The Wall - The Climbing Cyclist

April 15, 2013April 15, 2013

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

September 4, 2012September 4, 2012

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

August 31, 2012October 5, 2012

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

August 21, 2012August 21, 2012

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

June 7, 2012June 15, 2012

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

March 1, 2012

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”

February 1, 2012

Episode 13: climbing the Crucifix (and suffering in the sun)

Route: Heathmont to Thornbury, via The Crucifix
Distance: 119km
Duration: 4 hours 39 minutes

I made two mistakes on Saturday morning. The first was a … Read more “Episode 13: climbing the Crucifix (and suffering in the sun)”

December 12, 2010December 11, 2013

Episode 7: Of mistakes and making amends

Route: Tanjil Bren to Winch Corner, return
Distance: 24.8km
Duration: 1 hour 16 minutes

There’s a great cliche in sporting circles that reads something like … Read more “Episode 7: Of mistakes and making amends”

January 30, 2010February 1, 2010

Too hot

Route: Eltham to Sky High Mt. Dandenong return, via The 1 in 20 and The Wall
Distance: 98.0km
Duration: 4 hour 12 minutes

It’s interesting how much of a role the weather plays when you are out riding. I knew … Read more “Too hot”