My googling has uncovered nothing, other than a tweet about him suffering a mechanical on the SM1200, and his name on the rider list
https://audax.org.au/public/index.php/audaxregions/qld/35-all-rides/major-rides/299-sm1200riders
Oh no ! Poor jo.
:-)
https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1)Is that orange juice he's drinking????
https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1)Is that orange juice he's drinking????
The size of his ring had my eyes watering, I can't comprehend the pain that pushing a ring that big must entail. He must have thighs the size of very very big thighs.Thighs of a brontosaurus. Does he also have the ferocity of an allosaurus?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bxkhik9CcAAKA4H.jpg)
Drink confirmed as Coopers Pale https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=727823687252798&id=282941611741010
Maybe he knows of the efficiency benefits of combining a large chainring with a large sprocket, and the decrease in chain tension for a given moment being generated, which will increase component life...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bxkhik9CcAAKA4H.jpg)
Well, with a couple of clicks I've uncovered the answer to the most important question: what's his nom de velo?
https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1)
Miles 'Big-Ring' Smith.
I'm sure we could suggest something better than that.
The size of his ring had my eyes watering, I can't comprehend the pain that pushing a ring that big must entail. He must have thighs the size of very very big thighs.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bxkhik9CcAAKA4H.jpg)
Well, with a couple of clicks I've uncovered the answer to the most important question: what's his nom de velo?
https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1)
Miles 'Big-Ring' Smith.
I'm sure we could suggest something better than that.
Yes, "big-ring" just sounds like he needs some serious saddle readjustment and perhaps some time off the bike.
Some alternatives:
Miles "miles" Smith
Miles "kilometres" Smith
Miles "to go" Smith
Miles "covered so far" Smith
Miles "IronTarzanGrinder" Smith
I once had a 57t ring on my time-trial bike and that was tiny to what I see there.
My guess would be that outer ring is about an 80t
Miles does indeed put the miles in and that is his Audax bike (it always catches attention and is a talking point). He rode from Victoria to Queensland to do a 1,000 here last year (taking in 3x600 and 1 x 300 Audaxes on the way) and then rode home via Sydney for some other rides.
Are we sure he's not related to TG?
Well, with a couple of clicks I've uncovered the answer to the most important question: what's his nom de velo?
https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/robflyte/status/511472851505799168/photo/1)
Miles 'Big-Ring' Smith.
I'm sure we could suggest something better than that.
Yes, "big-ring" just sounds like he needs some serious saddle readjustment and perhaps some time off the bike.
Some alternatives:
Miles "miles" Smith
Miles "kilometres" Smith
Miles "to go" Smith
Miles "covered so far" Smith
Miles "IronTarzanGrinder" Smith
Miles "smiles" Smith - with a nod to the late great Miles Davis.
Miles "Koala Shagger" Smith
"Why do Koala bears eat eucalyptus"
(NSFW)(click to show/hide)
:demon:
Are we sure he's not related to TG?
Go back far enough, we're ALL related.
(http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/Lighthorse2/Steve_01_zpsretfmm2j.jpeg) (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/Lighthorse2/media/Steve_01_zpsretfmm2j.jpeg.html)
"Can you see what it is yet?"
The size of his ring had my eyes watering, I can't comprehend the pain that pushing a ring that big must entail. He must have thighs the size of very very big thighs.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bxkhik9CcAAKA4H.jpg)
Drink confirmed as Coopers Pale https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=727823687252798&id=282941611741010
(http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/Lighthorse2/Steve_01_zpsretfmm2j.jpeg) (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/Lighthorse2/media/Steve_01_zpsretfmm2j.jpeg.html)
"Can you see what it is yet?"
Do you want him in your gang, your gang?
Are we sure he is not a midget and that is a normal chainring on a very small bike?
How about 'Kneegrinder'...?
Just like to point out that the only person to hold the year record twice was also from Victoria, Ossie Nicholson.
He got it by cycling Melbourne to Portsea (http://"https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Melbourne+VIC,+Australia/Portsea+VIC,+Australia/@-38.0922054,144.6247499,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad646b5d2ba4df7:0x4045675218ccd90!2m2!1d144.96328!2d-37.814107!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad436084c799351:0x5045675218ce540!2m2!1d144.7141685!2d-38.3202726!3e1?hl=en") and back every day for a year, and won it again by doing that twice a day for at least part of the year.
I hope Miles chooses a more interesting approach.
Linky no worky. :(
Very Interesting.. I know Miles fairly well. Another crazy pom, ( albeit an expat living here is Aus ). He's a nice guy, and somewhat crazy, probably has the potential though.
He's just finished the Adelaide to Geelong 1000k Audax ride this week. Last week he did over 500k in 24hrs during the Opperman.( Bairnsdale to Rochester via Hotham) He seems to be able to keep cranking out the kms okay. He works a permanent nightshift somewhere in the city- Maybe he gets to nod off a bit ??
We both rode our first 600k audax ride out of Bairnsdale only 2 years ago. The bug seems to have bitten him though, I think he did nearly all the 1000/1200 k audax rides in Australia last year ( 5 or 6??) Not sure what sort of annual mileage he cranks out though as he's not on Strava.
On the last audax ride I did (600k great ocean road end of feb) he rode from home ( Mornington area) to city for work, worked his night shift, then rode down to Geelong, did the 600 and had plans to ride back to Warragul afterwards so he could do a 2 day 100/100 Baw Baw ride.
He's recently joined my bike club out at Croydon. He's been riding from his home into the city, then out to Croydon, doing the club ride ( around 100k) then riding home. (250ish) I will suss out his plans and intentions when I see him next, possibly Sunday. I would guess he will have to start logging onto strava or something. He can most easily be recognized while riding because of his front chain ring which is the size of a dinner plate
I think the Pope got there first.
Francis, or one of the two Theodore IIs? (disambiguation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_%28disambiguation%29#Religious_offices))The Pope of Rome. Neither of the others appoints apostolic nuncios, as far as I can wholly see (geddit?). Though they do receive the nuncios that Francis sends them.
Does anyone have Miles's contact details or his Strava name (can't find anything obvious through searching)? I'd like to be able to add him to the OYTT visualization when he starts next week, but I'll have trouble without access to his tracks on Strava.
Just like to point out that the only person to hold the year record twice was also from Victoria, Ossie Nicholson.
He got it by cycling Melbourne to Portsea (http://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Melbourne+VIC,+Australia/Portsea+VIC,+Australia/@-38.0922054,144.6247499,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad646b5d2ba4df7:0x4045675218ccd90!2m2!1d144.96328!2d-37.814107!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad436084c799351:0x5045675218ce540!2m2!1d144.7141685!2d-38.3202726!3e1?hl=en) and back every day for a year, and won it again by doing that twice a day for at least part of the year.
I hope Miles chooses a more interesting approach.
This bike gets ridden as my commuter, about 155 km (96 miles) per day
I'm hoping there will be a single yacf thread for Miles Smith, like that for Kurt S, rather than a new thread each day - which we need for Steve... :)
Good luck Miles.
Well, according to another post on here, he used to commute most (160km of 200km!) of that route daily. So he already knows he can do it mentally.
I know that road well. It's enormously popular with cyclists, though it has been the source of some conflicts with motorists. It's a beautiful route, mostly along the beach. Very exposed when storms come across the bay, but I guess he's used to that too.
They do sound like a bunch of idiots. :(
You can imagine why motorists are not happy.Because there is a piece of tarmac where the motor car is NOT the dominant species?
You can imagine why motorists are not happy.Because there is a piece of tarmac where the motor car is NOT the dominant species?
Or because a load of people are having more fun than them?
It sounds great. No doubt there are a few dickheads - but the same applies to motons on any given road, globally.
I'm a little disappointed in the unreliability of Miles' uploads. Sometimes more than 24 hours late, a couple of what appear to be missing uploads (e.g. 14th and maybe 17th/18th) and his latest for 20th April seems to include non-cycling transport back to Melbourne mixed in with the track for his ride. It all makes it really quite hard to work out exactly how many official miles he has ridden.Not arf. He has fixed the rail journey home sacrificing the legitimate time in the saddle when he got back to Melbourne but it's still not right. I've done some analysis, watch for another thread this morning.
G'day,
I'm Peter Mathews, one of the Audax Oz mob supporting Miles' HMR attempt. I'm his data minder and can tell you it's been a rough start. Both Strava and the HM'R leaderboard are out of whack. However our tally agrees exactly with the data Drew harvested separately from MIles' Garmin site (phew).
Miles basic route is up and down the Port Phillip Bay between Melbourne and Portsea. It is 200 km per cycle. As things settle down Miles will head away from Melbourne for a change of scenery and to participate in some long Audax events. Logistically we are still working out the best ways to manage this in terms of support, sleep, food and data management but stay tuned.
As of day 11 Miles Smith's tally is 2332.62miles (3753.988001km) or an average of 212.0563636 miles per day (341.2716365km). This is the data taken from his Garmin and tallies exactly with the data Drew distributed to each team yesterday.
We are building a website at gomiles.com.au - where you can see that each of his bikes has HUGE front rings. When Miles turned up for his first Audax Oz event only a couple of years ago (it was 1,000 km) we all looked at the ring in horror. But, believe me, he's like a big diesel and just cranks out the miles.
I think Miles would like to ramp up the miles per day once he settles into the routine of this a bit.
Strava is killing the data at present and misinterprets data loaded from the Garmin site consistently. This was the cause of the Wangaratta "glitch". Please note that Mile's Garmin was paused during the train trip back to Melbourne and did not in fact record that distance. The total distance travelled in that leg was 21.09 miles (distance from Wang to Melb is about 155 miles). This was the distance from his sleep stop at an Audax Club member's place outside Wangaratta (with a bit of wandering around looking for food and stuff) plus the distance from the Melbourne train station to his place and back to Abbottsford Cycles on Monday morning to upload the data.
Hope this helps, and if you have other queries or comments please drop me a line here or to pmathews.mob@gmail.com.
Mr Fidgetbuzz should note that Miles is on of Keith's wednesday warriors!
Cheez,
PeterM
This Pete has been Audax Oz president. Not the bloke you are thinking of.
Miles sounds like a proper antipodean audax headbanger. Looking forward to seeing how he racks up the distance over the year, as I'd imagine there are going to be some huge rides :thumbsup:
:)I wasn't going to comment but here goes.... "Most men his age in Australia are called David" is about as stupid and misleading a comment as saying kangaroos hop down the streets. C'mon, you don't believe that, do you? That's like saying all Poms have kippers for breakfast.
He's over 50 so he was named well before Australia went metric. Oddly though, I don't think i ever met a Miles in australia, but it's a pretty common name in UK. Actually, most men his age in Australia are called David.
Latest graphs on jo's analysis thread are worth looking at - the "time of day" chart for Miles is bonkers!Yes, I've been checking his spot tracker at odd hours of the night.... The years of night shift seem to have made Miles immune to circadian rhythms!
"Most men his age in Australia are called David" is about as stupid and misleading a comment as saying kangaroos hop down the streets.
It is also mostly correct. I am a middle-aged Aussie Dave and it was the most common boy's name through my school years.
Miles' activity pattern (see visualising thread) seems utterly unsustainable to me, does he actually sleep? That much disruption to your body rhythms is surely going to pay havoc with the body eventually? I'm no expert and I don't know Miles but it does look a bit bonkers.
Miles' activity pattern (see visualising thread) seems utterly unsustainable to me, does he actually sleep? That much disruption to your body rhythms is surely going to pay havoc with the body eventually? I'm no expert and I don't know Miles but it does look a bit bonkers.
Anyone who works shifts for many years doesn't have a body rhtyhm anymore. So he/she can ride whenever it's needed, not when your bodyclock tells you to do so.
12 minutes ago
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff320/jspooner99/Screenshot_2015-04-28_12-19-10_zpsfjpohqxj.png) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/jspooner99/media/Screenshot_2015-04-28_12-19-10_zpsfjpohqxj.png.html)
I stopped following him on Strava as he keeps posting dozens of short rides or duff activities of just a few metres. It's not that technically challenging to stop and start a Garmin and upload rides.
He looks pretty knackered in that photo.
There's an interview with him here:
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/05/miles-and-miles-what-it-takes-to-attempt-the-year-record/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/05/miles-and-miles-what-it-takes-to-attempt-the-year-record/)
There's an interview with him here:
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/05/miles-and-miles-what-it-takes-to-attempt-the-year-record/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/05/miles-and-miles-what-it-takes-to-attempt-the-year-record/)
I’ve got three kids. Each bike is named after the kids (Joe, Emilia, David).
Actually, most men (his age) in Australia are called David.I think my point is made
I’ve got three kids. Each bike is named after the kids (Joe, Emilia, David).Call himself a cyclist or is that an editorial error - shouldn't that be each kid named after the bikes?
Oh dear..Miles has fallen victim to a chesty cold and won't be riding anywhere too soon. Time for some brake repairs. http://t.co/ynrOwkLFs7
Hi Miles - welcome to yacf - glad to hear you're on the mend. All the best for your restart!
Yes, good luck for the 18th and the following 365 days :thumbsup:
These YACF folk are good people.
These YACF folk are good people.
I'm not.
:P
So just got to get results of last scan/lung test prior to Restart of the HAM'R on the 18th June (earliest start date poss). Some observations:-
Ten things NOT to do when you are chasing 15 separate WR's.
1. Don't move into new accommodation the night before you start your WR attempts.
2. If you fail 1. above, at least make sure that the Electricity, Gas and (I'm not joking) Water is connected.
3. If you fail 1. and 2. above, don't delay in taking up the Real Estate Agents offer 'to do all he can'. - immediately go around to his home (It took me over two weeks) early on a Sunday morning, put your foot in the door when he opens it and make a B line for the Washing Machine. Then carefully explain to Mrs Real Estate Agent why you are in her laundry room with two weeks worth of smelly bike nicks and leave her to deal with the by now cowering husband.
Erm, I may be the only one in the dark on this, but what's REDACTED?Its a small town in Virginia on the road between Washington and Quantico.
3. If you fail 1. and 2. above, don't delay in taking up the Real Estate Agents offer 'to do all he can'. - immediately go around to his home (It took me over two weeks) early on a Sunday morning, put your foot in the door when he opens it and make a B line for the Washing Machine. Then carefully explain to Mrs Real Estate Agent why you are in her laundry room with two weeks worth of smelly bike nicks and leave her to deal with the by now cowering husband.;D This alone deserves a medal.
Old word referring to documents that have been censored. The bits removed (or coloured over) are redacted.
It means Miles didn't what to state the location or names as that would be libel (and aggressive rather than funny). Think of the bleeps in a comedy program.Old word referring to documents that have been censored. The bits removed (or coloured over) are redacted.
I know what redacted means but still don't understand the meaning in this context...
currently residing in Northern Hemisphere (does not ride a moped)";D
Miles Smith - Dumb Piece of Meat that pushes Pedals.Be careful. Go around describing yourself like that and you'll end up on a barbie.
Miles Smith - Dumb Piece of Meat that pushes Pedals.Be careful. Go around describing yourself like that and you'll end up on a barbie.
Several probs for this, the first being we uploaded only via GSM phone network previously and this time we gave it a go via WIFI network (Domino's Pizza Port Melbourne).
No truth in the rummer, that I'm starting right now, that I stuffed up the upload so I could go a second Large deep pan pizza.
Miles heads east from Melbourne for 108 miles. He is now as far behind Tommy's WR pace as Steve was following his crash.
Found best way to deal with Garmin is to treat it as you would a petulant child. Last night I could not switch the 510 off, so I ignored it and hey presto it does what you want, but only when you are not looking. Can't wait to smash it's tiny brains out with a real hammer (pun' tastic fun) when I finish the HAM'R.
We did a big clean out of the Garmin's (500 and 510) yesterday and response times to button pushing has improved markedly. I was only seeing an increase in the calories figs and no one knows why cadence x2 is up on the screen and no one knew a distance to destination feature was even an option.
is this already dead in the water?Not remotely, see the foot of Jo's OYTT page (http://gicentre.org/oytt/). Miles' target miles per day has only risen to 209.3. Tommy's was 216.3 at this point and Steve refuses to give in with 251.5 required every day.
The weather has been shocking for him recently which I think is limiting his mileage. And it sounds like he has to wait 6 hours for a train at one end or other of his usual route which is a waste of time. Still finding it hard to take his challenge seriously as it seems so amateurish IMHO.I know what you mean, but I disagree. I don't think he's any more amateurish than either of the others, tbh. The train waiting thing is fine as he's not wasting that time, he's sleeping. I like him, and I hope he does well.
The weather has been shocking for him recently which I think is limiting his mileage. And it sounds like he has to wait 6 hours for a train at one end or other of his usual route which is a waste of time. Still finding it hard to take his challenge seriously as it seems so amateurish IMHO.I know what you mean, but I disagree. I don't think he's any more amateurish than either of the others, tbh. The train waiting thing is fine as he's not wasting that time, he's sleeping. I like him, and I hope he does well.
(Though I hope Steve does a bit more :D)
Surely there's nothing to stop him riding small loops in those six hours ???
Day 25 "Thanks for inquires re the Bung Lung. First time anyone has said "inflation is good".
Everything going to plan. Lost 2 hrs sleep due to loosening off of the cranks. Life is better if you don't have to push overtight bearings, overnight.
Rain and cold weather (temps struggle to reach double figures) set to continue until Sunday. No one is saying which Sunday. Had two full roast chickens for lunch. Durano tyres continue to make life easier.
I called on to Mallard's in Sale to buy some Trek Bicycle cycling gear. Best Trek dealer I know of, really knowledgeable staff re Trek and bikes generally and all top blokes.
Will be leaving melb at 5.30 ish for second run of the day to Bairnsdale. This route should give me about 440 to 500 kms per day. Why the variance? two factors 1. Do I make the last 60 km's or chicken (sorry but can still taste them) out at Sale so I don't have a six hour wait, and 2. UMCA rules say I have to upload all ride info at 12 midnight so a ride maybe/will be split over two days. The last point evens put the data for the stats nuts and makes for day 356 cut off unarguable.
Found best way to deal with Garmin is to treat it as you would a petulant child. Last night I could not switch the 510 off, so I ignored it and hey presto it does what you want, but only when you are not looking. Can't wait to smash it's tiny brains out with a real hammer (pun' tastic fun) when I finish the HAM'R."
15 mins into the day I get hit by a right turning car (think left if you are reading this in Europe or the USA). Old guy, doesn't look where he's going or indicate, just quick glance to his left. When he gets out its clear that hes 80+ and from the numerous marks all over the car and the magnifying lenses in his glasses it wouldn't really have mattered if he had looked - looking and seeing being similar but not the same. The rear wheel, jocky wheels and rear gear changing mechanism take the hit. I lose a couple of gears in the high range as selecting them means the chain jumps up and over (and off) the rear big cogs, but am able to ride on. I don't want to bend the jockey wheels back as I'm bound to break the weak link (rear hanger) which has already been ' stress tested'. I carry a spare hanger but would prefer to avoid the mess and returning that a swap would mean by the side of the road, plus while I can move forwards, that's what I do. Mileage's is everything.My emphasis. Blimey, he's only 5 weeks in.
This is the third hit in the current challenge, so hopefully the saying that everything comes in three's is true.
The weather has been shocking for him recently which I think is limiting his mileage. And it sounds like he has to wait 6 hours for a train at one end or other of his usual route which is a waste of time. Still finding it hard to take his challenge seriously as it seems so amateurish IMHO.
nearest reasonably sized town and know there will be a station there
Quotenearest reasonably sized town and know there will be a station there
That might have been true in the late 50s and early 60s :)
Good to see him riding again but how is he ever going to beat the record when he regularly rides <150 miles/day? Surely he's leaving himself far too much to do later in the year?Miles is not really a contender any longer. A shame because, unlike IronOx, he's not a joke entrant and he's obviously put himself through the mill to be making his attempt(s).
"Stop me if you've heard this before...Just about to set off to Portsea, and yes its 'suddenly' p(ers)issssssssssssstently raining, in my current location.
Quick look at the radar and it should pass within the hour......
Planning to ride overnight........
Don't want to get wet to the bone and freeze for next several hours.......
I'll just sit here for an hour or so ZZZzzzzz......
No, got to keep moving or will go night, night. Three major benefits of doing this:
1. You can eat anything, at any time and in any volume,
2. You can sleep at any time and any place,
3. You can...... No. That's about it.
I just did a back of a back of a beer mat calculation and since big team meeting (even taking into account my Shepperton Macca's stuff up), we are back on WR pace.
Spring, "I'm loving it".
Ronald rocks.
Rode with the Saturday Slackers last Saturday. Bit drizzly and generally moist weather.
Vince the Cabby flagged me down, just outside Frankston. What a man, he had two sausage sanger's, with not only sauce but onions as well. Only problem was I was riding with Arnie Birrell who wolfed one. We will have to get Vince on his bike soon, of course he left his meter running whilst we were stuffing around.
Met Dorothy's elder brother!"
He isn't a serious contender now, in my eyes.Hard to disagree :(
The comment about being back on the WR line suggests he might not be thinking far enough ahead. He does appreciate that Godwin's summer miles were paced and it will be very very very difficult to match that under HAMR rules?
Too many questions about Miles' attempt. My gut feeling is that he was underprepared and is not well supported. We know he is capable of putting in big miles day after day, but the model isn't working too well.
I wouldn't be surprised if he came back in a couple of years to have another go. There's vanishingly little chance of his beating Kurt, or even Tommy, now. But there is no doubting he's a strong rider when it all comes together.
Too many questions about Miles' attempt. My gut feeling is that he was underprepared and is not well supported. We know he is capable of putting in big miles day after day, but the model isn't working too well.
I wouldn't be surprised if he came back in a couple of years to have another go. There's vanishingly little chance of his beating Kurt, or even Tommy, now. But there is no doubting he's a strong rider when it all comes together.
Too many questions about Miles' attempt. My gut feeling is that he was underprepared and is not well supported. We know he is capable of putting in big miles day after day, but the model isn't working too well.
I wouldn't be surprised if he came back in a couple of years to have another go. There's vanishingly little chance of his beating Kurt, or even Tommy, now. But there is no doubting he's a strong rider when it all comes together.
But he thinks he's challenging for the record which is what I don't get. Is he getting bad advice? Miscalculated what he needs to do? Does he think it's 75,000km to beat the record and not 75,000 miles?! His mileage is about right to beat 75,000km in 365 days (average of 127 miles/day) as he's averaged 133 miles/day so far.
According to FB Miles was knocked off his bike yesterday which trashed yet another rear wheel. He was basically unhurt, a few bruises as far as I can tell. He seems to spend a lot of time riding down the hard shoulder of freeways according to what he says on there. I stopped following him on Strava as I got fed up of dozens of 0km rides on my timeline :)
That's not good. I hope he's ok. That said, has anyone got to the bottom of what his target really is for this effort? He's patently not aiming at Tommy's total, so what is the point of his pain and suffering at the hand of the pitiless Oz motorists?
I think that as far as most australians are concerned, the only record that counts is Ossie Nicholson's at 62,657 miles.That's not good. I hope he's ok. That said, has anyone got to the bottom of what his target really is for this effort? He's patently not aiming at Tommy's total, so what is the point of his pain and suffering at the hand of the pitiless Oz motorists?
Glad to hear he's basically ok.
Yeah, I've been wondering the same for a long time. To begin with, I figured that he was just not going for Godwin's record, just the UMCA one, and was having a go in case the other two didn't make it through the year. However, Tarzan clearly has enough miles in the bank to make it impossible for Miles to catch him now even if he stopped today, so I guess that isn't the current plan.
Having said that, there are several things about Miles' attempt that puzzle me, including the chain ring.
Maybe he just enjoys riding and wants to see how far he can go? Maybe it is the Oz record?
Great news, we have a new HAM'R competitor joining in a couple of months time.
Plenty of 300km+ days on the raw strava data page on gomiles.com.au and latest fb page says he was heading for 400-450km on that day.
Sounds serious to me. ISTR we didn't expect Tarzan to be serious back in January.
"To answer Tim Corbett's question. I know what the minimum is I need to do each day. I keep only two running totals and that is the + or - figure with regard to the average daily and the target figures. Put another way how much over or under the current record set by Tommy and how much over or under the target I've set myself I am.
Like any large project you just got to slice and dice it into 'achievable and digestible' chunks. You don't get up and think 'OK 120,800 km's less the massive 400 I did yesterday wow that's only 120,400 km's to go'."
Perhaps a little harsh Legs.Maybe, but there's a lot of head-in-sand burying going on, to the extent of denying that there's a problem. "Slicing and dicing" this "large project" into "digestible chunks" would entail either (i) doing about 206 miles per day, every day, or (ii) following a schedule which keeps you within catching-up-distance of the GODWIN LINE. Miles, in spite of his protestations, is not doing either of these.
I agree Miles is unlikely to take the record, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he is "massively deluded" or that he is doing himself a disservice. It was less than a year ago that Steve, one of the UK's most experienced ultra-long distance cyclists, had an upper schedule that would see him gain 12,000 miles over the WR pace in 8 months (see the orange 'wave' on my OYTT chart). If Miles were able to follow that, he'd take the record....and if Miles hasn't learnt from the intell gathered by Steve and Kurt about how unsustainable it is to actually enact that wavey profile of seasonally-bolstered riding, then he's not to be taken as a serious contender. Steve and Kurt have shown that back-to-back riding of ~215-220mpd is sustainable when all is going well, but that you have to make allowances for days (and sometimes weeks) when things don't go well. Whenever Steve or Kurt have pressed on beyond this amount for any more than a couple of days, their bodies have brought them back down to equilibrium. OT musing: How Godwin did his summer mileages, goodness only knows... Had he taken a more aggressive approach to the winter riding - in keeping with the stamina he showed he had in the summer (and a less harsh winter to do it in), Godwin could well have put this record beyond the reach of all three of these contenders.
We are realising, thanks to the experience of all three riders, that this kind of performance is much less likely than anticipated, but because these huge annual distances are so rare, there's a lot of uncertainty about how performance develops over a year.The only certainties are in the rides that they have already logged, the distances to go, and the amounts of time to do it. It is a reflection of their planning and preparation that Kurt is looking likely to break the Godwin record (touch wood), Steve is looking to be there or thereabouts (touch wood - he's got to have a strong winter to ensure that his progress doesn't slump much), and that Miles is not even in the ballpark - he's only ever topped the now-required 240mpd a handful of times so far.
Personally, I'm supporting Miles just as much as I am Steve or Kurt.
I doubt if anyone on this forum, even the highly experienced audax riders or time triallists, can even begin to imagine what attempting this record must be like, riding day in, day out.Are you aware that Steve is one of the original members of this forum?
Are you aware that Steve is one of the original members of this forum?
I think legs is being a little harsh on Miles, but reality is that Miles's daily mileage is not enough to keep him in sight of the record. That's just simple maths.
Is it true Tommy Godwin had to learn how to walk properly again after a year of pedalling?
I think it is unnecessary and rather disrespectful to be quite so critical of Miles.If you read my post again, you'll note that my criticism is not of Miles' riding, which is impressive (it seems likely that he'll finish his year with one of the highest tallies ever recorded), but of his head-in-the-sand view of his progress, as highlighted by his response to TimC's Facebook post. He has made no out-and-out acknowledgement that he is targeting anything less than the Godwin record (look at the cover picture on his Facebook page!), so to say that he's still on target
Should finish somewhere between 400 and 450 km's for the day.I'm not going to go to the trouble of pointing out the exact distance he travelled on that day because I'm not sure whether he's really referring to a calendar day or a 24-hour period of riding, and to try drilling down into his Strava data would make me seem like a misanthropic, nitpicking bastard, so you might be best looking to Jo's daily summaries to get a feel as to whether this short-term target was met.
This is a well-known issue in sport. Say you are an amateur 10 000m runner. Your PB is 59m, you commonly run 65. At 5 000m you are onFTFY :-\29[more like] 35m, wellaheadbehind of PB pace. You congratulate yourself....
But what he is achieving is still mighty impressive and beyond what most cyclists I have met have either the hunger or ability to do.Indeed, it's arguably more impressive to carry on churning out the big distances when/if you know in your heart of hearts that you're not going to break the record.
Let's be frank. Miles isn't going to get the record unless he restarts.
But what he is achieving is still mighty impressive and beyond what most cyclists I have met have either the hunger or ability to do.
If you read my post again, you'll note that my criticism is not of Miles' riding, which is impressive (it seems likely that he'll finish his year with one of the highest tallies ever recorded), but of his head-in-the-sand view of his progress, as highlighted by his response to TimC's Facebook post. He has made no out-and-out acknowledgement that he is targeting anything less than the Godwin record (look at the cover picture on his Facebook page!), so to say that he's still on targetratherundermines his credibility.
Are half of the posts in the IronOx thread unnecessary and disrespectful?
But what he is achieving is still mighty impressive and beyond what most cyclists I have met have either the hunger or ability to do.Indeed, it's arguably more impressive to carry on churning out the big distances when/if you know in your heart of hearts that you're not going to break the record.
Go Miles!
I reckon that if I am 6000 miles down when I get back on the Raleigh and can get back onto the 82000 mile schedule I should just do it. I started this in January with 2 months of no cycling and went straight onto the 87000 mile schedule. I am not beaten yet."
Despite wishing Miles well on his challenge, I have to confess to being rather frustrated by his GPS ineptitude compared to Kurt and Steve. Today's riding, which totalled 130 miles within the 24 hour period, comprised no less than 8 separate GPS uploads. Yesterday's 4 uploads included a 30km stretch at unfeasibly high speed, presumably because he left the GPS on while on the train. The day before that included an upload of 0km...
One GPS upload per day would be very nice Miles.
It's very bizarre, but brilliant all the same :thumbsup:
Just looking at the official spreadsheet http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/official_results/ (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/official_results/). It's got Miles listed as having 3 concurrent attempts. The most recent starting on Sept 23rd. Did he announce this elsewhere? Does this make sense of his optimism? Anyone have any further knowledge about this?
???
Even starting from the 23rd September, Miles is only averaging 163 mpd, requiring 211 mpd for the remaining 325 days. In his three attempts so far, he has not managed a 211 mpd average for more than a couple of days consecutively, so I can't see him hitting the record on this third try.
I can't remember if I've said this before, but I think it is pity UMCA are allowing restarts within such a short time period, especially if for no particular reason other than wanting to do a bit better than a rider's previous average. It reminds me of being a teenager playing computer racing games and pressing restart at the merest hint of a poor cornering in the hope of doing a 'perfect' lap.
Better day today. Things running to plan. Will clear daily the WR figure plus our target daily figure. If I do this 40 times, I will pass both of the other guys average daily figures, more importantly I will get all the way to Warrnambool tonight for 6:08 AM return train in the morning.
Even starting from the 23rd September, Miles is only averaging 163 mpd, requiring 211 mpd for the remaining 325 days. In his three attempts so far, he has not managed a 211 mpd average for more than a couple of days consecutively, so I can't see him hitting the record on this third try.
I can't remember if I've said this before, but I think it is pity UMCA are allowing restarts within such a short time period, especially if for no particular reason other than wanting to do a bit better than a rider's previous average. It reminds me of being a teenager playing computer racing games and pressing restart at the merest hint of a poor cornering in the hope of doing a 'perfect' lap.
Just posted on FB...QuoteBetter day today. Things running to plan. Will clear daily the WR figure plus our target daily figure. If I do this 40 times, I will pass both of the other guys average daily figures, more importantly I will get all the way to Warrnambool tonight for 6:08 AM return train in the morning.
Just posted on FB...QuoteBetter day today. Things running to plan. Will clear daily the WR figure plus our target daily figure. If I do this 40 times, I will pass both of the other guys average daily figures, more importantly I will get all the way to Warrnambool tonight for 6:08 AM return train in the morning.
Just posted on FB...QuoteBetter day today. Things running to plan. Will clear daily the WR figure plus our target daily figure. If I do this 40 times, I will pass both of the other guys average daily figures, more importantly I will get all the way to Warrnambool tonight for 6:08 AM return train in the morning.
I am genuinely puzzled by his assessment. Not to disparage his effort, but I don't see how this tallies with the facts. Today he has submitted rides of:
129.7km
6.0km
3.7km
85.2km
84.9km
11.9km
(and if you're being generous, another ride of 1km that looks like a bit of GPS meandering). That last ride finished at midnight and he immediately followed it with another ride of 103.1km, but since the first in that sequence also started at midnight, you can't use 28 hours of riding as an indicator of 24 hours' worth.
The 24 hours of riding totals 321.4km or 199.7 miles, less than the minimum of 205.6 mpd average and considerably less than that required to "pass both of the other guys average daily figures" in 40 days. Am I missing something?
Just posted on FB...QuoteBetter day today. Things running to plan. Will clear daily the WR figure plus our target daily figure. If I do this 40 times, I will pass both of the other guys average daily figures, more importantly I will get all the way to Warrnambool tonight for 6:08 AM return train in the morning.
I am genuinely puzzled by his assessment. Not to disparage his effort, but I don't see how this tallies with the facts. Today he has submitted rides of:
129.7km
6.0km
3.7km
85.2km
84.9km
11.9km
(and if you're being generous, another ride of 1km that looks like a bit of GPS meandering). That last ride finished at midnight and he immediately followed it with another ride of 103.1km, but since the first in that sequence also started at midnight, you can't use 28 hours of riding as an indicator of 24 hours' worth.
The 24 hours of riding totals 321.4km or 199.7 miles, less than the minimum of 205.6 mpd average and considerably less than that required to "pass both of the other guys average daily figures" in 40 days. Am I missing something?
I can't make sense of it either. I wish I could understand what figures he is working to as I am struggling to see how he is coming to the conclusions he's putting out there on Facebook.
Is he comparing his rides at the same number of days in with Kurt/Steve after those numbers of days in?
Is he comparing his rides at the same number of days in with Kurt/Steve after those numbers of days in?
Most probably. He has restarted, has he not, following the apparently poor winter weather?
Miles had completed 3918.8 miles on his third attempt by 31 October (39 days). I had thought he was measuring his progress against Tommy's equivalent day, but Tommy's Day 39 figure was 5991 miles. Kurt's at Day 39 was 7850 and Steve's 7241 on attempt 1 and 7940 on attempt 2 (all figures from the UCMA site). The 'average progress' line of 39 'Standard Godwins (205 and a bit miles) would have 8021.7 miles on Day 39. I just don't understand on what basis Miles thinks he's on WR pace?
This will give me a WR pace day and thus I lose only 3 days this week.
Good news is, If I had looked after myself, first run to Seymour was done in 4 hrs/62 miles. This includes crossing Melbourne CBD at 1AM Friday night/Sat morning. That's 240 in 16 hrs. I was easing up during ride as 1.5 hrs ahead of plan (.5 late leaving, 1hr made up on ride) and southerly not kicked in with any strength until after I tried to 'rev the nuts off a cold engine'.
Going down the bay early (80 miles/125 km's), back by 9:00 to catch train to Warrnambool (sweet delicious sleep) then ride home (170 miles/270 km's) via Geelongthe hamr leaderboard shows 200miles for that day. Not 230.
It would be a crying shame to find that he's actually done the miles but someone didn't upload them properly.
It would be a crying shame to find that he's actually done the miles but someone didn't upload them properly.
:(
Seems like the most likely explanation of the gap between his Fb claims and the Strava totals, unless it's a 24-hour split issue? OTOH he also seems to have had a few other problems the past few days too.
This will give me a WR pace day and thus I lose only 3 days this week. Go V Line Sausage Rolls.
Is he in the same UMCA age category as Steve or Kurt?
AFAIK someone setup his Garmin to automatically upload via his mobile phone. I think that's why his Strava is littered with short rides, each time he presses stop he uploads.
What is a WR pace day? Is it the average 205 miles (75075/365) or is it what Tommy did on the equivalent day of his attempt? Where can we see a record of your total miles of this, your third, attempt?
QuoteAFAIK someone setup his Garmin to automatically upload via his mobile phone. I think that's why his Strava is littered with short rides, each time he presses stop he uploads.
its only after you save a ride it uploads,
the 510 he's using has an option to discard or save when you press stop, quite why he's saving when it says 0.0m, i don't know but a lot of the shorter ones of that actually have distance appear to be too and from the train station, which make more sense,
no idea when on and out and back along the bay he's resetting at one end though
someones asked the question on his FB, maybe he'll replyQuoteWhat is a WR pace day? Is it the average 205 miles (75075/365) or is it what Tommy did on the equivalent day of his attempt? Where can we see a record of your total miles of this, your third, attempt?
QuoteAFAIK someone setup his Garmin to automatically upload via his mobile phone. I think that's why his Strava is littered with short rides, each time he presses stop he uploads.
its only after you save a ride it uploads,
the 510 he's using has an option to discard or save when you press stop, quite why he's saving when it says 0.0m, i don't know but a lot of the shorter ones of that actually have distance appear to be too and from the train station, which make more sense,
no idea when on and out and back along the bay he's resetting at one end though
someones asked the question on his FB, maybe he'll replyQuoteWhat is a WR pace day? Is it the average 205 miles (75075/365) or is it what Tommy did on the equivalent day of his attempt? Where can we see a record of your total miles of this, your third, attempt?
Yes, that was me, Dan. I've asked questions before without reply! I'm probably seen as subversive, but really all I'm trying to do is understand WTF this effort is all about.
Seconded on the Garmin thing too - I have an Edge 1000 and a Vivoactive, both of which work the same way. They'll autostop for breaks, and will do automatic tracking via a mobile if you want, but nothing gets saved till you hit 'save'. I can understand a degree of paranoia prompting a save at every stop (especially if rides have been lost in the past), but carrying a second Garmin would perhaps obviate that issue. Steve and Kurt seem to have cracked it, why not Miles?
From Miles' Facebook:
I read that a cyclist had been killed ...
Very sad to hear. Understandable perhaps given recent developments.
If Miles decides to try again at some point, I'm sure we will be here to cheer him on.
It's gone.
he managed to ride just over 48,479km between April and his last ride, with 19,400km over the last 48 days (i.e. just over 400km per day)
This from Miles' FB page
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/12/failure-while-daring-greatly-miles-smiths-year-record-attempt-is-over-for-now/
One minor detail, UMCA do not require a Strava record (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/official_results/)Aha! I stand corrected. :)
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/12/failure-while-daring-greatly-miles-smiths-year-record-attempt-is-over-for-now/
"...with 19,400km over the last 48 days (i.e. just over 400km per day)..."
Seems his mileage records weren't agreeing with UCMA's
Getting ready for Alpine Classic, both The Journey & The Limit (High Routeurs Society -http://www.highrouleur.cc/the-rules/ ) and a couple of Everest's not to mention the Audax Tour of Tasmania. I'm in touch with the Guinness Book of Records re the last month of the HAM'R, when I rode over 400 KM's per day (12,000 km's/7,700 miles) after several months of riding, and doing the 365 day challenge without middlemen changing the rules from a distance challenge to a number of days spent on the bike, irrespective of the distance ridden challenge.
He still thinks he did 400km+ a day for the last month...I saw that. What a very weird post. Miles may be a nice chap and all, but there is considerable delusion going on there, not to mention nonsense about rules being changed.QuoteGetting ready for Alpine Classic, both The Journey & The Limit (High Routeurs Society -http://www.highrouleur.cc/the-rules/ ) and a couple of Everest's not to mention the Audax Tour of Tasmania. I'm in touch with the Guinness Book of Records re the last month of the HAM'R, when I rode over 400 KM's per day (12,000 km's/7,700 miles) after several months of riding, and doing the 365 day challenge without middlemen changing the rules from a distance challenge to a number of days spent on the bike, irrespective of the distance ridden challenge.
... this year he has cycled half the distance I have... now HAMR... I mean... really?? ::-) ::-)
21 followers on Strava...
... at least he seems to be quick... I think you need to be quick for this kind of record... speed buy you rest time... if you can do 360 km a day spending 12 hours or less on the saddle, it's a good start
UMCA's negligent examination
A season ticket round there must be cheap...
... like ride his bike??A season ticket round there must be cheap...
I was sad enough to look it up, and for 365 days I think it was about 1300AUD for unlimited trips between Melbourne and Seymour. Each train trip takes about an hour and the train runs 1-2 times an hour so he could lose up to 2 hours if he arrives at the station a few minutes after a train has departed. Though I suppose he can also sleep, eat and do other stuff in that time.
QuoteUMCA's negligent examination
AFAIK, there are only two who actually keep the records up to date and unless someone tells them what is going on, they will not be aware. At one time UMCA had the manpower to check around the ultra racing circuit, but no longer.
But if you can't thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could.
I'll bear that in mind next time I see you volunteer for anything.
If you cant thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could
QuoteUMCA's negligent examination
AFAIK, there are only two who actually keep the records up to date and unless someone tells them what is going on, they will not be aware. At one time UMCA had the manpower to check around the ultra racing circuit, but no longer.
It's simple: Don't announce, what you can not really do. I perfectly understand that a volunteer organisation has limited ressources. But if you can't thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could.
And I am afraid that Miles Smith will definitely need laborious examination to comprehensibly keep track of his attempt.
Would it be UMCA allowed to have someone driving you up the top of a 20 mile climb, then cycle down, then drive up, then cycle down?
It is hypothetical, but do the regulations allow any type of cycling, so an Esher type scenario like the above where one is constantly going downhill would be OK?
Would it be UMCA allowed to have someone driving you up the top of a 20 mile climb, then cycle down, then drive up, then cycle down?
It is hypothetical, but do the regulations allow any type of cycling, so an Esher type scenario like the above where one is constantly going downhill would be OK?
It is allowed.
Assuming a 30mph descent (40 mins) and driving uphill at 60mph (20 mins) That's an average cycling speed of evens. But for that to work, you'd need a van that the rider can ride up a ramp into and set off immediately as the door closes and a mountain with a straight enough road to allow 60mph average speed. So probably more like 40mph average which would still be around 17.5mph average.
This assumes you can find at least 1 van (preferably 2 in relay) plus driver(s)
Inside the van(s) you'd need something to block the tracker signal so it can be switched off, so as not to record miles traveled in the van. You'd need to end the GPS file and start a new one on each descent.
What I think would be more effective is to have 2 follow support vehicles (motor homes, as Mark Beaumont did with his round the world record) and crew. Ride across a huge, flat land mass with a tailwind for several days, a week or fortnight. So probably Australia. Then when you run out of flat rad with tailwind, have your private jet fly you and your bike back to the other end where your 2nd support is waiting. The 1st support motorhome drives back as you ride with the tailwind and your jet flies back to the other end.
I do follow him on facebook - he hasn't mentioned a crew chief but does have a loyal following in Oz (they see him as a 'rebel'). He responds to messages so I'll ask him.QuoteUMCA's negligent examination
AFAIK, there are only two who actually keep the records up to date and unless someone tells them what is going on, they will not be aware. At one time UMCA had the manpower to check around the ultra racing circuit, but no longer.
It's simple: Don't announce, what you can not really do. I perfectly understand that a volunteer organisation has limited ressources. But if you can't thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could.
And I am afraid that Miles Smith will definitely need laborious examination to comprehensibly keep track of his attempt.
Possibly, though I expect that it would end in another abandoned attempt.
In theory, everyone should have a follow car all the time. The UMCA knew that this was unlikely to happen for a year, which is why we have the live trackers, which have to be shown in public. Phtos, films and witnesses are encouraged. Each days ride must be uploaded within 24 hours. Everyone has used Strava so far but IIRC emailing the file from the GPS is acceptable. The UMCA are aware that GPSs can fail etc, so will accept tracking data, which will give a lower mileage.
Riders are now obliged to have a crew chief for HAMR (but not a HMMR) since Bruce Berkley gave the UMCA the runaround and they pulled the plug on his attempt. This is so that the UMCA can communicate with the rider, who will mostly be asleep or out riding. So I assume that Miles has at least 1 person helping him, or at least has their name down as a helper, unless the rules have changed since I set off 17 months ago.
UMCA only checked the rides every few days or maybe once a week.
Are you the forum sycophant?
He said:QuoteIf you cant thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could
Which is nonsense because the UMCA have never said they would supervise it.
Are you the forum sycophant?
He said:QuoteIf you cant thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could
Which is nonsense because the UMCA have never said they would supervise it.
I think you should withdraw that remark.
ResponseI do follow him on facebook - he hasn't mentioned a crew chief but does have a loyal following in Oz (they see him as a 'rebel'). He responds to messages so I'll ask him.QuoteUMCA's negligent examination
AFAIK, there are only two who actually keep the records up to date and unless someone tells them what is going on, they will not be aware. At one time UMCA had the manpower to check around the ultra racing circuit, but no longer.
[/quote
It's simple: Don't announce, what you can not really do. I perfectly understand that a volunteer organisation has limited ressources. But if you can't thoroughly supervise a record attempt, you should not pretend you could.
And I am afraid that Miles Smith will definitely need laborious examination to comprehensibly keep track of his attempt.
Possibly, though I expect that it would end in another abandoned attempt.
In theory, everyone should have a follow car all the time. The UMCA knew that this was unlikely to happen for a year, which is why we have the live trackers, which have to be shown in public. Phtos, films and witnesses are encouraged. Each days ride must be uploaded within 24 hours. Everyone has used Strava so far but IIRC emailing the file from the GPS is acceptable. The UMCA are aware that GPSs can fail etc, so will accept tracking data, which will give a lower mileage.
Riders are now obliged to have a crew chief for HAMR (but not a HMMR) since Bruce Berkley gave the UMCA the runaround and they pulled the plug on his attempt. This is so that the UMCA can communicate with the rider, who will mostly be asleep or out riding. So I assume that Miles has at least 1 person helping him, or at least has their name down as a helper, unless the rules have changed since I set off 17 months ago.
UMCA only checked the rides every few days or maybe once a week.
Miles is getting some support from a bike shop that does mobile repairs (he mentions what a great job they do quite often) so it is very possible someone from that shop/mobile unit is acting as his crew chief.QuoteWhat's a crew chief? It's me, solo, Randonneur. 😄
For the sake of completeness:Miles (I 'follow' him on facebook) claims quite incredible distances, but can never back the claims up with electronic recording. Averaging 550km per day. He did have a post up where he claimed 750km in 24hours (was going for some 24hr record on a MTB), but that seems to have disappeared.
WRAA*-record holder Miles Smith added two more tries:
Starting at the beginning of September, restarting last week. Both attempts were over after ~3 days, first stopped after a (minor) accident, second because of health issues.
According to Miles, the mileages ridden were impressive each time, but are unfortunately partly untraceable due to diverse technical problems.
Nevertheless he's planning to be going out again ASAP. ::-)
https://de-de.facebook.com/GoMilesAU/
*world-record-attempt-announcements
I'm not that surprised that Miles keeps trying. It just seems to be his nature. What I don't get, is why he hasn't nailed down the GPS issues. We all had problems with GPS recordings and that always seems to be his main problem. And perhaps an over reliance on trains?Coastal Australia tends to have *very* predictable and reliable winds. They are almost like tides, with strong winds morning in one direction, a lull, then a strong wind the other direction. Miles was taking full advantage of these combined with a train.
I reckon Amanda's record is beatable with a slower riding speed than hers. After all, I rode further than she did in the first two months (but only just) even though from day 1 I was on a constant decline until I treated my sleep apnoea.