Changes and Challenges and more, on and off the bike.
Well in Melbourne it’s getting cold, at least by our standards anyway. I feel like a real road warrior riding home on the cold wet nights. Seeing the peloton at the Giro (go Cadel!!) riding over snow-covered mountains has put this into perspective. The heat waves of Summer seem like a distant memory. The change … Read more
Reconnecting with Passion and Preparing the Mind for the Road Ahead.
Back on the bike, in a manner of speaking… Well, it’s Easter. It’s a time of transition as we move into the colder months here in Melbourne. It has been a very quiet month on the blog mainly because I’ve started teaching again, back in Classics and Archaeology at the University of Melbourne. I’m loving it. … Read more
A New Approach
In just over a week I’m riding the first of a series of rides in the Netti Challenge series. First up is the Marysville Lake Mt Challenge. There are a few course options, but my mate who signed me up put us in for the longest one, 160km. Only the long course includes tackling the … Read more
Climbing to Self-Belief
As a young kid I become fascinated by the idea of climbing Everest. In the 80s it was still a very special achievement, before the days of guided climbs and traffic jams on the Hillary Step. If you were privileged enough to be picked to lead a summit attempt you’d be on the mountain only … Read more
Climbing through Self-Doubt.
Here in Australia it’s Summer – the season for the beach, bush fires, and… cycling challenges. Last weekend saw the end of the Tour Down Under, which is held in and around the hills of Adelaide in South Australia and last weekend was the Audax Alpine Challenge. The course had to be moved to Mt … Read more
Reflecting on 2012 and Thinking about Core Goals for 2013 and Beyond
We’re well in to January and this is my first post of the year. So a belated Happy New Year to you, dear reader, wherever you are. Before I get onto to tonight’s post I want to invite you to read the first of a two-part piece I’ve written for the blog of Joanna Aislinn, … Read more
Dreaming of Great Journeys
Inspiration usually comes at unexpected times. Last night I heard about a French couple passing through Melbourne on an epic bike journey. They’re literally riding around the world. They’ve been on the road since 2006. Rather than riding to the clock, they emphasize the quality of the journey, taking in everything along the way. You … Read more
Turning Lead into Gold
Periodically, out of the blue, I question what I’m doing, whether it’s my work, a thesis, or in this case riding. One of these times was last Wednesday night and I was trying to remind myself why I ride. It was odd really, feeling temporarily disconnected. Of course I know it’s good for my body … Read more
Cycling and the Hero’s Journey: The Internal Battle
One of the interesting things about hero stories is that we can actually relate to many of the characters. While we mostly want to relate to the main hero, for obvious reasons, often we find ourselves connecting with the darker figures, ones grappling with or even immersed in their shadow. They also have their own … Read more
New Cycling Challenges.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been hunting for new challenges – on the bike. I’ve begun to ask myself how far can I go? I enjoy riding for its own sake, but I also like having something big to aim for. Until this year I would never have seriously considered even attempting some of the … Read more
