"La Bella Italia" Stage 19 Siena - Florence

Again an easy stage with good weather most of the way. We were only minutes away from arriving at the campgrounds "Camping Michelangelo" when the heavens opened and rain started pouring down! The location of the camping area was fantastic with stunning views across the river and over Florence. The following rest day in Florence was most enjoyable. LBI Stage 19 Siena - Florence by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Stage 18 Castel del Piano - Siena

A beautiful region of Italy to visit and we were very lucky to enjoy perfect weather for it! Not too much climbing today and the views made us forget any pain on the hills. We arrived early in the afternoon and had a chance to visit the old city of Siena. The cathedral there was certainly breathtaking in its beauty. LBI Stage 18 Castel del Piano - Siena by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Stage 17 Capodimonte - Castel del Piano

Rain greeted us on out first few kms out of Capodimonte. Fortunately it cleared on the final half of the ride and provided us with some spectacular views through the Cianti vineyards of this area. A thunderstorm in Castel del Piano saw everyone rush back to camp after visiting the village in order to try and save their washing getting soaked. Unfortunately many arrived back too late and found their kit soaked! LBI Stage 17 Capodimonte - Castel del Piano by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Stage 16 Rome - Capodimonte

Rain fell for most of the first 30kms and made our parting memories of Rome unpleasant LBI Stage 16 Rome - Capodimonte by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Rest Day(s) Rome

After cycling over 1000kms we arrived in Rome at ""Camping Tiber" and were happy to put our bikes away. We looked forward to two days of sightseeing in Rome. Highlights were Vatican City, Colloseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain and the many piazzas. We stayed one night in a B&B at Piazza Piscinula near the Ponte Cestio on the Tiber and the Isola Tiberina. Kathren celebrated her 60th birthday at the campground with all the LBI riders and we had a lovely dinner at the restaurant near our B&B the following evening.

"La Bella Italia" Stage 15 Tagliacozzo - Rome

This stage was enjoyable not only for the great views and the good roads, but also for the perfect weather conditions. Lunch stop above the Lago del Turano was probably one of the most memorable so far. LBI Stage 15 Tagliacozzo - Rome by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Stage 14 Cassino - Tagliacozzo

Scenic route through the valleys of the Appenines. Great views coming into Tagliacozzo. LBI Stage 14 Cassino - Tagliacozzo by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

"La Bella Italia" Stage 13 Pompeii - Cassino

A wet stage and one that Kathren opted out and rode in the truck. She visited the monastry Montecassino, along with Chris and Oebele. LBI Stage 13 Pompeii - Cassino by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details:

'via Blog this'

Pub to Pub 2014

A charity fun run from Dee Why to Newport. Now in its 2nd year. This was my first time on this event. Roger convinced me to do this race. I met up with my Les Dix Alpes buddy Pip Aitken and ran most of the way with her. Garmin Connect link

Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge 2014

A great event held each year in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast. An overcast day with a few spots of rain. I believe over 1500 riders participated. This event is proceeded by the Coramba Hill climb on the afternoon before. I participated in the as well. I came 64th in the challenge in my age group. Kathren rode the shorter 60km course and decided to shorten this to around 40km finishing in Bellingen. Garmin Connect link

Three Ring Circus Matinee Performance

This is the main event of the weekend. Held on Sunday 27/7 it covers the 3 rings of mtb track on the Wingello state forest trails. I had a poor nights sleep as it was extremely cold. As the ride progressed and I warmed up I was able to gain some momentum. However there was not enough gain to put me on the podium as I missed out on third place by 1 min (over 3 hrs racing!) Still a top race and one I always enjoy. Garmin Connect link