My Biking Blog: July 2012

Sunday 22 July 2012

The 3 Ring Circus

bush camp at the Event Centre Wingello State Forest

Mini Biker and Hula Clown entertain the kiddies

definitely not a bike for these trails

Mike makes some last minute adjustments to his single speed drive train

start of the Matinee

Tu-Tu riders at the start on Sun

me at the start

a very wet and muddy finisher

Ringmaster Huw Kingston makes the prize presentations

Winner of the Open Mens Syd Taberlay (in blue top) time 1hr and 53mins

Mike and I at start of the Night Performance

I was determined to complete this event in view of the fact that I had to return from Wingello at last years 3 Ring Circus as my father passed away on the eve of this race. The event was in two parts - the "Night Performance" (20 km under lights on Sat evening) and the 50km "Matinee" on Sunday. I placed 2nd on Sat. and 12th on Sunday (out of 47 riders in my age group). Very pleased with this ride and the avg speed (18kph+). Very slippery conditions owing to rain on the course in the morning and through the day. I won a new tyre and a bike computer. A well run event which attracted over 400 participants. Garmin Connect links Sat http://connect.garmin.com/activity/201749470 Sun http://connect.garmin.com/activity/201749454
You Tube video links here 3 Ring Circus Night Performance and here 3 Ring Circus Matinee

NT Trip

unpacking the MTB at Holiday Inn Darwin

ready to go into the box

Bird Billabong

our home for a week

swimming at Robin Falls

Termite mounds near Robin Falls

private property sign near Robin Falls

Fogg Dam wetlands

NT Parliament House

sunset on Darwins waterfront

After my return from Europe and "Les Dix Alpes", we decided it was time to escape the drizzle and cold winter conditions in Sydneyand head up to the "Top End" for some much needed warmth and sunshine. So we booked a campervan for a week from Darwin and headed up north. I packed my mountain bike with the intention of taking a few rides in the National Parks of the NT. We enjoyed a number of walks and swims in a variety of locations. These are all described on my travel blog http://peterkemptravelblog.blogspot.com.au I was able to get on the bike a few times and enjoyed cycling around some of the prettiest areas of wetland in the Kakadu region, as well as Litchfield NP (Rum Jungle) and the Charles Darwin NP in Darwin. Garmin Connect links below. Winnellie (Day 2) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/195858036 Bird Billabong (Day 3) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/195858031 Robin Falls http://connect.garmin.com/activity/196970270 Charles Darwin NP http://connect.garmin.com/activity/196970239

Oaks 2012

Birchgrove Lodge

relaxing on Saturday morning at Wenty Falls

Wentworth Falls

Charles Darwin walk

This is the 8th time I have ridden the Oaks from Woodford to Glenbrook on the Oaks Fire Trail. Our usual group were present including Pierre, Jonesy, Mike and Dorian. Garmin Connect link Oaks 2012 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/192085618 Wenty Falls MTB http://connect.garmin.com/activity/192085632

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Day 16 Nice - Milan

Hotel Anis - not the best reservations system!

Gare de Nice Ville

along the Mediteranean

stations along the way

Genoa station

Nona and grandchild

Malpensa Express Milan Rail

Novotel Malpensa

Milan Railway

a final EU meal - half Calzonne half Pizza delicious

espresso and dessert

a great adventure

A great train trip along the Mediterranean Coast and up to Milan from Genoa. I saw lots of tourist and sunbathers on the shores on the Med, all sunning themselves on beach deckchairs. They seldom get in the water, just get up and shower and apply more suncream and lie down on the sun chairs. Arrived in Milan mid afternoon and made my way out to the Malpensa Airport (about 45min journey) to check into Hotel Novotel. Travelled back in to Milan for some gift/souvenir shopping and a meal. Had a great cold beer and pizza followed by dessert and espresso at Bar San Giorgio. A perfect meal to finish my EU adventure. Tomorrow the 26hr flight back to Oz...

Day 15 Nice

The sunny Cote D'Azur - time to hang out the washing

lunch in Nice

Railway at Nice Central

Nice Central

Siesta time at the rail station

Rue de la Californie

Harry and Phil enjoy a cold drink

Simo, Glyn and Darrell enjoy their just desserts

Today was very much a day for relaxing, recovery and reflection on our achievement. A swim in the hotel pool was refreshing. The Hotel Anis stuffed up many of the reservations. Harry and I managed to sort out our booking and had to transfer to another room on the second night. After a steak and salad lunch nearby, I headed off to Gare de Nice Ville for the train ticket to Milan the following day. A few of the riders did a short ride into Monaco and Monte Carlo. A few of us walked up toward the centre of Nice for a meal. Very tired as adrenalin starts to wear off from previous weeks efforts.

Day 14 Les Dix Alpes Stage 10 Entrevaux - Nice (St Raphael/Vence)

Arrivee! Great weather! This mornings ride was really enjoyable - not too much hard climbing. Coffee stop at Roquesteron. I then got lost at Consegudes, a small hamlet en route to Bouyon. After a couple of honest climbs and amazing descents through national parks the run into Nice along Route Bord-de-Mer and the finish at Site de l'ancient Chateaux was memorable. Gathered for coffee at Vence before riding together into Nice. With the blue waters of the Mediterranean in the background we lined up for chilled champagne and photos. It was good to wake up in a hotel bed and not have to worry about packing a soggy tent, wet cycling kit, three days washing and getting my sorry arse back on the saddle! Stats on the bike (incl Alpe D'Huez on rest day);

Total Distance 1206km 27436m elev (over 3x Everest!) 67hr 8min riding 18.5kph avg

Garmin Connect link http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189366300