Tour Of The Weald

The 5th Floor posts

April10th

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Tour Of The Weald

Posted in: Events, The 5th Floor

To add to The 5th Floor Easter rides this weekend, I was out on the road bike for the Tour of the Weald – a 100k sportive around the beautiful Kent countryside taking in 6 major climbs.

The weather wasn’t great but the rain held off for most the day. The route was perfectly planned; a short steep hill out of the blocks to get the blood flowing, then a good mix of gradients and roads through the Garden of England. The half-way feed station was as described… very well stocked – jaffa cakes, oranges, hot cross buns, jelly babies… I came away feeling pretty sick.

The last climb of the day was a timed sprint with a polka-dot jersey for the fastest rider, a bit harsh after 80k. I started with my friend Sam, but he soon left me in the dust and went on to break last year’s record to secure 2nd place. After that it was all downhill, reaching speeds of 42mph. Somehow I managed to speed past the finish line and had to double back to finally be greeted by a cup of tea and a recovery massage.

Total Distance: 107km
Total Time: 4:05 (including stops and missing the finish line)
Average Speed: 17.5mph
Top Speed: 42.2mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800ft

I can definitely recommend this sportive; the route was planned perfectly, clearly signposted and the timed sprint climb adds a great element of competition!
April8th

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5th Floor Easter Weekend.

Posted in: The 5th Floor

This weekend was bike-full! On Friday a bunch of us headed down to Herne Hill for the Good Friday Meet, the weather was glorious for the biggest race meet of the year and one with a deep history. Loads of big local, national and international names there including Ross Edgar. Erik captured it beautifully.

Friday evening Rollapluza hosted the National finals. A few of us popped along post Herne Hill to check it out. Once again Rob Reed demolished the competition, me and Rudy went head to head… Check out the full results here. I beat Rudy so its my photo your seeing

Saturday and Sunday proved that April really is the month with all seasons in 1. so much so our intermediate session at the track was rained off, a few of the guys still made it out for the beginners session while me, Rudy and Mark rode to Richmond for laps.

Photo Credit: Erik Jonsson.

Sunday was The Hunt Crit training, Tim from Tokyo Fixed led out a pack from the shop while me and Rudy battled in from SE. This weekend would up the World Champs and saw the biggest of the spring classics Paris – Roubaix.

Photo Credit: Rudy Melo
April1st

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5th Weekend by Erik Jonsson

Posted in: Photography, The 5th Floor

Saturday’s Velodrome, Sunday Richmond laps. Standard!
great captures by Erik Jonsson
April1st

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Dave Hall: Park Street

Posted in: Photography, The 5th Floor

Hi headed up to Bristol for the Bespoked Show, Much more to come on that in a bit. While I was there I had to take advantage of the weather and bomb the (in)famous Park Street that hosts the Red Bull Hill Climb. Much fun! Thanks to Peter Piper for the photos.
March27th

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TRAFIK x The 5th Floor

Posted in: Riders, The 5th Floor

While out in LA Rudy Melo put in some time with Leader co Team member and TRAFIK rider Jesus Lizama. Bikes, good people and some epic scenerey - doesn’t get better. Check out the full set here taken by Raquel Natalicchio.
March26th

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Solo ride to Hollywood

Posted in: Photography, The 5th Floor

Last Sunday, straight after the Wolf Pack Hustle Race, followed by breakfast, everyone went to get some rest and sleep, but I decided to ride some hills to the Hollywood sign. I thought why not, it is my first time in LA, I am only here for a few days, it is sunny, let me find the famous sign and get as close as I can to it. Head over to our Flickr to see the rest of the photos.
March26th

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LA with Trafik and Mike Chacon

Posted in: Photography, The 5th Floor

See a few photos from my recent trip to LA here. A big thanks to Rick from Trafik for having me, to Jesus Lizama, from Leader Bike and Trafik, for showing me around and riding with me, to El Maestro Bike shop for letting me put my bike together at their shop and to homie Mike for taking me to some sick spots. I had a great time will definitely be back. Thank you so much all.
March22nd

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At the Mini Drome

Posted in: Racing, The 5th Floor, Uncategorized

So the official vid drops tomororw, however I could resist some of the snaps that have been appearing. I qualified on my 722 heritage but then raced pursuits on Daniel’s Mordecai.

Ben Simmons, Wiggle Team rider and 2012 Red Bull Hill climb winner, did a nice little write up of our head to head in the pursuits including the youtube video with evidence of my last corner mess up. Check it all here.
March20th

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Daniel Mateus Rolla Paluza final

Posted in: Racing, The 5th Floor

Bits and pieces on the weekends Red Bull mini drome are slowly filtering through the interweb but i’m gonna wait until Friday before dropping the official edit that I know Chris and Alex are working hard on. This however is some snaps of the final of Rolla Paluza where Daniel Mateus 5th rider was runner up to Rob Reed Charge Bikes rider and current Rolla Paluza WR holder!
March19th

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Rudy Wolfpack Hustle

Posted in: Photography, Riders, The 5th Floor

Stephen Lou managed to capture this shot of Rudy at the Start line of the Wolfpack Hustle. Can’t wait to see and hear Rudy’s full coverage. Thanks for shooting this through Stephen.