Happy New Year from the Harbour City.

New Year Fireworks

Crawbobbing Xmas Day

Craw Bobbing

AROC - Avoca 15/12/07

The first race for me of the 07-08 Adventure Race Season.... and it was a good start, Team "Deceptively Slow" completed the course in 3hr50mins. Woo Hoo, we finally broke the 4hr barrier and just managed to miss the extra leg by 3~4mins. We're awaiting official results.



(unfortunately the GPS tracker died just as we were heading into the kayak leg and missed the final rock shelf run along the coast ... magic)

Offical Results


Overall place: 45 / 141
All Male Cat: 28
Team : 71 Deceptively Slow

P

The final Urban Polaris

It ended up being a hot day (and sunburn to prove it) on the road Sunday, for the very last Urban Polaris event in Canberra, especially after the wet day before.

Not only was I doing it solo, but I decided to also take out the single speed. Except for Mt Taylor, the ride was good and while I probably didn't get as many controls as I could I was really happy with my ride (93kms). There were certainly times that I wanted to stop, but managed to pull through it, especially the last climb back to Stromlo.

P

A damp ride.

After our shortened attempt at the Anderson-Oaks trail, Dan and myself decided to try again, Al couldn't make it this time and we won't let him forget it either.


While not "raining" there was drizzle/mist about most of the ride and with the previous days rain, the track was slippery (especially on the rocks), but help compacted the sand so we did enjoy that.

While we were still unable to ride out completely from the creek crossing on the Anderson's we certainly made a fist of it this time round. Oh so close.... but I know what needs to be done now.

It was also Dan's turn to get a puncture. In the end the total time taken was 4hr 30min (58including breaks).







Happy Trails.





P

The Fling was flung and I got done!

Enough said!

Ready and raring to go.. well I'm ready anyway.

After a busy a week as you could possibly get, the time is nigh. My stead is back from the shop and ready to go... but am I???  I've had my doubts over the last week, but I'm going to have a second crack.

 

Bring the "Fling" on. The easy option is not an option!

 

P

 

This can't be good???

While cleaning the RUSH I noticed a distrubing sight, I can't remember doing it, but somehow I've managed to bottom out my front suspension and practically shear off the pressure valve. It's a wonder it hasn't gone down, especially after the ride in the Blue Mountains.




Doh!

Anderson's Fire Trail

After ages wanting to ride the trail, I finally managed to coordinate a ride with Dan and Al to do the trail and then the "Oak's" yesterday. It was great riding a trail for the first time and after hearing others speak about it, it didn't disappoint.

 

We met at Glenbrook Station and 8AM and hoped on the train to Wentworth Falls. As this was the first time we've kicked off a ride from here we took a little time to correctly orient ourselves. After finding King Tableland road, we headed off in earnest. The trail is basically a 4wd track (no single track here) and it was a nice smooth clear run all (Al had his first puncture along here) the way down to the beginning of "Murphy's Firetrail" and the infamous climb out from the creek. There were plenty of words spoken here and sweat perspired. Dan struck mechanical issues with his chain losing a link. So after shortening his chain, we were off again.

 

By the time we reached Woodford, Al was pretty much spent (too much decadent living coming to the fore) and with Dan's mechanical issues, it was decided to catch the train back to Glenbrook instead risking complete mechanical failure halfway along the Oaks. But even though our ride was cut short it was a good day, and we're looking forward to doing it all again.

 

Happy trails.

 

 

 

A hot day in the saddle

Yesterday found me at Wiseman's Ferry and the "Great Northern Road" for a ride with a new crew Quan, Nicole, Sarah & Alan. As this was my first ride with these guys and only my second ride in the area I followed there lead, it was good ride (albeit very hot 35c) for the most part except for my unplanned dismount trying to climb up a rock (what was I thinking???). Not only did it leave me a little bruised and bleeding and more em brassed, it also left me with a bent rear brake rotor (perfect!). So after a few minutes to remove the rear disc, I had the pleasure of the last 15kms with only half my braking power. It made my descent via "Shepard's Gully" a very interesting experience. It was a pleasure to ride with these guys and girls, just have to work on my fitness a little to keep up for next time.

What have I done ???

Well the time in nearly here... what was I thinking. 3 weeks to the "Highland Fling".

On the run... in Meadowbank

The "Sydney Summer Series" has begun (well actually it began last week, but i couldn't make it), but I was here this week in Meadowbank. This season, there are high hopes. I was coming into a bit of form at the end of last season. As for last nights run, I was rather happy with my initial efforts, I didn't try and pick up all the controls, but decided to just get used to running against the clock again. 310 points bagged this week, and didn't feel shagged after it all, so I know I can push it a but harder next week. The goal this season is to crack the 400 point mark.

Happy trails.

A Beaut Day on the Oaks

Another perfect day to be on "The Oaks". With the Cannondale in the shop for a service (in preparation from the Highland Fling), I turned to my trusty GT hardtail (SS). This would be the first off road outing for the single speed. But all in all it wasn't too bad, there were places that I just had to walk, but those were few and far between (count them on one hand). I'd be happy to do it again, the climb out to the Glenbrook ranger office was a killer.

 

 

It my 3rd week and I'm still here.

While not such a distant memory, work is beginning to make its presence felt more and more. Hmm, I might just have to do something about that.

Cut! And thats a wrap!

The dream has become a reality and it has been a wonderful 4 weeks away, catching up with old friends and making new ones and visiting places that were only thoughts in my mind till now.People have asked what were my favorite places and experiences, how can one truly do justice to all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes experienced.The highlights have certainly been:

• the Orca's.
• the Rockies.
• the hotspring adventure (awesome idea Jim).
• meeting Tara and Almira's crazy friends. :-)
• Catching up with Leong, Yulia and family.

If you feel like being bored, you can check out some of the pics that I took on the way.
Pete

Vancouver BC (Canada)

Orca Camp

Seattle WA (USA)

Harrison Lake Camp Out

Canadian Rockies

The Chief

Whistler

Go Canucks

San Francisco

It is finally time.

After 4 glorious weeks away it's finally time to head home. Today's my last day here in San Francisco, I'll probably just wander about today maybe just find a nice Cafe and absorb city life. Then it's off to the airport @ 19:30.

After spying a bar yesterday afternoon, I decided to check it out that evening, when I did rock up I found them in the middle of pub trivia, finding a spot at the bar I got chatting to a couple next to me, also on holidays (from Texas). It was a good evening, 
and plenty of amber fluid drunk to help send me into a peaceful sleep.

Pete

I lost my heart in San Francisco

Greetings from San Francisco CA. I lobbed in last night at the Green Tortoise Hostel (beside Chinatown), i now remember why I earn enough to stay in a proper hotel, but there wasn't any room available for the 3 nights. It's functional and they do provide a breakfast and free Internet access. But the facilities are pretty basic.. well i guess it's a hostel. :-)  I guess that just leaves me more money to spend on other stuff. Did I also mention i was also within throwing distance from a number of adult entertainment establishments, handy. haha.

Tried the local chinese eatery just up the street for a late meal, not too bad, functional and efficient.

I'm here for the next 2 days so I'm not to pressured to try and see everything, I'll probably just wander about and see what i come across. The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are probably the only things that I really want to see, everything else is up for grabs. I might just find a nice spot, grab coffee and watch the world go by.

Happy Trails.

P

Randon pic posts

3 Weeks down

Well my road trip has come to an end, it's been fantastic!

 

The Canadian Rockies have been awesome, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks are fantastic, but the trip back to Vancouver has also been just as enjoyable, the country side has been remarkable. The best find on the way back was Nelson BC. A really laid back town, certainly a "Byron Bay/Nimbin" feel to it.

 

But there has been no rest back in Vancouver, I headed off for a trail walk with the girls, to the "Chief" (more details to come), it was a pretty steady climb up, the calves got a real workout. That went for about 4 hours and then after a quick bit we headed up to Whistler, the mecca for skiers in the winter and downhillers in the summer. I would have loved to gotten on a bike and had a go coming down the slopes.

 

Out tonight for a drink or three.

 

P

The Canadian Rockies to East it's time to head to Vancouver

My road trip is nearly over, I've found a bed for myself in "Grand Forks", BC tonight. The national parks have been a real trip! Everywhere you look it's a kodak moment, what can I say. I even managed a couple of quick trail walks, just a couple of hours each, you can certainly see how people can spend a lifetime here.

 

Of course there will be pics to come. :-)

 

Till then, happy trails.

 

P