An Easter Escape!

I would have liked a full cycle-tour over Easter, but I was just far too busy with other things (very few of which I actually managed to get done). However, I did manage to get a day clear to do some exploring, so it was up early, on the train to Ipswich and simply riding west. The immediate scenery is a little uninspiring out here, being largely flat and cleared, but a couple of hills between Grandchester and Laidley provided the only excitement between Ipswich and Helidon.

There was one other concern, a couple of bushfires to the north which had somehow gone unnoticed by the rest of the world.

From Helidon (where I got a big wave from an old lady whom I've never even met before) it's the dirt of Seventeen Mile Road. This is actually a problem because it's as sandy as buggery. A couple of times I had lift the bike out of where it had been bogged, and there was a brilliant save at high-speed about 20km into it. In more important terms, the road climbs gradually at first, then kicks up steeply into the mountains toward the end.


Actually, many of the views here are blocked by the vegetation. The road ends at Ravensbourne National Park, which was a slight disappointment. The information in the lead up spoke of rainforest, but it's not exactly a Springbrook or Urliup. Maybe there are just different standards out here. Consequently, I didn't linger long, I headed eastward, toward Esk, which I reached after a 6km descent. The town of Esk is surprisingly pretty, with granite outcrops backing the main street, but for some unaccountable reason, I failed to take a picture (this may be just as well, as I've reached my photobucket limit for free accounts).

After leaving Esk, the chase was on. I wanted to make it back to Ipswich in time for the 7.10pm train to avoid hanging around that place for another hour waiting for the next one. I started slowly as there is a bit of a climb out of Esk and I was re-warming up after the food stop, however, I soon found a rhythm, and powered through the rolling hills southward.

22km from Esk, I calculated that I had 41km left to Ipswich, should be a snack -- except that a sign on the road told me it was actually 46km. That was a psychological blow, as I began to wonder if it was really possible after 200-odd km in the saddle. Then on Cormorant Bay, the wind started blowing against me like crazy. I think it just funnels viciously here, but it was hard to sustain 21km/h.

After getting out of the exposed area, it was time for a climb, I hammered it for no reason other than to make a statement. Then there was a descent into the village of Fernvale. Here I grabbed more water, just in case (it was still quite warm). The sign now said "Ipswich 27", maybe it was on after all. I accelerated again out of the town. 20km to go to Ipswich, I had 57 minutes -- very doable, but I need time in the bank just in case I get a run of red lights.
A sign proclaimed the Ironbark Range (illuminated by my E6 by now). Funny, I hadn't felt any climb. Then I felt it, the road kicked upwards, I attacked it. Stalemate. The hill blinked first, and I was rewarded by a screaming descent back to the Warrego Highway. Here the wind tried again, but by now I had plenty of time. I took the exit, and the descent into Ipswich (totally expected because Ipswich is such a hole).
I'd made it to Ipswich in plenty of time, but there was another problem -- where are the signs telling anybody where the railway station is? I rode around and around the CBD, eventually finding a dead end street that ended at the railway line. Mechanical methods needed, I looked up and down the railway line, saw the station, found a dimly lit pathway (that is, dimly lit for anyone without an E6), and found the station. I had made it.
I nearly fell asleep on the train home, and again on the ride home from Nerang Station. That was weird, I felt sleepy, but for some reason my reaction times (both physical and mental) were exceptionally fast, and they needed to be when playing a bout of 9.45pm "spot the rat-runner". Still it wasn't a problem at all. It was a memorable day over all. One thing I forgot to mention was the guy on the trailbike about 20km into Seventeen Mile Road -- "I've been following your tracks since Helidon, I thought 'Gee that guy must be going' ". If only he knew how far I'd really ridden!

New boat

Hurrying through the Old College quadrangle of the University of Edinburgh today, I came across this rowing boat. As one does. Apparently it's a new boat for the University rowing club, and it was to be 'launched' by former student Katherine Grainger, a silver medallist in rowing in Beijing this summer. Unfortunately I didn't have time to linger and watch the ceremony.
Note the University tartan draped over one of the sharp ends ( I hope my children don't read this - they row in these things for fun (?) at school).

And I presume that boats are exempt from the University's wonderfully capitalised No Parking notice:

Happy Birthday Sugar with A Ramble 'Round Old Miller Creek

We want to paw a big Happy Birfday to our pal, Sugar, who is celebrating her 9th Barkday today! Cheers to you! We've had another busy week, but got to have some fun in and around Miller Creek last weekend! Come along with us, Sugar, for some cool fun!

I don't know why my assistant can't get my photoshows to line up center, but it's still "viewable" - hope you enjoy! Sugar: we feel you are with us in a furry virtual way!

Later at home, we still had energy to burn and had to have some zoomies and crazy faces in the back yard. Note apples on other side of fence? Avalon and I try to escape our summer confines to get at them... they sure are yumzers! Sugar, I know you'd love these fresh apples!

And we always cool down and make up after our adventures!
( Some of you have asked if I am still doing obedience and the answer is... YES! Mom just hasn't had a helper to take pictures of me and her at work! We're progressing pretty well in "Open!") Hope you are having a good week and Sugar, we know you are having a pawesome barkday!

Twelve Swans a Flying

This afternoon I was just thinking about giving up on digging the vegetable beds when I heard a noise in the sky and was treated to the most wonderful sight of twelve swans flying in formation. Typically, I didn't have my camera to hand.





So I have borrowed this image from the internet...

Borrowed Image

... my swans were flying in a much tidier formation, they were breathtakingly beautiful. I decided it was a gift from Mother Nature - a reward for my hard work - I carried on with my digging!

This is part of the vegetable garden, you can see my next digging job, another large vegetable bed which is covered with weeds. The long narrow bed is a newly created one, especially for peas and beans, it is a little over fifty feet long, the vegetable beds are about 15 feet long by 6 or 7 feet wide.

After taking these photos I set to and finished digging the bed to the right of the photo. Mean while, George was busy working to remove roots and hedging so that we can get to work on the site for the polytunnel. More about that next week.





We know how to have fun.

Mist out

Yet another amazing weekend of riding commenced with a quick-fire 120km on Saturday morning. I'm not sure what I was thinking to do this on a few hours' notice the day before a century, but it just seemed like a cool thing to do. Martin and I set off on a deserted Springbrook road for the climb to Salmon's Saddle, in cool, moist morning air left behind by the previous evening's downpour. That climb is an enjoyable one at anytime, but when there is mist hanging around the horizon, the enjoyment factor picks up a little.

The descent into Numinbah valley from this side is literally a screamer. I clocked 79.9km/h at one stage, and yet there was still time to take in the scenery through the gaps in the forest. There are also some areas to explore when I get my new MTB later in the year. Numinbah Valley greeted us with clouds hovering below mountain tops overlooking lush green pastures. Yet the southern end of this valley is arguably the prettiest climb in Southern Queensland, as the mountains close right in leading up to Numinbah Gap, where for a moment, you can be king of the world, or at least the Tweed Valley.



Descending into the Tweed Valley on days like this is an almost surreal experience. It feels more like coming in to land as we pass through the clouds. Shortly after reaching the valley floor, Martin suggested I should climb it again, for no reason other than chatting up a female cycle-tourist who was riding the other way. Unfortunately, chasing someone up a mountain range to start a conversation is a little less than subtle, and I declined the opportunity, even if she was a nice girl.

The ride through the rural Tweed Valley was relatively uneventful. By this stage the mist was rising quickly, even if the sun wasn't making an appearance. The final act was the long grind over Tomewin to return to the Gold Coast (and earn 1,500 metres of climbing in the process). It took me a while to find my rhythm on that climb, but it mattered not, as we were held up by a council gang clearing a landslide. We saw evidence of a few more in the area too. The first decent wet season in seven years has brought floods, landslides and some of the most spectacular riding I've seen in 13 years in this part of the world. Right now it just seems to be getting better and better. Hopefully I'll never find the pinnacle.

Maple Aurora

I have been suffering from Aurora withdrawals again lately, since our last good showing of Northern Lights was over 2 months ago. What can I say? The last year and a half of good solar activity has me spoiled and I want more :-) This one was taken on October 25, along one of the Maple ridges in Grand Portage, MN. It is a favorite spot of mine to photograph the fall colors, but is also a wonderful spot to photograph the trees silhouetted against the night sky once the leaves have fallen.

Trek 69er Demo

Today was the ride I was have been anticipating. The Trek Demo tour make it to Omaha with a 69er dual suspension mountain bike. The Trek 69er has a 26" rear wheel and a 29" front wheel.
I have looking at this bike for several reasons:
1) considering a dual suspension bike - with all the different places I ride
2) the larger front tire rolls over roots, rocks, etc.
3) keeping the 26" rear wheel gives me better acceleration and climbing. (takes a lot to move my weight)
4) I rode enough that I could justify another bike.
The trailer had a medium frame Top Fuel 69er. This was my first test ride of the day. The M frame is a small for me, but I was still impressed with the handling. I was able to climb easily (seemed better climbing than with my Trek 4300). The roots of Swanson Park did not bother me. I exchanged the bike for a large frame hard tail 69er. That is the size I need.
Not ready to purchase a new bike, yet. Maybe when I demo the large frame dual suspension 69er. Oh yeah, need to save some money. The bike is a LOT more $$ than my 4300.
In other news: For me, this was the last Friday Night Mountain Bike Ride for the season. With the time change, I want to ride in the daylight. It was a great season. catch everyone on the other trails (or in the Spring).
On my way home from Swanson, I decided to do a lap (my shortened lap) at Manawa. After all, I had my bike with me. Beautiful day for a bike ride. I know I need to work on some of the more technical aspects of my riding. For now, I am enjoying the riding and I know my non-technical riding is getting better.

Why Canoecopia continues to matter

Mention Canoecopia to midwest paddlers and they fairly glow with pride. The world's largest paddlesport expo happens here--in Madison, Wisconsin, to be precise--every March. Take that, coastal paddlers!

Kelly Blades, P&H Midwest Guy, shows Sharon the new Delphin 150.

Canoecopia is a hybrid trade show and symposium. The expo hall is filled with vendors of boats, paddles, spray decks, clothing, safety gear, tents and other paddling and camping necessities, along with outfitters, schools, publications and more. Meanwhile, there are ten presentationsevery hour for two and a half dayson a wide variety of topics, and the entrance hallway is lined with clubs, nonprofit groups and other organizations.

Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme of Body Boat Blade present "Tow Systems," dispelling many misconceptions about this essential piece of safety gear.

Many people come for the access to an astonishing variety of gear and the 15 percent discount. But to view Canoecopia as a chance to get deals is to miss the point. Rather, we're drawn to Canoeopia every year because it's an opportunity to see and touch all that's new, to hear the latest ideas and learn about the adventures and innovations of the movers and shakers in paddlesport, and to connect or reconnect with friends and contacts throughout the industry.

Nigel Dennis talks to a customer about his SKUK boats.

Here, under one roof, you can have a detailed discussion with Nigel Dennis, owner ofSKUK and designer of its boats; Peter Orton, who designs the Valley line; and Graham Mackereth owner of P&H. You can talk with the top salespeople for paddling gear manufacturers, like Danny Mongno of Werner Paddles, Brian Cooke of Level Sixand Jeff Turner of Kokatat. You can get maps and guidance fromParks Canada, sign up for a course with Wilderness Medical Associates, and talk to the publisher of theRapid Mediamagazines. As Morgan Goldie, sales manager of Northwater, mentioned in an off-hand comment, "If the roof caved in right now, we'd lose the brain trust of paddlesport. It would be devastating for North America."

A wristband-wearing customer tries on a new helmet.

Fortunately, the roof didn't cave in. It was the biggest show yet, measured in traffic and sales, but by midnight on Sunday, Canoecopia had packed up and left. And true to the outdoor ethic of leave-no-trace, the Alliant Energy Center shows no evidence that Canoecopia was ever there.

Swanson River City Shoot Out

A long weekend of mountain bike racing was capped off by Swanson River City Shootout. The photo to the right is the first of the lead-out group of the day.- Marathon. These racers rode laps over the course for more than 4 hours!

The weather started cool and threatening some rain. By the start of the first race, it was comfortable for racing. The sun cam out and the air warmed up causes me to shed my sweatshirt. By the second race was lining up for the start, it was down-right balmy. Thermometer in the car showed 77 when I headed home. Back to the race...

The first race of the day was for the Marathon riders, Juniors, and Category 3. Cat 3 and Juniors races one lap around the course. I hope that I caught ever racer on the course for a photo. I stayed for the first awards podium call.

Was down to the starting line for the second race of the day - Category 1 and Category 2. At the short track race Saturday, I scoped out shooting places not too far from the start line. That lowered my walking time. Shot photos of all of the Cat 2 and Cat 1 racers as they raced their first lap.

By this time, my body had enough. Sucked on a shot blok and slowly walked up to the registration area. Said my good-bye's and headed home. I knew I would miss the kids race and second podium call, but I just could not do any more.

A shout out for Nebraska Lottery for their support of the Psycowpath Mountain Bike Series. Another shout out for Edge Physical Therapy for providing the food at the race. Race results will be available on the Psycowpath web site.

Now, for my shameless plug - my photos of Swanson River City Shoot Out are available on my race and events web site: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Avalon's Turn: My First Victim

About a week ago, Mom put out this piggy. I took to it right away, even though it was my sister's toy. She got it about a month ago in a goody bag for being in a "rescue parade." Then... last night, Mom caught me with the flashbox... exploring Piggy's innards.
I was having so much fun that I didn't even realize Mom was watching me.
Yuppy... I started it all on the floor, where Sammie's investigating my handiwork. Then I heard Mom's voice.
Don't you all think I give a pretty good "hairy eyeball?"
Exhausting work that de-stuffing...

My Bliss-Solitude and a Book

"Everywhere I have sought rest and not found it, except sitting in a corner by myself with a book." Thomas a Kempis

Know What You Want

I found a great article on a blog called Helen Jane. Here's the link:http://helenjane.com/../05/23/know-what-you-want/">
I made a list of what I DON'T want. :
THINGS I DON'T WANT IN MY LIFE
IN GENERAL
1. Negative people and/or people telling me I can't do something
2. Frantic activities
3. No margins
4. Being gone from home too much
5. No time for creativity
6. Being overweight
7. Sickness/Weakness
8. Spending too much time on minutia
9. Spreading myself too thin in time and/or relationships
10. Ungratefulness
What do I WANT in my life? The opposite of the above plus some.

RAINING CATS AND DOGS

The cats are enjoying rich pickings in the stubble field, working hard as per their contract!

Bennie

Sparky having a yawnCats Nap in the Conservatory

In all fairness it was pouring with rain when I took the photographs, and they had both worked hard and notched up a few rodent kills.

The dogs snoozed the morning away too, but as soon as I suggested a walk in the field they perked up. I was thrilled to watch the way they enjoyed themselves, recapturing a little of their lost youth and enthusiasm for life - even Pip, who thinks that a stagger to her feeding bowl is quite enough exercise, thank you.





So, Jonny, all that worry last week when you asked me not to take Pip to the vets (to be put to sleep) before you left was unnecessary. She has perked up yet again and is still having a bit of fun now and then, so don't worry. She's fine.

Toby bounced around until I feared for his paws - he is half labrador, half whippet, and has the delicate little feet of a whippet, which get cut easily. Pip managed to get up to an impressive trot and for half a minute she was almost cantering - she is mainly terrier and has large, all-terrain paws.

It is so chilly that we lit the Rayburn at lunchtime, and now Toby is slumbering in front of it and food-motivated Pip is under the kitchen table.

PipToby

I spent some time working on clearing out my pantrybut I daren't show you the other side of it until I have cleared and tidied it! I also started a sewing project, so the day was not entirely wasted.

George is the only one to have put in a decent day's work - he has painted the architrave of the kitchen/hall door, worked in the wood and the garden and oiled the idigbo front door, which now looks spectacular.

Psycowpath Mountain Bike Series is Off with a Weekend of Racing

Saturday morning, the Psycowpath Mountain Bike Series started the season with Jewell Jam - a time trial helt at Jewell Park in Bellevue, NE. Jewell Jam was the first race of a two stage race. The second stage was the Swanson Short Track Race.

Swanson Short Track was held Saturday afternoon at Swanson Park, also in Bellevue, NE. The course of the Short Track Race was reported to be 0.9 mile in length. This made for a full day of racing!

The photo here, is of Junior (13-15) category racer Jack Ferguson of The Bike Way Racing Team. Jack was the first racer on the course.

Race results are available on the Psycowpath web site.

I attempted to to catch a photo of each racer during both Jewell Jam and Swanson Short Track. Race photos are available a http://win-photo.photoreflect.com. As usual, photos posted on the web site are "proofs". When a order comeoms if for a photo file, I will retrieve the original camera raw file for processing. The processed files will be e-mails to the customer.

Screwed up the focus on many of the photos at Jewell. I had the telephoto zoom lens set on "anual" focus to shoot Eagles at Lake Manawa. Wondered why I was having problems getting a focus lock with the camera. Realized the problem and corrected the error for Swanson Short Track.

Please note that I did NOT stay for the last race of the day - Category 1 Short Track. It was just too much in one day. As it was, I had to suck/chew on a Shot Blok on the walk up tp the start line to ward of a bonk.

Photos of today's Swanson River City Shootout should be posted tomorrow.

Pots of gold

It is said that at the end of a rainbow is a pot of gold, so where is the gold in this shot? After having yet another memorable day at Springbrook today, perhaps the gold has simply assumed another form.

I delayed yesterday's plans to do the 17km Warrie Circuit walk at Springbrook (which would have been closer to 19 after detours) because my ankle was still giving me grief. A day later it was still doing the same thing -- albeit in a slightly less pronounced way. I decided to press ahead anyway, as I had options to back it off if I needed to. I felt strangely flat on the ride up the mountain this morning. My ankle doesn't cause any problems when riding, but there was some bushfire smoke around earlier (note: we still need a lot more rain), and perhaps that had an effect. As it was, the slow ride combined with the later than anticipated start meant that I was starting the walk 45 minutes later than I was hoping. Incidentally, the 'flat' performance continued on the descent much later.

This in itself wasn't the end of the world, but after starting the walk and treading some of the uneven ground, it soon became apparent that my ankle just wasn't up to 17km of this. Fortunately, there is a shorter, 4km option -- the Twin Falls walk. That was doable, and in truth, there were charms on that walk that I hadn't seen for a while anyway. This was the option I chose. Being a Saturday morning there were virtually no people around, and I really felt at piece in a place that I first fell in love with back in 1995.

I actually dreamed of moving here several years ago, I heard about a 10-acre property with a load of fruit trees that was for sale. I was never going to be able to afford it, but in my (then) 20-year-old mind, I had a grand dream of moving to the mountain and just living off fruit trees. That was before I had experienced the bite of the travel bug, and developed a desire to cycle tour in as many parts of the world as possible. One dream was ultimately sacrificed for another, but days like this always remind me of what I first saw in this place all those years ago. I may move on from this part of the world in the next few years, but wherever I go, Springbrook will always occupy a special place in my heart.