Few weeks till the reality sets in. (back in aus to road to work )

With a few weeks break before heading back out on site in Australia it was a good chance to crank in some road k's. There are a lot of good rides that can be done around the Brisbane area. From jumping barge and heading over to Stradbroke Island to heading to the hills of Mt Glorious, Mt Nebo and Mt Mee. All good rides with minimal major road access and all within a sneaky hundred from the Brisbane CBD.

After a couple of weeks off it was time to get slapped in the face with the reality of work again. Heading down south of the Queensland boarder to the town of Casino for a structural refurbishment of the towns water tank supply. Was pumped to be involved in the cable side of things on this refurbishment as its a large learning curve from the typical post tension slabs I do in the city. I guess thats the construction industry but, its all about problem solving and defining new ways to over come these challenges.

 

Kinda a bummer when you build up a solid bass fitness level and you know and can see the results you are chasing and then all of a sudden your back to working dark till dark and struggling finding time to ride. With Casino been located inland of NSW, some would call it a country town but its still has a population of 10,500. With the roads been rather wide and trafficless its good to get out and just start clocking up the k's in any direction. Another bonus that is helping keep the legs turning are the rollers. Roller sessions certainly do make you work and great for when away on site. 

European National Enduro Austria (disappointed as can be)

Here we are sitting in the freezing conditions for track walk for some of the European National Titles Stages in Kirchberg, Austria.

With the weather turning from bad to worse and the rain coming in heavier, we knew it was going to be a hard weekend mental and physically. With that been said but, the tracks are looking crazy good and cannot wait to get out on them.

Heading out for practice and it was a struggle with the sun just peeking through at the base of the mountains but it still snowing and raining just a couple hundred metres up.
Practice was going well until the cold got to me and even with thermals and water proof everything on it was still a mission to get back to the accommodation.

who loves good advertisement on the side of the mtn. I DO.

Suffering a broken rear mech on stage 1 practice right on close of business on the Saturday meant that I would not be making the start line come Sunday morning. I know it is a item that should always be carried on these events and it has bitten me hard. To my biggest disappointment it was a quick pack up and head back to Germany for some down time and bike rebuilding. This is truly a disappointing time I must say as the track are so wild and the event has been put on so well. 

To Riva Del Garda Italy we go

With the weather taking a turn in Austria it was time to head off to Italy (only 4hrs drive) for some sunshine and some exploring of the Italian Dolomite back country lines.

WELCOME TO RIVA DEL GARDA.

Some of these Italian towns are untouched buy time.

After some last season knowledge and some know how of map and satellite imagery reading (thanks to my farther a geography specialist) it was off to the discover some trails.

Taking into account the vast system of interlocking trails and with a very strong shuttle service it is hard not to find some unreal trails, BUT WE WANTED MORE.

Sean dropping in on the start of the 601 trail.

And more we got. Climbing to around 2400 vertical we started chasing ridge lines away from the main lines.

Well the Italian Dolomites are pretty AMAZING.

Its certainly crazy to be standing and riding in some of the World War 1 front line trenches that carve them selfs all across the Dolomites. To this day you can still find the remenets of war in such beautiful place.

With some trails barely even trails it was all smiles and fist pumps. Something about riding barely visible trails high in alps is certainly a feeling of accomplishment, almost like your the first to discover this unreal unridden terrain. (but we all know we are not).

Few sections of what this place has to offer. 

Once heading back to main lines to make the decent work it was time for some Hike biking adventure to link up this epic decent. 

What you find off the main trails

Guys @ pro mount billet have the cock pit sorted for adventure.

With only spending 2 days and 1 day riding only one of the many mountains this place has to offer ill be sure to be heading back in the coming weeks. Sean took a massive hit on the first decent and it was all it took to call of this trip. With Sean heading back to the UK, I am heading back Germany to put into play the next chapter.

Once in Garda it is a must to head to the guys a Bike shuttle Torbole for all your biking needs. With it been a shuttle (thats not enduro) or advice on accommodation, trail maps or anything at all.

http://www.bikeshuttlestation.it

On the travel to Saalbach Hinterglem / Leogang / Austrian Alps

Since last season after discovering what Saalbach has to offer in the way of trail riding networks it was definitely first on the list to head back there and hang out with all the crew from last season and meet some fresh faces.
http://www.saalbach.com/en/

http://www.sporthagleitner.com

Europe certainly has its public transport in mind with it been so easy to head all over the EU.

With certain carriages set aside for bikes. Makes life easy with traveling with a bike.

With the valley connected so well with lifts its hard sometimes to get you climb on unless venturing out. With only a few lifts on at the moment it was a good time to climb for the decent on some fresh early ridden single track nessled out on the ridge lines and knife edges.

plenty of snow still laying around for playtime.

SOLID CREW IS ALWAYS A BONUS.

Its hard no to be trendy when you are hanging out with a solid crew overlooking the Austrian Alps on sunset. Now for the 30+ minute decending to get some food.

Quick run down a beginner trail in Saalbach.

TIME FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE

Ready to jet - 1st week in Germany.

All packed with the essentials of jetting off to Germany for some summer time rolling. I guess traveling with a bike and all your living and riding gear gets pretty heavy at times. Flying out with the  minimum of only just enough to get buy is more then enough sometimes.

Bike bag.

Bike

Helmet, riding gear (include thermals, windproof setup).

Spare chain, chain rings, chain links.

Gear cable.

Brake pads.

Multi tool.

Cleats.

LETS PARTY.

Roaming through Dubai. 

First thing is first. Germany has the best of the best when it comes to Fresh bake goods. 

After hanging out and getting over the jet lag it was time for a quick roll @ Sammerberg bike park. fun little park with a good quick ride to the top.  http://www.bikepark-samerberg.de

Just super pumped to be back on the trails of the Bavarian Alps

With it been around a 30km commute to the park, its not hard to stop and take in the views of the towering Austrian Alps overlooking the Bavarian farming fields.