Jessica Douglas - Cyclist
2018 Cloudride Bikepacking mega adventure
6 Apr 2018
I arrived at Cabramurra at 9:30am Easter Monday.
700 km in with 300 km to go until Canberra.
I departed Jindabyne around 2 pm on Sunday after attempting to get my dynamo hub working again with the help of the mechanic at the bike shop.
It was a long hard 100km slog ahead from Jindabyne to Cabramurra.
At around 10 hours in I found myself not being able to think about anything else but where to sleep.
I was scanning everywhere that would make a good spot to rest and settled on a bunch of knee high springy bushes which I laid my bivvy and sleeping bag on without even inflating my mattress.
Sleep came quick and around 2 hrs later I awoke and got underway. I don’t even know how much longer I was able to proceed but progress was painfully slow.
Much of...
Ironman Western Australia - finding my WHY
6 Dec 2017
It has been a damn long time between blog posts.
After a crash I had in the Cloudride with concussion upon hitting a wombat my purpose for doing ‘epic shit’ kind of wavered. I felt that I may never ride my bike again in anger, my brain felt like it had changed.
So I got stuck into what I knew. Time to rebuild, hop on the indoor trainer, walk my dog, rest, rebuild and see what came of this without focusing on what I could not do.
This was in April. I spent about 12 weeks moving from indoor trainer to actual road rides, to gravel grinds and to some mtb rides. House sitting for Phil Anderson at Grey River on the Great Ocean Rd gave me some solitude and opportunity to ride my bike every single day rain hail or shine and walk the dogs on...
My Dirty Secret.
3 Jul 2017
It is 11 am Monday morning. I have 1hr to write this, well that is my goal!
It's a blog about my bike, it's a dirty secret I have. I take my road bike on the dirt and I do it deliberately and often. Yes, I have a CX bike, and 3 mountain bikes but this bike...well she is good.
She is Avril the Avail. Available for anything.
Her birth name is Liv Avail Advanced Pro - what a mouthful!
Earlier this year I had my eyes on adding this versatile bike to the stable.
She has disc brakes and a much comfier riding experience than my racing roadie.
In my mind I was envisaging multi day tours, bike packing, off road gravel grinding style experiences and big days in the saddle. Avril has done it all already.
My alterations were to drop the...
Being Fit and Able for anything that comes my way
26 Jun 2017
The Story of the Surf Coast Trail Marathon.
Back when I was 16 or 17 I did a 10km fun run around Eastern Gardens, it hurt like hell. But somehow I would go out for for random runs even though I was fairly bad at it. No talent scouts ever tapped me on the shoulder as I plodded my way around the streets of my neighbourhood of Whittington. I was not Lee Troop who was also pounding the pavement at the same time and is only 1 month younger than me. He ran so good he went to the Olympics and Commonwealth games and his best marathon was a 2:09. Anyways...I was not a natural lithe runner like Lee!
In fact I was scared of sport believing sport was for people only good enough to represent their country or at best their state. So I found solice...
Got Saddle Issues?
16 May 2016
The “ladies” saddle to end soreness, chafing, red raw stinging and all that lovely stuff!
My name is Jess Douglas.
I am 43 years old, have given birth in the normal way (need I say more?), have a backside not too generous but the hip bones are sufficiently childbearing.
But more importantly I am a woman that rides bikes, a lot and have done so all my life.
What is the number one issue for women riding bikes, besides comfortable fitting cycling attire?
The Saddle!
It is so important that some people who enjoy the idea of riding bikes do not pursue it due to the pain that comes with saddle soreness.
Some revert to bigger is better, plush and lush, lounge chairs and fluffy woollen seat covers with the hope that something that looks and feels like comfort will infact give a pain free ride.
What...
Avoiding the Victorian Winter with my bike
22 Aug 2016
Thankfully they boarded another plane and he would be due at Milan around about the time I would arrive there and it worked out as perfect as a malfunction can.
Upon picking Norm up, we made our way to Marone on Lake Iseo to enjoy a few days off, a few rides, a few sleeps, and some maintenance of bikes to get ready for the Feast of Ascension Classic Italian Climbs tour.
The pick up of the crew was done in Venice, and we started our first day with a climb of Monte Grappa, that was hard and hot!
So many climbs, many of them very hot, but still my favourite would have to be Stelvio along with the Sellaronda loop in the Dollamites.
I just love spending time riding my bike and enjoying the hospitality of Italy.
Ten days goes so...
2016 - The Year of Being Uncomfortable
20 Dec 2016
FOREWORD:
You might need to take you smart phone to the toilet or read this on your tea break over 2 coffees, much to divulge. Apologies in advance.
In 2006 I started my journey proper on the bike, pushing boundaries to improve my skills and fitness, intrinsically motivated. Yet somehow people were looking on and taking an interest. I have always wondered why and I have come to the conclusion it’s because I tell the truth, I am just an ordinary person that has sucked up my hard times and made them good times. I have succeeded despite my genetics, despite my age or circumstances. I represent the people, not the elite.
Since October this year I have been ‘trying’ to find time to write a blog piece on a few races and life experiences. That time evaded me for a number of reasons, until now.
But...
The 2017 Cloudride Bike Packing Experience
8 Jun 2017
Its has been 7.5 weeks since my crash resulting in concussion and memory loss, time off the bike and all that drama at Easter on the Monaro 1000 Cloudride.
My biggest regret is not riding along and giving myself 7 days to complete it, instead rushing in head first trying to smash myself and race it.
The entire region is amazing, so many pictures I wish I had taken, so many places I wish I had stopped and soaked it in.
To be honest I am not at all excited about writing about it. The ride itself was quite big, consumed a lot of my brain space and events mingled into one.
I have been asked, “Would you do it again?” My answer is kind of yes, and on the proviso that I promise to enjoy it and literally bike pack it.
My memories are flashes and...
Mega Miles - 24hr Oppy & GDT16 400km Bikebacking
10 May 2016
But before this, I joined an all female team of 4 riders to do the Oppy 24hr Audax ride.
Despite what you may have heard, 'we did not cheat', we thought we had cleared rules with organisers and apparently there was a dispute and so we were wiped of our 24hr riding record of 600 and something kilometers. But meh...we had a ball!
If you do not know what this ride is, well...nor did I, and I really dont know still, but its 24hrs, ride to a town where everyone is finishing and you do it on roads, and cannot cover the same road – so cannot do loops.
We had never ridden together, Sarah Hammond, Rachel Edwards, Jackie Bernardi and self.
Norm and Jess Varey were in a support vehicle and this is where things got complex and went outside of the Audax boundaries. The “issue” has...
The 10th Giant Odyssey - 2016 Forrest, The Otways, Victoria, Australia.
25 Feb 2016
There was a big race I turned down to attend my 10th Odyssey, it was the World Solo 24hr champs in Rotorua and apparently it was a course the would have suited me..blah blah…
Well back in 2007 I promised myself after hurting a lot on the inaugural Otway Odyssey that I would do every single 100km Odyssey until the event ceased or I did.
So when the dates clashed, it was an easy decision to make.
I love to ride and am better suited to a longer course, like a 100 miler or longer still is even better. This time in 2016, at age 43 I was pretty keen to focus on just one thing. Do my BEST ever 100km race - Ever. It was also easy to use the splits I had from previous races and also to look at girls from last year and...
More Reading
This is not a race report ;) - January 2016
24hrs at Stromlo, the most fun you can have in 24hrs! - October 2015
Red Bull Bushrangers 12hr SOLO fun time at Jubberland - September 2015
The Long Awaited Battle with Kate - September 2015
Shimano XTR M9000 Di2 - The Review - July 2015
Euro Adventure for 6 weeks - June 2015
2015 Forrest 6hr & Top Bike Tour of Corsica - May 2015
Times of Change - March 2015
The future looks BRIGHT! - November 2014
Scott 24hr 2014 - chapter 2 - October 2014
Soulful September - October 2014
More Sun, Less Rain...Beechworth 6hr - September 2014
Liv & Love Winter riding - August 2014
This takes guts... - July 2014
Sunny Nth Queensland - July 2014
A Liv/giant Odyssey - April 2014 - May 2014
Going back to Alice Springs - I can't wait! - April 2014
Bendigo Golden Triangle Epic – 100km March 15th 2014 - March 2014
Stage 3 – Cornhill Cranker Bike Buller MTB Festival - March 2014
Bike Buller MTB Festival - March 2014, Stage 1 - March 2014
Bike Buller MTB Festival - March 2014, Stage 1 (2) - March 2014
GMBC Gazebo 3hr - You Yangs 1st March 2014 - March 2014
Domestique 7Peaks Series - Mt Buller 22nd Feb - February 2014
Who is Jess Douglas? A life of learning. Chapter 1 - February 2014
Time to get racing Jess! 2014 a new year. - February 2014
Learning new tricks at Mt Buller - January 2014
Reflection on my year that was 2013 - January 2014
Hellfire Cup has been done! (6) - November 2013
My best 24hr EVER! how the race was won. - October 2013
Nearly there...race day looming - October 2013
Rest Recovery and Friendship in Townsville - September 2013
Riding the Lust 27.5 2 - September 2013
Mongolia Bike Challenge - The Last few days - September 2013
Day 6 & 7 in Mongolia - Stage 3 & 4 - September 2013
Day 5 in Mongolia - September 2013
Day 4 in Mongolia - Race day no.1 - September 2013
Day 3 In Mongolia - time to get to the race start! - September 2013
Day 2 in Mongolia - September 2013
The Trip to Mongolia - 28th August 2013 - August 2013
Old Advice & Still totally relevant... - July 2013
My Trip to France - Mont Ventoux - July 2013
The REAL me. - June 2013
K.I.D.'S Foundation Ride & Forrest 6hr - June 2013
Delirium 24hr Cycle Race - April 20-21st 2013 - April 2013
Bike Buller MTB Festival - March 9, 10 & 11th - 2013 - March 2013
Always the Deep thinker...but when you dig a bit deeper you find treasures that others give up on - January 2013
Forrest Festival Dec 1st & 2nd 2012 - December 2012
Forrest for the Trees... - October 2012
September 2012 - October 2012
Racing Racing Racing...and travel travel travel - August 2012
My Artistic energy returns...and some race form... - August 2012
I love the night...Chapter 3 - May 2012
The first 6hrs...a race in itself. Chapter 2 - May 2012
My world championship winning bike - May 2012
Day 2 - Finale Ligure - May 2012
Jess Douglas - Return to 24 SOLO...a job to be done - April 2012
Inspirational people...everyone has a hero! - April 2012
Face your Fears and suffer a little more.... - April 2012
What would Jesus do? - April 2012
The Big Wheels of life - April 2012
2012 Kona Odyssey - March 2012
Wildside - Tasmania Jan 2012 - February 2012
Giant XTC Composite 29'er. Meet Gina - February 2012
MTBA National Rd #2 - Mt Buller All Mountain Cup - January 2012
December 2011 - Forrest & The Otways, Mt Buller too...a time for social rides, summer and some fun! - January 2012
Crocodile Trophy. Cairns to Cooktown. October 18th - 27th 2011 - November 2011
Crocodile Trophy 2011 here we come. - October 2011
Life is Beautiful - Great Ocean Road Ride - June 2011
Australian Solo 24hr MTB Championships - Easter 2011 - April 2011
Terra Australis MTB Stage Race - Day 3 - April 2011
Terra Australis MTB Stage Race - Day 2 - March 2011
Terra Australis Mountain Bike Race 2011 - Day 1 - March 2011
Mt Buller ….how I love thee - March 2011
Terra only 2 weeks away! - March 2011
Terra Australis and whats next... - February 2011
February 2011 - February 2011
Let the fun times begin! - February 2011
Forrest New year Frenzy - January 2011
Tathra Holiday - January 2011
Adventure Race Training in the Grampians - January 2011
Fun times and more to come in 2011 - December 2010
Post Worlds - What does one do? - November 2010
Giant Demo Day - November 2010
Australian Mountain Bike Magazine cover - November 2010
World 24 Hour Solo Champs - Part 2 - October 2010
2010 World Solo 24hr Champ - a Long awaited goal reached! - October 2010
2010 World 24 hour Solo Champion - October 2010
Enduro Mag stories - October 2010
Kit for Worlds is on it's way...yippee - September 2010
Crazy training miles in the bank and the search for sun. - September 2010
Crazy training miles in the bank and the search for sun. (2) - September 2010
The Month of July 2010 (2) - July 2010
Good Days, bad days.... - July 2010
Vic Inter Winter Race #2 - Ballarat Mud Bath - June 2010
Winter riding antics - June 2010
Life in the fast lane - June 2010
National Solo 24hr MTB champs - April 2010
New Race Bike & other bits - March 2010
Training - week 4 started - March 2010
Otways Odyssey 2010 - Oh crap! - February 2010
Otway Odyssey - February and beyond - February 2010
Summer makes riding easy! - February 2010
A weekend with friends - January 2010
Post Nationals, Keeping Jason Fed, Living with the P & VP, Boot camp, Filming and road rides - January 2010
Forrest MTB Jnr Team camp and Jnr trip to Adelaide. - January 2010
40 degrees, 100km - I don't think so... - January 2010
Red Carpet Repeats x 3 on day 4 - January 2010
Day 3 - Apollo Bay to Forrest Fun Fest - January 2010
Day 2 - MTB Murder - January 2010
More December...more busy...more rides. - January 2010
December - busy busy busy... - January 2010
The week that still is... - December 2009
Tour of Bright - December 2009
Jess the Slacko - December 2009
Where to from here? - October 2009
The Scott 24hr - the long and the short of it...grab a cuppa - October 2009
Can Dr.Jessica Do it? - October 2009
Womens MTB Camp, Training and Scott 24 hr 2009 - October 2009
A long hard winter - September 2009
Gold Coasting - August 2009
Back Home and loving it! - August 2009
We are in Canmore! - July 2009
World 24hr Solo Champs - Here we come! - July 2009
32 days until WORLD SOLO 24 hr Championships - June 2009
Hurt Fest - Day 2 - May 2009
Hurt Fest - Day 1 - May 2009
Racing Schedule - life in General... - May 2009
The Real Mind Mutterings from the AUSTRALIAN SOLO 24HR CHAMPIONSHIPS, April 11th&12th 2009 - April 2009
Australian 24 hour solo champion - April 2009
Australian 24 hour Solo Champs - April 2009
Lead up to the SOLO 24 hr National Championships - April 2009
Mt Buller MTB Festival - March 2009
Mt Buller & more Mt Buller - no bull! - March 2009
Presents for me - and a Gold medal - March 2009
Sneak Preview - New BIKE...Giant XTC Advanced SL MTB - February 2009
Otway Odyssey 2009 - February 2009
Lazy Journalism - Busy on the bike though! - February 2009
2009 in full swing...and an injury! - January 2009
Holiday Riding - January 2009
Summer Riding - December Downpour - December 2008
Post Kona - Pre Otway Odyssey - December 2008
Kona 24 Hour MTB Race...in case you were wondering??? - December 2008
My year of racing coming to an end- YAY! - November 2008
Gravity 12 hour - November 2008
2 Weeks In Bright - November 2008
Scott 24 hour Oct 11th and 12th 2008 - October 2008
All setup and ready to race - October 2008
Race updates during the Scott 24HR - October 2008
New life - is it a sign!? - October 2008
Training for Scott and Kona - hurt box time! - October 2008
Bike Riding, sleeping and new stuff! - September 2008
Some sensational rides, great friends, good weather...finally! - September 2008
Sunday 7th Sept - Crazy Ruts and even Crazier uphills! - September 2008
What have I been up to you ask...? - September 2008
The Depths of Winter and Magpie season - August 2008
OTWAY'S 140km Road ride...my favourite gig. - August 2008
Norms famous You Tube vid from the weekends Race! - August 2008
The week after the 7 hours of fun and mud! - August 2008
Anaconda Enduro Series Round #3 - Lysterfield - July 2008
INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE! - July 2008
...another boring day at the office...ho hum! - July 2008
The latest in my neck of the woods! - July 2008
Lizzies story on "fun in Forrest" - July 2008
The week that was- rain hail and snow! - July 2008
Mid Week MTB Madness MILEAGE Meander with Mates! - July 2008
Updates from Forrest and beyond... - July 2008
Rain and cold - a new spin on training - June 2008
You Yangs Stage Race & Race Dev. Squad - June 2008
Skills & Spills - and the weeks are flying by! - June 2008
Cold, Wet & Windy...but still I ride! - June 2008
The week that was... - June 2008
Its "fun day" Wednesday again! - June 2008
Cycle coaching-Melbourne - June 2008
Tuesday night ride on the Surf Coast - June 2008
You Tube - Anaconda Enduro Series #2 - June 2008
Stuff, Stuff and more stuff...and I am stuffed! - June 2008
My MAD weekend - May 2008
a week off - thank goodness - May 2008
It is May 2008 already! - May 2008
You Yang's 6 hour enduro - May 2008
Track Cycling and more - April 2008
Anzac Day Social Road Ride- Forrest-GOR-Forrest - April 2008
BMC 100 (50 actually!) - April 2008
Forrest - Apollo Bay fun training ride and more - April 2008
FORREST MTB CLUB HITS THE TRAILS - April 2008
Week 5 - travelling well - April 2008
What a week I had in Bright! - April 2008
Track cycling, road riding & Short Course XC - April 2008
Training week 2 - April "wet and windy" - April 2008
Back into training - March 2008
Easter Weekend - March 2008
everything from Jan 2008 until March 2008 - March 2008
Australian MTB Nationals - Stromlo - January 2008
The last 2 weeks...it is now Jan 19th - January 2008
Aust Open Road Cycling Championships...the wrap up - January 2008
Australian Open Road Cycling Championships - January 2008
Australian Open Road Cycling Championships (2) - January 2008
Saskia finally having a crack at riding a road bike - January 2008
Jan 3rd - Jan 6th - January 2008
Amy's Ride and Jayco Bay Crits in Geelong - January 2008
Crits...I am hooked! - December 2007
Cycle Edge - December 2007
On Track Images - December 2007
On Track Images (2) - December 2007
Torq Australia - December 2007
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Jess has not only first hand experience in coaching, but is a qualified fitness coach & cycling coach. She is a 3x Australian and 3x World Mountain bike champion and loves helping people be the best they can be.