Outside Broadcast received from Cas in Sydney, Australia

Cas spent the better part of Christmas 2005 and the New Year in Sydney. Whilst there he took advantage of the climate to get back in shape after his long lay-off and following his return has submitted a great report and accompanying pictures.

"A typical ride would see me and Peter get up at about 5.30 am to hit the road by 5.45 avoiding the heat and the traffic.

After about 1 hour riding on some busy mainstream roads (such as the Pacific Highway) we would get to some quieter roads away from the major traffic.

Areas we rode were KU-RING-GAI National Park, Akuna Bay, Bobbin Head and West Head to mention a few. Other times we would ride along the coastline of the North shore Beaches from Balmoral to Dee Why Beach until the road forced you inland. Once we even took a Ferry to continue our journey.

Away from traffic we would typically ride 40 - 80 km of hills all about a 15 to 25 minute climb. Temperatures in the shade varied from 25-40° C (I have no idea what that means it was in the sun, but it was hot!).

After the ascents, descents and flat routes along rivers and bays and gorges, we would head home for a well deserved stretch in the pool and a bowl of Shreddies."

Ride Diary

26th December 2005
A long 101 km ride (Temp about 30-35° C)

5.30 am start, to beat the traffic and heat ..final checks on the bikes

wildlife on the route - Iguana on tree

Start of the ride

Going down Bobbin Head ( great downhill )

Going down Bobbin Head (Grit those teeth Cas)

Peter going down Bobbin Head with rider in pursuit

After 2hours 30 minutes we reach Brooklyn bridge (i can hardly keep my eyes open)

Brooklyn bridge from the other side

starting the long ascent up Brooklyn to the "Pie in the Sky Cafe"

Cas climbing up Brooklyn

The view from the "Pie in the Sky Cafe" the equivalent to our NT Café at Reigate Hill

break time over and Peter sets off from from the cafe

29th December 2005
A short 40km ride to West Head (Temp about 30° C)

Rest stop at West Head with views of Broken Bay, Lion Island and Wagstaff

Other side of West Head with views of Palm Beach (one of the nicest beaches in the area) and Little Head

View from west head onto Patonga and Pearl Beach

Barrenjoey Head

West head looking down at Bay

Cas with "lightest bike ever ridden"; only about 8 kg, at West Head looking towards Avalon [ah yes Cas, but does it compare to the Halfords Apollo? - Ed]

After a 4 hour ride at 35° C..Cooling Down Oz style (Pete in pool)

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