Best intentions and the road to hell

The weather was rubbish this week and work conspired to take up too much of my time. What with a 200km ride next weekend I really needed some bike time, so today I got up early and did my standard 30km beach ride with a climb up Keira for good measure. The strong southerlies look like they are here to stay for a while so the ride back from Bulli into the wind was a good workout. The climb up Keira was my first serious climb for a while and the first time up for the Roubaix. Made it easily, if leisurely. Scared myself on the descent though, topped out at 86kph. Also clocked up 400km on the Rube.

Now in preparation for the Alpine, I have

Mt Keira x 1

Mileage in Kilometers = 2606

Fitz's Classic

Read with interest that Fitz's classic is scheduled for 26 October. There's more information on the ACT pedal power website http://www.pedalpower.org.au/events/details.asp?IntContId=2894 . Me and the roubaix are going to go to warm up for the Alpine.

Learning 2.0 - the bits I missed

IN order to finish Learning 2.0 I need to comment on a few things.

First off Lesson 9 and Podcasts. As a commuter, I don't know what I would do without podcasts, they fill in the time on the long journeys and give me flexible learning opportunities. We can link to subject based podcasts from our "I Desk" page or even produce some of our own from our and have virtual storytimes --now there's a thought.

Lesson 10: Mashups - OK I have added a warholised picture of me to the blog frame.

We could use google maps to accurately identify the branch library locations or to create history paths through the city. One of the great mashups is Bikely (www.bikely.com) that allows users to map bike routes and journeys.

Lesson 12: Social Networking: I'm a bit curmudgeonly about social networking sites. The audience specifity of the different sites (facebook/myspace/bebo etc etc) means that you're audience is soo scattered so you need to duplicate a lot of effort they require a lot of effort to keep on top of.

So that's basically that for learning 2.0. It's been fun.

Normal cycling adventures will now resume.

Cafe Ride

Great ride today taking the standard coastal route. Quite a strong west south westerly wind that tested the legs. But made for superman speeds when at our backs. At one point I was casually pedalling up the Illawarra Hwy at a relaxed 46km. Normally I only get that fast downhill.

Mileage in Kilometers = 2561

Alpine Classic

The Alpine Classic registrations have opened for Audax club members so I have booked in for the 6.40am start and have now 5 scant months to get the climbing technique honed. Looks like I'll be spending some time dragging myself up the escarpment.

As a training goal, I'm aiming for a minimum of 5 climbs up Mac pass and 2 up the Jambaroo pass before christmas.

There's a cafe ride scheduled this morning. A lazy 125km.