tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593157421252283282024-03-13T16:08:50.500+11:00Get on your bike!The goal is cycling in France. A blog might just get me on my bike.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-35588386192493740722011-01-01T22:35:00.000+11:002011-01-01T22:35:56.603+11:00A new year, a new adventure, a new blogNo surprises if I say it was a year of highs - that once in a lifetime trip to France, <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuaaJA7gxDUHsSwWHOH7-CHI749RhaLpWqPKiFq-e-k_-pLoOyPZ4d271soVSjIpLlbLVei1oL_K0_4BN2O0L5Qz3LZUVxik7K12WBuPttahoVWJtY17mfjBKQ3JB0XHcnxaq5pyGpdI/s1600/France+June+July+2010+385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuaaJA7gxDUHsSwWHOH7-CHI749RhaLpWqPKiFq-e-k_-pLoOyPZ4d271soVSjIpLlbLVei1oL_K0_4BN2O0L5Qz3LZUVxik7K12WBuPttahoVWJtY17mfjBKQ3JB0XHcnxaq5pyGpdI/s320/France+June+July+2010+385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3q_DJQwQOc97FdXzu8FUbWBHzKQXfbO_htwfrgIfdRje9I6gx5smR4GqCppRUJn0rY8bsN12i3dYguG8zVzK7Aomjrrug3sASEhbFEI0Lxu13ixSv7KA9_g91aUnE2rclJPguQcCd00/s1600/France+June+July+2010+447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3q_DJQwQOc97FdXzu8FUbWBHzKQXfbO_htwfrgIfdRje9I6gx5smR4GqCppRUJn0rY8bsN12i3dYguG8zVzK7Aomjrrug3sASEhbFEI0Lxu13ixSv7KA9_g91aUnE2rclJPguQcCd00/s320/France+June+July+2010+447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>and <br />
low, low, lows -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeEKqCGMnCQzxoUbwlngJoHCtWTeB6ykMOzLhwydE1mzEncUfI7tw1dOzHS-rEOCfxPXS1bLdwS0UR-kMHnC-IMGcZDjWOr_dPDXXWgXvVvpBtDM3NBdiRJvA8rrj4oZb9xzBegzKQv0/s1600/IMG_4043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeEKqCGMnCQzxoUbwlngJoHCtWTeB6ykMOzLhwydE1mzEncUfI7tw1dOzHS-rEOCfxPXS1bLdwS0UR-kMHnC-IMGcZDjWOr_dPDXXWgXvVvpBtDM3NBdiRJvA8rrj4oZb9xzBegzKQv0/s320/IMG_4043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Sunday, 15th August to be precise.<br />
<br />
Although THE Coach and I are not back on the bikes, there are plans for another overseas holiday adventure. This time we'll swap cycling shorts and helmets for sturdy walking boots.<br />
<br />
A new year, a new holiday to plan, so it's time to say farewell to cyclinginfrance and hello <a href="http://www.trampinginnz.blogspot.com/">http://www.trampinginnz.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Hope you'll join me there.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-26011793640054195232010-08-08T18:57:00.000+10:002010-08-08T18:57:01.966+10:00Feeling flat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDxWIohm2EoWie3XxCGj3bFezcJiG-08BdZJuC6whzwNNGciPjRQvQl-GLmxYfaeGFG6m1p6m8oWfFzOTLvlybPgZoYKMjBfGBYZPDx0mqzitQlrVai80hCdG_AyvbjhuP_ZTHK956VM/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDxWIohm2EoWie3XxCGj3bFezcJiG-08BdZJuC6whzwNNGciPjRQvQl-GLmxYfaeGFG6m1p6m8oWfFzOTLvlybPgZoYKMjBfGBYZPDx0mqzitQlrVai80hCdG_AyvbjhuP_ZTHK956VM/s320/IMG_3968.JPG" /></a></div> Over the past two weeks THE Coach has mentioned that I've seemed 'a bit flat' and I've had to agree. He's perceptive; THE Coach. After such a great holiday I've found it difficult to get back into the swing of things, especially riding in the city. I need a project to work on - a holiday project. So I've been spending evenings searching the internet looking for an answer to the crucial question -<br />
"Where to next?"<br />
All cycling suggestions welcome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBoCa2GVh1tGYzCawE9nwFcdHBLFUG266VfcENPx1vn8X2MetQtV-Ivq5twze57jIy-T7wieqEn2od8KG2Vo73WCj1-6oMp7JpgQdSOclp9PcAbPj_Zn7Cgql11VzKfldHvbyDQ3oCf8/s1600/IMG_3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBoCa2GVh1tGYzCawE9nwFcdHBLFUG266VfcENPx1vn8X2MetQtV-Ivq5twze57jIy-T7wieqEn2od8KG2Vo73WCj1-6oMp7JpgQdSOclp9PcAbPj_Zn7Cgql11VzKfldHvbyDQ3oCf8/s320/IMG_3975.JPG" /></a></div> A little cooler today so we went for a late ride to Silverwater. It was beautiful cycling weather with many people out on their bikes around Homebush. After cycling round the Armoury THE Coach cycled back to take some shots of the magnificent wattles in bloom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFZSYr6rDkQaVTFweNIRG9-bbRpe-o7lk6psF05D4OFrkg9QKUJXmBwAut400tJsAj4pwIZ6B5SFha0CeWkcdVqnV8bk2q49JjHk4hEzZ5TyHwXa-cKe-0BY9-S93ftdlW4OziNSEbTk/s1600/IMG_3986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFZSYr6rDkQaVTFweNIRG9-bbRpe-o7lk6psF05D4OFrkg9QKUJXmBwAut400tJsAj4pwIZ6B5SFha0CeWkcdVqnV8bk2q49JjHk4hEzZ5TyHwXa-cKe-0BY9-S93ftdlW4OziNSEbTk/s320/IMG_3986.JPG" /></a></div>I pedaled on without him. Although I've not been for a ride for two weeks the legs were okay, but it's a shame my coordination was a bit off. Signaling a left hand turn, my right hand braked sharply just as I hit one of those speed bumps and so I tipped right over the handle bars on to the road. Yep, a fall without THE Coach nearby. Luckily some kind drivers stopped and passed over tissues, while a very sweet little old lady donated some ice. THE Coach arrived and could see that cycling home wasn't a possibility so pedaled off at high speed to get the car.<br />
A brief detour to Concord hospital. Three stitches and a tetanus shot later and THE Coach kindly bundled me home for some TLC.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TIpwV87Shv_yetaF6zpvCcE3El_USe2x2lLqBj9zZefW0fTpcc1SbTrxJVU9sieEqaECjucP-XG_YPCpL_uLppqwhoE2vnUhUngexIzhQxjUUbKF_8TXjLhdomzsWHuRNABZ1GMUz4M/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TIpwV87Shv_yetaF6zpvCcE3El_USe2x2lLqBj9zZefW0fTpcc1SbTrxJVU9sieEqaECjucP-XG_YPCpL_uLppqwhoE2vnUhUngexIzhQxjUUbKF_8TXjLhdomzsWHuRNABZ1GMUz4M/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" /></a></div>Did I say feeling flat? Well now I'd have to say feeling foolish, frumpy and flat. The sooner I answer that holiday question the better!Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-15543353852101958642010-07-26T22:31:00.001+10:002010-07-26T22:39:19.164+10:00"You're not in France now, Luv!" (WARNING long blogpost)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday was my first ride since we arrived home last week. THE Coach invited me to accompany him on his Sunday morning ride. Yes, I've graduated to the Parramatta ride. It is 50 kms and has to be done as quickly as possible. Well, those are THE Coach's rules and rules are mean't to be broken...</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I heard it we had only cycled for five minutes, up over the Gladesville bridge and down on to Victoria Road. Hadn't heard one for at least a month - the unfriendly honk of a car horn. In one sharp jolt I was reminded that cycling in Sydney is nothing like cycling in Paris...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfyeDxOWvOXew3gvjYHoKPXQRueaBhjp0Wj4aaeL5FvFa7kLCgWdJaIJRH61WF1dEPFGoUozPIzlgPlMgsvgYTAdoyr1PyncZroIhMxsPa8fZHsrH2gKOh1h2yl_g5d_bB8hrzNAjNyU/s1600/IMG_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfyeDxOWvOXew3gvjYHoKPXQRueaBhjp0Wj4aaeL5FvFa7kLCgWdJaIJRH61WF1dEPFGoUozPIzlgPlMgsvgYTAdoyr1PyncZroIhMxsPa8fZHsrH2gKOh1h2yl_g5d_bB8hrzNAjNyU/s320/IMG_3398.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Maddie, Harry and I on the velibs cycling Parisian style sans helmets!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">AND</div><div style="text-align: left;">Victoria Road is a long way from the quiet country roads of the Dordogne and Lot districts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidheXDGPP6h5QdKg9dYA4YJNd20onvy31IN5hXUB75tpNiW1Q71tIsE1GKnCzP-3M8Falv8ujndrIeoWgoUpZDCy5z3X7EU46T0IVOhVOn30pIYeBZEe9-RVd_Zgq2jaxFRfQy816Z-qQ/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidheXDGPP6h5QdKg9dYA4YJNd20onvy31IN5hXUB75tpNiW1Q71tIsE1GKnCzP-3M8Falv8ujndrIeoWgoUpZDCy5z3X7EU46T0IVOhVOn30pIYeBZEe9-RVd_Zgq2jaxFRfQy816Z-qQ/s320/IMG_3657.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBpvrcd8nVeKn8VS3Y6DL5rIP4nExVz4V-8uOvnkLK7Yz0kXmxAA5WZOdy2NUvZUhCGp8oqzYtbtu1gkVbiVN9oGSxug_O_KT2rpbw6E8hbLMWR3sqC_TkdE8SZ4SACnOzshqac9ues4/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBpvrcd8nVeKn8VS3Y6DL5rIP4nExVz4V-8uOvnkLK7Yz0kXmxAA5WZOdy2NUvZUhCGp8oqzYtbtu1gkVbiVN9oGSxug_O_KT2rpbw6E8hbLMWR3sqC_TkdE8SZ4SACnOzshqac9ues4/s320/IMG_3572.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghihI4MEE0hkj2aRxgO1FCUPjosl1PimV8LhRVZiOQMus001EFzUcB14oy1CrNexT293vfjvvC_CWdCX312SroZzHkgU6e4XWgu7mcf0d2zLKqkcXDhdJnRBfQGsU9HgIL0P5t-Stpq5o/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghihI4MEE0hkj2aRxgO1FCUPjosl1PimV8LhRVZiOQMus001EFzUcB14oy1CrNexT293vfjvvC_CWdCX312SroZzHkgU6e4XWgu7mcf0d2zLKqkcXDhdJnRBfQGsU9HgIL0P5t-Stpq5o/s320/IMG_3847.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Somewhere along the road in the Dordogne or the Lot districts.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">So,</div><div style="text-align: left;">as I pedaled along yesterday, ignoring THE Coach's calls to </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Catch up and draft in behind me!" memories of France kept drifting back. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bridges </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b></b>over the Parramatta River reminded me of our evening strolls along the Seine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_MmaZE5huOc4PY4oHjLETuiW1amgIM7XckMv0zVJWr_rCTnt2Gr7CHYGHPK0-J9IVZX0SpT5C8xe3Wi4Vj7yP79cybWGjyuskYlCofDGM9ItsdXB9iLxoY3aSz0SEeD8XT_etZp7Zko/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_MmaZE5huOc4PY4oHjLETuiW1amgIM7XckMv0zVJWr_rCTnt2Gr7CHYGHPK0-J9IVZX0SpT5C8xe3Wi4Vj7yP79cybWGjyuskYlCofDGM9ItsdXB9iLxoY3aSz0SEeD8XT_etZp7Zko/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> or the many bridges we crisscrossed over the Dordogne, Vezere and Lot rivers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP_f57bKFrx7QZTJZVXE8yY3r-2r6OenNjAx5n544Nhz2RCYl2gPLPi-GfWIxx28kJoLbkUABkFO_v_WEpLFvPC7TyILcfKMB9Zn3z3od0Vwds5jWJLSAGHK3GpBo-T771soC9QJoQws/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP_f57bKFrx7QZTJZVXE8yY3r-2r6OenNjAx5n544Nhz2RCYl2gPLPi-GfWIxx28kJoLbkUABkFO_v_WEpLFvPC7TyILcfKMB9Zn3z3od0Vwds5jWJLSAGHK3GpBo-T771soC9QJoQws/s320/IMG_3740.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE4Ofsn6iRwPDgM-n8zsuoY-egXrro3pA-qQYHfTOEYKyLRgK8RhrjhXBV_ML3ZYZqnHEvaUaYWQJQkrZ7upw4gy0beZOyzEUknjE_jKF_0S3c9sfelf7b1_zZYBnXW1iVD1dWbp6_oM/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE4Ofsn6iRwPDgM-n8zsuoY-egXrro3pA-qQYHfTOEYKyLRgK8RhrjhXBV_ML3ZYZqnHEvaUaYWQJQkrZ7upw4gy0beZOyzEUknjE_jKF_0S3c9sfelf7b1_zZYBnXW1iVD1dWbp6_oM/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDBA6WycUaWgSRmFU4oDH41noj7xb-g-AWJ0HNxGZCbgFie0dLM0wSA9hHkC98lKxOzYf2xuEciP4jfyM0KbhEWj7LovpFkLuLXzhjYtHEF8mvql3F6OpBREhoZ_8MaE6IsYmgKOwWNQ/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDBA6WycUaWgSRmFU4oDH41noj7xb-g-AWJ0HNxGZCbgFie0dLM0wSA9hHkC98lKxOzYf2xuEciP4jfyM0KbhEWj7LovpFkLuLXzhjYtHEF8mvql3F6OpBREhoZ_8MaE6IsYmgKOwWNQ/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Towers </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">of the smokestacks in Silverwater seemed to strangely resemble the towers of villages and chateaus...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4VFbqlPjaZ4gcuL93-0jjdZWihwrBydjL45_NNy6cewOy4-0ZHIjHvY3bijVExh_o90LxSBCDG8siGWgFfBz2ss-v1RckAtchvxLWpvcfkdmFBbGQRbIj8Nps6QCtVbshGoWbXO0hEA/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4VFbqlPjaZ4gcuL93-0jjdZWihwrBydjL45_NNy6cewOy4-0ZHIjHvY3bijVExh_o90LxSBCDG8siGWgFfBz2ss-v1RckAtchvxLWpvcfkdmFBbGQRbIj8Nps6QCtVbshGoWbXO0hEA/s320/IMG_3592.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rS8xPP9bFWb3HhY302LsPJoeKAz0qThv1qt_9MWx-92wClzmuESHpOXVZBWACD9hqcsmgnqIjBeUS7eD8boB80GfZtf_qoa-Vx9LsuSky8Qpyus7_XpA73A6orEI4CQUfDNA0lthNDE/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rS8xPP9bFWb3HhY302LsPJoeKAz0qThv1qt_9MWx-92wClzmuESHpOXVZBWACD9hqcsmgnqIjBeUS7eD8boB80GfZtf_qoa-Vx9LsuSky8Qpyus7_XpA73A6orEI4CQUfDNA0lthNDE/s320/IMG_3584.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FuE0JdTWHuZxxQOZhimghcqhkakBmKekS67m-YXD-ZGHzUmzSgWTxamE_SO4yh-WFgeUeMGT2H6-Lg3CSkYQj1v0Y_ZN5cdXyPJ31CzaMbm-8cp7F514_hUtQs_3uKDe5ejevUO7MCo/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FuE0JdTWHuZxxQOZhimghcqhkakBmKekS67m-YXD-ZGHzUmzSgWTxamE_SO4yh-WFgeUeMGT2H6-Lg3CSkYQj1v0Y_ZN5cdXyPJ31CzaMbm-8cp7F514_hUtQs_3uKDe5ejevUO7MCo/s320/IMG_3896.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Manicured lawns</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">of Oatlands House tiggered memories of beautiful patchwork fields and shady verges...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C87yprzCkUS4cFR-ApLb37g3GXr-YfPcmoYVPWoD3-fFMdi87psP_rBMGOhMwVl9Ee_EVYhbaWpxok3m_dqhkoNskAtnHrvQyv2twmEwyje0ZYMz1amz59DNjxBfhvAGZkyeSg637_o/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C87yprzCkUS4cFR-ApLb37g3GXr-YfPcmoYVPWoD3-fFMdi87psP_rBMGOhMwVl9Ee_EVYhbaWpxok3m_dqhkoNskAtnHrvQyv2twmEwyje0ZYMz1amz59DNjxBfhvAGZkyeSg637_o/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgTitVoIPzLiNPT1kb8HwbVHt0tCa6ffffS5ve8r-RCxajpcvlYKaOxty33o60yE3LJtof4UT6Psj_0oLqwaMh15Mrs1bacoh266DnOXBXrLiGfCxXz-Dc4RTYvdde5nWZkmihNXdT-o/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgTitVoIPzLiNPT1kb8HwbVHt0tCa6ffffS5ve8r-RCxajpcvlYKaOxty33o60yE3LJtof4UT6Psj_0oLqwaMh15Mrs1bacoh266DnOXBXrLiGfCxXz-Dc4RTYvdde5nWZkmihNXdT-o/s320/IMG_3730.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">As THE Coach kept beckoning to "catch his slip stream", my thoughts drifted back to</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>our peloton</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjSTICZuDE9uOzy2H9bK16KpBJ07UQAS_V-PYTJ7W1RAhPo7sPt2x93_q9i0qpog3I_PcyHQLaTQ-6CwRhSebzpGwtpPgOYPhx8fiUYKvIV3_B1hpHqFBoqLWNhyeU7VXDRFpo-In6gI/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjSTICZuDE9uOzy2H9bK16KpBJ07UQAS_V-PYTJ7W1RAhPo7sPt2x93_q9i0qpog3I_PcyHQLaTQ-6CwRhSebzpGwtpPgOYPhx8fiUYKvIV3_B1hpHqFBoqLWNhyeU7VXDRFpo-In6gI/s320/IMG_3724.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPh7mMA2JdjvyALm8o1mLLEyv_kKDG1xTQ_RE6-PXfaPWQqZhiQWdW5Rg5E2R6wH0gjOzBSDCnUnCto2I_sa3zgZPHL5dP-M1Or9lFPU2ZmkM9CvfRmkAdnu_r8dXGezZ1UxSAq3Qh5U/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPh7mMA2JdjvyALm8o1mLLEyv_kKDG1xTQ_RE6-PXfaPWQqZhiQWdW5Rg5E2R6wH0gjOzBSDCnUnCto2I_sa3zgZPHL5dP-M1Or9lFPU2ZmkM9CvfRmkAdnu_r8dXGezZ1UxSAq3Qh5U/s320/IMG_3709.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcgTe_b3neKzW8eC3Rvr7JsbIF2IkBaw6Z2Tz2r1t-2mr4Ny0ScmH9hMt7IEkmzBjb-Uf69Kwx38UVobJR_qhV5FuM2XsWA7WzsD6nG8JKZI3kYxsj6I1N_X3UZsJ4_V7S7As4ZzCQsA/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcgTe_b3neKzW8eC3Rvr7JsbIF2IkBaw6Z2Tz2r1t-2mr4Ny0ScmH9hMt7IEkmzBjb-Uf69Kwx38UVobJR_qhV5FuM2XsWA7WzsD6nG8JKZI3kYxsj6I1N_X3UZsJ4_V7S7As4ZzCQsA/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">where there was always someone keep me company at the back of the pack, up the long hill rides.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow downtown Parramatta made me think of market day in Sarlat and the </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>beautiful bastide towns</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSDgb4xizqWZnxf3LLi3qFuEc6r_yZb9IvEvuzmzGtGPDyQeuf-XiR3Ll794cGw24vVQOu57cWdEm99lWClFGS1DHZn1Ntm4Qvqa-MTAUUswaT53N7GmFekQaUFijImim_3M2FjcRJzk/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSDgb4xizqWZnxf3LLi3qFuEc6r_yZb9IvEvuzmzGtGPDyQeuf-XiR3Ll794cGw24vVQOu57cWdEm99lWClFGS1DHZn1Ntm4Qvqa-MTAUUswaT53N7GmFekQaUFijImim_3M2FjcRJzk/s320/IMG_3686.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3gHVWxryJdrHaNT5p3ibVTEavtW-eePzjWT9T9auifsWYGzbFKZP76dKbWnp2HlSB2mIG4bg8tSjaYRoVxF0RCYzSWm-_MP3Qy0VKlHEvXctRQGZQAxfmGGYvv3tWaemVd59q-t6rCU/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3gHVWxryJdrHaNT5p3ibVTEavtW-eePzjWT9T9auifsWYGzbFKZP76dKbWnp2HlSB2mIG4bg8tSjaYRoVxF0RCYzSWm-_MP3Qy0VKlHEvXctRQGZQAxfmGGYvv3tWaemVd59q-t6rCU/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DvB8P-jerjObChVPnB_vRMIt7B8DMU-k17Erqfh12sM5dCcD8tzGJ3XCD9osHAE3CbfT2wLkfMfsR9CRlhbdA8KFCMqoxT0Gvqz6ntKdd0PLyn8yJ3YHt6zEjZLF43yjwVZJhwAqehk/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DvB8P-jerjObChVPnB_vRMIt7B8DMU-k17Erqfh12sM5dCcD8tzGJ3XCD9osHAE3CbfT2wLkfMfsR9CRlhbdA8KFCMqoxT0Gvqz6ntKdd0PLyn8yJ3YHt6zEjZLF43yjwVZJhwAqehk/s320/IMG_3698.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AOXu3hl88r1KPYoWa5YNmeiUxc7cQIrHn4OyVHFZfcd5CJCbtveHYSuetR57CsBTm9R_gpku-HLj0kjFxi-6Tl02Tm3cnZcaPvfBJ-py8lcWk8yV50O8MYQoP0bRUW5cUvnIh_Y4AHU/s1600/IMG_3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AOXu3hl88r1KPYoWa5YNmeiUxc7cQIrHn4OyVHFZfcd5CJCbtveHYSuetR57CsBTm9R_gpku-HLj0kjFxi-6Tl02Tm3cnZcaPvfBJ-py8lcWk8yV50O8MYQoP0bRUW5cUvnIh_Y4AHU/s320/IMG_3652.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ahhhhh memories, I'm sure that's what slowed me down yesterday, or perhaps it was my memories of <b>the Hills. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyKPuuRc2iuzuuPFoBKQOdLxx5Xokc6Xu7pGvc-DTaXWpwX3tojZHs10utmTsxvSusNgpOG8UOBAsLMpacWMahCQATs-bvusxaOCbEFvSN1xYRA75WLfdiByORVUMJC8QWxWu298UNxU/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyKPuuRc2iuzuuPFoBKQOdLxx5Xokc6Xu7pGvc-DTaXWpwX3tojZHs10utmTsxvSusNgpOG8UOBAsLMpacWMahCQATs-bvusxaOCbEFvSN1xYRA75WLfdiByORVUMJC8QWxWu298UNxU/s320/IMG_3754.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX21UegdnpyUzCMwELPTWau8ib69tHBF59LTiNFb_5UN15aIjOOlfL0fMAXALj2WV_dsCjuhkNXF4uETnSc-JrwJLv80TMWL-UTGWhf61SErrf0RIcsRToAG2rw5LbQtrxWyuD-ML3Vs/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX21UegdnpyUzCMwELPTWau8ib69tHBF59LTiNFb_5UN15aIjOOlfL0fMAXALj2WV_dsCjuhkNXF4uETnSc-JrwJLv80TMWL-UTGWhf61SErrf0RIcsRToAG2rw5LbQtrxWyuD-ML3Vs/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGgGCt_amDTIrvDCscKNa38XDYwC2hAamCl8zmJFCFUtPtChXJADdP6o3gn2ei0a7SaAj907jK2xr9EDQ_VbyKkBwmnLbET9nCL7-WDrw6PBRE0oc5BrSRcBHQ7A5lg2Jew3iZnMlimU/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGgGCt_amDTIrvDCscKNa38XDYwC2hAamCl8zmJFCFUtPtChXJADdP6o3gn2ei0a7SaAj907jK2xr9EDQ_VbyKkBwmnLbET9nCL7-WDrw6PBRE0oc5BrSRcBHQ7A5lg2Jew3iZnMlimU/s320/IMG_3661.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGgGCt_amDTIrvDCscKNa38XDYwC2hAamCl8zmJFCFUtPtChXJADdP6o3gn2ei0a7SaAj907jK2xr9EDQ_VbyKkBwmnLbET9nCL7-WDrw6PBRE0oc5BrSRcBHQ7A5lg2Jew3iZnMlimU/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>As we pulled into the usual Wareemba cafe a fleeting thought crossed my mind -</div><div style="text-align: left;">Should I order a</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>baguette, croissant, glace OR be tempted by the plat du jour...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfA_qkzH5ZT7RFdyYPudtGsXShyphenhyphen_RvQa2vnSLyjQW6J1B81vIsiTSmdrXVOq_gSJZESpUx6PsVLrVo_SOggf8OmQEcsus4W8q7IdUxNb1nc794ssxXIBvVY9_uptBWKHuHwfmOwvha30/s1600/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfA_qkzH5ZT7RFdyYPudtGsXShyphenhyphen_RvQa2vnSLyjQW6J1B81vIsiTSmdrXVOq_gSJZESpUx6PsVLrVo_SOggf8OmQEcsus4W8q7IdUxNb1nc794ssxXIBvVY9_uptBWKHuHwfmOwvha30/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ai12vhAPPkobQicAyTG5pbSgIpLAWVQMWlJ-LBRoIUbHJ1ZpZoDDuUEN76PQsiF-HtNnd-odDggWTsliNiTKssP0nffmGLcaMg129BzlrFYauuBdOerq0N4v21L-GjP0_Lrpa2sqQw/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ai12vhAPPkobQicAyTG5pbSgIpLAWVQMWlJ-LBRoIUbHJ1ZpZoDDuUEN76PQsiF-HtNnd-odDggWTsliNiTKssP0nffmGLcaMg129BzlrFYauuBdOerq0N4v21L-GjP0_Lrpa2sqQw/s320/IMG_3891.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TgYELAH07fhDs1uxB-pdx1tnouRMNYrMvPFepaUpGr8oEjwFURNq277Cx3pih7b03g39av4aK6gYywF_AFvsNsdOPQ1iHzoNZRiQqrvagXhUWqv2ROpl0nIwU_8mGWBr_W4qbkz3arE/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TgYELAH07fhDs1uxB-pdx1tnouRMNYrMvPFepaUpGr8oEjwFURNq277Cx3pih7b03g39av4aK6gYywF_AFvsNsdOPQ1iHzoNZRiQqrvagXhUWqv2ROpl0nIwU_8mGWBr_W4qbkz3arE/s320/IMG_3641.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLflzq68Xvv1zTQXyVXAb9DGCyrpstgbi_jrp4Wc9P_6FdNrWyN5FKyF7CK54KOw7qEWvJAUiDlovK3UctcRGQmPwNj1vmGy5-MlK1pOmai-EtUxEjy5oqMpY-cQ4NT8RijktFFHxKvE/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLflzq68Xvv1zTQXyVXAb9DGCyrpstgbi_jrp4Wc9P_6FdNrWyN5FKyF7CK54KOw7qEWvJAUiDlovK3UctcRGQmPwNj1vmGy5-MlK1pOmai-EtUxEjy5oqMpY-cQ4NT8RijktFFHxKvE/s320/IMG_3806.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then reality struck - raisin toast -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"You're not in France now, Luv!" </b>was the vibe THE Coach sent me across the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a wonderful trip thanks to the great itinerary organised by <a href="http://www.cyclomundo.com/">Cyclomundo</a> and <a href="http://www.decouverte-loisirs.com/">decouverte-loisirs</a>; the helpful tips from friends like Anne R, Catherine, Mary and Julieanne who shared their Dordogne highlights during our long planning phase, and most of all, thanks to all members of the Sparke-Porter-Glare Peloton who shared the joys of cycling together each day. It was, for me, the trip of a lifetime, or perhaps the first of many...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A unique family Peloton</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJFh3vVpMzYZWAAV0UGir7CzHhEZaJ1eHpzIG4nWlaZaFLeogBaW1QouZDGf6kBU61jQQMn6rjmnDATtQj849eewlSYrFdB8n9dwcGm27Dy1yHzn8wWCwXqYYYoENlEh3IpDfRVVNOWs/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJFh3vVpMzYZWAAV0UGir7CzHhEZaJ1eHpzIG4nWlaZaFLeogBaW1QouZDGf6kBU61jQQMn6rjmnDATtQj849eewlSYrFdB8n9dwcGm27Dy1yHzn8wWCwXqYYYoENlEh3IpDfRVVNOWs/s320/IMG_3892.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fresh legs as we set out on the morning of our final ride -</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stephen, Paul, Monica, Jenny, Genevieve and Bill.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFGh5v49kBVk8WwurfXcrYkhyphenhyphenwthuyGSWeAW1UC7k54Hlqk96EQ8GqDobTLvKhmam3JmMUjhq5Ee1oMjvkv49EM__j59pI_LaENwIcDzkeknTl1NBj_SoO5gm96nEpuaeCVRwrJrGzec/s1600/IMG_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFGh5v49kBVk8WwurfXcrYkhyphenhyphenwthuyGSWeAW1UC7k54Hlqk96EQ8GqDobTLvKhmam3JmMUjhq5Ee1oMjvkv49EM__j59pI_LaENwIcDzkeknTl1NBj_SoO5gm96nEpuaeCVRwrJrGzec/s320/IMG_3926.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Final shot of the Peloton as we finished outside Hotel Terminus, Cahors.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Genevieve (my sister-in-law) described the roles adopted by the Peloton members in a recent email to her family:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As the tour progressed the members tended to fall into their natural roles within the team:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jenny - Captain and team instigator, chief croissant and glace assessor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stephen - coach, forward scout, mechanic, sommeiller</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">William - hill coach, navigator, mechanic</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Genevieve - translator, assistant chief croissant and baguette assessor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Monica - physio/trainer, lunch-time restaurant spotter, assistant glace assessor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Paul - photographer, medico, mechanic and <a href="http://possum08.blogspot.com/2010/07/cycling-in-dordogne-day-0.html">tour blogger</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One comment that was made several times during the trip was how many attributes Stephen shared with Colin. Especially his insatiable curiosity and bottomless reserves of energy."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Here's to the Peloton ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjniEZDiGU3Qbd5BeS3XCKMPeOtilf7bjNz6rWdY5h4WySGIa8jryogd-zca2LXCWh7Wms2nhU5p57sSRAc5FsOqV5eWRv48O5fb0rmTbMSRdLHnl_nfiqaMWP_nE8Q8XPs3Ti-b10vs4/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjniEZDiGU3Qbd5BeS3XCKMPeOtilf7bjNz6rWdY5h4WySGIa8jryogd-zca2LXCWh7Wms2nhU5p57sSRAc5FsOqV5eWRv48O5fb0rmTbMSRdLHnl_nfiqaMWP_nE8Q8XPs3Ti-b10vs4/s320/IMG_3633.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">AND</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to our next cycling adventure...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUSMo9ygYj5uBOg4VLQvoX2Klmxptr2A-Z64HAfKWhK3AZdcf7HSkGdMWpmIJ-28V9rftgaEcczOTldv9e_Ajp1ycLPbm_TrXAuBOesB5naAa1BVrsjUlM4O0N2Mf8H0YvkOXiOO3sm4/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUSMo9ygYj5uBOg4VLQvoX2Klmxptr2A-Z64HAfKWhK3AZdcf7HSkGdMWpmIJ-28V9rftgaEcczOTldv9e_Ajp1ycLPbm_TrXAuBOesB5naAa1BVrsjUlM4O0N2Mf8H0YvkOXiOO3sm4/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUSMo9ygYj5uBOg4VLQvoX2Klmxptr2A-Z64HAfKWhK3AZdcf7HSkGdMWpmIJ-28V9rftgaEcczOTldv9e_Ajp1ycLPbm_TrXAuBOesB5naAa1BVrsjUlM4O0N2Mf8H0YvkOXiOO3sm4/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cheers to THE Coach</b>... it's not over yet and so the blog continues.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-55203360584448614552010-06-25T22:30:00.000+10:002010-06-25T22:30:36.131+10:00Au revoir Sydney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qVVsshFO6sA4EKP-L62xgofJraGzuK3soyLzUy4IaHy74EmtmocvUvvrTvsan8egmG10dEuIhXRU6jZ4BQkzWbN12Ecks3HuiFgkUPb7EzgEXM5JC7IvYmJ8C_a9aX-7CS1KOs1IWb8/s1600/21062010032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qVVsshFO6sA4EKP-L62xgofJraGzuK3soyLzUy4IaHy74EmtmocvUvvrTvsan8egmG10dEuIhXRU6jZ4BQkzWbN12Ecks3HuiFgkUPb7EzgEXM5JC7IvYmJ8C_a9aX-7CS1KOs1IWb8/s320/21062010032.jpg" /></a></div> An over due final post. <br />
<br />
My mission is complete. <br />
I started this blog more than six months ago to get me on my bike training for a cycling trip in France. As you know dear readers, my training has been patchy, but the blog has kept me honest or was it THE Coach?<br />
<br />
Anyway, whatever... my bag is packed, tickets and passports are ready and we fly out for Paris very soon.<br />
<br />
Blogging has been surprisingly enjoyable, even addictive at times. <br />
Perhaps the greatest surprise has been the amusing and encouraging comments you've offered. <br />
It has been fun, but now the real fun begins. <br />
Fingers crossed that I make it up the famous hills of the Dordogne. <br />
<br />
Merci beaucoup. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks Therese and Bruce for my final training ride last weekend.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy7p8CYP_rnQzG2SNxNc48bKZpGry28ub8BqCwKWcTtcfYBx0AYPNs6sW7YkgPTY5RE6pgLbzmGQ2NPTZepvvsAyru09lDdN9rRJQQa_-qjvnVWbBgE-rGJVdEW2q7WEf1dqzRIv8KVk/s1600/20062010031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy7p8CYP_rnQzG2SNxNc48bKZpGry28ub8BqCwKWcTtcfYBx0AYPNs6sW7YkgPTY5RE6pgLbzmGQ2NPTZepvvsAyru09lDdN9rRJQQa_-qjvnVWbBgE-rGJVdEW2q7WEf1dqzRIv8KVk/s320/20062010031.jpg" /><span></span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></i></div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-64894153869048982862010-06-14T19:28:00.000+10:002010-06-14T19:28:40.643+10:00Not just THE Coachbut also THE photographer. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYitlgoEAb2KLGV-8UkUHJOcnN40SzZseTMnHL5LEEXYDDRWRJAEMUeJ7GLvHmbgWCJd-PydRPvztdYGokxiZjE9Gr1-r4QzjeAZQgx1wA610RiO05WFEDmambffUGtTpt0IBgc8upQc/s1600/14062010004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYitlgoEAb2KLGV-8UkUHJOcnN40SzZseTMnHL5LEEXYDDRWRJAEMUeJ7GLvHmbgWCJd-PydRPvztdYGokxiZjE9Gr1-r4QzjeAZQgx1wA610RiO05WFEDmambffUGtTpt0IBgc8upQc/s320/14062010004.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There have been lots of comments from blog readers about the blog photographs so I must finally acknowledge the talents of THE Coach. Today, not only did he gently persuade me to do 8 of the Lilyfield hill inclines, but he also photographed me in the process. THE Coach has a new phone with a camera so these shots were all taken with his latest gadget. I've edited out some of the most unflattering behind shots, not wishing to lose any blog readers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZahHN5tUxNEZPXwPXDkBkURc09073qvURBjVr9w2ebCWlz8XJbvyDSFwYPLADA9-6NEBzKVZ3RoQ4JqybF5EJgDCM9yt0URJUELP2v_rngJLlNrFjQElwEuuh71O1YQGKHNUIWewiGQ/s1600/14062010012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZahHN5tUxNEZPXwPXDkBkURc09073qvURBjVr9w2ebCWlz8XJbvyDSFwYPLADA9-6NEBzKVZ3RoQ4JqybF5EJgDCM9yt0URJUELP2v_rngJLlNrFjQElwEuuh71O1YQGKHNUIWewiGQ/s320/14062010012.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Not much riding yet again. The weather has improved but as we spent the long weekend in the very chilly Blue Mountains we didn't ride. Only one ride this week - today 25kms with 8 of the Lilyfield hill climbs. Really a bit of a worry...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8CPOL1B7tBkLnksH2T-PbKmLUmjFoScJGlGEL_4xnXY8LJh75lCS663QYEsm5dBZSdLSJ2fMBeGUDXlrkkQCs7dXd4arj0oqGb9pVBuZOvreYSa38-aTvicwWq8VIFUbm0hMo0VLXA/s1600/14062010026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8CPOL1B7tBkLnksH2T-PbKmLUmjFoScJGlGEL_4xnXY8LJh75lCS663QYEsm5dBZSdLSJ2fMBeGUDXlrkkQCs7dXd4arj0oqGb9pVBuZOvreYSa38-aTvicwWq8VIFUbm0hMo0VLXA/s320/14062010026.jpg" /></a></div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-67627685953464171092010-06-06T22:42:00.000+10:002010-06-06T22:42:23.176+10:00You see so much more...from a bike.<br />
<br />
I would never have noticed the two men crouched under the pine trees beside the bay, if I hadn't been riding past. Just seeing them with their simple implements and buckets took me back to the damp, chilly, pine forests in Canberra where mushrooming was our reward after days of wet weather. I can't remember what we did with the mushrooms, but I do recall the excitement of finding little outcrops that we would gently cut to add to an overflowing bucket. As I rode past the foragers yesterday, I wondered just what delicious mushroom dish would appear on a Leichhardt dinner plate in the evening.<br />
<br />
Following the training instructions from Phillip last weekend I've focused on a 'strict' regime of riding the Lilyfield hill. THE Coach was impressed. YES! Can you believe it? He actually congratulated me for riding up and down the Lilyfield hill two days in a row. Of course, he couldn't leave it there but had to remind me that if I can do 6 hill climbs each day, then this week I should try 8. We'll see... who knows what else I might notice on the ride?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p91Wq18yNq31z28__3LIaWp9gtd1IJME_I8cC0Z6FCLdOnNu_JD5IrskMSa1fYegl7lNii9NY_Pu5B7nKHhXfq0MkrDMmsjR9m_IMXW5XwVsyAmdHOIdOUUDTL7rU-wBO28yY-Z0ud4/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p91Wq18yNq31z28__3LIaWp9gtd1IJME_I8cC0Z6FCLdOnNu_JD5IrskMSa1fYegl7lNii9NY_Pu5B7nKHhXfq0MkrDMmsjR9m_IMXW5XwVsyAmdHOIdOUUDTL7rU-wBO28yY-Z0ud4/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Doesn't look much, but can you see the people pushing up the hill!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EkymdJ_-5GkW8SNzAp63No9464GN9MTBMe9iaF9CYPcPD08ZG-cdsGmjjaKaIHDz6s1_k_0mIlcRxGeJF5uiHDLTY7Bslc_sWXXZRJpN4XlTjt1daa_JJVN32OpywHyrQX4-0Ae8TQk/s1600/IMG_3340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EkymdJ_-5GkW8SNzAp63No9464GN9MTBMe9iaF9CYPcPD08ZG-cdsGmjjaKaIHDz6s1_k_0mIlcRxGeJF5uiHDLTY7Bslc_sWXXZRJpN4XlTjt1daa_JJVN32OpywHyrQX4-0Ae8TQk/s320/IMG_3340.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Homeward bound hill - yes it is flat round here.</div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-4864716673642386802010-05-30T18:39:00.000+10:002010-05-30T18:39:42.743+10:00Solo puddling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZXL2F406K0SPjIQqzof3H5dPAfFivF3Y9sYIZVkYSPUrX5yJoGR4t3SQM20PrOGyab9wGZk-RfdB4st87idO-ocuowzgNzglkcRXi7cY7zXvm4ztr7G0AlMWzhJ_5Hft2P2aGxCi5nA/s1600/Puddle+cycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZXL2F406K0SPjIQqzof3H5dPAfFivF3Y9sYIZVkYSPUrX5yJoGR4t3SQM20PrOGyab9wGZk-RfdB4st87idO-ocuowzgNzglkcRXi7cY7zXvm4ztr7G0AlMWzhJ_5Hft2P2aGxCi5nA/s320/Puddle+cycling.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/amstersam/3052514770/sizes/m/</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again not much to report this week due to the wet weather. THE Coach and his cycling mate, Phillip, rode to Parramatta very early this morning. I peaked out from under the covers to see THE Coach wearing legwarmers <b>and</b> sleeves, so that was enough of a weather warning to keep me snuggled under the bed-covers reading the Sunday papers for another hour. </div><br />
A solo ride this morning through lots of puddles. At least I managed to stay on my bike to complete the Drummoyne, Five Dock, Canada Bay loop - only 24kms with a slow average speed of 17kms. I kept any eye out for hills, not that there are many round here, and made a few quick detours to test my knees. It's now less than a month till we head off to the hills of the Dordogne. Yikes!Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-91423166195443733952010-05-25T17:42:00.000+10:002010-05-25T17:42:21.497+10:00THE Coach is right...<div style="text-align: center;">I am a fair weather cyclist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb70qa7Dr_I4qBuz3yEeqSQ3kiJVE_hyphenhyphenkBu3XeM2yhLkNhv0Wu97aZxXNc3Bu2g1DFWrHXI0jH3zQrPLr5xpceB09H2KRhPiEDpIu5Fxt0Gty8rkGKHEBDWOJE7gp_5oG4lDuQ08xBr70/s1600/Flickr+photo+rain+cycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb70qa7Dr_I4qBuz3yEeqSQ3kiJVE_hyphenhyphenkBu3XeM2yhLkNhv0Wu97aZxXNc3Bu2g1DFWrHXI0jH3zQrPLr5xpceB09H2KRhPiEDpIu5Fxt0Gty8rkGKHEBDWOJE7gp_5oG4lDuQ08xBr70/s320/Flickr+photo+rain+cycling.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/annemiekvanderkuil/740838929/in/set-72157594584784175/ </span></div>That's not me!<br />
<br />
No cycling last weekend due to the chilly, wet weather. The hills will always be there so I'll have to do even more hill seeking next weekend. I have borrowed a gym membership for three weeks so I might??? try an indoor cycling session this week. <br />
<br />
Don't think I'll be enjoying a reward ride with THE Coach in the near future.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-39473016353233423392010-05-17T17:53:00.000+10:002010-05-17T17:53:49.166+10:00Hill seekers<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WEaOvI_l2kVkT95RCN6Ar_fuZY9a6v7KMAyksSo_rHna1gHqx7BEO_OWE2VaVXsd6stLZWGlfXGX3Hzien-XEVR0ogWdU5Ndv_laDklHcCsBN0A0Au7j63Y65w2jbcYvZF6ut5IAaa4/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WEaOvI_l2kVkT95RCN6Ar_fuZY9a6v7KMAyksSo_rHna1gHqx7BEO_OWE2VaVXsd6stLZWGlfXGX3Hzien-XEVR0ogWdU5Ndv_laDklHcCsBN0A0Au7j63Y65w2jbcYvZF6ut5IAaa4/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lake Burley Griffin was sparkling during our weekend in Canberra. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQNtCSOoZWa8XvOt8qZUcUiP_OzXCsRbmd4-HScbt4n4yyjocbtdIVPWuXsOwmErZ1QG592gxVbW0R_GTjpQBA1HxTaYo0xfMBEdilriLfL4-sNK1Nt4ZbePyFXqFGbrvPz37WzQy4TU/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQNtCSOoZWa8XvOt8qZUcUiP_OzXCsRbmd4-HScbt4n4yyjocbtdIVPWuXsOwmErZ1QG592gxVbW0R_GTjpQBA1HxTaYo0xfMBEdilriLfL4-sNK1Nt4ZbePyFXqFGbrvPz37WzQy4TU/s320/IMG_3312.JPG" /></a></div>Perfect weather for cycling as the temperature hovered around 17 C during the middle of the day with no wind. The autumn leaves were still putting on a glorious show of colour against the clearest blue sky. The only downside for the whole weekend was experienced by THE Coach. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbT0jP0w2QnYoRJWKb8UNddYiHqpfC-xqB1zsXPVxf9_qM4hdeNq2Z82LMzw4Ug-9-cys5e2RSc9WJAlgWBRM2hj3NQoBdnPYk7ywKa_nvDAN_iiNEnrYbw6pyJFeWSKsvs_gXipKcVc/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbT0jP0w2QnYoRJWKb8UNddYiHqpfC-xqB1zsXPVxf9_qM4hdeNq2Z82LMzw4Ug-9-cys5e2RSc9WJAlgWBRM2hj3NQoBdnPYk7ywKa_nvDAN_iiNEnrYbw6pyJFeWSKsvs_gXipKcVc/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wa0XH4nom6zl4T-hvN5AqofU-fhcJ_dGhgAmkPB5htwOxlXn80sul_j9GRGGl8xDTGWkOfe65_prPQn_mAhFlBQq4LFQxQ5TjSFyLlsPJNHfPrPEffVZHyie9iPqr6DgbVmX9SK1yQ/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wa0XH4nom6zl4T-hvN5AqofU-fhcJ_dGhgAmkPB5htwOxlXn80sul_j9GRGGl8xDTGWkOfe65_prPQn_mAhFlBQq4LFQxQ5TjSFyLlsPJNHfPrPEffVZHyie9iPqr6DgbVmX9SK1yQ/s320/IMG_3335.JPG" /></a></div>Yes, that's THE Coach changing not one, but two flat tyres, one per day. Two rides in Canberra - about 45kms over the weekend - not so far, especially not in comparison to those cycling bloggers from New York, but at least we found some hills, thanks to Tim. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2tslu8S01BEN-KaRSpJbR-Pi04-VWUb4ofFLx3YN9bJvK3397gwvINju35Mv4G9fCS6K5nwwZac62shvMt_lsRmpsmfbbarX8Ak8AYOF2AbuWXp3ucrWaIMIyRRs0BV_CYPZpBurU5Q/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2tslu8S01BEN-KaRSpJbR-Pi04-VWUb4ofFLx3YN9bJvK3397gwvINju35Mv4G9fCS6K5nwwZac62shvMt_lsRmpsmfbbarX8Ak8AYOF2AbuWXp3ucrWaIMIyRRs0BV_CYPZpBurU5Q/s320/IMG_3329.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also found a gem of a cafe on the terrace of the <a href="http://www.nla.gov.au/library/bookplate.html">National Library</a> where we enjoyed lunch on Sunday. Thanks Sue and Tim for a great weekend of chatting, eating and cycling. We'll be back before you know it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkO6ixL1RbgcIkUX8BPh4-kYP2zn_bKxcjxUvf7BGoSi0jAhJkzsHxPHOr18sDWgYse2V2_4Asx7Q7RUNLLAnWglEbLDD_sXXorOv46DyFDGrVZQQ1VTb4JzafBPYV7PFSiFGMH02Das/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkO6ixL1RbgcIkUX8BPh4-kYP2zn_bKxcjxUvf7BGoSi0jAhJkzsHxPHOr18sDWgYse2V2_4Asx7Q7RUNLLAnWglEbLDD_sXXorOv46DyFDGrVZQQ1VTb4JzafBPYV7PFSiFGMH02Das/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Made our final payment for the cycling trip and have received the train tickets from Paris to Souillac. There's no backing out now so I must keep hill seeking this week.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-43992500593971389112010-05-10T08:09:00.001+10:002010-05-10T08:11:10.132+10:00No cycling this week...<div style="text-align: left;">as I was distracted by a fabulous wedding,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhKCJkqTaXZQpe2mUoxWUFDq2pDKinECWzBfqvmMQdNtYios5szWId4o76t270sAycni_C0ADGEDZTCtQoa03KYebNS7U-1J-wEVJBfD4Ukcn1NAqm_0zJn4fu6wjZ_jpz-smQ_jstUk/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhKCJkqTaXZQpe2mUoxWUFDq2pDKinECWzBfqvmMQdNtYios5szWId4o76t270sAycni_C0ADGEDZTCtQoa03KYebNS7U-1J-wEVJBfD4Ukcn1NAqm_0zJn4fu6wjZ_jpz-smQ_jstUk/s320/IMG_3273.JPG" /></a></div>Mother's day breakfast<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9TD3bsSUL39BrdJxCFc6Vz-oOvxUFfMgrgivFHdM1aXwr3X6uZ6qY0w7wHEC_FKPho3W0Fe9R3E0yDPCm_L2oB6gthMg_7v6uQU22h2ghEQBjXzSRJLGhzDI4h68rnD7IkHey7I-Ro/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9TD3bsSUL39BrdJxCFc6Vz-oOvxUFfMgrgivFHdM1aXwr3X6uZ6qY0w7wHEC_FKPho3W0Fe9R3E0yDPCm_L2oB6gthMg_7v6uQU22h2ghEQBjXzSRJLGhzDI4h68rnD7IkHey7I-Ro/s320/IMG_3308.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My mum and her girls.</span></i></div>and Mother's day lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvMElfwCMc0d2hDGYVICSR9ZEx6pKYY5kptP0zwPpY_pYoOorIWXEjE2RnpmIXlTZ_2b90rCnjqy68Ob9c7M7W_3c-xUkOdM4hfrgDrCRUmSzVSfOafOVfiHTwOTHfa-Ust48qAHr0Pc/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvMElfwCMc0d2hDGYVICSR9ZEx6pKYY5kptP0zwPpY_pYoOorIWXEjE2RnpmIXlTZ_2b90rCnjqy68Ob9c7M7W_3c-xUkOdM4hfrgDrCRUmSzVSfOafOVfiHTwOTHfa-Ust48qAHr0Pc/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">THE Coach and his mum. A rare photo of a smiling coach.</span></i></div><br />
This is rapidly becoming the blog of staying off my bike!<br />
Yikes.<br />
"Luckily, tomorrow is another day," my mantra to THE Coach.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-59845168805530348422010-05-02T19:45:00.000+10:002010-05-02T19:45:58.454+10:00Misty morning ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaBEZD9uQSSXk6IqUFciz4QxRvQQJ0bjFVgf_u_lOURcBmDLFBOhuEEt1OB0jQLy7xyYliQdSHzkHJczyrin-B7psPCZnxYsZnU8fqdj2hfBUbFBm8VqPGdjHE838PxfUEyAcZm7FqY0/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaBEZD9uQSSXk6IqUFciz4QxRvQQJ0bjFVgf_u_lOURcBmDLFBOhuEEt1OB0jQLy7xyYliQdSHzkHJczyrin-B7psPCZnxYsZnU8fqdj2hfBUbFBm8VqPGdjHE838PxfUEyAcZm7FqY0/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THE Coach was happy today as he was riding in fine company. Gerard and Annie joined Phillip and THE Coach on a speedy ride to La Pa. The misty morning didn't phase them a bit. As they pedaled off into the soft, white morning, I dragged myself out of bed for my one and only ride this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I met Gen and Bill at Centennial Park so we could ride a few hills before the cafe stop. Only 18kms today but the Hill Coach was encouraging, and even made a positive report to THE Coach, over coffee at Phillip's favourite Buzy Bee cafe. (No raisin toast this morning as I was tempted by banana bread - a mistake- will return to the usual next week.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW9RPk9z0I5hx2KANViII1mxAYTY_ye35Vvq99x9qXCmYj30YX2mqfLumlEKBm1xxwI1o1eleqiuBlB95qFa_ta92KHWMM_J5uk31VJGNYueU5_6TeZnYTFns3z4vuKusdD5QSE24aHE/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW9RPk9z0I5hx2KANViII1mxAYTY_ye35Vvq99x9qXCmYj30YX2mqfLumlEKBm1xxwI1o1eleqiuBlB95qFa_ta92KHWMM_J5uk31VJGNYueU5_6TeZnYTFns3z4vuKusdD5QSE24aHE/s320/IMG_3257.JPG" /></a></div>The mist had cleared by the time the two teams met up. As you can see below, THE Coach looked positively chipper after his ride without his trainee. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq8w1PLPOtTh6ZGrq8BY36TejjvyKcprtNugyS7rwc2IkLvSxL4e1wICptp5xZGL0p4F4FXUIBsJQFmbRBDgldcM9Vnk0Hn_MqjM2kkIKfp9sppt7jECFx-6JdquDmMkkXG6YkMmaMAU/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq8w1PLPOtTh6ZGrq8BY36TejjvyKcprtNugyS7rwc2IkLvSxL4e1wICptp5xZGL0p4F4FXUIBsJQFmbRBDgldcM9Vnk0Hn_MqjM2kkIKfp9sppt7jECFx-6JdquDmMkkXG6YkMmaMAU/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" /></a></div> Best get back on my bike this week, as I was bluntly reminded that it's less than two months till we climb the hills of the Dordogne. Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-89683165931824703802010-04-27T21:23:00.000+10:002010-04-27T21:23:17.155+10:00No cycling, but lots of eating, drinking and shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60Toqnxb66N5WcZScQL-XXEBJ1sMG2ipOv_JRek6QNe4exfbIhvosDA0rq0t99bCJ1OKsqDPzN95wcqE5AMFwfvS87ECEZ8RObhG6EkgI6v9nCx8XKGnxYusjoDBbnGuPoe5WNC6m2xg/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60Toqnxb66N5WcZScQL-XXEBJ1sMG2ipOv_JRek6QNe4exfbIhvosDA0rq0t99bCJ1OKsqDPzN95wcqE5AMFwfvS87ECEZ8RObhG6EkgI6v9nCx8XKGnxYusjoDBbnGuPoe5WNC6m2xg/s320/IMG_3242.JPG" /></a></div> in Melbourne for the ANZAC day long weekend, where more than once I wished that I had my bike. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8Lx130BxLzJVEooA9BXrTiW4xlGVZjYBfa_w3cY2FvzKFcM_eEomZmQNyRUtJDa8SSwCQu-PGYL17Pa9IjxZi_jTiFM4-oOL5K76gkg2mUWEj8tJylujNLpI2hpBTdod51lftk3PQ6o/s1600/IMG_3229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8Lx130BxLzJVEooA9BXrTiW4xlGVZjYBfa_w3cY2FvzKFcM_eEomZmQNyRUtJDa8SSwCQu-PGYL17Pa9IjxZi_jTiFM4-oOL5K76gkg2mUWEj8tJylujNLpI2hpBTdod51lftk3PQ6o/s320/IMG_3229.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVmTPPhD4V4aPH3fCLeIV6K7gm_A1GrDXtG8_yXOB3-gy9MbKRrnsQXcB_lNErRTEQYjK-E4Ksv8SS0_LIyhwI_hwX0XaqE6RXr8P5_1m9ZUCE5C3BHWrXxdQUyN_piaUldsrazh2fC4/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVmTPPhD4V4aPH3fCLeIV6K7gm_A1GrDXtG8_yXOB3-gy9MbKRrnsQXcB_lNErRTEQYjK-E4Ksv8SS0_LIyhwI_hwX0XaqE6RXr8P5_1m9ZUCE5C3BHWrXxdQUyN_piaUldsrazh2fC4/s320/IMG_3206.JPG" /></a></div>A great weekend in a beautiful city. Thanks Lucy for the local knowledge. <br />
THE Coach has been keeping very quiet about my failure to ride last week. The lull before the storm perhaps?Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-76030434197280799072010-04-18T16:38:00.000+10:002010-04-18T16:38:33.818+10:00Visit Oatley Park for...beautiful views of the water,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE2c1DWWnBME5S_oHh_RlZOqsNwW78MyJMh6s4HmJE_8eSNcL9XXXkOG5mdZisUJYuMt0XBMuBbcxbLZM5DAlnbPpaM0PdwF1X1-RNzItRgkYPJxa1Us_uDeVsimRF5niINEe0GwNs9s/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE2c1DWWnBME5S_oHh_RlZOqsNwW78MyJMh6s4HmJE_8eSNcL9XXXkOG5mdZisUJYuMt0XBMuBbcxbLZM5DAlnbPpaM0PdwF1X1-RNzItRgkYPJxa1Us_uDeVsimRF5niINEe0GwNs9s/s320/IMG_3187.JPG" /></a></div>empty roads for cyclists<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZaI1_wVf5JlIsXXdAy32lneWXAJl9qLoMUSz7nGDbrUkFVNJ_hyL4yzIrS5gkL5xL2qYMcuXLC2-jpFC_ISMwDole-g8wLTT2XJ4HbPBfDAs0QKEFZyXzObRkqOpve8rF6OGkTCpsOE/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZaI1_wVf5JlIsXXdAy32lneWXAJl9qLoMUSz7nGDbrUkFVNJ_hyL4yzIrS5gkL5xL2qYMcuXLC2-jpFC_ISMwDole-g8wLTT2XJ4HbPBfDAs0QKEFZyXzObRkqOpve8rF6OGkTCpsOE/s320/IMG_3189.JPG" /></a></div>and long steady hills that make Bill, THE Hill Taskmaster, very happy. He loves to ride the <a href="http://defenders.oatleypark.com/aboutop.html">Oatley Park</a> hills and has been doing so for years. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M_kkK0v8K0uqTpGkBMPOOHYGsNErwRHRCCTglmJ2W9vk3R2cfpUmA7mayqAjqJEUb8qaDt5q7oLpfiG-Xtdh0XbXwkg-dRuP6xWuIRKCdF_nugzHJ6n0v8tLTUprH35uMBMpWSSsDBE/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M_kkK0v8K0uqTpGkBMPOOHYGsNErwRHRCCTglmJ2W9vk3R2cfpUmA7mayqAjqJEUb8qaDt5q7oLpfiG-Xtdh0XbXwkg-dRuP6xWuIRKCdF_nugzHJ6n0v8tLTUprH35uMBMpWSSsDBE/s320/IMG_3186.JPG" /></a></div>Three rides this week, two of the usual Five Dock circuit and one with Gen and Bill at Oatley Park. I've taken Catherine's warning about preparing for the hills in the Dordogne seriously, so persuaded THE Coach to drive over to Mortdale with our bikes to cycle with Bill and Gen on their regular morning ride.<br />
My goodness they will be in good shape for the Dordogne. After our ride of four times round the Oatley Park circuit, THE Coach insisted that we make the most of the beautiful day by riding on to Como for a look at the railway bridge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VZM8N5A5Z6TNOMcuNe0iOapB8FNMiH0ovRveTmMr8J77dRwMgxsYipAcw2ySezzuHQ9eI2Xmz9SusSsUxsKWag_meFj7W4p0TUBG_eZC70e9IyY-FhE_F_DL4mPEImAMsgDq60qb2m4/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VZM8N5A5Z6TNOMcuNe0iOapB8FNMiH0ovRveTmMr8J77dRwMgxsYipAcw2ySezzuHQ9eI2Xmz9SusSsUxsKWag_meFj7W4p0TUBG_eZC70e9IyY-FhE_F_DL4mPEImAMsgDq60qb2m4/s320/IMG_3199.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGstPMK2xtptxdiTa24qBfk3YcmPh_4UXkyB7QUWvh-bpoadBcKa017v89wXIPbpZaUudsEPbNOwBQXbr46cMTE_NSoQnWWIym1Daqa1xMths-CioIT2BZWc5sROtWVV_0V8Wa1on4Xw/s1600/IMG_3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGstPMK2xtptxdiTa24qBfk3YcmPh_4UXkyB7QUWvh-bpoadBcKa017v89wXIPbpZaUudsEPbNOwBQXbr46cMTE_NSoQnWWIym1Daqa1xMths-CioIT2BZWc5sROtWVV_0V8Wa1on4Xw/s320/IMG_3191.JPG" /></a></div>Someone else mentioned coffee, so I found some energy reserves and managed to pedal across the railway bridge to a lovely <a href="http://www.comomarina.com/">little cafe by the water at Como</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-2v8Oh7pq_JqgTNYoqvlAQvNX5BAFDbBXv-aXW7INnfyQcWNh3rZvAforKBjN1rIIlBMLB1hqpy-QrPHUEqCNMNbuRsV34yclXSBzHnasVS1Z8YVpJVtRphOGQqDIK_usaqWOm2_seA/s1600/IMG_3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-2v8Oh7pq_JqgTNYoqvlAQvNX5BAFDbBXv-aXW7INnfyQcWNh3rZvAforKBjN1rIIlBMLB1hqpy-QrPHUEqCNMNbuRsV34yclXSBzHnasVS1Z8YVpJVtRphOGQqDIK_usaqWOm2_seA/s320/IMG_3197.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVfZXWbCL5Dssjq_7JdYIJFwySuK-0XHQFFwhS7FpOdjp_cVMxkGVPRUFdeTvzd8fIMlKejvDgPOQiuh0oWJY5Rbp91xop6NirJjLaCpVV-gkZfSpAGs1wAppvcv7df8Oxtgq0IHb2yg/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVfZXWbCL5Dssjq_7JdYIJFwySuK-0XHQFFwhS7FpOdjp_cVMxkGVPRUFdeTvzd8fIMlKejvDgPOQiuh0oWJY5Rbp91xop6NirJjLaCpVV-gkZfSpAGs1wAppvcv7df8Oxtgq0IHb2yg/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" /></a></div>It was a strenuously rewarding ride, all 28 kms. I'm going to ignore THE Hill Taskmaster's parting comment that really "It was only a 14km ride today because the other 14 kms were coasting downhill".<br />
Even though I rode again this morning, my legs are still feeling those Oatley Park hills, a day later! Oh dear, I know what THE Coach will say...Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-12208893913714415812010-04-12T18:10:00.000+10:002010-04-12T18:10:22.965+10:00Cyclists everywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1L090i82BFyvYhqUMEQuEkLwKVAewJHyAkINoDj-1lyFZETKryHISayPPOhfSEM8tOT3Jp3aXe0Dy8b7cdWiHiweTi8lceHoDGpKzudZJ0M7rT1ScMMRdLxXol3A6MbAox39E-2JAb0/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1L090i82BFyvYhqUMEQuEkLwKVAewJHyAkINoDj-1lyFZETKryHISayPPOhfSEM8tOT3Jp3aXe0Dy8b7cdWiHiweTi8lceHoDGpKzudZJ0M7rT1ScMMRdLxXol3A6MbAox39E-2JAb0/s320/IMG_3179.JPG" /></a></div>Yesterday THE Coach and I set out on a 40 km ride with Bill and Gen to <a href="http://www.armorywharfcafe.com/">The Armory Cafe</a> at Newington on the edge of Olympic Park. I guess it was a surprise reward ride. THE Coach rode with us for the entire distance, and we stopped for coffee and raisin toast - well that was my order, so it appeared to meet the criteria of a reward ride. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBZsy4oMfmUheWDs9sF2h7IMprsfUsECDnsgS4w5u6oLl4fxuKWtVy88TCVgLydMJCRET2xtewFnfuGJ5kAaPPgWsoB8nauHvRn3IKy-TIvP6T5nqcZWtf_Oi9qL565TQFvMton8UMIs/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBZsy4oMfmUheWDs9sF2h7IMprsfUsECDnsgS4w5u6oLl4fxuKWtVy88TCVgLydMJCRET2xtewFnfuGJ5kAaPPgWsoB8nauHvRn3IKy-TIvP6T5nqcZWtf_Oi9qL565TQFvMton8UMIs/s320/IMG_3165.JPG" /></a></div>It was a perfect day for cycling- we weren't alone in our thinking. Homebush was crawling with cyclists of all descriptions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r_ch2VyldoWjl010NYd7m7VzA8XiVaO7k11eOtFtN-vbeiw2izIzNoHbz_cKcKM0PZVWnhCF1jSYvsxcn3SyAHX678gJBvKoSnrUYfqLUBsc0Hnzm_w5ZD4n0nU4aTvswflGbIgp60Y/s1600/IMG_3175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r_ch2VyldoWjl010NYd7m7VzA8XiVaO7k11eOtFtN-vbeiw2izIzNoHbz_cKcKM0PZVWnhCF1jSYvsxcn3SyAHX678gJBvKoSnrUYfqLUBsc0Hnzm_w5ZD4n0nU4aTvswflGbIgp60Y/s320/IMG_3175.JPG" /></a></div>Although the ride is mostly through the suburban back streets of Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord and Rhodes, it is quite varied as the on road cyclepath also winds through streets of factories and runs along the river - in parts it is quite picturesque. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJKWxJpRlXuFpStA0w0GhVpjnYBgWMC6wV2Nte5weIQ46BJg7rUOfUBAEQcrl-4nPVcYH0zOiiNnyR2TNW2AJe9XgGQaX9NsTJRApxvOcqfzVD1w3URj_LH1jQQO1rl7j2VPPuYNwYmg/s1600/IMG_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJKWxJpRlXuFpStA0w0GhVpjnYBgWMC6wV2Nte5weIQ46BJg7rUOfUBAEQcrl-4nPVcYH0zOiiNnyR2TNW2AJe9XgGQaX9NsTJRApxvOcqfzVD1w3URj_LH1jQQO1rl7j2VPPuYNwYmg/s320/IMG_3167.JPG" /></a></div>When we finished Gen and Bill stopped in for a cuppa to "talk cycling in France". We poured over travel guides and maps as we began to make more detailed plans for the cycling leg of our trip.<br />
Since I blogged a few weeks ago, some blog readers have requested our itinerary. We are using the cycling company <a href="http://www.cyclomundo.com/">Cyclomundo </a>and so far they've been great. We've planned a self-guided group tour of the Dordogne and Lot districts. <br />
Day 1Arrive in Souillac and transfer to stay overnight in Sarlat.<br />
Day 2 Cycle from Sarlat to Montignac (25kms)<br />
Day 3 Cycle from Montignac to Les Eyzies (26kms)<br />
Day 4 Cycle from LesEyzies to Monpazier (40kms)<br />
Day5 Cycle from Monpazier to Sarlat (53 kms)<br />
Day 6 Cycle Sarlat environs.<br />
Day 7 Cycle from Sarlat to Rocamadour (54 Kms)<br />
Day 8 Cycle from Rocamadour to Labastide-Murat (30 kms)<br />
Day 9 Cycle from Labastide-Murat to Vers (28Kms)<br />
Day 10 Cycle from Vers to Cahors (15km)<br />
Day 11 Train from Cahors to Paris.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">We'd love any and all suggestions for 'must see' spots in this southern part of the Dordogne</span></b>. Thanks to Anne for the email with details about caves worth a look and to Catherine for tips about unmissable lunch stops.<br />
ALL suggestions will be greeted with delight.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-32956366272140969692010-04-06T11:30:00.000+10:002010-04-06T11:30:31.061+10:00THE Coach - What Coach?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKseuFPJjyLtaTCphtTwU_CpuSyY3b1F2qpg4F1JxOAHQMICY9A4eoRwc2Ty0zyri_3b3MCQ-7cM7dVx1YybJWvAa-r76voKq2T-mBou8JDi73pZhvuqXYnQ152GoxPpnbVQekeghGZjM/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKseuFPJjyLtaTCphtTwU_CpuSyY3b1F2qpg4F1JxOAHQMICY9A4eoRwc2Ty0zyri_3b3MCQ-7cM7dVx1YybJWvAa-r76voKq2T-mBou8JDi73pZhvuqXYnQ152GoxPpnbVQekeghGZjM/s320/IMG_3051.JPG" /></a></div>We spent Easter with friends staying in a beautiful country home, between the towns of Blayney and Orange in western NSW.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H2HqgqX1ZCXAIXRVgu4Rf4kzjJH-vKnnuWmmqe_WxF5XruPplVacNXi0lIxohZ28Xl-JnAUvrPsmvpHWTQVuGC3GY2SCViv4vTqRa0bI9wjDUJY-nzYp3ENXiTQkiSYl4RA0j0pVjok/s1600/IMG_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H2HqgqX1ZCXAIXRVgu4Rf4kzjJH-vKnnuWmmqe_WxF5XruPplVacNXi0lIxohZ28Xl-JnAUvrPsmvpHWTQVuGC3GY2SCViv4vTqRa0bI9wjDUJY-nzYp3ENXiTQkiSYl4RA0j0pVjok/s320/IMG_3087.JPG" /></a></div>The weather was glorious and this part of the country was looking its best after some much needed rain. Who could blame THE Coach for taking off every morning to ride with some very keen cyclists along empty country roads, through dazzling green fields, past pretty country villages and best of all, up some long steady hills?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhoinjdVb4nGgPb1LOT4iSnAr_ZnxRKK1fZyCYdjGNBvazRgofdFO6wIRaHMNxoc0Z8RVj7kO989yEB9Jkv1my9dYRl1FnSb7aiujQSoyzD7t9ulet3Fw0ru9HEbCOGR9Fae4u9DCEBc/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhoinjdVb4nGgPb1LOT4iSnAr_ZnxRKK1fZyCYdjGNBvazRgofdFO6wIRaHMNxoc0Z8RVj7kO989yEB9Jkv1my9dYRl1FnSb7aiujQSoyzD7t9ulet3Fw0ru9HEbCOGR9Fae4u9DCEBc/s320/IMG_3156.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, THE Coach was in heaven as he rode with Richard, Anne, Kate, Catherine, Julie-Anne and occasionally, his trainee Jenny, along the country roads around Blayney and Millthorpe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rI_etfGo8_Or1uJ9lS8sQ2nh3ggkwP8MUihCOj4LttijF2T9-fvI3o_Q8_sZiWpmJGPDCfsCUn2jImXUkRSQcCwePvSdMciX8wGGVtEFSaXy1NVkJwNe4U8-ZJSNfwyaTvsKaR0-jDU/s1600/IMG_3079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rI_etfGo8_Or1uJ9lS8sQ2nh3ggkwP8MUihCOj4LttijF2T9-fvI3o_Q8_sZiWpmJGPDCfsCUn2jImXUkRSQcCwePvSdMciX8wGGVtEFSaXy1NVkJwNe4U8-ZJSNfwyaTvsKaR0-jDU/s320/IMG_3079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfvcWLCQpPHWBwZVgmrWORLdZeNLHWRuJU_7UYwfooAq4KFuK20EpCnw9V3QmTkF29tmdWpImUO27rla6xiCT0QkIPgsbEJ3iyRpw7XaMTn4duDWaM-GzF6bAQ417rjvIrTbfyrJm7VQ/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfvcWLCQpPHWBwZVgmrWORLdZeNLHWRuJU_7UYwfooAq4KFuK20EpCnw9V3QmTkF29tmdWpImUO27rla6xiCT0QkIPgsbEJ3iyRpw7XaMTn4duDWaM-GzF6bAQ417rjvIrTbfyrJm7VQ/s320/IMG_3126.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luckily, while THE Coach was out pedaling furiously up and down as many hills as he could find, I enjoyed some lovely rides with Anne and Catherine, who kindly kept me company at the back of the pack. Although the rides were some of the longest that I've done (38kms around Blayney and 42 kms into Orange), we also made time to drink coffee, eat lots of Anne's delicious home cooked biscuits and taste some wine with Melissa at the <a href="http://www.philipshaw.com.au/">Philip Shaw</a> vineyard just outside Orange.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb9E9JSMJhM0dEGx8gE3nENC-zS6BHqvL9fMuM2cSBdjk6JJCVStE7O19E2L4svOnoICM3nNEIOyIi7m6FZHD9qjoUyLjhQ5RjFTu_PI929lyMxkVaYCEwKXKVXBMAMnU2WeerdEHrx0/s1600/IMG_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb9E9JSMJhM0dEGx8gE3nENC-zS6BHqvL9fMuM2cSBdjk6JJCVStE7O19E2L4svOnoICM3nNEIOyIi7m6FZHD9qjoUyLjhQ5RjFTu_PI929lyMxkVaYCEwKXKVXBMAMnU2WeerdEHrx0/s320/IMG_3089.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5Qy_tQBcyHEeqS_sHp3IG7YtzPdRoVrC6iOZD7KIGmUXOXqmqlKePFUvX4TOelHqkhh-6KpIScpWzRxBeip7hGm3gGAVVAfBW_7vw832qgqhL_eOm8iYj7iLhHPoJe4CpZu5NXzdD4/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5Qy_tQBcyHEeqS_sHp3IG7YtzPdRoVrC6iOZD7KIGmUXOXqmqlKePFUvX4TOelHqkhh-6KpIScpWzRxBeip7hGm3gGAVVAfBW_7vw832qgqhL_eOm8iYj7iLhHPoJe4CpZu5NXzdD4/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" /></a></div>So, although THE Coach was consumed with riding fast, up as many hills as he could find, he encouraged his trainee with reward cups of coffee and the odd encouraging remark - "Good to see you've finally arrived" - words of encouragement from himself as I hauled myself off the bike at the Union Bank Cafe.<br />
We loved visiting Orange, Millthorpe and Blayney. Cycling in the morning and then eating out - lunch at <a href="http://www.tonicmillthorpe.com.au/">Tonic</a> in Millthorpe on Saturday, follow by lunch at <a href="http://www.unionbank.com.au/">The Union Bank</a> on Easter Sunday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGi5w9vQUbPoErtbVLwcAjZhP6Tu5qecpOP8GbFiyAx2Ql9t-y_-CPe-D-yf4vQuuW7FAuvaY3NtUyYE7Jtytvc-5ucue9-73y8BFKQZSiMcUpviHXbqXsm9GDuixFB9o3mjqqAEHJRw/s1600/IMG_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGi5w9vQUbPoErtbVLwcAjZhP6Tu5qecpOP8GbFiyAx2Ql9t-y_-CPe-D-yf4vQuuW7FAuvaY3NtUyYE7Jtytvc-5ucue9-73y8BFKQZSiMcUpviHXbqXsm9GDuixFB9o3mjqqAEHJRw/s320/IMG_3133.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZnC0ZU_wmAmJl6rpatvwcaTQuenP2vv1kcrV53RqyQiF6lTgjzeyJpF2EcMtHmPeC8YAOgdgFM1t4qpVAXNyNkuHNGtJxqHLJRjx7_1uFlr92BIxPL_XYW8SaVcOqZKl9agCR8CYBV0/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZnC0ZU_wmAmJl6rpatvwcaTQuenP2vv1kcrV53RqyQiF6lTgjzeyJpF2EcMtHmPeC8YAOgdgFM1t4qpVAXNyNkuHNGtJxqHLJRjx7_1uFlr92BIxPL_XYW8SaVcOqZKl9agCR8CYBV0/s320/IMG_3128.JPG" /></a></div>We still managed to feast again on Sunday night as our most generous hosts, Anne and Richard, prepared a delicious roast dinner, followed by a very moreish apple crumble. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovOJzkVwp9hMhq1bE97Gfv6zOi6pmBzeS9Zz4GYCFtXndL5Jn78ML3kCy8AVgF5q8zoqYA_kRH-VKRTa33OAzI9CSoVtEch4KOYCSyuxKY-Or0GcMcKqH7gZVXrC7_CYw9__V9TojVhU/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovOJzkVwp9hMhq1bE97Gfv6zOi6pmBzeS9Zz4GYCFtXndL5Jn78ML3kCy8AVgF5q8zoqYA_kRH-VKRTa33OAzI9CSoVtEch4KOYCSyuxKY-Or0GcMcKqH7gZVXrC7_CYw9__V9TojVhU/s320/IMG_3148.JPG" /></a></div>I've said it before - there is only ONE Coach. His ruthless coaching methods are working as I've now cycled similar distances to those we'll be doing in France. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsApaxYXuhVnN0XpRaKwb-PIsIBcy9DamXTE0ucsURYqpoiUFa1BazvArcl1Y4YG0ew9Yghsi3FtOCwG1HodglTludvSjKeQSeZS5hmpfXLEtD0oBW6T8KvKpNNSJILTiToeoG6ZkOGe8/s1600/IMG_3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsApaxYXuhVnN0XpRaKwb-PIsIBcy9DamXTE0ucsURYqpoiUFa1BazvArcl1Y4YG0ew9Yghsi3FtOCwG1HodglTludvSjKeQSeZS5hmpfXLEtD0oBW6T8KvKpNNSJILTiToeoG6ZkOGe8/s320/IMG_3091.JPG" /></a></div>Admittedly, I'm lacking considerable stamina, but there are still many months to go. Thanks to THE Coach, I'm still on my bike and enjoying the riding more than ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaklGLhBng8PRcwP-IIvJi_3H9-I1CsezTwLzEoJjboiSBgcUiF_V26d8dDvTpr6QKzEvWEozwK6jKY2363K63JxO2C-nV1tslc10TdqVmoBhkljW6Cj7WlLPSobhjzeDdQLaL9-HcoRg/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaklGLhBng8PRcwP-IIvJi_3H9-I1CsezTwLzEoJjboiSBgcUiF_V26d8dDvTpr6QKzEvWEozwK6jKY2363K63JxO2C-nV1tslc10TdqVmoBhkljW6Cj7WlLPSobhjzeDdQLaL9-HcoRg/s320/IMG_3082.JPG" /></a></div>Cycling round Orange was sensational. Catherine, Mary and Julie-Anne assure us that the Dordogne will be even more delightful. Hard to believe after such a fantastic weekend!!! Thanks Catherine, Richard and Anne.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-31823744103145906642010-03-28T22:47:00.000+11:002010-03-28T22:47:15.074+11:00So many Sydneys in one ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY0P3nkIRKE2XuXBdj33jSPc5iNMD2rbTFy4GGtJsYY3dQd8LJS5y4GZvLGytANuXsT7oQgFvSzqSiK0jYMvwJwQoI8WhAuFAU7x3KOja9UAQE4uD99ArWzfp4XMtYabNNQ-ZxwG0F2s/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY0P3nkIRKE2XuXBdj33jSPc5iNMD2rbTFy4GGtJsYY3dQd8LJS5y4GZvLGytANuXsT7oQgFvSzqSiK0jYMvwJwQoI8WhAuFAU7x3KOja9UAQE4uD99ArWzfp4XMtYabNNQ-ZxwG0F2s/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" /></a></div>A taste of touring this week with our ride around Fairfield, Cabrammatta, Bossley Park and Canley Vale. A 38 km loop (slightly more for those who did the short ride to the lookout which even THE Coach said was a "bit of a pinch"). Needless to say I was happy to wait under the shade at the bottom preserving my energy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GyaMY1TL-YSktxxPkXY7xb5_u8aMxQu38_H1-azJpZXInQ2qmktkbNK_Blm801t9h-EyvE9hauIOTYCpBMpwUGkFxzfpI1vWbbAY2EYJ4ROVMCfAe9ip8F753VdHLVss0cntJV6xIb4/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GyaMY1TL-YSktxxPkXY7xb5_u8aMxQu38_H1-azJpZXInQ2qmktkbNK_Blm801t9h-EyvE9hauIOTYCpBMpwUGkFxzfpI1vWbbAY2EYJ4ROVMCfAe9ip8F753VdHLVss0cntJV6xIb4/s320/IMG_3015.JPG" /></a></div>Thanks to Mary, who organised our group of seven, we were on our bikes leaving Canley Vale railway station a little after 8am on Saturday morning. Perfect riding conditions with overcast warm weather for most of the morning. Perfect for THE Coach too, as he rode with a group of glamorous gals, as you can see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M9W7CJeBKtGW0sSiixmiXZgXiM9WTMVEpLi_vyWpToeduUitjYEUix8yUAqHsqcvlor4v0KddE6131PvpstC6BaskIOJ9YghEhL2-JbqjC3wskYJTHT_Z4RTboECQp6gyiZL2Jwcnh4/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M9W7CJeBKtGW0sSiixmiXZgXiM9WTMVEpLi_vyWpToeduUitjYEUix8yUAqHsqcvlor4v0KddE6131PvpstC6BaskIOJ9YghEhL2-JbqjC3wskYJTHT_Z4RTboECQp6gyiZL2Jwcnh4/s320/IMG_3022.JPG" /></a></div>Mary, our ride leader with map in hand, reassured me that this would be a touring ride so our speed would hover between 15-20 km. Lovely, just my kind of ride. And so it was - a mostly flat ride with just a couple of gentle hills for interest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD9zSDavBZLosZ4Jxmik_ChV-pALhhnykS6ozvodLkgJ1MTWycXxbvrAMPIOzaU_FUeI145anTMgfvHl7gISPnt1B0XYgr7cNLwOBxP7rvt2x-HJsYVJ4YxWq_a4ND8j3THa6T_ZZlz0/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD9zSDavBZLosZ4Jxmik_ChV-pALhhnykS6ozvodLkgJ1MTWycXxbvrAMPIOzaU_FUeI145anTMgfvHl7gISPnt1B0XYgr7cNLwOBxP7rvt2x-HJsYVJ4YxWq_a4ND8j3THa6T_ZZlz0/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc21sCgGqp4q1fodbOVlsfE31fJbqPFFOCeptpvTqh7htcRWR8hCz9U575fxZyEe3gUaspv8ax9qMosuHgJaT7BEfTG0xlVLZ7ltJrAHngn-DlK-kG1rEZoIyEDuHKeL_faFT2NHZ_qg/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc21sCgGqp4q1fodbOVlsfE31fJbqPFFOCeptpvTqh7htcRWR8hCz9U575fxZyEe3gUaspv8ax9qMosuHgJaT7BEfTG0xlVLZ7ltJrAHngn-DlK-kG1rEZoIyEDuHKeL_faFT2NHZ_qg/s320/IMG_3025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJbLVl-tC53XcAsMct8WOnkXGNwfUO276OzmhgNeIwp_7HPnQTh2-029eu622sR7nqD4tXTWKAmhHOFmYl5JHMJF41LSP1kefQE0mWYJhHllAsBZ_Bep9TVlvljoSKE7d1SbgkX57J18/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJbLVl-tC53XcAsMct8WOnkXGNwfUO276OzmhgNeIwp_7HPnQTh2-029eu622sR7nqD4tXTWKAmhHOFmYl5JHMJF41LSP1kefQE0mWYJhHllAsBZ_Bep9TVlvljoSKE7d1SbgkX57J18/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" /></a></div>Lots of chatting as we rode through urban sprawl, along grungy paths beside the railway tracks, past temples and through beautiful parklands.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglitg_rAsE9Ko-sLIToj1uvvH6zW2olWwOwogHUtQ_g-FU4u4ZoD_MIvMRH0MCXZMai0In1P28FyUDYZoAvuJV9cNJev8PH6EzoiDdv9XEzNKgXPdkdxqMSUGrz89lH3yZJmLLxaS97o4/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglitg_rAsE9Ko-sLIToj1uvvH6zW2olWwOwogHUtQ_g-FU4u4ZoD_MIvMRH0MCXZMai0In1P28FyUDYZoAvuJV9cNJev8PH6EzoiDdv9XEzNKgXPdkdxqMSUGrz89lH3yZJmLLxaS97o4/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" /></a></div>One of THE Coach's favourite sayings, "there are just so many Sydneys" came to mind as I rode along enjoying the sights and sounds of the outer west. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLGyiahBU4Z7KoSWP9BHyVeIiCIaMwWLqAvkbIK1C9KGCIE9qWWMCpXdfbgPWYb5FU4fa_pJhYr0lSGyTI4jfUbgHqLrym1DlwWp5bJWH4a47iKoRItPF6KOeTjCukm5rqaq4bN41azE/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLGyiahBU4Z7KoSWP9BHyVeIiCIaMwWLqAvkbIK1C9KGCIE9qWWMCpXdfbgPWYb5FU4fa_pJhYr0lSGyTI4jfUbgHqLrym1DlwWp5bJWH4a47iKoRItPF6KOeTjCukm5rqaq4bN41azE/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEqxqQ6l59hyphenhyphenp5vcZP21zkjbetEEjOsbK2RIIcI1sf6B2RPZuTiTsG1xXHmGerwpSDdroP2cbuTvDHlIanxn_T2uWYEol0CbuJ3vOrVUHssm3j846JeaCBe0fYNVyhrx9KpJq3oU6ZG4/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEqxqQ6l59hyphenhyphenp5vcZP21zkjbetEEjOsbK2RIIcI1sf6B2RPZuTiTsG1xXHmGerwpSDdroP2cbuTvDHlIanxn_T2uWYEol0CbuJ3vOrVUHssm3j846JeaCBe0fYNVyhrx9KpJq3oU6ZG4/s320/IMG_3046.JPG" /></a></div>Best of all, there was a reward at the end of the ride. We spruced ourselves up and enjoyed a delicious Vietnamese lunch in Canley Vale. THE Coach is also very handy with a camera as you can see from these shots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIngSqG5ETmep_V4T_wS6zwU7MKsfUuIv9tPV0E4cpllL-HKR4RAXOBNBUaJW5Bhhs1Ud1f10IzbqZz2WylNIte_RVzhCISK5C_PSHRgMI3Sook0XyR952hu0N4-ixdHDKrUSQMZwya0/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIngSqG5ETmep_V4T_wS6zwU7MKsfUuIv9tPV0E4cpllL-HKR4RAXOBNBUaJW5Bhhs1Ud1f10IzbqZz2WylNIte_RVzhCISK5C_PSHRgMI3Sook0XyR952hu0N4-ixdHDKrUSQMZwya0/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to Mary and Julie-Anne for organising the ride, and to Louise, Patsy and Catherine for a totally awesome, random, sensational ride!!!! Going forward with much excitement to Orange for a cycling Easter weekend!!! I thinkTHE Coach is almost as enthused.</div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-37948291237520890902010-03-21T20:53:00.000+11:002010-03-21T20:53:45.007+11:00"Ho, hum" says THE Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SLhHNHgpyzwZehFVtBWhpKzN_DOpqtBDOqJ99UINCN3RvV0KO-PL6Q4WQZxvzNQ6xPfgfVz70UDPqap8LY1pJZssuH8_5XWudefXUW4DHgPa1L5dC7t_X-GjW4tjaLAzj31pss_t1sY/s1600-h/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SLhHNHgpyzwZehFVtBWhpKzN_DOpqtBDOqJ99UINCN3RvV0KO-PL6Q4WQZxvzNQ6xPfgfVz70UDPqap8LY1pJZssuH8_5XWudefXUW4DHgPa1L5dC7t_X-GjW4tjaLAzj31pss_t1sY/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" /></a></div>An uneventful weekend of cycling as you can see from THE Coach's expression. Yes my first reward ride in a while and this time it was just 22 kms around the bays of Iron Cove, Hen and Chicken Bay and Five Dock returning to the cafe beside the Iron Cove Bridge for the raisin toast (not bad) and coffee at <a href="http://www.thecoveatdrummoyne.com.au/">The Cove, Drummoyne. </a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRdQ3CqdcymJC2D0v-pdnwQcZ7ExFb1kuNuuPCQT8CVEjIfPJbN7xKUVIZE-RfCqNm8ceFub6kD0NuhqZxY2kSuvMoId4Qs8K6kxcNTKodbiEjDeek7zQ7KyoccP9bRs_2_yXT8d4TV8/s1600-h/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRdQ3CqdcymJC2D0v-pdnwQcZ7ExFb1kuNuuPCQT8CVEjIfPJbN7xKUVIZE-RfCqNm8ceFub6kD0NuhqZxY2kSuvMoId4Qs8K6kxcNTKodbiEjDeek7zQ7KyoccP9bRs_2_yXT8d4TV8/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" /></a> </div>Have been averaging 2 rides a week, only weekend rides at the moment as I can't seem to drag myself out of bed in the pitch dark to ride before school. Perhaps I'll be a little more motivated after next weekend as there is a ride planned with Mary, Julie Anne, Catherine and THE Coach. A 40 km ride - anyone else want to join me at the back of the pack???<br />
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As I don't have too much to report about riding around Sydney I thought I'd start introducing the Dordogne plans on the blog. Our first stop after arriving from Paris by train will be to stay overnight in the small town of <a href="http://www.francethisway.com/places/souillac.php">Souillac</a>. Once we pick up our bikes and maps, I don't think there will be too much in Souillac to delay us before we begin our first day of cycling to Montignac. Thought some of you might like to see the hotel where we'll be staying over night in Montignac so <a href="http://www.le-soleil-dor.com/EN/">here it is</a>. The caves appear to be the main attraction in this area so I'm sure we'll find time to join the crowds below ground. <br />
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So that's just the first day of our trip, only 30kms or so along some pretty back roads without too many hills. An easy beginning, we hope.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-68644961368802032802010-03-14T19:42:00.001+11:002010-03-14T19:55:39.809+11:00France this year, but in 2011 it's GOT to be New York!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGQYtg1Ocrf991fWn2Nzt2KTu1mGjZQ6XcU-btlTtgvZBEmgC5Nu1uhx6maYr_epuF1F6vel8IXuUY9Q0jT1lmKYF21r7qX_YAPPo7ahWYZhreBx493UINQwLvvlf9RUiBtsyYxjoZiU/s1600-h/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGQYtg1Ocrf991fWn2Nzt2KTu1mGjZQ6XcU-btlTtgvZBEmgC5Nu1uhx6maYr_epuF1F6vel8IXuUY9Q0jT1lmKYF21r7qX_YAPPo7ahWYZhreBx493UINQwLvvlf9RUiBtsyYxjoZiU/s320/IMG_2982.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wareemba cafe, again.</span></span></i></div>THE coach was persuaded to head off early this morning for a ride to Parramatta with JulieAnne and Mary. I was invited but preferred not to slow them down, so I was able to spend a little longer in bed before getting on my bike to do the usual 18kms to Abbotsford. <br />
Those extra minutes in bed meant that I could read <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/travel/wheels-are-in-motion-20100310-pygn.html">Monica's "Cycling in New York story" published in the SMH today.</a><br />
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When I met the others for coffee and "Sydney's best raisin toast" (JuileAnne agrees), I was able to announce that our next cycling holiday just has to be New York. I'm sure you'll agree when you read Monica's feature travel article about the joys of cycling in the Big Apple. So you can see why we just have to plan another cycling trip after France - New York it is. I'm sure THE Coach will say yes...eventually.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN5IkiNf8fbCiasfvrrIBuRf8KXNqG24ZTm3UvH-6nvf5CeJOnGsQxObhMu5SrxGnkR5VQlipyjb1nFiNXIPEymK46zheyFSnQdp5wVOP22e7zOrXlUaWxweHoVi08OzDMcI8aFoOlBI/s1600-h/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN5IkiNf8fbCiasfvrrIBuRf8KXNqG24ZTm3UvH-6nvf5CeJOnGsQxObhMu5SrxGnkR5VQlipyjb1nFiNXIPEymK46zheyFSnQdp5wVOP22e7zOrXlUaWxweHoVi08OzDMcI8aFoOlBI/s320/IMG_2981.JPG" /></a></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There it is!</span></i></div>Lots of rides planned for the next few weeks - Canley Vale, Orange and in May, a ride in Canberra. Yes I'm well and truly back on the bike and have now clocked up the required 4 solo rides. Have told THE Coach that a reward ride is on the cards for next weekend.<br />
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Just one more thing. There is a new <a href="http://www.cecile-apartments.com/">website for the apartment</a> where we're going to stay in Paris, so I thought you might like to have a browse. We've booked the 1 bedroom Marais Village apartment. Isn't it beautiful! Can't wait.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-11928813868483773782010-03-06T19:38:00.001+11:002010-03-06T20:15:14.446+11:00Carb loading, fresh carbs onlyOnly one ride this weekend but at least I have been back on my bike. Just the usual solo bay ride, very slow. But tomorrow I'll be out again. I'll have to be as tonight Tim and THE Coach are cooking up a feast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaII-CMam23gF2pkWBvGMMfetgFLgFuuVNYQV8K5oxcar-oBtDMMTbnH-yIGU0lVvCMg6cUPUvNba7WdtW0xD_vwfg9YFdZkFNOzo0iR7_vIed87Jmcy9lhGxkaWSWeuzhMyhTw285KQ/s1600-h/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaII-CMam23gF2pkWBvGMMfetgFLgFuuVNYQV8K5oxcar-oBtDMMTbnH-yIGU0lVvCMg6cUPUvNba7WdtW0xD_vwfg9YFdZkFNOzo0iR7_vIed87Jmcy9lhGxkaWSWeuzhMyhTw285KQ/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe_aHgTW1jpgmaN6WinmWIdJOVpFPrXGQY4U_U11xPjHEsWDD4N8v3_puMUDdSWV5OA0_AVGkR7FKFX1CmiWR_et_POTFnxuZLnxJ80mtvTTL2kxRnxnWtON4hH6eFP1Yx9Xiylxaogk/s1600-h/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe_aHgTW1jpgmaN6WinmWIdJOVpFPrXGQY4U_U11xPjHEsWDD4N8v3_puMUDdSWV5OA0_AVGkR7FKFX1CmiWR_et_POTFnxuZLnxJ80mtvTTL2kxRnxnWtON4hH6eFP1Yx9Xiylxaogk/s320/IMG_2974.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLGqSxv-cSe-Rjq6xMrACCk3BBh7-yzr7R_MAmjTUZcbFrH9jYiTmk9gfo898uL7dOjcgBovLMB5exnhocidVJVq4qooeasv9H1qtGGoIsbMt-W9D0MgPrpRenTjLJHLCSLiITCljVCY/s1600-h/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLGqSxv-cSe-Rjq6xMrACCk3BBh7-yzr7R_MAmjTUZcbFrH9jYiTmk9gfo898uL7dOjcgBovLMB5exnhocidVJVq4qooeasv9H1qtGGoIsbMt-W9D0MgPrpRenTjLJHLCSLiITCljVCY/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTdlU4y-8ofLgesAeYoRLHeeYJAPkne8dSESiJgCrH7cxJf7htPCILXJ46o9J766DKnQBJz2kpOQyZbOxoWYnfWy3CZPQi8L4Y4iHyYjrpqNoydbiORgcTdTyvAc3386ena3TqvJeYzc/s1600-h/IMG_2976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTdlU4y-8ofLgesAeYoRLHeeYJAPkne8dSESiJgCrH7cxJf7htPCILXJ46o9J766DKnQBJz2kpOQyZbOxoWYnfWy3CZPQi8L4Y4iHyYjrpqNoydbiORgcTdTyvAc3386ena3TqvJeYzc/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" /></a></div></div>Fresh pasta with Tim's favourite bolognese made by the cycling and pasta coach himself. Yes, I'd better hit the hills tomorrow after the mountains of pasta I'm planning to eat.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-1352657516496815532010-02-21T13:11:00.000+11:002010-02-21T13:11:58.505+11:00It's been a while...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryptURsmdHQcPg9dpRtLj658j6ouC20kZSFeZ_5LeDlLn0ASD-LTwAhp37rB1maIQEEVdcHIo_WmFrPn3oH5zvdc02K4gPChyt9dXaqyGC1aZ1yZrAn7Lgu99CLFClo5yLKKzMpINVLo/s1600-h/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryptURsmdHQcPg9dpRtLj658j6ouC20kZSFeZ_5LeDlLn0ASD-LTwAhp37rB1maIQEEVdcHIo_WmFrPn3oH5zvdc02K4gPChyt9dXaqyGC1aZ1yZrAn7Lgu99CLFClo5yLKKzMpINVLo/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" /></a></div>Yes, the whole reason for blogging was to get me on my bike, but unfortunately not even the public humiliation of having to blog about not riding has been able to get me out there. <br />
But now, the rain has gone, the days are looking brighter and a little cooler, treatment is over, SO I'll be back pedalling very soon. <br />
And when I do, I'll be hard to miss thanks to these beautiful cycling shirts that I received for my birthday. Looking forward to being seen on the bike.<br />
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</div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-79923116254933653232010-01-31T21:32:00.000+11:002010-01-31T21:32:15.549+11:00The Handover at Centennial Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf-DTd9ikUS0L9wZRSek3CctfUUzm0xb8udTb2xMExXi_hgHQR14UOApPPZpD62AiDbYTM-NN60eLfjIWyBuFDuxQvBQFFnSAs4CIVCe4fRGyc_umvE_mRlXPp1FiNjykFUAl7qvKEQI/s1600-h/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf-DTd9ikUS0L9wZRSek3CctfUUzm0xb8udTb2xMExXi_hgHQR14UOApPPZpD62AiDbYTM-NN60eLfjIWyBuFDuxQvBQFFnSAs4CIVCe4fRGyc_umvE_mRlXPp1FiNjykFUAl7qvKEQI/s320/IMG_2908.JPG" /></a></div>Only two rides this week. One on Monday with Therese and then a reward ride on Australia Day with THE Coach in Centennial Park, where we met Bill and Gen for the official handover of Melissa's bike. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uf1YHPDf424tL5tqPJPBzRJOvF2F_B5rQNdUcMGJs4KilvswmNYLaW2p3WZHSNDSiCLcT31a7wfztoGztDlv0q7ufdHIM7QbFT_gR1RUvMs5bEbIvf3txIWarNm8nUqzvcJKSUQOlK0/s1600-h/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uf1YHPDf424tL5tqPJPBzRJOvF2F_B5rQNdUcMGJs4KilvswmNYLaW2p3WZHSNDSiCLcT31a7wfztoGztDlv0q7ufdHIM7QbFT_gR1RUvMs5bEbIvf3txIWarNm8nUqzvcJKSUQOlK0/s320/IMG_2911.JPG" /></a></div>It was a warm morning as we joined hundreds of cyclists ranging from the slick, speedy Italian looking blokes cycling in packs, to the elegant solo rider, leisurely pedaling along on her lovely bike with basket. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJh7BGyFtMysXipDivyKjwtQfBNQ-JXHDCWPx3fkgmdI0jAAMgTwLhghlMqZ7dxtA0jS2ZM1EU4kR2X9o4uFZed8JgoE4EylzRuI0ZcK7PSnTdBQ8_HmQSdDVvVcmLTGT9iOJrz1RJSk/s1600-h/IMG_2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJh7BGyFtMysXipDivyKjwtQfBNQ-JXHDCWPx3fkgmdI0jAAMgTwLhghlMqZ7dxtA0jS2ZM1EU4kR2X9o4uFZed8JgoE4EylzRuI0ZcK7PSnTdBQ8_HmQSdDVvVcmLTGT9iOJrz1RJSk/s320/IMG_2913.JPG" /></a></div>THE Coach had a plan. He led us five, or six times round the park, always leading from a distance in front well out of shouting distance so he couldn't hear our calls for a drink stop. To earn our coffee we also had to climb the hills - yes, there are two hills in Centennial Park and we rode up them several times till THE Coach was satisfied that we were sweating. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI7QMbF3Dv1hwcikJfjXQ6A3hd3Ncqhk_91d51VbSm08ZHDe-wFllTR66BYIXUyFSPBktrAbr3frAbM9iX4kAYzA3Fq6IWuGbYomb8Ho7mjQHg86FfhLtI3OrI-5nZ_6hOQ0yvH2kwxE/s1600-h/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI7QMbF3Dv1hwcikJfjXQ6A3hd3Ncqhk_91d51VbSm08ZHDe-wFllTR66BYIXUyFSPBktrAbr3frAbM9iX4kAYzA3Fq6IWuGbYomb8Ho7mjQHg86FfhLtI3OrI-5nZ_6hOQ0yvH2kwxE/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" /></a></div>Finally, we were allowed out of the park for a coffee and quick bite of delicious fruit toast at Monica's favourite Woollahra cafe. <br />
<br />
Gen seemed to take a shine to Melissa's bike enjoying the raised flat handle bars and suspension seat, but not the toe clips. Only one slight accident as we slowed to cross the road with Gen forgetting to step out of the clips, but a few grazes didn't faze her, as we were almost back to the cars. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_blIZ_AysCXrbObbhWQUPGsUIFZCzlvGOS2aIF97n1vIl_0IWyvikyG174h1dLyz3mY55yHrJj-srKdGtyJB8KzYwwSPBWUpNEY4O_r2EQF1tahHppe38RxVlB0s9EBcldERqhqrPk/s1600-h/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_blIZ_AysCXrbObbhWQUPGsUIFZCzlvGOS2aIF97n1vIl_0IWyvikyG174h1dLyz3mY55yHrJj-srKdGtyJB8KzYwwSPBWUpNEY4O_r2EQF1tahHppe38RxVlB0s9EBcldERqhqrPk/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" /></a></div>All up it was about 30kms, probably about the distance we'll be riding in France on some of the shorter days.<br />
<br />
Until next week...Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-44314299052275908902010-01-25T11:35:00.000+11:002010-01-25T11:35:17.351+11:00We did but see him zooming by...Hey, there goes that royal, bald guy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNnfe4Kbz9tOzxQxJh3dcFFH32rXymik_JDxaUAz3VdekN5u3sxwfT0G_nYWRIOCJgRxNKmYPKa_EcRhesziP2JSW519G9mdX4gQVoxsmAqI09wb7H_kuW0-d7_TTNNuKgKaz8iKxEgY/s1600-h/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNnfe4Kbz9tOzxQxJh3dcFFH32rXymik_JDxaUAz3VdekN5u3sxwfT0G_nYWRIOCJgRxNKmYPKa_EcRhesziP2JSW519G9mdX4gQVoxsmAqI09wb7H_kuW0-d7_TTNNuKgKaz8iKxEgY/s320/IMG_2886.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Yes, on our way to Clovelly for a morning stroll along the new boardwalk, Anne and I were stopped by some very official motorcycle coppers in a mad dash to get William to the airport. Such excitement. What a start to a fantastic morning walk!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJUYWYdLcmvLhYmRPkrqTm7qI0590Vtdi1SP87PDICeyprf6C0AGOZOAmEoOoLDZm5uxSx24Uqj_dkOk3QnrKNI00VEbpytEaNO5cDesqc6NqNkzCE_IuExq3LuWVNo_tzQvaBcYkuKo/s1600-h/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJUYWYdLcmvLhYmRPkrqTm7qI0590Vtdi1SP87PDICeyprf6C0AGOZOAmEoOoLDZm5uxSx24Uqj_dkOk3QnrKNI00VEbpytEaNO5cDesqc6NqNkzCE_IuExq3LuWVNo_tzQvaBcYkuKo/s320/IMG_2887.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Delightful company, beautiful sunshine and a pod??? of dolphins leaping out of the surf to keep us entertained, as we enjoyed the cliff walk between Clovelly and Tamaramma. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-BPY9OhnDMaNH__130w6DMceSByLHMw2LWKKcDI2jT2IJjnfXk3kML2cXk4WdMQErS6sZLAPqUXg6124G4Lj1wQR3oXV4iBNOwpC5GptzJOvEWXx6meKHJ3AwSlSz3-ncStqGdOfgQ8/s1600-h/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-BPY9OhnDMaNH__130w6DMceSByLHMw2LWKKcDI2jT2IJjnfXk3kML2cXk4WdMQErS6sZLAPqUXg6124G4Lj1wQR3oXV4iBNOwpC5GptzJOvEWXx6meKHJ3AwSlSz3-ncStqGdOfgQ8/s320/IMG_2892.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>To finish on a high, we stopped at <a href="http://www.seasaltcafe.com.au/">Seasalt Cafe</a> for the usual coffees and raisin toast. Yes, this was the best walk of the week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC-fzlC3sP5S_P1dMumcFVps2hX4C1bj8o-Enn-nMsXzh6h-EP0Kx94EAOt_Dy5AAQrpqFmgr2fJK4fdkAKg2U3wJppRclSqITUxSs-Zu3dVzstm24mYjGNWi_1xCKWfVkQBEdb56j1Q/s1600-h/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC-fzlC3sP5S_P1dMumcFVps2hX4C1bj8o-Enn-nMsXzh6h-EP0Kx94EAOt_Dy5AAQrpqFmgr2fJK4fdkAKg2U3wJppRclSqITUxSs-Zu3dVzstm24mYjGNWi_1xCKWfVkQBEdb56j1Q/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Thanks Anne and Trudy for a great walk with a real summer holiday feel. <br />
<br />
I've also been riding during the week, not as much as THE Coach would like, but I have been on my bike. Three rides since my last blog post. Two of the usual Bay rides, one with Therese where we finished the ride with a coffee and raisin toast at the Pavillion Cafe in Abbotsford.<br />
<br />
Sadly Therese and I had our last morning ride of the holidays today. I rode over to her place in Petersham, cycling slowly up a few hills along the way and then we rode down to the park at Blackwattle Bay. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQIEwsRDZg2FeA3_xo88dpSm8cCPL8DNP9qaxGGeYcnE2W2Ha1W9qpN51Ib20zcsjkFXKz9GHiObEG5kGE-TBDnkODegRmBErSYSUvOm7JTqfsCORHdX2vvok0Zi647nh51ds4_qo_OU/s1600-h/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQIEwsRDZg2FeA3_xo88dpSm8cCPL8DNP9qaxGGeYcnE2W2Ha1W9qpN51Ib20zcsjkFXKz9GHiObEG5kGE-TBDnkODegRmBErSYSUvOm7JTqfsCORHdX2vvok0Zi647nh51ds4_qo_OU/s320/IMG_2903.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Although the photos don't show it, this shared walk/cycle path was really too busy for much of a ride. Very popular with walkers, bootcampers and the dreaded small dogs off leash. We won't be back to ride there in a hurry. All up it was a slow 21kms, taking an hour and a half. Don't think THE Coach will be too impressed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvUHKh5D1jfQyUBFoWhLaXk6gd6YwFDdLP9OwdgpH3nnkVReDRoHP6NBgYONrtSEuDeYtkjteAlFtuJ_1uIS5AHA9LsF_WGLC-GuRhILo_XQG0o7r690rug5slH10n2sljOJxQbG8Y8M/s1600-h/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvUHKh5D1jfQyUBFoWhLaXk6gd6YwFDdLP9OwdgpH3nnkVReDRoHP6NBgYONrtSEuDeYtkjteAlFtuJ_1uIS5AHA9LsF_WGLC-GuRhILo_XQG0o7r690rug5slH10n2sljOJxQbG8Y8M/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>We finished up back in Annandale at the Gallery cafe for a coffee and raisin toast again. After all the raisin toast I've been eating, I'm giving the 'Best raisin toast award' to the Trovatino cafe in Wareemba - medium sized slices of brown bread with sultanas and raisins lightly toasted, with butter on the side. Perfect.<br />
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Very last ride of the holidays tomorrow. It will be a reward ride with THE Coach, Bill and Gen as we head into Centennial Park again to hand over Melissa's bike. On the French cycling front - we have a final itinerary from Bruno at Cyclomundo, so it's all speed ahead as we train for our own 'Tour de France"!Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-37035789232672955372010-01-18T21:33:00.000+11:002010-01-18T21:42:17.203+11:00Cross training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEIepCZBtjY_g1PBLEvPrVmZUACYFu6NOcDVrR1FDBlvUnS_blSSnMQRBfMs-I_jXv978jZaUxjrq-uG3_iGl6cjGP2sxkFo5hwevX7s2CaM_UQp8bRvMCQmbyofmUFKUotRBf3kj0dM/s1600-h/IMG_2865_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEIepCZBtjY_g1PBLEvPrVmZUACYFu6NOcDVrR1FDBlvUnS_blSSnMQRBfMs-I_jXv978jZaUxjrq-uG3_iGl6cjGP2sxkFo5hwevX7s2CaM_UQp8bRvMCQmbyofmUFKUotRBf3kj0dM/s320/IMG_2865_2.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>A week of walking rather than cycling. <br />
Not quite sure why, but apart from one ride with Therese, I didn't get on my bike this week. Woeful! However, THE Coach has been pleased as I've been cross training. <br />
Lots of walking around The Bay with Anne, Fi and Therese. Lots of coffees too, as rewards for the walking.<br />
Best walk of the week was on Sunday with Trudy. We stayed at Trudy's lovely beach house at Werri Beach, after Chris' birthday lunch on Saturday at <a href="http://www.sylvanglen.com.au/">Sylvan Glen</a>, in the Southern Highlands. <br />
On Sunday, although the weather was cool and rainy, we decided to do the <a href="http://www.kiama.com.au/pages/walking-trails/">new coastal walk</a> between Werri Beach and Kiama.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu__Dl16kZj6s9CDasRoP-9NGwGExmCY5N4NUdTo89_Ypi7mpb58KVHHs7xbFYXfeNia9S75vehoqDgq870LEa-FxK9YpzXzRhyYGCn5922BLq8lx7CyhsvSfWn6A8AXp2w0Xjo5DWxE/s1600-h/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu__Dl16kZj6s9CDasRoP-9NGwGExmCY5N4NUdTo89_Ypi7mpb58KVHHs7xbFYXfeNia9S75vehoqDgq870LEa-FxK9YpzXzRhyYGCn5922BLq8lx7CyhsvSfWn6A8AXp2w0Xjo5DWxE/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>The walk was spectacular. It clings to the coast line, and for much of the walk there are very few houses in sight, as the track meanders up and down hills, around pebbly coves and over some spectacular headlands. Near Kiama it dips down into Easts Beach and then up again, along a cliff where it almost feels as though you are walking through private backyards - perfect for admiring 1970s architecture up close.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">All up we think it was a 10 kms walk.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnJWeX-CItNC5w0tnfrntTQPhe5weKCm6g7g-yiw4vCi4bq2oPQ47ELsf_I5aWm8KlsLqTEWip-VltR0RFGmGdiamvMgnyzvB0yIUat1dwTCj2jBJVmDGhKNbEx-BPNjWw7iDJx2-KVk/s1600-h/IMG_2875_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnJWeX-CItNC5w0tnfrntTQPhe5weKCm6g7g-yiw4vCi4bq2oPQ47ELsf_I5aWm8KlsLqTEWip-VltR0RFGmGdiamvMgnyzvB0yIUat1dwTCj2jBJVmDGhKNbEx-BPNjWw7iDJx2-KVk/s320/IMG_2875_2.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Trudy and I were pretty 'had it' by the time we made it up a final set of stairs in the Kiama Beach caravan park, where we'd left her car. Although just after 3pm, the Kiama pub was still serving steak sandwiches, so we lunched well before driving back to Werri Beach. Even Stephen, was pleased that we didn't have to complete the return walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r0m0mSoLdsvsuW99iDvlUN9qFb4ja2V_L9qc7rGNgY4S7SOCj6CecWkrw4Qf5JYm2RTtMfWfsb02twVZUJns5Zp-sOk8i_DlUgpjZCdUQVETL4QlhDOG-NacuGI2LPeMMcHl7Tde2eQ/s1600-h/IMG_2881_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r0m0mSoLdsvsuW99iDvlUN9qFb4ja2V_L9qc7rGNgY4S7SOCj6CecWkrw4Qf5JYm2RTtMfWfsb02twVZUJns5Zp-sOk8i_DlUgpjZCdUQVETL4QlhDOG-NacuGI2LPeMMcHl7Tde2eQ/s320/IMG_2881_2.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>So, although THE Coach has tolerated my cross training, I'd best get back on my bike this week before he changes his mind and introduces yet another new rule.Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-16095175586885843672010-01-14T11:39:00.000+11:002010-01-14T11:57:29.651+11:00Full of surprises<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>S</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>u</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>r</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>p</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>r</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>i</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>s</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>e</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> 1 </b></span><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"We're riding over the Gladesville Bridge" was THE Coach's first direction on Sunday morning as we set out for a reward ride. Luckily I remembered my New Year's resolution and so smiled sweetly - I'm sure that surprised him!</span><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdZ3pG784-aNuKYwWOk4MOsoEfzHzgVT9a6oP5WGLfZXnflHNj295rysE6Oz3V8TTvtgBsl5yWlj9m-PHebFzse5e0q8jiW9ZWGjBna7vbekwTwKnSjZhgmJLueDHw4mI7oadFN5ER4w/s1600-h/IMG_2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdZ3pG784-aNuKYwWOk4MOsoEfzHzgVT9a6oP5WGLfZXnflHNj295rysE6Oz3V8TTvtgBsl5yWlj9m-PHebFzse5e0q8jiW9ZWGjBna7vbekwTwKnSjZhgmJLueDHw4mI7oadFN5ER4w/s320/IMG_2844.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_MRaCO5L22moL6ao2NIPOFHNs137USkzMnZvOxU8TVACEtvJEZDwgMrLzgJvjzOV3l3JoVOw-bjAsXeqg5rX4eqgMYdXu64dZYFGKAqJcftfPDi5p4DYjPOMixeM2xf54uF_J1HvhXg/s1600-h/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_MRaCO5L22moL6ao2NIPOFHNs137USkzMnZvOxU8TVACEtvJEZDwgMrLzgJvjzOV3l3JoVOw-bjAsXeqg5rX4eqgMYdXu64dZYFGKAqJcftfPDi5p4DYjPOMixeM2xf54uF_J1HvhXg/s320/IMG_2847.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reward ride, 10/01/10 -Views from the Gladesville Bridge</span></i><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Surprise 2</b></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After amazing myself by riding over the Gladesville Bridge, I discovered that we were riding to Silverwater, one of THE Coach's favourite training rides - "Plenty of little hills". Although it was a very hot morning, even at 7am, I was surprised to enjoy the ride along a shaded bike path beside the Parramatta River. </span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Surprise 3</b></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the end of an hour or so of riding, I was feeling pretty warm and a bit dazed. As we crossed the river at Silverwater all I could think of was sitting in the cool shade of a cafe and drinking a long glass of iced water. You can imagine my surprise to see Gabe, our solicitor and the sister of a friend from up north, plastered larger than life on a roadside billboard. </span><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGClCClyX36zTfVOsNsS5xquG1PmqOfM6yEoZXk0tZVqVMrT0DhWtt5cVNehVXJ_3dqZBzkfAC5h6d1BFJc754eJE9iaK-7rjhyphenhyphenORnMnHKaDq8QD2Cy2e_OxxDakKlC4Tqf0n-9GlbSwo/s1600-h/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGClCClyX36zTfVOsNsS5xquG1PmqOfM6yEoZXk0tZVqVMrT0DhWtt5cVNehVXJ_3dqZBzkfAC5h6d1BFJc754eJE9iaK-7rjhyphenhyphenORnMnHKaDq8QD2Cy2e_OxxDakKlC4Tqf0n-9GlbSwo/s320/IMG_2848.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', fantasy; font-weight: bold;">Surprise 4</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I actually shocked THE Coach by suggesting that we ride on to Wareemba, a much cooler shady spot rather than stopping at The Armoury.</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The biggest surprise of all</b></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was truly exhausted by the time we made it home, but confident I would be setting a new personal best ride. Imagine my surprise when the new kilometer gadget showed only 30kms, with an average speed of 15 kms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No surprise for THE Coach who reminded me that there's lots of room for improvement, especially on those hills. </span><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEghrqu67HPhaQbOczYAgs0N6qLftswYianNRI6HoOXUgh3HKB26Dfjuqrd_NMux2uXViRoIL1oXlGyT960UrcEWWfoSeFsuP-LS5vzWR6bBFixNusDZCrbhdyacjuyH4S2AURs9UBgZo/s1600-h/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEghrqu67HPhaQbOczYAgs0N6qLftswYianNRI6HoOXUgh3HKB26Dfjuqrd_NMux2uXViRoIL1oXlGyT960UrcEWWfoSeFsuP-LS5vzWR6bBFixNusDZCrbhdyacjuyH4S2AURs9UBgZo/s320/IMG_2852.JPG" /></a></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luckily Rocky was waiting at home to lift my spirits. </span><br />
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</div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315742125228328.post-76060007536500524452010-01-09T15:41:00.000+11:002010-01-09T17:36:16.009+11:00THE Coach changes THE Rules<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSNYwBah5g2-PNdtKlAqJ6_XiABCnA19XK7m8ihGjyrNMwGdfgkMQsBK7EBDZ3_OdGz-T44vZAPL-ykdkHlxDtScgdvCnl1NWz3tflyG2uCVqM_jqA9rGr3ZuIIDbcC_NrtuAb9opxWk/s1600-h/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSNYwBah5g2-PNdtKlAqJ6_XiABCnA19XK7m8ihGjyrNMwGdfgkMQsBK7EBDZ3_OdGz-T44vZAPL-ykdkHlxDtScgdvCnl1NWz3tflyG2uCVqM_jqA9rGr3ZuIIDbcC_NrtuAb9opxWk/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ride 4- 09/01/10 -MB by the Bay</i></span><br />
</div>Well the year has begun well with four rides this week and according to the new rules from THE Coach, that's enough for a reward ride! So tomorrow, before we head north to the Central Coast, we'll do the Homebush ride, with a planned stop at <a href="http://www.thecoveatdrummoyne.com.au/">The Cove</a> for a quick bite to eat. I'll let you know if it all goes according to plan. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiS28-F0aJVk7h4tUnHOWe693bMFO1ExBYCh98oJmM1IbotnYWIOrAId2xidChq-Q_6MN3lI0nW0_ESaUSIyrFlPRXobyzNqnaBV7rTbsVpfFh3eEyQQLhHJixaYm9GuPowbZn8UKEuo/s1600-h/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiS28-F0aJVk7h4tUnHOWe693bMFO1ExBYCh98oJmM1IbotnYWIOrAId2xidChq-Q_6MN3lI0nW0_ESaUSIyrFlPRXobyzNqnaBV7rTbsVpfFh3eEyQQLhHJixaYm9GuPowbZn8UKEuo/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7xwquRATqeRQHNMxgwwty79h0ulJiSs3mOFESvvTx_wuSlWLCE-1XJL-EAOPZpc0wiXpGxkkuSDQ2DqT0TmelvEGsQA7fPXhvpD254AJ3enCHlzJhZ5BC1DNRzsllDHCCJgkM5n9GXo/s1600-h/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7xwquRATqeRQHNMxgwwty79h0ulJiSs3mOFESvvTx_wuSlWLCE-1XJL-EAOPZpc0wiXpGxkkuSDQ2DqT0TmelvEGsQA7fPXhvpD254AJ3enCHlzJhZ5BC1DNRzsllDHCCJgkM5n9GXo/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">Ride 1 04/01/10 - MB at the other Bay</span><br />
</div>Following THE Coach's new, more lenient rules, I'm going to try to post a photo for every ride, and very soon I'll also be able to post kms ridden, as well. While my bike was in the Ashfield Bike Shop being serviced THE Coach surprised me by arranging to have a kilometre gadget (don't know what they're called) attached. He loves his gadget thing, and is always telling me the ride statistics, so I'm sure I'll be able to produce some <b>very</b> boring blog entries with lots of weekly ride stats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NA8_cf9hi6Jz-rmiKJ00tnm4vaqKE0f2ySR8CUct6g29_YPc8ZyIuuOzsZnrQ_t2UVQ7S2xE-zynTdWphk0CqTap_dBFru2kqQs6caqLqAmpc-g3Ff8Iyx7ojtkirDQwNDpvIPygIjc/s1600-h/IMG_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NA8_cf9hi6Jz-rmiKJ00tnm4vaqKE0f2ySR8CUct6g29_YPc8ZyIuuOzsZnrQ_t2UVQ7S2xE-zynTdWphk0CqTap_dBFru2kqQs6caqLqAmpc-g3Ff8Iyx7ojtkirDQwNDpvIPygIjc/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ride 2 - 06/01/10 MB and the remnants of Christmas along the ride</i></span><br />
</div>Thanks to Melissa, and Melissa's Bike (<i>MB</i>) I was able to keep riding this week while my bike was being worked on. As you can see, <i>MB</i> is a lovely purplish, blue bike; very comfortable to ride and I'm sure Gen will enjoy the loan of <i>MB</i> in preparation for France. Hope I've broken it in for you Gen. Thanks again Melissa, for the loan. You can see in the photos MB has been exploring the quiet roads, bike paths and foot paths of Canada Bay, and I'd have to say she performed perfectly out here in the Inner West.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rKFvaxHDt1BDwwo72M9gEJCE082ySAhmcU_kc3PvtrI9afeT3aDFc1VL4NqE2iqNccVQ1yRg_XE898qj6-8VRcPPo1dKcVtSoWeJbsjq9wxZtX5eJXCSnYTYbmxcUui0Rv77Q6-tgfU/s1600-h/IMG_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rKFvaxHDt1BDwwo72M9gEJCE082ySAhmcU_kc3PvtrI9afeT3aDFc1VL4NqE2iqNccVQ1yRg_XE898qj6-8VRcPPo1dKcVtSoWeJbsjq9wxZtX5eJXCSnYTYbmxcUui0Rv77Q6-tgfU/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ride 3 - 08/01/10 She swims and she rides!</i></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Best ride of the week was with <a href="http://swimmingpoolstories.blogspot.com/">Therese</a> who accompanied me on my third ride of the week, just the usual ride and a most welcome Toby's coffee at Fi<a href="http://www.bowanislandbakery.com.au/">ve Dock's Bowan Island Cafe.</a> Now that her seat is fixed she's threatening to keep riding. Hope so, as riding with company is much more fun.<br />
</div>Jenny Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12527992426519073640noreply@blogger.com1