There’s probably no better way for 4 people to get to know each other than to pile into a Toyota Land Cruiser with 8 bikes, 4 sets of race wheels, enough luggage to make it to sydney and beijing and head 7 hours south through the Australian bush.
I know we weren’t technically driving through the bush . . . we would have had to hop a little further off the interstate. Still, I can’t believe I didn’t get to see a kangaroo. T and Jess said they’re everywhere and I kept my eyes peeled for at least 300 of the 5 or 600 Kilometers we drove.
But we made it, Theresa, Gary, Jess and myself. I’m writing on the tail end of the first leg of the trip. We raced Australia’s first Revolution race tonight, and I’m still up at midnight, buzzed from racing ’til 10pm.
Melbourne’s a beautiful city. Gary described it as the arts and cultural center of Australia. It feels like a cross between san francisco and new york city. Isn’t it so American of me to describe it in relation to American cities? We pulled into Federation Square Thursday evening and found our way through a maze of trolley cars, parks, and funky buildings.
Being a native pennsylvanian, I always think it’s funny to see a southern city decorated for Christmas.
Stayed two nights at a sweet hotel called The Albany and got out for a ride Friday along the Yarra river.
I’ve only been here two days, but Melbourne is such a vibrant city. Tons of people outside. People riding bikes, hanging out on the plaza, street performers, trolley cars, tourists taking it all in. We rolled around lunch time Friday and spent much of the ride dodging runners and rowers and a long line of schoolkids in what appeared to be a police-led class teaching them how ride bikes in the city.
It’s great having Fearless Jess lead the way, because she’s familiar with the city and can thread the needle between traffic, pedestrians, and signage. It’s something to behold. Check out this Team Verducci stoplight maneuver. . .
I’m fading fast. It’s 12:30 and I’ve got to get to bed. We’re packing up for the drive back north to Sydney tomorrow. I’m guessing 10 hours in the car. Theresa and I both have a miserable head cold (a downside to close quarters), so I need to get ahead of the rest curve.
We’ll pull into Sydney tomorrow late in the evening, where I’ll go with the US National Team and my verducci/breakaway mates will stay on the UCI Trade Team vibe; then I’ll join up with them again in Beijing. I’m already going to miss them.
It was great racing the Revolution tonight. Lots of energy, big crowds, spectators on the infield, amazing field of athletes. Olympic and World Champions and some pretty fast up and comers, too!
It’s so valuable for me to line up against athletes like Olympic and World Champion Anna Meares and Yvonne Hijgenaarnar of the Netherlands. I’m feeling more confident about myself against this level of competition and more willing to take chances and trying a few tricks in the sprint and Keirin.
Gotta go. Gotta get to sleep!
Hey Liz, it was great to see you last night. wasn’t that a cool show? wish they had something like that in the states. nice blog btw. I enjoy reading about your adventures. see ya in Sydney. -Josiah
Awesome Liz, I love being able to follow my athletes across the globe! Remember to “have fun”. Love Ya, Rose