Mont 24 2014 Kowen Forest ACT

Mike, Adam and me at the campsite after finishing our laps on Mont 24. Peter W is on the course doing his last lap

Mike, me, Adam and Peter Waldron at the end of the race

roos up early on Sunday morning

campsite at Kowen Forest

This event is a 24hr mtb race. Team "Ring-Ins" were me, Mike, Adam Smith and Pete Waldron. The course was approx 19km all on single track. The team completed 23 laps (I did 5 and the others 6). Our result was 9th in the male 40+ category (30 teams). Great weather with a brief storm on the course on Saturday afternoon. I struggled on the last couple of laps. On the first lap I ended up crossing back onto the first half of the course after reaching a turn only 2km from finish. I had to quickly re-think my route back to finish and found a couple of disused fire trails which got me there without losing too much time. Heavy dew on Saturday night meant that nothing dried so my kit was very cold and wet with perspiration when I put it back on at 4am for an early morning lap :-(

BUPA Around the Bay 2014

This charity ride is held each year in Melbourne.  It's run by Bicycle Network VIC and sponsored by BUPA. Ride distances include 100, 135, 210 and 250km. The direction around Port Philip Bay can be clockwise or anti clockwise. Because I was feeling crook that week I decided against riding 250km and did 210km instead clockwise. This was enjoyable but headwinds from Queenscliff to Geelong hindered progress significantly. I crossed the finish line at 4pm after over 8hrs cycling. The weather was overcast and hot with winds from the north shifting around to the south in the late afternoon. A better option to take advantage of the winds would have been the anti clockwise. The ferry ride to Queenscliff was a great chance to rest before the final 120kms ☺

Finish

Westgate bridge

Sorrento Ferry

"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:

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"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:

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"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:

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"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:

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"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.