Hey guys,
I've changed my blog address to www.jamesreidracing.blogspot.com - be sure to check it out for the latest updates about whats going on....
Later!
J
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
MTN MiWay National #6 - Clarens
Well these last few weeks have been a good time for me, both physically and mentally. After Worlds in Australia, I took a two week break as I was tired and too busy catching up with school after missing a bit. The as a first ride back, Luke Roberts (Maverick) and I attempted the Jeep Tribune Hill2hill as a long base training ride.
Hill2Hill
With skies that were clear and winds at our backs, we set off on our epic adventure. Our designated finishing time had to be over 5 hours but with the complication of starting in A batch, things tended to get a bit carried away. We flew down into 'maritzburg right up there with the leaders, but decided to rather opt for the visual story of the race, slipping further and further back and the pace hotted up. For the next four and a bit hours we enjoyed a chilled training ride, helping those who were struggling and suffering. We finished a shade under 5 hours, but it was worth it. For those of you who are thinking about doing it next year, it's not that bad!
Lake Eland Super Classic
Then shortly after the hill2hill, it was school holidays and Brendon Davids and I headed down the south coast for the Lake Eland Super Classic. As he decided to ride slowly, I decided to race but having been off any intensity for the last few weeks, I wasn't expecting fireworks. The race was super hard, with Craig Paul, Andrew Hill and Rourke Croeser all turning out for a tough day's racing. I started hard, and by half way I was still in there near the lead group of four. Then the lack of training hit me and I clung on for 5th overall in one of the most scenic but yet incredibly tough classic races of the year.
MTN MiWay National #6 - Clarens
Then this last Friday I headed up to Clarens for the 6th round of the MTN National Marathon series. As I had only two weeks of decent training, I again wasn't expecting any awesome results, but decided to race using my head and make the most of it. All the usual culprits were there, Ryan Ellis (House of Paint), Arno du Toit (Mr Price/Scott) and Shaun Craig Silver (ADT) and it looked set for a good day's racing. The pace was chilled for about 30 seconds until Arno and I decided to light it up. We shot away on the rather large tar climb in the beginning to tear things up, and got more than we bargained for. We created a gap in the wind, and other riders then had to use more energy than expected to bridge the gap. We hit some long farm roads, and a lead group or Arno and myself (both Mr Price/Scott) and Ryan Ellis had formed. The chasers were isolated in the wind, as we were working well together. Since there were two of us on one team against one, I decided to play it to my advantage...
Arno would shoot off the front and I would sit in Ryan's slip until he caught him as I wasn't going to work to catch a teammate. Then I would be nicely rested and I would shoot off the front to give Ryan even more to deal with, while Arno could take a break. He held up admirably, but in the end they both fell off I was left to finish it all off with a good 2 minute gap. I was super stoked, and lucky at the same time. Well done to Candice Neethling (DCM) for wrapping up the girls race in fine style. The area was scenic, but I felt the organisers could have made much more use of the enormous mountains in area.
Till next time, keep turning those pedals yourself!
J
Hill2Hill
With skies that were clear and winds at our backs, we set off on our epic adventure. Our designated finishing time had to be over 5 hours but with the complication of starting in A batch, things tended to get a bit carried away. We flew down into 'maritzburg right up there with the leaders, but decided to rather opt for the visual story of the race, slipping further and further back and the pace hotted up. For the next four and a bit hours we enjoyed a chilled training ride, helping those who were struggling and suffering. We finished a shade under 5 hours, but it was worth it. For those of you who are thinking about doing it next year, it's not that bad!
Lake Eland Super Classic
Then shortly after the hill2hill, it was school holidays and Brendon Davids and I headed down the south coast for the Lake Eland Super Classic. As he decided to ride slowly, I decided to race but having been off any intensity for the last few weeks, I wasn't expecting fireworks. The race was super hard, with Craig Paul, Andrew Hill and Rourke Croeser all turning out for a tough day's racing. I started hard, and by half way I was still in there near the lead group of four. Then the lack of training hit me and I clung on for 5th overall in one of the most scenic but yet incredibly tough classic races of the year.
MTN MiWay National #6 - Clarens
Then this last Friday I headed up to Clarens for the 6th round of the MTN National Marathon series. As I had only two weeks of decent training, I again wasn't expecting any awesome results, but decided to race using my head and make the most of it. All the usual culprits were there, Ryan Ellis (House of Paint), Arno du Toit (Mr Price/Scott) and Shaun Craig Silver (ADT) and it looked set for a good day's racing. The pace was chilled for about 30 seconds until Arno and I decided to light it up. We shot away on the rather large tar climb in the beginning to tear things up, and got more than we bargained for. We created a gap in the wind, and other riders then had to use more energy than expected to bridge the gap. We hit some long farm roads, and a lead group or Arno and myself (both Mr Price/Scott) and Ryan Ellis had formed. The chasers were isolated in the wind, as we were working well together. Since there were two of us on one team against one, I decided to play it to my advantage...
Arno would shoot off the front and I would sit in Ryan's slip until he caught him as I wasn't going to work to catch a teammate. Then I would be nicely rested and I would shoot off the front to give Ryan even more to deal with, while Arno could take a break. He held up admirably, but in the end they both fell off I was left to finish it all off with a good 2 minute gap. I was super stoked, and lucky at the same time. Well done to Candice Neethling (DCM) for wrapping up the girls race in fine style. The area was scenic, but I felt the organisers could have made much more use of the enormous mountains in area.
Till next time, keep turning those pedals yourself!
J
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
UCI World Championships - Junior Men
It has been a long journey for me, mentally and obviously physically this year so far, and my lesson has been capped off with an absolutely fantastic trip to Canberra, Australia for the 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. We arrived with a week or so to go, and we needed every day to practice the super technical course. Race day dawned, and it was a very nervous time for Rourke Croeser and I. We had worked incredibly hard for this day, stayed well and eaten healthy and now it was time to go. On the start line, the tension was running high, but I kept myself surprisingly calm. I had checked my bike numerous times, and I was sure that nothing would go wrong. Little did I know...
Then the gun went off and it was a complete scramble. In my relatively short mountain biking career I have never been in such a start. Every single guy there, all 80 of them, wanted to be in about 5th position, not higher or lower. There were crashes and pile-ups and constant swearing in many different languages. I tired my hardest to take the right line, but managed to end up in the first single track position in about 25th or so, with Rourke a couple of places ahead. I was not too fazed, but suddenly some of the many variables in racing altered significantly, not in my favour. Somebody up ahead had stalled, and then we all had to jump off and run, or else risk being passed by faster moving guys who running (it was that steep). We entered the last uphill section on the first half of the course, and then we came to the drop. This is a moment that has been tossing and turning in my head every day since the race. If I could go back to any moment in my life, it would probably be this. Somebody had fallen up ahead on the most technical section, and as a result everybody was off their bikes and running. I got up and off, and while jumping over the one rock, I was knocked by another guy, not too hard, but as I was off balance it was just enough to tip me over. The bike landed first, and I though nothing of it, just to jump back up and keep going. I was up in a flash, but as I griped my front brake, I felt little shards of magnesium and suddenly realised that it was no longer connected and that it was finished. Words alone cannot describe the disappointment that surged through me as I pedalled furiously up the next section towards the feed zone.
I entered the feed zone and clearly the brake was beyond repair. The rest of the race would have to be ridden without the front brake. For those of you who do not know, 75% of your braking comes from your front brake, and without it I was super slow in the technical stuff. So I made a pact to myself to do the best I could do without it, and so began a slow torture. I would work my heart out on the flats and ups, and pass about 10 or 15 guys, and then watch helplessly as they effortlessly pulled themselves back in the technical sections. Most of the international riders reckon that it was one of the most technical courses in history.
Things were looking ok, but my bad luck was not over. While out of the saddle on one of the climbs, my chain snapped. I reacted on cruise control, and made it to the feed zone, bitterly disappointed and upset. I was way back in 60th or so, and ready to quit. I got a new chain and decided to salvage something from the race, going flat out till the end. I ended up 45th, distraught but having learnt a lot. Fitness wise, I was up there with the best, and all I could wish for is a second chance, but that’s racing for you. I must mention a huge thank you to those who made the race possible. The rest of the trip was memorable, and a huge eye opener for me to decided if this is actually what I want to do with my life...
Till next time!
J
Then the gun went off and it was a complete scramble. In my relatively short mountain biking career I have never been in such a start. Every single guy there, all 80 of them, wanted to be in about 5th position, not higher or lower. There were crashes and pile-ups and constant swearing in many different languages. I tired my hardest to take the right line, but managed to end up in the first single track position in about 25th or so, with Rourke a couple of places ahead. I was not too fazed, but suddenly some of the many variables in racing altered significantly, not in my favour. Somebody up ahead had stalled, and then we all had to jump off and run, or else risk being passed by faster moving guys who running (it was that steep). We entered the last uphill section on the first half of the course, and then we came to the drop. This is a moment that has been tossing and turning in my head every day since the race. If I could go back to any moment in my life, it would probably be this. Somebody had fallen up ahead on the most technical section, and as a result everybody was off their bikes and running. I got up and off, and while jumping over the one rock, I was knocked by another guy, not too hard, but as I was off balance it was just enough to tip me over. The bike landed first, and I though nothing of it, just to jump back up and keep going. I was up in a flash, but as I griped my front brake, I felt little shards of magnesium and suddenly realised that it was no longer connected and that it was finished. Words alone cannot describe the disappointment that surged through me as I pedalled furiously up the next section towards the feed zone.
I entered the feed zone and clearly the brake was beyond repair. The rest of the race would have to be ridden without the front brake. For those of you who do not know, 75% of your braking comes from your front brake, and without it I was super slow in the technical stuff. So I made a pact to myself to do the best I could do without it, and so began a slow torture. I would work my heart out on the flats and ups, and pass about 10 or 15 guys, and then watch helplessly as they effortlessly pulled themselves back in the technical sections. Most of the international riders reckon that it was one of the most technical courses in history.
Things were looking ok, but my bad luck was not over. While out of the saddle on one of the climbs, my chain snapped. I reacted on cruise control, and made it to the feed zone, bitterly disappointed and upset. I was way back in 60th or so, and ready to quit. I got a new chain and decided to salvage something from the race, going flat out till the end. I ended up 45th, distraught but having learnt a lot. Fitness wise, I was up there with the best, and all I could wish for is a second chance, but that’s racing for you. I must mention a huge thank you to those who made the race possible. The rest of the trip was memorable, and a huge eye opener for me to decided if this is actually what I want to do with my life...
Till next time!
J
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Gearing up to go!
Well this last week since the last update has been an interesting time. Since it is impossible to get any fitter, the riding consists of mostly spinning your legs to keep the jeg lag at bay and finalise your specific race. Tim Bently, the only downhiller staying with the rest of us who are all cross country riders has found this entire week very boring as the downhill track is closed and he is not allowed to practice. Mariska Strauss, Candice Neethling, Rourke Croeser and myself head daily down to the track to practice lines and get the feel of the race.
Besides training and getting lines, we have all been busy getting in contract with family and satisfying various different needs. Today was the first day that it rained, but even so it is not too bad. The city is filled with many foreign cyclists, all very professional looking. The other day Rourke and I were riding a climb in the course and this junior looking cyclist came flying past us, seriously fast. We were both very impressed, and then we discovered that it was a girl! We were shocked, but it was very funny.
With less that a week to go, it's a very nervous and serious camp, but with it's quirks and laughs. Should be a good time:)
Till next time!
J
Besides training and getting lines, we have all been busy getting in contract with family and satisfying various different needs. Today was the first day that it rained, but even so it is not too bad. The city is filled with many foreign cyclists, all very professional looking. The other day Rourke and I were riding a climb in the course and this junior looking cyclist came flying past us, seriously fast. We were both very impressed, and then we discovered that it was a girl! We were shocked, but it was very funny.
With less that a week to go, it's a very nervous and serious camp, but with it's quirks and laughs. Should be a good time:)
Till next time!
J
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Chilling in Australia
Well I'm sitting in a small internet cafe in one of the hugest shopping centers in Australia. Seriously, it could rival Gateway. The trip over was memorable, filled with laughter and fun. Tim Bentley, Mariska Strauss, Rourke Croeser, Candice Neethling and I made the trip over to compete in the 2009 World XC Champs. Jet lag was not as bad as expected, but I suppose all the numerous pills that were taken by all of us to counter the effect did their job.
Today we went to check out the course. All I can say is that it is nothing like what is in South Africa. IT IS HUGE!!! Some of the rock drops appear unrideable. The singletrack is super technical, and the mix of sharp corners and rocks and big drop offs make for some interesting equipment choices. It has a good mix of climbing and single track, with a lot of jumps. Today we saw some of the Swiss team, as well as Burry's competition, Lukas or Mattais Funkliger (can't remember who is who). Tomorrow we're all going back to check it out again and get lines right. I am so glad that we got here this early because we need the time. The girls are doing really well in the tough sections. There are some super cool dual tracks for overtaking. The entire course seems to be carved out beautifully. I'm in a super hurry because the internet here is really expensive, but quick. Will load pics sometime, but keep checking to keep up to date with our adventures.
Till next time!
J
Today we went to check out the course. All I can say is that it is nothing like what is in South Africa. IT IS HUGE!!! Some of the rock drops appear unrideable. The singletrack is super technical, and the mix of sharp corners and rocks and big drop offs make for some interesting equipment choices. It has a good mix of climbing and single track, with a lot of jumps. Today we saw some of the Swiss team, as well as Burry's competition, Lukas or Mattais Funkliger (can't remember who is who). Tomorrow we're all going back to check it out again and get lines right. I am so glad that we got here this early because we need the time. The girls are doing really well in the tough sections. There are some super cool dual tracks for overtaking. The entire course seems to be carved out beautifully. I'm in a super hurry because the internet here is really expensive, but quick. Will load pics sometime, but keep checking to keep up to date with our adventures.
Till next time!
J
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ready, set, GO!
Well I'm sitting at home with about ten minutes to go till I leave for the airport and begin a long series of flights which will take me to Canberra, Australia for the 2009 World XC Championships. Bubbling over with excitement is a good way to describe my mood right now!
Last weekend I took part in the Cowan House Classic, a local race that has turned out to be bigger than many other races I've ever been to. Brandon Stewart, Max Knox, Rourke Croeser, Craig Paul, Pete Smith and Burry Stander as well as many others were all present for a tough 40kms of racing. I started hard, and managed to surprise many with a good speed out of the blocks. Very quickly I worked myself into a break with Stewart, Knox and Stander and felt super strong. Then a quick error in one of the many technical pieces saw me loose a few seconds and I found myself in no mans land, in 4th position. I held this till about the half way point, where things quickly went pear-shaped. Travis Walker and Pete Smith had caught up, and I went down hard a few times due to a front wheel puncture. I stopped numerous times and used a total of 5 bombs, but it just was not sealing. Rather irritated and 'over-it' I headed slowly into the finish, not too phased with the lack of result. Well done to Burry for doing what he does best...
Then disaster struck, as a few days ago I discovered a crack in my Scott Scale, my pride and joy. Many thanks to the Standers for quickly organizing a Specialized, which I will ride for the World Champs. So I have a bike box that says Merida, I'm wearing a kit that says Scott, and I'm on board a Specialized:)
Will keep the blog up to date over the next few days, so keep checking up!
J
Last weekend I took part in the Cowan House Classic, a local race that has turned out to be bigger than many other races I've ever been to. Brandon Stewart, Max Knox, Rourke Croeser, Craig Paul, Pete Smith and Burry Stander as well as many others were all present for a tough 40kms of racing. I started hard, and managed to surprise many with a good speed out of the blocks. Very quickly I worked myself into a break with Stewart, Knox and Stander and felt super strong. Then a quick error in one of the many technical pieces saw me loose a few seconds and I found myself in no mans land, in 4th position. I held this till about the half way point, where things quickly went pear-shaped. Travis Walker and Pete Smith had caught up, and I went down hard a few times due to a front wheel puncture. I stopped numerous times and used a total of 5 bombs, but it just was not sealing. Rather irritated and 'over-it' I headed slowly into the finish, not too phased with the lack of result. Well done to Burry for doing what he does best...
Then disaster struck, as a few days ago I discovered a crack in my Scott Scale, my pride and joy. Many thanks to the Standers for quickly organizing a Specialized, which I will ride for the World Champs. So I have a bike box that says Merida, I'm wearing a kit that says Scott, and I'm on board a Specialized:)
Will keep the blog up to date over the next few days, so keep checking up!
J
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
SA Marathon Champs - Dirty Harry
It's been a good few tough weeks since my last update. All I have been doing is building up for World Championships in 2 weeks time, but in the process I made the trip up to Harrismith for the annual Dirty Harry which was a SA Marathon Cup race, and also the championship. I decided to travel up on the morning of the race, as it is only about 2 and a half hours away. Candice Neethling (DCM Chrome) and Michael Hughes made the trip up with us, and we had an amusing road trip. Since the junior distance is limited to 45km, the race was likely to be fast and hard...
There was a long neutral zone to begin with, allowing ample time for the legs to warm up. I stayed near the front, and as soon as the cars moved, Arno du Toit (teammate on Mr Price/Scott) and I made the pace hard to get rid of as many as possible. Attacking at every slight rise, we succeeded in getting the group down to 4 as we hit the main climb of the day, which was also the KOM. We sat on the pace of Ruan du Toit (Cycle for Diabetes, and no relation to Arno) and then about 300m in, I attacked and gapped both of them. Passing back markers in large herds, I put my head down and did some hard work. It worked!
As I approached the top of the climb (it was about 4km) nearly everyone was walking. I dodged and weaved my way through them and did not look back once. Towards half way I realised that I need to be careful to preserve my lead and not to puncture. I rode hard to the finish, just over 2mins ahead of teammate Arno du Toit. I was a super quick race, and afterwards me and a few friends did another lap of the course for training.
All in all it was a good experience, but I guess I'm frustrated that they do not let juniors ride the 75km as that is true marathon racing. Really good and positive for world champs. This weekend I'm off to Cowan House for some single track heaven, join us, its an awesome route!
Till next time!
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