Melburn Roobaix - Campagnolo Super Record Hoods - Wee Colnago

Late mail

http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2009/03/the_new_zealand_pursuit_team_of_from_left_jaime_ni_1436390134.JPG

MELBURN ROOBAIX

Last year was probably the BEST edition of Melburn Roobaix for many reasons. A massive field of 350 (and 50 stragglers), great weather, great prizes, and an amazing route.

So in planning this year's event it's in the back of my mind - how could it possibly be better?

With our own MAP this year, the route is not limited to the boundaries of the Travelsmart map used previous - and it extends past the boundary on three occasions!

Ugly, MR Chief commissaire has been scouring some prime pave sectors - and I'm sure you'll agree that the 2010 edition will truly be a brutal Sunday in Hell that will having you smiling from start to finish.

Local knowledge

The 2010 course is less than 30km in length, but there are more sectors, and LONGER sectors. So when you 'flat' mentally or mechanically, it will pay to know where you can get Coffee Supreme in Melbourne - and especially in Melburn Roobaix.

Not all of them are open on Sunday - so you'd better do some weekend cafe reconnaissance.

View Coffee Supreme in a larger map

What about the last remaining spots to ride Melburn Roobaix 2010?

I know many people are anxiously waiting for the release of the final few spots for this year.

I also know I said Friday (today) would be the day they would be available.

However it will be next Friday at 10.00 EST - still over a month out.

If you want to be notified immediately when they become available - REGISTER with the site (at the bottom of this page)

Bonus 'Black Sheep' Roobaixer

LSD chose to ride MR over the birth of his first child. Forunately he managed to squeeze in both, as LSD Jnr was squeezed out shortly after LSD had popped the podium bubbly.

Some people don't have the same levels of dedication.

Hello

Unfortunately I am taking an unplanned trip around the world to avoid a number of authorities. Something about blood doping and EPO being banned - who knew?

Anyway I regret to advise I will not be able to win participate in the 2010 event

Sadly I have been double booked and as the other event is related to my wedding it will get priority (just).

I'm sure you will have no trouble getting another person to take my place

Regards

Black Sheep.

Win a Melburn Roobaix entry.

With that I'm mind, I feel that the only way to fairly replace the Black Sheep would be with a competition.

To win the 'Black Sheep' registration, email us with a photo of your bike, and in 50 words or less WHY you should be Melburn Roobaix's Black Sheep.

onlinefyx(at)gmail.com

Top ten entries will be posted next Friday and put to a vote - just so there is no unfair bias on my part (towards submissions of classic steel bikes, girls on bikes)

Perception versus Reality.

Dr. J took on the Woods Point Ride after being inspired by my post about it.

[Dr J quote]

I'm riding ss on converted road wheels so I think I'll take a few gear options.

Dan did say "it's the hardest ride I've ever done"?

[Reply]

It's not scaling Everest, but it's very hard and long. You'll see

*TC

[Dr J]

you were right... I did see

sweet jesus that was hard!

Whilst I'm not going to attempt a ride diary like yours it went a little something like this:

Plan to leave at 630am, waiting waiting waiting for housemate to finishing putting his bike together, leave at 730am from Prahran

Completely disregard your advice about catching train to Lilydale because the ride out there is crap because I want to get k's in and don't want to be "soft". Halfway down Maroondah Hwy realise ride is crap and I should've listened to you. Get to W'burton rail trail - now starting to rain - wish I had bigger gear than 39:19 as spinning is overrated. Stop at Warby, check map, check time - all good... check weather - not so good

Start up Acheron way, halfway up wish I had smaller gear as I'm stuggling to keep cranks moving. Get passed by dude on a MTB spinning gear so small he's at my walking pace (forgot to mention I'm now walking) - I offer him $10,000 for his bike after he tells me it's 9km to the top (forgot I wasn't heading to the top). Proclaim that the descent down Acheron way has made it all worth it, and once again wish for a bigger gear, also start wishing someone would hand me a newspaper to shove down my top and it's really getting cold now. Plod into Marysville arrive 2:30pm. Housemate suggests we discuss the big pink elephant that has been riding with us for the last couple of km's

With what we suspect is another solid 5hrs of riding ahead, worsening conditions and about 3hrs of daylight along roads we don't know, the decision is made to pull the pin...

Other housemate is called in for an emergency evacuation, eat bodyweight in pies, slices, tarts and coffees at bakery, head to caravan park and pay $5 for towel and shower, proclaim shower has made the entire ride worth it (it was that good!) then head to park with beers and sit there drinking untill lift arrives, quietly discussing "next time".

It may have beaten us this time, but we'll be back (perhaps with gears though!)

Thanks for the inspiration to get out there guys, we would never have know what was in our own backyard if it hadn't been for you.

Amen. Get out and ride!

Warburton Cycle Fest.

Cog Cafe are putting on a wheelie good festival - May 2.

CX race, MTB, Road Race, Unicycle hockey, Hill climb, skid comp and 16" 4X.

All the details, program and prizes - click the kids!

Hood winked.

So many period correct builds require gum or black non-aero hoods. If you use Campagnolo levers, you want Campagnolo hoods.

Problem is, even NOS hoods tear if you look at them wrong, or speak unkind of them. Solution? Silcone.

Silicon's various uses now include something to squeeze in your hands.

Batteries not required.

Available for purchase in the FYXSHOP

RIDE.

Ride cycling review is out now.

Get it in stores and see some fyxomatosis words and images in print.

A wee Colnago

Nothing to do with Nintendo or the Scots.

This 'wee' Colnago Master Piu is lovely, and if you are in search of a 50cm frame you'll know how difficult it is to find a top of the line model, in fantastic condition.