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Blog
Australasian Leg: Ready to go
Arrived in Australia 10 days ago, and have enjoyed a great time in the summer sunshine. Amazingly, entry into the country was a breeze; didn’t even need to take Scotty out of the bike box to clear customs. So much for all the cleaning of the bike prior to flying out. At least the bike is in good(ish) nick for the ride starting tomorrow.
My brother’s wedding went off in great style and we have all enjoyed some truly heart-warming Aussie hospitality. Fishing and hunting trips, a tour of Phillip Island Moto GP circuit, Melbourne sightseeing and New Years Eve Fireworks have been memorable highlights of the trip so far.
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A Tale of Two Tommy’s
Back in Stoke for the Christmas holidays, and it’s a good opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage I’ve been meaning to do for ages; screwed to a brick pillar of a most unattractive building in Stoke-on-Trent, is an unassuming small brass plaque that tells the athletic tale of the (20th) century.
In 1939, Tommy Godwin cycled 75, 065 miles.
No – you didn’t misread that number and no, I haven’t mistyped or misquoted the amount.
Once again: 75, 065 miles – or an absolutely incredible average of 205.66 miles per day.
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“Attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance.” – Plato
Out on the bike again today in preparation for Australia. A 40 mile ride to add to the 2×35 mile rides done last week. Not great distances, but I’m fairly happy that I’ve managed to top up the fitness levels.
Certainly feeling a lot stronger today, despite a fair amount of climbing and less than ideal conditions (Strong winds, and freezing feet!). I even found an alley in Whitstable which seemed to encourage passersbye to lose a few pounds!
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“Over-preparation is the foe of inspiration” – Napoleon Bonaparte
Out on the bike yesterday for some much needed last-minute fitness training. 20 miles into the ride, I suddenly realise that I haven’t got ANY tools with me whatsoever. No tyre levers, no multi-tool, no inner-tube or patches – not even my pump! It’s been a very busy period recently, but to head out on a ride without any kit is inexcusable.
I decide that it’s a bloody long walk home if I puncture, and so head back home fairly sharpish. The excuse to head home early is actually quite welcome as it’s not much fun at all out in the bitterly cold and windy conditions.
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Australasian leg: UPDATE
Ladies and Gents: It’s ON!
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Australasian Leg of the ‘Continental Cycle Climb Challenge’ will commence on the 9th January 2012.
Congratulations to my brother Tom who is getting married early next year. Even more congratulations are due to Tom for living in Australia, and for having the incredible foresight to get married in a town within cycling striking distance of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia!
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