal ever. Apart from maybe Peter Barnes.

Cheerleaders

We’d all like to give a big special thank you for the awesome job our cheering crew did. The noise every time we crossed Alexandra Saddle was brilliant. As soon as our helmets popped into view our cheerleaders and plenty of other friends in the crowd started yelling and it was a huge boost. Smokescreen families and partners were joined by Nicki, Megan, Paul, Orla and Mailman’s no doubt long suffering flatmate, Belinda, to add punch to the Bushlove cheering section. Thanks so much for spurring us on!


Well done to all Wellingtonion XC keeners for fronting up at such a tough event to give it a crack. Tom Bradshaw nearly got on the fast U19 podium, although his Dad, Ant, did make it onto M3’s. Wellingtonions were crammed into the Masters grades, showing that although many riders didn’t travel to the event from afar, Wellington has great depth in these catergories. Sam Sheppard got third in elite and won U23 which was awesome too. And of course a big thank you to the Godfather for bringing the Champs to Wellington again, doing a grand job and getting on the 2nd step of the M3 podium beneath the young Painting Man who intimidated with a new beard. It was great to see Cabin get the M1 title and then bridesmaid the short track on Sunday. Nic did a fantastic job of dominating the Elite Ladies race and steamed off the front for a magnificent win and her first (of many) National Title.

We rehydrated at The Southern Cross that night and the usual suspects were joined by outoftowners Cabin and Nic for celebratory beers and lulz. Clive of course wore his medal to the bar.

Looking forward to the Karapoti now. Only 3 sleeps to go…

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2x National Champ reports in.

2x National Champ reports in.

The training for the Nationals began in about December with some sifty laps (also known as my race pace) with Tiger , the Slackyboy designed course was as sweet as Keryn's lolly cake and would suit the Wellington riders well as it was nice and technical and getting to know how to run this sections with some pace was going to be a big advantage, so after 1,456 practice laps over the coming weeks Feb 27th finally rolled around.

Wellington laid on its usual beautiful sunny calm day and we all arrived at the velodrome for the pre race banter, I could see that M2 was stacked with some pretty good riders, Craig Lawn, Rob Kilvington, Chris Gaze, fellow Bushlover and soon to be 40 Johnny Waghorn and Karl Ratahi winner of the PNP M2 series.

My game plan was operation Shock n Awe, I knew I had some good hills pace so decided a through smashing up the road from the tennis courts was in order, put the plan into action as soon as the hooter rang and had a decent gap on the field by the first singletrack from there it was just try and stay on it and chase down Davo in M1 (for extra bragging rights).

The first lap went well, picking up a few M1 stragglers, I picked up Slacky at the start of the 2nd lap who hadn't had any breakfast and had been fixing everyones bikes till midnight, then spotted Davo ahead going up to the bench, I quickly yelled a warning that the 40 and overs where coming through and Davo capitulated, but did yell some nice encouraging words which spurred me on.
Up to Alex Saddle and the Bushlove support was tremendous, Trudi my wife (and official stylist of Bushlove racing) and Alex and Alana my kids where yelling out which really gets you going, awesome stuff, the Milf and Cougar along with Kiryan where also putting in great support for the riders.

Handlebar munching shot

Lap 3, I kept looking over my shoulders searching for the chasing riders but couldn't spot any much to my relief, had a stupid crash trying to be careful in one section, careful and MTB racing dont go hand in hand, I spent about 20 seconds just tryng to get back onto my bike handlebars around the wrong way I was sure I was going to be passed.

Into Lap 4, I still couldn't spot anyone behind so pressed ahead all the time little voices in my head where saying dont screw this up, each climb felt great as I knew it was for the last time, then over the rise and the finish line beckoned, to say I was stoked to win is perhaps an understatement, my first race in M2 and National Title , great start to 2010.

Big thanks to my bike widow wife Trudi for all the training she puts up with and my super kids for the support, much appreciated.

To top it all off I entered the Hill Climb champs on the Monday and took a footlong Sub of the Day and a National title back to the office for lunch.

A huge thanks to all the supporters on course and the marshals and organisers (esp Marco) and course designer Slackyboy.

Karapoti next..

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MTB Nationals Fashion Advice

Trudi (BLB1) official stylist for the Bushlove racing team has posted about how wonderful Lycra is for MTB Racers.

Lycra Rocks according to BLB1

Have a squiz.

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Coppermine epic au!

Billed as the Karapoti for those who can actually ride (not really I just made that up) I was really looking forward to the Coppermine epic. With 40k of big climbs, big downhills and some tasty technical riding what's not to like?

After a epically brutal week of night shifts I got a couple of hours kip on Friday afternoon then packed the car for the drive up to Nelson. Heading up through the Huranui then over the Lewis pass reminded me why I moved down South, its an amazing bit of the country. Truly epic. Arriving in Nelson pretty late the Colonel secret herbs and spices (and growth hormones, Mmm) called for some last minute carbo loading. As always in Nelson the day started perfectly with clear skies, sun and not a breath of wind. After getting lost finding the start (thanks search and rescue for pointing me in the right direction!) it wasn't long before I was lining up for the race start.

The race started with a grassy loop (which I dominated with my mad cross skills) then on to the Maitai river trail (where I quickly faded) before heading up a steep forestry road to the Dun mountain railway. For a history lesson czech out http://www.coppermine.co.nz/history.htm

This continued on to 3rd house where us epic riders turned left onto a mofo climb to Fringe hill summit while the enduro course kept going along the Dun walkway. Climbing to 793m it was a real test of the lungs and legs. Even in the granny (which is still an epic worthy 28t ) there was the odd bit where I had to leg it as it was a little greasy from recent rain.
As I approached the summit the tunes started and I met the welcome site of the Santa Cruz Fringe Hill bar. Beer was on offer and in keeping with bushlove style I went for a ginger.

From here it was onto Black Diamond ridge a technical, rooty slippy and generally awesome bit of track. For those Wellington riders think of a slightly rougher version of Mt Lowry however just like everything in the South island better. I thought I was riding alright till I had nice over the bars 180 pike giving the hinge a good bruising.From here the track joined back onto the Dun Mountain railway and onto the Coppermine belt. Quite a bit of work has gone into the trail since I was last in Nelson so it was big-ring climb up to the Coppermine saddle. From here it was all downhill on what was initially a fast flowing track with some epic draining ditches then on to a shortened version of boulder valley. After ~500m of epic gnar where a couple of locals gave me the good news the track smoothed out again to some lovely flowing native bush singletrack.

I gave the invisible bar ends and the big ring a good workout trying to catch them again but that boat had sailed and I crossed the line in 2:25 and a solid top 10 finish.

Well done to the organisers for a really enjoyable and well run race. Also a big up to Santa Cruz NZ for getting behind the race and even putting up a Heckler as the major spot prize. Gets the Bushlove racing seal of approval. To anyone who missed this epic race don't do it again as its probably the best xc course in NZ.

In other epic news I've been doing some other racing down South this year

The year started with the first round of the South Island series where I was bridesmaid to some punter called Justin Leov. My only consolation was he said I wasn't complete shit at downhill. No longer can Slacky mock me.

Next up was the x-stream, x-scenic in Timaru. I had a great battle with local Chch pro Dale again finishing second (if you don't count the 3 underage riders who destroyed us both). Not only was I showered in glory but also cash which I used to buy some beers and nachos overlooking Caroline Bay, EPIC.

Finally the good people at singletrack Canterbury have been running a local hill climb series which I again finished a distant podium in.

Everythings bigger in the South island. Czech out out fishes.

The KFC where I bought my first mountain bike from.

Today tomorrow Timaru. Pro XC hunting ground.

See you punters at Karapoti in a few weeks.

Nick

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Slacky's NI Cup round up

As the mighty Bushlove's sole competitor (save a token cameo by goldenshanks in Tokoroa)it fell upon my mighty track-building muscled shoulders to shower us in Glory
Despite many yearnings from within the ranks of Bushlove, seeds of dissension were sowed by many emailed bleatings and whinges about the nationals. Such things cannot sully my love of the nationals and the myriad of different track styles, and as such I alone stood proud at the finals with my mighty 4 point lead over Jonty Taylor in the much esteemed Master 1 category.

The first race of the NI series was in Tokoroa on a track partly designed/built by Mikey Northcott. Track was plenty of fun, with some madcore hucks and some XXXtreme northshore.
The old guys have to start in a wave behind the youngies in this race and as such we had to barge our way thru a heap of them racing up the long first section of track. Cabin was long gone and had like a half lap lead after 3 minutes. I smashed goldie for the first half lap, then felt sorry for him and let him past. Noticed the freak, sorry Garth, behind me on lap 2. In yet another kind move, I eased up on a slight downhill 4wd section and let him spin past. I sat behind him for a while, but couldn't stand of the sight of him, so let him go further up the track. My back was giving me a bit of gip but like the mighty Bushlove soldier that I am I get on trucking. Noticed another freak catching me on the last climb on the 3rd lap, but gapped him when I once again deathgripped the final DH and flew down over the jumps. I maintained a good gap on Marcello going up the fireroad, but once into the climbing singletrack, he gained on me, part cos I was climbing like shit with a knaff back, and part cos he was running up the climbs on his SS. Pulled a bit back out on the DH, and he pulled back anytime it went back up. Old buggar was riding hot. Up the last climb and I just buried it, went deep deep into the pain box, so he was 20m behind me by the top. Here I knew I was safe as wasn't anyway catching me on the final DH. I released my inner DH'er and hucked like mad with fingers nowhere near my brakes. thankfully I didn't even realise that he was in M2. 4th in M1, behind Cabin (burglar) Leishman, Jason (goldenshanks) Goldie, and Garth (Freak) Weinburg.

I tripped up to Hamilton with Young Cam, Younger Tom tom, and youngest Jonty, being over a decade older than everyone. We pre-rode the track and it was fun....ish. Not the best place to just ride, but I could see how much fun it was going to be to race.
I thought it was a tad disappointing that Paintrain was only able to field 2 racers at their home race. Poor form. Even I was able to get up and race, sick with the flu as I was(filled a shopping bag of Tissues).However on the start line, this time in a wave ahead of the grommies, some heady banter was had. The start whistle went and I displayed what the other racers where really there to see, my fat arse being in front of them. I decided to let young mr Earnshaw past, as I liked the pale blue top he was wearing, not cos he was faster or anything.
(blatantly stolen from RussS on Vorb)
I also let Focker form the paintrain get close, but not too close, cos he was a dirty Hamiltonian. For some 500 odd corners and 3.5 laps we held this position. However the flu was catching up with me and I was feeling it. I went wide on one corner and made love to a haybale. Unfortunately this stoppage cracked me and I had nothing. Shortly after Focker came past and I couldn't go with him. I did however limit the time loss, and trailed in behind him for the win on M1.


(blatantly stolen from RussS on Vorb)
Putting Bushlove on the podium where it should be. Young Tom tom got edged outa 3rd by a local on the last lap of his race, Cam struggled with no hills and a stuffed back, and Jonty managed a whole 2 corners on the first lap before taking him self out.

I ditched the boys for the Vegas trip and took a hot chick with me instead. Still suffering a bit from the flu the week before, I knew glory would still be mine in some form.
The Vegas track was heaps of fun and some nice wee tricksey bits, some cool jumps, cool berms and mad hucks.
This time we started with the grommies. This was not a problem as they all took off up the hill like scalded cats. I'm pretty sure I went backwards with the slowest start of my life. Garth was long gone, and I was sitting in 2nd. Jonty and Focker were somewhere behind me. Start of the 3rd lap and Jonty Taylor went past me, I stuck with him, not wanting the elastic to break as with him finishing behind me at each race by one spot, things where still tight for the overall. a few corner later and the elastic broke. He was riding a awesome race and I wasn't. Focker in M2 went past in the 4th and again I couldn't go with. going up the switchbacks the last time and I saw Jonty uphead stalling and flaffing. I thought to my self he's toast, hammer down and catch him. Only to find 3 sec's later that I was also toast and the speed I was going was it. Kept the hammer in on all the downs, and really ripped the last time down Exit trail, cos you just never know. Well I must have known, but luckily for Jonty his puncture happened right at the end and could stay in front of me. Freak 1st, Jonty 2nd, and myself 3rd.
This got me 1st in the NI series by a huge 4 points. Epic win.

Mad mad props to Mildie and Hamish and all the other people making this series awesome. they've been doing an awesome job. And mad props to the racers as well for showing up and making the races fun with competition. Shame on those who didn't.

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Support the Top Guns of Bushlove

You can spend all year training to be the Top Gun, but there eventually comes a time where you must put those skills to test on the battlefield. The men of Bushlove Top Gun are on standby, with battle set down for this Saturday 27th February. Our foes have flown in from throughout New Zealand. What will you say when your grandchildren ask about the Raboplus 2010 Mountain Bike National Championship Battle?

Latest intelligence says the combat is set to occur on the slopes of Mt Victoria. The best place to view the dogfights between the invaders and the brave men of Bushlove will be on the saddle of Mt Victoria (on the below map where the Mt Victoria tunnel crosses underneath Alexandra Road).


View Larger Map

We have managed to intercept the battle plans of the invading force and have our pilots ready, we can now share our battle plans with you.

At 1000 hours the first battle will commence – Code name “XC Age Group Races”

Squadron Masters 1 – Tony “Tiger” Keith, Ricky “Slacky” Pincott, Jason Goldie, Davo “Maverick” Aldred

Squadron Masters 2 – Clive “Angry” Bennett, Jonny Waghorn

The second battle of the day will commence at 1400 hours – Code name “XC Proelite”

Squadron Proelite – Dave “Monolith” Sharpe, Edwin “Fastest Man” Crossling, Alistair “Iceman” Crossling

Our intelligence informs us that the invaders jets (aka mountain bikes) don’t work well in noisy conditions. So make some noise!

Bushlove is also fighting off the invaders with other members of the PNP airforce, be there to support all pilots from Wellington!

More info can be found at www.mountainbikefestival.co.nz

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Sharing the Lulz - Beginners Outing at Makara

To add some flavour to the official Bike To Work day on Wednesday, Tiger Keith organised an introduction to the Makara Peak mountain bike park for some cobbers from his place of work/sleep, the Dept Of Trade & Enterprise.

Everyone met up after work at the Makara car park and Bushies, Wonderwoman, Angry and Davo joined in to help exhibit the finery of the Koru and Lazy Fern trails. They were joined by novice keeners; Rachael, Bex, Emma, Mike, Sunil, Richard and Carrie.

Although the trails are designed for beginner level mtbers, the Bushies were slightly nervous and amused to see that Bex had a large town bike with 1 inch semi slicks, and Emma had slicks on her mtb. "Whats the worst that could happen?" they asked themselves. Once the images of rescuing people from underneath their town bicycles had been pushed aside, we headed down the trail and over the bridge onto Koru.

Everyone rode really well especially Bex on her epic 29er machine. She was right up front - Go you good thing! Rachael had a spiffy brand new Trek and she was loving getting it off road too.

We cruised up Koru to the skills area for a play. Davo did some poorly executed 3 inch jumps and many dudes and dudettes had a crack at the see-saw. It was drizzling quite a bit, but this failed to dampen anyone's enthusiasm and the group headed round to Lazy Fern for the epic rampage back to the car park.

Everyone loved Lazy Fern and the switchback corners and once everyone got into the rhythm the damp summer air was filled with 'whoops' and 'woots' as our intrepid new mountain bikers experienced some great downhill singletrack - the real mtber's crack.

We finished off with some banter and feesh and cheeps. A great evening's entertainment.

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Valentine's day in Rotovegas

With the final round of the N-Duro Summer Series being on the same day as Valentine's day, you would think all the romance would be put on hold for some bike racing. But Bushlovers know how to ride their bikes with the same passion they… (this sentence has been removed for the safety of innocent minds)

Now this year Cabin has taken on the responsibility of designing the N-Duro courses. It would be fair to say he left the best till last – good job Cabin. With all the usual suspects present and most riders being in pretty good form (with the nationals just around the corner), this all combined to create a great race. To get into the Valentines spirit, the trails were warm and damp… hurr hurr…

So lining up for Bushlove were Mono, Goldie, Mr Al and Mr Ed. It turned out to be a successful day with Mono, Goldie and I all having great rides. Unfortunately Mr Ed is still not 100% after his failed stunt attempt from the first race, so he has to now suffer the gloating of his brother who bet him on the day. Oh yes, I have been letting Edwin know!

Mono cruised round in true sifty fashion for a pretty impressive 4^th place (behind Mikey, Cabin and Stu). Goldie stormed round to also go top 10 with an impressive 8^th place that will strike fear into his fellow M1 competitors for the upcoming nationals. I finally had a race I couldn't moan about, rolling over the line in 11^th (someone from Bushlove must always take the 11^th place, it was my turn this time). Despite not feeling that crash hot (no pun intended… or is it?), Mr Ed also finished in the top 20.

This race also saw the debut of my new racing wardrobe. Being a metrosexual strawberry blonde, I must look my best no matter what.

And the week didn't go without its romance. Being the true gentleman Mono is, he boldly stole Cabin's latte for his lady. Cabin didn't even try to steal Mono's coffee for Nic. I think Nic needs to have words with her man.

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Godfather Of Wellington XC

In addition to his recent profile in Spoke, Wellington's Godfather of cross country mountainbiking got an article in Hutt News.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/hutt-news/3333775/His-commute-a-total-beaut

Godfather is responsible for the excellent PNP Spring XC Series and bringing the National Championships to Wellington, amongst other things.

He is also responsible for rule-breaking atrocities like wearing boxers with his running shorts.

Good job Marco!

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Office Workers Break Free in Wellington CBD!

One great thing about living in the city is the proximity of Mount Victoria's singletrack for the odd cheeky lunch ride. There is sometimes a good few of us, but with Angry forgetting his shoes, T-Rex forgetting his bike, and BGA licking stamps it was just Toner-Broner and I for the lunch ride today.

We did a very warm lap of the Mount Vic race course. Instead of doing two laps, we indulged our feminine sides with some post-climb gasbagging to take up the time instead. Tones was out on his singlespeed for a change and did a good job of bettering me up most climbs.

Turns out we climb our singlespeeds much like we make love. Tiger doesn't like to chat, and raises the pace to ensure he finishes first, claiming "I just can't go that slowly". Whereas I am a steady grinder. Happy to exchange a few pleasantries and more than happy when I am beaten to the summit.

The Mount Vic race course which has been designed for the National Champs at the end of February, is a real cracker. Lots of very good singletrack, including some new bits thanks to the Godfather and handy Bushies, Al and Slackboy. It has the cracking little Badminton Hall singletrack and the fabulous Ski Slope among other little trail gems. It also has a few beastly climbs, but luckily they are not that long, and its probably only me who finds them beastly, as I am 10kg more than everyone else on the team. Except Slackshanks, but he carries most of his weight in his calves and biceps, which is actually useful for trail building an destroying people round the velodrome on the first lap.

On the way back we decided to cruise along the waterfront, where we hoped not to have our progress hindered by too many skimpily clad, busty lovelies.... The plank near the rowing club looked too good to pass up. I only had my rad Top Gun grutz and T-Bronnar had to suffer the indignity of disrobing in front of the assembled bridge crowd and unshouldering his bibs, which to the non-cyclist are the very height of gay.

Tigs wowed the crowd of slightly underage girls and overweight office workers with a stunning back flip and I performed a conservative accountant's dive. I lost my Maverick grutz off one leg in the water but luckily hooked them on my toes with the other.

The water was lovely. Summer is here at last. "Nothing like Wellington on a good day". Of course it crapped out again today and I wore my down jacket to the shops.

Davo

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Return to Vegas

After the failed canyon bike jump by Stuntman Ed in the last round, it was time for Bushlove to make amends at the second round of the N-Duro summer series.

This round saw the much talked about debut of Toner Broner with his ginge Turner… sorry it’s not a ginge bike, I’m told it’s COPPER (yeah and I’m strawberry blonde!). Joining him would be Dave Mono Chops Sharpe and the Metrosexual Strawberry Blond (not Ricky, me). It was shaping up to be a good old proelite dance off.

Being a proelite racer means you must do all things proelite. This meant proelite pie eating in Levin (Tiger thought he’d shout everyone a pie, but ended up eating them all). Levin witnessed a proelite pie massacre on Friday night – and Davo wasn’t even involved! After such a proelite dinner, it was time for some proelite karaoke. I was unchallenged as I belted out Britney Spears and Rihanna as we rolled along the Desert Road. Don’t worry what you heard was not a cat being tortured, it was proelite karaoke at it’s finest.

Eventually we rolled into Rotorua, but did not arrive at our lovely accommodation (thanks Helen and Dean – many apply for the honour, but Bushlove only stays at five star accommodation like theirs) until Tiger had found a KFC. KFC was closed, so we went through the McD’s drive through where Tiger tucked into an upsized combo (but with diet Coke as he is an athlete of course). Our hosts Dean and Helen almost sent out the search party as it took us an hour from arriving in Rotorua to actually get to their house. But if Tiger wants fast food, we must obey his instructions.

Saturday was a busy day for Rotorua. The place didn’t just smell like rotten egg, Ragga Muffin was in town so it also stunk of weed. Without Reggae Ricky, we had to pass on that event and go for a mountain bike ride instead. All had a perfect day out on the trails as we sifted around.

Roll on Sunday: race day! Cabin had put up a solid course with plenty of hills in the first half and the addition of a secret little track: Doctors Orders (lots of drifty, rutty fun!).

We all got off to a good start with Mono leading the way. Towards the top of the course, I decided that I should go appliance shopping and picked up a fridge. It made for difficult riding as I rode round the course in a not-so-proelite fashion.

Tiger was racing his ginge Flux for the first time and was making a good job of it. It must have been his lucky race number 11. He was the second fastest female after getting passed by the winning women near the end. Unfortunately for Tiger, he did not take a wager on beating me - so while I got smoked, Tiger still owes me a bike clean

Meanwhile, Mono was cruising around in a leisurely fashion picking up a 7^th overall for his troubles. He also brought extra glory on Bushlove by wearing the singlet and stubbies combo onto the podium. Wannabe proelites should take note; this is the proper attire to wear on the podium.

Fastest Man was also in Vegas, but hid behind his smokescreen (Mariska) all day. No mad stunts for Mr Ed this weekend, but he will return and promises to land the first triple back flip on a mountain bike before this season is over.

The third and final N-Duro race is just around the corner. Valentines day will see Bushlove send up another team of lover boys to make out on the Rotorua single track. Stay tuned for a romantic Valentine’s Day special!

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Karapoti Loop - Akatarawas

Tiger was pushing for a Karapoti loop to get the route in his head before the big event on 6th March. Much like Tiger's johnson, the group was small but distinguished, and at 8.40am Me, Tigerbroner, Cam Wood and Lanky Tim Wilding headed off from the trail head.

The weather was actually very good. Not too clear, but warm enough, and no rain. The rain from the previous couple of says meant that all the way to McGhie's Bridge was a puddle slalom, and we figured the ruts later on would be pretty deep too. Fortunately I spurned fashion and rode with my front and rear Crud Guards ftw.

I was pretty chuffed at managing to jog with the SS all the way up Deadwood without a pause. But then was told it was Warm Up climb and Deadwood was next. Tones and Tim rode Deadwood pretty well but Cam and I struggled for traction and gears and took the leisurely hiking option.

After hammering along the rollers we stopped for a feed at the top of the Rock Garden. We stopped for a bit to check out some lines on the first rock drop. The left line was steep but straight forward and Tim and Tones took that one, but it did nearly fully compress their forks. I had no shock so figured that line would compress my arms, shortly before I compressed my mug into the rocks.


We tried the right line too which once you lined it up was pretty good, although easy to grind yourself into the mud bank, as ably demonstrate by Tigs and Cam, although sadly split seconds after these shots.



Next up was Devils Staircase. This was the only time on the loop I could keep up with Lanky and Tigs. My SS is lightish and easy to carry, and I don't mind being on my feet. I reckon how you tackle this climb has a big effect on your race time. IMHO it is worth including some hard yacker carry climbs in your training if you want a good time. Otherwise your bikey calves might shit themselves. Know how best to carry your machine too. Special mention to Tigerbroner - He aced some very hard, steep, technical sections on Devil's in the saddle, and made it look easy. Nice work.

After another feed and no small amount of jawboning, we headed along the next rollers and Big Ring Boulevard. After making waves across the river, we started plugging away up Dopers climb. The boys rode off and I proceeded to walk about 95% of the climb and had to nail a couple of gels as I became more feeble.

How I look while walking Dopers.

It was great to get into the descent back down to the valley and slalom some more puddles back to the trail head. While changing, everyone was very jealous of my new grutz. My brother Jim sent some Top Gun grutz from the UK as a Christmas pressie. I have 'Maverick" across my ample arse. Not gay at all.


I think rides with rivers and creeks are always more rewarding.

A good ride. Including generous feed and recovery stops we did it in 4.5hrs. Conditions were no worse than normal, which was a surprise. Apart from harmless puddles the track was riding great. Maybe I've just never ridden it in good conditions? I'm looking forward to heading back with some gears as I'm not able to make a dent in the Karapoti climbs on my 34:17, and am too pompous to reduce the ratio.

Chalk and cheese.... mmmm, did someone say cheese?...

We had another feed at Macca's before heading to the Bike Hutt for a nosey. Mike had a big range of machines to perve at and I fantasized about having one and not finishing my rides at the back of the bunch with sore wrists. Mike also had some interesting steeds including an oldish school Yeti DH with Shimano Airlines shifting, and one of those Belt Drive singlespeeds from Spot Brand. Czech it out next time you are passing through Upper Hutt. I also learned that there are some mentally (but clearly not physically) challenged individuals riding CX bikes at 'Poti this year. Good luck to them!

Another weekend, another cracking outing.

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Evel Ed Knievel

This weekend saw the Bushlove stunt team head up to Vegas for some skids at the first of the N-Duro Summer Series races. Angry Clive, Mono, Mr Ed and I lined up for 45km of good old fashioned skids and wheelies in the Whaka-something-or-other forest. Rotorua is not blessed with the balanced climate of Wellington, so the trails were exceptionally dry and dusty.

As the race began it became pretty obvious that you didn't want to follow someone who loved their rear brake. I unfortunately got one such character for most of the first few km's of singletrack, which made for interesting times. Is there are corner or drop coming up? Who knows, all I can see is a dust cloud. The added advantage of this loose dusty surface was the lulz to be had whenever you hit a corner, or in some cases it wasn't funny at all and you just hit the deck. Add in a bit of overgrown blackberry and arms and legs were going to get a scratching...

Blood on the Turner... it was a tough battle!

Not to be out done by silly skids and drifts in the dust, Mr Ed decided that it was time to step up the stunts and attempted the leap of death on No Brains. For those who have not ridden with Mr Ed, you should be aware of his riding style: Death or Glory!

Mr Ed attempts his jump and ends up looking like...

Lucky for Stuntman Ed, good sports Ash Hough (Ash got to witness the whole stunt) and Mono were on hand to help him out. He had a bit of a sleep just after his failed stunt, so wasn't looking to good. Luckily the latest news is that Ed is relatively undamaged and will be back on his bike in no time.

As for the Bushlove stunt men who kept their wheels on the ground:

Angry has a storming ride to win the Masters

Mono and BGA spent most of their race day helping the wounded (both bikes and riders), so didn't get the results their fine pedigree entitles them too...

In a fortnight, stunt men Evel Ed Knievel, Mono, Tiger and BGA will be back in Vegas. Ed will attempt to jump his bike through a ring of fire!

See you in Vegas for more skids and lulz!

p.s. Ed is actually quite lucky and relatively unharmed considering how big a crash he had. A big thank you to all those who sent messages of support and a big thank you to Ash Hough, Mono and the N-Duro team for doing a great job helping Ed out.

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Breaking News, Bushman down!!!

One of the Bushlove riders has had a major stack in round 1 of the NDuro Series. Suspected broken eye socket, currently in hospital.

Watch this space for updated info!

Reporter: "Eye Of The Tiger"

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Update:
15:10
Fastest Man
Latest news: Just KO'd himself and has a decent black eye and some good grazes.
Can't keep a Good Bushlover down.

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