Recon for New Routes around Sydney East

Another brilliant sunrise in Sydney wakes us up today. Instead of enjoying a coastal ride, Im eating a late breakfast. Apart from a commute about town, I’ve opted for a needed rest day. I think this is deserved after my last few days of riding. Speaking of which, how awesome was the population of riders meeting at Rapha yesterday? The groups were divided into 4, each taking the riders to coastal views and hills. My choice was the Coogee to Maroubra 30km route, which I extended to about 80km.

The ride took me to some unknown pockets where I found an awesome new track, and explored some unfamiliar streets. It breaks up a bit of the monotony that happens on longer familiar solo rides.How is this for some off road riding?

After my hours accrued on the saddle, I ate cake. Not just any cake, but a healthy, gluten free carrot cake with heaps of nuts and quinoa. Wholly Molly, what an awesome recovery fuel. Much better than the protein shake I consumed later.

There are a few days before I head to LA. and I want to get as many km’s into the legs as possible. My foam roller is getting a good work out & with a deep tissue massage booked for tomorrow, I think I’m pretty well prepped for the 800km adventure. Just me & my sunnies, my bike, and the Pacific coastline.

The Amsler Grid

 

I usually wake in the dark. Like most people who love to ride, getting out of bed at this time is habit. Though it never feels normal. Waking in the light brings a different experience. My eyes open to a white ceiling above me distorted by the dots of MD. After a minute, and my retinas adjusts to the flood of light, the missing spaces glue themselves back together and I move on with the morning routine.

On request a few years back the MDFA sent information along with a grid called the Amsler Test. Marc Amsler wasn’t an abstract artist, but a Swiss Ophthalmologist dude who wanted to simplify the test of retinal function. I own a copy of Mr Amslers work, and it sits on my fridge. You can use the online versions to check each eye and see if you have distortions or missing areas. If this is the case, visit your eye doctor to check your vision.

So, now I successfully checked my retina with no difference than yesterday, I’m off for a solo pedal.

An update with photos of my progress are to follow …

Festive Feast and Raffle Time

If we need an excuse to party like its 1999, raising funds & awareness for a worthy cause is a good one. A few nights ago a festive feast was held at the Sydney Cycle Club in Sydney to raise support for those with Macular Disease.

My friend BigMan Paul visiting from New Zealand – the night could not have had a better MC

The best of cooking was performed by Kate, Betti, Klara, Dora, Paul, Ben & the unforgettable chocolate cakes by awesome Shaun. Everything was vegetable oil free & home-made. Unbelievably good!

Lots of raffles were given &, thanks to Bondi’s Kemenys for their amazing discount on alcohol, we had excessive drink to finish. A return party is required to complete this mission.

Norwex Winnings!

Bikebug were truly fantastic supporters. Every gift bag included a bikebug.com $20 voucher, not to mention SIS gels, Farmer Jo muesli & Allpress Coffee. Why did I pick these companies? Because they are my favorites. Local maker Farmer Jo does the most incredibly yummy organic breakfast cereals, including the gluten-free option – scrummy with fresh yoghurt and bananas. And, as a supplier of coffee for Rapha, Allpress Coffee is seriously the finest Bean Roaster in town. I have a few packs of their beans to get through customs & I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

BigMan Paul MC with Gift Bags

Its been a hard few days to get over the event and back into a routine. So this post has been sadly delayed. My lovely friend Libby deserved an immediate thank you for her eloquent speech on Macular Disease, its prevalence, and the needed support for the MDFA.

Abby (Lululemon Yoga Mat Winner!), Super Lady Libby & James

The best supporters helped the night’s success, and I would be amiss to leave out their names: Bikebug, Westfields Bondi Junction, SpecSavers Randwick, BikeLab, Bondi Bikes, Allpress, Farmer Jo, Kemenys, Norwex, Vision Personal Training Bondi Junction, Lululemon & Libby Design. Thank you for the warmest, generosity of 50 guests, and the awesome Rapha Team who held the event – who served, cleaned and provided the best hospitality I could ever have wanted. Klara, Matt, Lina, Shaun & Danny – you are absolute gold. xx

Spreading the word about Macular Disease has never been more important and, if I succeeded by having every guest talk about it beyond the party room, then I feel very satisfied indeed.

Good Morning & Thanks for the Ride

(photo of Rapha crew stolen from Tom Wallis, thanks tom)

Leading an unfamiliar bunch can take a few km’s to ascertain the general riding level. But, thanks to a good amount of calling and a great sense of fun, our group today was instantly cohesive. I had a fantastic bevy of 8, keen to shake up our normal route. Chatting & laughing through Centennial Park started our cycle to Maroubra. The beach never fails to make you feel good. We passed a few ocean views that made me question if this was the best time and place in the world.

You can just make out Beach St following up the center of the above photo. That incline offers a distinct chorus of sounds. Our GPS systems chimed, heart rate monitors beeped, turning wheels offered rhythm accompanied by wayward huff & puff. I love this quiet. Beach St makes you work together but, simultaneously, carve your own path. Thanks for another awesome ride guys & gals.

Now I’m cooking up a meringue frenzy. Tomorrow is the Pedal All Day fundraiser and its going to be a bonanza night. Festivities, raffles, food and music with gift bags and fantastic company should keep everyone happy. Hope your coming.

This morning I cycled in Centennial teaching benefits of smooth and efficient gear changing.

I enjoy passing on knowledge. I could have done with a little when I started out. With that sort of thinking in mind, I recently succumbed to advice that, for months, echoed on the lips of many well-educated and sensible contacts. ‘Alison’, they said ‘you should do yoga.’ For years Ive been saying ‘yes yes, I’ll do it’. So last week I stopped procrastinating and jumped into the pan to experience Bikrim.

This is no ordinary yoga, its the kind that fries your eyes up like quail eggs on a hotplate. I just ate a few cheese balls, so I’m not in a position to educate the lasting detox effects of yoga. But I can share one piece of advice. When they tell you ‘our towels are big and they cost $1 to borrow’, don’t hold on to your conveniently carbon-light tea towel to save a penny. This isn’t about a fear of you smearing yourself all over their communal yoga mats. Its about you not having your nose directly in contact with the smell of what, in probability, is a little of everyone who used it before you. Mats aside, the actual yoga is addictive, and I plan to endure it a few times before I leave for the Pedal All Day Experience.