Mountains

Third day of Uphill efforts ! Sometimes it's nice to renew acquaintances but there will always be the time you try to give someone a second chance . Several of those met over the years that don't know what "Swing the Billy means" ! Water i have plenty but a hot drink and a chat to breakup the day is the reason for stopping , not the need for luke warm water offered by a Queenslander driving a dutch camper van . You may have seen it on the TV garlanded with Aussie flags at TDF .

"El Diablo " dressed in a pink suit has made an appearance this year with Media people creating a story line once again . Those photos from last year are still adrift in "internet space" . As for this year i guess a few more days for the promises to be met . Met op with a guy who promised tyres at the Madrid Worlds and he is still working on delivering . Promises , promises , not holding my breathe though .

Chain broke twice yesterday and the link opened three times today always when i drop onto the last cogs but the first time today bent the front changer so off it came , who needs the bigchain ring going uphill at 15% or steeper , not yours truly . Shops shut so will hope the "magic links last out until tomorrow . Link tool saved the day even though it is now bent out of shape from the pressure exerted with the dura ace chain . Full season without mishap so the chain has upwards of 20 on it and is due for replacement . What a time to have to stand on the side of the road with all the italians vying to offer advice .

Roadside hospitality is once again sensational , who needs to be part of an organised tour group when "guiseppe and pals" are in a welcoming mood . Contrast this to a Tour who uses a Blue tent to entertain their punters with TV and nibblies and i will stick to the local efforts which taste so much better . Had occasion to enter said tent but was met with "This is Private" before i had chance to deliver message i was asked to pass on about a punter of theirs in difficulties . Hope some of their following visit this blog post and see how they too can be left to fend for themselves .

More and more Aussies are opting for the "do it yourself" approach and many are reminding me of this as they pass whilst i am on the side of the road "en fete"! Perth has a new to me group called Punto but the rest are the same old , doing things in a way that says "You pays your money , etc!" EArlier post i remarked that tours are replacing "ocean voyages " which i guess beats the pub as a contact method these days .

Many photos out there so will add them when available . Judging by the entry points to this blog many of those i am meeting are googling to see what this blog is about after our meetings on the side of the road .

Those with difficulty uploading the photos please go to Email skippi@ausi.com where you may be more successful wuth uploading . THanks for visiting and if google translate works for you add yourselves as a follower .