The Local Paper

Last week the local paper put me on the front page regarding my intended attempt at circumnavigating the world at record breaking speed on my trusted treadly. It was nice having customers coming into the bike shop and saying that they had seen the article and wishing me good luck. I'm still finding it really difficult to get into gear regarding the organising. It's still just a little far off to start the important things. And being the middle of winter doesn't help much because there's no point just yet getting in big miles on the bike. I have gained an increased number of followers from the newspaper article which is all good. And as you can see from the photo they're a passionate bunch. Literally drooling over every word.

News Article Provokes Much Interest.

And there you were you overseas people thinking that us Kiwis could only relate to sheep. Well no as you can see I'm comfortable around any animal as long as you can make a steak out of it But just so as you don't feel disappointed he's a picture I took yesterday when I reluctantly went out on my bike to get my 300km weekly base training in.

The First Sign of Spring.

Aren't they cute! I went out on my 100km circuit very reluctantly as mentioned but warmed to the ride once I'd seen a guy fall out of a tree while chainsawing and these little fellas.

Once they're fattened up they'll taste great. That's if we mortal Kiwis can still afford a lamb roast. The rest of my ride was also of interest because there was actually snow around. I've cycled this particular circuit for 20yrs and never has there been snow anywhere to be seen. Well only on the alps in the distance. There was yesterday so much snow and ice on the road that I almost got my knickers in a spin while negotiating a hairpin bend coming down the Rosedale Saddle.

 The scientists have warned us about weather like this. Apparently its because the Americans like driving their cars too much. This made me think the other day about people that are addicted to there cars and I think that they must be a lot like myself re bicycles. I came to the startling conclusion the day before yesterday that I am never, and I say never, more than 100metres from my bike. In fact in the last 15yrs I can't think of a single instance that I have ever been more than shouting distance from my bike. I think that must be the sign of a true addict.

Beautiful. But Role on Summer.

The winter has highlighted a bit of a problem with our Internet connection. Mainly that we don't really have a decent connection unless we use the computer in the workshop. As mentioned before this is not a problem with me (as a bloke) because I like the quiet oil stained surroundings.  It is finger numbingly cold though and Adi wont let me put in central heating. So I have devised a cunning plan. While Adi perseveres with the snail crawl of the computer up at the Villa, I have decked out the engine- less kombi into a mini office complete with small electric heater.I can blog from, and restore engine of kombi in one fowl swoop. And lets face it, once the engines all done, we wont be able to afford the price of petrol to fill it up anyway. So at least it makes a good office.

Winter Study.

Well it's off now to watch the last stages of the Tour De France which Brian S has copied for Adi and I. Go Cadel ,your my man!! Yeah Right. One day us Kiwi's are going to win a stage and then you'd better all watch out.