The Climbing Cyclist - The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs.

September 28, 2019February 1, 2022

Ol’ Dirty 2019

What do you get when you combine '80s hair metal, a sleepy town in the Yarra Valley, bikes of all different kinds, a whole variety of road and trail surfaces, and 500 cyclists ready for a good time? Hells 500's 2019 Ol' Dirty, of course. Read more

September 2, 2019January 23, 2022

No Melbourne Dirty Dozen in 2019

Hopefully it will be back at some point ... Read more

July 19, 2019February 1, 2022

Pleasure in suffering: A beautiful ride in awful conditions

For many of us cyclists, pleasure and suffering are inextricably linked. That's something I was reminded of on a recent ride in truly horrific conditions. Read more

November 19, 2018February 1, 2022

An autumn adventure in Akita: Part two

In late October I spent a glorious few days cycling in the Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. This is the second and final part in a short series about that adventure. Read more

November 13, 2018February 1, 2022

An autumn adventure in Akita: Part one

In late October I spent a glorious few days in the Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. This is the first part in a two-part series about that adventure. Read more

October 26, 2018November 17, 2019

How to prepare for Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

Training up for Peaks Challenge Falls Creek? Here's some advice on how to get the most out of your preparation and some pitfalls you should avoid along the way. Read more

October 8, 2018February 1, 2022

What it takes to organise the Melbourne Dirty Dozen

In this post I take you behind the scenes at DD18: The 2018 Melbourne Dirty Dozen, showing what it takes to pull together a humble, grass-roots cycling event. Read more

September 27, 2018February 1, 2022

Ol' Dirty 2018

The eighth edition of Hells 500's Ol' Dirty was the best yet. A brilliantly executed theme, a stellar course and a great crew made for one of the best days I've had on the bike in a long time. Read more

September 20, 2018September 21, 2018

The ups and downs of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

As the 10th edition of Bicycle Network’s Peaks Challenge Falls Creek approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on my experiences in the early years of the event. The following is a story about my relationship with the single toughest but most satisfying one-day ride I’ve done. Read more

September 13, 2018September 13, 2018

What to expect from the 2018 Melbourne Dirty Dozen

Trying to decide whether to sign up for DD18? Signed up but not sure what to expect? We've got you covered. Read more

July 30, 2018

DD18: The Melbourne Dirty Dozen returns to Dromana

It's that time of year again – time to ride up a bunch of short but steep hills, all in the name of fun! That's right, the Melbourne Dirty Dozen is back and in 2018 it returns to Dromana. Read more

October 1, 2017February 1, 2022

DD17: The 2017 Melbourne Dirty Dozen

DD17 was the sixth edition of the Melbourne Dirty Dozen. Held in Dromana for the first time (after three years in the Dandenongs and two in Warburton) the event started poorly, with a torrential downpour at the start. But the weather improved, and it turned into a truly magnificent day on the bike. Read more

September 11, 2017

Ol' Dirty 2017

Ol' Dirty by Hells 500 is always one of my favourite rides of the year. The 2017 edition, in all its mud-covered glory, was no exception. Here's how my day unfolded. Read more