I have tentative plans to do a 7 or so day ride starting at the Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains (NSW, Australia) and heading South towards Wombeyan Caves. From there I will likely ride south-east towards Mittagong, and possibly head north from there. I have put this trip off a few times, and not sure when I will be able to get to it.

I decided to ride my bike to the 2nd annual climate camp in Australia. It was held in Helensburgh, midway between Sydney and Wollongong (NSW, Australia). I had not been out for any decent ride in a while, nor had I been camping of late. I decided to ride from Campbelltown in Sydney’s south-west, enabling me to ride part way through Dharawal State Conservation Area (SCA). Being my first significant ride in some time, the unseasonable weather and predicted headwinds, I had an idea that it would be a little challenging.

The Birch Fall Classic was the first mountain biking event (aside from many Critical Mass rides) I have participated in. Whilst I was coming off long days touring with a loaded trailer, I did not envisage having 8 hours of trail riding in me so I asked the organisers to pair me with another rider. What the event proved to me is that Manitoba does have hills if you know where to look! It was a warm and prerty tough day... and an enjoyable one.

It was nice to wake up in my tent not thinking of any mountains to climb. I was feeling pretty good given the last 9 days of exertion, crossing 5 serious Mountain Passes (Allison 1342m; Anarchist 1233m; Paulson 1535m; Kootenay Valley viewpoint 1400m+; Continental divide 1640m) and a few other sizable climbs.