Carl (Hoggy) |
The Bike: Super sexy BMC Pro Machine. Campag Record Groupset, Fulcrum |
Damian E (Chief) |
Nickname: Chief (so as not to be confused with "the other" Damien Edwards who's always "...gunna..." come out for a ride with FRA "...next week."). The bike: Good points are that it's really light. So light in fact, that it comes well under the UCI legal 6.8 kg requirements, hence the need for extra water bottles. Other positives are no punctures - gotta love those resin tyres and not having to spend money on spare tubes. My Other Bike Is A.....: Colnago Dream HP with Campy Record / Chorus, rolling around on Mavic Ksyrium SSCs with various carbon bits and bobs to help me think I can go faster by spending more than I probably need to. Favourite Rides: You'll see me and the Colnago pretty much in the Adelaide Hills most of the time. Favourite routes are Montacute to Norton Summit, Old Freeway - Piccadilly Road - Norton Summit and Aldgate Valley Road. Worst Cycling Experience: "Popping" badly in the 2002 Round the Bay with 120km to go, a head wind and no sag wagon in sight. No amount of sugar-filled jubes were to expedite my arrival at the finish line. Best Cycling Experience: Being fortunate enough to see Le Tour and ride some famous climbs in the Alps & Pyrenees. Can't Do Without: My collection of cycling "porn" from the last 12 years. Cycling Goal: Attempt a L'Etape du Tour one year. Rankings (0 bad - 5 champ/legend): Hills 4 Sprints 3 Endurance 4 Flat 3 Fair weather 5 Coffee 3 Level of Bike Maintenance 5 |
Lorne (Blancmange) |
The Bike: 2005 Specialised Roubaix Pro, with full Dura-ace 7800 series group set including wheelset, Selle San Marco Magma Ti saddle, Look Keo CrMo pedals, Continental Attack/force tyres, Polar 710 HR Cycle monitor, |
Jeremy |
Well it's me Dana with an update about my now 1,000,000 and 1 year old Dad - actually he's 50 but close enough. He's still coming last, still no good at sprints, has not improved in the hills but he has got an
He made his FRA debut in the Around the Bay in a Day in He's proud to be an FRA rider and likes the idea whether you are in the A Grade fast riders or the A grade not so fast riders (he won't let me call them B grade or slow)everybody has a good cup of coffee together afterwards. I've met some of the FRA and I agree they are nice - they don't leave him behind in the hills to get lost like I would. (not all the time - but I tell you what sometimes...). Rankings (0 bad - 5 champ/legend):Hills - hoping to reach level 1 soon Sprints - see hills, also not too good on the rules! Endurance - 2.5 getting better all the time Flat - 3 (downhill flats 4) Fair weather - 3 don't mind bad weather during ride but don't like it before we start Coffee - 5+ Level of Bike Maintenance - 4 I'm quite partial to a shiny chain. |
Terry (picture still coming) |
Nickname: Guv (probably in view of my seniority) – or just TT. The Bike: It’s a Specialized S-Works Tarmac customised in matching FRA colours. Of course it has Shimano Durace, Ksyrium SL wheels, and plenty of carbon bits and pieces. All up it’s probably the lightest bike and rider combination in the group (at least amongst the males). As a result it sticks to the road like bitumen - except when it’s blowing a gale – and then I’ve been known to call for ballast or a friendly colleague to draught behind. The Rider: I was a founding member of the group – even before it acquired the legendary FRA name. I have had bikes most of my life – the first in 1958 had 10 speed Campag, alloy bars, Mafac centre pull brakes and a Brooks leather saddle!! But now I’m probably the elder statesman. I'm addicted like everyone else, but currently only riding about 150km to 200km a week. Famous for: sitting on the back and picking the right time to stay there, whilst the others do the work! But, hey, you’re only young once. Also famous for saying ‘why are we going so fast?” My wife adds: Terry is a nice guy. I say this, not just because I am his wife. Lots of people would agree. And dogs think so too. Dogs (in fact animals of all kinds) have this uncanny ability to pick him out in a crowd. Dogs show their affection by making a tail-wagging bolt straight for him. Remarkably, this happens even when he is – er - make that 'was' on his bike. Being singled out for a doggy encounter from a group of 30+ riders just has to mean something in the popularity stakes. (How was the dog? – well at least the dog was OK). Rankings: Hills – Like ‘em Sprints – What? – saw one once! Endurance - Average Flat – Generally, after a ride Fair weather – Better than most Coffee - Yes; certainly after a ride! Level of Bike Maintenance - 4ish |
Kinga (picture coming) |
Kinga is either here, there or somewhere else but rest assured his clothes are ironed. Where's the proof? |
Pales (latest picture coming) |
Pales has now collected his new boat, sold his new boat, sold his house, built his house, is trying to sell his house, bought his shop, sold his shop, bought his bike ........ Oh, he still has his bike. Watch this space, we're waiting for him to actually write something rather than talk about it. |
Shane M |
Gone milking |
Cohenator |
Nick name : Cohenator Bike : BMC SLTO1 Why Cohenator? : The day I fitted the "Mavic Cosmic Carbonne" rims to the BMC the whole bike dynamic changed. So did my nickname. The Bike : BMC's full carbon team bike in Black. Why BMC? ... well ... not many on the road, it's different, and in my opinion, hot. Whilst I didn't like the team colours of Phonak (who did) the whole bike won me over. Also, the frame design is stunning and I like good design. Take a look yourself -- www.bmc-racing.com The Rider : Born in the Pyrenee's, sired by a former Champion, trained at Sports Institute of Paris, 5 time winner of the Tour de France and sponsored by the largest French Corporates ... are all attributes of Bernard Hinault. Owkay ... what about Cohenator? The Rider (2nd attempt!) : A tuned athlete, strapping good looks, toned muscular legs, chiselled features ... are all characteristics of elite road cyclists ... and none that I have. I'm aged in the forties, live and work in this great state of SA and took to cycling like a footy supporter to free beer. I barely fit the FRA gear at best of times, get shtick wearing lycra and most family and friends think I'm a nutter. After three trips to ER directly as a result of mountain bike accidents (one being cleaned up by a Volvo) I decided to great real, get a road bike ...and stay in a lane. Thanks to Darren B... it was then mentioned to join Team FRA. What a difference this has made to my life ... and my weight. Thanks a million Darren, Kinger, Terry, Browney and to the FRA guys. Famous For : Neatly trimmed Nutella sandwiches to have with coffee. Hammering the last 1/3 during hill climbs, going for KOM jersey points. Going for, ... but not necessarily achieving them! Favourite Rides - At Home : Toll Gates / Mt Lofty / Montacute Heights then down Montacute Road ... it has to be the smoothest and best descending road in Adelaide. Oh, and the last 100 metre sprint to Cibo ... one that I've never won. Favourite Rides - Away : The cycling route into and around the beautiful town of Annecy at the base of the French Alps. A place that I will not only return to, but probably retire, ... (hopefully with the Specialised Angel!). Own Summary : Need to refine my paceline technique. Need to concentrate more on a dead-steady cadence when in a large group. Need to refine my standing-start and get "clipped in" on the first turn of the pedal. Cycling Goals : Trying to take a sprint-finish off Burner & Matty. Trying to take a hills climb KOM off Chief & Marty. Trying to emulate the ride technique of Lorne & David ... and ..praying for the same level of fitness as Puddy. Oh ...and .trying to keep Pales incessant "chatting" lower than his own cadence. Also, desperately trying for a minimum 200kms per week ... week in week out. Rankings (0 bad - 5 champ/legend): Hills Sprints Endurance Fair weather Coffee Level of Bike Maintenance |
Moose as in Marty Moose |
Bike: Orbea Onyx full carbon purchased in May 2005 after I received a redundancy package from JP Morgan and decided to wisely invest it in a new bike and a trip to Good points: Very comfortable to ride compared to aluminium yet still stiff and responsive. I also find Campag lasts longer than Shimano Bad points: The Echo cycle computer is about as reliable as Thommo turning up when there are clouds in the sky. I also keep getting told by Byrner I need new wheels with less spokes but resisting so far. Kms: I average about 10,000 a year, 3 – 5 days a week Favourite ride: “Hope and Beauty” – Greenhill Road, Carey Gully, “Cohenator Forest”, Lenswood, Fox Creek then back through Gorge Road. Hardest ride undertaken: Alpine Classic in 2000. 200ks and legs were gone at 130ks with Mount Buffalo still to climb which ended up taking me 1 hour 50 minutes to climb Likes: I just like being out on the bike seeing different places be it finding new routes in the Adelaide hills or cycling trips such as the Argus ride in South Africa with Fergs and Thommo in 2006. I also like the sense of accomplishment after a hard ride and the Guv’s end of year awards. Dislikes: squeaky cleats, Echo cycle computers, coffee not being hot enough, Thommo’s knicks with a hole in the back Famous in FRA for: My quick wit which can border on being a smart a*se at times. Nicknames e.g. the Guv, Cohenator. Funniest thing seen on a bike: Cohenator stopping to try and have a ralph at Eagle on the Hill after a few too many chardonnays the night before Favourite cycling quotes: “When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” Rankings: |
Burner |
The Bike: 2006 Trek Madone 110 OCLV with sexy Dura Ace, and non of that Campag shit. Choice of wheels, Ksyrium SLs or eurocool Mavic Carbone's for racing, or just when the bike feels like looking even cooler. Red handle bar tape to match the red striping in the frame, and a Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow saddle with a fart hole to keep my chod cool. Nickname: Burner, why....... a bit of a spin from my name, but because I like to try and ride faster than everyone else, all the time, which can be annoying to everyone else.....but I dont care. Nickname given by the Cohenator, which is payback for me coming up with his nickname. I would also like to lay claim to the following other nicknames in the peleton, Moose, Boss, Pill, Captain Calves, Raisin Toast, ....the list goes on. The Rider: Coming from a sprinting background of the running type, with a 3rd place in the Stawell Gift of a tightish handicap and a National 4x100m relay title in the bank for SA (state record to boot), speed and hard training have been a part of my life for about 20 years. Yes, Thommo, bragging again, but it's all important in context! Swimming is for duds, hacks and ducks, so cycling was a natural transition when my knees pleaded for less impact.
Favourite Ride: Any ride where I beat everyone home........often involves avoiding long hills then. Any ride where there is a sprint. Racing in the crits........Coming down the old Freeway...............making sure Paley isn't the first to coffee. K's per week: 4 to 5 days, so 250k ish per week to 300k in summer. Likes: Beer, Iced Coffee, click click......Beer....click click and Iced Coffee............and riding fast.................ooh and I've got a soft spot for the mankini now.......maybe not quite so soft. Dislikes: People who ride slow, people who complain the group rides too fast, people that dont turn up, dudes in pretty red Cibo Team Racing gear!.......... they dont race!!!!!!!!!.......and they ride slow. UpHill: 3 better than I used to be, and 4 on the short hills |
Matt (Stealth or Rasin Toast) |
The Bike: Lovely new pinarello Opera 2008 (not the Prince as shown). All Champy Chorus including Eurus wheels. Most carbon bars / post / stem. About 7.6 kg so all legal. Team colours. The Rider: Riding since the 70's. Early racing career with some average results (except for a handicap win against a young S O'Grady). A few ATB's and TDU rides. A long standing FRA member since Famous for: Belair National Park ride. Rasin toast (which is a balanced meal). Leading out early. Very understanding wife. Setting up the web site & only saying just enough (like this posting). The brick cycling computer (Garmin GPS) and corresponding geek web site offerings. Best ride of 2008: FRA in FRA Alps & Pyrenees Dislikes: Wind (except for tail) Favourite ride: Gorge Road & Belair National Park Rankings (0 bad - 5 champ/legend): Hills – 3 not so good but getting better Sprints – 4 or 5 on a good day Endurance - Average 3 Flat – Good power 4 Fair weather – reasonably reliable Coffee - flat white Level of Bike Maintenance - 2 (not often cleaned) |
Sugar |
Sugar has been cycling since September 2007.
Sugar likes hills, coffee, racing and more hills.
Sugar dislikes head winds and crashing.
Sugar would rather ride up a hill (any hill) than down a hill.
Sugar is thin, very thin – he has to run around in his shower just to get wet.
Sugar rides a Ridley with Fulcrum Zero wheels and a Dura-Ace groupset (11-25).
Sugar likes to race – he is currently in the C grade with the Southern Vets. He particularly likes it when the races have hills – steep ones.
Sugar can usually be found Wed and Fri's with the FRA Badboys - probably behind his good mate Frank Schleck.
Sugar would like to see world peace, freedom from work and to ride an open road that never ends (with lots of hills).
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| Bike: 2009 Scott Addict R1 Good points: 6.2kgs (incl pedals), great for climbing and responsive in sprints. Sram Red which I love. Bad points: Some may say but Cavendish rides one and that he is a tool. Also I think they forgot to paint the rear stays leaving them white which I hate. Scott is also not quite as euro as I would like. Kms: first half of 2010 with open b grade road racing = 300 (very structured / periodised training) - I was told I didn’t drink enough beer by Burner so pulled up stumps mid May and now ave around 100-150ks a week and loving the change of pace. Favourite ride: Always enjoy rides to Lobethal and Clarendon. Given first child pending I think my favourite ride soon will naturally be ‘any ride’. Hardest ride undertaken: before racing I would have said one of a heap of enduro type rides I’d done…..but those who’ve road raced know it’s a “different kind of hard” (not as long…but more intense given you’re continually riding at near your limit). The hard bit is trying to keep up with a group of guys who can climb better than you who try to drop you on every climb (knowing you’ll possibly outsprint them at the end of the race if you’re still there) just defines a whole new world of pain. The easiest way of explaining it is to go climbing, get your heart rate at 88% and then keep it there for about 140 minutes. Likes: ride and coffee shop banter / laughter. People who set a goal and strive to achieve it not caring about the chance of failure. Looking fwd to future FRA road trips once I’ve worked out how the hell to be a dad. Dislikes: Lance haters, there’s a bigger picture here than cycling folks. Famous in FRA for: ummm, probably being the antithesis of succinct (O: and using Z Generation smiley faced logos that confuse people :OP hence the nickname Tinkerbell (whose language can only be understood by the fairies) Favourite cycling quotes: Jens – ‘shut up body and do what I tell you’. Also Lance’s Nike Commercial on u-tube where he says ‘What am I on!? I’m on my bike 6 hours a day bustin my arse! What are you on?’ Rankings (0 bad - 5 champ/legend): Hills 4.5 – soon to be much lower when bubbs comes….but Sugar will always have his eye on me Sprints 4.5 – my school boy sprinting time for 100m was about 2 tenths of a second off of Burner’s (given I was “all the first 50m” this was never going anywhere so gave up) Endurance 4 – formerly crappola, worked hard to improve it to a good level, soon to be hubbard territory when bubbs comes Flat 3 – definitely in the middle somewhere, not the constant power output that the likes of Assos and Burner, I have to sit in and hang on for the sprint to make it work Downhill 2.5 – I like the saying, ‘you don’t get any fitter going fast down hill’ which forms a good excuse when I get cained due to being a lightweight Coffee 4 – I recently punctured at the end of a ride, walked 1km home, changed my wheel and rode back for coffee Level of Bike Maintenance 2 – apparently my chain is noisy and my frame often has mud on it, definitely a function over form person |
