New AyUp V4 kit Review...

I got hold of AyUp's latest offering to MTB riders, the V4 kit, (there are other new kits available, check their website for details). The new look kit has moved these lights up a step on the WOW factor with the introduction of a custom water proof hard case. Gone is the seldom used neoprene pouch.

Open the box and you can really see how well they have done finishing the product off. Nicely cut out foam piece with hard plastic backing holds all the goodies in place.

Remove the top tray to revel another layer.

The other upgrades from the old kit include, stage batteries featuring high, low and flashing. You get 2 x 1/2 Epic and 1 x Epic, no longer called 3 and 6 hour due to the different power usage on different stages. There are two red caps to place over the lights to give you an ultra bright rear flasher. The very useful head torch band is included as is the gecko mounting system. All these upgrades make for a great value for money kit that will allow you to ride very fast at night. Also worth a mention is the fact that due to ever improving technology, the lights themselves are brighter without using any more battery power.

Be sure to stop past their new website and check out the video. I think you will be impressed with this package. I have not included a full review of how the light perform because my original review included all this.

EPIX...

What a great day to be riding in Melbourne. We had hail, rain, and trails that at times resembled creeks, but most of all we had a whole heap of fun.

With about 14 riders starting, we only had one mechanical. Our humble leader for the day, Jason Jackson managed to snap his derailleur clean off the hanger (go figure, the hanger was still intack).

An attempt was made to keep him on the trails, but the swing arm needed more movement, so with a chain tentioner it wasn't going to happen.

Cam grabbing a well earned lift from Ash (a non started due to being soft, oops, I mean sick). Cam rode his single speed 29er for pretty much the whole 75km ride, only oppting for a short cut right towards the end. Bloody top effort.

Both EPIX boys in the truck. Better luck next time. Thanks for organising a great ride guys.

Fun trails. I have never ridden in the St Andrews area. I will return.

Thanks again for the lift home Brian.

The scene has been set...

OK, the training has been done, the bike has been lubed and the course has been plotted (well, I hope so). This weekend is time for another episode with the Felt EPIX boys. These events are always a blast. Whether we get lost, muddy or extremely tired, it will be fun for all. Tune back next week and I will give you a run down on the whole ride. It will no doubt be a good hit out with only a couple of weeks to go before we head north again for the Scott 24 Hour.

Be safe out there..

Many of you will know off fellow 24hr rider Jeff Toohey. I just received news that he was struck by a car yesterday morning and had spent some time in a coma. As a rider this is one of our worst fears, but you can't let this fear ruin you desire to ride. My thoughts and wishes go out to Jeff and his family, hoping a full and speedy recovery.