Ride

Ride is on for an 8 am start.

Cheers,

Steve.

Sunday ride

Hi gang,

Ride starts at 8 am this week.
See you there.

Steve.

Sunday's Ride

Leigh is still taking ages to dress so we are starting at 9 am in the usual place

Sunday's Ride

Back to our 8 am starts - means at least two hours riding before the clubrooms open!
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Nine am start, will give you plenty of time to estimate the 2014 cycling kilometers of the aptly named Miles (of the giant chainring variety)

sunday'ride

Early start tomorrow - 8.30
Cheers Andy

Sunday's Ride

Change of time this week for an 8.30 start
Cheers
Andy

Ride of the week

Hi all,

Ride is planned for 9 am tomorrow from Lannie.

See you there.

Steve

Sunday's Ride

Dear all
Ride - tomorrow, 9am usual place usual suspects......
Andy

Sunday"s Ride

Nine am in the usual place and I will set the alarm this week!
Andy

Sunday's ride

Anyone interested in a lazy hundred this Sunday? Instead of driving to Seymour for the Spring into Seymour, how about an 8am start in Lancefield for Tallarook and back? Any takers? Give me a ring
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

All the traveller's are back as far as I know and ready for some cool weather riding. Nine am in the usual place. Let me know if you are coming otherwise I might be tempted to rest on my laurels!
Captain Kangaroo (you'll understand when you see the photos of the Semaine Federale parade)

A long way from Lancefield

Have had a short note from Andy....

Hiya Steve
Hope the temperature has risen above zero. Here it gets up to mid twenties but is a bit humid. Likely to rain for the next two days. Today the ride is to Vichy for the picnic. Everyone is going well, no signs of homesickness from the Kerries. We did a picnic in the park near here last night, lots of chicken, ham, red wine, beer and Rose'. For other meals we have been to the Semaine Federale restaurants which is good fun. The night before last we had 17 year old Jack writing on the service totes communicating to an 84 year old who had been coming here for years and on the other side was a Frenchman from Chartes who has done PBP 3 times, is on the organising committee for sf2017 and has atrial fibrillation!
Today is the picnic to Vichy - about 70 ks return. Ken and John came through there on the way to Saint Pourcain and haven't stopped raving about it.
My legs and neck are starting to recover after the long touring days. Mate's shoulder and neck is still playing up  - ask her how many Neurofins she is taking!
Got to get ready to ride.
Cheers
Guru.

Post card from Andy

Hi All,
Heard from Kerrie a couple of days ago, she and Jack had just done the 21 switchbacks that make up Alpe d'Huez and were soon to be heading to meet the others.

Got this from Andy today....

Not had much internet access or time for that matter. Early Monday in Saint Pourcain sur Soule, charging the phone and garmin while someone is using a hair dryer to dry his shoes. There has been a lot of rain last week and daily storms the last few days so the massive camping area we are in is still a bit wet underfoot.

Paris was warm when we arrived and it was nice to have Pete and meg meet us at the bus terminal with a trolley. A typical small apartment but with a terrific courtyard. Our second night saw us on a bike tour through Central Paris, an experience to follow a couple of Irish historians through the French traffic. Still we made it in one piece.

Packed up and headed to Austerlitz station to check times for a train to Orleans and didn't have long to wait after getting through the queue. In Orleans just after 2.

Coffee near the gare to wake us up and then on the road. Couldn't find the bike path that I didn't realise was there so used a combination of roads, wide paths along the Loire river and narrow tow paths beside the canal. Not that easy, it wasn't until finding the path and direction signs the next day that the real joy of touring in the Loire valley was apparent. We had done 32 k to the camping ground at Chateauneuf by the time we stopped. Dinner in town and an early night - we still had a fair way to go to meet the Burridges in Moulins and get to SF.

Up at 6.30 and away by 7.50, ahead of our ordered baguette- breakfast on the road suits me better anyway. Stopped at Sully for bread and jam but couldn't find what passes for coffee over here. Fifty kms done by lunch - a ham and cheeses baguette had while watching Gien across the river. My first ever puncture in France caused by a piece of glass gave Glo a chance to stretch her back. Her shoulder has required some medication so far. Stopped for a pickmeup at the wonderful canal bridge over the river at Briare -Peter had told me about Briare but didn't mention the great macaroons or coffee at the little cafe at the end of the canal. Five o'clock saw us parking our bikes in the camping ground at Cosne with a century under our tyres. Even with the lack go climbing a useful start. Stroll around town and thence to another good meal.

Nobody stirring when we rode out of the camping ground. Made good time until we were led away from the river at Sancerre but did enjoy the small amount of climbing. Turns out flat days coincided with Kerrie riding Mt Ventoux! Averages out they say....

Baguette with jam for petite dejuener along the bike path watching all the cyclotourists go past. Mostly they ere riding downstream, a few like us heading to S Pourcain going the other way. Lots of youngish rides and lots of family groups. Had a coffee in the square in front of the old monastery at La Charite surrounded by book shops. Tempted by a Conrad paper back, less tempted by Joyce's Ulysses -far too heavy. 

Getting hot again and Language Services decided to join Navigation Services in using a soft helmet for the bike path. But don't tell anyone. Ran out of water mid afternoon but I managed to communicate enough with an old French chap out in his garden to fill our water bottles. Found a hotel shortly there after for a cold beer to help with re-hydration. Apremont sur Allier was described as the prettiest town in France so not much point looking at villages now we have seen the best! In to the municipal camping ground in Mornay sur Allier (not the prettiest village in France) about 4 having knocked over nearly 90k. A snooze in the sun before the facilities were unlocked did me a world of good as did the meal which came with a litre of red wine.

A slightly later start because we had plenty of time to get to Moulins to meet the others. Navigation was now getting a bit harder but having the map in view in the handlebar case and mapme on the phone made life much much easier. We hit Moulins for morning tea after the storm hit us unfortunately. Some food, a new data card (travel sim phone cards have not been a universal success!) a couple of churches and we were ready to meet up with Mad Dog and  Pierre. 

They had just come out of the station as we rolled up. Without much ado we headed to Saint Pourcain. Well Lyons actually, but after this small navigational error we did head to Saint Pourcain. Temperature dropped as the clouds came over and opened up. Great road through the forest despite the conditions. We found a small bar further on that produced some coffee and lollies while the sun made a return. Another cyclist in the bar was wearing a SA tour down under jersey - she had no idea about it but just liked the colours. Ah the English!

Lost Pete in the last section into S Porcain but eventually found Ken and him at the Permanance. Another 90 ks, I'm glad we eased into the touring. 

 Ken and John had a handy camping spot near the trees (for afternoon shade) along the edge go the camping area. Camp ground is huge, quite the opposite to lovely Bessines two years ago. First person I talked to about sf 2012 said he remembered an Australian and his daughter. Well there you go.

Kerrie, Craig and Jack arrived late on Saturday after criss crossing France and hitting alpe d'huez and Ventoux from all three sides. Craig was happy to do it in the car!

S'all for now hope you are not suffering too much in the cold

--

Cheers

Andy

The Lairs do Semaine Federale

All the planning and packing is well and truly done and the last of the Lairs that had intended head to over for Semaine Federale are now in France.

I thought it about time that an update for the rest of you was in order.

Kerrie, Craig and Jack arrived in the South of France about three weeks ago and have spent most of their time in Vinsobres in a house Kerrie describes as one “just like in the photos”. They have had fantastic weather there apart from her second climb up Mont Ventoux where she was caught in a thunder storm and very strong winds.

They have climbed Mont Ventoux twice taking a different route up each time, the medium then hardest of course.

Kerrie has, as many others often remark on how many cyclists are there and the respect that motorists afford them….Maybe one day here!

Young Jack also took the opportunity to test himself against the French in a MTB race so I’m looking forward to see how he went.

After their stint in Vinsobres they headed for Paris for a few days and to watch the the finish of Le Tour where they will meet up with the others for Semaine Federale.

Ken and John and are now also in France but have been in Germany for the last couple of weeks, It seems car museums and beer halls have been the main attraction for them (no surprises here).

I hear some bad weather them couped up in their tent for 14 hrs, I can only imagine what Ken would have been like, not a kick back and read kind of guy. I believe John has survived the ordeal

My last message from Ken had them on a train? Heading to Lyon with 3 days before they met the others.

Andy, Glo, Meaghan (Mad Dog) and Pete all left Melbourne last Sunday and will be spending a few days in Paris before heading to Saint Pourcain Sur Sioule for the week of organised rides.

I checked out the Semaine Federale website to check it out only to find it was all in French, fair enough so I clicked on the “SF is now available in English” tab and found that to be…In French.

Will keep you updated when I hear more from the crew.

BTW, thanks to Nick Burridge for designing the new Lairs Jersey, it looks fantastic.

Steve.

Plucked the photo from the web

Sunday's ride

Usual time usual place. If you want to risk it come naked and Meaghan may be able to provide a jersey. Interstate visitor coming tomorrow and we can have half the ride Steve less.
See you at nine
Andy

Ride of the week

All organised for a late night in front of the tele. Tour programme, munchies, beer, wine and later coffee.
Oh, and Mad Dog's number ready for our late night le texting.
There is a ride on tomorrow at 9 am, even if it's sunny, which it won't be.
Cheers,

Steve

Sunday's Ride

dear all
same time same place, don't look at the weather forecast!!
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Usual place, 9am. No rain at all in Lancefield for tomorrow
cheers
Andy

This week's ride

Ride starts at 9 am in Lancefield.

See you there.

Steve.

Post Zoncolan ride

It's been a great  race this year and I hear that a few of us will be staying up to watch the Giro riders race up Monte Zoncolan, soooo we're not heading out till 9 am for tomorrows ride.

Hope to see you there.

Steve

Sunday Ride

There's a ride planned for tomorrow from Lancefield at 8.30 am.

See you there.

Steve

Sunday's Ride

Should not be an issue with the weather tomorrow so even the city lairs may be able to get out of bed! Steve is not allowed to kick up his heels so he can have a sleep-in. Usual place 8.30
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Well I'm willing to risk the weather... 8.30 in the usual place
Andy

Easter Bunny

Oh and anyone who has missed the easter bunny this year, this is what she looks like

Easter Sunday's Ride

The forecast is typical Lancefield - chilly and windy. But don't let that put you off. Start at 8.30; subjects include Achilles injuries, sore bottoms and next week's cycle tour to Mansfield and my new tail light which gets brighter when I slow down. Ah the wonders of B&amp, maybe next they will invent a flashing light
See you tomorrow
Andy

Slaughter the fattened calf

I'm keen to see if I am able to sit on the bike yet, I have not been able to since Tuesday.
Andy and Glo are off sunning themselves so we will be two down.
Planning to head off from Lannie at 8:30 am, hope you can make it.

Steve.

Sunday's ride

Eight am in the usual spot. Don't forget to do something to your clock, points lost if you turn up at 7 or 9! Steve has an exemption this weekend, he has just( 5.30pm) gone through Deniliquin 280 k in 12.5 hours.
cheers
Andy

Ride

Ride is on for Sunday, 8.30am from Lannie.
Hope to see you.

Steve.

A bit of a ride?

Hi All,

Seems a shame to put a post over Andy's Oppy report but it's for a good reason. A ride is planned for Sunday morning starting at 8.30 in Lancefield.
Hopefully Mad Dog will be there to give her account of the Oppy.

Cheers,

Steve.

Another March, another Oppy

 

Steve as usual had all the preparations under control for yet another 24 hour odyssey with his closest mates, or at least the ones that couldn’t find anything better to do. The route had finally been decided – Sherwood court start, Highlands and Ruffy by early afternoon to get the climbing out of the way early then on to Euroa where we would be waited on hand and foot by Phillip and Sue Don, Benalla for more of the same, Oxley at midnight then on to Myrtleford for some sleep (didn’t have everything ready maybe) before heading into Wangaratta to pat ourselves on the back for doing it yet again.

I  didn’t have everything ready after a long week at work. I had forgotten about the main course at the first supported stop being quiche which I only remembered at 9 on Friday night. Ah well I had to wait for Miles anyway so I had plenty of time as it turned out. Miles was joining the Lairs for the first time and neither of us quite knew what we were getting into. Miles is true to his name and looks at long bike rides rather than being happy with a mere 360 in a weekend. So he was a bit late riding up to Sherwood Court on Friday night, something about starting late and getting lost (only twice which is not too bad in his case). Anyhow the quiches were nearly cooled by the time he found us. After a bite to eat we all got as much sleep as we could.

First to arrive next morning was Dave (he was the closest) then Ken, George with Carole and then Steve with the towing vehicle. We piled all the food and our gear into the back of the trailer resplendent with its new decorations, took a few photos, said good bye to Carole and Glo who could go on the Oppy because she didn’t want to miss a spin class.

As I rode down the gravel I was thinking of all the riders I have shared the Oppy with – over 20 – especially Sue Taylor who was never keen to tackle the gravel on Sherwood Court much to my amusement. Right on cue I watched my front wheel wander into the loose stuff and bring me down with a thump. Ouch. Bike was ok so I had to keep going!

We made good time through Pyalong against a bit of a headwind, not too bad at this stage. Ken and I were thinking of the next stage and all the climbing. A quick stop at Seymour and we started the slog up to Highlands. Plenty of banter at this stage, saving the dad jokes till we really needed them during the night. The wind had picked up and so had the clouds in the distance. There were a few slow spots up to Highlands but we all seemed to manage ok, Miles didn’t even have the courtesy to get into his “small” chainring as he disappeared into the distance on his 83 tooth monster which he apparently forced a bike shop in Richmond to fit for him. The weather was looking a bit doubtful but Ken did the right thing and put his raincoat on to make it stop. It worked sometimes I would have to say, must be something about his technique. A quick stop at Highlands and we pushed on to Ruffy. Ken let slip that our high point should be over 600m so at less than 500m we still had some work in front of us. Sometimes it does not help to have a Garmin to tell you what is ahead. Between Highlands and Ruffy there is a lot of up and down much more than I remembered after my last ride along that road. However all good things come to an end and we finally had the privilege to pay over the odds for a couple of bottles of very nice soft drink and eat our rolls at their table. The leftover food from the last customers did look good – we shall return and relax under the trees over a long lunch sometime, I’m sure.

 

Still more climbing after Ruffy before eventually we dropped down to Euroa and Sue and Phil and the last minute quiches. We had hoped to get to Euroa a bit earlier and the Don’s being the Don’s they had listened to Steve’s suggested arrival time and made sure they were there well before that so they had a long time to feed the giant flock of ducks that called the river their home. How many times have I stopped at Euroa or Violet Town on an Oppy? Lots is all I’ll say.

Headed into the wind toward Violet Town as the sky darkened (it surely was not that late!) Even Ken’s raincoat was not holding the rain at bay so we reinforcements were in order so we all kitted up but to no avail. Therein ensued one of the most fantastic lighting storms I could hope to witness (if only my neck was not too sore to turn to watch). The gap between lightning and thunder became less and unless until they coincided with one almighty clap which nearly knocked us off our bikes. The storm moved away somewhat leaving some very heavy rain at times. We told Ken to take his jacket off to see if that would help but for some reason he was not that keen on the idea. I think his captain should have been more forceful really! By halfway we had a bit over an hour up our sleeves so would have to push along to get any time for.

By Benalla we had dried out somewhat but we were still getting squalls every 15 minutes. As we rode into the Rose Gardens in Benalla we met Sue and her aunt heading over to the pizza shop to pick up dinner. While shovelling pizza into our mouths and getting ready for the night ahead we had another heavy fall of rain pass by. We were quickly on our bikes with ex-local Dave leading the way (after sharing stories with another local, Uncle Keith Don). Steve didn’t seem to trust either Dave or the Garmin but after a bit of dithering we cast our lot in with Dave who couldn’t get where he used to live wrong, could he? Heading towards Kilferra he happily waved to the left and said he used to live down that road. ‘Err Dave, no road there’ ‘Whoops I meant over there, I think.’ Blamed the now constant rain for his confusion! Not much climbing now to break the monotony so the boys trotted out as many jokes as they could remember. We were now riding in a close group making it much easier for me to keep up and I had to stay in front of Miles to avoid premature blindness from his very bright flashing lights.

Oxley was our last stop for the night 270 kilometres done by 20 past midnight. Leftover pizza at Cafe Sueandphil with some rice rolls donated by the cafe across the road filled the stomach. Miles finished off his quota of milk and we were on our way. Not much rain around now but still some lightning in the distance. Only one small climb on the snow road but by the top I was behind the others again, feeling ok on the flat but feeling the distance on the slight climb. We made good time into Myrtleford for our ‘overnight’ stop. We had slightly improved our average speed since Ruffy at 120k’s so we had given ourselves enough time for me to fall off my bike again (must remember to lean to the same side as the foot I have taken out of the cleat – would have stuck to the leather shoes and cages if it wasn’t so wet) and get about an hour’s sleep after the obligatory boys’ fart and sore bottom jokes.

Up at 4.20 then away at 4.50 for the last 50 kilometres into Wangaratta (had to leave enough time for Steve’s puncture and to watch Tim Taylor from the steel bike team change his tyre for the third time in 24 hours!) The 5 km markers seemed to take ages to come up until we noticed a brightly lit car approaching slowly. The car turned out to be our petite Oppy team, consisting of the Burridges and one Moore who had all come out to share the last few kilometres with us. The Burridges were very chirpy, obviously Barry had kept his truck talk to a minimum. Best of all Steve had a new audience for his jokes although Mad Dog Meaghan may rue the day!

After another lapse of faith in the Garmin and some confusion we all turned up at the finish to do a lap of the velodrome and finish another Oppy for most of us and the first for Miles, Alex and Nick.

My stats were 366 kilmetres, average 19.9, climb 2500m 18 and a half hours moving time.

Big thank you to Steve for organising, Ken for coping with the accounts and the rest of the team  (George, Miles and Dave)  for turning up and turning the pedals enough to get from the start to the finish and drag me along when I would rather have been anywhere else. The biggest thank goes to Sue and Phillip Don who gave up a weekend to support us.

Andy

 

Sunday's Ride

Usual place at 8 am for an early finish (lunch in Melbourne for me).
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Success again. You will have to talk amongst yourselves about a Lancefield ride tomorrow, Steve's off doing a 200 Audax today and Glo and I will be down at Cumberland River for a couple of days. Catch you next weekend
Andy
I'll leave you with some photos from Semaine Federale du Cyclotouriste 2012

Sunday's Ride

Solved my blog issues I think. Maybe!
It has been busy lately on and off the bike. January means the Audax Alpine and a large roll up of Lairs volunteering or riding from 130 up to the ridiculous 250k. A few firsts and some reprises of old efforts. A highlight for me was to see three generations of Moore/Moscattini girls on the same ride.

This coming Sunday we are back to the 8.30 start - hopefully we can lure the city lairs out to ride with us.

Hello all
Managed to get into the blog on the desktop computer.
Tomorrow is the dirt ride, meet at 8 in the usual spot and then drive to the start of the ride. Next Saturday I am planning to do a hard 100 or so - start at 7 or 8 and head to Pyalong, Mission Hill Rd, Knight's hill and finish off with a trip to Macedon. I will be doing it for distance rather than speed. All welcome to join me.
Hope your Christmas was as good as mine!
Andy

Tuesday's Ride

Seems to be getting harder and harder to get into the blog these days - maybe it is old age catching up with me! Anyhow we can finish off the long weekend with yet another ride, this time starting at 8.30 in the usual place. All welcome and prayers accepted for reducing the wind and increasing the temperature after two very ordinary days
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Hot tomorrow so an eight o'clock start. Don't forget the Lancefield Show is on in the Park. Let me know if you are coming or I might just have a sleep in after missing the pillow last night
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Hottest day for a while so we will have an 8 o'clock start which will leave you all with plenty of the day to visit the Lancefield Show. Let me know if you are coming! cheers Andy

Sunday's Ride

Dear all
Nine o'clock in the usual place if you all haven't forgotten where it is! We did have a Lairs ride last week, the first for a month. If we are lucky Pete may show off his new bike. Bring on Europe 2014!

Ride's on

Ride's on tomorrow, 9 am from Lannie..
See you there.

Steve.

Min 6°C Max 11°C, 44 km/h N/W wind, 80% chance of 1-5 mm rain.

There is a 20% chance of no rain tomorrow. Ride starts at 9 am from the usual place.

See you there.

Steve.

Sunday's Ride

Usual (winter) time (9am) and place start. Ken's back from the wilds of Africa so we will at least have two of us!
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Dear all
Now that we have hit August and the worst month of the year weatherwise you are still expected to front up at the usual time and place regardless. No blood tests so Lance and Stuart can come as well.
cheers
Andy

I'm not even going to mention Stuart O'Grady

Hi gang,

The weather looks as though it may be against us tomorrow but we have planned to head out for a hundred or so toward Daylesford, We will be heading off at the summer start time of 8am (on the bikes) as we are planning to meet a few of the gang down the road a bit at 8.40.
Hope you can make it,

Steve.

Bloody Stuart O'Grady!

Sleep? I'll try it some time.

Hi gang,

I am pretty much at my limit of sleep deprivation, hardly missing a stage of this year's tour to this point.
After staying up till 2 am on Friday morning I still ended up watching the highlights at 6 pm then the extended highlights at 7.45 before settling in to watch the stage last night, a pattern I have followed for most of the past 3 weeks, apart from the nights where I could not stay awake no matter what I tried or drank and on the nights of the time trials which however pure, don't do much for me from a spectators point of view.
I think it has been a great tour with something of a changing of the guard and some great new talent showing how it's done.
I have unsurprisingly loved what the Australians have done, particularly the efforts and conduct of Richie Porte and Simon Gerrans but also the hard work the rest of the lads put in at getting the big names to the finish, Mick Rogers also comes to mind here.
It has been great that the sprints have been open to all comers with a nice spread of winners and you've gotta love seeing the Jensie in a breakaway and Stuart O'Grady smashing down the pedals.
I like the fact that these guys have struggled after a big stage, it has made them look human, it makes them look clean.
Yeh, I still like to think these guys can do it drug free. Whether it's true or not I can't say but I won't be watching every winner or breakaway and suspecting them just because they do something special, I still want to enjoy the damn thing.
It's been a shame poor old Mathew Keenan has had to sit under the cone of silence so early every night but I enjoy Phil and Paul's commentary (mostly) and it's great that we are safe from watching it on one of the big channels as SBS has it under it's wing for another 10 years.
There's a ride on tomorrow, 9 am from Lancefield.
Hope to see you there.

Steve

Sunday's Ride

Dear all, riding tomorrow at 9 come what may. Rain forecast but that may mean a bit warmer than the zero temperatures my Garmin has been registering. Quite a balmy 6 degrees this morning on the way to work!
And by the way, there is a French race starting from Saint Pourcain sur Souile tonight. Next year a much bigger crowd will be there for Semaine Federale du Cyclotouriste 2014.
cheers
Andy

Tour de France training camp.

Starts tomorrow at 9am from Lannie. Last chance to get in shape and maybe get picked up by a team or maybe just get picked up.
Liam Crowley is currently in 6th place in the Tour Divide having covered about 2050km, go mate.

Steve.

Tour divide and Sunday's ride

Hi all,

One of the guys that rode last year's Oppy with us was Liam Crowly, he also worked in Abbotsford Cycles with Andy. Liam has taken on the challenge of riding in the Tour Divide which is a 4400km race across America, wich started at about midnight last night-our time.
Jesse Carlsson is also entered in the race and has provided some links and some info on the race for anyone interested in tracking the riders progress or wanting to know a bit more about the race.
There is a ride planned for 9am from Lannie tomorrow morning, hope to see you there.

Cheers,
Steve

Jesse's post:

Hi everyone!

The time has finally come to do some bike touring with a sense of EXTREME urgency from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US / Mexico border in New Mexico. A few of you have been asking for ways to track the race, so I thought I'd put this email together and give you some further info about the race they call the Tour Divide.

The race kicks off at 8am Friday morning. That's midnight on Friday night for those of you on the eastern seaboard in Australia.

For those who don't know, the Tour Divide is a solo, unsupported race of about 4,400 km. That means riders carry all the gear needed to survive. The course criss-crosses the continental divide starting with the Rockies in Canada and then moving south into Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. The course has deep snow and heavy rain in the northern parts of Montana and desert conditions (mid 40s deg C) in New Mexico. Interestingly, about 1,700 km of the race will be above the elevation of Mt Kosciusko, with the highest passes taking us up above 3,600 m.

To add to the fun, the course passes through the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America, including regions where problematic bears from Yellowstone have been relocated. Hopefully my whistle and music will be enough to scare them away before I get too close.

There are a few Aussies in the race this year: me, Liam Crowley (VIC), Arran Pearson (NSW), Hugh Harvey (VIC), Gavin Wright (NSW), Nick Hutton (QLD), Adam Kiem (QLD). I don't know the last two blokes, but I'm sure we'll meet before Friday. This TD thing is a big undertaking so please give all the Aussies your support and encouragement. Feel free to forward this email along to others who might be interested as well... We'll need all the support we can get to keep us rolling! Don't be shy... Make some noise for us!

Now... Onto the race tracking...

1. Race Tracking Website

You can track the race at the following website. You can choose different map layers for a bit of a laugh. If you like, you can check out the snow depth or weather radar to see how bad the conditions are. I'd feel ripped off if this supposed Banff summer was as summery as it got!

http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide13

2. Forum Banter

Someone usually starts up a Tour Divide race discussion thread on the following forum. There, arm-chair fans will speculate about weather, food availability, snow depth, cheating, etc...

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/board,2.0.html

3. Rider Call-ins

TD riders are given a toll-free number to call to leave 3 min messages to update the world about how they're going. The call-ins are posted on this site. Not sure if I'll use it, because I'm bound to sound like a tool, but I've had fun listening to call-ins in the past. There's always one or two comedians...

http://mtbcast.com/

Finally, I've attached a few photos of our (Liam and I) trip touring across Canada to get to the start line...

Wish us luck! Here's hoping we all have a safe tour!

Cheers,

Jesse

Sunday's Ride

Heading out again at 9 from the usual spot. Wrong-side Steve (well it was 6 in the morning!) may have a sleep in but come and join Barry on his first Lairs ride for a while. Let me know if you can make it
Andy

Ride's on

Hi Gang,

Ride will head out of Lancefield at 9 am Sunday morning.
Hope to see you there.

Steve

Horror Movie

Hi gang,

Two great climbing stages will be on the tele tonight, SBS will show a monster stage of the Giro d'Italia from 11pm then a killer stage of the Tour of California from 7am tomorrow morning.
Unfortunately you won't be able to watch the whole of the latter as we will be heading out for a ride from Lannie at 9am.

Do yourself a favour and do a Google image search for "Dracula" for some inspirational stuff.

Bleh blah, bleh blah!
Steve

Sunday's Ride

Last week was too relaxed up in the hills so we are going to be more serious this week. Usual place at 9am and we may spot a committee member or two prowling the local b&b. Special guest from Queensland for her first lairs ride, if can can get out of bed!
Andy
0430 448 120

Enough talk

We're finally doing it. Tomorrows ride will be a trip into the Cobaws on our MOUNTAIN BIKES.
The plan is to meet in Lancefield at the usual place at 8.30am than drive up into the hills and head out for some dirt, nothing technical. Bring a snack.
Hope to see you there.

Steve

Sunday's Ride

Eight am start so some of us get a sleep in! But this week we have to ride for long enough to get a choice in coffee shops. See you there
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Eight am in the usual place. Steve is off finding inspiration for the next checkpoint article but the rest of us will be in attendance
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

Riding at 8am if I get any acceptances ie send me an sms if you are coming. Otherwise a sleep in may be in order!
Go Bombers
Andy
0430 448 120

Sunday's Ride

Steve needs a Macedon fix, join us for all or part of it. Still at eight, still in the main street of Lancefield.
Andy

Generation next

In contrast to the pace at which last weekend's Oppy was ridden (365km at 22.6kmh) some of the younger ones among us have been doing things at a slightly quicker clip.
In the last few months both Joseph and Aidan have pulled off a clutch of podium places in the summer crit series at Kew and as a result have had to step up to their respective next grades. These days I only get to ride with them because of the courtesy they show me by waiting for me at the top of a climb or they just feel like an easy spin, they're flying.

Jack Booth our youngest gun had a great series of strong finishes last weekend in round 3 of the Australian Mountain bike National series. Riding in the under 17 class his results for the last weekend were 2nd in the Point to Point, 2nd in the Cross Country Eliminator and 5th in the Cross Country, 5th place in GC, that has put him in 7th place overall for the series.
Having spent a little time with Jack last year around Macedon and Lancefield and a couple of rides with him at Bright at Alpine Classic time, it was easy to see that he has more than just natural ability, his mental approach to racing and training looks also to be in excellent shape. Keeping these two aspects of his cycling focused could see him pull off some really great stuff in the near future and I wish him all the best, well done mate.

*That's Jack on the left.

He's also got another advantage over the rest of the bunch, a very supportive and very proud mum and dad. Top stuff Kerrie and Craig.
With Andy And I away this weekend you guys may have to chat among yourselves to organize a ride as I'm sure there will be a few keen to head out for a few K's.
Check out Dave's round up of the Oppy here: About the bike
Don't forget I'm running the Rock to Lock 200 on the 6th of April, for details take a look at the  Audax calender here.

Have a great week.

Steve

Post a palooza

Most of the preparations have been made for this year's Pleche Opperman. Once again we have the trusty Billy Chiz driving the support vehicle and Pete with his recovering collar bone riding shotgun.
We have been incredibly fortunate over the years to have fantastic support and especially having Bill along for six years straight has meant we have to do no more than roll up at a control to find everything laid out for us to tuck into.

Bills genuine enthusiasm and organisation has always made it easy to pull into a town get a feed and access our gear and be back on your bike without any hold ups, whether in the early evening or the early hours of the morning. it's always ready.
Hot coffee or take away pizzas, lollies, lamingtons, hot cross buns or spuop ready to go and waiting for us under a shelter in a park somewhere in Victoria or at times just over into NSW.
We will be riding a route we have used in the past, starting in Tooborac and passing through Avenel, Violet town, Dookie, Numurkah, Barmah, Echuca and finally on to Rochester for the finish. Click here to view our route.
Both George and Surly Dave have been busy with a couple of fine posts for their blogs so check out our blog list for their latest musings on the bike.So in advance of this coming weekend's Oppy, Thanks Bill and Pete.

Steve.

Sunday's Ride

Not sure who will be around. Some are doing a 200, one at least is cruising the MAD ride, some are running but everyone else is expected to turn up at 8
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride

. Steve did the 200k roast last weekend while Leigh, Kerrie, Glo and I did half that with a trip around the Coliban Reservoir and were drinking iced coffees in Lancefield before the heat got too bad. Join us tomorrow - same time, same place
Andy
0430 448 120

Summery Sunday

Looking at the forecast lately seldom shows the daily temperature under 30c, I reckon we would have had less than 5 days sub 30c since Christmas on my side of the divide, tomorrow will be no exception with the gang at the BOM forecasting 34c.
I thought it would be nice to have a cooler ride till I got to thinking about our cold winters and how much I long for summer on the rides where I spend ages getting dressed and motivated to head out into the cold and dark. I'm far from being "over" summer.
I'll probably be off doing an Audax permanent 200 tomorrow but there will still be a group heading out of Lancefield at 8am, let Andy know if you can make it.
I will be running the Audax Rock to Lock 200 on Saturday 6th of April for those of you looking for a longer one about then, get in touch with me or check out the Audax Calendar for details.

Steve.

NOTE: Just checked BOM records for Dec-Jan...I was out by a mile.15 days below 30 (but not much).

The Ash Dash, Tassie, December 2012

Most years, Dave “Surly” Killick comes over from Tassie to ride the Spring into Seymour ride with a bunch of us, it was on this ride that he mentioned he would be running the Ash Dash 200 out of Hobart this year and that we should think about heading over for it. I had almost forgotten about it till my birthday when in my card my wife had written the words “enjoy your trip to Tassie”.
December finally arrived and after packing my bike in a box for the first time, I was apprehensive about how it would arrive in Hobart, an hour later, plane lands, bike fine…Sweet.
Arriving the morning before the ride gave Pete, Ken, John and I plenty of time to get our bearings and even call into a bike shop to pick up some tubes and various bits and pieces which were left on the lounge room floor instead of going into Pete’s bike box.
As promised by the weather bureau, the rain arrived on Saturday evening but also as promised cleared by start time on Sunday morning and stayed fine thru out the rest of our stay.
About twenty riders had shown up for the ride and David was there early handing out brevet cards and Q sheets to the registered.
Hobart is perfect for Audax rides, the ride started in town and you were almost immediately climbing through beautiful wooded hills with low traffic, a pattern that would follow for most of the day with several thousand metres of climbing.

The first of the 6 main climbs starts as you pass the Cascade brewery and ended near Fern Tree after about 15km, the rewarded was a lovely 5km descent before the second climb for the day which was about 5km and worked it’s way to around Longley, by this point I had worked out that I was well off the pace of the fastest guys so settled in to what I thought I could maintain for the rest of the day.
 After the fast descent of the second climb comes a long flattish section where I was lucky enough to be able to ride with Gavin and got a guided tour all the way to Port Huon, passing through Huonville and Franklin. This was a beautiful piece of road as much of it was within metres of the Huon River, a stunning setting with the glassy water on one side and hills and orchards on the other.
A short sharp climb stung the legs and delivered us into Port Huon where we caught up with a few of the bunch for the first checkpoint and a bight to eat at the general store.
On leaving Port Huon I was invited to ride with a small bunch but had to decline as the pace along this flat section was a little hot for me and would have only had me sitting on the back of the bunch as a passenger so I declined the offer and spent most of the rest of the ride solo.

The road doubles back on itself through Franklin which is where I saw Ken and John on their way in to Port Huon. Once you get to Huonville a right turn onto the Channel Highway has you again riding along the river only on the other side but still just as pretty. I missed the “LHT” at 90.1km and had ridden about a kilometre before I had realised my mistake and turned around. Once back on track the road heads straight up for 4.5km to the control at Silver Hill. I found this third climb the toughest climb for the whole ride peaking at a maximum of stupid % near the top. I was able to catch up with the bunch that passed me just near the top where Dave was taking some happy snaps of the suffering. The lovely Heather was a very welcomed sight handing out food and signing cards at the control.
As the climbs were coming in groups of two it seemed only metres after getting to the bottom of Silver Hill that the road headed upward again toward Woodbridge Hill but at a much more friendly grade. Again, we were rewarded with a control at the top and more beautiful countryside.
From Woodbridge Hill the road winds down to Woodbridge on the shoreline of Great Bay where the road undulates along the coast with Bruny Island just off shore. This was another very nice piece of road but probably the only bit that I felt a long way from home as a steady headwind and a lumpy road  made it hard to keep my rhythm , I decided to pull up and knock down some of that slimy misery known as a sports gel and seemed to get myself going well again.
At 155km you pass through Cygnet for the second time. I took advantage of the shops and bought a drink, topped up my water bottles and had a bite to eat.

Around 12km out of Cygnet the turn right on to Palverata road and the climb which I was most apprehensive about, the road up to Kaoota had an unsealed section which was to have a fairly steady gradient so I approached making sure I had some pennies in reserve. This climb ended up being my favourite as it passed through a very secluded but lovely landscape. The road was very well maintained and the concerns I had for the unsealed surface were unwarranted and only added to the adventure of the ride.
Again I caught up with some of the lads as we approached the top of the climb and pulled in for the penultimate control of the ride.
Once more fed and watered I headed out for the fast descent to Sandfly before crossing the Houn Highway.
At 190km I again missed a turn, the right turn to Longley but worked it out almost as soon as I passed it and spun around to start the final climb of the day, about 7km up the Huon road and toward Fern Tree. This would not be a hard climb on it’s own but the kilometres in my legs were starting to tell and the crest was a very nice place to be. The final 13km could have almost been ridden without pedalling as the road descends into the heart of Hobart and the final control.
Dave was there to greet us for the finish of a brilliant ride. He had organised a top route with support that always seemed to be just when you needed it.
One great aspect of the finish was that it was only metres from the pubs on Salamanca Place so the riders were assembling for a post ride drink, a beer that had all the characteristics of one that you crave at the end of a 210km ride, very cold and beery.
I love a ride where folk hang around a bit after the finish and greet those not far behind.
The next few days were spent doing a bit of sight seeing around Hobart and some of it’s surrounds. Art Galleries-where apparently socks are not acceptable foot wear, pubs, the waterside and some great places to eat made this more than just another brevet. A very long weekend away with some mates in a beautiful spot made this a ripper holiday. I can recommend you put a pencil mark next to this one in your Audax calendar next time it comes around and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to check out Hobart while you are there(if not Tassie), it's a great place to see on a bike.
I reckon I need to mention the crew on this ride, the local lads made us very welcome as part of the Dash when the heard we had come over from Victoria.
Thanks especially to Dave for all his efforts in organising this fantastic event and dragging us around Hobart and to the girl for the ticket.

Steve.

Sunday's Ride

Well, yeah.... same again tomorrow. Eight am usual place
Andy

Sunday's Ride
Wel,l the Alpine Audax has been and gone, all that remains is to put the fires out! Find out more by joining us on Sunday, 8am in the usual spot. Hey, and we don't have to do repeats up Macedon......
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride
Last chance to catch up before the Alpine! The southern Lairs will be represented, so don't miss your chance to catch up with Dave K
Usual place, 8am.....
Andy

Sunday's Ride
After a couple of quiet weeks I am keen to ride on Sunday. Usual time, usual place. Watch out for the surprise guest at coffee!
cheers
Andy

Sunday's Ride
last Sunday ride until next year - who needs kilometres to get to a target? Not me fortunately! One less rider this week as Peter B recovers from his broken collar bone. Lucky he he had a doctor and at least one nurse on hand although what he needed the most was the mobile phone to call the ambulance. Not much for the bike mechanic to do.
Anyhow.....8am in the usual place, all welcome
Andy 0430 448 120

Sunday's Ride
Now that we have Christmas out of the way it is back to 8am start for Sunday. All welcome, tinsel on bicycles now optional. Last chance for a for a Mad Gal coffee 'til next year....
Andy 0430 448120

Sunday's Ride is the Christmas get together!
Meeting in Sherwood Court for those willing to brave the kilometre of dirt at the start and finish . We will swing by the usual meeting place at around 10am (this will give us enough time to fix any punctures caused by dirt road) to pick up anyone else. Wood fire and gas bbq available for lunch. She-who-doesn't-eat-much-meat (and who now qualifies for a seniors card) will visit the Vic Market for protein for all, so bring some salad, dips, whatever. Any questions? Andy 0430 448 120

Sunday's Ride

The boys are away for some serious pain - and I'm not talking about MONA. The Annual Seven Hills Dash out of Hobart has more climbing than  the Alpine so all the hill training of the last few months will come in handy.
But on to more enjoyable matters. Join Andy as he reaches 10000k for the year - 8am in the usual place, all welcome
Andy
0430 448 120

Sunday's Ride
8am in the usual place. Join Janine and Glo for a saunter through the ranges. News flash - Christmas lunch at Andy and Glo's on Sunday the 16th after a ride. We will expect a big turn up and lots of stories of the Great Vic and the pain of the Ash Dash
Andy 0430 448 120

Sunday's ride

It's on again, we'll keep riding til we get it right. 8am start, now it is summer (for a day anyway)
Andy

Sunday's Ride

It's on again, still gentleman's hours - 9am start. All welcome, except Lance
Andy

More alegations

The focus on drug taking has not faded in the past couple of weeks with Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and Keith Richards all coming under the spotlight for using banned substances during the Tour de France.
Have decided to leave this week's start time at 9am in case anyone wants to head out for some solo k's before hand.
Let us know if you are keen.
Steve.

What's been making Johnny so mellow ?

Be interesting to see how far we get before someone brings him up, might even be me.
Heading out from Lannie at 9am tomorrow. Let us know if you can make it.

Steve

His greatness aknowledged

They say they broke the mould after they made him, we know it was already broken.
Ride is planned for 9am tomorrow morning from Lannie. Let us know if you can make it.

Steve

Good rollup last weekend with half going up Macedon and half taking the low road and all meeting like Mad. Same again this Sunday starting at 9am (daylight saving). See you there.
Andy

Dear all
Footy is over so may as well go for a ride.
Nine am at the usual spot
Andy

Ride

Hi gang,

Ride on 9am from Lannie.
Let us know if you can make it.

Steve.

Sunday ride

Hi all,

There's a ride planned for Sunday morning at 9am from Lancefield.
Let us know if you can make it.

Steve.

Of bikes and men

This whole business with between the USADA and Lance Armstrong has been playing on my mind a bit, I won’t lie there have been times when It’s been Lance on my bike, riding away from Pantani on the road between Tooborac and Lancefield and it seems like only yesterday that he looked back at Jan Ulrich after dropping him up a climb the night after he almost chucked in his job because his boss at the water board confirmed his ignorance with every stupid word he spoke.
I won’t go on again about my view on this witch hunt, but yeh, I would be really disappointed if any of these allegations stick or if he is ever stripped of his tour wins but it won’t change what cycling means to me. I’ll still be up in the middle of the night next July watching skinny guys attacking in the mountains then paying for it at work the next day, ‘coz I love it.
Knowing that elements of the peloton have tetra hydra glyphosate coursing through their veins won’t deter me and my pals from riding for half a day in anticipation of some volunteers standing in the middle of nowhere with a bit of fruit cake and some home made biscuits on my next Audax ride.
In a week or so a mate of ours is coming over from Tasmania and I’m hoping to be able to do a few k’s with him and no one’s B sample will mean a rats clacker when we’re talking bull shit somewhere in central Victoria, nor will it take away the joy I get from riding in the beams of my friends lights in the Oppy next March.
On a warm evening next December, when I’m riding in the pelting rain in the middle of a thunderstorm, I’ll still turn to JD or Pete and say “this is the most fun I’ve ever had”. I’ll still be getting flogged by mates that are 20 years younger or 20 years older.
There will be times when I’m climbing Falls Creek and looking on in awe as I watch the guns already coming down and being wrapped to see folk with so much talent, then later in the day I’ll watch the lantern rouge come into Bright and realise what the real meaning of grit is.
I’ll say “sneaky bastard” when one of the lads makes a dash past me on one of the hills on the way in for coffee.
How many hours will I spend riding alone just because I’ve got hours to spare? For a while my son actually believed that RDO stood for Riding Day Off.
The USADA will not be able to strip me of my PB’s on Mt Macedon, even if Joey had already finished the muesli bar he had while he was waiting for me at the top.
I see legends all around me, some days, even I’m a legend...to me.
The antics of Floyd Contaschleck won’t mean a thing as a car load of us head toward Mount Buller to spend a day frying in the sun then enjoy a beer and a laugh on the way back.
No matter what, my bike will always look awesome to me and John’s Jamis will always have me taking a second glance, on weekends I will always have a bunch of mates waiting for me to head out on another ride. I might push Glo up a hill or crack another joke about Meg’s ass, I can’t wait.
I love pro cycling and the heroes of the sport but they are not what makes our sport, our sport makes itself. It is what it is.
I reckon there will be a ride on from Lannie this Sunday at 9am, let us know if you can make it (I’m a bit iffy with the man flu but may be right).
A bit of a reminder, next Saturday means the Audax Spring into Seymour, a few of us will most likely be heading across for that, let me know if you need any details.
Janine is also hosting a ride on and around Mt Macedon, get in touch with her if you are keen to join that crew.

Steve.

They're back

Our intrepid travellers are all back, come and hear of thier adventutres.
A ride heads out of Lancefield at 9am this Sunday morning, let us know if you can make it.
Steve.

Rock stars still on tour, and weekend ride

Glo flew home yesterday, Ken and I are catching a midday flight to France.

Ireland has been great - people, riding, food, scenery. Reasonable costs as well. In fact the quality and price of food was exceptional. B&b's for 30euro including a cooked breakfast and no trouble getting in.
From Liscannor in Clare we rode north through Galway to Connemarra for a couple of days before meeting up with t&t again. The booked accommodation was pretty awful so we all moved to Donegal before heading to Pettigoe which is on the edge of Northern Ireland. Connemarra and Donegal are fairly remote with lots of undulations but nothing too strenuous in terms of riding. We rode to Omagh in Northern Ireland on one day and another day when it didn't stop raining we drove to the top to stand in the rain and look at the devil's causeway. Northern Ireland accents were very hard to understand, and they had a bit of trouble with us as well!

From Petigoe t&t went to Belfast while we headed back to Dublin. I had a choice of two gears at this stage as my right hand shifter had spat the dummy. Had to work a bit harder and judge the hills better to make sure I didn't run out of steam before the top - was interesting a couple of times but generally made the top ok.
We tried to follow the Royal Canal into Dublin for the last few days but the surface varied from bitumen to grass to mud to large sharp stones so we gave up on it and followed the back roads into Dublin.
Had a couple of days to pack bikes and for Glo to recover before going back to work.
All up 1660km or so in a bit over 3 weeks, one puncture and one lever malfunctioning. Ireland drivers are as good as the French, if not better. Didn't see many other touring cyclists but there certainly are a lot of cyclists riding in the rain in Dublin. Dublin has a reasonable network of cycle tracks as well.
All in all an excellent month of touring. Glo might tell you something different when she gets back but she rode really strongly especially on the hills after her spin classes. We were all getting a bit tired by the last few days.

Now for France.

Andy.

Hi all,

A ride is planned from Lancefield tomorrow at 9am. Usual drill.

Steve

More from the Moore, Tickety boo

Made it into Liscannor quite late and still with panniers (the theory was Teena and Trevor in the car would be passing at some stage and take our burdens, but they got sidetracked chasing dolpins. So we did our 120k, partly into the wind. Past the links course ($150 to play) to find a great house up on the headland. Decided not to cook so took the last renters' recommendation and went to a nearby pub. Absolutely sensational food, turns out it has numerous local awards and is in the Michelin guide and very reasonably priced.

Long days tend to tire you out so the next day was a 60k ramble through some of the local towns. Stopped off at the Cliffs of Moher which were crowded but very speccie. Weather still cool with periods of rain and still windy.

Next day the weather was awful so I managed to talk Ken and Glo into tagging along with Teen and Trev in the car. First stop was Ennis, busy little town which may have been the origin of the Breens. then further north to the Burren, a fairly desolate area of rock fields. Another fantastic pub lunch with a Guinness as well. Rare to find anything other than G or a couple of German beers on tap although Bulmers cider is usually available. Visited a cave in the afternoon and bought some fudge, not sure what the connection was between the two. Very acceptable fish and chips from the shop on the corner. The South African owner was lamenting the weather - said it had been disastrous for his trade.

Weather was marginally better the next day so we headed off on the bikes. Ennis seemed like a good town to have another look around (car parking was limited to 1hr yesterday). At Ennistimon we stopped to look at the impressive cascades tumbling through the middle of town. The abbey at Ennis was one of the better ruins, but still no sign of Breens! Ken shopped for something for his daughter Clare as the shops were full of County Clare items. Headed back to Liscannor on the back roads but didn't manage to find the right road and rode into the head wind back to the coast. The town of Milltown Malbey was back to its normal self after hosting the Willie Clancy music festival the week before - it was full to overflowing with people and musicians when we rode through on Sunday.

We decided that it was close enough to the 18th of July so had booked the restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Andy and Glo played themselves as did the best man and brides maid (Teena and Trevor) and Ken filled in for everyone else. And a great time was had by all.

Next day the cunning plan was to ride to Doolin, get a ferry to the Aran islands and then get a ferry up to Rossavear in Galway. Unfortunately the Rossavear ferry was not taking bikes any more after an engineer died somehow due to having a bike on board. . Plan B then was to ride around Innismor, ferry back to Doolin and then ride back to our lodgings at Liscannor, up a very long nasty hill that we thought that we had said goodbye to forever. On the way back Teen rang to say they had had a collision in the car and wasn't sure if it was driveable. In the event they got back to Liscannor just after us but would need to change the car at Shannon the next day.

Fortunately both Trev and Teen were ok.

Andy.

There's a ride planned for tomorrow (Sunday) 9am from Lancefield. Give me a hoy if you can make it.

Steve.

Posts from the travellers (and tomorrow's ride)

Andy has been in touch from Ireland reckons you guys should here about it...

In Kilkenny at the moment. Gets light very early so I have decided to sent some emails as the dawn chorus of gentle snores waft around the hotel room.
Weather has been very Irish. Soft rain, and a fair bit of it.
Siobhan met us at the airport and we found a very interesting singing/crying maxicab driver. Quite bizarre! Repairable damage to the bikes. Fine on arrival but soon started to rain as we looked for James Joyce, phone sims and something to eat. Dinner was 'home cooked' in the unit.
Wednesday was bus trip north to Tara (meeting place of Celtic kings) and Newgrange (oldest known manmade burial mound in all of the world - 5000+ years old. Very interesting history. No rain on the trip. Fish finger sandwiches for dinner. Yum o.
Thursday was lots more walking and even a free walking tour of Dublin, even stopping at the stature od Thomas Moore, poet and no relation. Ken managed to make contact with us and we found our airb&b apartment run by yet another eccentric Irishman. Another home cooked meal for Siobhan (who doesn't have to spell her name here!) Teen and Trev arrived on cue so we went for another walk, savouring the day light which only starts to dim after10.30.
Friday morning the cyclists went for an hour's spin around Pheonix Park then we all headed over to Trinity College to look at the book of Kells. In the rain again. You get used to it. Thursday was quite a nice day and Dublin was packed, tourists and locals filling the streets and shops.
It all happened on Saturday. Siobhan off to Nice early (experienced traveller that she is, she didn't need her parents to wake her up). We did walk her to the bus stop (not far) and wave her goodbye 'til France for me anyway.
Packed the bikes, bought a bike rack for the sag wagon which t&t picked up from the airport. Then we had no more excuses so just before midday we joined the Dublin cyclists and headed from the Wicklow mountains. Fortunately I couldn't find the route I wanted and we ended up skirting the Wicklows. It was still hilly enough for our loaded bikes. Lunch in the sun at Enisskerry before heading down to beautiful Glendalough and St Kevin's ruins. T&t had organised b&b accommodation. Post ride Guinness was the first one we had earned. Only 55k after our late. Lovely dinner in the mellow evening.
Ditched the panniers into the back up Megane and heads down for the day. Glo forced us to stop at Avoca at the yarn mill and for a look at the Ballykissangel set. Overcast with lots of soft rain. Used some very minor roads today and managed to stay on track but finished on the N10 into Kilkenny. Cars wait for us on the narrow roads, once again much better than back home. Made the hotel at 6.30 with 123k on the computer. Some short steep stuff on the secondary roads but otherwise undulating.
Will send the gear on to Glencar and ride unencumbered today as well.

This weeks mail…..

Kilkenny was a fascinating place, perfect little laneways and lots of very imposing churches for our after dinner stroll. Earlyish start in the morning with a couple of laps of the town to show Ken St Canice's church and then to find the way out. More soft rain made us wet for the morning. Lunch was toasties and hot choc in a pub in Urlingford. More rain meant no views all the way to the very impressive rock of Cashel, another old church/fort. Managed to work out how to fit the bike rack to the car and fit 3 bikes with racks without doing too much damage to anything and then it was off to the wilds of the Kerry mountains. Arrived at the foot of Ireland largest mountain around 8. Turned on heating and Ken lit the sodding fire to give us a bit more wamth.
Still ordinary weather the next morning so did some sightseeing with t&t as well as hitting the free wi-fi cafe and doing a bit of shopping for food. The house was so remote that our internet connection did not work. A guiness at the Glencar local was enough to encourage G and I to walk back with a few diversions along the way (dogs, pubs, very dark forests, tracks that did not go where they should have etc). Had to call for the rescue vehicle. Ken managed to get a few k's done on the bike.

Wednesday was the big one but we didn't realise it when we headed out past Lough Caragh. Lovely downhill to the Ring of Kerry. Stopped at a bike shop for a very grumpily delivery of a piece of cable outer. Another big lunch in a pub and then down to Valencia Island at the end of the Peninsula. Took the ferry to Knightsbridge then cruised around the slate quarries and various cliffs. Over the bridge to Portmagee and absentmindedly turned right instead of left. Great views of the cliffs, the Skellig islands and Puffin island. Turned right again for a monster climb which ended with us all walking up, and we didn't even have panniers! Back to the main road and a stop for a cup of sweet tea before the last 40k back home. We were not looking forward to this because we had already driven it and it looked bloody hard, and was. The pass was only 304m but we had come from sea level and had already ridden 100k's. Freezing cold on top after a reasonable Irish day. Celebrated with a G at the climbers inn. Then home to find Teena putting tea on the table.
Thursday provided shitty (that's Irish for wet-Steve) weather again for our planned trip to visit Liam's parents in Leap. The prospect of 80+k into a headwind over two passes made the choice easy. We would all take the car. Had a great lunch with John and Maureen, as well as afternoon tea and a tour of the local highlights.

Friday, we gave Teen andTrev a night on their own and we were back to the hard work of riding with the panniers. Early start meant that we did 40k in the rain to Tralee by midmorning for our toasties. Back roads were undulating to the ferry at Tarbert across the Shannon River. Ten more k to Buggles b&b in Kilrush - 100+k done by 4. Lots of hedgerows, off and on drizzle, no Australian drivers to be seen!
Early breakfast was at 8am so the weather had cleared by the time we rode out of town. Give the troops the choice of direct route (50k) or the route taking in Loop Head (100+k) and they decided on the later - couldn't say I didn't warn them. Wandered through various fishing villages, the closest pub to New York (Keating's) and back lanes to eventually get to the lighthouse at Loop Head. Celebrated with an apple and more back roads to Kilkee for a late lunch in a holiday town with the beach goers doing there best in what were fairly ordinary conditions. Top temp of maybe 18 in summer. Brrrrr.

Andy

Ride is on at 9am from Lancefield. Let me know if you can make it.
Steve