Wordless Wednesday : Of scales, claws and the beating of drums.

Our new, beautiful 12-metre long dragon boat arrived !

 ' Champion' racing boat !

With customised dragon scales on the hull in our club colours , a new drum and complete with an ornately carved and painted dragon’s head at the bow and a tail (not shown yet) at the stern. Our old dragon head looks like a school project next to it

I'm not sure when our maiden paddle is and there is a special ceremony to dot the eyes.

It's large; large enough to seat up to 20 paddlers, a sweep stands on the rear . During races a 'drumme' balances upon a small wooden seat on the bow. Then we battle it out to the beating of drums. The paddlers represent the claws. 


Lifting the new boat is a piece of cake (with a few strong women and men) compared to our older boats. They arrive on 40ft sea containers in packs of ten (on a slow boat from China)

An InLinkz Link-up

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5:2 Baked Parmesan crust Chicken Schnitzel with no oil

I recently started the 5:2 lifestyle with 2 days of fasting* (loosely followed at the moment).

After, watching the full documentary Eat , Fast and Live Longer from Michael Mosley and the science made sense to me with my nursing background. It is also recommended for those who want to reduce their cancer risk.

You can forge your own 5:2 path with any type of healthy 'diet' - Paleo , Vegan / Vegetarian using this basic plan. Google it , there is so much to learn.

There are 5 days of week to eat normally (obviously not pigging out excessively if you want looser pants) and 2 days of only 500* calories (women) 600 (men).

I am also joining in with Kirsten and Co for #operationloosepants - be careful with the #hashtag though #operationlosepants sounds more fun.

Last week was #4 and I'm late to the party - the mission to get looser pants by Christmas.

I've been following my own #operationskinnyjeans path and already have weeks 1-3 nailed.

I am in perpetual motion - doing 70,000 steps a week running , walking and incidental exercise. Plus I've been following a 30 day (day 25/30)  challenge involving sit-ups, lunges, push-ups, planks, wall sits and tri-dips. I've passed 600,000 in only a few months.

Paddling training will also resume 3 days a week now it's daylight savings (if I make it to all sessions). 

As Kirsten says - it's all about little steps…that don’t lead me to the fridge

 I digress - Week Four:  Try A New Recipe = get in the kitchen and give a new recipe a go!

Without a drop of oil ...I made healthy Chicken Schnitzel with Parmesan crust

I used this 5:2 recipe found at Lavendar and Lovage - for inspiration -  around 300 calories a serve (about 2 pieces because I used tenderloins here).

I didn't have time to style my food because my husband thinks eating food is more important than instagramming or photographing it.

Serves 2

250 - 300gms Chicken Breast or Tenderloins
1 egg white lightly beaten.
2-3* Tablespoons Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
2-3* Tablespoons Dried Breadcrumbs (I used homemade with wholemeal bread toasted)

(I prefer more crumbs and to have some over then trying to get every last crumb)

1. Slightly flatten your chicken breast or tenderloins until they are an even thickness.
2. Lightly beat one egg white.
3. Rub breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together - put them on a plate.
4. Dip the chicken schnitzels into egg white , then crumb mixture and coat evenly.
5. Place the onto a non-stock baking tray or onto baking paper (then bake in the oven until golden and cooked through (depending on thickness of chicken used) . I used my Actifry and they took 12mins.

I decided to use lightly beaten egg white to bind my breadcrumbs because the Actifry has a grooved base. I skipped the garlic and herbs this time because of my fussy lad.


Parmesan Crusted Chicken Schnitzel passed the particular husband test too !Served  with steamed vegies or grilled tomato - it was so delicious.

The ActiFry 2 in 1 made it so easy and it took 12 mins. I have used a similar recipe in my oven before. 

Today, I made a tasty chicken schnitzel, avocado and rocket sanga for lunch with leftovers.

Linking up to #IBOT and Essentially Jess

  ♥

Wordless Wednesday : You can't win them all ...

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last.  You can say, 'I have finished.'  There is a lot of satisfaction in that." 
     --Fred Lebow

....I came in the middle for my age & gender - just saying !



 
                                           
  ♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Found my camera - lost in the fog.

Next run I'm getting my tutu on too.

I noticed tonight these two kids have consecutive numbers to me - random snap taken by hubby - 35 secs ahead of me.

I was happy to see my Boys nearing the Finish line.

I've lost the purple'ish glints *sob*

♥

{Giveaway} Up, up, up and away and Sydney Tower Eye & Skywalk Experience

It's good to be home after being in Sydney for 2 days. I had a lovely time staying with my friend.

Tuesday, the plane bound for Sydney was delayed almost 1.5hrs by in bound flight .Fortunately the event I was attending was on Wednesday.

I love seeing the Sydney Tower Eye on the horizon when I visit. It has been a Sydney icon for many years now. I'm so excited to offer a giveaway for you to experience the exhilaration too. The giveaway is at the bottom of the post.

Just as I arrived at the Airport for departure the school called to say Sam was in sick bay with red eyes.They were worried he was intent rubbing and scratching them out and blinking continuously.

My eyes puddled and I felt a choking silence in my throat.
I took a deep breath and told my DH.
DH and I said a quick goodbye and off he went to collect him . He was on his way to Drs anyway if there was a problem. He was ok in the end , it wasn't anything to worry about.

I don't do leaving my babies well especially if they are unwell.

I was frantically covering all bases before I left that morning . I left dinner, half prepared, for the Boys; the dog's dinner ; paid a few bills and went through the 'drill' ... Swimming is at 4pm, decide about school disco Wednesday 5pm and pick me up Thursday 12pm.

DH was a little concerned I only had a one way ticket ; -) because I'd only printed one boarding pass.

Being in Sydney - also made me think about running the City to Surf . It was on hold last week due to a hacking cough, sinus and cold. I still walked every day instead. Monday night I ran 6km non stop and another 6km Tuesday morning before I had to leave...then I was rushing and stressed.

I missed my treadmill yesterday - it's a love -hate thing. I get through each session by focusing on my fundraising goal for World Vision.I am very grateful for my supporters so far.

Being I am a slow runner and it isn't so much a race I intend on running. I just want to last the distance and I have about 10wks until race day. I know I'm getting fitter and stronger , a little faster each week too.

Making slow gains each week, as I plant my big feet firmly and grasp the rails of my treadmill , is all that matters.


Back to Sydney Tower Eye - See our photos from the day here

{ GIVEAWAY - }

 

1 x Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children* to Sydney Skywalk Experience -entry via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Closes 14th June
You need to book your experience with Sydney Tower Eye and be aware of Skywalk FAQ..

IMPORTANT: Please note that Child ages for SKYWALK are 8 - 15. For legal reasons, children under the age of 8 are not permitted on SKYWALK. ALL children participating in SKYWALK must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or over. Children under 8 can go up to the Observation deck and into 4D cinema.


Good luck.


Winner is : Rin

♥

{Giveaway} The Question is irrelevant ...Saturday by the numbers & Cadbury marvellous creations

... Chocolate is always the most reasonable answer .

These are not

 4  ~ number of cups of tea I've had while reconciling the teen's unauthorized use of my toll pass for 5 months -His personal ~ $87.06  and work related trips ~ $774.15!

Can you guess the number of trips to the bathroom ?

 7 ~ the number of times I tried to unzip a certain file before I Google'd how to do the right way

1 1/4 ~ pieces of burnt fruit toast I ate whilst doing it

602 ~ the number times I told my five years olds be shush up or close the 2 exterior doors ~ maybe less politely after 499 ...

39 ~  the no of things on my to do list this weekend

8 ~ the number of kms I am going to run later today.

 3 ~ Yes, I was sent 3 x family size Cadbury's new 'Marvellous Creations' range - Peanut Toffee Cookie , Jelly popping Candy beanies and Jelly Crunchy Bits

to be precise and a rather purple apron.

 

Marvellous Creations is the first Cadbury Dairy Milk product to be delivered from the magical and mythical land of Joyville !

Let's say I can't stop at one piece of the newest addition to my long list of favourite chocolate options.
One that combines quirky and unusual flavours to produce a unique taste sensation. My favourite is the deliciously new tongue-tingling Jelly Popping Candy beanies.

I may be watching my bottom waist-line, but if I'm honest, I really don't care some days .I'll sweat run it off eventually !

If you have too little in the way of willpower I warn you to steer clear ! The other family friendly

'joyville' option - if you want to limit yourself to just a couple of marvelously shaped pieces (be equally warned they aren't littlesquares and they aren't even sized pieces) -is to share with your chocoholic spouse , kids or even friends.


The kids love the ad ...

Onwards to the Tantalising I mean ...  GIVEAWAY

You've GOT TO get your lips hands on this !  and five of you can win three family size blocks
plus a rather Marvellously ' purple ' Marvellous ~ Creations apron of your own.

Since Marvellous Creations is the first Cadbury Dairy Milk product to be delivered from the magical and mythical land of Joyville ...

To enter  leave a comment below this post  in verse, telling me why chocolate brings you joy ?  :-) 

Be it a poem, a limerick, Haiku or a silly rhyme or whatever if you are challenged and really just want to win - remember it's a family blog too.

Crunchy, Chewy, Brown
Heavenly sweetness taste
No more once eaten

Alexandria Rios - haiku example

The 5 comments that interest me or make my hubby laugh the most will win! 

Australian resident /addresses only .

I'm feeling generous so you can enter once a day if you like as long as it's a new comment or rhyme or whatever .

Extra entries if you tweet or Facebook tagging My Little Drummer Boys and leaving a creative comment.

Closes Wednesday 30th May 2012.

Winners will be contacted by email and announced on this post.

The lucky winners are

ellierock

A farmer's Wife

Reta

Lilly

ConspiracyCat

{Disclosure: I received a 3 x family blocks of Cadbury Marvelous Creations and an apron - I assume it was to share with my family ;) - . I am sure she didn't think I'd eat it all myself - I was not compensated financially for this post. Opinions expressed in this post are all my own.}
 
♥

Thankful for running and Team World Vision

Recently I completed the #C25k - well Ease into 5km using the Bluefin app.
In 8 weeks I was transformed ...no that is a lie !

Source: weheartit.com via Trish on Pinterest

Slowly I have improved.I am still reluctant to call myself a runner ...

Source: getfitgetskinny.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Source: img.earthshots.org via Trish on Pinterest

 What I think I look like

Call me crazy but I signed up to Bridge to 10km as soon as I finished the C25k.

I am thankful I can run albeit with the grace of rhino !

My friends on social media gave me lots of encouragement when I completed each day's run (3 per week).

Walking is still more my style but running gets you there faster ...and I'd still like to lose a little flab fat !

What gets you there faster ?

Myth: Exercise done at a low intensity, such as walking, is better at fat burning than other high-intensity activities, like running or cardio activities where you push yourself very hard.
The Truth: In a strict scientific sense, these claims are true because working at a lower intensity requires less quick energy and a higher percentage of fat is burned. But you'll also burn fewer calories than you would if, for the same amount of time, you work out at a harder intensity (running versus walking). If you're trying to lose weight, even though a higher percentage of fat is being used, a lower total amount of fat is lost. Find out more here it's very helpful info

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Source: google.com via Trish on Pinterest

What I'd like to look like

Making a difference and having a purpose for torturing myself running is my new goal. Have you heard of the Mother's day Classic ?
I'd like to run it but I think I've left my run (no pun intended) a little late this year for fundraising.

The Sydney City2Surf is on Sunday, 12th Aug, 2012 .
I've been wanting to run this event for years  .
I've now got my sights set on it.
Why ?



It doesn't matter if I can't run or jog 14km -I can walk too. The money I raise will make an impact.. ten fold !!

It can make a real difference around the world with 10 x the value of my donation - if I run with team World Vision.

UPDATE - I'm now officially a Team World Vision runner  -  See my hero page here to sponsor me - $5 or $10 every donation will make a difference and have 10 x the impact - you can start sponsoring me now !


The real other reason I run

Source: girlmeetsbanjo.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

♥

Summer days ...slipping away

It's the first day of Autumn and it is cooler today, though still humid. I've noticed the last week the mornings are cooler, the grass is dewy. 

Summer days will soon be slipping away as Autumn gets a grip. I love Autumn as it means cooler days but more than enough sunshine and light with gentle breezes to enjoy the outdoors.

As the nights get cooler I'll get my slow cooker out and begin inhaling the comfort food we all love. My downfall rich sauces and meat.

Eight weeks under my belt. I am now at week 9 of the Couch to 5km program, two more runs to go but that's not the end.

I'm now running 30 mins in one go. Incredibly ! hard for me to even imagine and complete ! .I doubt I have ever done this ... not that I can remember anyway on a regular basis. I do remember running a little.

I have plans to register for the Mother's Day classic (Annual funDraiser for Breast Cancer) , just deciding whether to do the 4 or 8km run , or to travel to Wollongong and do a 5km run. I want to make it a little challenging but not to hard. Race day is 10 weeks away Sunday May 8th.

22 years ago I rode a 'push' bike 1100kms+ from Melbourne to Sydney (one way riding 12 days of 15 days). I did some running as part of my training and fitness preparation - (I was 22 then so it was easier.)

I need to learn basic stretches and do some strength training (at home). The MDC has some preparation guidelines for all the different length runs/walks so I am trialling the beginners to 8km. I started today -it has longer run sessions and shorter faster sessions with some cross training/strength exercises.

On the weight front I haven't lost much at all (all that exercise makes me hungry ). I know I am fitter and my endurance has improved. So that is good overall.

I'm not overweight but the kilos have been creeping on and up again the last year or two. I am at the top end of my healthy weight range. It is so easy to 'inhale' food  >one chocolate bar is the equivalent of an hours walking or running. Nutritious food also has just as many calories I've noticed if you enjoy even reasonable servings.

My aim is to ultimately lose a few kilos more to get back to my goal weight.

It is about balance and what he said ...

PS :No offense intended just saying there is the element of truth in this for me too.By the way the you tube site has some very poor taste comments I don't agree with, at all. ♥ Never miss a post

13 ways to conquer the cravings

(not sure of image credit)

Excess {or any unhealthy snacking} between meals does not augur well with our get fit or weight loss efforts. I won't go into the psychological reasons why we do it (we all know why ~ not just because it tastes so good) just a few practical ways we can reduce it a bit. 

Don't try it all at once - one step at a time one bite at a time and will power. We know it's hard to teach your self to say no.

1. Plan ...Plan meals that keep you fuller longer and plan your meals in advance especially to resist the urge to buy takeaway meals because you can't think what to cook or have no food in the pantry/fridge that appeals.
2. You have Google with 15,800,000 healthy meal recipes (yes I just checked) -so don't be boring try something new and look for lower fat versions of your favourite recipes or snacks.
3. Make a Shopping List  - aiming to buy only the groceries according to your weekly meal plans. Stick to the list in your hand and do not be swayed by it.
4. Write yourself a list of things to do if you feel the urge to snack .Leave it on the fridge. Try to understand when your body is truly hungry and you are not just snacking because you are feeling down, lonely or bored. Ring a friend, 'jump' on the computer or go for a walk with the kids to the park.  Or put on some music & dance with kids, grab a book or fold the clothes :).See if the craving passes.
5. Remove temptation.Clear out the cupboards. Replace and substitute unhealthy "snacky" high fat/sugar type foods for a healthier option which will keep you fuller for longer. Pre cut vegetable sticks / make a tomato salsa or have fruit & yoghurt to eat / low fat baked pretzels etc. Drink more water too instead of eating or in place of other drinks.
6. If you can't remove temptation...Reduce pack sizes - buy small portion packets (yes it might cost more) and/or divide up larger packs yourself and put them away in not easily accessible spots (the top of cupboard you can only reach with a chair) Instead of just grabbing a quick bag of chips or bar {PIECE} of chocolate - if you have to get out a step ladder or chair you might think twice.
7. Brush your teeth soon after eating dinner {or breakfast} -when you brush the kids teeth is ideal - it makes me think twice about eating chocolate or snacking later.
8. Teach your children to say - 'You 've had enough mummy' and 'Only a small bite' if you must try their snacks. Mine do without any prompting LOL. Request & remind your spouse not to eat  those irresistible 'snacks' in front in you and increase the temptation directing at hand.  
9. Don't deny yourself completely. Of course at the end of a stressful day with the children we all wish the tune of gourmet ice cream and chocolate did not sing its siren song quite so loudly . Hoping it will drown out the fruit & yoghurt or other healthy snacks saying 'pick me' it not going to happen . If you do cave in then enjoy it, relish it and then let it go. Don't keep beating yourself up - instead look up how many minutes of whatever {exercise you prefer] takes to burn it off and give that a try. Don't give up on your commitment to reduce snacking over just one snack. Tomorrow is a new day.
10. Blog about your commitment - join in the support .There are numerous groups of bloggers who are encouraging each other to get fit, get healthier and reduce their weight.
11. Stick to an exercise plan approved by your DR or health professional that you are comfortable with. I'm doing the Couch to 5k to get fit , losing the kilos I've gained since ceasing breastfeeding & eating over Christmas is a byproduct.
12. Put the sign above on your fridge or cupboard if you dare ...
13. When friends visit and bring goodies or on celebration days like birthdays be mindful of what you serve or eat but remember one day is not the end. Ultimately it is your choice to say no or to just eat less.

Ps sorry I cannot get the formating right on new blogger post editor !

 ♥ Never miss a post

5 million

The journey of a 1000 miles

begins with a single step ~ Lao Tzu

...not money (I wish) but steps.


The last year I have been walking 10,000 steps a day (or slightly more). Some time yesterday I hit the 5 million mark.

The '10,000 steps' goal puts a focus on the accumulation of activity across the whole day instead of the pressure to do it all in one burst.

I started my count 20th October 2008 ... I thought I was fairly active running around after twins, a recalcitrant teen and doing housework but I was wrong.

Some days , like my day at the office, I barely manage 3000 steps or even less by 5.30pm .So I come home and walk twice around the block ...then keep going.

This surprised me. Days I don't use the treadmill, at the gym , I walk to the park and the boys play while I do short circuits of the play equipment ... or if I sit at home and blog I barely get there . Other days I go shopping ...a good 3000 steps there.

I haven't lost any weight , I actually gained a few kgs but when I started I just through a rough patch and I'd lost weight. So I guess I am back where I started. It allows me to indulge in my favourite chocolate, cheese and a little wine :).

These are the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

1-3 recommend the minimum amount of physical activity you need to do to enhance your health. They are not intended for high-level fitness, sports training or weight loss. To achieve the best results, try to carry out all three guidelines and combine an active lifestyle with healthy eating.

Guideline 1
Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience.
Where any form of movement of the body is seen as an opportunity for improving health, not as a time-wasting inconvenience... so picking up after your children is good for you.

Guideline 2
Be active every day in as many ways as you can.
Make a habit of walking or cycling instead of using the car, or do things yourself instead of using labour-saving machines.

Guideline 3
Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.
You can accumulate your 30 minutes (or more) throughout the day by combining a few shorter sessions of activity of around 10 to 15 minutes each.

Guideline 4
If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness.

...okay I'm off to bed for #4. ;)

♥

Never miss a post

A journey of a thousand miles

begins with a single step ~ Lao Tzu

... then it is only 10000 steps (a day) to better health !

I am now more than half way (64%) through my virtual Northern territory outback adventure. The '10,000 steps' goal puts a focus on the accumulation of activity across the whole day instead of the pressure to do it all in one burst.

I have done approx 319,284 steps since 20th October...199284 in November. I thought I was fairly active running around after twin toddlers and doing housework but I was wrong.

Some days before I do my official walk (including pushing them in the stroller) of about 5000-6000 steps - 45mins-1 hr , I can barely manage 4000 steps or even less. This surprised me ... I am often exhausted by lunchtime and all I want to do is sit and chill .(shhhh ok I confess I do for a bit more for a read and a blog I don't watch much TV anymore)

These are the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

1-3 recommend the minimum amount of physical activity you need

to do to enhance your health. They are not intended for high-level fitness, sports training or weight loss. To achieve the best results, try to carry out all three guidelines and combine an active lifestyle with healthy eating.

Guideline 1
Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience.
Where any form of movement of the body is seen as an opportunity for improving health, not as a time-wasting inconvenience... so picking up after your children is good for you.

Guideline 2
Be active every day in as many ways as you can.
Make a habit of walking or cycling instead of using the car, or do things yourself instead of using labour-saving machines.

Guideline 3
Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.
You can accumulate your 30 minutes (or more) throughout the day by combining a few shorter sessions of activity of around 10 to 15 minutes each.

Guideline 4
If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness. ... see below

So I am inviting you to join in ...

Hi 'Valued friends & readers' ,

I have found this great website that has heaps of physical activity information as well as a free Step Log where we can record and keep track of our steps. I thought that you might like to check it out.

Tips and tricks to stay motivated


Q - How do you record other activities in steps

Recording Other Activities in Steps
10 minutes of moderate intensity activity = 1,000 steps

Moderate Intensity Activity causes a slight, but noticeable increase in breathing and heart rate. You should be able to maintain a conversation.
10 minutes of high intensity activity = 2,000 steps

High Intensity (or Vigorous) Activity makes you “huff and puff” and is where talking full sentences between breaths is difficult. ... does making l o v e count ?


Tips and tricks to stay motivated

Advice of the day

1. Buy a pedometer ... beats counting. I got a new one today ((under $30 from Rebel sport) and new walking shoes...Don't even think of taking your pedometer to the beach. A walk on the beach is purely for pleasure (but no-one told me how hard it is on soft sand) and a freak wave or rather the salt water ruins pedometers.
2. Wear sensible shoes - the best you can afford in a style you like. Reflexologists will tell you true relaxation begins with the feet.
3. To assist you in reaching your goals and to get into a routine - schedule your daily walking or exercise goals and extra activities in your diary, like you would an appointment (best if you don't reward yourself for meeting your goals with chocolate or edible treats but then again at least you worked a bit of it off if you do sometimes).
   
See your Dr if you have any concerns about starting an exercise program and start with small steps ...

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu

PS .I wish someone would design a chart to tell me how many steps a certain chocolate bar or other treat was worth ...then I could decide if it was ...

PPS I can't talk about Menu Plan Monday & food today ...we have both been to the dentist- I had an extraction of an extra tooth (it's been at the back of my jaw at an angle for years(?) and Dh had a filling ... dare I mention the dentist says to floss every day.
He also asked me was I still breastfeeding (I am twice a day) and told me Breastfeeding is good for my children's immune system. I was very impressed this coming from a man.

Never miss a post

Aerobix and other heavy stuff

MY Winter Exercise program...

I am on it !

Take one Weetbix.

Take an Aero chocolate bar.

Crumble the Aero over the Weetbix. Voila!

AEROBIX !

Seriously I would not do that to a chocolate and I don't really eat aero bars because they are so full of holes - hole lot of nothing !

I do have a muffin top and a twin belly flap ... tucks neatly into my jean though and is hidden by top.I don't mind this at all - the babies love to poke my belly button in and out. It is a cheap amusement whilst nursing - except it makes me jump.
I am inspired to start a real exercise program though after reading Lightening's efforts.I want to get fit. My weight is in the healthy weight range but on the limits. I will never wear a bikini again my body is very ugly due to NF1.
So some serious stuff now ...
I will talk more about this later week . May is Neurofibromatosis awareness month -and I am in still in denial ...It is as common a genetic disorder as CysticFibrosis yet most people have never heard of NF.

Have you ?

Rewinding at the Fibro today 7/5/2010 ...

Australian Bicentennial bike ride

Australian Bicentennial bike ride 1988 ITS BACK for 2008 - maybe ?

wow 20 years ago ,when I was 22yrs old (to save you getting your calculator out) I did this ride Australian Bicentennial Bike Ride 1988

I lived in Sydney and half the 2100 people arrived in Dandenong by overnight coach - from many starting points.

In 1988, as part of Australia's bicentennial celebrations, a 14 day bike ride was held from Melbourne to Sydney. The distance covered was over 1,200km and we endured all sorts of weather from pouring rain thunderstorms and driving wind to beautiful sunny days.

We traveled along the coastline, climbed through the Snowy Mountains, descended from the heights into Canberra and finished on a hot sunny day in Sydney where several thousand riders celebrated the finish of a wonderful experience. It doesn't get any better than this!

Our support crew carried our tents ,clothes and sleeping bags etc to the next night stop.We only had to pack up each day, load it on the truck and then set up at the next night's stop -usually a country town showground or paddock. There was also a car with a trailer to carry injured, and broken down riders.

Meals were all eaten al fresco Portable kitchens were set up under large tents and we took turns serving and helping. During meal times we meet and talked with other riders and shared experiences.

Inevitably, dishes had to be washed and dried. Portable sinks with running water were set up near the kitchen.

Portable showers and loos too ...

We were given a packed lunch (roll/sandwich) every day and riders stopped wherever we pleased.

Or alternatively, a more convenient place was found!(The PUB)

Riders drifted into camp across various times of the day ... my uncle was always ahead of me.So he usually set up tent before I got there.Then we had spare time to explore and discover the town we were located at that night.... or sleep !

The Snowy mountains to Canberra leg was the most gruelling and longest in kilometres (1oo plus too) . Mountainous hills, pouring rain,windy and freezing cold (in Dec - Australian summer).I was in tears most of the day. Alone. I stopped for a leg massage from the support team at lunchtime -soaked through and in agony. I almost gave up and called my Dad ... till when I arrived in Canberra my Uncle had looked up his friends ( went into the local Bank - he worked in another branch of same bank in Sydney).

We had a comfy dry bed and even better food for 2 nights and I was refreshed to begin again.

I made a friend from Melbourne along the way - most days we rode together .For a few years we kept in touch till be both moved/got married and then lost addresses.

The culmination of 14 days on the road; a finish in the Domain Gardens in Sydney where we had a big party to celebrate.

Australia travel tips: Australia Guinness Records.

Most participants in a bike ride

In 1988 there were 2,157 starters in the Australian Bicentennial Caltex Bike Ride from Melbourne to Sydney.

I conned my uncle who was 9 years older than me into coming along. We had a great time except I was pinning for my new 'boyfriend' (I meant the one and only) and wondering if absence really did make the heart grow fonder or out of sight out of mind...

The story had a happy ending ...I made it home and he was waiting for me

Fast forward 19 years later, married 18years ...hardly riden my bike (well unless you count the exercise bike) .I doubt I could even get my husband to think about doing this but I would consider it if he came along as my support team with a caravan in tow.

Your turn ... tell me something odd , great or unusual you have done ... skydiving , hot air ballooning ?? anything