1st day of the New Year, time to pull out the sponsor's clothing.

For the 1st day of 2011, Ash and I went for a ride along the coast checking out all the scenery.  Most of it was laying on towels on the beach.  I thought I'd bring out one of my major sponsor's clothing for the day and at least look the part. Dave and his team of professionals from Spearman Cycles, Figtree are the Illawarra cycle company that support Cairo to Capetown 2011. I've known Dave and his staff for many years, and I urge all Illawarra cyclists to visit Dave and his team next time you're looking for a top bike, parts or service. You will not go away disappointed.

Happy birthday Scott Chipperfield.

After a nice ride with Josh and Ash, it was time to head off to the Towradgi Bowling Club for a birthday lunch with Scott and his family. What a beautiful day sitting in the sun looking out over the ocean.   Luckily I'm in this part of the world doing my training, I hear some of the riders from the northern hemisphere have to dig away the snow to get out their front doors.

Scott returns back to FC Basel 2nd January 2011 to commence training to win another title.

I'm the old bloke on the left. 

This is my home.

Today we rode up the Illawarra coast to Bald Hill.  The trip follows the spectacular coast for some 30kms then back into Wollongong for a coffee. Wollongong is about 40kms from this point.  A magic day of cycling with my mate.  Notice his cycling shoes.  The shoes of true champions.  In the afternoon I went back out with Josh and Ashley for another 30kms.

Training update: 2 weeks till lift off.

Another week of long kms on both the road bike and mountain bike. Just got home after riding 50kms in the pouring rain along the shores of the Illawarra.  Time for a hot shower and enjoy the public holiday. Christmas was a quiet affair although I did have someone pretty interesting turn up to my house on Christmas Day.  Check out the photo. Scott Chipperfield, his mum, sister and all my usual friends turned up to celebrate Christmas.  Pretty good way to finish off the day.  Scott's shirt from the recent World Cup is one of my auctions at the fundraising night.

Hessel Kaan Signs & Neon sponsor helmet.

I'd like to thank Hessel of Hessel Kaan signs & neon, Dapto, New South Wales, for kindly supporting Cairo to Capetown 2011.  I've known Hessel and his family since we started our apprenticeships back in, well it was a long time ago.  On a serious note, if you need any sign writing or neon work, I'd have no hesitation in recommending Hessel for providing a professional product.  You can contact Hessel at the family business on 42621999

Training update: 3 weeks till lift off.

With having trained for the last 9 days straight I was hoping to finish the 10th on a good note.  When I got out of bed the wind was blowing insanely.  I managed to get to the bottom of Mount Keira and did 3 climbs and called it quits.  Looking forward to having tomorrow off.  Everything is looking good for the fundraising night with plenty of donations coming in daily.  Look forward to meeting up with everyone on the night.  To all my new mad cycling friends, can't wait to go for a ride with you in Cairo in 3 weeks.

Get ready for some serious pain.

Rod Price Mechanical Repairs donates to Cairo to Capetown 2011.

Rod is a local motor mechanic at the Cnr of the Princess Hwy & Jardine St, Fairy Meadow.  Rod has kindly donated a motor vehicle service which will be on offer during the fund raising night.  I would like to thank Rod and Kylie for their kind donation to eXsight Tandems.  Please support Rod Price Mechanical next time you're considering having your car serviced or for a registration check.  Thanks very much Rod & Kylie.

Scott Chipperfield donates a signed 2010 World Cup Jersey for fundraising night.

I would like to thank Australian Socceroo Scott Chipperfield for his kind donation of one of his shirts from the recent Football World Cup in South Africa.  Scott was more than happy to offer the shirt for auction for the fund raising night.  If you would like to have an autographed jersey from one of the most talented footballers our region has ever seen, then this is your only chance.  Scott will not be attending the night due to his commitments back in Europe.  Scott also played for Australia in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.  Thank you so much Scott.

I would like to thank Will Campbell of Bulli for his kind donation. 

Ride in the best location in Australia with Snowycycling and training Camps.

Snowycycling is a place where cyclists and triathlete enthusiasts come to train in the tranquil Snowy Mountains of New South Wales Australia. Feel the benefits of riding at altitude.  Snowycycling works with abilities of all levels from the top professional to the recreational rider. 
Make use of our all inclusive training camps, or just base yourself here and do your own thing and go for a ride in some of most picturesque countryside this country has to offer. 

Check out www.snowycycling.com.au or www.trainingcamps.com.au

David Meikle, McPhail Real Estate Wollongong

I would like to thank David Meikle of McPhail Real Estate Wollongong for his kind support of Cairo to Capetown 2011.  I've known David for over 25 years and at one stage we worked together.  David & McPhail Real Estate were more than happy to come on board to support visually impaired people of the Illawarra.  Please support McPhail Real Estate and their wonderful staff.  Thanks so much David.

I would like to thank Mr Christopher Apps for his kind donation.  

I would like to thank Mr Danny Hennessy of Elite Bicycle Repairs 0401194103 for his kind donation

Training Update: 4 weeks till departure.

Today I went out with Josh for a nice & easy 95khms of hills.  Josh had his super duper Giant Carbon Fibre and I rode my trusty mountain bike, the one I'll be riding in the tour.  A total of 1200metres of climbing and 1800 Calories gone.  The weather has been fantastic around 30 degrees all day as we rode with the ocean beside us.  Until next week, safe pedaling.

Malinda Halley & Gary Mandy support Cairo to Capetown 2011

Malinda has kindly donated a pair of Lisa Ho ladies sunglasses and a pair of Mens Matrix sunglasses which will add to making the fund raising night a spectacular success.

Gary Mandy has kindly offered his expert advice on servicing of my bike and training to get me to the starting line in Cairo 15th January 2011.