He carries one of the more recognisable surnames in Australian cycling. Last month 12-year-old Mitchell Neiwand wrote his own impressive chapter in a story that stretches all the way back to the late 19th Century when Alf Middleton, on the maternal side of the family, won the 1894 Austral Wheelrace on the hallowed turf of … More Riding his own story: 12-year old Mitchell Neiwand’s big day out
I’ve always enjoyed the solitude of riding on my own, whether out on the road or sweating away on the trainer in the garage. But, oh, how I miss the bunch rides. Deep down we’re all social creatures and, frankly, the novelty of Sydney’s extended lockdown wore off many weeks ago. I miss the faces. … More Bunchie Lockdown Lament.
2019 is fast becoming the ‘year of hoops’ for this cycling scribe. The way the planets have aligned, it’s seen me reviewing a lot of wheels lately, over 12 different wheelsets at last count. Which, on top of greatly improving my ability to change tyres, brake pads and disc rotors, has got me thinking. I … More Why wheels are like…beer
MY LIFE AS A MIDDLE-AGED HATE FIGURE Collingwood supporters. Almost from the moment their club was formed way back in February 1892, the black and white army has set the gold standard when it comes to being the object of Australian hatred. It’s a proud mantle, certainly hard-earned, rivalled perhaps only by incumbent Prime Ministers. … More FEAR & LOATHING IN LYCRA
Let me start this post with a confession. I have precisely zero idea who that guy is who rode straight through that red light in front of you the other day. Just like you don’t know every car driver who speeds past you on the freeway. This is a big country you know, around 25 … More ‘All’ cyclists
More than any Men’s road race in recent Worlds memory, 2018 shapes as a wonderful lottery. Not dissimilar to finding the winner of the Melbourne Cup, you can make a solid enough argument for 30+ riders. So what will happen on Sunday night? We have no idea. But here’s what our crystal ball is suggesting … More Welcome to Höll: 2018 World Champs Preview
There are many recurring conversations in road cycling. Leg shaving. Tyre choice. PEDs and TUEs. Gear ratios. Coffee preference. The list goes on. But one of the more common conversations I’ve heard a fair bit over the years goes along the lines of this: “Yeah, I’d love to race, but it’s way too dangerous. I’d … More The great danger myth
Of the many, many things I love about cycling, one has nothing to do with me. All the same, it never fails to bring a beaming smile to my face. It’s the simple, and no doubt nostalgic, joy of seeing new riders discover the beauty of the bike and fall in love with it, just … More The transformation cycle
RIDE REVIEW: Gran Canaria in the Spanish Canary Islands Dogs, not birds. I’m reliably informed, rather than the yellow birds of the same name, dogs are in fact what the Canary Islands are named after. As in canine. True or not, according to Wikipedia the name Islas Canarias is likely derived from the Latin name ‘Canariae Insulae’, meaning ‘Island … More Grand. Canaria.
It’s a dilemma facing middle-aged club racers all over Australia. You’re good, but you could be better. You’re fit, but you could be fitter. If only you had the time… There comes a time in every club racing cyclist’s life when he or she has to make a choice. Before you are two roads. … More Which road to take?
Carbon Addiction 