Suffered in the Otways yesterday after my first ride in over 3 weeks. Still sorting the position of my new 2011 Oppy. Integrated seat post requires the hunt for a hack-saw.
The Aussies certainly featured in the 1st 10 days. Highlights were Cav’s performances, hell of the Nth cobble stage and the Alberto/Andy dramas.
It is the second rest day in the Tour and the riders will be happy not to be racing as the weather is looking miserable. I’m still hoping for a ride over the Tourmalet with my guests this afternoon. We have had some excellent riding, taking in some of France’s highest peaks.
Disappointed to have Mark Renshaw DQed but we continue to support the remaining Aussie’s in the hunt for winning opportunities as the Tour enters its final week.
Aussie in Yellow but personally I am disappointed that Lance is no longer a GC tour contender, after a number of crashes he appears to be a struggling. I wouldn’t put it past the old guy to attack in the mountains and have a go at a stage win.
My guests and I have just climbed both passes to Avoriaz, Jouzvert and Joux Plane. Awesome.
Tomorrow is Col de la Madeleine and the day after is Alpe-d-Huez, wish you were here.
Marred by crashes and usual Tour controversy, week one is just about over. Not far over the horizon, the Alps are looming and the stage is set for another showdown. Bad luck has had it’s toll of some of this year’s stars including Lance’s loss of nearly 2 minutes on the cobbles of the North. My Tour one group has checked out and today we begin tour Two in the medieval town of Beaune. Highlights of Tour One would have to have been the Prolog, and riding the hills of the Ardennes classics and some of the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders.
As I recover from the annual Great Ocean Road half marathon, we are in the final stages of putting this years trip to the Tour De France together. How about the dream results of the Aussies in California and at the Giro?
I have been on a roadie visiting some of Malvern Star’s friends in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Response from those lucky riders using one of the C7 test fleet, has been encouraging with orders coming in. The final shop ride was from David’s Graceville Bike-Hub, where over 100 riders joined in for the early morning ride. Incredible!
Off to Southern Queensland for a ride with friends of Malvern Star and Brisbane’s Bike-Hubs. Probably up for another flogging(WA style!). Little preparation will see me suffering once more. Hah!
Mile-End Standish in Adelaide held a store ride in Adelaide last weekend, where about 20 rolled-up. We had a bunch test riding the Oppy C7 for the cruisy 40km ride. The following day I was a guest of the South Perth Rouleurs for their Sunday ride around Perth. On accepting the invitation, I didn’t realise that the weekly polka-dot competition was up for grabs which kept me gasping over the peaks of the escapement. Thanks guys!
I’m looking forward to a bit of a break down the coast over Easter before visiting Brisbane the weekend of April 10-11.
I had a great recent weekend in Canberra staying with my old peleton buddy Stephen Hodge. I was there on behalf of the Amy Gillett Foundation and enjoyed Sunday’s Amy Gillett ride which took in some of Canberra’s wonderful scenery. The countryside was green from recent rains and hillier than expected but I found a group riding a comfortable pace which made for a great day’s riding. Next up will be Malvern Star shop visits in Geelong, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Canberra’s Amy Gillett ride takes me to the A.C.T. this weekend and I’ll probably suffer since I’ve been in recovery mode since competing in the Otway Odyssey.
