Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Mt Hay Ride


With Christmas on our door, and some time to myself, I chose to ride to Mt Hay. In a previous post ( and others) I have mentioned Mt Banks, Mt Tomah, Perrys Lookdown, Victoria falls and Pierces Pass. All lead into the Grose Valley, and this is no different. Lockleys Pylon is the walking track that leads off the Mt Hay road and will take walkers into the Blue Gum forest.



The ride itself is not difficult, with only a few steep climbs and a fire trail that is well cared for and constant. However, for someone who has had little training, maintaining a steady pace was the order of the day. Mt Hay is accessed off the great Western Highway at Leura. The day was not hot but humid, and New Holland Honey Eaters were a welcome site as too were Yellow Tailed Cockatoos and Rosellas. The bush smelled sweet with a comination of Tea tree and Eucalypt.

After about an hour I was greeted with magnificent views of Mt Banks, Mt Tomah as well as Perrys Lookdown. To the east, distant views of Sydney and Cumberland plains. The weather began to turn and it looked like storms so after a light snack of sutanas, and an apricot bar I set off back. I was greeted by a couple of other mountain bike riders and walkers, keen to take advantage of the Christmas break.


I have to confess the ride towards the end was not easy. I was tired and clearly lacked stamina as a result of a lack of training. All I could think of was Christmas puddings and Turkey.


I was relieved to see the Troopie and load up and return. It was a great Christmas ride. Peaceful and quiet.





Merry Christmas Everyone!








Here is a treat. Me, singing a lesser known christmas song...








16 comments:

  1. bloody spelling mistakes!! I will fix it when i can...ho ho...

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  2. Merry Christmas Simon, and I hope you get lots more chances to go mountain biking before it's time to head back to work. Maybe I will head out on Boxing Day to reawaken these leg muscles!
    Thanks for sharing your music with us. I am singing at Midnight Mass tonight. Love the singing- have some great NZ carols as well as more traditional fare, but must admit I feel a bit odd going to Mass, unaccustomed as I am....

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  3. :o)

    Merry Christmas Kiwi! enjoy!!! x

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  4. Merry Christmas Simon. What a treat hearing you sing.

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  5. Merry Christmas, Simon! Glad to see that your dangling of Christmas puddings in front the handlebars gave you the stamina to make it back to the Trooper. Certainly has worked for me more than once as well.

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  6. Merry Christmas Simon! And thank you for the beautiful song and singing! I hope you will have time to write something for An Ordinary Life soon, I miss it you know!

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  7. Merry Christmas! Thank you for the nice song.

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  8. Merry Christmas, Simon,
    I am glad you finally do get a break,
    enjoy and rejoice!
    For same reason I am not able to hear you sing. Technology once more a step ahead of me, I guess. ;-)

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  9. You are all very welcome!!

    Ordinary Life blog will have a new chapter very soon!!

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  10. Happy Christmas mate!

    Glad to see you are out and about agan!

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  11. thanks mate- did a ride with Dave today..

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  12. I did a ride today and got a puncture ;-) Have a walk on tomorrow's plan!

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  13. I love the singing, most impressive. I hope you have the most wonderful New Year Simon. Take care.

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  14. Thank you for the lovely song Simon - I do hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will have the best ever of New Year's!

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