Murphy’s Law Of Cycling
Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:03
Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. This reminds me that Paris-Roubaix is quickly approaching and if Big George has another race like we’ve seen in past years we’ll officially be renaming these to Hincapie’s Laws. Murphy is no stranger to cycling and is perpetually sucking Big George’s wheel. In fact, he’s lurking close behind all of us ready to attack when you’re least ready for it.
“Ride Lots” Is Only Half The Story
Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:02
Eddy Merckx, “The Cannibal”, remains arguably the most outstanding competitive road cyclist in the history of our sport. A reporter asked Merckx what advice he would give to aspiring riders. “Ride lots” was the reply.
Merckx was mostly right, but not totally right.
To really be great at something simply doing it “lots” is no guarantee that you’ll get there. Most of us engage in a given work activity 8 hours a day every day. That’s “lots”.
Mt Baw Baw Reconnaissance
Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:59
There’s never been a ride that’s haunted me like Mt Baw Baw has. I’ve never remotely considered riding the road to the top, nevermind racing it. I’ve heard horror stories of respected riders walking up sections of this climb. Mt Baw Baw is the only reason there’s a market for 29T cassettes in this country.
Local folklore says the hard part of Mt Baw Baw is the final 6km from the gatehouse to the summit which has an elevation gain of 780m. The average gradient is 11.3% with some parts reaching 20%.