So I take it for my use if I stick with the SPD system I should be fine?
Even if I buy a different brand of shoes and pedals if they are SPD compatible everything should be groovy?

I have a lot to learn

Yep. Should be.

Eastern hillclimb report.
Worked out really well. I managed to keep the pace under control from the start (held it at 19km/h) and slowly wound it up to 22km/h over the line which ended up a PB by a whole bloody minute.
I've always struggled in the last 2 K's on this hill but keeping the start speed down made a massive difference near the end. I'm usually going over the line at 15-16 km/h.
Just got to drop some more weight and I'll be flying up it. I've had a goal for this hill for a couple of years of sub 20 mins and todays 20:30? (haven't seen the official times yet, just the Cateye) has got me pretty close.
Thanks fellas... felt the pain and just kept going

Where did you place?

Not sure. I couldn't hang around much afterwards and they were doing presentations after the barbie/beer.
If they don't email the results tonight, I'll find out tomorrow at the crits.

Kotter, Hadley's has the Shimano SPD thongs. Problem solved.

No offense to Jock and his love of Look pedals, but you should stick with SPD. They'll suit your needs better. And you can get the SPD compatible shoes that look like a skate shoe. The sole is stiff enough to be efficient, yet compliant enough to allow you to walk in them.

Nah I will stick with cycling in shoes, this is the point where I do a crap load of reading about the different pedals.

Sh¡t, does that mean I'll have to pull my finger out and actually start training for something now?

Bugger.

How hard do you's recon the 50 would be for me? I can borrow a real nice ride from B&S.

Howd yu go last nite Jock?

dunno Berny, do you MTB much? It'll be a few hours riding, maybe 4 hours at 15 kp/h is reasonably good going.

I rode MTB's for years prior to switching to road but, I really didn't do much tech stuff, downhill or singletrack. I've ridden four RTA BigRides which are run mostly on sealed bitumen and dirt roads, on a C_dale rigid. This and my road fitness would maybe help some with endurance but I would probably be walking difficult downhill sections. I'm looking at it more as a social fun ride, not a race in any way at all and I have no qualms about quitting if it gets too tough.

Berny, if you're in... maybe Jock should get in?

well get that from B&S bike and do some training, see you there !

and suspension is overrated anyway

Ok, a few days ago it was a page about BMX, now you're all getting ready to do the DW 100? It's wrong I tell you, all wrong! I could never corrupt you guys this much when I wanted to, now it's happening without me.

And we should be heading out tomorrow.

I drank lotsa beer TYVM

Result in the pursuit wasn't as glamorous as it looked on paper. Left loads of time on the track, with everyone having plenty left in the tank at the finish. We shoulda had nothing left.

But the start was excellent, run was smooth throughtout, and on sched for 1500m. Not bad I guess, given that it was our first full-distance run together as a team. Maybe we'll get around to doing some training next year.

Which one of my bikes do you reckon would be best? I was thinking of the blue gitane, but then I could roll up on the raceline and enter the singlespeed cat.

Heading out where? Out to Oz for a holiday?

i was thinking more of your daughters pink number, complete with streamers and basket?

Ahem, referring to someone's daughter's pink number could land you in a bit of pain and suffering. You might wanna rephrase that! Especially as there are no streamers, and definitely no basket...








... not since i nicked 'em to put on my bike!

so what are the "paper" results? How'd the other team go?

only if your depraved enough to make that connection in the first place! so do you find the basket usefull for all those in ride snacks? is this the secret you used to get you through the alpine challenge?

3:48 for us. Our target was 3:36, and we probably should have done sub 3:40.

2:42 for the 5+ team who placed 6th, only a whisker outside a bronze ride off time.

ah well, there's always next year...

Yup. Good foundation laid this year, so hopefully two teams next year and training from start of the season.

You'll be an old codger next year won't you?

nope