"She's a Bewdy!"

exclaimed my mate at the red-bellied black snake strung out across the fire trail, trying to soak up some mid-afternnon heat from the bare track. I was waiting for him on the good side of the track, having just bunny-hopped what I thought was a stick. Actually, just before I jumped it I realised it was a black snake, but wasn't too concerned, as it looked pretty lifeless, and it the day ws beginning to cool down.

After provoking the snake to rise its head, proving it was alive, I informed my mate it was time to go. He decided to wait until it had slithered off into the bush.

And so we continued our ride down the Oaks firetrail, encountering 2 flat tyres, after already snapping a chain and only just managing to fix it waith a dogie chain breaker. Rain was forever threatening but never producing, so we lucky with the weather. Overall I was very impressed with my mates first foray into the bush, on a dodgie old mountain bike. He even managed the slightly technical lower single track section! For me it was a slightly frustrating chance to get back on my mountain bike. I hope the chain link I removed will also rid me of any future chainsuck problems, and allow me to use my small chain-ring again.

Disappointingly, that was my only form of exercise that day. I had hoped to fit in a swim or run, but I spent all morning cleaning my old bike. Still, I needed to recovery after the big ride I did on Saturday. There were a few faint moments in the 180km. I met 2 others completing their last big rides before Forster, but overall, it was a good confidence booster. I didn't add in too many intervals, so it was too taxing. And the short run at the end felt pretty good. Next weekend will be my last big brick session.

Again, I had 12 No Dozes, plus plenty of coke to help my body burn more fat. It seems to work well, but it has the obvious side effect of keeping me awake all night.