Wendy has the sniffles

Oh dear, no training this week because I have the sniffles. That is a really good excuse... right??

Poor Wendy!!

Josie and I have been meeting with our wonderful school community this week to share the message about underprivileged girls and the importance of an education in enabling them to change their world. It has been so wonderful to get so much support and we are really looking forward to speaking with the kids. I think it is really important that this journey is not just about money, and if we can make one kid want to do something in the future to change the world then that is awesome. So thank you GGS!

Then in an interesting development, Hugh has suggested that I should do the ride in full evening dress. The feedback I have been getting is that people would pay to see that!! I am just trying to decide if this is actually a compliment! I am thinking maybe not... but as you know, I always like an excuse to frock up... so watch this space!

Anyhoo, he was sharing this with his basketball coach who suggested that she would pay money (a lot) to see me do it with training wheels!! Again, not entirely sure this is actually a compliment, but has lead to a raft of other ridiculous possibilities. Let me write a list, because you know how I like a list:

1. training wheels - well not original, but it important to be thorough
2. clickety-clacks - not sure what they are called, but do you remember the plastic things you could put on your spokes to make noise as you ride - I always thought they were really cheerful
3. basket - with flowers I am thinking, because you can never have too much storage
4. handle bar streamers - because everything looks better with streamers especially if they are sparkly
5. one of those really long flags on the back which bend when you go under a tree - I don't know why but frankly I always wanted one
6. oh dear, only 5 items... not much of a list really. You may have noticed that I always like 10 things in my lists... please me dear friends give me 5 additional items so my list can be whole!

So I am not sure any of this is practical (in fact I think we can be fairly sure none of it is at all practical) but it is food for thought!!

BTW I now have 3 donations so thank you to my wonderful friends and hooray for me!!

W x

Hollywood Glamour

So, why can't I change the world like this??

This is so totally Wendy-Woo! Evening gown, fabulous jewelry and the requisite glass of champagne!
Photo courtesy of Louise Rattray.

Why do I have to wear lycra, and train, and sweat?? Lucky the ride will be flat with no wind and nice weather or I might have a really BIG problem.

So if you read my post about cycling for one whole hour - this was a key part of my intensive training program. Happy to incorporate this into my journey since I can really excel at this!!

And here is one of Josie and me at the Oscars (lucky I have 8 inch heels or you might think I am short!!):

So my brave, amazing friend Josie shaved her head today for this incredible cause. She is now first place in the fundraising for all of the girls on this amazing journey. Way to go Josie!!

Obviously, that is not an option for me since (as one of my clients said) how can I flick my hair and sniff dismissively when someone is being a dweeb in a meeting if I shave my head!! Who knew this was my trademark.

W x

I am so lucky!!

Josie and I received this video link from our Plan coordinator when we approached her about sharing our message with the wonderful kids in our wonderful school community.

It is so amazing to watch. Such a powerful message. Really made me stop and think.

So maybe, I should just stop being a whiny baby about my training... I have an amazing life and I get to do anything I set my heart on... well most anything!!

And best of all, I am doing something really positive to help change the lives of girls like this one.

How lucky am I??!!

W x

One whole hour without stopping

In another hooray for me moment… I just cycled for one whole hour. Without stopping! Who would have thought that was possible!!

I decided yesterday, while taking a day off from riding that I needed to build endurance rather than just focusing on speed. So I set myself a target of an hour of cycling with no target distance.

Goal setting is key? Right? That is what they say on the TV when interviewing famous sports people. So now I have my goal. They also go on about preparation. I believe that may be the second key.

So ever one to leverage the experience and insights of others, I undertook an intensive program to prepare. In the 20 hours between setting my goal and the achieving my goal (did I mention hooray for me??) I was totally focused on my objective.

Let me share my preparation with you. 

1. Get up, make coffee and do three loads of washing
2. Make waffles for breakfast for my beautiful boys
3. Clean up after breakfast
4. Make coffee
5. Go shopping for a birthday present for the sleepover Hugh is going to
6. Get my eyebrows threaded (highly recommended if you have never done it) because I have to look fabulous tonight… but more about that later
7. Buy two books for my boys as a reward for being well behaved last week… they were awesome… as long as I ignore all of the bits where they weren't!
8. Come home and make lunch because as usual when I walk in the door, before I have put down my keys, someone always announces that they are hungry. I know right?
9.  Try on evening gowns for big red carpet Hollywood party tonight. Oh dear, they were all fabulous a few pounds ago. I hate that closet shrinkage! There must be a product which stops expensive fabrics from shrinking while left on the closet… must investigate
10. Drop boys off at sleepover party. Hamish is just visiting for a couple of hours because it is a Nerf Gun party and the big boys need targets! So younger siblings are being paid to be targets. What a fabulous idea!!
11. Rush to the only store near me to purchase fabulous frock for red carpet Hollywood party with my stylist Paul. Need to leave in 1 ½ hours and currently have not done my hair and do not have a frock. But at least my eyebrows look fabulous! So at least there is no pressure!
12. Find fabulous frock by an Australian designer Lisa Brown at a wonderful little boutique called Milk and Honey. It is a little bit long, but luckily I have the most fabulous pair of suede boots which make me nearly as tall as Paul – that is a difference of nearly 10 inches. Note to self, do not wear boots while driving. May end badly!
13. Get home and get fabulous. Can’t do usual ritual of having a glass of champagne while beautifying… have I mentioned Paul is not coming as he is flying to San Francisco tonight. Feel’s weird. I can’t believe he hasn't booked me a car service so I don’t have to drive and can arrive on the red carpet in style. I know right?
14. Paul goes and collects Hamish from party having finished is target duties. Luckily despite the rain he is still moderately l clean, so off we go!
15. Arrive at party. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. Met by the Paparazzi, had a wonderful night. Great food, great company. Won 2 Oscars. Hooray for me again! Collected one on behalf of Paul. Photos will follow!
16. Drove home with Hamish and tucked up in bed by midnight… just.

So this morning after a surprising little sleep-in and collecting Hugh from the wonderful sleepover.. if you are not a parent of kids a certain age. A sleepover is the best birthday party in the world. The parents love you because you get a night off. Bliss.

Anyway, back to my preparation and goal.

So this morning I headed down to the studio and started cycling. I thought my beautiful boys might come down to the studio to cheer me on and give me encouragement when it all got a bit too hard for me… as it now doubt would, despite my intensive preparation… They felt that it would be more beneficial for me if they spent the time playing computer games… they are in the middle of launching a rocket into space and trialing different fuel cells and centers of thrust and centers of gravity.. as you do. So I left them to their important scientific endeavors.

So I was in the studio with all of my friends… not even any web bots for company.. and I did it! One whole hour and I traveled.. wait for it… prepare to be amazed… 19.6 km. That is way higher than I was expecting. So excited!

So for all of the glass is half full people -   I traveled just less than half of my shortest cycling day on my adventure… BUT I prefer to look at life the other way up!

To digress, a great quote from Paul… “The glass is not half full, and nor is it half empty, you have twice as much glass as you need!”

The lesson I am taking away from this is… set your goal, prepare to achieve your goal and you may surprise yourself with what you can achieve!

I can totally do this!

W x

My Bubble is Burst!

So I just checked my blog stats.. It is so exciting seeing that people are coming in a reading how I am going. 28 page views yesterday! Hooray for me! That is so cool. 28 of my friends checked out how I am progressing...

Or did they???

Helpful Paul has just taken a look and he burst my bubble!! Apparently it is web crawlers... oh dear... are they my friends?? Are they excited by my slightly wacky take on cycling and life in general. Am I the talk at the water cooler in the web crawler office?

Do web crawlers leave comments, or google +1 me??

Thanks so much Paul!! I was feeling totally awesome today. Rode 5 km in a new record time. 14 minutes 30 seconds if you are interested my friendly web crawlers.

BTW he also pointed out that it is not even 28 web crawlers, because they visit each post, so I need to divide 28 by 7 - which is 4 - but really that is just too depressing for me to contemplate - so I will just put that aside for now...

Oh dear, another bex and a lie down.

W x

A Personal Best

Still no update on the actual bike, but it is OK because there are 160 days until I actually leave, so I have time!

How do I know it is 160 days you might ask... well maybe, just maybe I took a leaf out of Hugh's book and created a model. But don't tell anyone!!

Yesterday I rode stage 1 of the TdF. Well not the whole thing obviously!! 18km is too much to fit into my very busy schedule. Well OK, while my schedule is indeed very busy the fact is that I could not ride 18km.

BUT I rode 7km in 20 minutes. That is an average speed of 21kmph. AND that is the best I have achieved so far. So hooray for me! And I didn't even have to have a lie down afterwards, so I think that is really great progress and should be celebrated! Maybe with some Bollinger, or maybe Verve!! Mmmmmm. Must go see what is in the fridge!

BTW, I don't need people pointing out the rather large difference between 7km and 86km. My wonderful boys have already done that so I am quite on top of the whole thing! Bless them. But they cheered me on yesterday, so some of the credit for my progress must lie with them.

Thanks to all my wonderful friends who are giving me encouragement and enjoying my posts! Who knew this journey would be so much fun!!

Until next time...

W x

What a great day!

So today has been so great!

Key Statistics:
1. Bikes purchased = 0
2. Riding on an actual road = 0km
3. Training on my trainer = 48km *
4. Donations received = 1 **
5. Comments received = 1 ***
6. Google +1 received = 1 ****

* Well obviously that is a cumulative figure!! There is absolutely no way I could cycle 48km in one day. YET!! I have been training on Stage 1 of the Tour de France. And despite what one of my very helpful and supportive colleagues has said, IT IS NOT FLAT!! I acknowledge its is quite flat in many places, but as you know, I am only cycling on the flat so it is excellent training. Let's for now put aside Day 6 of the Itinerary. I am not ready to deal with that emotionally...

My record day is the first 10km of this stage. Did it in 30 minutes. Hooray for me!! That means I averaged 20km per hour which is pretty good for a novice! Again, let's not focus on the fact that after that I had to have a little lie down to recover.

** I received my first donation!! How exciting is that. From a wonderful, generous friend. I am totally enjoying this journey already, and I only just started.

*** A comment! Also very exciting! Thanks Bill!! My blog was starting to be like being at home. I have many, many interesting observations to share... but is anyone listening?? At home I say Boys have you done your homework? Boys have you tidied your room? Boys have you brushed your teeeth? Boys come and tidy up this mess!! And so on. Does anyone answer? Not usually!! Might as well talk to the wall! Oh dear, sounding like my parents... Also sounding like a total nag! But back to my great day!! I LOVE comments, so please keep them coming!

**** I received a Google +1 a few days ago from a wonderful friend. I have to be honest, I don't actually know what this is... but in my experience very few things are best with a low number. Obvious exceptions, age, interest rates, calories in cake, row number in a plane... So now I want more +1's!!

So back to my great day again... focus Wendy!!

Yesterday, Hugh tells me it is 100 days to Christmas! Who does that? Set's up a model to count the days to Christmas?? I know some of you may be thinking like mother like son... but I can honestly say I never built a model for that... maybe just kept a count in my head... So anyhoo, that lead me to the realization that after Christmas I only have... let me see 6 + 31 + 27 days until I go on my big adventure. So that means I have 164 training days left! Oh dear!! Well actually, this was yesterday so I only have 163. I wonder if I should build a model?? And let's be honest I will have to take a few days off somewhere in there because it is the silly season and I will have parties to attend.  OK, so definitely need to focus on training. My objective is to be able to cycle 80km by Christmas. You heard it. Better yet, I hope to cycle 80km before Christmas without needing a little lie down afterwards!

OK, back to work... so much to do. PLUS I have to prepare to meet with Josie to discuss plans for our Quiz Night which is now again a very scary 53 days away. Another model perhaps??

I seriously need to work on my time management!!

See you next time

W x

My Intinerary - How cool is this!!??

OK. So rather than focusing on the 399km I thought I would share my itinerary with you. It is way cool!! I have highlighted the cycling distances, but it would be completely unreasonable to assume that I am obsessing about it!!

Taking a closer look, I still don't see cocktails listed anywhere... Note to self, check this out with travel company!

So I have highlighted the really good bits... you may notice that they rarely relate to the actual cycling. Repeat after me... I can do this..


Day 1, Friday 28th February 2014
Fly Australia to Vietnam
The adventure begins! Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) late in the afternoon, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.After a trip briefing, join the guide and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.
Meals: D

Day 2, Saturday 1st March 2014
Mekong Delta cycling and boating
We leave the frenetic streets of Saigon behind and head to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta, by bus. We ease into things today with a 40 km ride along paved, sand and dirt roads to the port town of Cai Be, following the Mekong River. In Cai Be you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a French colonial-style villa. After lunch, relax and enjoy the two-hour boat trip to Vinh Long. Along the way, we’ll stop at some at some island farms and orchards, and you can observe life on the river. From Vinh Long, we drive to Can Tho, the unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta. It is a lively city with a friendly, relaxed vibe, home to a thriving rice-husking industry and fascinating Cai Rang floating markets. This evening, stretch your legs on a sunset
stroll along the town’s riverside promenades before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Cycling distance: 40 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3, Sunday 2nd March 2014
Can Tho to Ha Tien
It’s an early start today to experience the spectacle of the Cai Rang floating market. Here you will witness wooden boats of all sizes gathering on the river to sell their wares. Your small boat allows you to weave in and out of the market boats, great for photo opportunities and buying some produce yourself! After lunch, we drive to the village of Tri Ton to begin cycling. Follow the Vinh Te canal, deep into the heart of the Mekong Delta. We’ll cycle along narrow roads with minimal traffic, passing through traditional villages and over small bridges, getting a real feel for this part of the world. In the late afternoon we arrive in Ha Tien, a coastal town with a certain faded charm, with its shuttered terraces, crumbling colonial buildings and mats of seafood drying in the sun.
Cycling distance: 50 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4, Monday 3rd March 2014
Ha Tien to Kep (includes border crossing)
Today we leave Vietnam and the Mekong Delta behind and cycle to Cambodia. After breakfast, transfer by vehicle to the Vietnamese border. This area was once ruled by Cambodia and you will see remnants of this influence in the Khmer-style temples dotting the landscape, along with towering limestone cliffs and vivid green rice fields. Say goodbye to your Vietnamese crew and be welcomed by your Cambodian crew. After you have completed the customs formalities you will cycle through the countryside and local communities via Kampong Trach to Kep. The sleepy beachside village of Kep has a relaxing vibe and features fantastic seafood, including a thriving crab market and there’ll be plenty of time this afternoon to explore.
Cycling distance: 40 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5, Tuesday 4th March 2014
Kep to Sihanoukville
We begin early to avoid the heat of the day and head off on a relaxing ride along the coast, through the lush scenery around Bokor Mountain, passing through rice paddies and fishing villages. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Veal Rinh before we travel by bus to Sihanoukville, arriving in the late afternoon. There is time to take a relaxing stroll along the beachfront, or simply chill out and enjoy a sunset drink before dinner.
Cycling distance: 83 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6, Wednesday 5th March 2014
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
Today presents some challenging terrain (Nooooooooo!!!!!) as we head back towards the capital. We depart in the early morning, stopping at Ream National Park on the way. The park offers secluded beaches, mangrove forests, tropical jungles and fishing villages and is the ideal place for a boat trip. Cruise through the mangroves and discover the incredible natural heritage of this protected area. We’ll stop for lunch at a quaint local restaurant then transfer by bus to Phnom Penh. After freshening up, the evening is free to explore the city or relax
at leisure.
Cycling distance: 50 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7, Thursday 6th March 2014 - Woo Hoo, already my favorite day!!
Phnom Penh – free day
Today you will have a full free day to explore Cambodia’s friendly capital city. You may choose to rest and recover, or perhaps you will join an optional city tour. Some sites you may like to visit include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and Wat Phnom – the city’s namesake. A visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes is a confronting but worthwhile experience – this former school was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge reign and today stands as a memorial to the millions who lost their lives during the darkest period of Cambodia’s history. A stroll along the riverfront promenade is a must, and the city’s Central and Russian Markets are great places to seek out traditional weavings, silver, and clothing.
Meals: B

Day 8, Friday 7th March 2014 - another big favourite day!!
Plan site visit and Siem Reap
Today we have a special opportunity to visit one of Plan Cambodia’s projects and we rise early and depart Phnom Penh by bus, arriving at the Plan program site in Kampong Cham mid-morning. Here you will have the opportunity to witness the work that Plan has been doing to build opportunities for poor families in Cambodia. This is sure to be a highlight as you see firsthand the difference your vital funds have made. After lunch we continue by bus to Siem Reap, arriving in the early evening.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9, Saturday 8th March 2014
Temples of Angkor cycling
Today is International Women’s Day, and we return to the saddle to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor. The world-famous temples of Angkor were built between the 9th and 14th centuries, when the Khmer civilization was at the peak of its extraordinary creativity. After being lost to the jungle for centuries, today they stand again as one of humankind’s most magnificent architectural achievements. We begin today’s cycle early, heading to the walled city of Angkor Thom where you will have the chance to admire the stone faces of the Bayon. Enjoy lunch in the Angkor Complex before embarking on a discovery of the famous Angkor Wat – best preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. Then, follow hidden paths through to the Western Baray, a former Royal Pond, to relax before cycling or driving back to Siem Reap. This evening we celebrate International Women’s Day with a memorable dinner with women from the community.
Cycling distance: 50 km cycling
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10, Sunday 9th March 2014 - oh, dear...this is the bad day, the very, very bad day
Banteay Srey and Boeng Maelea
Today we venture further afield, to some of the lesser-visited temples that lie on the outskirts of the city. After breakfast, cycle to the exquisite Banteay Srey, ‘Citadel of the Women’, home to some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. From here we cycle to the true jungle temple, Boeng Mealea. After exploring this impressive monument, we return to Siem Reap for a celebration dinner and rest.
Cycling distance: 86 km
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11, Monday 10th March 2014
Departure
Enjoy a free day to explore Siem Reap before your afternoon transfer to the airport. You may like to head to the Old Market for some last minute shopping, or visit the Land Mine Museum, founded by ex-child soldier Aki Ra.
Meals: B

Day 12, Tuesday 11th March 2014
Arrive home
Welcome home!

My Wonderful Friends - FAQ

It is really interesting to find out what your friends really think of you when you embark on a journey like this...

So the most common question seems to be... where you sober when you agreed to do this. The answer is a resounding YES. No really, I was totally sober!! I thought it was such a great opportunity to do something good just because I can.

Then comes the training plan... No I don't have one. I really know that I should, but I still don't have a bike. Let's not obsess about the small details! The good news is that I saw a wonderful bike track along the freeway today when coming back from the farm for the weekend. It was over 30km long so would be great for training. But goodness me, it seemed like a really, really, really long way.

Another common question is around the distance of the ride. As you may have noticed I am obsessing somewhat over the 86km. Alas, this is not the whole distance. It is just the longest day. So for the doubters (and to scare the life out of myself) I decided to add up the total distance. Are you ready? Just give me a minute... OK, it is .. OMG 399 km. I so can't do this.

Just let me have a quick cry, and perhaps a glass of wine while I recover...

Goodness, that is a really, really, really long way.

My poor patootie.

Hugh has just pointed out this is just the same as to the farm and back in 12 days. Maybe just one more glass of wine and then a bex and a lie down...

W x

Tour de France Training Bike

So I still don't have a bike, which I am thinking is a major problem when going on a long ride. Let's be honest, I don't think I have ridden a bike in about 100 years!

Another problem is that I live on a hill. A rather steep and long hill. One which some cars struggle to get up so I certainly don't see how I can possibly ride up it without tears. (Remember there will absolutely be no hills on my ride so I don't really need to prepare for this!).

So Paul takes me to Rebel Sport to buy a stationary bike so I can start training. We find this totally cool Tour de France training bike. It looks like a real bike and you can program to ride anywhere in the world. You can also ride the Tour de France stages... maybe that is a clue in the name.

So the bike is delivered and I am really excited. I can finally start training! Yay!!

But of course there is a problem. The delivery guy won't go up the three steps to my front door (princess!) so he leaves it in the Garage. He suggests that I should help him carry it. I know right??!! Now that might seem fine, but our garage is not secure and I am flying out the next day.

So a few phone calls later, two delivery guys arrive and move the bike into our studio. All is now good, but the bike is upside down despite the clear signs on the box about sensitive electronic equipment and this way up. All good clues if you ask me, but apparently not for my delivery guys. I just managed to keep a straight face when they eventually agreed to put it up the right way with much grunting.

So there is a lesson here... it saves time to just do what Wendy asks. The first time.

Anyhoo, back to the bike... Paul gets it all set up for me when he is back. He takes a test ride. The message I get is are you crazy!! Undeterred, I jump on when I get home for my first training ride. This is so exciting. But goodness me, is it meant to be this hard? After two minutes I have to get off to recover.

86km in mild weather with no wind and definitely no hills is starting to look more and more impossible!!

I know I can do this, it is just a matter of training right? So on attempt 2, I manage 5 km. Hugh and Paul cheer each km for me. In fact Hugh might have been helping just a little bit by pushing me feet, but let's not dwell on that, and it certainly does not count as cheating! I won't share my time with you but just guess a really bad time for 5 km... and then maybe double it... and then maybe another couple of minutes... But it is training day 1. I have time. I can do this!!

Introducing Josie

So I thought you might like to meet my friend Josie who is responsible for me going on this ride.

Recently we celebrated "Festivus". Here are Josie and I modelling my fabulous Secret Santa pressie (that's me on the right)...

This picture was taken by my wonderful friend Louise Rattray!!

Let's get caught up!

So in very surprising news, when a friend wrote me about going on a bike ride in Cambodia and Vietnam in Feb-Mar 2014 I said yes!

Now that probably surprised me as much as it did you.

Reasons this is surprising include:
1. I don't own a bike
2. We are staying in 3 star accommodation - who knew that even existed
3. I like a pool and cocktails when I am vacationing - don't imagine either of these will exist (see item 2)
4. Did I mention that I don't own a bike?
5. I will have to train. I mean really train!
6. 86km in one day! That sounds really far
7. I imagine I will get a sore patooty. In fact, someone at the office talked about blisters. I didn't know how I could possibly get blisters on my feet from riding. Aaaaahhhh, he is talking about my patooty. Oh dear!
8. I am starting to think this might be really quite hard!
9. People laugh when I say the weather will be mild, with no wind and more particularly no hills. The ride is along the beach I tell them. Therefore it is a fact there will be no hills. They still laugh
10. Up to 10 already, and I am just getting started. Did I mention it might be hard??

BUT, on the plus side. What a great cause. The ride is arranged by Plan to raise money for Girls from underprivileged countries who are not able to go to school. The idea is to raise money so that they can educate and empower girls to transform their own lives and the world around them.

How cool is that!!??

So I am really excited about my adventure. I really hope you will support me through my challenging journey. I mean with emotional support and reminding me that I really can do it!!


So my first challenge was to get a bike. How hard could that be?? You go to a shop and pick one which is a nice color. Right?? So apparently I was wrong. Very, very wrong.

The man in the shop just managed to keep a straight face while talking to me about all of this stuff which can come on a bike that I have never heard of, and let's be honest was not hugely interested in. Then it turns out that I need an extra small bike. I mean really! Isn't that just code for a kids bike?

So I left without said bike, because they don't stock extra small (or kid's) bikes at that very serious establishment. I felt very sad, but after some coffee and cake all seemed much better again.

Except for one small problem... refer items 1, 5 and 6 above. Coffee and cake will not help me to ride 86km in mild weather, no wind and certainly no hills!


Maybe this is going to be more complicated than I was expecting!