Do you dream of the open road, riding through beautiful rolling country and breathing in the fresh country air? Of riding roads with little traffic and testing yourself against some very spicy climbs? Well, you can get this and a lot more from this year’s Newcrest Orange Challenge.
Everything you need to know about Cycling the Kidman Trail; one of South Australia’s finest gravel/light adventure routes
'Anyone want to do the Sydney Melbourne ride' was the call out from Drew Ginn by text message to a few of 'the guys'... two days later, he and Andrew Pike, aka Pikey, were sat on a plane with bikes and kit ready to hit the road. Last minute is not even a close to describing this one.
For all you Raphafarians out there it's time to get your bike looking its best, your Rapha kit ready and start banking some sleep... 'Rapha RIDES' starts this Friday 5 May and involves, as you might imagine, a bunch of rides. This weekend it's Sydney with Giro viewings followed up by four rides exploring Sydney's best.. then onto 19 other cities worldwide over 6 months.
When people who ride start talking about the “Back of Falls” you can literally see the fear in their eyes. And if they’re wearing oversized sunglasses you can tell they’re uncomfortable as they recoil in their seats, their hair stands on end (hair on arms obviously - no decent cyclist has hair on their legs) and they break out in a cold sweat.
The Cycling Australia Road Nationals event is quickly becoming a must on any self respecting cyclist's calendar. Standing on the side of Mount Buninyong Road during the road race you get pretty close to the experience of standing on the side of a climb in the Tour de France... to make it even better though, the riders keep coming around and around.
And even better than that you can take the opportunity to ride the Gran Fondo on closed roads and experience what it's like for yourself... combine this with five days of cracking racing and riding and you're getting pretty close to a dream cycling adventure.
Riding in the Victorian High Country does not get much better than this. In it's 30th year, last weekend's ride was another cracker, perfect conditions, awesome riding and smiles all round. We were there to get a piece of the action.
Since it first kicked off in 2010, the ride as Ol’ Dirty has involved all the things we love most about riding at La Velocita: challenging yourself, exploring new roads, spending quality time with mates, and a detailed knowledge of the history of rap music.
Every year Melbournians say the same thing. This year is the coldest and wettest winter they have known, this year has been no exception. So I thought I would take the opportunity to head north to Brisbane for a few days, explore some new roads and ride the Rapha Prestige ride.
"How’s your bike fitness mate? If you’re solid and available for a week in June, let me know”... 4 weeks later I'm on the starting line of one of the toughest races anyone might choose to have a go at...
In my opinion, when it comes to cycling Japan does it better. I'd encourage anyone that enjoys the road less travelled to give riding in Japan a go.
The Trans Am Bike race is on. As you read this Sarah Hammond is starting an incredible journey to cycle 6,800km across the U.S as quickly as possible... unsupported. We spoke to Sarah last week to get her last minute thoughts on this massive challenge.
Last week I again had the privilege to ride from Brisbane to Longreach as part of RideWest, a Charity Bike Ride which raises money for the Royal Flying Doctors and the mental health programs that they run in the bush.
Too often we avoid a challenge because it is too difficult. In a busy world I often hear people saying, ‘I don’t have the time’.
So, take inspiration from Team Brevet. Five ‘ordinary’ people, busy with family and jobs, who together achieved something truly extraordinary; a new Audax Fleche Opperman 24 Hour team time trial record of 800km.
Strade Bianche has come and gone, epic landscapes, hard racing and of course dirt and gravel. Cancellara made it three in another amazing display of talent.
Following from this event, I spoke with Damian Hancock from A’qto Cycling about his experience riding many of the same roads while riding L’Eroica.
Today we take a trip down Memory Lane to remember a 23 year old Melbourne waitress, Billie Samuels who in March 1934, planned to ride from Melbourne to Sydney in record time.
When you next head out for your next epic, and you think you’re doing it tough then remember this story of this 4”11 inch fighter.
