7th November 2010

I am very excited about my new business partnership. I am looking forward to presenting a whole new world of cycling trips with Phil Anderson Cycle Tours.  Check out the new link on my tours and camps tab.

I am off this week to do the Amy Gillett Foundation ‘Share the Road Tour’.  This is a wonderful cause and if anyone wishes to sponsor a rider or donate to the cause please head to the Amy Gillett Foundation website.

At around 100-200km a day I have no doubt I will suffer.

The world championships were a wonderful success and I am very proud to have been involved with the organizing committee.  The event gave all Australians a chance to see the worlds best in action in addition to giving the UCI a chance to see that Australians have truly embraced the sport of cycling.

On the elite men’s race day I caught the V-line up to the start.  On the train back to Geelong we passed the race as it passed through Werribee, what a blast.

As the hype from the worlds has diminished I have been busy planning my 2011 tours with a big year planned, a new travel partner and PACT, Phil Anderson Cycling Tours has been launched.

Last week I was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.  What an incredible honor, I thank those involved in my selection and acceptance.

14th September 2010

The World championships approach.  Should the rain stop the best the world has to offer may get to ride the course rather than swim it.

I am looking forward to the preliminary World Cycling Classic event in Ballarat on the 26th of this month.  It is always interesting to watch the local boys pit themselves against the pro’s.  In my experience the pro’s cant take this race for granted, it will be an early hit out for them but the local boy’s will be trying to make a name for themselves as the distance will suit them rather than the Europeans, it will be hard and fast.   I will definitely be there.

The new bridge over the Barwon river in Geelong is almost complete and looking very ‘technical’.

I am starting to feel a little better with a return to some level of fitness.  The Otways always hurt but not as much now.

I am planning an exciting 2011 with additions to my current tour format.  Stay posted.

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.