The Vuelta Tipping is GO!!!

Posted 17 Aug 2011 12:00AM

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Yes it is on!!!!

It is now live on the website for entry! Only $20 to keep the Tour as the queen.

Couple of changes to spice it up:

You have to be the only winner of a stage to take home the winnings. If there is not a unique winner of the stage then the monies accumulate until there is a unique winner.

We will have a one off winner takes all tipping contest for the Queen stage of the Vuelta. You dont have to enter this and can just enter the overall tour. You can also just enter this queen winner takes all stage. It will be $10 entry and the persons who pick the highest tipped rider take it all home.

Pay through the same process as for the Tour. Dont forget to RETURN TO MERCHANT. Cant do credit from winnings, thats in the too hard basket ATM. I will have paid out all winnings by the end of the week from the Tour.

GET ON BOARD KIDS!!!!!!!!! Forward this onto everyone else too.

The World's best tipping comp

Posted 28 Jul 2011 10:26PM by Stuart Verrier

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And so we have reached the end....and at times like this i like to reflect on one of my favourite philosophers from my youth, Huey Lewis and the News. He expresses it all here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaTQAaJWW54&ob=av2n

IF THIS IS IT!

Classic. They knew how to make music in the 80's.

Well what to say....the first Australian to win the Tour....i won't p!ss on about this because i p!ss on about everything else so will leave this one to the experts at A Current Affair. Pull out the yellow G Banger and wear it with pride everywhere this week. Even in the privacy of your own home. Weirdo.

Still when that bird was singing Advance Australia Fair on the Champs with little Cadelephant blubbering in the background i found myself welling up too and felt what being an Australian is all about: revelling in the hard work of someone else.

As expected the big CAValcade occurred and he smoked them all for the win. Will he beat Cippo's record for wins in a stage race? Cippo smoked 42 wins at the Giro. For context Eddy Merckx won 64 Grand Tour stages and the bloke isnt a sprinter.....He also won the GC, Sprint and KOM at the 1969 Tour. Think about that occurring today and you see how good this bloke actually was.

Onto the final leaderboard and its time for Mick to step up to the podium and don the Maillot Jeune! CONGRATULATIONS MICK! Mick has grown from a young kid from the Slattery General Staff Area who i took under my wing and train in the dark art of Tour tipping. He has sat quietly the whole time i cr@pped on, with stories ranging from how Binda won the 1927 Giro by 27 minutes to the time i sat there and watched Lance give JANNIEJANNIEJANNIE the big eye on the Alpe in 2001 and i got a stiffy bigger than Fabian's thighs, and through it all has sifted the wheat from the chaff and really is the crown in the jewel of TKM Tipping. Chapeau Mick! Now is the time to savour your victory!!!!!

In second, and well, what a performance from the man we affectionately call The Shed. Why? Because he is always out the back. But this year he tipped conscientiously. Never making a wrong step. But in the end he was unstuck by a break in Stage 16. So close this time around and i know he has the mental fortitude to get close again next year without the biscuits. Why? because RICCO will be back.

In third we have the first female podiumist of the Tour tipping contest! Le Fleuriste stuck to her guns all Tour, never making a bold assertion but always tipping smart and in the end got her onto the podium. She is the Vladimir Karpets of tipping; you never see them and all of a sudden you look at the GC and think "WTF?".

Congratulations to all our podium tippers!!!!

Rounding out the top 10:

The Queen: Another chick in fourth?!!!! The Queen is a seasoned performer and knows when to DROP THE HAMMER.

WIZ: I looked at this and thought "WTF???? THE wiz this high up?". This is our winner from last year and 5th this year. A consistent and strategic tipper. I would always look at his picks and go "MMMMMMM SOLID PICK WIZLET".

Fishy: Well the man cops a heap but he has had an amazing tour. 6th in overall, 2nd in Sprint and KOM. Amazing performance. CHapeau little fishfingers.

BIGGLEZ: A tipping virgin and like any virgin it took a while for him to find his way but once he got the hang of it he was gagging for it.

Rowdy: For a bloke who calls himself "Rowdy" i dont think we heard bo peep from him all Tour. Settle down big fella.

Digger: OR WHITE PUBEZZZZZZZZ is someone who prefers the dirt track to a smooth cricket pitch but whatever his preference i still love the bloke as he is from WA.

Chicken Dinner: Another dirt track specialist who is showing that he has something to offer in tipping. Consistently getting better and one to watch for next year.


Onto the Lanterne Rouge and well, after some hot competition from PRESSED THE BUTTONZZZZ, Mackem just reached into his suitcase of patheticness and found he had a whole lot more to give and dropped even more time to finish last only 2 hours and 41 minutes down on the winner. Amazing effort Mackem!!!!

 
Now the Sprint and in a masterful display that has had the tifosi crying tears of joy and believing that we are seeing the second coming of the great Mario Cippolini, HICK RICCO has destroyed all comers to win the competition in a canter. He even had time to look back before putting his hands in the air. Just like the great Lion King. Check out the sprint that starts at 1:20. Amazing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1iaQf7YvMY&playnext=1&list=PLF944B260119EF0CF

The questions now being asked are whether this man, HICK RICCO, can ever again be beaten. He is one of those once in a generation sprinters and surely any other pro who senses their time is now will feel the cruel twist of fate crush all their dreams. Take two and get a good nights sleep, cause this is one headache that isnt going to go away.

In the King of the Mountain and we have a Queen of the Mountain! No Clinger didnt take the cake but Le Fleuriste! In a masterful display she danced on the pedals up the steepest climbs to play with the angels. Just like the great Pantani, who after feeling insulted by Armstrong on Ventoux in 2000, dropped the hammer on the uniballer on the Courchavel. Here it is in Italian, which is the only language to watch footage of Pantani too, as the Italians just blow their load over the bloke.

http://youtu.be/pP8pkNoLBC0

Le Fleuriste we salute you and your polka dots!

Again congratulations to all the winners, overall and of stages, and i will send out final win totals this week, when i find the time to work it all out. We had 87 tippers in the end as one tipper has been thrown out of the tipping contest for non payment which is worse than dopage...

To finish i would like to thank two people in particular for their work in getting the tipping contest line and taking it to another level. I had a vision of what this could be online and it has exceeded these.  So Mouse, who did all the work to set up the website and to Goon, who helped out with the results everyday, a mighty vigorous CHAPEAU!

So there you have it kids, another tipping contest done and dusted! We are now up to 5 years! Next year we will make it live to the greater populace so numbers will grow and you can be sure a year under your belt will serve you well next year. Remember you will be the old bull, while the rookies will be that young bull,wanting to just rush in there.

And for a final indulgence i give you 5 videos of my 5 favourite riders. In no particular order.

SPARTACUS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLuaUQxjy48

TOMMEKE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNNXI_vERNU

JANNIE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhiWsZJW8lQ

BIG MIG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB7wxpwZFxc

THE CANNIBAL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sziZ6PejrfM


OK, till next year.


LOVE RICCO

RIP John

Posted 23 Jul 2011 10:22AM by Stuart Verrier

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It is a combination of shock and unbearable sadness that I write this note after hearing about the death of well known Melbourne cycling identity and friend John Cornish.  John was tragically killed last night when he was struck by a truck whilst out on a training ride with one of his training partners on Beach Road.
 
John is well known to many of us whether it be through service down at TFM, triathlons with tribal or as a team mate as was the case with Doglet at Prime Estate.
 
Let's not shy away from admitting that John was in a dark space after recently receiving a doping ban but for those that know him understand that he was dealing with the ramifications of his actions and he was on the very slow mend and riding his bike was one of the important parts of that recovery. 
 
John was a fantastic and competitive athlete but behind that competitive facade was a gentle quiet guy who opened his heart to those that were close to him.  On many occasions I had discussed with him the possibility of coming down to ride with TKM.  Although there was a competitive friction between him and many of our top riders, he appreciated what we had and he and I could see him being a part of that given the right time and place for John. 
 
Condolences go to John's family and friends and particularly The Bandit who was one of John's closest mates.
 
John's death is a tragic way to be reminded about the dangers of riding our bikes and that it can happen to anyone.  Facing facts, TKM are right in the danger zone of such a tragedy happening to us and from all reports yesterday's ride saw further examples of dangerous riding within the TKM ranks.  It has to stop!
 
For now though our hearts and thoughts are with John who is now heading to a place high above the highest alps where he will be be forever riding in a peloton of happiness. 
 
For now John has dropped the hammer and broken away from us all and has the wind blowing in his face.  Over time we will all claw him back and join him up front in that beautiful peloton in heaven but for now mate you are the virtual leader on the road. Enjoy.
 
Your life was short but full and meaningful.
 
RIP John Cornish.
 

A Quiet Chat with Doglot

Posted 30 Jun 2011 09:33AM

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Stephens, Reece to me

show details 09:23 (8 minutes ago)

A Quiet Chat with Doglot

Posted 30 Jun 2011 09:33AM

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Stephens, Reece to me

show details 09:23 (8 minutes ago)

King Red Hot Favourite for TdF

Posted 29 Jun 2011 09:58AM by Stuart Verrier

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The King goes into the the TdF tipping as the undisputed favourite to take out the title.  Although not having won the title previously, it is his consistency and preparedness to take risk that has the fans and bookies alike excited.  It is anticipated to be the greatest Tour we have seen in decades.

If you want to ride alongside the King why not book yourself a seat and get onto the back of the fast moving tour email peloton and enter the tipping contest. 

Everything you need to know is in the below from the past Tour Champion, Hick Ricco. 

O>O>O>O>O>O>

The TKM Tour de France tipping contest is now in its 5th year and we are now ONLINE!

This is your invite email. To enter please click below and you will be directed to the start page to enter your details. From here you will be able to pay electronically or if you like through bank transfer posthaste.

All the details on the competition are available on the site.

So what does it mean being online? Well now you enter your tips online and can check the results online and everything!

I will still have the daily email updates by email so please advise if you would like to be on the VISIBLE OR THE BCC BY EMAILING ME BELOW WITH YOUR NICKNAME AS WELL. After sending out the email you will be able to log and see the updated standings!

Entry is still $50 clams or bones or shells. In any respect this must equal $50 AUD.

Any queries please email tdf.tipping@gmail.com.

if you have any friends who are interested PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pump this around and let's get the numbers Jordanesque~~

The first report will be issued on Sunday morning to your nominated address!

Love

RICCO

http://www.kingsmen.com.au/tipping

King Red Hot Favourite for TdF

Posted 29 Jun 2011 09:58AM by Stuart Verrier

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The King goes into the the TdF tipping as the undisputed favourite to take out the title.  Although not having won the title previously, it is his consistency and preparedness to take risk that has the fans and bookies alike excited.  It is anticipated to be the greatest Tour we have seen in decades.

If you want to ride alongside the King why not book yourself a seat and get onto the back of the fast moving tour email peloton and enter the tipping contest. 

Everything you need to know is in the below from the past Tour Champion, Hick Ricco. 

O>O>O>O>O>O>

The TKM Tour de France tipping contest is now in its 5th year and we are now ONLINE!

This is your invite email. To enter please click below and you will be directed to the start page to enter your details. From here you will be able to pay electronically or if you like through bank transfer posthaste.

All the details on the competition are available on the site.

So what does it mean being online? Well now you enter your tips online and can check the results online and everything!

I will still have the daily email updates by email so please advise if you would like to be on the VISIBLE OR THE BCC BY EMAILING ME BELOW WITH YOUR NICKNAME AS WELL. After sending out the email you will be able to log and see the updated standings!

Entry is still $50 clams or bones or shells. In any respect this must equal $50 AUD.

Any queries please email tdf.tipping@gmail.com.

if you have any friends who are interested PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pump this around and let's get the numbers Jordanesque~~

The first report will be issued on Sunday morning to your nominated address!

Love

RICCO

http://www.kingsmen.com.au/tipping

King Red Hot Favourite for TdF

Posted 29 Jun 2011 09:58AM by Stuart Verrier

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The King goes into the the TdF tipping as the undisputed favourite to take out the title.  Although not having won the title previously, it is his consistency and preparedness to take risk that has the fans and bookies alike excited.  It is anticipated to be the greatest Tour we have seen in decades.

If you want to ride alongside the King why not book yourself a seat and get onto the back of the fast moving tour email peloton and enter the tipping contest. 

Everything you need to know is in the below from the past Tour Champion, Hick Ricco. 

O>O>O>O>O>O>

The TKM Tour de France tipping contest is now in its 5th year and we are now ONLINE!

This is your invite email. To enter please click below and you will be directed to the start page to enter your details. From here you will be able to pay electronically or if you like through bank transfer posthaste.

All the details on the competition are available on the site.

So what does it mean being online? Well now you enter your tips online and can check the results online and everything!

I will still have the daily email updates by email so please advise if you would like to be on the VISIBLE OR THE BCC BY EMAILING ME BELOW WITH YOUR NICKNAME AS WELL. After sending out the email you will be able to log and see the updated standings!

Entry is still $50 clams or bones or shells. In any respect this must equal $50 AUD.

Any queries please email tdf.tipping@gmail.com.

if you have any friends who are interested PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pump this around and let's get the numbers Jordanesque~~

The first report will be issued on Sunday morning to your nominated address!

Love

RICCO

http://www.kingsmen.com.au/tipping

The Clinger pounds the cobbles in his BigRing

Posted 11 Apr 2011 09:03PM

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EPIC weekend for big Cling cling, for sure.
 
I'll write a more detailed email later, but riding the 140km of Roubaix was for sure just nuts.
 
14 pavé sectors, totalling 30km was for sure just awesome. The first 8 or so, for sure I was just so pumped, I channeled my inner FABIAN and just dropped the hammer. I would hammer it along the highest part of the road, then have to drop into the gutter to pass some numpty and jump back up onto the high section. It was unreal.
 
By the carrefour de l'arbre the jigga was tapping me on my shoulder. Turned out he looks a lot like gregory baugé in the north of france.

Summer 11 - The Season that was

Posted 1 Mar 2011 10:49AM by

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Well yet another season has come to an end as as with all seasons gone by, it was another epic and produced another group of winners.  Let's talk it through

The Boxer (Poochy)             742

What a season from this man!  Cup’s are normally reserved for those with 200+ rides and although now a Lord The Boxer is still considered one of the newer breed.  Setting a new record for winning margin the Boxer dominated the season virtually from start to end.  Not only taking the Cup but doing so whilst also achieving the highest ranking score per noise throughout the season showing us that he was nailing it day in day out.

Of particular note is the fact that The Boxer took the cup even after receiving many strong blows to the head.  In is no secret the big engines don’t like new blood coming in on their turf and they were hitting the Boxer hard at the front like a pack of hungry lions but to his credit The Boxer did not hit the canvas. 

The Boxer has shown us that he is one of the best out there on two wheels.  He has also shown us that he has the legs to go the distance and it would be a brave man to say that he isn’t the bookies favourite for this season as the legs are showing no signs of wear and the mind is fresh.  It is that combination that is required to win the TKM Cup and as all winners of the Cup know, it will take a commitment from both body and mind to try and knock this hard man off his perch.  He has tasted the blood and he likes it.

So join me in congratulating our newest inductee to the winning hall of fame.  The Boxer!!!! The winner of the TKM Summer 2011 TKM Cup.  Well done Boxer.  A more than deserved victory.  May you enjoy basking in all its glory as you have done your time and you deserve the accolades that come with that.

The Hairy Eagle (Ash)          597

You just can’t deny this man his credit.  Basically declaring up front he was having a seat in the lounge chair for the season and certainly would be stepping aside in the sprint competition, he “accidently manages to finish not only second in the GC order of merit but as the leadout man for the sprint takes the overall green jersey for an unbelievable 10^th time.  The Bird is simply an athlete of the highest calibre and we must bow to his superiority. 

The Fly (Ben)         590

Buzzing away yet again at the very top it is only a matter of time before this man claims a season victory.  Another one selflessly stepping aside for others to step up to the sprint plate The Fly focussed more on GC and one cannot deny that he is right up there.  Perhaps a bit of an erratic style which seems to catch the eye of the judges, The Fly is perhaps underrated and The King has certainly noticed that he is up there with the best of them and he is doing it hard and with the team in mind as he contributes to the driving of the engine.  A full season would see the blowie right up there competing for the highest honours and if you blink you may just find him taking the odd salute at the brown sign.

The Redneck Hick (Byron)  547

Last years victor showed us that he still has the legs of a winner and it was only a few rides spent in bed that saw the Woodrow fall of the podium but like a true professional this is all part of the plan as the Hick drops it back just below the red line to ensure that he can simply drop the hammer at a time of his choice.  Another cup victory is in the air for this man.  That is unless he pulls out a famous Woody breakdown, but one might think that those days are behind him as he heads into the peak of his career.

The Stealth (Normie)           503

You just can’t take anything from this man.  5^th in overall GC.  If anyone knows how to ride Noize it is our Stealthy.  Rolling with the best of them the Stealth has shown the form of his life towards the end of the season and is ranking right up there in the single figures.  Once a sprinter this man has remodelled himself as the all rounder and proved it with a scintillating ITT to finish of the season.  Stand tall Norman.  You are one of the best.

The Llama (Brett)                 485

Strong back half of the season after having missed a few rides in the middle The Llama is still a name that pops up when we talk about future winners.  Enjoyed his time immensely at the start of the season as he wore the yellow jersey proudly after his emphatic Crit win, the Kingdom eagerly awaits to see if Llama is going to decide that Autumn 2011 is his season.  If he decides it is, he then immediately becomes one of the hot favourites.

The Spruce Goose (Pauly G)              471

Well looky here!!!! We are reading the write up for the man who finished 7^th in overall GC.  As high as 4^th late in the season The Sprucey has finally taken off.  Hanging onto the back of numerous Noizes and showing that dedicating yourself to the cause will put you in with a shot and proving that the scoring system rewards both effort and performance The Goose will be basting himself with enjoyment juice at this result.  No longer the big guy off the back the Goosey is a powerhouse that will be showing himself up the Rabbits Warren in seasons to come. 

The Farmer (Mark)              466

Perhaps man of the season.  Previously one of the bottom dwellers and the accident that one would predict to finish him off The Farmer has returned stronger than ever as a top tener in the GC.  This boy doesn’t hang on.  He rolls and he rolls hard.  The farmer has got all of his sheep back into the heard and it is now time to take them to market as he plans to slaughter the peloton in the Autumn season.  Well done Farms!

The Postie (Andrew)           439

The King doesn’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many Times the Postie has made the top 10 on GC.  This little package is a gift to The Kingdom and nows how to play to the rules.  A member of the train on numerous occasions Anthony still can’t get enough of the Kingdom as he streaks away as the rider with the moistest.  And what a way to start the new season with a sprint victory and a slaute that will go down in history as TKM’s best.  Not surprising as it was 4 years in the making.

The Laughing Camel (Liwa) 427

Perhaps the most unpredictable when it comes to form.  Some magnificent darkies dropped down Beach Road yet some performances that turned the heads of those in the engine.  For the Camel it is all about getting his little black ducks lined up and he fast becomes a chance at the overall victory.  All he has to do is want it.

The Fried Chicken (Nick)    418

The early part of the season saw the Colonel frying up a podium place as he constantly pulled top 10 GC finishes and the controlled demeanour meant that he wouldn’t fluster when it came to consistency.  But a mid season absence saw the Chicken get a few maggots and fall down the rankings but looking at his average ranking and the final top 10 placer a successful season nonetheless with evidence that he can go much further.

The Model (Dave)                399

Oh yeah.  A forgotten story, The Model has released his second book.  Good consistency and many a ride on the express train.  The odd skiddy as lung No. 1 shut down but The Mods is well and truly back and riding with a smile.  Sneaking off home before coffee on a few too many occasions for the Kings liking but just having the sexiest of them all out there rolling the cannondale over the top is a sight to behold and something that makes the Kingdom a better place.

The Dominatrix (Josh)         397

The definition of form.  The Doma has done the time in the saddle and is reaping the rewards.  It is only the holidays that hurt our President and it won’t be long before Doma manages to string together 3 months without a break to an overseas boobies resort and he may just repeat his podium finish of the past.  Having said that he has declared himself as a sprinter now and may look to challenmge the Bird.

The King (Stu)       394

Fvcking awesome.

The Moonwalker (Chris)     393

Finally back on the horse from some poor attendance seasons recently gone and the form shows.  Back rolling with the big boys the Moonie is back in the play ground and is strating to kiddy fiddle the big kids up front.  Keep it up Moon and the return of the glory days are nigh.

The Stig (Pete)      356

Stiggy!!  Another good start to a season and then it became skiddy city.  Autumn may see a slowing of the train and a chance for Stiggy to regroup but still, the relatively consistent attendance still sees the helmeted one finishing in a respectable middle class carriage.

The Flying Gypsy (Nathan)  343

This is sad.  A couple of serious attempts to take the Cup The Gypo went into season hibernation but one might suspect it is all part of the plan for there is nothing more to be feared than a rested Flying Gypsy.  The same Flying Gypsy who toyed with one of our best in The Doglot.  As always keeping his cards close but one would suspect he is plotting a victory.  Question is….Is Autumn the season?

The Greyhound (Reecey)   337

Bang!!!  That’s the sound of Doglot going off the front. Spending most of his season illegally on the time machine meant that the peloton suffered as we tried to suck the wheel that had little to offer in the form of draft.  With only a handful of rides to his name as he focussed on his egg and spoon program the train was spared from overheating in the engine room but The Doglet proved to us that he remains the kingdom’s yardstick for performance.  But never forget “I can beat Reece”

The Butcher (James)            333

Another past Cup winner lingering around in the cheap seast, The Big Butch is on the comeback trail and although in support mode for brother Baker and sacrificing a few hang ons, The Butcher with his new stead has shown us that he is well and truly back on the train and we all fear the day that he says those words.  “Gents, I’m going start training”

The Rat (Dave)      328

Once a gutter dweller that went awol for two years, The Ratty is now a rare little critter entrenched in the Kingdom.  There’s no need to reiterate the performances achieved by our Ratty in the long version of the “everybody is a winner” sport but lets focus on Noize.  Some MAGnificent skiddies.  And like a true TKM champion he loves them and tells the stories about them at Racer.  It is that sort of personality and ability to laugh at one’s self and come back for more that will not only make Ratty a bettr rider but also make the Kingdom a better place.

The Feral Rabbit (Michal)   318

And another Cup winner hanging out in the mud.  Round one saw the rabs come back with a dream but The Boxer quickly popped that dream cloud as Rabs blessed the kingdom with one of the all time greatest skiddies.  But he did it with style and showed that when all others say I can’t do it, the Rabs can do it.  A few weeks of solid riding and this kid is back to the top.

The Smackie (Joel)               278

He came, he performed, he disappeared.  Living with the devil has its consequences as The Smax spends more time running around the Tan than he does smashing it off the front down the straights.  But when he did roll up it was the old Smax dishing out lessons in pain.  Was keen to make those at the front earn their points and in his limited attempts blew the doors off in the sprint which was enough to get him a second place in that competition.  Scary really.

The Baker (Paul)   254

Season No. 1 done.  Like all rookies it is perhaps the toughest season you will ever do but The Baker’s oven has reached the right temperature and the dough is starting to rise.  His prediction is come mid Autumn it will be ready to take out of the oven and ready to enjoy.  Watch this space.  The performance genes are lying there dormant and we all know it. 

The Mushroom (Waz)         243

Schroomy.  Once a little fungus out the back the Schroomy took his place in the back carriages a number of times.  Rumour has it he is loving it and clocking up secret squirrels.  The real test will come when he returns from 6 weeks overseas with Squidly.  Good chance we will never see Schroomy again as Squidly takes him to dark holes in the back ends of nowhere.

The Spy (Scotty)   235

The move to Mt Eliza is going to test The Spy.  One of our most experienced riders it will be a big loss to not roll with the pelo week in week out but The Spy has a plan and we ain’t got rid of him just yet.  Showed signs of the old Spy with some nasty attacks off the front mid ride showing us all that he still has the legs.  Witht eh 45 minute ride to meet the crew at Club Clinger the kilometre count is going to go up as is The Spy’s performance.

The Zeppelin (Crowey)       225

A few more rides to his name meant that The Zeppo was able to reap the rewards and spent some time in the full Noize carriages.  A fitting way to enter fatherhood as he now is able to wisper stories of greatest to the new young’un as she falls off to sleep.  What sort of father will Zeppo be?  Will we see him back bigger and better than ever or is this the crossroad that he takes the wrong turn at?

The Wizard (Dave)               205

Magnificent.  In the form of his life The Wiz may not be banging off the front of Noize but he now can come back Racer and inform us which riders are still to come in behind him.  For a man who tells us his days are perhaps numbered The King begs to differ as he makes his own diagnosis that The Wiz looks like he has another 60 years left in the tank, 59 of which he will be rolling with the train proudly wearing that green kit of his.  If you graph the gradients of performance, The Wiz will be dropping Paddy in about 6 weeks.

The Tamps (Stu)    196

Big holiday.  Big amounts of pain.  The man who has worn yellow on a number of occasions and perhaps our best all round athlete, the season focussed elsewhere meant for a sentence to the pain locker for the string dangler.  But you know he loves it.  If there was a sport that involved pocking yourself in the eye Tamps would do it.  He’ll be back and he’ll be in the engine room.  Let’s not kid ourselves.

The Dragon (Tim) 195

Ooooohhhh Mahoney!  A lost little soul returning more to his roots of the mtb and races that require the shutting down of your brain.  And shutting down Goonen’s brain is like shutting down a nuclear power plant.  Mnay a mile on the mtb recently means that The Lemming is actually in fine form and enjoying the occasional Noize making sure he throws in the odd skiddy for old time’s sake. 

The Goat (Steve)  147

Love him.  Again back on the train with some solid performances but also a few rides with a bob too many as he pulls the chute.  Now a single man…or not. The Goat has forgone the title as our mountain climber and taken up the mantle as Rare as Rocking Horse sh*t.  Squidly is the epicentre of entertainment and just when you thought you couldn’t love him anymore he goes and does Squidly stuff.

The Precious (Chris)            134

Starting to get down to the dregs now.  The Precious is back to his old ways with a poor turnout and hence only the 134 points next to his name.  Eages will be shaking his head as he reads this and after teasing us with some good solid performances he has slipped back.  Precious you are one of our favourites.  We ned you out there sweating it up with us week in week out.

The Snow Man (Thomo)      131

This is a tough one.  So lets keep it sweet and simple.  Boom!!!! Snowy will already half way through his response about how well he is riding and there is no saying he is not but in the Kingdom that means nothing.  It’s about Noize, about being there and about racking up points and coffee.  Having said all that it’s a sad time as one of our Kingdoms greats heads OS to set up shop in Singapore, but we are pleased to see he has invested in the boomerang investment in Kate meaning that it is only a matter of time before he is back eying off that cup.  Go do your thing Snows then come back home where you belong.

The Florist (Cords)               129

Not quite sure where the Floz is hanging in the last half of the season but the rankings show it wasn’t Beach Rd.  She’ll be back.  How could she not be after that magnificent hang on during the wildcard day during the season. 

The Brick (Brent)  121

Popping out the kid will throw you down the ladder a bit.  The trends in TKM have shown that.  Bricksy though is already back in the saddle and he ain’t planning on going nowhere.  He’s worked to hard to get that form back and he wants to put it to good use.

The Chef (Sammy)                46

All 46 pouints racked up in a single ITT.  Nice.  Noize time Chef.

The Padawan (Gab)              45

Drunk

The Asteroid (Pierre)          38

Enough excuses Stroidy.

The Noodle (Dan) 36

Don’t let the glamorous world of law side track you Noods.  It’s a temporary thing. 

The Sherpa (Pete)                30

Like a sleeping volcano

The Kid (Aaron)    22

Like a drunk falling off the wagon The Kid has picked up an egg and a spoon

The Red Curry (Tommy)      15

Enjoyed the Xmas party and hence gets some points

The Fisherman (Simon)       14

Styx.

The Iceberg (Brooke)          12

Where’s my bike gone?