Tour Down Under Flying Fosters Tour 2012 Stage 2

Stage 2 Started out today with a war of words of the large discrepencies in results between both competing blogs. Scoreboards differed dramatically having Vic leading 2-0 and NSW leading 2-0.

I am not sure who the optometrist is up in Manly but I am pretty sure they could make some money out of these Manly boys.

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Kable applying his Lippy. Mardi Gras is not until March mate.

We rolled out to take on the new famous climb Greenhill Rd/Mt Lofty summit. Some of the crew took off early and didn't partake in the pre ride coffee.The Celtic Decor guys from Melbourne were along to prop up the Superteam from Victoria. It was like adding Hushovd and Gilbert to BMC with Cadel or the merging of Leopard and Radioshack. An unstoppable Force!!!!

The ride up Greenhill started out ok.....for the first 250m until DeLuca attacked up the footpath. Gus followed and it was on. With El Presidente left on his own as Buzz went looking for cracks in the Scott. the Hampton Boys had a bit of fun playing with the much older man. Gotta hand it to him he didnt seem to change his demeanour when I deliberatly surged or slowed him down when he went to the front to chase Gus - the rabbit down. I even put him in the gutter and he just kept on suffering. If I can get the GoPro footage of the Fozz pulling in the deep breath's many a laugh to be had there.

Gussy took the climb out with the Prez dropping back behind Damo. DeLuca had been up with the boys but lost contact. Rob SRAM Eva bridged across to me and some even more fun footage of him taking in some big breaths holding on. Even DeLuca was sucking in the big ones. I gotta get that footage up. The bunch at the back were making a little ground on us, so the Hammer was played and put them out of the equation.

A quick regroup before making the final climb to Mt Lofty saw Damo take the top section of the climb. Not sure which Vicco took out the early departees but not a hope the Sydney guys had anyone to match the climbing efficiency of Gerry Donnelly from the Melbourne Celtic boys.

A super fast descent out of Lofty saw the Vics again leave everyone of the Sydney boys in there wake. The smoking pace through the Basket Range descent left them for dead.They were that slow they almost missed the start of the race in Lobethal. Another point on the board with Jacko (Nick,Ivan,Collins)  taking the glory. This was another bloodbath to replicate the shellacing dished out in 2012.

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Big Jens even said to Shut Up Manly Sea Legs!

 

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The climb out of Lobethal through to the KOM before Stirling was as picturesqe as ever. I really cant work out why the Kits on the Celtic boys are all black with no sponsors displayed on them. Guys Rapha has that down pat.

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Jay about to climb the KOM stage 2

Only 4 of the Hampton Boys chose to descend and climb the KOM, 10-15% for 1.1kms was just not what the legs were after, but oh well more KOM points to Us. I have lost count on how many victories straight that is now?

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Will Clarke taking out the KOM

The ride to Stirling was fun with the usual arrival where everybody gets lost. The fact that the Telecommunications in Stirling wont let more than 5 mobile phones work at once meant there wasn't a way to get in touch and regroup.

Many a great Vantage point was had and witnessing an almost carbon copy of the Vics domination of NSW, saw Tassies (Almost Vic) Will Clarke hold in for a massive victory. He kept his cool and held on. Learn from that Team NSW!

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Victoria's :) Will Clarke smashing the stage today.

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Stuey Trying to get to the line.

The descent out of Stilring has always been one of the highlights of the Flying Fosters Tour and last year Stuey and Leopard showed us the route via Belair, It was on like Donkey Kong again for the 10th time of the day. A little dangerous at times but fun none the less. Even the 3rd less vocal Foster managed to have fun on the way down. In his words Gravity Helps.

The smashfest to follow along Cross Rd was very civilized and mimicked a slow recovery ride for the Melbourne boys. If only the traffic lights had been synched to allow a 60kph average flow smoothly and carefree. Many a cyclist was heard to mutter WTF!!!! as we cruised by.

A last ditch effort from Sledge saw him take the biccies at the turn to Glenelg and then Gus take the Biccies at Glenelg. The Bloodbath continued.

Scoreboard Vics 10 NSW 1 (not even sure what they got 1 for but i'll give them a point to make them happy and shut them up.)

Some big rides in the first 2 stages by.

Nick Jacko Ivan Collins for just going and going after last years apprenticeship.

Dave the koala Foster for actually keeping up on the climbs and then driving it down the other side. I am sure Russ Forbes will hear about his form this year.

Angus The Rabbit for his climbing and endurance on his first FFT.

Damo for having zero training looking like a Rugby player and outclimbing and out cornering anyone in hi way, even if its from the other side of the road.

Jay for not climbing a hill larger than the rise up his driveway.

Big Richie for getting back to the hotel first and making sure all our clothes are washed and dry.

DeLuca for getting some sleep and having oxygen instead of alcohol running through his veins (but can it last?)

Yours Truly for lugging around the massive camera all week and recording everything for prosperities sake.

Dont forget to follow us on twitter and Like us on facebook

And read the viscous lies from that other blog here http://www.mardigras.org.au/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour Down Under Flying Fosters Tour 2012 Stage 1

Well we were greated by a hot 35 degrees at 8:30 in the morning for our leisurely ride down to Glenelg. Joining both the Hampton Cycles group and the Manly Warringah/KMD racing group were a few of SRAM's staff from both the US and Australia. Rob Eva (Mr SRAM - Australia) Jase Phillips (Mr SRAM protour liason) and Tony (Mr Quarq) along with Tiffany Cromwell and Dave "Cyclingnews" Evans came for the roll.

We made our way along Glenelg beach up to Henley Beach and up to the start of Stage 1 of the TDU at Prospect where we spent time chilling out finding some shade, topping up Bidons and checking out some of the Pro team riders & bikes.

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Glenelg Mall for Coffee

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George Hincapie made a special appearance for our ride

After rollout todays race was not very conducive to try and meet to spectate by Bike, so we headed out toward Gawler along One Tree Hill rd. The terrain and temperature showing 46 degrees in the shade on the Garmin made for not such a pleasurable day for many of us. I think everyone spent a little bit of time internalising what on earth they were doing for the day.

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New Astana Venge looks fantastic.
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Free Espresso's in Prospect were popular.

A couple of rest stops to regroup after the climbs had revealed a few turn arounds and abandonments. (Where did you go Tiff and Jase?) Riders feet were sore, Bidon's empty, lunch almost brought up a few times for different reasons. With 20kms to Gawler everyone was out of water and the shakes, shivers, dry lips, pins & needles were being felt through the bunch.

3 of us raided a country water tank and I rode down a driveway desperate for some tap water, greeted by a barking German Sheppard a lovely lady filled my bidons up with Ice & water. Never thought it could taste so good.

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During my rehydration "super-slow" phase I took some time to actually look at the scenery. Most of the boys wouldn't have seen this view.

The first Sprint point into Gawler was taken out by Rob "SRAM" Eva notching up the first of a few wins for the day in Flying Fosters Tour 2012.

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With the Garmin reading 46 degrees in the shade it was time to fill up.

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This is what 3 of us managed to consume in 20 minutes.

We made our way back through Williamstown and Past the famous Checker's Hill. Made most famous by its ability to ruin one's reputation for life if you dare decide to get up and walk your bike up the thing.

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The Manly Bunch sucking wheel again. Major props to Bec for sticking with it all day.

 

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The only time Buzz managed to get his nose in the wind - Camera Op specialist

 

Heading towards our favourite descent - Gorge Rd we were greeted with a block headwind.

The Hampton Boys taken the sprint into Cudlee Creek where Fozzy and the Rabbit rode off the front to take the biccies at Athelstone. Dave "Cyclingnews" Evans pipped Leroy DeLuca for third place in the bunch sprint.

Many a sore head, leg, back, foot and ego had been damaged today. The trash talking on twitter and surely to follow based on these Blogs, will keep tomorrows 145kms route through to Lobethal in high spirits.

 

Follow the other mobs blog here http://fostersflyingtours.blogspot.com/

and our Twitter feed here. https://twitter.com/#!/Hampton_Cycles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour Down Under Flying Fosters Tour 2012 set to begin

After 51 long weeks of waiting for the annual pilgramage to Radelaide, the time has come to get over to sunny Adelaide. Lie about the training you have been doing, the weight you have put on, how bad your bike is and the state of the US economy, all valid excuses on why you wont be riding that well this year.

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Evoc travel bag worked a charm, light and easy to use.

The bikes have been packed and unpacked, meticulously assembled. The trash talking has begun, the weather forecast has revelaed Stage 1 to greet us at 39 degrees. Many have been contacting us by phone, email and Twitter. Some soft counterparts are already calling the 1st Stage too hot and heading out early to beat the heat. You know who you are!

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Project Black Venge looking slightly inadequate with its shallow profile Wheelset.

 

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The Rancillio made the trip again, Coffee on tap is where its at!

Touching base with the Sydney boys sizing each other up and down in Stealth. Analysing the bikes and Accessories to see if anything stood out as an unfair Advantage.

Damo's choice of Enve 3.4's laced to Chris King Hubs could make or break his trip.May the Puncture gods be with him.

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On road repair kit, all you need in the day.

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Capo cap ready for the UV protection expected at 39 degrees.

Time for some shuteye, rest the legs and think about ways to inflict pain on those north of the Vic border. Wish us Luck!

Check out this blog link for more lies and deceit.

http://fostersflyingtours.blogspot.com/

 

New S-Works Shiv Di2 getting built up today. Come & check it out

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S-Works Shiv Di2

We ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integrated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame, Zipp 404 wheels, and Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain make the S-Works an ultralight, crazy fast package.

Features

  • The ultimate frame for all distances of triathlon, this S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame with OSBB is optimized for crosswinds and the most aerodynamic race-ready frame anywhere
  • S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork with crosswind-optimized airfoils is stiff and stealthy for precision steering and max speed
  • Specialized S-Works FACT carbon OSBB crankset with TT chainrings, removable carbon spider, and ceramic bearings, combined with state-of-the-art Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting for ultralight, smooth performance
  • Fuelselage™ integrated hydration system keeps your fluids hidden inside the down tube for ergonomic fueling and optimal aerodynamics
  • New, fully adjustable, Specialized Carbon Aerobar with semi-integrated aero stem adjusts to fit any rider
  • Stiff, light, contoured Body Geometry Romin Evo Pro saddle positions the rider for optimal power transfer and comfort
  • Lightweight, Shiv FACT carbon aero seatposts are reversible, with 12.5mm and 37.5mm offset options, for wide range of saddle fit (both included)

Project Black Venge a bit too plain? Taking deposits for Limited Edition Venge WC 46 Frames

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S-Work Venge WC 46

If you are in to the latest and greatest of the Specialized Bikes and Frames, you will know the Venge is where it is, at the moment.

The Project Black Frames whilst rare now, will prove to be popular for 2012. The McLaren Venge will be something to covet, but at $18000 might be out of your budget.

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Hampton Cycles will have something for you

The WC 46 Frame to commemorate Cav's World Championship win and the 46 years since Briton Tom Simpson won it last will only be available in small numbers - 10 in Australia.

The Black on Black with Chrome highlights through the inside of the Chainstays and seatstays and forks, Is just that little bit different. Stealth with a touch of Bling.

Contact us on 03 9521 8700 or email info@hamptoncycles.com.au to secure your frameset.

$4499

Just think how good this frame will look built up.

 

Leigh

Read here about Specialized S-Works Turbo tyres and why the latest are so much better

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S-Works Turbo mounted to my awesome ENVE 45 clinchers

I have trained on, raced on, recommended Conti GP4000S tyres for the past 2-3 years with great all round durability, relatively good handling and speed to their durability. In my opinion no other tyre I had tried ticked all 3 boxes as high as these Clincher tyres.

I had tried the previous edition Specialized S-Works tyres last year and managed to get 2 different punctures in 2 days on a brand new pair. Not what my faithful Conti's had ever done. Hey it might have been bad luck, but they definitely werent going to be for me for an everyday tyre. Sure the S-Works seemed to handle better than the GP4000S's but I wasn't keen on changing tyres every 1000kms or so.

My 2012 S-Works Venge came with the Specialized S-Works tyres as standard on them and I just figured I would ride them until they cut up and wore out. Hey who throw's out new tyres?

I was really impressed with how they handled again and their feeling to me, of low rolling resistance and speed whilst still being comfortable to ride on. I had put in 1000 odd kms and was surprised to see they were still cut and nick free both front and rear and hadn't missed a beat. This through the wet weather that Melbourne had through winter, that usually destroys my tyres.

2000kms in and Damo and I were both commenting on how much better they were than the last time we tried them. So I did a little research and remembered meeting a German guy last year at a Specialized launch and that he had previously worked at Continental as their R&D guru. the penny dropped, these were his new tyres for Specialized. Wolf Vorm Walde is his name so I googled it and came up with this interesting little interview that Jared Gruber did with him at Peleton magazine

Place http://pelotonmagazine.com/Chatter/content/18/849/Wolf-Vorm-Walde in your browser if the link doesn't work.

Now almost 3500kms in, still no punctures, the back tyre is starting to show signs of debris having a go at the tyre and is starting to square off a bit. Super impressed with them thus far and have absolutley no hesitations in recomending these to anyone wanting a high performance Racing tyre that you can leave on to train with.

The 2 items on my bike that I am most attached to and would never thought I would change are my Specialized Romin saddle and what were my GP4000S.

With these new tyres -No more GP4000S for me.

Leigh

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700x23c standard.

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Suppliant 220 tpi with Blackbelt Puncture protection is working for me.

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The biggest cut in the tyre and its still didnt puncture!

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Hard to show the squaring off.

 

These babies RRP at $99 each but at Hampton Cycles we are doing introductory pairs at $140. Come in and give them a try. You wont be dissappointed.

 

Green S-Works Venge Frameset in store only 10 in Australia. More Project Black Venge frames too

Green, the colour of the Sprint Jersey at the Tour De France.

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Green, the colour of the bike Mark Cavendish rode along the Champs Elysee to victory to win his first Green Jersey.

Now you can ride the same bike as Cav, Come check it out in store.

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54 cm and 58 cm Project Black Venge frames back in stock. Be quick as these wont last!!!

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@zipp_USA 303 Firecrest Carbon Clinchers Beyond Black in store. Super Limited Availability. Who wants these?

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The Zipp 303 Carbon Clincher Firecrest Profile, Beyond Black Colourway.

Only 15 pairs in Australia at the moment, Better be quick if you want these Bad Boys!

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Buy them before Damo thinks they are his!

Taken from Zipp.com

In the past two years, the 303 has emerged as one of the most formidable wheels in the Pro Peloton, with wins in the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, and more. Its speed, light weight, and utter reliability have been proven in pro cycling's most demanding races.

In 2010, the 303 made history by becoming the first carbon wheelset to win cycling's Cobbled Classics on the brutal roads of both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. Its wider rim provided extra durability, and improved aerodynamics. That wider rim led to the development of our revolutionary Firecrest Platform, and now the revolution has come full circle.

The 303 has been completely redesigned with Firecrest shaping. The Carbon Clincher preserves the aerodynamic advantages of its tubular brother, while adding the convenience of a clincher tire. And at just 1498 grams, it's light enough to climb up the steepest gradients with ease.

All of the hallmark characteristics of the 303 have improved with the Firecrest Carbon Clincher. The Firecrest shaping optimizes the aerodynamic profile of both the front half and the back half of the wheel. In addition, Firecrest moves the center of pressure of the wheel backwards, giving the 45mm-deep rim the crosswind stability a box-section rim. At the same time, the 26.2mm-wide brake track allows the clincher tire to take on a wider, more stable shape without compromising rolling resistance. It's faster, simpler, and more stable. Or as technical director Josh Poertner puts it, Firecrest is “lightning in a bottle.”

The new wheels retain all the small details that make Zipp wheels what they are. Exposed spoke nipples sit in the aerodynamic shadow of the rims, keeping serviceability simple without compromising speed. And our signature ABLC™ rim dimples squeeze every last second of performance possible. To complete the package, Zipp has refined its venerable 88/188 hubset, reshaping the hub body, canting the non-drive side flange by 8 degrees and moving the bearing out by 7.5mm to increase overall stiffness and strength. The complete wheelsets come in two distinct colors. The stealthy Beyond Black versions feature black anodized hubs, black spokes, and black decals. The Falcon Grey wheelsets have a more classic look, with gray anodized hubs, silver spokes and white decals.

Total Weight 1498g
Tire Bead Inside to Inside 16.25mm
Brake Track Top 23.34mm
Brake Track Bottom 28mm
Recommended Tire Width 23-32mm
Max recommended rider weight 225lbs
Front Wheel
Weight 680g
Rim Used x45
Hub Used 88
Rim Depth 45mm
Aero Width 28.50mm
Spoke Count 18
Spoke Pattern Radial
Spoke Length 258mm
Max Tire Pressure 125psi
Track Adaptable Yes
Dimpled Surface Yes
Ceramic Bearing After-market
External Nipples Yes
Rear Wheel
Weight 818g
Rim Used x45
Hub Used 188
Rim Depth x45mm
Aero Width 28.5mm
Nominal Tire Bed Width 17.25mm
Spoke Count 24
Spoke Length Non-Drive 258mm
Spoke Pattern Non-Drive Cross
Spoke Pattern Drive Radial
Spoke Length Drive 246mm
Max Tire Pressure 125psi
Track Adaptable No
Dimpled Surface Yes
Ceramic Bearing After-market
External Nipples Yes