Boganduro

 Boganduro preliminary results

Thanks heaps to the folks that turned out today. We had great conditions. No rain. Not too hot. Excellent company. 10 riders I think. 2 of them didn't do the Strava thing. 

Strava was a bit weird messing up our first segment which should have been around 20 mins but ended up being 30, and when I shortened it, it deleted Calums time! Another version brought him back. 

Unfortunately there wasn't anything I could do to get Greg's time to appear in the next Downhill stage through Battle Hill Forest. In the next climbing stage it was Calum and Greg again way out front. 

The PNP guys left Bull Run in good condition for us, and a few of our number showed big heart by hitting this "new to them" trail cold, with serious vigor, including Greg who did some OTB soil sampling. It was cool to introduce some new trails to some of these guys.

It was relatively easy to set up the course using existing Strava segments and a couple of other programs to edit and combine them. Get in touch with me if you want to know how to do it.

See below some photos and links. I think we can conclude that Calum was 1st but cycling was definitely the winner on the day.

Its 20% here. According to Strava. Puketiro road, you'll love it. Bring some gears!

1 https://www.strava.com/segments/16471386

2 https://www.strava.com/segments/16278285 No Greg !

3 https://www.strava.com/segments/16278735

4 https://www.strava.com/segments/16278868

Video of some Battlehill descent >>
Video of some Puketiro Road Climbing >>

Boganduro fly-by here: https://www.relive.cc/view/1271346537


Strava leader board, where it worked, where anyone was using it !

The 13:25 for Calum is the Puketiro Road Climb, the original time for the segment if not for the aliens in the strava would have been around 19-20 mins. The 3:58 is the Battle Hill Descent. The 24:21 is the Belmont Road Climb and the 5:30 is the extended Bull run descent.

Some photos on my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cousinmosquito

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Post 2: Scroll down to read more.



The latest NEW stuff is here now (just below).

*Course GPS (GPX file) here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4195lwccuh5q3l/BOGANDURO.gpx
*Course notes here. (Dropbox)
*A large map here.  (Dropbox).
A large live zoomable map here:  (Web)

*Read comments below on Dropbox.

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The full ride on Strava can be seen here:https://www.strava.com/activities/1255586562

The Strava timed segments are shown here.

• Up! https://www.strava.com/segments/16278228
• Down https://www.strava.com/segments/16278285
• Up! https://www.strava.com/segments/16278735
• Down https://www.strava.com/segments/16278868

* WARNING. Dropbox have deliberately made the download procedure confusing so that people THINK that they need to join up and login to dropbox. You do NOT need to.

When the big white login button appears, click the small grey X in the top right, and continue on, repeating what you have already done.

Once the file is saved you can Drag n drop the file onto your GPS or smart phone. I don't know what you do if you have an Iphone but I heard recently that Apple were going to invent "drag n dropping" of files. Fingers crossed!

There are plenty of phone apps that allow you to view a GPS file. The one I use is called New Zealand Maps.

There is another map here which gives you a good idea of the course, but it is temporary.
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/display/20171109131734-33002-map.html

Youtube of the Bull Run track here. This is the only technical part of the course. Slow down if you are not a confident rider. There are only a couple of small drops but the course may be cut up by the time the PNP riders have been through, if it rains.  Another version of it here with better lighting.

Looking at your segments
After you have finished your ride you can upload the file using Strava. Go to the Boganduro segments under your results, look under the "LEADERBOARDS" for "Todays" results.

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Post 1:  Introductory #BOGANDURO details below.

The Boganduro is a casual gravel grinder in the Grinduro format with self-timing based on the STRAVA app installed on your phone.

This is a chance to catch up with your buddies and have a good old chin-wag, and if you are up for it, lay down the hurt on a couple of climbs or downhills, if thats your thing.

It will be on gravel where possible, with around 1600 metres of climbing. The Boganduro starts in Wellington, or the Hutt Valley, and takes in Battle Hill and Belmont Regional Parks.

Starting point:
Wellington Train station. 8am and
Petone Wharf 8:40am, Sunday November 12th.

Cost: Free
Food availability: Pauatahanui Cafe / Dairy enroute.
Bail-out points: Judgeford, return to Hutt Valley via Haywards on the road.

It's fully self supported, bring tools and a couple of spare tubes and kit.

Be prepared for all weather and to ride for up to 96 kms max, but around 74kms if you are only starting in the Hutt.

Use #boganduro to share  related bumpf in your social media if that takes your fancy.

To give you an idea of the terrain, here are the STRAVA timed segments that will be on the course. My suggestion is that you will want at least 35mm tires.

I have done a couple of reccies on the 3 of the 4 sectors of the #Boganduro. The downhill segments are both mint, and the climbs are... climby : ) the major climb (Puketiro/Cooks Road) you should be able to do in a 1 to 1 gear, so a 32/32 or similar, but YMMV. Strava tells me that there is at least 1 km at 20% on this first sector, but overall it is 8%.

96 kms from Wellington to Wellington

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New paint

I recently got my Karate Monkey soda-blasted and powder-coated in Upper Hutt.
I was very impressed with the finish and friendliness of the folks up there.

I went to Burt at Powder Surfaces Upper Hutt. Phone: +64 4-526 9369, and he sent me around the corner to Kevin at Plateau Sand & Soda Blasting for the prep. Phone: +64 4-526 8192 .

You want to coordinate it so that the frame isn't sitting around after being blasted for too long. I was very pleased with the result which was at least as good as the previous place I went to, and substantially cheaper.

Powder coating will not get the kind of finish that you would get from high-end spray painting, but there is no comparison with the cost.  I think it's a pretty good compromise.

 

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Some Tour Aotearoa links

Training for the Tour Aotearoa
 For some of you preparing for a bikepacking event is a bit new. 3000 kilometres is a long way, but the more prepared you are, the more fun it will be. There is a saying that goes "any plan is better than no plan".
https://jeffsbike.blogspot.co.nz/2015/09/any-plan-is-better-than-no-plan.html

Looking at Kiwi options for bikepacking bags/mounts
http://jeffsbike.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/seat-bag-vs-rack-kiwi-designs.html

Tour Aotearoa 2016 - bikepacking the length of New Zealand...
The Tour Aotearoa was a vehicle for the organiser Jonathan Kennett to introduce a new cycle path from the northern most tip of the country to ...
http://jeffsbike.blogspot.co.nz/2016/03/tour-aotearoa-2016-bikepacking-length.html

Jeff and Nils, at Pouto. Photo Matt Dewes

Nil's bike - Tour Aotearoa 2016
Like me, Nils van der Heide lives in Wellington, and yet I only met him once before the 2016 Tour Aotearoa. His bike was a bit different to most, ...
https://jeffsbike.blogspot.com/2016/04/nils-bike-tour-aotearoa-2016.html

Tour Aotearoa Sports Illustrated Bikini edition - 4 different rigs
Feb 14, 2016 ... Building a bike for the Tour Aotearoa is not that easy. With the TA just around the corner ( feb 21 for wave 1) we have finally got to the pointy ...
https://jeffsbike.blogspot.co.nz/2016/02/tour-aotearoa-sports-illustrated-bikini.html

Joes bike - Tour Aotearoa 2016
I met Joe Jagusch while waiting for someone else to finish the Tour Aotearoa the other day. I was impressed by his inventive bike build.
https://jeffsbike.blogspot.co.nz/2016/03/joes-bike-tour-aotearoa-2016.html

Tour Aotearoa 2018, a short re-cap.
http://jeffsbike.blogspot.com/2018/08/tour-aotearoa-2018.html

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Eroica Japan - 2017

When Giancarlo Brocci started an event called Eroica in 1997 he had no idea it would morph into the runaway success it is today. It grew from his passion for two things, preservation of the white gravel roads in Tuscany, (the Strade Bianchi) and giving recognition to the bygone era of cycling where technology was arguably less important than the heroic deeds of the riders. Eroica is Italian for "heroic".

Giancarlo Brocci walks into shot while I was shooting some fellow Bianchi fans !

The Eroica rides are now found all around the world, at last count 10 events, from South Africa to Japan. The phenomena has started a revival in interest in the old school steel bikes of yesteryear. There are several categories in Eroica, but to put it simply, the bikes should be steel with down-tube shifters, older than 1987, or at least built in that style.

A different take on an Eroica ready bike.

When the Japanese Eroica dates lined up with the potential for a family holiday in Japan, it was a done deal for me. Fortunately my buddy Ray had just given me the Peugeot PX10 that he bought new in Paris in 1974, and it was ripe for restoration.

Takeshita Street in Harajuku Tokyo 

We started our 16 day holiday of Japan from our base in Shinjuku, in the entertainment district of Tokyo. We would leave my bike gear there in the hotel after Eroica as we made our way around the rest of the country. This is always an issue for people bringing a bike in for such an event. Space is in very short supply in Tokyo, so our initial accommodation was based very heavily on them being able to look after my bike while we were away sight-seeing. It was not a problem at E-Hotel Hishagi Shinjuku.

Welcome on trains and buses

If you are travelling in Japan for any amount of time you would be silly not to get a Japanese Rail Pass. It basically gives you unlimited travel over 95% of the country's extensive rail network and even the odd Ferry. You will likely get to travel in one of the Shinkansen trains at up to 284 kmh!

Eroica is held in the Yamanashi prefecture, at the foot of Mt Fuji. The main town there is called Kawaguchiko, (or FujiKawaguchiko) which we shortened to K-town, because we were lazy. The main Lake is called Lake Kawaguchi, but the accommodation we stayed in, a Ryokan, was on the shores of Lake Saiko near Saiko lyashino-Sato, a traditional village which was recreated after a devastating typhoon induced landslide in 1966. The Ryokan are traditionally styled accommodation with tatami mats and futons for sleeping on with shared washing and toilet areas.

Breaking open the seal on the Sake. We all got a taste. Photo From Ran.

Saiko lyashino-Sato Village

We really enjoyed the Ryokan experience and its proximity to the Eroica HQ and start/finish area was a real bonus. When we signed up online, via the Eroica website we were able to tick the breakfast option which was essential as we had not realised that there were no shops in the area. Dinner is not normally available at our Ryoken but our hosts, 3 generations of one family went out of their way to make a lovely meal for us on our 2nd night, our first night's meal being the sumptuous buffet at the official Eroica dinner the night before the ride. This was held at the Lake Hotel Saiko, which is the other main accommodation promoted by the Eroica people. I made a bad start when meeting the 80 year old matriarch running our Ryokan by wearing my shoes in the wrong place, but she eventually forgave me. One of the things that we found to be essential on our travels was our Sakura wifi hotspot. Basically a tiny cellular based device that fits in your pocket. Wifi everywhere you go. I went for the 1.2 gig a day option but even with the two of us using it and watching the kiwis in the MTB world cup, we never used more than 600 mb a day.

Our hosts

Because we arrived on a train from Shinjuku Tokyo we didn't really have any transport as such to get us into K-town for supplies or meals. There are very limited options in the Village near the HQ but there are a couple of Tourist Buses that run loops around the lakes every hour. This was how we got back and forward from the K-town train station, where there are very helpful staff with all the relevant tourism info. Remember, Mt Fuji is not far away. If you were staying for a few days a rental car would be the best option for most people. There were also special buses put on by the Eroica organisers to ferry people back and forward from the HQ and Ryokan to the Hotel Lake Saiko which was only about 2 kms away.

Breakfast in our Ryokan

Eroica Japan has been running for 5 years now, initially under a different name, Eiyu, and so far it is still not over-subscribed. With around 350 participants it still has a very friendly feel to it.

On the day of the ride Fuji-san was hiding under low cloud and would remain that way until the next day. It just added to the atmosphere, the rugged surrounding hill-side forests jutting out of the mist.

In the start area were the same stalls from the sign-in at the gymnasium (HQ) the day before.

Woollen jerseys for sale, among other things. Photo from Ran.

Local and international companies were there with the kind of trinkets that appeal to obsessive vintage cycling enthusiasts. The Samurai Bar Tape people had a nice product and there were vintage parts from different eras for sale.

Eroica is not just about the ride, there are also talks and of course the “Concorso d'Eleganza” where the serious collector's put their bikes out there to be judged by the experts. 

Judging the bicycles for the "Concorso d'Eleganza"

Another lovely bike. Photo from Ran.

More bikes. Photo from Ran.

 The Mavic tent was a must to get those last minute tire pressures tweaked after you had lined up for a quick vetting to make sure your bike was up to spec. Queueing was half the fun as you admired the bikes of your fellow riders.

Lining up for Eroica Japan 2017

Riders were set off in groups of 10 until they were all gone. The 3 different courses were mostly on flat to gentle gradient smooth sealed roads with picturesque lake-side views. Winding our way around the lakes was very pleasant and the few small off road segments that connected the different parts of the course, were a high-light for me, several of them exposing rich volcanic soil, the complete opposite of the white Strade Bianchi limestone roads of Tuscany.

A nice piece of offroad in Eroica Japan

I rode with a young Japanese guy for a lot of the time, worried that I might get lost if I didn't have a buddy who spoke the language. Sure enough, despite the best work of the marshalls and having an interpreter we still managed to do an extra 12 kms, riding around lake Motosu twice, but in two different directions. For anyone considering Eroica Japan, I would recommend a GPS or phone, you can always keep it in your pocket if it looks too hi-tech. Maybe having a figure-8 section in the course is not a great idea? 

During the event there were several main check-points that sported chairs for relaxed dining and an assortment of food ranging from noodles in soup to biscuits and fruit. At least one check-point had a shrine, and an Aussie friend I met ended up riding with a local rider and got to partake in the ritual that they do when visiting such shrines. Some locals carry a little book in which they can collect a stamp from the shrines they visit in their travels.

Fuji-sans non-appearance was a bit of a let-down, but it's much the same as any major mountain around the world, there is always a good chance it will be hidden under a shroud of cloud.

Not as hilly as it looks in the elevation chart.

The course was not as hilly as expected, as you can see from the (Strava fly-by) with many riders admitting that they had saved themselves for a big climb, not realising that they had already done it. I was feeling much the same way at what must have been the highest checkpoint. About to head off on what I thought was the rest of the hill I was called back to do a 180 degree turn into a lovely off-road stretch (photo from teamzenyossy), but with the escort of a little red scooter. The scooter rider kept stopping at the tops of rises to wait for me which was good, as the signage was becoming harder to follow as the event wore on.

The final part of the course snaked its way through the built-up area of Kawaguchiko and finally along the Lake side and back to the start-finish area at Saiko lyashino-Sato Village. This shot from paolopennimartellicycling epitomises Eroica Japan to me, and it features my buddy Ran from New Zealand on the left. To be fair the total amount of off-road wasn't much, so it was fully appreciated by me when I got to it. I had previously cut my Compass Barlow Pass Tire with an errant brake pad before leaving home and was running the Specialized Roubaix 30/32 tires which felt great on the mixed surfaces.

Kazuo, Lau, myself and Shimpei.

Before long the new Japanese friends I met the previous evening were at the finish-line and there was plenty of back slapping, congratulations and many photos taken.

You can take your bike on the trains and buses in Japan as long as it has at least the front wheel pulled off and it is covered in a nylon cover. I had no issues at all with transporting my bike through the airlines until it came back to New Zealand and was mishandled by Air NZ staff between Auckland and Wellington.

There was no Strade Bianchi in Eroica Japan, but there were some lovely segments of off-road you wont be finding in any of the other Eroica's around the world. Combined with a family holiday it was a unique experience I would recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different. Japan has a strong culture of cycle touring as well as a keenly developed appreciation of vintage bikes so you cant really go wrong.

The young guy I rode with for most of my ride, he was doing the shorter event, and buddy Ran.

Mt Fuji the day after Eroica. These lakes are teeming with fish and you can buy them locally.

Tasty local fish near the Eroica HQ.

Brevetto Eroica!

Lining up with Darren from Aussie.

The official Eroica dinner. BIIIIIG spread ! One of the biggest.....

Japan styles. Eroica brand sake and 1.3 gig of data a day with Sakura wifi hot-spot.

Some nice wooden rims.

A few shots from the rest of our holiday in Japan.

For the record we went to Shinjuku (Tokyo), Eroica (Kawaguchiko), Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kinosaki Onsen town, Osaka, Naoshima and Hiroshima in 16 days. We used Japan-Guide.com to help plan our trip.

The Sumo was great.

More gallery links from Eroica Japan
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eroicajapan/
https://eroicajapan.cc/2017gallery

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Peugeot PX10 for L'Eroica Japan

This bike was donated to me by Iggy Ray, who must have figured that if he gave it to me, he would be forced to pull finger on that new titanium bike he has been  talking about for years. Ray gave me the Peugeot at the same time that I was thinking about doing L' Eroica, a vintage biking event which is now franchised around the world. L'Eroica started as a way to save and promote the limestone roads that are part of the scenery of the Tuscany region. It was also a nod to the "Heroic" era of cycling before electric gear shifting and disposable bottom brackets arrived.

We had our eye on the Japanese  Eroica as it would work in well with a family holiday. My buddies Matt and Ran both do a fair bit of work in Japan and there was a chance that they would make it too. In the end it was only Ran that could swing it, Matt will be a week late. Ran is also riding a Peugeot.

The original bike here.

Ray's bike came with Mafac brakes and 27 inch Mavic rims on some smooth Sansin hubs. Ray bought it new in Paris in 1974. Its a Peugeot PX10. I think the wheels and crank were not original. The rear derailleur was a low-end shimano that had been mounted on a tapped Simplex hanger.

I had a play with it, replaced the crank, after the left arm fell off while I was riding home on its first commute. I reached into my parts bin and found an old Campy Record Strada crank to put on it. I found some 33mm Cyclocross tires, and rode it down the Transient trail in Polhill. I was very impressed with the brakes. I imagine the direct mount ones must be incredible, mine are just the cheaper centre mount variety.

Mungo bars with the original 27 inch wheels.

 I got the frame powder-coated at Seaview, I'd rate the finish about a 7 out of 10. I got a sticker set from the UK, and my buddy Paul gave me a lovely Campagnolo Nuovo Record rear derailleur and shifters which his friend's husband used in his younger days.

I was about to learn that Italian Campag derailleurs don't fit on French Simplex drop-outs... and anyway, why would you mix Italian and French. Was this an early case of engineered incompatibility? I have no shame.......

Shimano to the rescue in the form of an old Durace 8 speed rear derailleur.

I installed my Brooks Swift titanium saddle on it, and splashed out on some faux leather tape from Ritchey.

Lounging in the lounge

The Kennedy-Good Bridge and Hutt River

Old Coach Road Normandale

   

I had a few issues early on with precession, the inherent tendency for a French or Italian bottom bracket to unwind itself, due to their crazy threading direction. Then I had an issue with the loctite I used to try to fix it.... Lets just say its been a learning experience. Everything in moderation...

The bike has a very relaxed feel. Its like a comfy armchair, especially with the Compass Barlow Pass tires on it.  They are actually about 33 mm wide and a lot faster than they look. (Have stretched to 35 now). I came across an old 8 speed 11-30 MTB cluster that seems to work surprisingly well with the Durace rear derailleur which was probably only specce'd to shift up to a 23 tooth? Anyway, my buddy Paul turned up with a donor bike with some more relevant (old and crappy) wheels ; ) so I was looking more and more legit all the time. One problem... the new hub was narrower... Hack time, I took off the 11, put a skinny spacer behind the 30, and now the little sprocket is a 13 !  Hmm, a 49-13 is not that tall for hanging with the Fat Fathers Club ride, so I put the 54 big ring back on. Cue a new longer chain.

New wheels, look nicer in chrome, much narrower braking surface though.

 I've just realised that the only original parts on the bike are the frame and the brakes. But, the only new parts on it are the paint, bar tape, cable guides and decals. Thanks to the many people who donated me the rest, especially Paul Turney, and Dean who loaned me the pedals, and of course Ray.

I have never had so many people comment on the look of a bike as this one, peaking at 3 comments in a 15 minute ride across the CBD one evening!

Parts.
Frame Peugeot PX10
Mafac Competition brakes, calipers and levers
Campag Strada Record Crank: 54/42
Campag Nuovo Record shifters
Shimano Durace 8 speed rear derailleur
Suntour Front derailleur
Shimano 13-30, 7 speed cluster (modified)
Shimano 600 hubs with Mavic 190 FB rims
Brooks Titanium Swift Saddle
Cinelli bars and stem
Ritchey Bar tape
Compass Barlow Pass tires on here, but will be riding Specialized Roubaix after a sidewall cut.

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