On Christmas Day at 4:24pm Jay and Julie Stockwell recieved an extra special Christmas present when their son, Ben Thomas Stockwell shot into the world after a 50 minute labor.  Ben decided to pop out a little early, and very quickly, as a Christmas present for Mum and Dad!  He weighs in at 5 pound 2 and Jay and Julie will be taking the newest Stockwell family member home in the next few days.

Congratulations Jay and Julie, and all the best with your beautiful son!

It wasn’t long ago that I was sitting around Italy sipping on cappuccinos and eating brioches at the local café, taking little day trips to Milan and somehow fitting in the odd ten-day cycling tour or day race every now and then!!!

Yup…life was good…

Even on the tours you have your food prepared for you, live in hotel rooms, have your whole day’s itinerary worked out for you, plus you get a daily massage! I mean, how stressful can things get? Ok, I’m probably not really painting the whole picture here, but I have to admit that life is pretty good on the European cycling scene!

Now I am back home and into a full training and full time working schedule …and back to having minimal time to myself. In some bizarre way, I also think life is still pretty great! I mean I’m really well looked after here with a great coach, a bunch of awesome friends, a fantastic family and to top it all off I live in the Hotel d’Loane where my mum loves cooking!!! Can’t get much better than that!

So since returning to Aussie soil and checking back into the Hotel d’Loane, I’ve been enjoying the good life again. After a two week holiday from work and the bike, I’ve somehow gotten my brain wired around the idea of once again working full time whilst fitting in a full training scedule. Hmmm, better check the brain function again! So I’m back into the full swing of my Aussie life and re-acquainting myself with my old faithful rides, like Nebo – Glorius, Mango Hill, Samford- Dayboro- Mt Mee, Coothas, Zupps and of course the Lifecycle shop rides.

It’s a good thing I’ve been back racking up the k’s on my favourite rides again because a few weeks ago, after my first successful European cycling trip, I had the great news of being offered a full Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) Scholarship for 2007. The scholarship means I’ll be racing with the AIS team in some Australian and New Zealand races in early 2007, will go to regular camps at the AIS from December onwards and that I’ll be returning to Europe to race for the Australian team next European summer.

It’s exciting news and just quietly I’m pretty proud of what Blair and I have done during the past year….since starting my cycle racing from pretty much scratch to now being offered a full AIS scholarship. There are also so many other people to thank who’ve helped me get to were I am… and they are of course, my own family, my Stockwell family, Greg for editting all of my articles, my friends and cycling buddies, my other supporters, Romeo and my sponsors. Thanks again, and please remember that a part of my success has definitely been because of you and next year when I’m back to sipping unbelievable cappuccinos in Italy I’ll be missing you all.

Merry Christmas from all the staff at Lifecycle!!!  We hope you've had a great year and are looking forward to a happy and relaxing Christmas with your family and friends.

We know you'll all be enjoying your cycling over the jolly season so following is a list of our opening hours in case you need some backup support! Take note we are closed Christmas Eve so make sure you pick up all those laybys early!!

Between Christmas and new Year we will be working holiday hours, 9-5. with no late night Thursday. Back to normal in the New Year.

Our Christmas shop ride will be leaving the shop on Sat 23rd with a loop of the river and a special festive season breakfast at "Spoon" cafe West End. Cost of the breakfast will be $12 incl. coffee. We need to know numbers for catering so please let us know by Friday if you are coming.

Thursday 21: 8:30am-8pm 
Friday 22: 8:30am-5:30pm 
Saturday 23: 9am-4pm 
Sunday 24: CLOSED

Monday 25: CLOSED
Tuesday 26: CLOSED
Wednesday 27: 9am-5pm
Thursday 28: 9am-5pm
Friday 29: 9am-5pm
Saturday 30: 9am-4pm

Monday 1 January 2007: CLOSED

Normal Hours resume from the 2 January.

We hope that you all have a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the shop over the Christmas period.  

Merry Christmas and all the best, Blair and the Lifecycle Gang. 

Saturday 5th November saw the inaugural "Spring Challenge" take place. Similar in concept to our famous "Winter Warmer" but instead heading south to O'Reilly's mountaintop resort in the Lamington national park. Just like the 'Warmer', beautiful weather preceded the weekend but as usual we were destined to extreme weather as drought breaking rain rolled in from somewhere down south, promising a long wet day in the saddle. A nervous group of 20 riders started turning up before six with Phil, Gibbsy, Ian. Anna and Mel Carlyle heading off to get a start on the others. Kimble showed up to do all the last minute checks and adjustments and the bunch headed off through South Brisbane and Stones Corner towards Logan Road. Brad kept in constant radio contact with 'Ossie' Osborne in the Lifecycle van following close behind.

 

Did we expect extreme weather and hills? For sure…..this is a spin-off from the "Winter Warmer" so nothing less would be acceptable. Otherwise there would be no tall tales and true to be expounded in the Irish Happy Hour in the Rainforest bar.

Before we got there though there was 115km of wet roads culminating in the 30km climb up to O'Reilly's. After meeting up with the outriders who put in a great effort to hold off the main group we all had some refreshments at Canungra before the bunch headed up to "destination unknown". Before we got too far there was another stop for some 'fannying around' as Luke would have called it as Blair stopped to tighten up a loose cleat

After a short run up a picturesque valley, past a nice winery, which had a few wistful glances and a few promises of maybe next time, the road started to head upwards into the mist and rain. Slowly to the sound of a tuneless singer, who shall go unamed, riders started to drift off the back. Firstly Jeremy, then Jonathon, Dave Thompson, Blair, puncture victim Simon, Brad, Dave Robbins with Jay and Greg finishing together as KOM victors. Over the next half hour or so everyone rolled in as the heavens really opened. It was a great effort especially by a couple of the girls who had never ridden that far before especially in such daunting conditions.

We were all staying in the Kootootonga lodge, the original O'Reilly homestead and soon we had a fire blazing in the fireplace with 20 pairs of shoe on the hearth, stuffed with paper in a valiant attempt to have dry footwear for the ride home. The billy went on and numerous cups of tea and coffee were consumed along with the best part of a freshly baked fruit cake sent by Paula Stockwell. Shortly after lunch was served, huge platters of sandwiches and homebaked cookies and orange juice. Then it was time for a yarn or maybe a sleep or a bit of reading.

Soon enough it was 5pm and time for the Irish Cocktail hour in the Rainforest bar. 1/2 price cocktails got a few going and soon the bar was humming as the rain began to clear giving glimpses of a beautiful sunset and the valley far below. All too soon it was time for dinner. Soup, Lasagne and Apple Crumble filled everyone nicely. To follow was a birthday cake for Anna, who could have been having a nice time in Brissie, but spent the day toiling up the mountain. For Jeremy he would have to make do with a cocktail for his birthday the following day.

Most turned in early keen to get a good nights sleep in the mountain air. The snorers were sent to one end of the lodge for everyones peace and quiet but even they seemed to be fairly restrained. All too soon it was daybreak and there are always those who love getting up at the crack of dawn and get the day started. A few pulled the doonas over the head and kept stacking zzzz's until Major Dave got a feed of toasted sandwiches off the BBQ going. A few more faces appeared until once again we were on the road again. Another outrider bunch formed with the promise of coffee in Canungra and they were off to a flyer. Also off to a flyer was 'rockin' Rod Stewart who overcooked a hairpin bend on the way down and disappeared over the side into a huge Lantana bush. The intrepid Rod soon clambered back up to the road, brushed himself off and took off again. When he checked at the bottom he had flat spotted his back tyre to the canvas!

A number of punctures from road debris kept "Ossie" in the van busy but everyone made it safely down in the end. The Outpost cafe did a sterling job feeding us and about 50 motorbike riders in double quick time. Lots of running repairs and tube/tyre changes were made before we set off in the sun towards Brisbane via Beenleigh. Soon a couple found the pace a bit arduous so a quick bunch split saw Anna and Gibbsy take the "as the crowflys' route home. Phil became the unofficial co-pilot for 'Ossie' and the bunch headed for home.

A couple of puncture stops and a lost follow car slowed us a little but before long we made it through the Ikea crowds and back into town for the welcome sight of the shop carpark. Remarkably Anna,Gibbsy and Melissa were able to slip the field on the outskirts of Brissie and take line honours as the Spring Challenge came to a close.

A few quick congratulatoty hugs and pats on the back, a cold drink or two and soon it was over with everyone promising to meet again in one years time for the 2007 Spring Challenge.

The Profile of the ride and climb to O'Reilly's

The new SUB bikes, Sarah Ulmer Brand bikes, have now arrived in at Lifecycle.  We thought we'd give you a preview of some of these great womens bikes so here they are…  The SUB brand includes Mountain bikes, hybrids and also five different models of alloy or carbon road bikes.  These bikes are suitable for beginners to pro racers and Sarah Ulmer herself actually races the Carbon Sub Rosa.

* Subzero.2 Pictured

The SUB brand was brought out so that women could experience a more comfortable and suitable bike, as our different bodies shape makes it harder to fit generic bikes. These bikes include comfort benefits such as frame geometry more suitable to women and also include narrower handle bars and womens specific saddles.

 For more info and a better look at these great bikes and their specs go to www.sarahulmerbrand.com

250km – In two days

Join us for a full weekend of riding.
Saturday 4th -5th November.
Leaving 0630 from the Lifecycle car park.

We will depart Lifecycle and head south to Logan Village via Woodridge. From Logan Village we continue south to Tamborine Village and then take a left turn towards Canungra. Once at Canungra thesteady climb to O'Reillys National Park begins and continues for 30km before a final sharp pinch in the last 0.5km helps greet you to the finish of the climb.

Most of the cycle down will be done as a group, followed by a support vehicle, however after a short stop in Canungra, and up the O'Reillys climb, we anticipate the group will break up. There will be some riders who may wish to power ahead while others may want to take it a little slower or stop for some short rests up the Mountain to enjoy the views. There's no pressure as we will all reunite at the top!

Once at O'Reillys we will book into Kootoonga Lodge, which will be our accommodation, dorm style, for the night. After freshening up post ride, we'll take a light lunch and later that evening enjoy dinner that night at the Lodge. Both meals are included in the price of the cycling weekend.

On Sunday morning we will roll out early for the long and beautiful descent down the O'Reillys mountain to Canungra. Once again everyone will descend at their own pace and we will stop to re group and take breakfast at a Cafe in Canungra. From Canungra we will head northeast to Oxenford and then cycle north on the service roads beside the South East freeway and back to Lifecycle.

NB: Dorm style accommodation means pillows and blankets are provided. You can bring your own linen and towel or you can hire linen for $12.00

For anyone who wishes to enjoy more up market accommodation please contact O'Reillys directly on www.oreillys.com.au

Cycling weekend includes.

• Follow Vehicle
• Luggage transportation
• Accommodation
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
• Saturday night entertainment
• Use of Kootootonga facilities.

$100.00 p.p.

Suggestions for packing

• Tubes(at least two)
• Two water bottles( cages)
• Ear plugs(if you're sharing with Kimble)
• Sunscreen
• Windproof vest for the early morning descent
• Towel and Linen or sleeping bag

Bookings essential – limited numbers.

Must be paid by the 28th October.

Call 38312611  or call in to LIFECYCLE 276 Petrie tce. Brisbane 4000

The biggest news at Lifecycle since Andrew lowered the mini truck is the arrival of the new SRAM Force 10 speed road groupset.

The much anticipated groupset from the American component manufacturer is no third rate option behind Dura-Ace and Record but a genuine attempt to beat the big names at their own game.

After all the hype circulating on the internet it is nice to finally get this gear in our hands. The finish on all the parts is top notch and the carbon fibre deraileur cage and brake levers are a nice touch. The shifter/ brake combo fits naturally in the hand with the levers sweeping out to meet your fingers. The shifter is a single lever controling both up and down shifts using the new SRAM double tap system.

Andrew models the new SRAM Force shifter…

while his mini truck looks after the rear mech.

There aren't a lot of these SRAM Force groupsets about so make sure you get in quick to check it out before Andrew takes it home in the mini truck.

Just because all of the Stockwells have left town that doesn't mean we'll be forgetting our infamous night ride.  The next night ride will be held on September 20, which is this Wednesday and leaving the Lifecycle car park at 6pm.

We receive great feedback about this ride which leaves the shop and takes you through the Nudgee Wetlands stopping at Sonoma's at Sandgate for a beverage stop and/or light evening meal.  A coffee or hot chocolate stop is advised as one of our riders, who will remain anonymous, had a hard time making it back to Brissy after finishing a red wine!

Ride safe and remember your strong lights and legs!  See you there.

When Blair suggested that I duck over to New Zealand for the 2006 Avanti and Specialized dealers conference I didn't need to be asked twice. Not only would it be a great chance to check out the latest release bikes but also I would be able to catch all the action of the 2006 World MTB Championships in Rotorua. It is a tough job but somebody has to do it…

We were picked up by bus from Auckland airport and as our bus driver knew we were keen to get to the conference he pointed the bus towards Rotorua and stepped on the gas. Unfortunately a local police officer was not so impressed and booked our enthusiastic driver for speeding. Still we all appreciated his efforts!

Steam rising from Rotorua's famous (and smelly) hot springs.

Once in Rotorua it was into the hardwork of checking out the latest gear from Avanti and Specialized. A couple of the guys from Specialized USA had made the trip over to NZ to share their knowledge. It is amazing how much thought and design Specialized puts into their products and my head was left spinning from all the tech info they have to backup their product.

One product that really impressed me was the latest generation of the Specialized Epic Mountain Bike. Anyone who has ridden an Epic in the past knows that there is no other dual suspension bike that performs as well. Despite this Specialized have found ways to improve this bike with a next generation Brain shock. I'll save the technical spiel except to say that by tweaking the internals of the brain Specialized have created a shock the switches automacially between locked and active moods quicker than ever before meaning you won't loose any power in that sprint for the line. If you think that means a heavy bike then think again, Switzerland's Christoph Sauser (who took Silver in the Elite XC) was riding a 9kg Specialized Epic in Rotorua, I know people with heavier road bikes.

Sauser's 9kg Epic in the trainer.

Of course no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a hike across a random sheep paddock. On the Friday afternoon I had decided to check out the action in the 4cross finals. Unfortunately I missunderstood my friend Stu's directions to the course and had to backtrack for about a kilometre across sheep paddocks to reach the course. This would have been fine except that when I finally reached to track I had to jump one last fence… as luck would have it I misjudged my leap and rather then sailing over with grace and style I crashed to the ground right in front of the thousands assembled to watch the race. Still after dusting of my pride and bleeding shin I enjoyed a great afternoon watching the world's best riders mix it up on a very gnarly 4cross track.

Yes I'm clumsy.

The 4cross start gate.

Specialized had also flown a fleet of the brand new S-Works Roubaix road bikes over to New Zealand for us to try. These bikes are simply amazing with more vertical compliance then any other road bike on the market. Basically this means a more comfortable ride then ever before without sacrificing stiffness, acceleration or weight. They are able to achieve this great ride using their Az1 carbon manufacture techniques that eliminates alot of excess Carbon that adds weight to the standard lugged and moncoque carbon frames on the marlet. Of course being Specialized bikes they look darn good to.

The new S-Works Roubaix.

The whole weekend was a really great experience, they only thing I regret is not getting to smaple the local Redwoods mountain bike trails. Maybe Blair will give me some time off later in the year to go back…

A few more photos…

New Roval wheels

Specialized Pro Liam Kileen with Tim.

Aussie Trials champion Joe Brewer.

After the crits I decided to take a day off the bike in Amsterdam with Emma Mackie, a fellow Aussie. We decided that while in Amsterdam we should actually do something educational so we chose the Van Gough Museum and the house of Anne Frank.  This decision was followed by an hour trying to find the Van Gough Museum and figuring out the Tram system.  Nonetheless, it was a most pleasant hour as we travelled on trams and walked through Amsterdam seeing all of the beautiful buildings and parks.  We arrived at the Museum and had a good look at the artwork of Van Gough, which turned out to be a lot more diverse than I thought.  After the Museum we took an hour-long tour of Anne Frank’s house.  The house is actually devoid of any furniture, but has a lot of information about the Frank family and the war. The tour is really great and I’m sure it would have a big impact on all.

After all that education Emma and I decided we should head to the Red light district for a little more!  We walked across town and entered a whole other world of alcohol, drugs, weirdos, sex shops, sex cinemas and loads more strange sights.  We sat down at a pub and had a drink and people watched for a while.  It was a really funny time as we watched spaced out people, strange looking people and things and played spot the Aussie. After that we headed back to the station and caught the train back to Amersfoort and both talked about the great time we had had and how awesome Amsterdam was.  The Red light district is funny for obvious reasons but there is so much more there and you could easily spend many days there.

After our trip to Amsterdam I had a few days training in Amersfoort before going to the south of Holland for the Holland Hills race.  For the last couple of weeks I wondered how true the title of the race would be as I really doubted there to be any hills at all in Holland. Fortunately, as we travelled to the scene of the race, landscape slowly became bumpy and as we got closer, there they were – Hills! 

The next day I woke up and rode to the race start with the Aussie girls comprising my team.  There were two juniors who would compete at Junior Worlds a week later and four senior girls, including myself.  The race was 130 girls covering 130 km over 5 laps, 4 larger loops followed by a smaller loop.  It started and for the first lap everything stayed together.  It was clear that attacks would go during the race so front pack positioning was really important and trying to get past the AA Sports Drink team was also key.  AA Sports drink is a Dutch team and they were all over the race from the beginning, they shut down any attacks their riders weren’t in. They also attacked from the beginning to force breaks and pretty much controlled the race.

During the early stages of the second lap a break went.  I was positioned near the front of the peloton so I jumped across and got to the back of the group of 7 girls.  Once there, we all started working together and started putting time into the group.  Luckily there where two AA drinks riders in the lead group so the rest of the team where blocking and controlling the pack and any other would be attackers.  Our group continued working together and putting time into the peloton for the remainder of the race.  During the final lap, over a QOM (Queen of the Mountain) points climb two riders got away and I was left in a pack of six.  As we kept riding,  the teamwork started to flounder a little as girls started missing turns.  We got to the final climb which was ridiculously steep and it seemed to go on forever, it felt like the Mt O’Reilly Climb in Brisbane and I thought I would nearly topple over as I was going so slow.  Our group split and I was left with a Neurenburg rider to chase down two girls who had just dropped us.  After working together we caught the two girls into the final straight and we all sprinted for the up hill finish.  I placed 5th in the race, which was a great result in such a tough and well known race.

Emma and I in Amsterdam

Riding the Town Bike home after Amsterdam visit.

Racing at Holland Hills.