Ol' Dirty 2018
The eighth edition of Hells 500's Ol' Dirty was the best yet. A brilliantly executed theme, a stellar course and a great crew made for one of the best days I've had on the bike in a long time. Read more “Ol' Dirty 2018”
Cycling, running and life: trying to find a healthy balance
It's hard to balance a love of cycling with everything else going on in your life. That's particularly true if you're also trying to train up for a marathon while keeping up your riding. Read more “Cycling, running and life: trying to find a healthy balance”
Domestique Dirty Dandys
If you love climbing and you live in Melbourne, chances are you spend a fair bit of time in the Dandenongs. And if you do, you probably spend much of your time on the more popular climbs. But there are also a bunch of amazing unsealed roads in the Dandenongs that should be on your radar. We took a group of 30 riders out to explore some of these great roads. Read more “Domestique Dirty Dandys”
Ups and downs (in cycling and in health)
In the past few weeks I've managed to get out to the hills and do some very enjoyable rides. But I can't seem to shake this lingering illness; instead I seem to have gone backwards. Read more “Ups and downs (in cycling and in health)”
Crux: the Triple Crucifix (a Hells 500 epic)
Every year the Hells 500 mob do a crazy ride that tests the limits of their endurance, physically and mentally, and this year's instalment was dubbed Crux. The route was a simple one: three laps of The Crucifix, a popular but challenging route in the Dandenongs. I was lucky enough to get an invite and here's how my day unfolded. Read more “Crux: the Triple Crucifix (a Hells 500 epic)”
Guest post: The best (and worst) Dandenongs descents
We all loving climbing. Or at least, most of us do. And sometimes it's easy to forget that a day in the hills should be about good descents too, not just good climbs. In this guest post, Steve Morris explains why he loves descending and picks 10 memorable Dandenongs drops. Read more “Guest post: The best (and worst) Dandenongs descents”
The warm-up is done, now bring on Mt. Baw Baw!
If I had to nominate the 7 Peaks climb I'm most looking forward to riding this spring/summer, it would have to be Mt. Baw Baw. It's probably the hardest of the 7 climbs, but there's something about the ridiculous, unrelenting gradients that has great appeal. Of course, there's also the awesome ride between Noojee and the climb to look forward to -- in fact, that's probably up there with the best roads I've ever cycled. Read more “The warm-up is done, now bring on Mt. Baw Baw!”
The Crucifix group ride: riding together, suffering alone
There's a peculiar paradox at the very heart of climbing. Cycling uphill for any length of time is challenging and more often than not, painful. Yet, at the same time, there's something so intrinsically satisfying, so rewarding about dragging yourself and your bike uphill, that we do it voluntarily, and often. Read more “The Crucifix group ride: riding together, suffering alone”
Is there a “right way” to ride The Crucifix?
The Crucifix is one of the most popular (and challenging) routes in the Dandenongs, but there's much conjecture about the "right way" to do it. I think I might have the answer. Read more “Is there a “right way” to ride The Crucifix?”
Dandenongs half-dozen: six of the best in a solid solo sesh
When my alarm went off at 7.30 on Sunday morning it took all my motivation not to roll over and go back to sleep. No-one had responded with any great enthusiasm to my tweets and Facebook messages about going for a ride -- unsurprising given I sent them at 10pm the night before -- so any ride I did was going to be a solo effort. Read more “Dandenongs half-dozen: six of the best in a solid solo sesh”
More bikes than cars (a cold ride in the Dandenongs)
I miss summer. I miss those warm nights where you don't need to wear ski gear just to sit on the couch and watch TV. I miss those few precious hours of daylight after work, perfect for a quick ride before heading home. And I miss riding to work without having to don 18 layers of clothing just to prevent frostbite. EXCERPT Read more “More bikes than cars (a cold ride in the Dandenongs)”
The inaugural Melbourne Dirty Dozen
More than 50 riders turned up for the first Melbourne Dirty Dozen ride, held on the southern slopes of Mt. Dandenong. It was a wonderful day featuring 12 brutal climbs and one of the most memorable days I've ever spent on the bike. EXCERPT Read more “The inaugural Melbourne Dirty Dozen”
Episode 17: Beach Road vs. Mt. Dandenong
Route: Thornbury, Emerald, Olinda, Dandenongs loop
Distance: 183km
Duration: 7 hours 11 minutes
Do you ever have one of those days where you wake up … Read more “Episode 17: Beach Road vs. Mt. Dandenong”