Archive for the 'Hiking' category

Bibbulmun Track Update – Bushfire Closes Section from Swamp Oak to Possum Springs

Aushiker | December 16, 2009 10:56 pm

As at December 16, 2009 the Bibbulmun Track has been closed from Swamp Oak Campsite (Map 2 – Dwellingup) to Possum Springs (Map 3 – Collie) due to a large bushfire currently burning in State Forest to the west. Walkers are asked not to walk in this section.

There are also a number of road closures in place. The fire is thought to be suspicious but no properties are in danger at this time. The fire has burnt about 9700ha.

Further clarification should be sought from WA Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138 or check FESA’s website for the latest updates.

Bookmark and Share

Popularity: 4% [?]

Time to Kick Start the second 1/2 Century

Aushiker | December 3, 2009 4:55 pm

Source: Aussies in Action - Finish line 2009 Great Perth Bike Ride Turning 50 in November, plus experiencing more heart related health problems really didn’t do me much good in 2009.  With the pace maker being fitted, coming down with the flu and going on hols I have been off the bike for pretty much for three months. During that time I really lost focus, maybe the black dog visited I don’t know, but I do know that I got back into my old habits of eating badly.  The end result was as of yesterday I was back to 98.9 kg from a low around 92 kg early in the year. Not a good look.

Whilst on holidays in Bali in the past week I took the time to reflect on where I was going and thought about that if I want to make this second 1/2 century a long one, one in which I can still do lots of riding and walking and if I want to have a fair shot at the Perth-Albany-Perth 1200 (PAP1200) in October 2010 then I really need to refocus and get my life back on some sort of track.

So this posting is my trail marker so to speak. The point where I go forward and work to achieve good healthy goals, measurable ones that is.

So the start of this kick start program was riding from Churchlands to the southern end of the Kwinana Freeway Principal Shared Path (PSP) which ends just to the south of the Pinjarra Road intersection with the Forest Highway. This turned out to be a 174 kilometre round trip, with the first 80+ kilometres heading into the south-easterly. At least the return was more favourable with the south-westerly. Anyway the ride was a slow one (averaged 21.59 km/h), but a long one and given my state of fitness I am glad I finished. A small step for sure, but a step.

The future? Well my first short to medium term goals are to get my weight heading south and to of course complete the PAP1200. My 2010 riding goals which are in-conjunction with my health goals are now published here.

 

Goal Date

Goal

Date Achieved

Comment

January 1, 2010

95 kg

NA

:( Well I have got off to a disaster. I really need to seriously sit back and take a look at myself and my attitude. Instead of loosing weight in December I put it on! I am now 103.5 kg, which is just not good at all.

Time for a serious review on my approach and to get some professional help.

February 4, 2010

100 kg

February 4, 2010

Achieved my revised goal, checking in at 99.9 kg. Still need to get some professional advice on nutrition and to get more weight loss happening.

March 4, 2010

98 kg

NA

A very frustrating month, with my weight ending up at 99.2 kg. I just didn’t seem able to get it right and move things south. Now introduced running into my program at month end, so hopefully this will help.

April 1, 2010

98 kg

   
       
       
       
       
       
       

October 8, 2010

Successfully complete the Perth-Albany-Perth 1200 Audax ride.

   
Bookmark and Share

Popularity: 5% [?]

WA TopTrails – Trails Based Website

Aushiker | December 1, 2009 2:31 pm

IMG_0333Funded by the Federal Government’s Australian Tourism Development Program, TopTrailsWA highlights trails that provide a taste of the amazing places and experiences to be enjoyed across this amazing state.

A new website showcasing 54 of Western Australian’s top trails was recently unveiled by Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Stephen Smith MP at a launch in the Swan Valley. The comprehensive website, 40-page booklet and online social networking site TrailTalk are designed to promote WA as a trails destination and attract visitors to regional areas.

The TopTrails website can be found here and the associated TrailTalk website here.

Bookmark and Share

Popularity: 7% [?]

A Carbohydrate and Protein Driven Recovery

Aushiker | October 9, 2009 12:01 am

Immune-boosting apple crumble smoothie No I am not talking about the global financial crisis.  Rather Dr Kevin Currell of Triathlon Plus has written an interesting article on the importance of carbs and protein in exercise recovery for BikeRadar.com. The full article can be found at BikeRadar.com.

Dr Currell reminds us that:

During exercise, carbohydrate acts as the main energy source and the body’s small carbohydrate stores often become depleted.

and that protein also has a significant role to play

in allowing the muscles to regenerate, repair and adapt… Protein is essential for [muscles] them to recover. Protein also allows the body to adapt to the training by providing the fuel to build new enzymes and muscle fibres.

The article also contains some interesting carb/protein based recipes to encourage recovery.  They include:

  • Quinoa and cinnamon chicken
  • Cherry Bakewell smoothie
  • Steamed salmon and potato salad
  • Immune-boosting apple crumble smoothie

You can get the recipes at BikeRadar.com.  I have the immune-boosting apple crumble smoothie on my taste agenda for sure.

Bookmark and Share

Popularity: 3% [?]

Bibbulmun Track Update: Balingup

Aushiker | October 5, 2009 4:19 am


View Larger Map</SMALL< p>>

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is advising that the Balingup General Store in Balingup, infamous for its lack of support for Bibbulmun Track walkers is now stocking “re-sealable” gas canisters.  It is not clear exactly what types of canisters are being stocked, but I would suggest if you plan to rely on the store for re-supply of canisters you check with them first.

Bookmark and Share

Popularity: 5% [?]