http://betterbiking.co.nz Blog - Better Biking Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:42:26 +1300 en-us http://betterbiking.co.nz/images/rsslogo.jpg http://betterbiking.co.nz 55 60 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section234 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section234 CHRISTMAS CAKE RIDE 2011 HAWKES BAY, NEW ZEALAND. Yes, it has been sometime since I placed fingers to keyboard, there been a number of reasons but I'm safer to say I'm just lazy !! 2011 for me has been both a frustrating and exciting year, the Euroride 2011 being a 3 week adventure and it was absolutely excellent, for those of you that join... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section233 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section233 ISCorp Downer Classic - Wisconsin June 25th 2011 The Professional Men's race went go from the start and never really stopped untill the finish lines chequed flag as they raced around the 1.5km Downer course. James Bird (Nova ISCorp) and Sam Witmitz (Garneau-Club Chaussures-Norton Rose of... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section232 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section232 TOUR DU LAC GRAND PRIX - Wisconsin June 4th 2011 Brett Tivers racing for Garneau-Club Chaussures-Norton Rose of Quebec was again in good form at yesterdays Wisconsin Milk Marketing Boards Tour of America's Dairyland Stage 9. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section231 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section231 GRAND FONDO EDDY MERCKX ITALY (JUNE 12TH 2011) The annual get-together of Eddy Merckx dealers from around the world gathered in a town close to the city of Verona in Italy this year and a Grand Fondo was created to celebrate the occasion. Unknown to myself Eddy Merckx has created a number of Grand Fondo events in a number of countries and cities across Europe, these events also known as Cyclo Sportives. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section230 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section230 TIME TO SAY GOODBYE ... SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Unfortunately all good thingsgotta come to an end,the rides in Calpe prior to the start of the Super Euroride, the days after in Interlaken relaxing and for some a couple of local rides including the Pass of Grosse Schdeidegg to explore and spur of the moment time in Neustadt again to sample this excellent region of Germany. Interlaken was an excellen... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section229 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section229 GROSSE SCHEIDEGG RIDE Interlaken - Grosse Scheidegg - Interlaken 80km 1508m Garmin Report: Ben Earnshaw ... Our last chance to complete this ride a pass called the Grosse Scheidegg(Hors Cat) at almost 2000 meters. This climb stands alongside the ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section228 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section228 DAY 21 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Bex - Aarberg 110km 1652m See Chris (Buzzo) Gollins garmin report for the day ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section227 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section227 DAY 20 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Megeve - Bex 110km 1652m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89821746 Another excellent day on the bike, a 12km decent from the word go, always a plus, weather was being kind to us although coole... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section226 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section226 DAY 18 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Saint Michel de Maurienne - Megeve 130km m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89770145 What a amazing day it was today, sunshine 20 degrees and only a small head wind (well breeze) to contend wit... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section225 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=0#section225 DAY 17 SUPER EURO .... DRIVE 2011 Guillestre - Saint Jean de Maurienne 130km 3600m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89398760 I beleive today's etape (stage) was cancelled due the conditions well beyond the management and there were a number of saddened faces and one can appreicate their reason for the sadness. All from "downunder" had waited for many months for this day but it... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section224 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section224 DAY 16 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Sisteron - Guillestre 115km 1500m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89271563 I am not sure whether all were happy to hear the rain just after 5am this morning but it was mentioned the night bef... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section223 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section223 DAY 15 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Orange - Sisteron 146km 2661m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89007484 Our first legend climb of the French Alpine region, Mont Ventoux and resting place for that other legend Tommy Simpson.... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section222 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section222 DAY 14 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Cap d' Agde - Orange 186km http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88769143 A day of perfect conditions and what are th... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section221 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section221 LADIES BIKE BAGGAGE - SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Never ask a lady what is in her bag particualy a saddle bag that is attached to the rear of a saddle on a road bike. I have over the years seen many different sized saddle bags and must admit I have scoffed a little at the size of these bags but the other day all in our "downunder" group on this years Super Euroride had to swollow our pr... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section220 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section220 DAY 12 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Couiza - Cap d' Agde 155km 1140m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88316370 I mentioned the threat of rain yesterday and after hearing some moisture thru the night all were a little anxious towards today's rid... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section219 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section219 DAY 11 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Puigcerda - Couiza 107km 820m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88123279 Another excellent start to the day, one can get used to this although earlier it was forcasted and viewed from hotel we were in for some... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section218 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section218 DAY 10 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Sort - Puigcerda 140km 3100m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87942680 Just love these days when out the door we go, up the road obtaining perhaps a one kilometer warm-up and straight into a 1... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section217 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section217 DAY 9 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Bagneres du Luchon - Sort 110km http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87729955 If someone had said to me that this was a day that was not that difficult I perhaps would have agreed but in reality today was not an easy day. Fine excellent weather f... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section216 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section216 DAY 8 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Lourdes - Bagneres du Luchon 126km 3258m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87678410 What an incrediable city Loudres is but at the sametime a sad... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section215 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=10#section215 DAY 7 SUPER EURORIDE 2011 Oloron - Lourdes 107km 1374m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87371254 Our first real day of the Pyrenaen Mountain's with legend climbs Col d' Aubisque and Col du Soulor not to forget a climb that... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section214 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section214 DAY ONE SUPER EURORIDE 2011 CALPE - CHIVA Distance: 155km Climbing: 999m Average for the day: 29kph Gusti Zollinger's dream of a three week Euroride tour became a reality today as 56 riders including 17 from Down-Under ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section213 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section213 CALABOGIE ROAD RACE, OTTAWA, CANADA Calaboogie Road Race was held an hour out of Ottawa, Ontario and was a the 1st race of the Ontario Points Series and even though we were ineligible to gain points Louis wanted us 3 international riders to head over to carry on with the form from Battenkill. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section212 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section212 COUNTRY ROAD CYCLE CLASSIC MANAWATU (PALMERSTON NORTH) Peter Latham Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist and former Bissell Pro won the inaugural Country Road Manawatu Cycle Classic on Saturday. After 160kms of intense racing through the magnificent Manawatu countryside t... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section211 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section211 TOUR OF BATTENKILL 2011 CAMBRIDGE, NEW YORK, USAA good day for Louis Gauneau's bike team of Quebec at the 7th Tour of the Battenkill on Sunday. Brett Tivers from New Zealand, racing forGarneau-Club Chaussures-Norton Rose of Quebec, won the Men's Pro race on a excellent day for racing. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section210 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section210 SOME EPIC TRAVELING TO QUEBEC CANADA. After some epic traveling, a week of flying from Melbourne to Auckland then a day later 26 hours of travel to Quebec in Canada arriving to a 1 degree temperature, brisk. I'm based in the small town of St Augustin which is 15km out of Quebec City, are based here with 2 Aussies in a more than pleasant Condo (apartment) ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section209 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section209 FREE PEAKS - THE RIDE OF THE VICTORIAN ALPINE REGION 2011 Date: March 5th, 2011Mt Beauty, Victoria, Australia.Distance: 240.45 km Time: 09:10:15Elevation Gain: 4,515 m http://connect.garmin.com/activity/71488924... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section208 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section208 LOOKING COOL - ON BOARD MUSIC SYSTEMS I will mention MP3 players but let's face it an iPod is the only real cool on-board music system. Now I gotta mention these babies should be illegalwhen engaged with exercise particulay when riding the openroad Iwould recommend against wearing headphones, but since you're going to do it anyway, why would you listen to me, here are a few guidelines. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section207 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section207 LOOKING COOL - THE HELMET Face it, helmets just aren't cool. However, concussions and drooling out the side of your mouth are not cool either, so wear your helmet. But for heaven's sake, take it off when you walk into the cafe shop, are you afraid of slipping and hitting your head on the counter? ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section206 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section206 LOOKING COOL - THE KIT (CLOTHING) Your jersey must match your shorts, which must match your arm warmers, which must match your socks. Under no circumstances should a replica Pro Team kit or a National or World Champion kit be worn unless youactualy earned it. The only acceptable team kit is your ow... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section205 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=20#section205 LOOKING COOL - GROUP RIDE ETIQUETTE There would be a big book with all the rules in the "unwritten" book of cycling etiquette. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that bike racers don't hit their prime until their mid 30's. It takes that long to learn all the rules before you can really concentrate on riding well. With the summer months and group rides aplenty, it's time to take a scientifically-proven but tongue-in-cheek look at look... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section204 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section204 CATERPILLAR UNDERGROUND MINING TOUR OF TASMANIA 2010 Strahan, the southren most town of Tasmania's wild but very beautifull West Coast is the start of the Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania for 2010. Strahan wa... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section203 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section203 LOVE AFFAIR WITH BELGIUM ... RACING. My second race in Belgium confirms my love affair with the place is blooming. Traveling across the border and feeling the change in road surface from the smooth Dutch tarmac to the uneven patchy concrete Belgium road's creates a tingly excitement through my whole body. Yaye bike race here I come. We arrive in B... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section202 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section202 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG DAY 5 South Australian Rohan Dennis (Jayco Skins) defied atrocious weather over the five days of the GMHBA Tour of Geelong to score a clear-cut and well-deserved victory toda... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section201 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section201 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG DAY 4 Adelaide's Rohan Dennis catapulted to outright leadership of the GMHBA Tour of Geelong today after destroying his nearest rival Rhys Pollock in hilly country around the Brisbane Ranges hamlet of Anakie.... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section200 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section200 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG DAY 3 South Australian Rohan Dennis (Team Jayco Skins) claimed his second stage victory in the GMHBA Tour of Geelong today, setting up a potentially-tense struggle with race leader Rhys Pollock over the final 2 day... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section199 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section199 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG DAY 2 Pint-sized Patrick Lane, a product of Australian cycling's highly-successful talent-spotting programme, took an important leap towards an international career today with his first major victory in the third stage of the GMHBA Tour of Geelon... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section198 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section198 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG DAY 1 Albury-based Rhys Pollock, a perennial thereabouts man on the Australian road cycling, claimed his 15-minutes of glory today by seizing leadership of the rain-battered GMHBA Tour of Geelong. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section197 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section197 CHRISTOPH FUHRBACH BREAKS WORLD RECORD Grenzach-Wyhlen (Black Forest) Germany On July24/25 2010 Christoph Fuhrbach of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse/Germany, 39 years old, father of two children, married, broke the offical world record for exceeding the previous world mark of 20,049.9 meters of climbing in one day on a road bike. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section195 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section195 GMHBA TOUR OF GEELONG 2010 The Malaysian national cycling team heads a compact 107-man field to contest the GMHBA Tour of Geelong and Victorian open road championships next week. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section194 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=30#section194 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2010 Patrick Shaw (Virgin Blue RBS Morgan) yesterday recorded the overall victory of the 2010 Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland with out winning a stage, it's called consistent racing. He won by 22 ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section193 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section193 MELBOURNE PRE LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2010. What an excellent opportunity to be back into Melbourne again, this time helping the Plan B Team which is based in Perth (WA) for the 2010 Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland. Have seen the list of starters and an excellent 159 ride... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section192 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section192 DBR JUNIOR & WOMANS TOUR CANBERRA 2010 - DAY 1 RACING A cool but clear start greeted all for the first day of racing but it was rumoured it was not going to last and the rumour was not wrong and as racing started the wind changed direction bringing light rain and a cha... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section191 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section191 CYCLINGNZ DEVELOPEMENT TEAM - DBR JUNIOR & WOMANS TOUR CANBERRA 2010 An early start as is the case manytimes when leaving New Zealand for overseas competition and no different when this is with our across the ditch here in Australia.CyclingNZ again took the oppo... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section190 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section190 INTERLAKEN- BETTER BIKING'S Jd GOES ELECTRIC In the last few days in Interlaken before my return to the green pastures of New Zealand I experienced a new venture and further extended my knowledge of something to do with the bike, this time it was an Pronto ele... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section189 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section189 INTERLAKEN JUNE 2010 PART 2 This being off the bike is a shocker and I am as bored as, cast is to be removed tomorrow and looking forward to the permanent removal. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section188 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section188 INTERLAKEN JUNE 2010 PART 1 Firstly I gotta say I am sorry that there has been no reports while we have been in Interlaken after we completed the Euroride for 2010. Have not come up with why but, a couple of mails asking "why" has... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section187 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section187 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 14 Bex - Aarberg 125km (+ continued ride onto Interlaken) The NZ & Australian group continued on the Interlaken after the completion and awards in... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section186 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section186 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 13 Megeve - Bex (Switzerland) 110km Garmin Report's: Jd - not available, sorry. Our lasrt day in France and our first day into Switzerland although our experience with our first motorists into Switzerland was what we ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section185 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section185 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 12 St Jean de Maurienne - Megeve 118km Garmin Report's: Jd - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34732735 &nbs... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section184 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=40#section184 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 11 La Mure - St Jean de Maurienne 147km Garmin Report's: Jd - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34636810 &nbsp... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section183 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section183 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 10 Sisteron - La Mure 118km Garmin Report's: Ian (Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34512899?sms_ss=email ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section182 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section182 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 9 Orange - Sisteron 152km Garmin Report's: Ian (Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34412234?sms_ss=email ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section181 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section181 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 8 Cap d'Agde - Orange Garmin Report's: Ian (Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34293517?sms_ss=email ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section180 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section180 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 7 Cap d'Agde (REST DAY) Garmin Report's: NA Just take a look at the included photo, this is some place and no wonder why people love living here. Well firstly you just gotta enjoy the warm temperatures and although I like being in a warm climate as one has got older being here in June/July ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section179 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section179 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 6 Argeles-sur-Mer - Cap d'Agde 155km Garmin Report's: Ian (Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34106005?sms_ss=email Jd - ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section178 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section178 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 5 Berga - Argeles-sur-Mer, (France) 165km Garmin Report - Ian (Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33908804?sms_ss=email ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section177 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section177 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 4 Comarruga - Berga 155km Garmin reports Jd - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33831455 Ian (Peach) - http://con... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section176 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section176 EURORIDE 2010 DAY 3 Tortosa - Comarruga 145km Garmin Report Jd - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33724374 Ian (Peach) - ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section175 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section175 EURORIDE 2010 DAY TWO Playa de Canet Tortosa 184km GARMIN REPORT Jd - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33631720 Ian - ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section174 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=50#section174 EURORIDE 2010 DAY ONE Calpe - Playa de Canet 170km GARMIN REPORT (Ian Peach) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33464310?sms_ss=email ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section173 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section173 CALPE PRE EURORIDE 2010 The Kiwi experience of recovery rides after the long flights from New Zealand around Calpe prior to the 2010 Euroride has been a mixed number of days due this year to weather. We cannot blame the eruptions of a certain mountain in Iceland but perhaps a change in natures changing moods, who knows but it is still a pleasure being here enjoying nice roads and the patient drivers. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section172 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section172 ClASICA CIUDAD de TORREDONJIMENO 2010. (150km) What an excellent start to Micheal Torcklers season in Spain for 2010, after a good rest back home in Taranaki he added an incrediable win with the help of his team in the International NZCT Tour of Wellington January this year. Here some words taken directly from the Spanish website that gave a Live Report, it was exciting to view as the night w... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section171 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section171 TOUR OF THAILAND 2010 After a good period of recovery after travelling many airline hours to the first NRS in Tasmania, on to Perth after and then flight's to Indonesia for the 2010 Tour of Thailand it is time to reflect this expe... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section170 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section170 THINGS ALL SWING AROUND IN ROUND A BOUTS. Since my return to Melbourne life has been full of experiences. Crashes (2) out in training, wound infection, not feeling "chipper" and more of life's little niggles. Yep it has been frustrating over the last 5 weeks.Normally at this period of the year it' make hay while the sunshine's (kilometers into legs) for the upcoming season but I did feel a little underdone as the first of the Nati... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section169 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section169 ENGAGE WITH THE TRAFFIC An excellent day on the bike for most of us is pedaling on smooth roads through the contryside with little or no vehicle's in sight. However, the reality of this is that we need to share the roads, on some days it means sharing more than others and this does cause conflict. One of the most useful pieces of advice that I can give for riding in traffic is to engage wit... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section168 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section168 JAYCO CRITERIUM SERIES 2010 - Geelong, Melbourne. Early January Prime Estate Buyers combined with a local Melbourne bike shop TFM (Total Freedom Machine) to enter a team in the 4 day Jayco Criterium Series which is know to be the fastest criterium series in the world with people claiming prior to the start ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section167 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section167 RABOPLUS MENS ELITE ROAD RACE CHRISTCHURCH Michael Vink may have been the man of the day with his 150km break-a-way but Jack Bauer (Wellington) was the winner with Hayden Roulston (Columbia HTC) and Julian Dean (Garmin - Transition) filling the second and third placing of the podium. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section166 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section166 RUSHLEE BUCHANAN TAKES ELITE ROAD RACE FOR 2010 Rushlee Buchanan (Waikato & Bay of Plenty) today won the New Zealand Womens Elite Road Race with an impressive showing of inteligent riding from the front. Buchanan made a move from the main peleton at the 40km mark to bridge across to the first lap att... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section165 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section165 NZ ELITE INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS CHRISTCHURCH Excellent weather presented itself today for the 2010 New Zealand Elite Individual Time Trial Championships in Lincoln just 25km south of Christchurch. As the morning went on the Southerly wind also grew in intensity but the rider who had prepared wel... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section162 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=60#section162 THE JAYCO BAY CRITERIUM CLASSIC SERIES 2010 - GEELONG, VICTORIA Known as the fastest criterium series in the World the 2010 Jayco Bay Criterium Classic will come of age this Saturday January 2, it celebrates 21 years and the fields and racing are not getting any smaller or slower with teams asking to ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section161 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section161 FESTIVE & NEW YEAR SEASON RACING WOMANS TOUR DE FEMME - NELSON, NZ The Tasman region again hosts an abundance of summer road racing, one would almost infer it a feast of cycling,... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section160 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section160 ENGAGE WITH THE TRAFFIC Noticed this artical the other day and the subject of motorist and cyclist is close to my heart as we all try to obtain a share of our roads.This survey was conducted by a Australian Insurance company (Budget Direct) and reported in the Melbourne Newspaper (Herald Suntour). It was good to see that we the cyclists were not the only ones hated on the roads, read on. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section159 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section159 A LOOK BACK - JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 PART TWO Day 3 the team wanted to stamp its authoirty on the bunch and after almost been dropt up the 1st climb out of Warrnambool (getting out of the saddle was not a good option for the knee) I got to work protecting Mitch. With the winds and the nature of the race (we heading for the Victorian Great Ocean Road) was having to constantly move Mitch t... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section158 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section158 A LOOK BACK - JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 PART ONE Was so looking forward to this tour, my last intro into this legend race was back with the BikeNZ team a couple of years back. This time a team of guys with a purpose of doing well (as a team) plus a stage or two podiums. Anyway as we all know it does not always go like that, I was coming into this after the Tou... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section157 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section157 MELBOURNE - WARRNAMBOOL CYCLING CLASSIC 2009 Joel Pearson (Savings & Loans) took an emotional victory in this years Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic, the 114th running of this classic race. Pearson claimed his victory after spending 250 of the 261km's course i... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section156 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section156 PRIME ESTATES BUYERS TEAMS JAYCO HERALS SUN TOUR 2009 What a brillant start to the Prime Estates Buyers team had to their first ever start in this year Jayco Herald Sun Tour, it looks good for the future with ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section155 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section155 JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 DAY 6 Stage 6 Carlton Circuit Race - Lygon Street 4.1km The crowd's lined in their thousands in the Carlton area of Melbourne to witness Bradley Wigginswin this years Jayco Herald Sun ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section154 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section154 JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 DAY 5 Geelong - Individual Time Trial 10km. There is something special about Bradley Wiggins and today he produced and delivered in style he jumping from 3rd overall (GC) where he had a 43 s... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section153 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section153 JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 DAY 4 Anglesea - Barwon Heads 139.7km Further rain greeted the remaining 85 riders to the start line this morning and the temperature had dropped to a cool 10 degrees. With the start being ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section152 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=70#section152 JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 DAY 3 Stage 3 Warrnambool - Apollo Bay 164km Further strong winds together with rain were on the menu for today, but the route of todays stage indicated a following one so some fast racing w... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section151 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section151 JAYCO HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 DAY 2 Stage 2 Colac - Warrnambool 141km Some wild weather played havoc to the remaining 95 riders in todays second stage of the 2009 Jayco Herald Sun Tour with 5 riders being taken to hospit... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section150 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section150 2009 JAYCO HERALDS SUN TOUR DAY 1 Stage 1 Ballarat - Ballarat 149km Fine and sunny conditions prevailed for the start for todays first road stage although we will add there was a strong wind present and this wind was ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section149 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section149 JAYCO - HERALD SUN TOUR 2009 PREVIEW - CRITERIUM BALLARAT 40km As it had promised the openning criterium produced excitment and the 2009 Herald Sun Tour produced this together with a warm sunny racing conditio... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section148 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section148 OVERVIEW TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 Riding on home ground it a huge motivation in Bernard Sulzberger's (Fly V Australia) victory in the 2009 Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania. He enjoyed a 50second lead over Australian Road Champion Peter M... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section147 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section147 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 6 Stage 10 Westbury criterium 52km There were plenty of incentives for the last stage of the 2009 Caterpillar Underground Minning Tour of Tasmania with $200 for every sprint/prime, there also being extra cash on offer for the mo... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section146 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section146 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 5 Stage 8 Launceston - George Town 80.2km At the end of proceddings today it was NSW rider Joseph Lewis who won Stage 8 in this years Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania finish in George Town. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section145 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section145 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 4 Stage 6: Ulverstone 36km (Criterium) Another around the block morning race, excellent weather wise and Fly V dominate the across the line result. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section144 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section144 MILEMASTER ROUND THE MOUNTAIN ROAD RACE 2009 McCAULEY DOES IT AGAIN - SCRATCH GO THROUGH THE FIELD. This year Milemaster Round the Mountain had attracted 59 starters an improvement over previous year. There were good numbers in all grades apart from the B grade where there was just 7 riders and it was a challenging day for this group being sandwitched between the scratch and C grade who both... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section143 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section143 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 3 Stage 5: Smithton - Stanley 116.5km After being very quite for the first couple of days Richard Lang made a bold move to win stage 5 in Stanley today. Lang, 20, from the Sydney was one of four riders who moved away from ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section142 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=80#section142 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 2 STAGE 3 Burnie Criterium 39km A hard criterium was decided by a photo finish, Fly V Australia teammates Jonathon Cantwell and Bernard Sulzberger were separated by a tyre's width (2cm). ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section141 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section141 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009 DAY 1 STAGE 1 Devonport 31.8km (Criterium) The 2009 Caterpillar Underground Minning Tour of Tasmania kicked off with a unique departure - wit... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section140 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section140 TOUR OF TASMANIA 2009. A record field of 142 riders will contest the Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania - a 25% increase on last year advised Tour director John Craven, it's amazing.The tour, to be held from Sept 29 - Oct 4, has attracted 25 teams, with representatio... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section139 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section139 RECOVERY UPDATE MELBOURNE. Well the good form I was having combined with some good luck came to a crashing holt with 2 days to go in the Tour of Gippsland on a fine warm day in Bairnsdale. But I am not going to go over what happened as it has been reported before but here is the news of what happened after .. As soon as I had hit the turf amon... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section138 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section138 WORLD CAR FREE DAY World Car Free day takes place today Tuesday 22 September 2009 but we that ride bikes everyday are no more safer on our roads here in New Zeala... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section137 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section137 TARANAKI ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS - MANAIA 2009 Yesterday the Straford Cycling Club took more than their share of medals across all age groups at the Taranaki Road Championships held in Manaia home of Yarrows Bakery also known as one of the largest supporters of all sports in Taranaki. The racing was completed in excellent sunny clear blue skies with a small breeze that did at times cause some discomfort for some riders caught in positions wr... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section136 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section136 WANGANUI GRAND PRIX 2009 A Grade - 115KM As I have mentioned before Gordon McCauley lived up to his legend status with his win in this years Wanganui Grand Prix. Sponsored by Trek Bicycles and the John Bull Cup on Saturday. The race involved 5 laps of the Oce... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section135 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section135 MICHEAL TORCKLER CHATS FROM SPAIN Racing has been quite for me for awhile now, at the start of July I raced a tour and was just loaded on coke the whole time, was the only way for me to get through I was so tired, while the form was still there and I pulled a good result (4th, and a 3rd in the Time Trial) it wasn't really a good way to do it. The tour before this was the same and again another good result - a 2nd overall and winning the ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section134 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section134 TOUR OF THE MURRAY RIVER 2009 A record 116 riders will contest the Elgas Tour of the Murray River, the biggest line-up since the event became an eight-day in 2007. John Craven Tour event director & promoter said he was very excited with the size and quality of the field for this years Tour of the Murray River, and increase of 41% on 2008. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section133 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section133 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 DAY 5 STAGE 9 Paynesville Criterium 44 km Leigh Howard (Jayco AIS) 19, finished as he started by taking the Paynesville Criterium which was the last stage of this ye... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section131 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=90#section131 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 DAY 4 STAGE 7 Bairnsdale Criterium 33 km Brett Tivers OEX Team Enterprise crashed in this mornings criterium and sustained a broken collarbone, the accident happened on the la... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section130 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section130 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 DAY 3 STAGE 5 Sale Criterium 36 km Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) proved the stronger in the final kick to the line to edge out Leigh Howard race leader and favourite with Tobias Boylan (Dixon Homes) from Bunda... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section129 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section129 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 DAY 2 STAGE 3 Trafalgar Criterium 28.5km Geelong's Leigh Howard maintained his dominance of the Tour of Gippsland today, taking the 30 lap criterium victory ahead of Joel Pear... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section128 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section128 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 DAY 1 STAGE 1 Traralgon - Boolarra 51.5km 143 riders presented themselves to the starter of this years Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland on stage one, with heavy overnight rain and ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section127 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section127 LAKES OIL TOUR OF GIPPSLAND 2009 The 5th Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland has attracted a record field of 143 cyclists from Australia and New Zealand and tour event promoter John Craven said today he was overjoyed by the field... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section126 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section126 WHO EVER SAID THAT SWEETS' WERE NOT GOOD FOR YOU. 2009 MELBOURNE - BALLARAT Brett Tivers (Better Biking NZ) took his first major win since arriving in Australia in the Melbourne-Ballarat Cycling Classic on Saturday. Tivers sprint has improved of late and was just a little too quick in the dash to the finish with highly promising youngster Leigh Howard among those left in his wake. Howard who just recently signed a contract ProTou... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section125 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section125 VICTORIAN 100KM ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 - PORT FAIRY The Victorian seaside town of Port Fairy was the host of the 2009 Victorian 100km Road Champs being held on a 2km (50 laps) circuit with narrow roads that were exposed to the strong winds creating an extra challenge for the field, it also being paramount to stay close to the front. After previous experiences I had made the decision to stay towards the front as moves off the front tend... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section124 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section124 MICHEAL TORCKLER - SPAIN Racing is still going well, did a big tour last week (Bizkaiko Bira), made the first days break which put myself an 5 others 2 mins ahead on GC of everyone and thought to myself here's an excellent start. On the 3rd... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section123 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section123 FROM PUSH-BIKE TO MOTO-BIKE TRAVELS IN EUROPE "Alo" from Lisbon in Portugal. Have been in Portugal for 6 days now after going to Porto first. Porto is famous as the place almost all Port wine come from so could have got a big headache there but instead stayed with the unfortified stuff. Porto didn't have much else going for it in our view, run down, dirty, beggars, drug dealers, suspici... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section122 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section122 SUNSHINE COAST LAST DAY Cafe Board Walk - MooloolabaWeather: There is only one word - excellent, 16 - 23 deg & small breeze. Like most things in life, all excellent times away from home come to an end. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section121 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=100#section121 VUELTA a la MONTANA CENTRAL de ASTURIAS 2009 I have just completed the Vuelta a la Montaña Central de Asturias, which was based in the central mountain region of Asturias, and, as you would expect there were solid climbs with the matching descents to keep things interesting. I was riding for the Paulino Club for this race, my normal team is Azysa but it appears that there is a practice to import riders (this race) to help them win so... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section120 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section120 SUNSHINE COAST, QLD, AUSTRALIA MooloolabaWeather: An excellent start to the day (check photo of sunrise) 12 - 22 degree and little wind. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7528608 A 6.30am start again with early morning group of Sunshine Coast rid... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section119 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section119 PORT DOUGLAS - OUR LAST DAY Weather: Excellent all day and as expected 27deg humidity in the 70's, clear blue skies, and small breeze from south. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7414005 Our last d... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section118 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section118 EURORIDE ALAS VIA BMW RV 1200 (something different) Weather: Cooler than we would like but it beats being in the southern hemisphere. Bonjour to you all ...At the completion of the Euroride with Jd, Clive & Vaughan I caught a bullet train to Frankfurt to meet Linda (my wife, who was flying in from Hong Kong). Flying to Frankfurt from Zurich was an option (about 1hour and $900 poorer) and the train at $400, about 4 hours of travel. St... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section117 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section117 R & R IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Port Douglas, North QueenslandWeather: Excellent all day and as expected 27 (humid) degrees, clear blue skies, and no wind. Garmin Report: 1 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/72266842 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7226815 ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section116 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section116 CAMERON CLOW Sorry but I am the bearer of some sad news, Cameron Clow was earlier today killed while out training on the bike (I believe from early details). Are personally devastated of his accident that has claimed Cam's life and that it has been cut so short. He was in Bahrain in the Middle East and was teaching there with his fiancee Kate, they were to be married soon and he was to attain the age of 30 later this year. Cam was ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section115 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section115 INTERLAKEN DAY 5 Their last day in this postcard country and yep you guessed it another fine sunny and warm day, it is becoming a habit but we are not ever going to complain. Our hosts for our stay here as been the Rugen Park Hotel (B & B) situated just 500m from the Interlaken West rail station, Ursula & Chris are both so very helpfull and there is just nothing that they will not do for you to make your stay an enjoyable one. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section114 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section114 INTERLAKEN DAY 4 Interlaken, Brienz, Merinngen, Brunig Pass, & return to InterlakenDistance: 85kmWeather: Excellent day all day, clear blue skies, light winds, 18 - 27 Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6475257 Another excellent start to the day, as mentioned above there were clear blue skies, a light breeze an... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section113 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section113 INTERLAKEN DAY 3 Interlaken, Brienz, Merinngen, Geisshotz, Grinderwald, InterlakenDistance: 85kmWeather: Sunny and mild day, 15 - 24 Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6432867 Today was climbing legs day again and after yesterdays little day in the saddlle this ride is not for the waek at heart as it invloves ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section112 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section112 INTERLAKEN DAY 1 & 2 Interlaken, Aeschi, Speiz, Thun, Steffisburg, Goldwil, Sigriswil, Beatenberg, InterlakenDistance: 77kmWeather: Overcast majority of day, later sunny and warm, 18 - 23 Garmin Report:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6394679 DAY 1 We have enjoyed a days rest and infact we did not even go to the garage... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section111 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=110#section111 EURORIDE DAY 14 Bex > AarbergDistance: 125kmWeather: Although overcast at the start the skies cleared and we enjoyed blue skies, 18 - 23deg. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6355029 The 2009 Euroride finished today in Aaberg with all who had entered finishing. The last day started in overcast conditions, what we would call fresh but as the d... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section110 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section110 EURORIDE DAY 13 Megeve > Bex (Switzerland)Distance: 115kmWeather: It was just and excellent day, bluie clear skies wherever you looked, 18 - 26 degrees. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6265925 The weathwer has continued so good and today was no acception as it was just an amazing day here on the Euroride, clear blue skies, lit... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section109 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section109 EURORIDE DAY 12 St Jean de Maurienne > MegeveDistance: 134kmWeather: Started out sunny and stayed that way, an excellent day again, 18 - 30 degrees. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/page/activity/activity.faces?activityId=6228485&am... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section108 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section108 EURORIDE DAY 11 La Mure > St Jean de MaurienneDistance: 143kmWeather: Started out sunny out sunny but cool start, 6 - 21 degrees. Garmin Report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6189129 Today was the Queen of days on the Euroride, first the Col d'Ornon, then Alps d'Heuz, Col du Glandon and to end the day of all days in the sadd... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section107 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section107 EURORIDE DAY 10 Sisteron > La MureDistance: 125kmWeather: Started out sunny and 21, but by half distance the temperature had fallen to 18 with some light showers, ride ended with sinshine again and warmer. Garmin Report: OK so upgrade at Garmin complete .. see report. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6189800 Wow, what a t... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section106 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section106 EURORIDE DAY 9 Orange > Sisteron (via Mont Ventoux) Distance: 149kmWeather: again warm, absolute clear blue skies, temps 26 - 34 View Garmin report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6127669 Mont Ventoux was on the menu today and what a monster this climb is, the 2009 Tour de France has incorporated this climb with mountain top finish with only 2 days from finish ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section105 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section105 EURORIDE DAY 8 Cap d'Agde > Orange Distance: 197.7km Weather: clear skies, small breeze biut warm at the start and even warmer later, it was a hot day on the bike. 24 - 40 degrees. View Garmin report: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6105606 Here I am in Bryan's group for the Euroride 2009. The little B... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section104 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section104 GUSTI' ZOLLINGER'S BIRTHDAY Cap d'Agde, France Well Gusti another year has passed and you have reached the age of 65. It is hard to believe that you are this age, you are someone we admire and respect and we are most fortunate to be able to share the Euroride each year with you. We... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section103 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section103 EURORIDE DAY 7 - REST DAY Cap d'Agde Weather: overcast morning, sunshine and plenty of arvo, a good sea breeze, 24 - 30deg Nice to have a day off the bike and apart from a good clean of the bikes complete with good going over gearing, brakes and some lubrication on all moving parts we leave the bike to it's resting place at the hotel. Other items that have been covered today are washing, catching up with family back in NZ or here in Europe.... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section102 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section102 EURORIDE DAY 6 Argeles-sur-Mer > Cap d'Agde 155km Weather: overcast with a perhaps sunshine later in the day, 21 - 27 Check link for days ride via Garmin Connect: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/5920254 First morning in the land of the bagete or if that was not ovious France. The morning started with the wakening sound of the she... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section101 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=120#section101 EURORIDE DAY 5 Berga > Argeles-sur-Mer Distance: 164.87km Weather: sunny to overcast, 18 - 21deg. Check link for days ride via Garmin Connect:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/5863122 Today our start was with overcast to sunny conditions, a little different to the last well infact since our start in Calpe where we have had ex... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section100 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section100 CICLISTA a CATALUNYA 2009 While the Euroride travels through this area of Catalunya, two years ago we passed the actual stage finish and on our ride earlier we were in a town that had supported a sprint in the Points Classification of the Tour. It was with some surprise that after arriving here into Berga... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section99 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section99 EURORIDE DAY 4 Comarrugo > Berga 157.26kmWeather: Sunny going to be warm (we think) and we not wrong, clear blue skies, small breeze, temperatures 24 – 36deg Check link for days ride via Garmin Connect:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/5794291 ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section98 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section98 EURORIDE DAY 3 Tortosa > Comarrugo 145km Weather: Sunny, warm, little wind and clear blue skies no matter where you looked. 24 - 32deg. This years Euroride has certainly placed some excellent weather and together with some warm conditions the enjoyment of tours such as this are even greater. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section97 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section97 EURORIDE DAY 2 Playa de Canet > Tortosa 180km Weather: Sunny, warm with slight side wind, 24 - 30deg. This years Euroride has certainly turned the weather on after last years very wet conditions, although we only on the 2 day there is no comparision with last year. We leave Playa de Canet with complete group and this remains so until we have completed the first 30km, now we split into our separate group depaending on the spee... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section96 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section96 EURORIDE DAY 1 Calpe > Playa de Canet 170km Weather: sunny, warm, small breeze off the sea, 24 - 29deg (nice) What a start to the day, it was 7am, a clear sky, no wind & the sun had just appearing as if was emerging from the sea .. what a sight, our Euroride for 2009 was about to start in 2 hours. There was a buzz at breakie as we all consumed what we needed for the opening day of 170km. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section95 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section95 OUR LAST OUTING IN CALPE, SPAIN. What a start to the day it was, watched in amazment as the sun rose to greet all that were up at this time, added not a breath of wind, it was going to be another excellent day here in Calpe. The weather-man told me it was going to be 24 - 26deg but one of the Clive's computer informed us later that we had a high of 29. Not too many were up for a ride this morning as the Euroride starts tomorrow and with 1... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section94 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section94 CALPE , SPAIN. Another excellent day here in Calpe and as I mentioned yesterday a ride in a different direction together another selection of climbs and of course that more than important cafe halt that is always a priority at sometime during the ride. Will not go into detail of where we travelled today but will attach a link for you to view via our new toy ... that being a Garmin 705 GPS unit, a smart little toy is is too. Unfortunately the heart rate will n... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section93 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section93 EURORIDE PRE TOUR RIDE - CALPE Here a couple of photo's taken today out on our first ride, nothing like smacking it straight after 31 hours flying but we went with the group and it ended at 170km's later but good chance to sort anything that was wrong with the bike. What excellent countryside it is here, apart from the expanse of rolling hills that come and go, there are so many small villages tucked away but it makes the distance and time spent go very quickl... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section92 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section92 EURORIDE 2009 After the expected 31 hours of flying to our start for this years Euroride we were somewhat in antisipation towards the arrival of our luggage as in the past there has always been an iitem of importance missing but this year all was good and releif was much seen on my face after viewing all items present & correct with no damaged. Barry Ulyatt former Commeanwealth Games (1974 Christchurch Road Race) had arrived the day earlier ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section91 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=130#section91 PHILLIP ISLAND CYCLING GRAND PRIX - Victoria, Australia. The 2009 edition of the Phillip Island Cycling Grand Prix smashed attendance records with 192 presenting themselves to the starter in the A Grade & Teams event and what racing these numbers produced over 25 laps of the 4.45km (112km) motor racing circuit. In fact I believe there were more than the offical numbers of laps so the riders were not the only people that were excited! As the race prog... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section90 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section90 NAVARRA, SPAIN (2) And the next day ... Was a local event, 120km generally flat but we were advised (management) that there was a steep 3km rise and this to be done twice.First lap for me was to just watch and see what happen but hey you cannot always be correct in race judgments as on the first descent of the climb many became hesitant as it was wet, not a problem with that but it placed me back into a third group on the road and I became... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section86 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section86 NAVARRA, SPAIN NAVARRA & MY FIRST TUMBLE Today's race was closer to home, 110km and a U23 only so "just" a little easier. With my first races management had decided to curb my enthusiasm somewhat and was told to "take it easy and wait for later in the race" but I still had a go soon after the gun but everyone wanted to be there so it was never going to happen. At the halfway Café point the road suddenly became a little rugged a... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section84 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section84 TOUR OF CHONGMING ISLAND 2009 STAGE 4 CHONBEI DISTANCE: 74.2KM AVG: 40.144KPH Today was final stage and we were soon to see if the MB Cycles Team could hold off the other teams that were still in contention, infact there were 14 riders just 31 seconds apart and a further 41 riders another 45 seconds back so the race for the ownership of this years Tour of Chongming Island for 2009 was definately not over. Equipe Nurnber... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section83 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section83 TOUR OF CHONGMING ISLAND, SHANGHAI CHINA STAGE 3 CHONGDONG DISTANCE: 122KM With heavy rain overnight together with strong winds all were just a little apprehensive as to what the next days racing had in store. The day dawned with still a number of light showers but by race start time the rain had eased but the wind was going to be quite a hazard for the field when it reached the southern region of the Island where it is very exposed.As... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section82 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section82 STAGE 2 CHONGMING TOWN - CHONGXI - CHONGMING TOWN. Stage 2 started with an immediate attack from the New Zealand team, it is a quite clear that the big players in this tour wish to have bunch finishes and are setting the pace at the front to control and beneifit from the additional time bonuses at each sprint on each stage for the Sprint Point Series. MB Cycles (Australia), Equipe Nurnberger (Germany) & Giant Pro Team (China) are teams that a... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section81 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section81 TOUR OF CHONGMING ISLAND 2009 - SHANGHAI CHINA STAGE 1 - CIRCUIT RACE (CHONGMING TOWN) Today the 2009 Tour of Chongming Island began with a circuit race in the streets of Chongming town. There were 16 laps of this circuit each lap being a distance of 4.9km, the roads here in Chongming town are very wide which allowed fast cornering and the riders experienced no problems with the lack of space for each rider. As expected the start was q... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section80 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section80 TOUR OF CHONGMING ISLAND 2009 - SHANGHAI CHINA BRIDIE O'DONNELL TOO STRONG IN INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL UCI 1.1 Bridie O'Donnell (MB Cycles) gave notice today that she was indeed ready towards over-all victory for the 2009 Tour of Chongming Island. She completed the 20km course in 28:26.1 for the 20km course, and average of 42.2kph, an excellent and impressive effort on a course that had and was expossed to wind. ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section78 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section78 CHONGMING ISLAND WOMEN INTERNATIONAL UCI 1.1 ITT 4 APRIL 2009 DISTANCE: 20KM STARTERS: 41 RESULTS: PLACING NAME TEAM TIME DIFF AVG KPH ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section77 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section77 BRIGHT, VICTORIA, TRAINING CAMP Easter weekend and what better opportunity is there to head north of Melbourne towards Bright, the serious hill climbing area of Victoria. We were going to base ourselves on the summit of Falls Creek, which meant that we had a 30k climb to finish off each day. With a late departure from home it was another late arrival, well at 1.30am I kinda think is late. Friday dawned and decided to do an easier ride, basical... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section76 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=140#section76 2009 WOMENS TOUR CHONGMING ISLAND - SHANGHAI, CHINA Chongming Island has had a history of 1300 years and is situated at the junction and meeting place of the Yangzee River and the East China Sea, just south of the Island is the city of Shanghai of which there is a very close association. To the north is the province of Jiangsu and Qidong city. The Island of Chongming is today an important place towards the future and is known as the eco - friendly Chong... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section74 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section74 BETTER BIKING UPDATED WEBSITE 2009 Well we are all sorted apart from the Australian Tour & our Gallery. The Gallery will be loaded in the next day so take a look and hope it inspires you to make that holiday on the bike or at least get out on it to improve your fitness & well-being. Hope you enjoy what we have done and feel free to dr... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section73 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section73 WORLD TRIATHLON FESTIVAL AGE GROUP RACE - NEW PLYMOUTH 2009 Although down on numbers comparred to 2008 due to the World Triathlon Festival not being awarded World Cup status but efforts, results and weather made up for any loss of naming status. &... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section72 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section72 NEWS FROM SPAIN Well this year will see me living and racing in Spain, are part of a amateur team that races mostly in the north of Spain but, at times we venture across the whole country plus in France from time to time. The city I am living in is Pamplona, famous for the "running of the bulls" and to-date it seems to be a very nice little city with plenty to see and some excellent training grounds. I share an apartment with a Polish rider for now... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section71 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section71 DOCHERTY & SWEETMAN ITU TRIATHLON CONTINENTAL CUP - NEW PLYMOUTH 2009 Taranaki turned on its Sunday best for the finale to the Port Taranaki World Tri Festival with the ITU Continental Cup races held in New Plymouth today, but infact the city was able to produce excellent weather across the weekend which had the National Weetbix Kids and Nartional Age Group Triathlon Events. In the Women's race Sweetland confirmed her great form after her second World Cup ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section70 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section70 TEAM ENTERPRISE CYCLING TEAM 2009 Received some excellent news the other day ... been selected to be part of Team Enterprise Cycling Team. The Enterprise team is heading over for the Austrlian Winter National Road Season with the majority of the racing wihin the Victorian state but we will be venturing into the State of NSW and also Tasmania befo... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section69 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section69 OCEANIA GAMES AUSTRALIA 2009 - GEELONG, VICTORIA The Oceania Games were held in Geelong Victoria. The 1st day of racing consisted of a 40km ITT with course that would best dicribe as challenging, 2 x 20km out and back on big chip road (thought I was back in Taranaki) then there was the block headwind which placed all in the "red" zone from go, but hey it is the same for all huh. Brett Tivers pulled the lucky number of "one" for the start which meant I chase the wind bu... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section42 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section42 SUPPORT CRIT's @ HERALD SUN TOUR FINALE Saturday, October 18, 2008 On the final day of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour there was a team's support criterium before the big boys came out to play. With 95 starters and the commentators commenting on the fact that a number of us in the field would be quite capable of being in the Sun Tour itself I knew I was in for a hectic time. With riders taking a short cut on the 1 lap warm up to get on the front... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section41 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section41 HERALD SUNTOUR SUPPORT CRITERIUM TRARALGON Sunday, October 12, 2008 Caught the train (my current means of transport getting to races) to a small town of Traralgon where the start of the 2008 Herald Sun Tour. A support criterium was held prior to the Tour's field criterium which kicked off their proceedings for the week, the support event being held as a team's race with a small but good quality field. Looking at the teams assembled and then mine I realized my best chanc... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section40 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section40 CRITERIUM SEASON OPENS IN MELBOURNE Sunday, October 5, 2008 Today was the start of the criterium season here in Melbourne and it started with the Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Clubs Bouwmeester Wheels Criterium Series for 2008. Criterium's and Kermeese's are big here at this time of the year - hey the summer has started, it also informs me that the Oz pros are back and are here to show who is boss (well sometimes) amongst the local guns who this year did not get the cha... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section39 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=150#section39 MIDLAND TOUR VICTORIA AUSTRALIA Saturday, September 20, 2008 Once again a ever increasing sign of the way racing is going here in Australia a local regional race was held under the banner of a "teams race" where more money was to be made on how the top 3 riders of the team went rather than overall individual victory. The Carnegie Caulfied asked me to ride for their team and we created a simple but effective game plan of making sure there was always 1 rider in each move. Th... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section38 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section38 MORE NEWS MELBOURNE Sunday, September 14, 2008 280KM MAYHEM With the longest one day Classic in the world Melbourne to Warrnambool (299km) fast approaching Victorian's well recognised cyclist Rob Crowe (Crowey) held his infamous 280km ride from South Melbourne to Inverloch and back taking us through the back country roads that included the nice climbs through Lang Lang.So hey I thought nice way to get some of the k's in for the week within 1 day ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section30 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section30 RIDERS HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS Thursday, August 28, 2008 Well many of you will now have found out about both Michael's & Gabi's falls and can inform you all that they both are on the mend. For Gabi it has been along road back and excellent to see she is on the bike again and being her ever so positive self. Mike good to see you back racing there in France and that you are hoping for your selection for the Worlds ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section29 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section29 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2008 Friday, August 15, 2008 The 2nd of the national road series was held over 3 days in the Victorian town of Ballarat.The 1st day was a time trial held on the national time trial course and gave me an opportunity to finally get to race my EMC2 Fluide (TT) bike. The course varied with false flats, dodgy railway crossings which caused you to be cautious, result for the day's a solid hit - 21st placing and a not too bad 54:42. The followi... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section28 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section28 (CHICK) KEITH CHARLES RATTEN Friday, August 8, 2008 Just where do you start with this "larger than life" character of Keith Charles (Chick) Ratten. This story could be a long one but he would not have liked it that way so I promise Chick it wont, there will be just a few comments and of course some photo's, these will tell the... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section27 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section27 IN MEMORY OF ANDREW ORPIN Saturday, August 2, 2008 It is with much sadness that I write to inform the passing of a young member of our group, Andrew Orpin was an avid supporter of the Vision 36 Cycle Group as is his father Bill. Bill introduced Andrew to the idea of the group some two years ago and he was an immediate supporter and with out his help our trailer would not be on the road being used to transport the bikes and all the gear that goes with the group... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section26 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section26 TOUR OF GIPPSLAND - PART 2 Friday, August 1, 2008 Day 3Dargo to Lindenow was the morning stage of day 3 and was quite a demanding course with a 3km climb 1km into the race which split the field straight away. Thankfully I had some climbing legs plus the bunch took the climb at a solid but steady tempo. One rider went solo early and stayed away for most of the race. The constant climbs were attacked but I managed to stay up the front and alert to these attacks which k... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section25 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section25 TOUR OF GIPPSLAND - PART 1 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 The 1st tour of the National Road Series was held in the region of Gippsland which is still in the state of Victoria. This tour has been known for its bad weather and the extended forecast was keeping the tradition alive. The tour consisted of 8 stages over 5 days with the tour based around team racing and I was put into a composite team which had 2 Drapac Porsche riders so we were called...Drapac Porche! ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section24 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section24 METROPOLITAIN ROAD CHAMPS - VICTORIA, MELBOURNE. Saturday, May 17, 2008 On Saturday the 17th May Metropolitan Road Champs were held on a pretty ordinary day - temperatures were in single digits and getting hailed on during the warm up I thought that I must be back at the Tour of Southland! With most of Victoria's riders pulling the pin on the race we had only 13 starters for the elite men, so our race started and most of us were keen to just ride a good tempo for the... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section23 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section23 PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX - VICTORIA Saturday, May 10, 2008 On Saturday 10th May there was a team's race held at the Phillip Island Motor Cycle Grand Prix track and currently one of the venues for the Superbike & Moto GP's that are series held around the World each year to detirmine the World Champions. Anyway back to the slightly slower two wheel ers - the race consisted of 21 laps of a 3.5km and the best of Victorian cycling was there to attempt to take out a p... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section22 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=160#section22 LANG LANG, VICTORIA, OZ Sunday, April 27, 2008 On Sunday the 27th April was a race that has been renamed in the honour of Darren McDonald who was a former Australian Road Cyclist from the area who died in a car crash last year.The race was held over 2 laps with a total of 145km, with a undulating nature course it was also a teams race the big hitters Drapac Porsche and VIS turned up. This week I had been included in the A Carnegie team and I was looking forward to m... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section21 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section21 MELBOURNE FESTIVAL OF SPORT Sunday, April 20, 2008 ALBERT PARK - MELBOURNE On Sunday the 20th of April there were a number of events held on the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne. There was the Victorian Teams Time Trial Champs, GP Time Trial Challenge, then in the afternoon 4 kermesse races with the finale being the Teams Kermesse held on a 3km hot dog circuit for 50min + 3 laps. I was to be part of a 2nd Carnegie Caulfield Club Team in... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section20 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section20 TRAINING CAMP VENUE BRIGHT, AUST. Thursday, April 17, 2008 Friday 11th April - Bright > Falls Creek > Bright 130kmThis ride we had been looking forward to for some-time, Brett although not here this day had mentioned how long it was, a 32 km climb is a decent rise is it not and altitude at summit 1700m. After Cafe stop we set off to the summit, this climb was an excellent check-out as to how one was going as all in the group were in the last preparation towards ... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section19 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section19 MIXED WEEKEND OF ACTIVITIES Sunday, March 30, 2008 For the Torckler family it was a big weekend, not only were they celebrating one 50th Birthday for Brohn but Michael's 21st was looming so a joint party with a fine gathering of family and their sporting mates now referred to their second family. Nice to meet all Uncles and Aunts that we have never meet but have heard heaps about and as per the normal with anything that has to do with sporting people, bike-riders and triathl... http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section17 http://betterbiking.co.nz/index.php?menuid=2&s=170#section17 FRIENDS FROM THE PAST Saturday, March 22, 2008 It was indeed a very pleasant surprise to receive a phone-call last week from someone from the past especially from folk that have been a major influence on your bike riding career, someone once told me (my Grandfather I think, he was a wise person) that if you can count on one hand 5 names of people that you can trust then you are a lucky person. Ron and Aileen (Gyles) always make it "a must do" to meet both Tony and hi...