There is pain in them thar hills

Nice ride this morning, weather was good, winds were friendly, nice all round. Thought it felt a bit chilly when I first got up and debated whether to wear a vest or not. Coming from Darwin I am still adjusting to what is cold and how to dress appropriately. Just went the arm warmers instead and it was the right call I think, comfy the whole ride.

Headed into King's Park for some hill repeats, which hurt. I usually take that as a sign that I was doing them right. Man it was busy though, where there cyclists anywhere else in Perth this morning, or where they all in King's Park? This town sure is crazy for a bit of cycling.


Took the chance to take the new wheels out for a spin and they were good. They went around when I turned the pedals which is one of the features I look for in wheels. Seemed to accelerate nicely, possibly seemed stiffer than my old Ksyriums. Certainly didn't slow me down. So all good stuff there. I am officially a happy camper.

Also meant I got to take the trusty Fondriest training bike out for the first time since getting to Perth. I have been riding the TT bike almost exclusively for the last 4 weeks or so while we moved. So it was good to have a change. Here is the Fondriest in all her glory.



The trusty training bike - note the new wheels

I picked her up used from Glen Parker Cycles in Perth several years ago. Back when a number of manufacturers were still wondering whether this whole 'carbon bike' fad was going to last (looking at you Cannondale). Since then we have covered a fair few miles together through some fairly atrocious conditions and on some pretty terrible roads. She probably knows more about me than most people do. When I first got her she had some quirks, such as a campy front derailleur connected to Shimano shifters, which I have been assured shouldn't be possible. But she has never let me down and is still going strong, and will hopefully keep doing so.

Off to Claremont pool tonight for another session with those fine folk from Swim Smooth.