Christmas Eve ride with eXsight Tandems.

 



Another exciting week at week conquering the world.  But first today I went out with eXsight Tandems for a ride along the east coast of Wollongong.  What a beautiful days riding.  Hot and humid, no rain, just beautiful sunshine.  I would lilke to wish all members of eXsight a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to riding with you again throughout 2012.

So I suppose you're all wandering about the tour.  We've got 7 days to go to the start of the new year and I hope it's one hell of a year.  I've had some emails with people confirming their participation in the tour, so now's the time to commit. 

Safe riding and I hope you all have a special time with your families over the holiday break.

Regards Terry

Weekly update: 11th December 2011.

3peaks tour profile.  March 2012.

Now we all love a day in the mountains, but the 3 peaks challenge profile does look a little difficult.  To my training partner Ashley Lester, you seriously need to start training.

Now for the weekly update: 

Still the interest is good but one can never say with certainty that those who have indicated they wish to take part in the tour will commit.  Now I know some have work commitment and can't get the time off, and others are just waiting for the 1st January 2012 for the decision to be published.

I hope you liked the article about Mulga Bill as much as I did reading it for the first time.

The entries for the tour will close Australian Eastern time at midnight of the 1st January 2012.  It will be on the basis of first in and those who have already indicated by email they wish to take part will have priority.  If the numbers go over 20 then some will have to miss out.  As this will be the first attempt at doing this, the numbers need to be limited to ensure everyone has one hell of a holiday.

Safe riding.

Terry

Mulga Bill's Bicycle. By A.B. "Banjo" Paterson. A true blue Aussie.

I first heard this poem when a fine man called Mr Peter Lamond recited it one evening during my journey through Africa.  Well I found it and just had to post it.  Banjo Patterson is one of the most famous poets of Australian history and obviously had a passion for bicycles just like Peter. 

This post is sponsored by Peter the Plumber, Capetown South Africa.


'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze; He turned away the good old horse that served him many days; He dressed himself in cycling clothes, resplendent to be seen; He hurried off to town and bought a shining new machine; And as he wheeled it through the door, with air of lordly pride, The grinning shop assistant said, "Excuse me, can you ride?"
"See here, young man," said Mulga Bill, "from Walgett to the sea, From Conroy's Gap to Castlereagh, there's none can ride like me. I'm good all round at everything as everybody knows, Although I'm not the one to talk - I hate a man that blows. But riding is my special gift, my chiefest, sole delight; Just ask a wild duck can it swim, a wildcat can it fight. There's nothing clothed in hair or hide, or built of flesh or steel, There's nothing walks or jumps, or runs, on axle, hoof, or wheel, But what I'll sit, while hide will hold and girths and straps are tight: I'll ride this here two-wheeled concern right straight away at sight."
'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that sought his own abode, That perched above Dead Man's Creek, beside the mountain road. He turned the cycle down the hill and mounted for the fray, But 'ere he'd gone a dozen yards it bolted clean away. It left the track, and through the trees, just like a silver steak, It whistled down the awful slope towards the Dead Man's Creek.
It shaved a stump by half an inch, it dodged a big white-box: The very wallaroos in fright went scrambling up the rocks, The wombats hiding in their caves dug deeper underground, As Mulga Bill, as white as chalk, sat tight to every bound. It struck a stone and gave a spring that cleared a fallen tree, It raced beside a precipice as close as close could be; And then as Mulga Bill let out one last despairing shriek It made a leap of twenty feet into the Dean Man's Creek.
'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that slowly swam ashore: He said, "I've had some narrer shaves and lively rides before; I've rode a wild bull round a yard to win a five-pound bet, But this was the most awful ride that I've encountered yet. I'll give that two-wheeled outlaw best; it's shaken all my nerve To feel it whistle through the air and plunge and buck and swerve. It's safe at rest in Dead Man's Creek, we'll leave it lying still; A horse's back is good enough henceforth for Mulga Bill."
The Sydney Mail, 25 July 1896.

Weekly update: 4th December 2011. 3 Wise Men.

This weeks update is proudly sponsored by Spearman Cycles Wollongong.  The men either side of me are Mr Peter Lamond (L) from Capetown South Africa and of course Mr Rodney Hilton Sanders (R).

Firstly congratulations to Rodney for completing the Tour of Thailand this week.  Rodney's journey took him from Chang Mai in the north to Phuket in the south. Tonight I sent away an email to a visually impaired cyclist who appears mad enough to come on the holiday next year.  I should know shortly the outcome of my email.

This week has been sending off emails and getting in touch with the police service re escorting the cyclists to the end of the tour.  Like everything when you're dealing with a bureacracy, it takes a mountain of work to get an answer.  

Last weekend I went down and watched the international criterium race at Wollongong Harbour, the end point of the West to East 2012 Tour.  What a fantastic race and more importantly a beautiful place to end our tour.  You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it.

Safe riding

Terry



Come and join me in a nice Sunday ride.

3 Peaks Challenge 2012

http://www.bv.com.au/general/great-rides/42359/

Members of eXsight Tandems at Wollongong Harbour, New South Wales.

Today an article appeared in the Illawarra Mercury touching on the history and members of eXsight Tandems.  I have to thank Geoff Stratton for giving the West to East Tour 2012 a plug for me.

I hope you can read the text.

Safe riding

Terry.

Aids in Botswana 2002

When Josh and I did our bicycle trip in 2003/04 through Africa, Josh came across a huge poster which gave all sorts of stats on health issues facing the people of Botswana.  This poster was actually hanging up on the toilet wall of the train station in a small town called Lobatse.  This was one of our more interesing lunch stops.

Lobatse is not the type of place you would stop at on your way to the delta.

The interesting thing about this poster is;

'8 years later, the problem is worse'.



Rodney Sanders.

This is Mr Rodney Sanders wearing team colours.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be posting photos of some of the members of

 'Team Rambor' from Tour D' Afrique 2011.   

Well nothing has happenend much this week other than work.  I did get a place on the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Wollongong for 2 years recently.  Now that will be interesting.

I've got another 2 people interested in the tour, and now it will all come down to who will commit on the 1st January 2012.  In the case of going over the 20 riders this tour will cater for, priority goes to those who have already nominated over the past couple of months. 

I've had a couple of people request further information on the charity side of the ride. Firstly I intend to raise money for the Guide Dogs and eXsight Tandems.  If cyclists either from overseas or Australia wish to raise funds for their own charity then that is fine.  I'm giving you an option just in case you find it difficult to find a worthwhile charity.

It's now raining in Wollongong the nicest town on earth.  So come on over and have a party in 2012.

Safe riding and watch out for those dogs.

Terry.

The perfect 'old bag'.

Although the bag has seen better days, this is the type of bag recommended for the tour.  I took this one along on the Cairo to Capetown trip and it survived quite well.  I'll be taking it again in 2012 West To East Tour.

I purchased the bag on ebay (Australia) for about $40 AUS.  It suppose to be a 70 litre size bag.  Roughly 90cm X 45cm.  This bag is big enough for the tent, sleeping bag, roll out mat and all the gear you need for 33 days.  You don't need to bring the kitchen sink with you as we're already bringing one with us. 

The weight limit for this tour is 30kgs per cyclist.  This does not include your bike as you'll be riding it EVERY day, with exception of a rest day here and there.

A bag like this will make it easy for the staff to unload and load the vehicles.  If you have any dietary requests, let me know so we can cater for them.  I can't cook to save my life, so all requests will be promptly forwarded onto the chef.  Mr Daniel.

Not long to 'D' day.  So safe riding and stay tuned.

Regards Terry

Tour update: 7th November 2011.

Good morning from the land downunder.  Well this week I got the design of the jerseys sent to me and just to give you a slight look, 2 of the logos are above.  The clothing is amazing and the designer did it all for free.  It pays to know people in right places.

The 2 charities we will be supporting on this trip are the Guide Dogs and eXsight tandems. Exsight tandems is the charity I rode for in Africa early this year, supporting visually impaired people.  Now to put you out of your misery, I have 13 riders ready to take part in this walk in the park holiday and we need 15 to get the circus on the road. 

There will be all sorts of competitions during the holiday and you will be required to participate.  I'm not going to get you to dress up ladies clothing, although I know a couple of guys who do fancy themselves in a dress.  I'm still pushing as hard as I can to get to 15 starters and then we're full steam ahead.

Until next week, safe riding.

Terry



Internet access on Tour.

For those techno geeks who want to stay intouch with the world whilst on tour, I've done some research and came up with the best option whilst travelling across Australia.  Now I'm not a supporter of Telstra nor are they a sponsor of the tour.  Perhaps I should hit them for a small donation to the charity for this update.
  
Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband offers the following;

• Up to twice as fast as our previous Pre-Paid Mobile Wi-Fi in selected areas
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• Connects up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices
• Rechargeable battery
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Active battery life of up to 240 minutes
• OLED display and external antenna port (antenna sold separately)
• Next G® network coverage - so you can get online in more places
• Add up to 32GB MicroSD card to use as an external storage device (sold separately).

Typical download speeds in capital cities and selected regional and rural areas are from 550kbps to 8Mbps. In other areas, speeds will be less. If multiple users access the device, the typical speed range per user may be reduced. Speeds may also vary due to distance from the base station, location conditions, user numbers, hardware and software configuration.  

Now if anyone wishes to purchase the modem and 90day 5 gig offer, I can buy them for you and deliver them to you in Perth a couple of days prior to the start of the tour.  The cost is $129 AUS.   The internet access which the tour will be utilising to update the website each night is not available for participants.  You will have access to internet along the way in major towns, but having your own will be a bonus.  You can come on tour with nothing other than your bike.  Perhaps this tour is the best way to leave the world behind for a couple of weeks and enjoy one hell of a party.  Don't forget you will be expected to participate in all activities, especially if you want to be fed.

Safe ridng
Terry.

Weekly update: 1st November 2011. Queensland.

Over the past 5 days I've been in Queensland with my wife lying about and doing very little.  I did get the chance to catch up with my cousin and her family.  Nicole and her husband Tim own the 'Fishbone Cafe' in Ashmore Queensland.  They serve the nicest fresh seafood on the coast.  I know I'm biased but she is family.  We had a such great day with Bridget, Dylan and my uncle Keith. 

Now back to the 2012 tour.

I've had another cyclist come onboard during the week and numbers are getting close to the magic mark.  Now for those who wander about the spares they should bring, I would recommend foldable tyres like those depicted above.  Bringing wire bead tyres is not advisable and is a real pain in the ass for transporting by the vehicles. By bringing foldables you will be able to store them away in your bag to keep a close eye on them.

Now one of my good friends Mr Rodney Sanders loves the Hilton Hotels around the world, this one has recently opened on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise.  Now back at home it's back to the mad rush of everyday living.

Safe riding until next week.  Remember 2 months to decision day.

Weekly update: My nan turns 97 years of age.

Now nothing could be more important than attending my nans 97th birthday. With all the family around and far too much cake we had a great time Sunday afternoon. 

Now for the tour update.  The Aussie flag is something you'll have to get use to, because it will be flown everyday on tour.  The photo is of me standing at Wollongong harbour, one of the most beautiful harbours along the east coast of Australia.  As I previously mentioned, due to the Opera House being out of bounds, we might be finishing the tour at Wollongong.  I can assure you this will not affect the length of the tour or what you'll receive throughout the ride.

Last week I got another cyclist interested in the tour, this is getting close to the target. 

Well I'm off to Queensland with my wife for a couple of days, so no riding.  Stay safe and don't forget, I need more cyclists.

Move for Mark 13th November 2011, Stuart Park, Wollongong.

Mark Scott, well known local athlete was involved in a very serious accident whilst training on Saturday the 18th of June. We are hoping that the motivation and determination that makes him a great athlete and coach will shine through and help him to recover. On November 13th 2011 we are organising a special event at Stuart Park, North Wollongong to help support & raise funds to assist with Marks care.

If you wish to make a donation to Mark go to; http://www.scottendurance.com.au/moveformark/ and please donate.

Mark remains in a Coma and is supported by his wife, child and loving family.

Weekly update: 17th October 2012. Weather conditions on Tour.

After a bit of research I found the wind roses located all over Australia.  The 2 below show the wind rose at Perth, direction of wind at 9am and 3pm in August over a 60 year period.  These 2 roses are very similar to all others across the continent.  It appears we might have a slight headwind but as the days warms the winds change to stronge tailwinds.

If you look like coming to Australia in March 2012, then this ride is for you.  I've already signed up to compete in the 3 peaks challenge, so come on over and come for a nice ride in the sun.  http://www.bv.com.au/general/great-rides/42359/

Another good ride which supports the program, 'Youth off the Streets' commences in Sydney on the 28th April 2012 and finishes at Seaworld, Surfers Paradise, 7 days later.  http://www.sydneytosurfers.org.au/

I'm still chasing more numbers for the tour, so keep spreading the word.  The staff are all ready for the tour, all I need is a couple more mad cyclists.  Time for me to go for ride.  Until next week, safe riding.

Terry.

Weekly update: 11th October 2011.

Nothing much has happened this week, doing a little bit of work, and enjoying being back on the bike.  I still need more cyclists for this tour.  I've got some really keen people to do the ride, but I need you to pass the word around.

I received a letter this week from the Sydney Opera House Authority who indicated that access to the steps of the Opera House will be off limits from Christmas this year until March 2013.  The steps on the Opera House are made of granite, and the old  place is getting a complete make over. As you can expect things will have to change, but not as to the time we will take to do the ride.

In the worse case scenario the trip will end in Wollongong, NSW.  This is about 80kms south of Sydney on the east coast.  It's a beautiful place and if you google maps you can see the coast line and the harbour where I think we might have to end the trip. You won't be disappointed as this is a spectacular city on the beach.

Where we'll be staying on the last night is close to the rail line which goes directly to the International and Domestic Airports.  For those who need transport from the accommodation point to the train station can be arranged. 

1st January 2012 is decision day.  I will make a decision earlier if I have the numbers to proceed with the tour.


Until next week,
safe riding
Terry.

Weekly update: 3rd October 2011.

Over the past week I've made some changes to the website with the help of my trusted computer guru, Keiran McLeod of Bellambi, New South Wales.  You will be able to see what you get for your money on the holiday on the right of the screeen as you scroll down.  The photograph above is a typical sign you'll see across the Nullarbor Plains and also depicts the type of area we will be camping in along the way. 

Although I will try for registered camping grounds along the way, I do intend for the cyclists to be living in the bush for a couple of nights.

I've had a lot of interest in the tour after the past 7 days which is a good sign.  If you have any friends who would like to participate, give them a nudge and tell them all about this tour.

I'm now back on the bike and feeling pretty good, and I do hope to ride a couple of days on the tour next year, but knowing how involved it is in preparing the tour and ensuring that everyone has a great time, my opportunity to ride with the group will be limited.

The road to the Nullarbor Plains, Western Australia.

Until next week safe riding.

Terry.

Pre Tour ride. Tuesday 31st July 2012

I thought I'd add a photo of myself from the recent Cairo to Capetown tour, this way you'll know me when you get to Perth.

In relation to the start day of the tour, that's not going to change.  The tour will roll out of Perth on Wednesday 1st August 2012, rain, hail or shine.  Not that I'm going to worry if it's pouring down rain, because I'll be nice and warm in my vehicle driving to the lunch stop.

Now I know some people will want to start the tour from the shore of Western Australia and ride to the Eastern seaboard of Australia. The cabin/lodge that I 've chosen is approximately 4kms from the airport, and about 20kms from the coast. The reason for this is to get everyone out of the city in one piece and the accommodation is on the road we need to take.

I've arranged with an old school friend who lives in Perth to provide an escort for those cyclists who want to ride from our starting base to the ocean on the Tuesday 31st July, leaving at 1pm.  That means your bikes have to ready by this time.

I anticipate the 20km trip will take about 1.5 hours through the traffic to reach the ocean.  The group will stay at the beach for photographs for 30minutes and then ride back to the cabin/lodge.  The staff have alot to do to get this show on the road so this is the only time I can arrange for this to occur prior to departure. 

The staff and vehicles will be arriving on the Sunday 29th July 2012.

Safe riding

Terry.



Weekly update: 26th September 2011.

Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

One of my famous mates from BMC.

So what's new?  Well I'm back on the bike and that's always a positive.  To cover a couple of points first, the cabins v tents on the tour.  Of the caravan parks we'll be staying in at leat 90% have cabins or lodges to stay in.  If you wish to stay in a cabin then this cost is your responsibility.  Remember we carry every bit of your gear.

Be prepared to camp out for a couple of nights in your tents as this will add to the experience on the holiday.  I have purposely chosen a couple of locations where there are no facilities other than the wet wipes you bring along with you.  You will camp out in the bush at least once, but this could be as high as 3 nights, so during this time, no shower, no toilet, other than the one you dig in the bush. Now that's living.

Due to the temperatures around this time of the year I would strongly recommend full cycling gloves aswell as cycing mitts.  Boot warmers, leg & arm warmers would be a good idea.  A wet weather jacket and winter sleeveless vest will help for those cold morning along the Nullarbor Plains.

A camp dinner set with a carry bag is required by each cyclist.  We do not supply your bowl, cup, plate, knife & fork on this tour.  We will supply enough food to feed a football team each day.  You will never go hungry.

One important item to put in your bag is butt cream to prevent those nasty sores, and high quality cycling shorts.  Not your $30 dollar pair from ebay.

When I did the TDA I brought all my gear in a duffle bag, 90X40X40cm.  It was perfect and I do recommend them for this trip as they'll be easy to store on the vehicle and will fit your tent, roll out matt, sleeping bag and your clothes in quite easy.  They are good because they cost around $50 and can roll away into your cycling box for the flight.  Everyone has their own preference, but don't prefer hard case bags because they won't be coming on the trip.

Safe riding and keep the questions coming.

Terry.

Weekly Update of 2012 cycle tour.

Time for that weekly update.  At this stage the number of interested cyclists for the tour next year is 10.  I need 15 at the minimum to go ahead. 

In relation to bag weight, I know TDA was around the 43kg limit, in this tour the bag limit will be 30kgs per person.  This of course is not including your bicycle.  So if you're bags are weighed in at 35kgs, I get to keep the excess.

When taking your bike on the plane, a good option is to send a letter off to the airline with the authorisation letter I have from the Guide Dogs NSW/Act indicating the ride is for charity.  I know Singapore Airlines accept the letters and in my case they gave me a 10kg bonus when I flew to Cairo this year.  This would apply to all airlines around the world, not sure about Qantas. 
.
A full itinery will be sent out closer to the date. 

It will be the responsibility of the cyclist to get himself and his bike to the starting line in Perth.

The camping grounds I've chosen nearly all have cabins that you can stay in if you're sick of sleeping in your smelly, damp tents. 

I'm sure the real hard tough aussie cyclists will be camping all the way.

2012 Tour Update.

Currently I have 9 people showing an interest in the Perth to Sydney tour next year.  I need 15 starters for the tour to go ahead, it comes down to numbers. 

The way I've planned the tour is to have roughly 28 days of riding broken up into 6 sections averaging 140-160kms.  I've included 5 rest days.

Having crossed the Nullarbor many years ago I can assure all cyclists that these distances are achieveable. 

For those who are not able to take 5 weeks off work, I've decided to offer the trip in 2 sections.  The first section will be Perth to Port Augusta, South Australia, and Port Augusta to Sydney.

First section:                  1st August to 19th August, Perth to Port Augusta.
Second section:              19th August to 2nd September, Port Augusta to Sydney.

The cost will be $2000 per section.

In relation to equipment that you'll need to bring along with you, make sure you have a 2-3 litre camelbak hydration unit or similar product.  Of course you need your own tent, inflatable mat, and a good sleeping bag for those cold night on the Nullarbor Plains.

Safe riding
Regards Terry

Recovering well, update on Tour 2012.

It's now 4 weeks since I entered hospital and I have another 2 weeks of relaxation before I get back on the bike.  

This weeks tour update:

So, where do I begin.  I've had alot of emails over the past fortnight and I hope to address some of those matters.  Firstly the price has been decreased from $5000 to $4000AUS.  The reason for this is that some have questioned the price of the tour and how much would go to the charity out of the entry fee.  For this reason I've reduced the costs and now request participants to raise $1000 for the Guide Dogs of NSW/ACT.  This money will be handed to the charity at the steps of the Sydney Opera House when we get to our final destination.  To all Australian participants, this $1000 is tax deductable.

In relation to the equipment you will need to participate in the tour,  I recommend a road bike not a mountain bike.  Age is no barrier to the tour, anyone under the age of 16 years will need a support/guardian to participate for legal reasons.

The ride is still planned for departure on the 1st August 2012 and finishing on the 2nd September 2012.  Any changes will only be to the starting day and this could be 1 day earlier, and of course I'll let you know as the time gets closer.

So safe riding and I'll see you back on the bike in 2 weeks.

Regards Terry

Recovery going well

I've been home for a week now and my stomach is still pretty sore.  I've got a new scar from my naval to down below and it's going to take a another week or 2 before I can get back on my bike.  I've been treated like a King whilst at home recovering and even my boss turned up last week to wish me well, and supplied the cake. 

Will be off work until the 12th September 2011. 

In relation to the bike ride next year, still proceeding well but numbers are still low.  If you know anyone who's interested in riding across Australia then point them in my direction.  As indicated before, it is hoped that after all expenses are paid out during the tour, a nice cheque will be forwarded to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

In the meantime. safe riding.

Brian Sianyeuka of Lusaka Zambia.

When we arrived in Lusaka I got the chance to meet an extremely kind man in Brian Sianyeuka.  Brian mentioned that he had followed my journey from the start in Cairo and was keen to meet up with me when circus arrived in town.  I was very much humbled by his kind words and decided to send him one of my Illawarra Cycle Club jerseys when I got back home to Australia. 

The picture paints a thousand words. 

All the best to you and your family Brian.

What will the profits of this tour buy for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

• $25 will buy a quality leather dog's collar
• $40 is enough to provide a vision impaired person with a folding mobility cane
• $50 is enough to provide a high-visibility raincoat for a Guide Dog
• $75 will provide a new Guide Dog user with a Guide Dog Instructor for an hour
• $100 is enough to vaccinate a dog against deadly diseases like distemper
• $250 is enough to purchase a special harness, the sensitive piece of equipment through which Guide Dogs lead and communicate with their users.
• $390 will provide an electronic Miniguide
• $850 buys a pedigree puppy who will one day become a life-changing Guide Dog.

During the next couple of weeks I'll be providing updates of what the profits of tour will be supporting.  The above is just the beginning. 

Don't forget to past the message around about this exciting tour in 2012.

Time to get back to the tour.

After spending 7 days in Wollongong Hospital, I've finally been released back into society.  Since coming home from Africa I've had head on with a car and destroyed my teeth and bike, been sued by the NRMA for causing damage to the guys car, although a dog caused the accident and now this.

My illness was the result of an appendix operation 5 years ago where the scaring had caused the blood to stop flowing to my bowel, hence the slight pain.

One operation, tubes going everywhere and now I'm back on the road to recovery.  What I went through is of course nothing compared to some of the guys around me in the hospital.  I treat this like a speed hump.

So the next big question question is:

Who is the charity for the West to East 2012 Tour??

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

So still time to come onboard and join our 'walk in the park' ride across this amazing continent.

Approval granted by Charity

Today I got confirmation from the charity granting approval to use their name and allowing proceeds of the tour to be donated to their cause.  This organisation is a registered charity in New South Wales, Australia and a charity that has provided exceptional service to disabled people for many decades.

The cyclists will be supporting this charity during the crossing of Australia next year. 

As I previously indicated a significant portion of the entry fee will be donated to this charity. 

I'm now waiting on the charity logo to arrive and then all will be revealed.  To those who have secured a place on the 2012 tour,  I'm sure you'll be happy with the charity I have chosen to support.

Release of dates for the West to East 2012 Downunder Bicycle Tour for charity.

The tour will commence from Perth the capital city of Western Australia on Wednesday the 1^st August 2012.  The tour will end at the footsteps of the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 2^nd September 2012. 

The tour will consist of 28 riding days at an average of 140kms.  You may think that this is a long way to ride each day, but the terrain you will be travelling over is mostly flat with gentle undulations.  This period of the year has been chosen to catch the prevailing westerly winds that cross our continent during this time of the year.  You can expect some very cold temperatures when we hit the Nullarbor Plains, so a good quality sleeping bag and tent will be a must to bring along.

The tour will be broken into 6 stages, with 5 rest days to rest those tired legs and to see some of the amazing sites this country has to offer. 

This tour is NOT a race although there will be the opportunity to take part in a ride against the clock on the longest straightest section of road in this country.  Some call it the race of truth. 

The tour will be supported by 5 staff.  A Tour Director qualified Chef, a former Olympic road cyclist and multiple medallist at world track championships, 2 assistants, and two vehicles to carry your gear from one side of the continent to the other.  One vehicle brings the luggage and kitchen equipment to the end of day campsite, so all you have on your bike is enough food and water to get you through the day.. The other vehicle gives support on the road and provides a lunch half way through stage.

Price: $5000.  AUS.  A deposit of $500 non-refundable deposit is required by the 1^st January 2012. There are limited spaces for this tour and a minimum number required for the tour to go ahead.  Please note this a ride to support a fantastic charity and a significant portion of your fee will go directly to help those in need.

We provide on cycling days an extensive breakfast of bread, cereals, fruit, and a tasty lunch will be awaiting you at the half way point each day. In addition, we will take care that you can recover with a nice cup of soup and tea/coffee when you get off your bike at the end of the day.  It will be the riders responsibility to put up/down their own tents each day.

The Chef will dish up a meal full of carbohydrates and all nutrients your body needs to get you through the next day.  You will not go hungry on this tour.  That we guarantee.  We do not serve food on the rest days as this gives staff a chance to take a break. The journey is supported by a bicycle mechanic.

During the tour we’ll be spending each night at caravan parks along the way.  However, you have the option to book a room/lodge at the park if you get tired of sleeping in the tent.  This of course is at the expense of the rider. This can be convenient on the rest days. We will provide you with information about alternatives.

For those of you who are interested in the London Olympics, the cycling schedule is as follows;

The men's Road Race will take place on 28 July, with the women's held on 29 July 2012.

The men’s and women’s time trials will be held on the 1 August 2012.

The men’s and women’s velodrome events will be conducted from Thursday 2^nd – Tuesday 7^th August 2012.

So, what do you get for your investment?

  •  Accommodation based on camping

  • Accommodation before the start in Perth and after the finish in Sydney.  1 night each.

  •  Breakfast, lunch and dinner ( during cycling days )

  •  Fruit, water, sport drinks, energy bars and soup in the afternoons ( during cycling days )

  •  Transport of luggage

  • Organisation of the tour.

  • A qualified first aid officer will support this tour.

  • Support by a bike mechanic.

  •  Daily detailed description of the route

   • West to East 2012 Downunder bicycle tour cycling jersey.

The entry fee excludes : 

   • Transfer to the start and from the finish of the tour.

  •  Personal health- and travel-insurance

  •  Food on rest days plus dinner on nights before rest days

  •  Visa

  •  Entry fees of tourist sites

So, that's a brief overview of the ride for charity 2012.  If you're interested and would like to know more about the tour, please drop me a line at tbwall@hotmail.com  Once I receive confirmation from the charity I'll post that information immediately.  Once you've decided to take part in this tour and a deposit is taken, full details will be forwarded to you.

Safe riding, 1 year to go.

West to East 2012 cycle tour downunder.

Soon it will be time for another amazing adventure.  Camping, riding, eating, sleeping, more eating and less sleeping, rain, cold, extremely cold, wind, more head wind, sore ass, sore legs, spoon fed, what more can you ask for in a trip.  Next Monday I'll be releasing the dates and a brief overview of the trip.  Still waiting on the approval from a charity that we will be raising money for.  The charity is a registered charity in New South Wales Australia.  Don't worry about bringing your own with you, I have the charity that you will be proud to be related to, especially when you meet them as you ride to the steps of the magnificant

Sydney Opera House.

Riding across the Nullarbor is an amazing experience.  A wilderness like nothing else.  I did the trip in 1993 and I can't wait to do it again.  Unfortunately for me, I'll be driving one of the vehicles.  We will be camping very close to the cliffs depicted in the photo.  

For those people who don't know what Australia looks like. 

Letter of Appreciation from EDUCO AFRICA. Sometimes we do make a difference.

During the last couple of weeks of the tour I decided with the help of one the nicest people you could meet to try and collect donations from the tour cyclists and donate them to a charity in Capetown.  Well we all know I donated the silver bullet to Songo to help disadvantage youth in the Capetown Flats, but I didn't know where all the sleeping bags, tents, clothing, were going to go.  I received a nice letter from Viv & riding partner Peter Lamond of Capetown about the camping gear donation and I thought I should share it with you.

 

V H Lamond

106 Camp Ground Road

 Rondebosch

19^th July

Re. Donation of in-kind camping gear.

Dear Viv,

Many thanks for supporting Educo Africa with the generous donation of outdoor camping gear provided by Tour de Afrique.

This year has seen us full to capacity with our wilderness courses to vulnerable youth and workshops for those who work with them. Thus the equipment is used extensively and needs regular overhauling. We have also taken on three new trainee staff this year and will be recruiting more in the near future. They will also benefit from the use of your donation.

Our new Annual report will be out soon and we will make sure you can get a copy so you can read of young people with whom Educo Africa has had the privilege of working and whose life journeys have turned in a more positive direction in the last year. This is only possible with the support of the friends of Educo Africa like yourself.

Warm regards

Mark Gamble

Chief Executive Officer

West to East 2012 cycle tour downunder. Video.

The West to East downunder cycle tour 2012 will publish the dates of the tour on the 1st August 2011.  As the video indicates the tour will consume all of August next year, but still some dates need to confirmed. 

I invite those mad cyclists who want to be pampered along the way by a team of professionals, live in a tent, ride long kms each day to drop me a line at tbwall@hotmail.com  

On the 1st August I will outline the staff, ride days, rest days and the date the tour departs Perth and arrives in Sydney.

I wish you all safe riding and good health.

Day 35 of West to East downunder Tour 2012.

Well I thought I'd show you what day 35 of the tour will look like. 

In our case we'll be standing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House looking out over one of the most spectacular harbours in the world. 

Tomorrow I'm off to the Opera House to make a short video clip of what you will see as you ride the final metres to end your ride across our fantastic country.

The video clip will be published in a couple of days.

1st August dates will be released for the 2012, West to East Downunder Tour.

Come to the land downunder in 2012 and ride from West to East and see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.  Numbers are limited.

The route is now complete and all will be revealed on the 1st August 2011.So keep pedalling and stay safe and get ready for the ride of your life.  I thought the video might help you decide on coming or staying at home.

4 weeks till the release of the dates of the Perth to Sydney 2012 cycle downunder.

Well, after a surprising number of enquiries about the Perth to Sydney 2012 cycle downunder ride, the itinerary is close to being published.  It's taken a mountain of work but I'm sure with the people that will be assembled to look after the cyclists and feed them and pamper them 4000kms to the footsteps of the Sydney Opera House, you will have the ride of your life.

Our bike technician @ sweep will be a former Olympic Road Race rider, and multiple medalist at World Championships on the track.  If you want professional coaching along the way this can be handled by this person during rest days.  I can't give away too much or I might spoil all the surprises.

Stay tuned and get ready for to be a part of the ulitmate cycle tour in Australia.

The next journey. Perth to Sydney 2012.

This is one for those mad cyclists who would love to come to Australia and ride the ultimate cycle journey the country has to offer.  From one side of the continent to the finish line at the Sydney Opera House, you can be assured of a trip of a life time. There will be long days on the bike, and of course some rough stuff over the Nullabor Plains just to make the journey even more challenging.  If you get tired you can always take the bus to camp. 

If you think you can manage a 4000km cycle trip in 5 weeks, live in a tent, and be looked after by a professional crew, than this is for you.  The full intinerary will be presented in early August 2011.  If you're interested please email me your details and I'll add you to the list. 

There will be a minimum and maximum number for this trip and of course first in wins a place.

Terry WALL
tbwall@hotmail.com

Rambor deliver final donation to eXsight Tandems Final total raised $10,458.60

Last night I went to visit Peter Mastalir of Rambor to receive the donation his company kindly donated.  Rambor was the company that owned the seciton Windhoek Namibia to Cape town, South Africa.  During the section many of my friends received the Rambor Cycling jersey and wore it with great pride. It was pretty neat riding  along the spectacular desert roads of Namibia wearing the sponsor's jersey.  I certainly got some attention with the Rambo Motto on my back.

After all the hard work, fundraising, charity night, a gentle ride in the park from Cairo to Capetown, I've completed the challenge of raising $10,000.00. I can now rest.

Tim Manton from eXsight Tandems received the final cheques from my sponsors, so all we have to do is buy some tandems and get more visually impaired people out on the bikes.

To everyone who helped me raise the money and to my friends from Tour D Afrique, a big thank you.

I wish you all safe riding and remember to come and visit the land down under.  It truly is an amazing place.

For those who live in the Illawarra area, I'm doing a 1 hour interview on the Cairo to Cape town journey.  VoxFM radio 106.9 Friday 17th June 2011.

SOTO GROUP ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGERS MAKE DONATION.

Frank Soto of the SOTO GROUP of engineers, proud supporter of Cairo to Cape town 2011 and eXsight Tandems.

One of my favourite photos on tour.  Day 1 of tour.

Now how close can you get to a Cobra?

My new family in Sudan.

Andre Ormond, Luke Naish and myself on Day 1 of the tour.

Yesterday I met up with Frank Soto of the SOTO GROUP to receive a donation to eXsight Tandems of the Illawarra.  Frank was one of my major sponsors during the Cairo to Cape town journey.  The SOTO GROUP was the sponsor for the first section from Cairo Egypt to Khartoum, Sudan..  I've attached some photos of my fantastic journey through Egypt and Sudan.

Guest speaker, Rotary International, Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise.

Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise.  Wollongong, Australia.

Today I got the chance to speak about my adventure and the adventure of many of my friends during the 2011 Cairo to Cape town journey.  As guest speaker I got to meet many members of the Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise Branch.  I would like to thank Rowan Huxtable for the kind invitation, and to the President, Directors and members for their generous donation to eXsight Tandems of the Illawarra.

After a fantastic breakfast whilst looking out over the Pacific Ocean of Wollongong, I got to tell my story.

I don't know who got more joy out of the presentation, myself reliving the amazing journey with some of the nicest people in the world or my audience.

I got the chance to hear first hand the wonderful work Rotary International do around the world, and I do urge my friends to donate from the heart next time you meet a Rotarian seeking donations.

W hat would it take to change the world? Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

Teeth to remain wired.

Went to the Dentist yesterday and at this stage the front teeth will have to remain wired.  After several xrays and freezing cold liquid placed on my teeth, some have no feeling in them whatsoever.

It could be through the trauma and hopefully they might regain some feeling when I go back in 10 days.  If not, I'll be the proud owner of false teeth.

To all my friends at TDA, safe riding, and take some mace for the dogs, they love it.

THIS IS WHAT MY FACE DID TO THE CAR.

I thought I would show off the damage my face can do to a motor vehicle.  Now thats gotta hurt.

dog still on the loose.

I went for my ride back to where the accident happened 2 weeks ago. I haven't been up this area because of my injuries. Well as I rode past 2-8 Buttenshaw Drive Coledale I saw the mongrel that attacked me walking on the side of the road.  So much for the owner taking responsibility of their pets.  I spoke to the Police last week and action will be taken against the current carer of the dog. 

The offences are:

1. Custodian in charge of dog which has attacked.  $500 fine.
2.  Fail to Prevent dog escaping the property.  Fine $220.

Once the tickets have been issued I'll name the offender.

Stay tuned for updates.

A new bike is born.

After donating the silver bullet to charity in Cape town and smashing my road bike last week I went to Spearmans Cycles and purchased the Giant XTC 29ER mountain bike.  Looks beautiful and am looking forward to giving it a hiding.

I would like to thank Dave and his team at Spearmans for supporting eXsight Tandems over the past few months.

Watch this space for further updates on the arrival of the Tandems.  Will be a huge event.

time to get back on the bike.

I had the stitches out of my face on Monday and I look just as handsome as before.  The teeth are still wired for sound and my bike was totally destroyed in the crash.  Although my left knee is a bit swollen with fluid, I'm sure I can manage a leisurely 30km ride on the flats tomorrow.  Time to drag out the old steel frame bike.
Still not sure what's going on with the bloke who owns/cares for the dog, still waiting on the police to get back in touch with me. 

To all those people who have provided ideas on what I should do to the dog and the bloke who laughed when he was told about me being carted away in the ambulance, thank you very much for your creative ideas. 

Post crash update.

No photos for this one.  Went to see the dental surgeon who wired up my teeth today.  Have to go back on the 8th June for a check up.  Body is pretty sore, but hopefully get back onto the old bike in 2 weeks.  The nice 10speed carbon fibre, durace bike is screwed.  Lets hope the guy who is the carer of the dog has some good insurance or money to pay for my teeth, bike and the car I smashed in the process.  Still waiting for the police to send the photo of the damage I caused to the car. 

NOT A GOOD DAY TODAY. SERIOUS CRASH.

I got up nice and early today to go for a ride up over the hills of the Illawarra.  After riding about 15kms I had a dog come out and tried to rip my leg apart.  As I tried to kick the dog I swerved onto the wrong side of the ride and had a head on collision with a car.

I smashed the windscreen and destroyed my 10speed carbon fibre bike.  My clothing was destroyed when the ambulance officer cut my clothing off.

photo taken at home after being cleaned up and released from hospital

Basically I'm slightly bruised and battered and will need some time to get better.  Going to see the dentist tomorrow to see if my teeth can be put back into place.

This is some of the donations I received from TDA cyclists to support Songo in Cape town.

Today I met up with cyclists from the eXsight Tandem Team.



Some of the mangled bikes destroyed when one of the trucks rolled over on a bend 3 days outside of Cape town.

I went for a ride with Josh today up Asquith and back into Wollongong.  We came across some of the cyclists who I've been raising money for.  I should have a figure by the end of the week of the total money raised for the purchase of tandems.

I would also like to thank Mr Scott DeMoss for his kind donation.

It's great to be back on the road bike, but will take some time to get use to the new dimensions.  Slightly different than the silver bullet that I no longer own.  To all the kind messages I've received since I got home, thank you all very much.

So like all crazy cyclists perhaps the next adventure should be Perth to Sydney.  Contact me if you're interested.