Rest day today, I was feeling pretty knackered. I can’t wait to get out there again tomorrow.
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Day eight
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in RideI hauled arse out of bed for a light ride. I rode down the road to Clinical. I love that trail so much. There had been a fair bit of water damage to the access road leading up to it, so no wonder Lower George Denton is closed.
I ended up riding up Fenceline from the top of Clinical, and was close to pushing on to the top when I remembered this was supposed to an easy ride, so I reluctantly headed back home. It was definitely the right call though, I have so much to do today and it was good to get a ride in with knackering myself.
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Order day
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In other news, I ordered a new bike today. I am very excited. It will be a month or two until it arrives. I feel I have a lot of practice to do in the meantime.
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Backpackless riding three months on
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TL;DR: it’s going really well. I don’t miss the bag and it feels good not having a backpack. Some of the tools I am using to stash stuff on the bike are not great though.
A small Evoc under-saddle pouch: it’s OK, but it does stop the dropper post going all the way down, and that is annoying. The bag is really well made and surprisingly roomy, but unfortunately I need to find a replacement.
The Specialized Roll Cage bottle holder: garbage. It doesn’t hold the bottle I use, and I have a really annoying strap around it to hold the bottle in place. Its days are numbered.
Granite Rockband Strap: really good. My big inner tube and old school pump fit well and it is very stable. I do need something to protect the inner tube from damage.
I don’t know how I would find riding with a backpack if I wore one tomorrow.
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Seven
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in RideSeven incredible days of riding in a row.
Today was amazing. A two hour cruise around Upper Waimapihi, taking in Highbury Fling, Fenceline to beyond the wind turbine, then back to the turbine and down Carparts, then Rollercoaster, then back along Highbury Fling. The conditions were pretty good, slightly chilly, but ideal for riding.
Fenceline was tough, and on the section between Sawmill and the turbine I think I stopped on all three of the steep bits. I will have another crack tomorrow if things pan out.
Carparts was freaky as it’s been a while since I’ve been down it. I was not exactly feeling the stoke. I survived it, and it should be a lot more enjoyable. I need to ride it a lot more.
It was only my second time down Rollercoaster and it was fun. I chickened out and walked one steep section, but as I got used to it I had a lot of fun on it.
I did notice the way back along Highbury Fling that I had a lot more energy than usual, so I think the tough uphill climbs are paying off.
Friday was a 90 minute ride, and slightly disappointing. I had hoped to ride Lower George Denton (aka Squatters) but it was closed, apparently due to damage from recent heavy rain. I then chugged back up the hill and up to Fenceline up to Ikigai. Going up was OK – although it was quite hot – but the first part of Ikigai was a shemozzle. I had involuntary dismounts on the four more interesting corners, which I think threw my confidence.
The lower part of Ikigai was as much fun as ever. The ride up Transient was tough, I think being the second climb I was just a bit knackered.
Thursday was largely uneventful, but very enjoyable. If I recall correctly it was a little cooler and helped control fatigue. It was my usual lunchtime ride of Highbury Fling – Fenceline – Sawmill. It has been amazing making the time to get out at lunchtime.
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4 on the trot
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in RideI have been forcing myself to make time to ride everyday this week and it has been wonderful, and the weather has been perfect too.
Sunday was at Makara, I worked on my corners and basically just had a low impact nice time.
The last three days have been quick lunchtime rides across Highbury Fling and up the Fenceline next to Rollercoaster. It’s been tough but getting easier as I work on my technique.
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Bike TLC
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Loads of TLC on the bike recently.
- New rear tyre. I initially thought the rear rim was dented, it turns out their was some wear on the sidewall of the tyre.
- New derailleur cable. I had been having a lot of trouble indexing the derailleur. I then noticed the casing had frayed. The old cable was really past it, and the new one is working very well. Shifting needs a slight tweak in some of the lower gears, but overall it’s working like a dream.
- New chain: In January I put a new chain on the bike when I realised how much the old one had stretched.
- New bottom bracket: I replaced the old bottom bracket – it was totally stuffed. It turned out to be quite hard to find a replacement, so using a hydraulic puller and a hydraulic press and some new bearings I intend to recondition the old one.
I am also waiting for a fork kit so I can do an upper and lower fork service, and give the dropper some TLC.
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3
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in RideThree days in a row riding, which is terrible, but in context is amazing as I have ridden so little recently. I know that prior to this I rode on 20 Jan, and I am pretty sure I rode after that. But anyhoo, here is a summary.
Today: back to Makara. Lower stuff due to lack of time, a couple of laps up the hill and then down SWIGG, lots and lots of fun. Actually really good fun, Makara really is an incredible place to ride.
Yesterday: Waimapihi, “lower” Ikigai, and and back up Transient. Nice ride, lovely conditions, I still felt RUSTY.
The day before yesterday: Waimapihi, Upper (i.e. Spuds) and Lower Ikigai. Tough ride. I liked it, but I felt so sluggish, unfit, etc.
The big change is nutrition. I’m doing a home brew electrolyte drink of salt and water (big difference); and taking shitty environmentally awful energy sachets with me. It makes so much difference. I do want to make my own and use reusable sachets to reduce the plastic and cost of these, but they have certainly changed how I ride.
During maintenance to sort out my derailleur issues, which I think I resolved, I realised my rear wheel kept coming out of the dropout. I noticed this up at Makara and reset it, but it popped out when I picked up and moved the bike – really concerning. It was loose again by the time I got home.
The rear rim is a bit stuffed too, so I need to keep an eye on sealant levels and top it up again. I need to get the tyre off and attempt to get the dents out of the rim, but to be honest I am too concerned about trying to reseat the tyre.
Makara Peak in the distance. A lovely ride. 
This is one of the most beautiful parts of the park. While many folks stop here when they are beginners so they can catch their breath, fitter and more experienced riders breeze through here without realising how beautiful it is. -
Rangituhi
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It was great to be back at Rangitahi. I intended a quick ride up the access trail and then a couple of laps of Chimney Sweep, but I missed the Summit turnoff and went on a lovely detour.
The way down was great, the scary corner at the end of Chimney Sweep totally freaked me out. It was a really successful ride and I’m keen to explore the back country trail along the Ridgeline.
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Losing my religion (packpack)
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Some people say you should ride without a backpack. This idea has infected me and I decided I would attempt this for my recreational rides. These are my initial thoughts.
A small Evoc under-saddle pouch has come out of retirement. It is bloody useful. I can fit all essential tools in a waterproof baggie, and a nut bar and a gel thing. However it is hard to open without taking it off the seat.
The Specialized Roll Cage bottle holder looks like it doesn’t hold bottles very well. I will test it tomorrow, but I think it will need a bungee to secure the bottle.
Granite Rockband Strap: on the bike with a plus size tube and pump. The strap is well made but the tyre feels a bit lose on the frame. It will be tested tomorrow.
I will still carry a backpack for a while, but hopefully by putting all my shite on the frame all my troubles are over.