Port to Port 2018.... and a great ride was had by all!

[Minlak]

So in my infinite wisdom of constantly being under prepared I am madly training for the Port to Port ride this year. No I swear I shouldn't of started 6 mths ago and I will be in with 4 days of bike riding even though I have never ridden 4 days in a row in my life. Oh and I have never done over a 1000m of elevation in a single ride either. And my longest recorded ride is 61kms ever. Hahahha sound worse the more I type.

So just wondering who is going so I can get drafts for the climbs?

https://porttoportmtb.com/


Course Overview
Summary
Distance: 195km+
Total Climbing: 3450m+
Location: Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie
Closest Airport: Newcastle or Sydney (160km)
What to expect:
Our course team have crushed it with a crankin’ new 2018 course. Port to Port MTB is 4 days full of good fun riding. Challenging climbs, thrilling descents and all the best single track we could find in the area, combined with some spectacular scenery.

It’s suitable to all rider levels with a decent level of fitness. There’s an awesome social atmosphere at the end of each stage and at the end of each day you get to kick back and enjoy the excellent food, local beers (or wine) and everything the regions have to offer.

2018 has heaps more single track, a brand spankin new stage, and new wave starts on stage 2-4. Basically more of what you love!

 

[Daniel Hale]

when i first looked i thought WTF! a 195km single day MTB race -thats F&^%'d, but then i re-read you have never elevated more than 1000m & i smiled, you're f^^%$'d..enjoy , you still have amonth -hit the trainer hard, or buy a smart trainer -set it to hills

 

[creaky]

when i first looked i thought WTF! a 195km single day MTB race -thats F&^%'d, but then i re-read you have never elevated more than 1000m & i smiled, you're f^^%$'d..enjoy , you still have amonth -hit the trainer hard, or buy a smart trainer -set it to hills

Re read again maybe .... It's over 4 days, he'll be fine. Just make sure to carb load extensively for at least the 4 weeks prior.

 

[steve jobs' pancreas]

you need camodude

 

[Dales Cannon]

Take a spare portapotti.

 

[pink poodle]

Dude...the Hunter Valley has enough pollution issues as it is, coal fired power stations, coal mines, heavy freight, poor farming practices along the water ways, over fishing, dredging of the harbour, an unspoken 1 person per car rule, dick heads, and more! I'm not sure we can risk an effluent spill of your magnitude...

If you're going to fly here be aware that while it is a rather good regional airport, Newcastle airport is in the middle of nowhere and the public transport options are highly restricted. So you'd be best off having a rental car or pick up service arranged in advance. Or (as I generally do) just use Sydney airport and enjoy the train ride here.

I've no idea about transport for the race itself.

 

[Minlak]

Dude...the Hunter Valley has enough pollution issues as it is, coal fired power stations, coal mines, heavy freight, poor farming practices along the water ways, over fishing, dredging of the harbour, an unspoken 1 person per car rule, dick heads, and more! I'm not sure we can risk an effluent spill of your magnitude...

If you're going to fly here be aware that while it is a rather good regional airport, Newcastle airport is in the middle of nowhere and the public transport options are highly restricted. So you'd be best off having a rental car or pick up service arranged in advance. Or (as I generally do) just use Sydney airport and enjoy the train ride here.

I've no idea about transport for the race itself.

All good advice however not flying driving down. So transport for the race is also not an issue. There is a couple of us going and we will shuttle the bikes back on the one day that we start and finish in different locations. They do however offer a shuttle service return for $10 (I think)

 

[pink poodle]

They do however offer a shuttle service return for $10 (I think)

That is a very reasonable price.

While perhaps not suitable for yourself with the band, don't overlook a celebration feed at the local Brazilian BBQ.

 

[Flow-Rider]

"4 days of bike riding even though I have never ridden 4 days in a row in my life."

Bring plenty of butt cream, especially with that amount of climbing. You will not enjoy the saddle sores.

 

[Oddjob]

"4 days of bike riding even though I have never ridden 4 days in a row in my life."

Bring plenty of butt cream, especially with that amount of climbing. You will not enjoy the saddle sores.

And apply it at the beginning of every day.


Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[Minlak]

Things are looking up.... well except for the part where I thought i was going to die at the end.

 

[DMan]

Good e

Things are looking up.... well except for the part where I thought i was going to die at the end.

View attachment 344404

Good effort man!! But it's a bit different when you have to front up the next day and do it again. Are you going for a recovery style ride today? Comfort is what kills me when riding several days in a row.

 

[Minlak]

Good e

Good effort man!! But it's a bit different when you have to front up the next day and do it again. Are you going for a recovery style ride today? Comfort is what kills me when riding several days in a row.

Its the backing up that has me worried Will do 25Km road ride this afternoon / evening probably. Today is running day at the gym though so might just do that instead.

 

[ozzybmx]

Bring plenty of butt cream, especially with that amount of climbing. You will not enjoy the saddle sores.

And invest in a great pair of chamois shorts. Sadly greatness does not come cheap but soooo worth it, a sore ass is on your mind with every pedal stroke.

 

[pink poodle]

Looking for a local to massage the daily sores away? There is a Thai massage place near me that is open 24 hours...it's all legit above board stuff for sure.

 

[Minlak]

And invest in a great pair of chamois shorts. Sadly greatness does not come cheap but soooo worth it, a sore ass is on your mind with every pedal stroke.

I have these from Aero Tech in America. That is US dollars on there I have bought from them before and find them good.

 

[Quency]

I did Port to Port in 2015. a mostly successful 4 days of racing barring a small crash on stage 4.
Hopefully in for the 4 days again this year. just firming up some work commitments before registering. worst case i'll be doing the 2 weekend stages.

Not sure if you've done the full strava stalk of the stages yet, but some info if you want to know a bit more about what your in for:

Stage 1 uses the climb from stage 2 in previous years. this is it here: https://www.strava.com/segments/7318742?filter=overall
Different start location to when i raced, and a different singletrack loop at the top. Haven't ridden the new descent yet either.

Stage 2 is completely new. From the map and rumours, it'll be heading up sugarloaf before dropping back down into the Killingworth/Holmesville/Barnsley singletrack. First climb likely to be this: https://www.strava.com/segments/2735737 followed by this: https://www.strava.com/segments/612001
There is a huge amount of singletrack for them to pick from. generally pretty flat.

Stage 3 will by and large be identical to this: https://www.strava.com/segments/14306858?filter=overall
It's a big day out. the full loop of awaba is pretty fun. it's at the start of the stage though so have to manage your effort. the climb up Mt Faulk Road is harsh. spin your way up that one in a nice easy gear.

And stage 4 will be similar to this: https://www.strava.com/segments/12227293
The start is further north now at Blacksmiths and there should be some extra singletrack around Whitebridge. Maybe some variation to the loop through Glenrock too.

 

[Minlak]

I did Port to Port in 2015. a mostly successful 4 days of racing barring a small crash on stage 4.
Hopefully in for the 4 days again this year. just firming up some work commitments before registering. worst case i'll be doing the 2 weekend stages.

Not sure if you've done the full strava stalk of the stages yet, but some info if you want to know a bit more about what your in for:

Stage 1 uses the climb from stage 2 in previous years. this is it here: https://www.strava.com/segments/7318742?filter=overall
Different start location to when i raced, and a different singletrack loop at the top. Haven't ridden the new descent yet either.

Stage 2 is completely new. From the map and rumours, it'll be heading up sugarloaf before dropping back down into the Killingworth/Holmesville/Barnsley singletrack. First climb likely to be this: https://www.strava.com/segments/2735737 followed by this: https://www.strava.com/segments/612001
There is a huge amount of singletrack for them to pick from. generally pretty flat.

Stage 3 will by and large be identical to this: https://www.strava.com/segments/14306858?filter=overall
It's a big day out. the full loop of awaba is pretty fun. it's at the start of the stage though so have to manage your effort. the climb up Mt Faulk Road is harsh. spin your way up that one in a nice easy gear.

And stage 4 will be similar to this: https://www.strava.com/segments/12227293
The start is further north now at Blacksmiths and there should be some extra singletrack around Whitebridge. Maybe some variation to the loop through Glenrock too.

Thanks for the info. They actually have a pretty good description up of each stage but its better to hear from some one that knows whats going to actually happen.

For example:- Sitting at around 45km in distance with 1034m gained, the first stage is highlighted by the opening climb which is rated Cat 2 – 11km in overall length and an average grade of 3.5%

 

[ozzybmx]

I have these from Aero Tech in America. That is US dollars on there I have bought from them before and find them good.

Nice one. Good price too... after a lot of expensive bib short purchase and fails, I found Assos. They are my all day shorts hands down. On normal 'free' liners my ass is getting irritated in under an hour, wearing good brand name bibs and bibs from reputable kit makers, its about 1.5-2hrs. Assos, not a tingle at 10hrs in.

 

[Flow-Rider]

Nice one. Good price too... after a lot of expensive bib short purchase and fails, I found Assos. They are my all day shorts hands down. On normal 'free' liners my ass is getting irritated in under an hour, wearing good brand name bibs and bibs from reputable kit makers, its about 1.5-2hrs. Assos, not a tingle at 10hrs in.

You just like looking at the lady in the adds aye ?

Assos branded butt cream is the only one I use these days and I've tried 90% on what's in the market. I used to use the top of the line Bellwether knicks.