Matt seeing the sites and getting in some K's while enjoying the tour.

This about sums up the trip. At mountain restaurant after Alpe d’ D’Huez, and riding through mountain village and passes. A foggy Col de Telegraphe, before going up the Col de Galibier (2600 metres) and in Provance.

When you see the articles in Magazines for Wildside, it is usually depicted through pictures of riding on a beach and the suspension bridge at Montezuma falls…. Oh yes and mud!!

So when preparing to head to the Apple Isle, I packed plenty of bike gear and chain lube.

With fellow Kaos rider Thomas and our support and all round nice guy Dave, we boarded the Spirit Of Tasmania II in our Bib Stillwell sponsored BMW X5 (Yes, they provided us with the Primo Sports pack X5), BMC’s mounted proudly on top.

After a restless nights sleep, we spent half a day driving through the rugged, yet scenic West Coast range which would test our fitness and skills, had us arrive at the quaint coastal town of Strahan. Then back to Registration and briefing at Cradle Mountain chateau.

Day 1

After a short cruise leg, my nerves where not helped by a spontaneous puncture that hissed as I stood in my starting group. The rocky creek crossing being the obvious culprit. Luckily Andy had redone my tubeless tyres and a quick rotation saw the hole sealed. Stage 1 (Cradle) started with an 18km blast through Grassy plains and Rocky and dusty 4wd trails. I felt a little lethargic especially on the hills but put in a respectable time.

Cruise leg 2 was on the main hwy and had a couple of decent climbs but worth it for the 80+ kHz descent on the other side!

The 18 km Stage 2 (Que River) got under way in the heat of the day and sent us into some single track and through a mine lease of rocky gravelly roads before an endless undulating track of rocky skatey climbs and descents along powerlines. I like most was feeling the heat but felt stronger than the morning’s stage and finished the stage strongly.

Another Cruise of 15km on the hwy into the lakeside village of Tullah capped of a hot and tough 70km first day.

Day 2

The temperature was rising already for this 57km day. A controlled start for Stage 3 (Sterling Valley) led to a fast gravel track that narrowed to single track and headed up into the rainforest. The steady climb became harder after I broke a seat post and as riders formed a bit of a procession at times in the slippery and tree rooted track. Over the top and the slippery conditions degenerated into a gnarly and rutted single track descent before a flat blast through to the oval in Rosebery. Felt okay, but a side tilting seat and the limited opportunities to pass walking riders made it frustrating as you lost momentum on climbs and flow on the descent.

The break was good to clean and repair the bike and rest, but the unexpected Tasmanian heat, even in the shade was tough. By the time my start group was on the line for the 35 Km Stage 4 (Montezuma Falls), Someone’s Garmin was reading 44 degrees! The Stage started with a tough exposed 7km bitumen climb. Despite pacing myself in the heat I started to cramp and battled my way up the old disused tramway. As the track became sheltered and enclosed by the beautiful tree ferns. I started to reel in some riders on the steady climb. Upon reaching the suspension Bridge at Montezuma falls I was lining up to cross with most of the group. Crossing the bridge, led to the highpoint with which we pretty much started the big ring blast down the mountain. The track was a blast. Mud, rocks, dust, sweeping bends, tight bends, it had it all. Up and around the edge of Mt Razorback and into Dundas. Everyone had spent their petrol tickets but had a smile on their face.

Day 3

From stifling heat to typhoon like conditions in less than 24 hours! Day 3 greeted riders with wet windy conditions for the 5^th Stage (Spray Tunnel) time trial. In soaking conditions riders left in pairs out of Zeehan through the berms and jumps of the MX track, around the golf course, up through slushy tee treed single track through the 200m long spray tunnel and onto a sodden 4wd road. 6 km of wet and soggy hurt!

The 20km of undulations on the cruise into Trial Harbour was a lot more fun than the lunchtime stop in Trial Harbour. The wind was straight off the ocean chilling the sodden riders as they cowered and huddled wherever they could shelter. The ever trusty Dave was present with the BMW X5 and we found ourselves huddled in side with heater on to get some warmth. 24 hours earlier I was feeling the pinch from the heat now I was staving off hypothermia.

Stage 6 (Granville Harbour) started as a mass start due to the cold. The riders were soon spaced sufficiently as we rode up the steep climb out of Trial Harbour.

The 22km stage traversed the cliffs above the Southern Ocean. Largely bed rock, the 4wd trail is littered with creek crossings, rocky descents with drops and washouts making this arguably the most technical stage. I was feeling warm from my numerous layers and feeling enjoying the fast technical riding. Unfortunately, this would be short lived as a chain break, and subsequent unravelling of the chain and repair cost me time, back on the bike I started to reel in those who had passed me only to burp a front tyre as I went into a rocky creek crossing. Too flat to continue I had to pump her up and finish the remaining 5 kms grumbling to myself about was looking like a strong stage for me.

Day 4

The final day arrived in Strahan, our town of accommodation. The riders gathered on the Esplanade, awaiting the iconic beach stage start. The organisers were greeted with cheers and applause on informing the riders that the 36 km Hells Gates stage would be run in reverse to avoid the gusting southerly wind on the beach leg. This was a fitting way to end the race. A fast and sandy track out of town, lead to the entrance of Macquarie Harbour and onto ocean beach. Packs of riders formed and motored along the sand, some riders doing the bulk of the work while others just hung on. Myself and a fellow Victorian Courtney did the bulk of the pace setting for our group, spraying up wet sand no those hanging onto our wheels. Back over the dunes and a down into town to the finish of what was a big couple of days.

Wildside is a very appropriately named race. I have never experienced such diverse riding terrain in one race and even diverse conditions and temperatures. It is a great test of riders and their bikes.

Overall I was happy with my race. The riding was not what I was expecting and I went in with limited preparation. The chain break and tyre burp were time costly, but that’s mountain biking.

I must say acknowledge a few people. Leigh Barratt wish you were there, 2014 is calling! To Jason at 2XU for the custom Kaos jerseys, To Oakley for the best glasses out there, transition lenses are a must, To Bib Stillwell BMW for the head turning BMW X5 they generously allowed us to use. David couldn’t wipe the smile off his face whenever he was behind the wheel. To David himself, a no more dependable gentleman you will find, made a tough few days so much easier. And finally to Andy at Kaos Custom Bikes. 2014 is also calling you. Thanks for your support and help to get me out there. Thank god you put a spare post in!!

Cheers Shane

277 riders turned up on Thursday night for the Southern Masters Sandown Crit race.  Blue skies and a temperature of 27 deg meant there were no excuses to be anywhere else!

Andy at Sandown

7 grades covered a range of skills, fitness and experience with large numbers in most.  KAOS riders (and friends of KAOS – ie. people who have joined the shop rides) were scattered throughout the grades with more KAOS kits out there than any other ‘brand’.

The Sandown course offers 3.1kms of smooth traffic light free riding with a ‘hump’ up the back straight, a few great corners to test high speed cornering and a finish straight that has managed to have a wicked head wind most Thursdays.  Normally grades ride for around 50-55 min before getting the last lap bell – which is when things really hot up.

Wak with a winning smile!

B grade included Thomas and Ness on their matching Cannondale CAD10’s (they do look good!).  Thomas had to dig deep into his MTB skills bag late in the race to deal with a deflating rear tyre and the sideways action it served up.  Ness was happy to finish with the group but looked way to comfortable at the end (time to give it a real nudge?).  For the statisticians, the grade averaged 38.4 over the 42k distance in relatively tough wind conditions.

D grade had almost 50 riders with Nick, WAK and Jamie amongst them.  The pace was solid for the conditions and Nick put in a bit too much work around the middle of the race on legs that had already done a morning training session.  Jamie ran solidly throughout the session generally being positioned in the right place for most of the race except the very last (and important) bit.  WAK managed to shake the Bridesmaid reputation at last and graduate to C grade with a win for the first time.  Again for the statisticians, race distance was 34ks, ave 36.7 and the top speed somewhere in the 50’s.

E grade had KAOSJo and Darren from the KAOS family/customer group.  Their group was up to speed very quickly and the early lap pace took it’s toll on Darren who hadn’t had a chance to warm up the legs – and needs to do some Saturday shop rides.  Jo kept her cool throughout the race and was in the right place when it counted - coming home as the first female collecting the kudos and the all important cash!

F grade had the twin ‘pink kit’ KAOS girls Lian and Janine flying the shop colours and putting in a good show for the duration of the race.  In the end they finished well albeit out of the cash with Janine coming in around 6^th and Lian the next girl through.

So, another great night of crit racing at Sandown and a great turnout and results for KAOS riders.

BMC Speedfox 29er hitout.

After a bit of a break after the Anglesea Enduro, in fact I don’t think I’d been on a mountain bike since! It was time to put the race face back on and saddle up for the GMBC Gazebo 3hour Series. Round 1 was to be held on Dec 3 however like most of 2011 the rain saw a change of plans. So after a week’s postponement Round 1 was a goer at Kurrajong area.

I love racing as I get to ride my BMC Fourstroke 01, which I save for racing. However, the Fourstroke was to be rested as Andy offered to let me put the new 2012 BMC Speedfox 29er through its paces.

I had ridden a hardtail 29er years ago and enjoyed it, however I found it less nimble in tight single track. This was a good chance to see how far29er bike handling had come and in particular a dually 29er. 3 hours around Kurrajong with its flowing trails should be an ideal 29er haven.

The race started at a brisk pace, in warm dusty conditions, as the 120+ field headed into the single tracks. The 29er and I soon found a steady tempo and the big wheels noticeably hooked up well through the gravelly corners. The undulating bumps and little jumps were less noticeable as the larger diameter wheels roll over such obstacles with ease. The 29er acceleration out of corners seemed slower out of the tighter corners due to the bigger wheels. However, this is balanced out with the grip and speed that the big wheels carry through flowy and bumpy sections.

Another difference between my BMC Fourstroke and the Speedfox 29er was the SRAM XO 2x10 running gear. This stuff is impressive!! Precision, ease of use, and a much more usable range make this a must have upgrade for my race bike!!

The race pace was as hot as the conditions. The 29er’s big wheels on the open sections allowing me to clock up steady and consistent laps. I forgot to start the Garmin until half way through the first lap, so to pass through transition with seven laps (about 68 km) in the bank at 3.00.02, thus missing out on the chance to start an eighth lap by 2 seconds was a little frustrating.

All in all, I enjoyed the 29er hit out around Kurrajong. I would like to take it for a run around the stockyards at some time, as I feel it would eat up the likes of Boulder Track and Cressy Climb.

Regardless, the BMC Speedfox 29er is an impressive bike as you would expect from BMC. Its impressive rolling speed over rough flowy terrain and its big wheel grip make it an excellent purchase for those in the 29er market.

Thanks to Andy for the chance to quell my 29er curiosity and loan me the Speedfox 29er for the race