Favourite rides, Melbourne, Australia

There are so many times on so many rides that my concentration is broken, albeit briefly, by the beauty and serenity that surrounds me. Most of the time I think it would be great to show these serene and beautiful nooks and crannies to those close to me. Then, my focus returns to my riding and all the scenery seems to disappear in a world of concentration. Most of the time I forget what I saw and all the thoughts I decided I surely needed to remember but never do. Stopping to take pictures rarely happens because it breaks concentration and can destroy motivation on a ride.  I have read a quote from a pro cyclist, George Hincapie, who, when asked about being able to travel and see the world, he said it’s not like traveling the world because he didn’t remember much else besides the racing, pain, and the back of some guy's butt. Well, I have made a conscious effort to pull over and snap a few shots for all to get a glimpse into a day of my riding life.  Here are three days of my riding life, in a three-part series from three of my favourite rides around Melbourne.

Favourite Rides (1 of 3): Kinglake

About 4.5 hrs ride. Starting from Hawthorn and out through the very punchy hills in Warrandyte, Research, and Kangaroo Grounds. The fixture of the ride comes up next with a spectacular and gradual 15km climb up to the city of Kinglake.

Shrove Tuesday

Otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, the "traditional" pancakes were hot in the running for dinner but we purchased a tub o’ ricotta that needed to be used, which tipped the scales to sweet and savory crepes. I love crepes --and I definitely love pancakes, but breakfast-for-dinner is pushing it for me. Oh, the agony I must endure. I knew I had to take one for the team this time.

The Opera and Twenty20 Cricket: Part 2

The Opera was fabulous. Kat, Jennifer and I packed a small dinner and took the tram down to the Stonnington neighborhood to see “Opera in the park.” And, since there is gelato nearby, only the best gelato in town, we started and finished our journey with this delectable dessert (across from the Lucky Coq). The show featured selections from popular operas like, ‘Non piu andrai’ from The Marriage of Figaro, ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, and ‘Vesti la giubba’ from Pagliacci. All of which I would love to see in full someday, but Pagliacci the most because of the story, which was explained to me, as well as the selection performed, which is so moving.

Twenty20 Cricket and the Opera: Part 1

I just had to see a game of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. This was really exciting as it’s a major landmark, and I quite like the game myself. I missed going to see Australia vs. The World at Sydney Cricket Grounds in 2005, even though I had a ticket. This time I would not be foiled --be it a paper for Uni. or not-- I would not be deterred (the ticket price was decent). Overall, fun to get out and see more of this beautiful city.

St. Valentine's Day Observed...Hightlight of the week!

Thank God for those who believe red roses are a waste, played out, amiss of creativity, and then decide, let’s cook. For those who have experienced what I can do to a pot o’ soft shells, seafood, pasta, curry, steak or any other meal might attest that the way to my heart might just be though my stomach. This year, Valentine's Day was really on Friday because Kat was working at the 24hr flower shop down the road on Sunday. In full, The Menu: the main course was New Orleans inspired crab stuffed tomatoes over a bed of mixed greens and avocado. Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe. There was fried halloumi cheese, spreadable goat cheese and smoked trout pate with crackers plate. The fruit present is a white peach, Ya pear, kiwi, cantaloupe and cherries. To top them, a sweetened yoghurt sauce (like sweetened creme fraiche). Mixed nuts, smoked almonds, green and black olives. And...to finish with a chocolate meringue layered with chocolate creme patisserie dessert! I do believe, I have said enough. Hope all enjoyed their St. Valentines/Singles Awareness Day.  Please to Enjoy! (all the pictures :)

Questionable Visitors

The other night, before heading to bed, we had a small-ish visitor of questionable character.  I took a few pictures of the bugger before I smashed him up.  One can never be too careful in a country where 98% of the creatures can kill you --rough estimate.  The length of this guy's body was at or longer than an inch.  Anyone know what kind it is? I'm interested in knowing the sort of excruciating mortal danger was present.

Good beans and a French press.

The French Press, It’s my new discovery in coffee lore. As a gift for Christmas, I was given this jewel, twice! Once in the States and again in Aussie. What a cup of coffee it makes, especially with a quality bean. Drip coffee, you just got dropped, never to return (ok, maybe when I Really need you).

Up to date...

Hello to all--finally in the now but, as blogs go, forever in the past. Hope I posted enough pics in the last post about my Bendigo trip. It has been a good week of training; although, I have been forced to rest because I am having a little “Spring knee” pain. I will lay off Saturday's intensity ride and shorten a few of my longer hour days as a result. Still, I am in good spirits for a quick recovery and the respite. If all goes well, I will be on track for Tuesday next week.
Overall, this week is turning out to be my most socially active since arriving. Bendigo last weekend and tonight we went to see the Cricket at MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds). A twenty20 match.  Go Aussie! And they won! Saturday night, if I have the energy, will be a free Opera concert.  So much to see and enjoy.  Cheers.

Highlight of the week (25-31 Jan): Bendigo.

Not a bad weekend to get away.  Chinese history, pottery and “Belgian style” training. Why Bendigo? It's way out there in the bush you say. Well, one, we know people, and, two, exactly, get away from the city. Bendigo is about the size of Athens (home of the one and only University of Georgia Bulldogs). Big enough to get government funding and able to support a museum and large botanical garden yet still have the feel of a small town. Nice people, horses, and fairgrounds. (Lots of Pics inside!!)

Week 5: Back to it and Ready to roll!!

My recovery week is over, the girls are back and I’m feeling better than ever.  My body and mind really came around over the rest week weekend. I finalized my workout plan and focused on the next block of training. 

Week 4. Highlight of the week: REST!!

Numero uno: Sleep. It took till Tuesday night before I felt restful sleep. So, so, nice. The weather has been cool during all this week, mid-70F, allowing me to sleep late and then ride. The shorter hours gave me the time and energy to get everyone caught up via the blog and have a little fun. Went to see the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox and make, yes make, butternut squash gnocchi. Mmm, love gnocchi. And, the nutritionals on this dish are fantastic.

Highlight of the week (11-17 Jan).

Being recognized, by my kit, as a Georgian on the Saturday group ride. I’m riding along and out of nowhere I hear, “Hey, are you from Georgia?” A bit of a trip. Turns out this Pro rider used to ride for Jittery Joes and lived in the Atlanta area.

Week 3: A heavy week of training. Heavy on the mind.

Pretty self explanatory. This week was nearly all training. And mentally, the same as physically, it was exhausting. My body and my mind needed a rest just as big to recover.

Weekend getaway to Bendigo (29-31 Jan.).

Few may have noticed that I did not post anything over the weekend.   This is because Kat, Jenn, and I took a trip to Bendigo to get away from the city and hang out with some friends.  There was Chinese history, pottery and a weekend of windy and flat, Belgian style, training...More to come with pics to match.

The Weather...unpredictable: Hottest night on record in over 100 years!

I thought Georgia weather was unpredictable. Our weather man misses things by days and the weather will change drastically from week to week. Well, sorry Georgia, your weather is manic but Melbourne tops my list for wacky weather. There is a saying here that one can experience all four seasons in a day (not always in the right order). It's the truth.

Highlight of the week (4-10 Jan '10 ): Jayco Bay Crits.

Jayco Bay Criterium: Williamstown.  McEwen’s autograph on my green Crumpler bag and a pic with him. Ok, so, I was unsure at first but this guy has won 11 stages and three Green Jerseys (reason why the bag colour is important) competitions in the Tour de France, stages in the Giro, silver at ’02 Worlds, the list goes on…If in Europe, I probably wouldn’t have been able to see him over the crowds. A golden opportunity.  Click the link for more Pictures!!  Click the pic to make it BIG.

Moving on, settling in: A solid second week.

Monday (of the second week): back to BSC Bikes for more tubes and a proper floor pump. I’m tired of trashing $40 worth of tubes in a week.