Personal goals - The Climbing Cyclist

December 23, 2015

The best of 2015 and the year ahead

While I've done less riding in 2015 than in previous years, I've had no shortage of memorable moments on the bike. In this post I look back at some of my favourite rides of 2015 and look ahead to the holiday season and 2016. Read more

October 7, 2015October 7, 2015

Spring is here and I can't wait to get out and ride

As a cyclist I always welcome the arrival of spring. The warmer months are laid out in front of me with weeks and weeks of great riding opportunities just waiting to be taken. This spring and summer I'm looking forward to getting back out on the bike and finding some new roads. What's got you motivated? Read more

June 10, 2015

Cycling, running and life: trying to find a healthy balance

It's hard to balance a love of cycling with everything else going on in your life. That's particularly true if you're also trying to train up for a marathon while keeping up your riding. Read more

August 13, 2014

Weight loss for cyclists: a month of personal observations

In July I tried to lose some weight. Not because I was hugely overweight but because I was interested to see what was involved and how hard it would be. Here are my reflections after a month of disciplined eating and some of the lessons I learned. Read more

May 28, 2014

What I've learned from not being able to ride

It's been a frustrating month with illness stopping me from riding more than a couple of times. But rather than getting frustrated, I'm trying to stay motivated and learn from this experience. Read more

November 4, 2013November 5, 2013

The long and winding road back to health

In the three months since I got back from the Tour de France there have been few periods where I've gone more than a couple days without feeling unwell. Two doctors and a series of blood tests were unable to find out what was wrong with me but a couple weeks ago I finally got some answers. So begins the long, slow road back to full health and fitness. Read more

October 9, 2013

Climbing up the walls

I've been feeling ordinary for the best part of 2.5 months now and I've only ridden once in the past month. It's driving me crazy, largely because I still don't know what's going on. But I've been able to use some of my now-free-time to work on other projects. Read more

September 10, 2013September 10, 2013

Ups and downs (in cycling and in health)

In the past few weeks I've managed to get out to the hills and do some very enjoyable rides. But I can't seem to shake this lingering illness; instead I seem to have gone backwards. Read more

August 25, 2013

Rest, recovery and very little riding

It's been a frustrating month for me, cycling-wise, and I've only been able to do a handful of slow rides due to illness. But I'm trying to be patient and see out this bug I've got, instead of getting back on the bike and making it all worse. Read more

April 6, 2013April 6, 2013

In pursuit of pain: preparing for a Hells 500 epic

There's something fundamentally strange about knowing you're about to put yourself through all kinds of physical and mental pain. And yet, here I am, the day before my first Hells 500 annual invitational epic, and I'm really looking forward to it. Read more

December 24, 2012March 23, 2013

Merry Christmas (now bring on the Victorian Alps)

It's that time of year again. A time when a visit to the shopping centre can inspire violence in even the most relaxed of individuals. A time when you realise the year has passed even faster than you would have thought possible. And, of course, a time for sitting back and enjoying some great food, drink and company. Read more

August 15, 2012October 2, 2012

My cycling goals for the rest of 2012

Much of the cycling I do is more or less aimless. Sure, I train up for events like 3 Peaks every so often, but most of the time I'm just riding because it's fun, because I like staying fit and because I enjoy the social side of cycling. But I find it useful to have a goal to work towards; something that can help focus my efforts and give greater structure and purpose to the cycling I'm doing. Read more