Passing Through Bonny Hills
The annual Ironman Australia, held in the Greater Port Macquarie region, passed through Bonny Hills on Sunday Morning. The whole coast road was closed for the day meaning there was no going anywhere from 7.45 am till 4.15 pm. A bit annoying but I found, thanks to Michelle, plenty to do at home for the day - an Autumn Spring clean for example!!!! Of course a photo shoot at the Aid Station near the end of our street was a must so I was there at 8 am ready for the first lot of Ironmen and women on their bicycles to come through. The station was at the top of a long hill so with them moving a little slower it was easier to capture the action. The addition of the young volunteersin the photos I feel added something special. The event is held over three legs - a 3.8 km swin leg, a 180km cycle and then believe it or not, a 42km run (226km or 141mile total). The event took the eventual winner 8 hours 17 minutes and 38 seconds. Pretty amazing stuff realy when I think how I feel after say a 60 km ride let alone adding another 120 plus on top of that a run and a swim!!
Anyway I have added an album for you if you wish to take a look and to
make ut easy I have added an extra slideshow link if you wish!!
make ut easy I have added an extra slideshow link if you wish!!
Click the link below to view the Album
http://cleaunz.multiply.com/photos/album/124/Ironman_Australia_Port_Macquarie_may_2012_-_Photo_Album
or
click here for the slideshiow
http://multiply.com/slideshow/cleaunz:photos:124
*****
I get tired just thinking about all that excercise!! LOL.
ReplyDeleteIronman races are an incredible challenge. A good friend of mine whom I also ride with has raced the Kona Ironman twice. He's a maniac, something I think one has to be to compete in this race. The discipline and mental fortitude required to keep going at such a fast pace is truly admirable.
ReplyDeleteI am struck by how severe those hills are. It hurts just to look at this picture! I have done a simulated version on computerized trainers, but to see a picture is to really see how tough it is.
I was thinking of you when I took these photos - thought you might enjoy!! That Kona is the world championship course so your friend must be really good and you are right being a maniac would be helpful. I ride that hill often and on the occasions of a return ride to Port Macquarie (about 30 mile) it is a bit painful so drop to a very low gear!! Unfortunately I live at the top of it.
ReplyDeleteI am one to think 'fortunately', but I am strange that way. You're riding that hill on a fairly heavy bike,also, not like those light tri bikes the people were riding in the Ironman!
ReplyDeleteJohn lived on the Kona course and trained on it all year. John is well known around here as he is an extremely strong rider.
Yes - not only is it a mountain bike but rigged for touring with pannier racks back and front!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what kind of gearing most of those riders were using. I'm assuming 11-28 on the back, but maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea but the course has 4 hills similar to the one in the photos but for the rest it is all flat
ReplyDeleteFantastic photo !
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are standing in the middle of the road! Great shot indeed, something for the local newspaper I should say!
ReplyDeleteIt makes you feel exhausted just watching it. They must be tough !
ReplyDeleteVery exciting event. The slide show was great.
ReplyDeleteHiya Howard - nice to see you!! They are tough - I guess Ironman suits them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Frani!!!
ReplyDeleteI was a little bit around a bend so was looking more or less down the middle of the road from where I stood.
ReplyDeleteHiya Sheree - thanks!!! Nice to see you !
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome
ReplyDeleteI thought, what ??? Keith doing the Ironman???? *grins* .............................shuh , so relived, was concerned what happened to my friend going arunning now.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot
ReplyDelete