Crazy ABES Southern Cross 2018

Crazy ABES Southern Cross is coming to Altona Saturday October 13th.  For more information about the fun, races and deals check out the Southern Cross blog.

ThNR Report

This week the ThNR saw Albert, Johnny, Gavin Franklin and Steven head out to Tinker for a quick hit of the trails.  They were in el primo early season condition.

                                                    A sweet section of MB MTB trail.

                                               Gavin shows his form.  Classic ready position.

                                                                   Steven shows his bod. 

After the ride we met at the clubhouse where we were joined by Myron, David, Paul, James, Dan and Shaun.  The Jets were on, glycogen stores were replenished (that means we drank beer and ate chips) and things were said. 
Our hearts are in the right place.

Saturdays and Tinker - Why not?

It's a beaut of a day, irregardless of the 30 km/h south wind. Yet another group ride? Why not?

The usual stop at the TCT Wes Hamm corner.

Top of the hill conference.

Shaun rubs it in.

Daughter trash talks father. 

It never looks this awesome when you're grunting.

Post-ride communion. Thanks Dan!

 

Bull!

We're tough enough. So tough we might do this again tomorrow.

Tinker Ride Report

Another Saturday brought another group ride, this one to the hills near Tinker Creek.  We nine celebrated eventual coming of spring with fire in our hearts and steel in our eyes.

We rode together.


We climbed hills together.


We stood there, together.


We stood there, too.  Together.


We finished, on our own, by coming back together.


Then we had the usual standing around and talking about what we had just done, how much we had enjoyed it, and when we could do it again.

Group rides on gravel are great.

Shannondale #2 Ride Report

Good bunch out today. Working on form for the HP Spring/Summer/Fall extravaganzas. There will be no mercy, so don't look for it here.

The weather was a bit shit - windy and cooler than we thought, though it was from the NE which is, we think, best for this ride. All in all it was a gooder as predicted. Here's a few pics and the data (obviously).

On the way up. Good form here.

Still climbing. Keep your pecker up!

Heading in. Or up. Whatever. It's gonna be what it is. 

Working it from afar. The world is on a string, baby.

And here's the data:

A few minutes faster than the March ride, but we're still working on getting into HP form. Damn those hills! 

Beer is good though. And the burgers at Rox! Good reviews on the Lumberjack. Not so much on the Highwayman. Money isn't everything. Sometimes the cheap things in life are free. 

Sunday at Shannondale - No. 2

Sunday's aren't complete without a ride!

http://tinyurl.com/yarra3bb 

Should be a gooder. Start at Dave's for a 41.7 km out and back with 442 metres of climb (56 feet of climb per mile). Leave town at 1 pm.

INTERCONTINENTAL CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

This event looks hellafun.

Check out the report and more pics here

Southern X is Coming

TWO DAYS

TWO RACES

TWO COURSES

 

Come check out the fun October 14 & 15.  For More information go to Altona Southern Cross Blog

Dreamy McHeart-Throb is Back

If you want to gaze into his dreamy eyes, Giles will be at the THNR this week.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Right on

Blame Danny

ThN Spring Tune Up Ride

The "ride" this week (April 13) will be a direct route from my place (JS) to Back Alley Cycle where people are encouraged to fix some of their squeaks and leaks.  Bruce has a $10 annual shop tools fee for anyone who wants to tinker about with shop tools so you can get your bike up and running to maximum sweetness.  Bring something that needs some love'n and/or lube'n.

Post repairs will take us back to The BARn.

Hell Ya!

Too good not to share...

HELLCROSS 2016 - THE RACE from François Bouko on Vimeo.

ThNR Christmas Party - EARLY START

This Thursday we’re cycling to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches pizza.

PK has offered the herdsman house so we can enjoy some shelter and pizza, and Dan K said he’d supply everyone with some giggle juice.  You guys are awesome.

Franky has offered return rides to the Altona village - he's awesome too.

NOTE: 

NOTE: We'll get the party started one hour earlier.

See you at 7:00 - that's right 7:00. 

Latest Danny Mac Video Will Make You Happy

Southern Cross Wrap Up

That was a gooder!  David designed a great course: 4 challenging ascents and zippy, tricky descents, two thick sandpit crossings and  three splashy passes through the mud.  The sun was out and the mud in the ditch got worse as the day went on leaving everybody (especially Chris Huebner - awesome) and their bikes a sloppy mess.  So much good times!

Dallas took these...

Thanks to the generosity of the Altona Farm Service – free bikes make people happy!

David took these...

There are a bunch of pictures floating around facebook.  For a look at most of the racers (excluding B) check out this comprehensive collection by Dallas S.

Mike Payment recorded this...

Gavin worked hard to bring you the results of the races.  Click here to see how slow you are.

A few extra adult shirts are available – let us know if you want to buy one.

Thanks to everybody that helped make Southern Cross so fun. 

ABES Team Board Game

Thanks to Dwight N, now you can play the Southern Cross Abes Team board game!  All the thrills of competition and the whirligig without feeling like you're going to throw up - unless you make it a drinking game.  And speaking of throwing up, thanks for making your submission family friendly this year Dwight.

Hey, it's Franklin!

Man Down!

Things have gotten crazy at Southern Cross Headquarters.  Race organizer PK went and did done something stupid on his road ride to f up his clavicle.  

Wednesday surgery will probably include hardware.

So shitty.

We heart you Paul!

Jonny G put together this lovely poster because it's true...

If anybody can supply a black cargo van that we could use for the Abes-team van/shirt vendor, that would be awesome! 

Southern Cross

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Mennonite underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem...if no one else can help...and if you can find them...maybe you can hire... The Abes-Team.

DUU-DU-DU-DUUUU, DU-DU-DUUUU.

Register here.

Steve is getting married!

Steve Braun is tying the knot and there's a social at the pioneer centre this Saturday.  He's invited the ABES crew to wish him well and enjoy the traditional sosh spread.

I assume his wedding registry includes a new race tent.  Congrats Steve!  

Good luck on your first wedding!