Momentous May and the reason I ride......

Whilst my ride today was neither all that fast, far or strenuous, it was damned important. Why? 

Well I've struggled to acknowledge, let alone articulate it, but essentially six months ago, possibly prior to that even, I was severely bitten by "The Black Dog" and unlike rabies which can be cured with a course of injections, depression is not so easy to fix.

The Anniversary Trail which is also known as the Outer Circle Trail. 

It's part of a bike path I used to ride as a teenager.

The only reprieve that I get from the Black Dog is when I am on my bike, whether it's pedaling along paths I've previously traveled or exploring what is around the corner or at the peak of the climb. It would seem, unlike most dogs, my mate, can't keep be bothered getting or staying out of the house for sufficiently long enough to chase me....

Scotchman's Creek Trail

I suspect that's part of the appeal for cycling through Europe. Something that I have been umming & ahhing about since late last year, ever since I very first contemplated, went public about it.

On the one hand, it represents an opportunity to catch up with a few friends, fulfill some goals and possibly regenerate a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and to locate the "Life Reset" button and with it a purpose to keep on living.

On the other hand, it is somewhat of a financial and possibly life changing gamble, given that I am somewhat emotionally attached "stuck" to the area in which I grew up, an area I love so much. An area with which I have such an affinity, some really wonderful memories, along with a number of good friends along with some great bike paths. All of which makes it hard to move on.....

Jells Park

At the end of the day however, with the colder months now hitting Melbourne and the sun beginning to shine across Europe, something that one cannot help but notice from watching the Giro d'Italia, I suspect it's now or never......

I realise that in many many respects, this represents a leap into the great unknown with some fairly significant downsides, given that it will probably require me to move / downsize, irrespective of what I find "out there". 

But I have to do it, because remaining in self imposed solitary confinement as I have done, these last few months is not healthy. 

Koonung Creek Trail

Finally, on a slightly different but aligned note, to those of you who’s emails, phone calls or otherwise I haven’t returned, I apologize. 

I sometimes find, and I suspect I'm not alone in this regard, for modern day living to be very challenging or scary at times. 

Whether it's my obsession with keeping up with world news, my overthinking issues or my simply worrying too much about the future, in terms of leaving a legacy and / or knowing how things can unfold in old age*, or a combination of all of the above, I don't know... 

What I do know however is that acknowledging that life hasn't perhaps unfolded in the way I would have liked or could ever have possibly envisaged, not that I'd necessarily change what I've done / experienced, talking about it, is just too damned confronting. 

Whilst it probably sounds like an excuse, it is part of the reason I can't / won't answer the phone (it sits uncharged, unused for weeks at a time) and have difficulty responding to "How's things" type emails, etc, at times..... 

Now all of that said. Being as innocent & naive as I am in some respects, yet far wiser than I should be (for my age at least) in regards to others, I'm hoping this gamble pays off, cause I don't know that I like where the "remain in Melbourne" path may lead.....

It's time to move on and start life anew. As I should have done when I first got back from South America. 

In closing, all I can say is - please don't give up, I do appreciate your emails, etc.

Who knows, one day, hopefully you'll receive a postcard in the mail, (I'm old school like that) to say, I've re-discovered my MOJO and am now living who knows where in the world, and would love to have you visit.

* Seriously - when you have spent as much time as I have in hospitals, nursing homes, etc, looking after a loved one, you can understand why some people refer to nursing homes as "God's Waiting Room" and fight their families about entering one. You can also begin to understand why as age & the frailties of life set in, some decide to take the peaceful pill. 

QUALITY BEATS QUANTITY ANY DAY! 

Well at least in my book and that's when you do have a loving caring family around you, and I don't! 

Adventures in April

I am pleased to be able to say that I've put a further 700 odd kilometres through the pedals during the month, thus extending my run of 150KM per week rides another month. Some of it ridden at a leisurely pace, enabling me to admire the scenery and enjoy the weather, whilst at other times it has been with higher intensity with the aim of giving me a bit of a cardio workout and / or an opportunity to burn off a bit of excess energy. Now in saying this, I should also add that I try to give both bikes an equal workout.... 

I have to confess however, that I regrettably haven't ridden more. I sometimes find it difficult to find the motivation to get out there and ride, despite knowing the physical & mental benefits that will ensue.... 

Let's just put it this way, riding on one's own, unless it's with a specific aim or to say get from Point A to Point B gets a bit boring, lonely and tiresome at times. Then there is the 'safety' aspect which comes with riding in a peleton / with colleagues. 

This is a situation of course, that's not helped by the fact that I am a night owl, despite years trying to break the habit which consequently means it's somewhat difficult to join club or shop rides as part of a group, given they typically hit the road at six o'clock in the morning or thereabouts which doesn't take into consideration of course, the fact it's necessary to depart one's home at least thirty minutes earlier in order to get to the agreed starting point. Me, waking at five in the morning! There's a snowballs chance.....

Sure I managed to do so intermittently with Team Flexorcranks when doing the MRR circuit and when I was riding with the Lead Out Crew, but life was somewhat different back then....

So where does that leave me:

• Setting & challenging myself to complete certain set goals. IE: Distance / Week;
• Endeavouring to improve on my own Strava records on certain rides;
• Exploring new areas, bike paths, etc;
• Maintaining my fitness with one eye on my goal of touring through Europe

One much loved / repeated trip, I do, at a leisurely pace, is on the bike path alongside the Yarra River.

Whilst I was admiring the Melbourne Skyline & Yarra River

The Troll was admiring a potential bridge to hide under!

Soapbox Rant - Cyclists Lives Matter

The recent death of world renowned endurance / global touring cyclist, Mike Hall, has highlighted just how dangerous riding in Australia is considered to be by cyclists from abroad, if blog & forum sites are anything to go by!

Whilst most local cyclists have acknowledged the risks involved and accept them as an inherent risk in doing something they love, they're often unaware of the behaviour that motorists abroad, and particularly in Europe, have towards other road users....

What's particularly worrying however when incidents such as this occur, is the deafening silence, coming from organisations such as:

• Amy Gillett Foundation - "Making Bike Riding in Australia Safe"
• Bicycle Network - "More People Cycling More Often" 
• Cycling Australia - "To be the World's Leading Cycling Nation"

The implication seemingly being a tacit acceptance that the government / statutory authorities have got the rules right, that the issue of changing motoring behaviour is too big / hard to change or that the death of an average of 37* cyclists nationally and the injury or hospitalisation of how many others, annually, is an acceptable number. 

With a cyclist being killed nearly every week and sure some death's resulting in a protest ride being organised, by friends of the deceased, event organisers or occasionally by one the above groups, themselves, garnering all of five seconds of media coverage, it's time for change. Whilst I don't know what the solution is, surely:

These cycling organisations realise

That unless there is change, riding a bike is still going to be considered a dangerous activity by many in the community, which in turn inhibits the sport's ability to grow to it's full potential and that ultimately they're not living up to their own mission statements.

The State & Federal Governments realise

There's an economic impact as well as a human / societal one. 

• Lost productivity within the work place; 
• Further cost pressures on the medical system both in dealing with the victims of road accidents, and from an obesity crisis that continues to swell, as a potential exercise route, is "closed" to some who have weight control issues;
• The adventure tourism sector being unable to grow to it's full potential because of the real / perceived risks involved in taking to Australian roads, by an international clientele 

Now whilst I'd like to think that there was likely at some point in the near future for there to be a change in attitudes, such that cyclists & motorists had more respect for one another (I acknowledge it is a two-way street), that motorists realised that the odds and therefore the onus is more heavily weighted on them to ensure that we all get home to our families / friends safe & well, and that government's realised that it was up to them to push this message through, I can't see it changing anytime soon. 

As a result it's just another thing that adds to the impetus for my looking at the idea of moving abroad. Cycling has become such an integral part of my life, I need to feel that I can do so safely without the constant fear of not knowing whether I'll make it to my destination or not.....

* Australian Government - Dept of Infrastructure & Regional Development - Aust Road Deaths Database

Vale - Mike Hall

Whilst I never had the pleasure of meeting the endurance & ultra distance cyclist, Mike Hall having been glued to my computer monitor for the last couple of weeks, watching a couple of friends compete in the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race I quickly became aware of what an inspirational and friendly guy he was. 

The IPWR is a self-supported bike race from Perth,West Australia to Sydney, New South Wales, being a distance of 5,500KM from end to end, over a defined route.  

It would seem that Mike was someone who thrived on such challenges, having:

• Broke the World circumnavigation record during the 2012 World Cycle Race;
• Set the record in the inaugural Trans AM Bike Race in 2014
• Broke the record for the Tour Divide in 2016;

Unfortunately, however he passed away on Friday morning, having been involved in an accident on the outskirts of Canberra

Mike's untimely passing has had a significant impact on me and I would suggest the vast majority of cyclists here and abroad.

Surly Troll 26" Mountain Bike

Whilst I may potentially be doing my trip through Europe on another bike, given that I do like the look and have heard good stories about the Surly Long Haul Trucker, I have to weigh the costs involved in purchasing one, as opposed to utilising my Surly Troll.... 

I mean I purchased the Troll, being a Hard Tail Mountain Bike with 26" wheels, primarily for The Andes Trail, and as a consequence, it's wheel dimensions may not be entirely appropriate / necessary for a trip through Europe, though it does do the job.... It's just a little slower / harder work, than when dealing with a bike with 'standard" road size wheels. 

That said, I thought I would take the opportunity to show you what the Troll currently looks like, though it would possibly have a few modifications, such as adding mudguards, swapping the front forks to fixed so that I can add panniers, etc.....

A great bike that's given me an appreciation of what riding a Mountain Bike is all about.

The handlebars as seen from when in the saddle.

The Go Pro Hero 3+ Camera on the front which I have used to record certain "rides", etc.

The Cycliq Fly6 Rear Light Camera under the saddle

Being able to shift cameras between bikes is fairly easy, with the rear Fly6 Camera simply requiring me to undo / reattach the velcro strap on the seat post, whilst the Go Pro camera on the front isn't all that much harder. 

I do have to change things around as far as the Go Pro camera set up is concerned if I want to utilise my Ortlieb Handlebar Bag, something which was very handy on the Andes Trail but hasn't seen a great deal of use here in OZ.

Finally in closing, I just thought I'd give you a bit of an update as to the number of kilometres ridden during March (900 kilometres) and the total achieved (1950 kilometres) in the year to date, which gives me an average of 150 per week, since the beginning of the year, something which pleases me no end.

Felt F5 Road Bike

Though I may well be required to purchase a "tourer" for my proposed trip through Europe, depending on whether my other bike, the Surly Troll is something that I deem up to the job or not, this bike, my Felt is in fact the love of my life. 

A bike which has served me well, for coming up to six years, during which time, I have ridden well over 20,000KM, including almost the full length of Italy and had many fantastic days in the sun and rain!

It's probably one of the best investments I've ever made.

The handlebars as seen from when in the saddle.

The Go Pro Hero 3+ Camera on the front which I have used to record certain "rides", etc.

The Cycliq Fly6 Rear Light Camera under the saddle

Hopefully the only time I'll be using the footage from my cameras is to post videos up here, not as court, police or insurance claim, "evidence" as to how a particular incident unfolded....

European Adventure Update No.1

I've a slight confession to make. Whilst part of the reason for contemplating a trip through Europe is to stretch the legs, to visit some countries / places I've yet to explore, to catch up with some old friends and to revisit some cities or sights that I've previously enjoyed, part of it is also with a view to finding somewhere new to settle. 

Whilst I may reside in what is touted as being the "Most Liveable City in the World", I'm not so sure that holds true at present, hence the increasing attraction to the idea of moving to either Sicily (Italy) or Tenerife (Spain), not that either are on my proposed route. 

So what's the appeal with these island destinations, I hear you ask? 

Well! The moderate year round temperature, the more relaxed way of life, the difference in the cost of living relative to Australia, the opportunity to start life "afresh" and perhaps most importantly because of the cohesive / friendly manner in which European motorists interact with cyclists, as opposed to the sometimes aggressive / hostile behaviour that occurs here in Australia.

A European Adventure

I've being doing a bit of research and sketched out a bit of a rough plan for a potential route self-supported ride from Seville, Spain to St Petersburg, Russia, and whilst I haven't necessarily committed myself to it, it is a concept I am very much considering doing. 

I mean I haven't done anything in the way of identifying specific tourist sites or what have you, other than perhaps some of the iconic one's that I already had in mind to (re)visit "one day" anyhow.... 

I've examined what's achievable on a day to day basis, from a cycling perspective, for the the first couple of months or so, which will come to about 5,500 kilometres of riding and 50,000 metres of climbing, but I haven't checked out exists as far as what's available in the way of camping sites or hotels or what have you, on the route between Gibraltar and Berlin.

That'd be way too detailed for my way of traveling.

I mean my intention, if I do undertake this journey, is to do so at a leisurely pace, stopping to enjoy the sites and scenery along the way. Riding faster & further when the mood takes me, yet also having the freedom to also stop for a few days if the atmosphere or vibe of a location strikes a chord.

So what does the route I've plotted so far look like, I hear you ask, well.....

Gibraltar to Pamplona via Lisbon & Porto

Pamplona to Monaco via Toulouse, Avignon & Mont Ventoux 

Monaco to Berlin, via Milan, Passo dello Stelvio, & Innsbruck

Whilst I'm not sure what the logistics of flying into Gibraltar with a bike are, it's ultimately where I'd like to start my journey, rather than Seville, which is just up the road but which I do also know has the facilities to handle people arriving with bike boxes, etc. 

Obviously I am just going to have to do a bit of research. If not in a worst case scenario, I'll "commute" from Seville down to Gibraltar before starting my ride "for real"! Now, why the obsession with Gibraltar, I hear you ask, well:

• It's a "country" that I've not visited previously;
• It's somewhere that should be an easier spot to get over my jet lag, than Seville. I mean it is a fairly long flight from the Australian East Coast to Europe and if I can spend the first couple of days recuperating & getting myself organised before having to adapt to a foreign language the easier it makes things!

Once I do "hit the road" as it were, I am anticipating / planning on riding an average of about 75KM a day for the first month or so....In speaking with a couple of good colleagues Brian & Deb Bennett, who are very keen touring cyclists, it would seem that 100 - 125KM per day is also quite achievable, though that does depend of course on the terrain and the amount of gear being carried, etc.

Ultimately my aim would be to just take it one day at a time. I mean, it's not like I have to be anywhere by a specific date (except maybe St Petersburg for the return flight home to Australia), nor do I have to fit with anyone else's schedule or requirements.....

I'll update the rest of the route details / profile, in due course, though I already have in mind where I'm aiming to go, what the route looks like and so on. I just haven't "plotted" it out, yet!

Tour de Burbs

Having recently returned to Melbourne, and feeling somewhat reminiscent for the good old days, I decided to take a wander down memory lane and do a bit of a tour of the area where I grew up. I mean it is where my love of the bike first began......

Initially when as a young lad, where I did a paper round, for many years (often spending as much time reading the paper as delivering it) and where I also used my bike to get to from A to B, whether that be to friend's places, the tennis courts where I played comps, or what have you....

It's also where I was based when I undertook some of the inaugural Bicycle Victoria organised rides. Rides they put on before the Around the Bay in a Day concept came about, etc... That was of course, till the fateful day I decided to participate in one Bicycle Victoria's first ever "Ride to Work" Days. Sure I managed to get to work I just didn't make it all the way home... 🚲 🚗 .... 🚑

The streets of Camberwell only became my ride training area many years later, when I decided to "try again" and bought myself a new bike, never envisioning of course, that I'd one day find myself riding in overseas, as I've done in Italy and parts of Latin America, or that it would become such an integral part of my life that I'd want to continue riding around the world..... I have to say, it's funny where life takes you at times..... At any rate, the link below will hopefully give you an idea of where it all began....

A Historic Tour de Burbs - Route Map

Oh and just by way of a little update, I managed to fulfill my weekly goal in three out of the four weeks in February, but I didn't get anywhere near doing the 800 KM's I'd been hoping to do, during the month. Ah well, shit happens!

Mt Pleasant Road

I thought I'd have a go at posting some footage that I'd taken using the Go Pro camera that I recently installed on the front of my handlebars underneath my Garmin bike computer.

Whilst I'll probably need / want to tweak the way that the footage is shot over the course of the next couple of months or so, in terms of distance ridden, file size and so on, I figured I had to start somewhere.

Now talking cameras, my Fly 6 Rear Light / Camera arrived in the mail a couple of days ago though I've yet to install it, because doing so means I am going to have to ditch my saddle bag (where I carry my repair kit, spare tube and so on). Once I've sourced a suitable replacement I'll post a photo of my road bike set-up. 

I'm unlikely to ever post footage taking using the rear camera however cause I can't see there being any point. It's looking where I've been, not where I am heading after all....

Getting back to my inaugural camera shoot, essentially a mate and I went for a ride up Mt Pleasant Road in Eltham on Friday. It's part of a route that's often used by the Melbourne cycling community, in order to get from the inner burbs, to the hills in the outer Eastern fringes of Melbourne. I went with a view of taking some video footage and partially so as to get a bit of practice at tackling a bit of a longer climb than I've been riding lately, not that it's a mountain by any means, and partially to see where my fitness was at on a Strava segment that I've ridden numerous times in the last five or six years.

It is coincidentally also a street on which I lived many years ago. In saying that I have to doff my helmet to my parents, particularly my mother, cause I've no idea how they coped without a reliable car all those years ago. It certainly can't have been easy...

Heck, I didn't find it easy and I was on a bike, though admittedly I was pushing it a little. Though not too greatly, as I was keeping a bit of an eye on my heart rate. I mean one does need to be a bit mindful not to do anything stupid when one's already had a heart attack, well at least till he's had a check-up / chat with his cardiologist! 😊 😊 😊