Friday, June 22, 2007

Hills (Hoist)


Since the 'ville was picked up and moved to Southern Australia it has been cold and wet. Rode to work yesterday and couldn't feel my toes and fingers once I got there. Coldest maximum on record at 14 degrees celcius. So much for the tropics!! On days like these the bike gets converted to a Hills Hoist in a vain attempt to get my stuff dry before home time.

And here's a perfect opportunity to plug my new 29er. The 26 inch Cinder Cone has grown bigger wheels. Not a lot of room for rubber but perfect for some commuting fun.

Off to Viet Nam, see you in two weeks!!!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Documentation

I nearly ran over a turtle on the way home from work today. A turtle trying to cross the bike path. I am writing this just to document it.

I have dodged kangaroos, dingos, snakes, goannas and rabbits on the way to and from work at various locations around Australia. I never thought I would say I nearly hit a turtle.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Tactics of the road war

Why is it that the sensible looking ones more often try to kill you? A brilliant tactic or just plain arrogance?

Last night on the way home from work a sensible looking older lady (of above average weight) driving a sensible looking car, decided she would try to kill me, twice. Initially she didn’t want me to turn right at an intersection before her, so despite my indication she sped up, only to heavily apply her brakes at the intersection, if I hadn’t double checked where she was she would have cleaned me up. So I calmly went around and through the intersection in front of her, as there was ample room between traffic for a cyclist. She was so unimpressed that she then cut off two cars, who honked and yelled at her, so that she could over take me yet again, only to apply her brakes at the next intersection. I once again over took her and, stupidly I know, abused her. She refused to look in my direction even though I was at her window. I was a good three hundred metres up the road before she had the chance to overtake again and, mustering all her strength from inside her speeding glass and steel cage, showed ME the finger. Maybe she was pissed that I was taking her photo!! The ‘ville is a small town so I’m sure I’ll meet her again.

Reminds me of another incident a while back where a middle aged and sensible looking older man (of above average weight) decided I was riding too close to the white line IN the cycle lane on an EMPTY back-road. Lots of yelling, speeding, tyre screeching, revving of his engine and blocking manoeuvres later, I still had the chance to have a chat to him at a set of lights four kilometres up the road. Same story, wouldn’t acknowledge my existence from behind his closed window, until the light turned green and he had a chance to escape in his cage. Then up went the finger at ME.

I always think of witty things to say afterward, but you can’t say much through a pane of glass. They must feel like they own the world, perched on their fat arses inside their bubble. Maybe if these guys rode bikes they’d be in better shape physically and, more importantly, mentally. After all, cars are the ones that hold up traffic.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Making the most...

.......of a functioning chest

A nurse sent me home on Thursday after telling me I was coming down with some sort of viral infection, something to do with the pains I keep getting in my chest. So, I've been waiting for this 'virus' to take hold and really f#%k me up, but to no avail. So instead of waiting for the thing to kick in I made the most of my health and rode, all day.


A bit of Surly action in the morning, with some suspension attached for a bit of a change. And the trusty Rover to get us there.




Then some sails and sand.


And some mountain thrown in there.


Finally, the fuzz having some fun with the poser racer boyz trying to impress on the Strand. Probably the most expensive squeal he'll ever do in that car, good luck in keeping your licence. On ya bike!!! For the next nine months.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Happy Birthday Pia!


From Ty and Elroy.

Friday, June 8, 2007

Fixed.

The traffic was crazy today. Some days I feel like a traveller trying to cross the Sahara. Only instead of an endless sea of sand, it's an ocean of autos. Metal and pavement as far as the eye can see. It's funny how I never view myself as part of the confusion, which, of course, I am. Instead, I split lanes and ride through it. I pass by the cars and drive by the buses with a necessary simplicity. Instead of the thirsty, tired wanderer, I try to be the breeze. - Rapha (www.rapha.cc)

Monday, June 4, 2007

Never far away


After a long day at work my keyboard is my worst enemy.


Luckily, she's never far away, poised and waiting for the first chance of escape.

My own worst enemy


I constantly try to convince myself that running is similar to riding. After all, you are relying on your legs and mind to keep you going, you are traveling beyond the bounds of a footy oval and you most likely aren’t rolling on the ground with other sweaty men. But I was recently reminded, again, that running isn’t like riding.

I headed to Victoria to compete in a championship XC running race, and while I admit that I probably wasn’t the most acclimatised to the weather down there and my legs are built of cycling muscles and not running muscles, I still hated every second of the race because it was slow, painful and incredibly boring.

Now, before you point out that it can’t really be much more boring than riding a country road for four hours on a bike, especially as a running race takes around quarter of that time; I need to point out that I whole heartedly agree that the two events should share some similarities….but they don’t!!

For me, running and alcohol bear one great similarity. I always forget how bad they leave me feeling but can’t help signing up for the next session.