Recovering

After a hernia operation last week and in the middle of three weeks off work I have had lots of time to catch up on things MTB on the net. Hopefully I can get back on the bike soon and start riding the trails.

New Post

Quick post something or they'll close my account

Off to Hospital

nnFrom The Legend of Wezzy

No, not me! It's the Surly Karate Monkey - I found a crack in the drive side chainstay and I have had to send the frame down to Melbourne to Gripsport who will weld the frame and add a gussett to strengthen the chainstay ($225). Apparently this is a common problem for hardtails/rigid bikes. Hopefully the frame will be back home for Christmas.

Riding in the Outback

Just a 10 minute ride from work and I am in the "outback" amongst the ant hills. The trails are a bit wet at the moment but there are still some trails that have drained well and I was able to put in a good 18 km before work this morning. I was going to say how great my new bike is going - I will reach 1000km this week so just another 500km before the Rohloff is "run in".

Wiry Panic?

I went for a late morning ride through Daisy Hill this morning( silly mistake - way too hot) and when I came to the top of Stonehenge I saw the new sign above - no more Stonehenge?

Smile & Ride

The decal on Salsa bikes reads "Smile & Ride" and I try to uphold this saying when I ride and today was just another great day where it was a privilege to draw breath. I cannot understand why some community groups feel that mountainbiking is such a detrimental activity for the environment. Done properly with sustainability in mind it is just a walker on a bike. Let common sense prevail!

Blog Renovations

Changed the blog layout around. Added some more pictures and some music - just to make your visit more enjoyable. I love looking at some of the old pictures and remembering some of the great adventures I have had with my MTB friends - that's what it's all about. I just wish I could get out riding more as of late but that is going to change.

Crocodile Trophy 2008 - A Team Manager's View

I just read the last post on Naomi Hansen's blog which features a review of the race by Christi Valentine and it was a great read from a different perspective - have a read.

Wet Wednesday

Once again it is raining on a Wednesday morning and I am still not feeling 100% with this lung infection hanging around so off I went to a spin class at the gym to try and keep my legs going around.

Also the latest copy of Dirt Rag arrived so I must take the time to consume the contents

In the beginning ................

My first new bike - Finch Hatton 1967

I was so excited as a ten year old to get my brand new blue Malvern Star Dragster. But 41 years later and the thrill of riding has increased and the new bikes now cost as much as a car back then. I am still trying to shake off a chest infection/cold/bronchitis that has been with me over a week but it will be back on the bike tomorrow.

Goals, Flu and Streakers

I started last week with a goal to ride each day of the week. Monday and Tuesday mornings I was out exploring Karawatha Forest on my pat malone. Wednesday morning I spent chasing Meg and friend around South Boundary Road and only catching her when she stopped and waited for me. Then Thursday came and so did a very sore throat, fever and feeling miserable. Friday I stayed home from work sick - I had intended doing the Eastern Escarpment but too sick, too wet.

Saturday I had bought tickets for the Rugby League World Cup game - NZ v England and had promised my son we would go so I dragged myself along to watch the game. The highlight of the game - other than the Poms getting beaten - was a streaker who ran across the filed and did a handstand on the halfway line - what gets into these guys?

Now it's Monday and the rain is still coming down and I am still coughing. Hopefully I can get on the bike in the next couple of days.

Karawatha Adventures

Wezzy at Paratz Lookout

This morning was another beautiful Monday morning and as usual the best way to start the week is out on the bike. I am thinking of sending out an open invitation to other riders as I feel guilty enjoying these rides by myself. Below are some recent photos I found on my mobile phone camera.

Meg and Gillian at Paratz Lookout

Rhino Powering up the Eastern Escarpment (Kenzo in awe!)