Upcoming Events

August 2005
Still in training for the Mont, though currently have the flu that my partner passed on to me (thanks nixz). Went track building on Saturday for our Vulcanisor Course, and getting the track ready for the National Series in 2006, its gonna be a hell of a ride for those that enjoy quality Mountainbiking. Lots of Single track. We've had two working bees with 10 of us all working hard to make it the best ride ever, thanks to all who are helping. The Vulcanisor is going to be your best chance of pre-riding the Nationals XC course, so make sure you check out www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, our website will have all the juicy details.
Apart from that its just more training with some big rides on the weekends.

July
I am currently training for the Mont 24 Hour in Canberra, Australia which is in October. This is the most popular and longest running 24hr race in Australia and is now the official Austalian national solo championships. I competed in this event 2 years ago and got 5th in solo mens so I feel confident of a good result this year. It was a difficult race where, at one stage, the temperature dropped to -4 degrees much to the disgust of my partner Nixz who was my only pit crew!.
This year I am better prepared to take on the Australians, and after my recent win at the Moonride 24hr, I can't wait to get back over there to show them that Keewees' are made from real steel.

This past year has been a big success for me in racing terms. I entered the 12 Nasby event not expecting a great result as I was only just starting my training season, but ended up with a 3rd. Tim Sikma who got Second was lucky enough to have my pitcrew/partner Nixz helping him out as he had arrived with no pit crew. Next time I might slip him something to make his race a little less pleasant!! (JK)

Just one week later, it was time for the Hamner 12hr. I also went into this race not expecting much, especially as I was still recovering from the previous 12hr!. I ended up getting third again and raced a good steady race. This time my pit crew Nixz also helped out the Wisconsin Burger team, helping to keep them fed and comfy and turning fast laps. I enjoyed this event as it is a very fun circut and I was starting to feel the benifit of all the hard training. The top three place getters each received a Magnum of Lindau which Nixz promptly confiscated.

May, Time for the granddaddy of 24 hour races in New Zealand, I really wanted to win this one. With my new Sponsor, Keewee,missing out on a team entry this year, I would be the solo Keewee representative. Ray, Pete and the Keewee bus came down and joined my brother, Graham, as my support crew. We had easily the best set up area with every thing I could need at hand, it's just a shame I'm not able to spend much time in my pit area as there are laps to be ridden. I was well looked after by Ray, Pete and my brother. From the start I felt strong and rode my own pace which placed my just where I wanted to be, out front, and we kept it that way. After a run in with some milk products, I went back onto the more solid food groups and powerhoused away. Being either 1 - 2 laps ahead of the nearest 24hr solo rider. I ended the race with 43 laps, (which is about 370km and 5000m of climbing!) 3 laps more than second place and last years winner, Karwyn May and I became the first double winner of a 24hr race in NZ.