Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"Haile" the Emperor - Berlin Marathon

Man this is impressive, and inspiring ... 2:03:59 - New WR!

http://www.universalsports.com/mediaPlayer/media.dbml?&_MODE_=ONDEMAND&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=105677&SPID=13048&DB_OEM_ID=23000&CLIP_ID=140989&CLIP_FILE_ID=145655/

I WILL run a marathon one day. I'd like to go <2:40, but first I must do 1:13-1:15 for the half. My return to running is going to be a big thrust for my riding next year. Let's just see how that one goes:-/

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Sounds of a Lost World



My feet are wrecked! Binna Burra to the heart of Lost World and back in 30hrs. I definitely chose the wrong boots for this hike. Ah well, it was still awesome.

Lost World by day is an adventure. Lost World by night and solo is just plain eerie. Definitely a nav challenge! I only did 3 hours at night, but definitely enjoyed this. I didn't see a single soul off this beaten track, not that I was expecting to at night. Several times I just sat down and watched and listened to everything happening around me. All so busy and full of life! I became hypersensitive to sounds and movement; all the things I miss when fleeting through the forest myself. The breeze and sunlight filtered through the canopy at first light; it was so, so relaxing. I felt like sleeping. Who needs drugs!!! Lost World - I will be back for some more exploration:) ... But after some serious riding. I'm getting itchey feet!



Believe it or not this is the trail.

PS Note to self. Never leave banana bread on kitchen sink before another long hike - doh!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Mt.Barney - Logans Ridge

Mt.Barney is a bloody great hike no matter which route you take. Well you know you've earnt a beer at the end of a day on this summit. Today it would be Logan's Ridge. I've done this one once before with great mates Hank and Tony. Today was solo.


It started hot and only got hotter. At the summit, I saw some very dark clouds moving across from the coast with my very own fireworks display:-/ I didn't think twice about high-tailing down Pheasants Ridge (the normal route) and made it back to the car 2 minutes before the heavens opened with a fury. OMG what a storm. I was flat out dodging sticks falling from gum trees on my way home. 6 o'clock news tonight showed just how close that wierd weather pattern was to creating a tornado, yes a tornado.


Logan's Ridge is a great scramble. You can't really call it a hike. There's very little flat ground. The views are just grand; from Mt.Maroon in the north to Mt.Lindsay off to the southeast.



I saw a rare rock wallaby today, and this yellow spotted monitor.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Quote of the Day

“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas Alva Edison

Monday, September 1, 2008

To boldy go where no bike has gone before ...



Most of my good friends know I've never been one to sit still for too long. Having sinusitis the last few weeks has led to more physical idle time than I care for. I've been forced to withdraw from the Scott 24hr, so what better way to pass the time then to plan my next bike tours. Adventure beckons, and this will be my trusty steed when eventually I get my hands on one.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-pugsley/index.html

http://wildworks.co.nz/csr/home.php

http://www.surlybikes.com/pugsley.html

Have a gander at these links to truly appreciate what sets this amazing bike apart from others. I'm particularly impressed by the Big Dummy and how Surly have made such a significant inroads to challenge people's philosophy on dependence to the car. Two thumbs up Surly!

Stay tuned for some adventure updates:-/