Merida 96-Team

I have just obtained sponsorship from Merida Bikes and took delivery of a 96-Team full suspension MTB. I have always been a hard tail rider so it was a tough decision to go for a fully. But this bike is so light and that is what sold me on it. I received it on Friday the day before Mt Isobel challenge and I only got to ride it down the street a few times just to set a few it up.
On the day of the race it was great to jump on to the new machine but it will take me a little bit of getting use to and making some small adjustment to the bike and my riding style. I am really looking forward to every ride with the Merida 96-Team.

If you are interested just click on the Merida logo on the right hand side and it will take you right to their web site. And if you decide you just need a new Merida go to The Cycle Warehouse on Moorehouse Ave, Christchurch

Mt Isobel Challenge

Saturday the 22nd of May dawned to be a great one which was unexpected really, the skies were clear but it was cold.....
The start was at 10 am but it didn't warm up much so I was wearing most of my team Merida kit that I had just received the day before along with my new bike. I was very keen to win this race as I had a won it a few times before and this year I was representing both Merida bikes and Macpac.
It all started of well as we all headed up the hill, the field soon start to spread out and I was were I wanted to be, we headed into the single track after about 10minutes and I was in 5th place overall. I soon past a couple that were were actually team runners and I could see Brendon Sharratt and Anton Cooper back down the track and I wasn't making the ground on them that I was hoping to. I got to the transition with one individual in front of me (Norman Dunroy) he has also won the event before so it was going to be hard work to catch him and not to be caught.
I felt good on the bike down in the Clarence Valley but heading up Groan Hill I didn't feel strong like I usually would, I was caught here by Brendon and Anton and I tried my best to hold on to them. I kept them insight until the bottom of the descent but they were working together and pulled away from from me.
I finished in 4th place about 2 minutes and 50 seconds down not quite what I was looking for but still a good effort.
Looking forward to The Run 77 Tekapo MTB race in two weeks.

Thanks to Merida bikes (The Cycle Wharehouse, Christchurch), Macpac NZ and Brad and Moana at Halswell Butchery.