Australian Open 2008 - Day 13

Woke up this morning with big plans on my mind.  Not only would I get in a workout, but it was going to be a big one.  I almost overslept, but I still managed to wake up before 10 which gave me enough time to in theory make it happen.  I quickly walked down to Federation Square and found Russell's Bike Hire right along the bank of the Yarra River.  I planned to hire a bike for a few hours and have a good ride for today's workout and a bit of sight seeing all in one.

Victoria has a ton of trails.  Brian found this Google map and had ridden this the day before.  So, I decided I'd try my hand at the Capital City Trail and see if I could navigate the 29 km in less than the three hours I'd hired the bike for.  It wasn't a bad rental, it was $25 AUD for three hours and that included the helmet.  Add in a $2 AUD bottle of water and I was on my way.

The ride itself was actually very nice.  I managed to get lost once, but I happened upon two couples in full bike gear that had just finished a ride and they were more than happy to tell me where I'd lost my way and how to find the trail again.  I stopped a couple of times and snapped some interesting pictures.

All in all, it took just over 2 hours (according to my Polar Heart Monitor) and I was mostly exhausted.  I also had rubbed a very raw spot on my left leg where my iPhone was swinging in my cargo pants as I rode.  I had to have some tunes. :)

I'd love to find a longer trail, but I also got quite roasted.  I burned the backs of both hands, and my arms at the point where my workout shirt ended.  WHAT A LOSER!

I walked back to the hotel and along the way I stopped to pick up the candy I mentioned yesterday.  I think I may have gone a little crazy as I purchased 710 grams of candy that I'll now have to haul home.  I somehow doubt I actually managed to offset that in consumption, though my suitcase is lighter than it has been in past years.

Got to the room and called Colleen.  It was good to talk to her.  We're really close on creating our own babymoon package and I am pretty excited about it.  Colleen needs a vacation and I want her to have one to remember.  I took the chance to get some laundry into the machine as well.  The increase in heat means I am sweating through the clothes too much for me to really consider trying to recycle them.  Called and let work know I'd be just a tad bit late.

Got to leave work around 12:45.  I took my first night picture on the stand.  It wasn't bad, but it still needs some work.  I just didn't have the time to set up the tripod since I was walking back with three other guys.  I'll get another chance I am sure.  It was better than most have been, but I want better.  At least I know that the tripod Colleen's parents got me for Christmas is MOST AWESOME!  It definitely did the job, and was far more portable than the one I presently own.  Definitely a keeper for any travels I happen to get.

Chose again to set the alarm an hour early so I could get up for another run.  I felt it was needed, though I don't know why.  I am sure when I get up in the morning, my thighs and butt will be burning from all that biking today.

Cheers!