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"Life's Too Short to just be a Spectator!"

This web site is proudly sponsored by Crossbow Computers & Warren's Sport & Recreation. We also welcome Subaru Fountain Gate as our new sponsor for 2008.s

****Blue Danube Ride - September 2009****
*****Major Update*****

After several months of planning I am excited to announce that I now have some definite details of this ride. The ride will be taking place in September 2009 and will begin with a flight from Melbourne to Munich. From there we will transfer by train to Passau where we will begin the first 7 day cycling section to Vienna. We will be stopping for 3 nights in Vienna to take in some of the amazing sights and sounds before getting back on the bikes for another 7 days ride to Budapest where will transfer by bus back to Vienna. At this point you could either fly back to Melbourne or continue your own European Adventure of your own design. The basic cost will include air fares, accomodation (twin share), train & bus trips, bike hire, luggage transfers each day, 24 hour support,14 breakfasts and 12 dinners, free wine tastings, free handlebar bag, etc etc. I will be calling a meeting for all interested participants within the next two to three weeks so if you would like to be kept informed of developments you need to make sure you contact me (dennis@crossbow.com.au) without delay. It already appears that this trip will fill even faster than any previous trip we have offered so places will be filled on a "first in first served" basis.

Eastlink Freeway Ride
Sunday 15th June 2008

It was interesting and the bitumen was really smooth and fast, but what a pity that so many others turned out to sample the Freeway at the same time. With riders of widely varying skill levels jamming the road from one end to the other it was no wonder that a few serious accidents occured. Whoever decided to let the (non paying) "Fun Riders" ride at the same time as the serious A grade racers and then have riders travelling in both directions on the SAME road at the SAME time must have rocks in their head. It was a recipe for disaster and probably good that even more were not injured.

By the same token, considering it is likely to be to one and only time we will be able to ride the Freeway, it was worth doing.

Queens Birthday Ride - Mon June 9th 2008
Inner City Bike Paths Ride

Fifteen riders enjoyed a fun ride around the bike paths network. Apart from some early drizzle, most of the ride was fine and cool (and we only got lost twice). The main ride finished at about 85 km total distance with all riders performing very well on the day. That was until we reached the final road crossing and John "Tweety" Bird had an unfortunate (ie disgraceful) incident where he fell off his bike and into a ditch full of muddy water. And he wasn't even wearing cleats ! It was also an encouraging afternoon for us Melbourne supporters when we got back to our cars to discover that our team had only lost by four goals, instead of the usual 10 or more. A big thank you to all those who turned out to make this such a pleasant day.

A comment on Gael and Glenda's fungal disaster - read story 5th June 2008

Gary's view of Crasher's Latest Crash (29th May 2008)

Great China Ride 2008
Full story and more pics now posted

If you would like to read the full account of the 2008 Great China Ride it is now available HERE It's over 14,000 words so you better grab a cup of coffee first.

Annual Anzac Day Ride - Great Southern Rail Trail
What A Beautiful Ride

With a warm and sunny day we were treated to one of the most enjoyable rides we have ever conducted. In fact it would be harder to imagine better cycling conditions. In addition, the trail has been significantly improved with works undertaken to all the gates and also an amazing new bridge 2 km from Meeniyan. This bridge should become the model for all future rail trail bridges - it really is sensational.

All the riders had a fantastic ride, with several experiencing this trail for the first time. There were no punctures, no falls - just lots of smiles and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

The magnificent new bike bridge 2km from Meeniyan
Some of our riders approaching the summit of the Hoddle Range (between Fish Creek and Foster)

Hey - We're Back From China !
Full story is now available

The majority of our 2008 Great China Ride team members have now arrived back from China and Hong Kong. Most came back with substantially more luggage than we left Australia with and we all have lots of new memories to keep us talking for the next 12 months. All riders performed incredibly well, even when the going got hard. Those training rides up Toolangi obviously were a good idea. The full story has now been posted HERE

Gael celebrates the completion of a challenging climb by savouring a glorious view over the limestone karsts near Xingping in Guangxi Province - April 2008
Some of our 2008 China Team gathered under a giant drum tower (Back row Glenda, Dennis, Ravi, Kelly, Rienzi, Henk. Front Row Gael, Lisa, Toni.)

Planning now resumes in ernest for our 2009 Nepal Adventure and for the next overseas cycling challenges.

Sunday April 6th 2008
Annual Walhalla Forest Ride

This year 8 intrepid riders headed off into the forests of Walhalla to tackle the Walhalla Wilderness Trail Ride. After the huge storms that had lashed the state a couple of days earlier the riders encountered a large amount of storm damage with numerous trees fallen over the tracks. One unfortunate rider (by the name of Kevin) had his knicks ripped off him by a vicious twig and had to complete the ride "sans pants". Apart from that everyone else had a ball (no pun intended).

The 2008 group gathered for a start
Now that can really ruin your day (in more ways than one)!

Wangaratta to Bright Rail Trail
Feb 29th to March 2nd 2008
Our Best Ever Wang Ride !
Official Account Now Available

I have just returned from what must be regarded as our most successful ever Great Alpine Classic. We were blessed with absolutely perfect riding conditions on both Saturday and Sunday and had no less than 22 riders complete the trail in both directions. By the time we include partners and other family members, our total group numbered approx 35 participants.

It was great to see so many of our newer riders achieve a new Personal Best for their longest distances covered in a day. Congratulations to Gael, Linda, Russell, Helen, Michelle & Bob (Andrews). On Sunday morning Stacey Doswell made her own personal giant leap of faith when she jumped off the mountain on her first paragliding flight. Thanks to everyone who came along and helped make this such a fantastic way to spend a weekend. You are all legends. You can now read the official account of the weekend HERE

This ride really should be a compulsory inclusion in everyone's annual calendar.

The above pic was taken in Nov 2002 on our first ride along the Rail Trail - pictured from left Dennis, Bob (Crasher), Duncan & Ross
March 1st 2008 and look how far we've come. The peloton gathers at Everton station for a photo shoot. Back row (from left) Russell, Daryl, Al, Phil J, Phil W, Joan, Garth, Linton, Viv & Geoff.. Front Row - Linda, Michelle, Gael, Werner, Paul, Glyn, Bob L, Helen, Glenda, Bob A & Dennis ("Mega Mike" joined the ride at Beechworth)

"Base Camp Bash"
Saturday 28th March 2009
A Party to Remember at 13,000 feet !
(29 spaces now taken - SORRY we are FULL)

On Saturday night 28th March 2009, 29 members and friends of the Ghostriders will be holding an unforgettable party on Kopra Ridge, 4000 metres high in the Nepal Himalaya. We will be within amazing proximity to two of the worlds highest mountains - Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

When I first started planning this trip I determined that I would be only able to take 12 participants. To my amazement within two weeks of announcing the details I have now received applications from 29 people. This means that we will now be taking TWO groups.

The trip will see us flying into Nepal via Bangkok. After two days in the unbelievable city of Kathmandu we will be flying to Pokhara where the trek will commence. The trek itself will last for 11 days and we will return for two nights in Pokhara, before flying back to Kathmandu. During our day in Pokhara we will be hiring mountain bikes and exploring the nearby Phewa Tal (lake) and surrounding countryside.

OVERSEAS ADVENTURE PROGRAM
2006 Tiger Leaping Gorge - completed
2007 - Tiger Leaping Gorge - completed
2008 - Limestone Trail - completed
2009 - Trek in Nepal (Group 1) - FULL
2009 - Trek in Nepal (Group 2) - FULL
2009 - Danube Ride (Europe) - filling now

Now that our 2007 Overseas Cycling Adventure is completed, I am pleased to say that the 2008 is already booked outl. In 2009 we will be heading in a different direction to complete a two week trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Later in 2009 we will taking a more gentle approach when we head off to Europe to complete a 15 day ride down the Danube. This ride will be suitable for anyone of good health and reasonable fitness.A great chance to explore Europe with your friends.

All overseas adventures are open to men and women who are fit and active with well developed senses of adventure and good sense of humour. You do not have to be an experienced cyclist but you will need to be prepared to complete a realistic training program to adequately prepare for the challenges ahead.

You can either stay at home and think of a hundred reasons why you can't go, or else you can take a step at fulfilling some of your dreams. Once the decision is made, the details have a way of taking care of themselves.

If you would like to read the story of the the 2006 ride then click HERE.

The story of the 2007 adventure can be found HERE

The story of the 2008 trip can be found HERE

I can also arrange to meet with your cycling group to give them more information on these trips. Ring me on 03 5968 4706 for details.

In the interests of keeping this page to a manageable size I have archived some ride stories to another page. If you've got some time to spare you can read dozens of previous adventures by clicking here.This site is sponsored and maintained by Crossbow Computers - suppliers of all your computer hardware and software needs (established 1988) E-mail messages should be sent to Dennis.