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Are Events measuring up?
What makes a human being WANT to ride a bike?
By Chris Alomes
Thats a question that I have been wanting to answer for quite some time now. What is it that makes a cyclist cycle? Does the answer lay within a text book? Is it in your head?
I think the answer is, I just don’t know! Lets examine it for a moment, there are reasons people ride a bike, but is that reason the real answer?
Heres my spin on the question! Hehe, cycling joke, “spin”.. Anyway, lets take a look at myself, I am a 50 year old male (almost) a little overweight at 150kg, and I ride a bike! I don’t ride solely at the track (Nerang Cycle Centre, 1 Hope St, Nerang), nor do I stick to riding along the flats, I do really enjoy riding up those hills, like Springbrook and Beechmont.
This morning I got myself kitted up and left home around 4:45 am and headed off to give Springbrook some attention, its been about a month since I last rode up there, this time with the intention of riding down the goat track (I think its Pine Creek Road), wow, the next time I ride down that road it’s gonna be fun and fast!!!!
The thing that impressed on me the most was the solitude and the peace that I experienced once I got out into the climb itself, instead of beating myself up and smashing my body and bike up the hill to get that KOM, I just took my time and cruised up taking it all in, that fresh air the sounds of nature, that beauty we all seem to miss while we drive off to work somewhere on the Gold Coast, getting stuck in traffic, taking 45 minutes to get from Southport to Nerang.
Peace and quiet, the only thing I missed on this mornings ride was the hustle and bustle, and god it felt nice! Cycling clears my head, or rather fills it with ideas, I seem to get a certain clarity while I am out riding, I guess its just me on a bike for a couple of hours with not much more to do than sweat and push my weight along at a decent speed. Do you have moments or hours where you can get into your own head and solve all the problems of the world? I know I do.
For me, I think just being outside, in the great outdoors taking in that fresh air and nature is what urges me to want to ride a bike! What about you??
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Pig hunting cyclist
A KIWI THING…//??
A sight to see while cycling the Rimutaka Rail Trail today….Pig hunting cyclist
A sight to see while cycling the Rimutaka Rail Trail today. Pig hunting cyclist pic.twitter.com/GfVHSB2sj7
— Bernard Hickey (@bernardchickey) May 28, 2016
Further to this unfolding drama the Wairarapa Times have now go tin on the act and want their fair share of the Porkie Pie…
” Wairarapa Times Age”
A trusty bicycle was used to bring home the bacon. PHOTO/SUPPLIEDIt was a case of hello pork pie for Mark Richards, of Clarks Beach near Pukekohe, and his cycling mate Larry Paterson late last week when the two set off on a ride over the Rimutaka Incline from Kaitoke.
The pair came across a sight they had certainly not been expecting, and took the opportunity to photograph it.
A hunter with a team of pig dogs in tow was wheeling out a hefty pig the dogs had bailed up and which had been dispatched — on a bicycle.
Mr Richards said the scene had added a new dimension to the cycle trip over the old incline but in his enthusiasm to capture the moment on film he forgot to get the hunter’s name.
He did, however, ascertain the pig had weighed in at about 90kg.
Wairarapa Times-Age
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Metaphorically Bacon
By Dave Fellows
A sustained period of self imposed celibacy wasn’t wasted this morning despite a moment of weakness when I finally, some would say predictably, succumbed, seduced by the tantalizing allure of the flesh.
I knew I was entering the danger zone from the moment I allowed my gaze to linger
I knew I was tiptoeing a fine line as I failed to censor my imagination. As I lightly ran my fingers over the firm flesh beneath its form hugging wrap, I was well aware of where this was leading, yet as if drawn by a magnetic compulsion I didn’t resist. I swallowed as my heart rate elevated at the very thought of peeling back the ever so thin final barrier; my senses my very being ignited as, seemly without conscious effort all was laid bare before me. I swallowed again, a little harder this time, a guilty glance over my shoulder before throwing myself wholly into the moment.
Later a little dreamy as I relaxed, the taste of passion lingering on my lips, I felt guilt but no shame, satisfaction without remorse, along with a surprising but not entirely unwelcome desire to periodically revisit the relationship should circumstances permit.
Perhaps it is possible to maintain ones discipline in the face of temptation if one allows themselves to indulge occasionally provided there is no pre-manipulation of circumstances and then only when it feels perfect.
Our guilty pleasures are of course a matter for ourselves, indulging occasionally may not be such a bad thing if it serves to remind us of who we are and how hard we have to work to be who we want to be. We must maintain discipline and keep things in balance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Dave’s favourite Cycling Event…
The Queensland TooMoo220
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Hello Tour de France via Frankston
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River2Reef and the ‘Pedal the Ponds Ride’
River 2 Reef
A substantial recreational and mass participation event in MacKay Queensland.
Take a look at the Fast Facts on this event as it could be just the ideal excuse for your next holiday by bike? You will get to ‘Ride Meet and Mix’ with the locals…this has to be the easiest and friendliest way to see the country…thats cycling for you, it binds us as individuals, and it binds us as communities, and you can see it in the smiles and you can see in it in the generosity such as these photo’s form the Pedal the Ponds” for Kids…
Comment via “River2Reef” Massive thanks to all those who came out and supported the “Pedal the Ponds” kids ride. What a great way to kick off the 2016 Rio Tinto Charity Ride and also officially hand over over $74,000 to local charities.
The River 2 Reef Ride charity event is a mass participation ride and a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the glorious scenery Mackay…They also have some great resources …..Your 8 Week Training Program
Tip: A great way to get into shape is to keep your gears relatively easy and ‘spin’ along with a cadence of 80-90 rpm. You should still be able to have a conversation with your riding buddies. Try and stay seated for any climbs pushing your butt back into the seat and shift through the gears accordingly. If you haven’t ridden for a while take the first few training rides to get used to your bike and how the gears, brakes and handling of the bike are on the road.
Jump2 The River2Reef Fast facts page
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Scratch your China Bike itch
China & Tibet Cycle Tour
Seduce your senses – the Sichuan Province by bicycle.
Stunning scenery, colourful culture, intriguing history and delicious food combine to create one of the most diverse, interesting and memorable cycle touring destinations on the planet…Read More
A 15 day cultural and scenic cycle tour through the Sichuan Province of China and the Tibetan Plateau. Starting in the hustle of Chengdu City, in South West China we bike north west into the agricultural and rice growing regions and then climb slowly through river valleys lined with snow covered peaks to the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau.…continue reading
There is always an awesome view from the Tibetan Plateau …jump2 Escape Adventures…great Website to explore
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CLIMB Mt Keira as fast as you can
Cycle Events has just begun coverage of the Mt Keira event in Wollongong NSW. This event meets a new criteriua in that the trending expectations of Cyclists down under move onto more unique and niche styled events, and the Mt Keira Climb has an X Factor to it.
“Its all about the climb, and breathtakingly scenic vista finish as you overlook the greater city of Wollongong with views across the south of Sydney in the north to Kiama to the south.
Located an hour south of Sydney, and less than 5km from the heart of Wollongong you will be among the scenic peaceful mountain running or cycling and moments later can be having your favourite coffee at the beach.”
This event is organised by Robert Bottocchio who recognised the need for this style of event which fits very nicely into the overall cycling calendar. Rob is also the guy behind the very successful Aquathon Australia Day
Course Profile & Map
Start: Mount Keira Road, at the entry gates of Edmund Rice College
Initial 1.5km: nice kicker 8%+
- Gentle start than it soon moves to a 8%+ section for ~1km)on smooth, wide road surface to Mount Mount Keira Demonstration School
1.5-5.5km: 4-6% mostly sweeping, gentle and scenic views!
- From Mount Keira Demonstration School (1.5km) the road narrows and flattens to a more gentle ~3-5% average gradient.
- The road winds it way up the scenic and sheltered course as you pass picturesque Byrong Park, Archery Fields, Girl Guides and Scout Camp.
The final kilometer : 5.5km-6.5km the 15% KICKER!
- Here you turn right off Mt Keira Road to enter Queen Elizabeth drive as you make the final climb to the summit.
- At ~500m to go you meet a 100m 10% hill and soon after the ‘kicker’ 100m hill of 15+% gradient and than its only a 100m 4% gradient to the finish!!
PROFILE (Map below)
Course Map: http://www.strava.com/routes/962304
Strava segment: http://www.strava.com/segments/8170390
Jump to Mt Keira’s on facebook and see for yourself
Cheers Steve
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Learn and laugh with ladies Cycling
Melbourne Australia: LOYB
Womens Cycling: Social: Learn: Holidays
Group Rides
Never ridden a bike? Haven’t ridden in a few years? Like to brave the road? There’s a class to suit all riders. Choose from private lessons, group lessons or join a group bike ride.
Lessons
Most of the lessons, both Private and Group, are held in Elwood /St Kilda Victoria. These are scheduled on both weekends and on weekdays.
Group lessons are listed on the rides/events calendar .
Private lessons are not listed on the calendar as these are arranged to mutually suit the instructor and cyclist.
Private lessons can be for any stage of cycling from, those who have never ridden or those wishing to brush up on their cycling skills. 75 mins. =$80
Group classes.
Skill and confidence classes: Some are free and some are 2 hrs =$50.
After these sessions, you will be assigned a group suitable for you to cycle with and have fun at a similar standard.
Once assigned a group, if you wish you may join Ladies Back On Your Bike.
The annual fee is $85 per year, adjusted according to when you join.
Melbourne Paths
These rides take you on one of the numerous bike paths in and around Melbourne sometimes en route to lunch whether a picnic or a cafe. Develop your fitness and riding skills as you cycle, chat with other riders and enjoy the scenery.
Duration: Rides are approximately 3 – 4 hours.
Group Size: Group sizes usually range from 4 – 8 riders. Max 12.
Price: $20 or $30 per person (if you and your bike are being transported in the Ladies Back On Your Bike van and trailer).
Breeze Rides
Breeze is a program run by Cycling Victoria, established to connect women riders. The rides are led by women all across Victoria. Jacinta leads regular Breeze Rides on the bike paths in and around Melbourne.
Duration: Rides are approximately 1-2 hours.
Group Size: Group sizes usually range from 4 – 8 riders. Max. 12.
Price: Free.
