Tour of Bright (TOB)

The annual pilgrimage to Bright is about to happen. The TOB is probably as close as you will get to a state title for a stage race in Victoria. This event is fully booked and I have been told there are close to 100 entrants on a CSV waiting list. It's at the right time of the year, in a magnificent location, with normally magnificent weather. Let's hope that the weather element continues this year.
Over the last couple of years the event has been closed to entries prior to the published closing date. This helps emphasis the popularity of the event. Not only is it popular with the young guns in the elite level, don't forget that a couple of years ago Richie Port won the event, but it is also massive amongst the Masters level of racing cyclist. Competitors come from not only all across Victoria for this event but also many travel from other states. The event's history used to boast Road Race, IRTT and criterium with stage prizes for each and a GC jersey for the overall winner. Jerseys are also allocated for the best hill climber in each category. Recently there has been much discussion over the accidents each year on the last decent of Stage 1: Tawonga Gap. This has resulted in stage one now finishing at the summit of Tawonga Gap this year for the first time. It's a move that is not without controversy and there are very sound arguments for both sides. Stage two is a full on IRTT with launching platform and anyone considering the stage win or GC win in full TT kit and teardrop helmet. A magnificent site! At the end of the day though there are very few races for the cyclist that goes well up hills and TOB is certainly one. Even if you are not racing, the whole town goes into cyclist mode and buzzes with excitement, so if you want to either see the race, or be part of the hype and head up to Bright December 4 & 5. You'll love it.

Garmin to the fore again ...

Well Garmin have done it again!
It wasn't that long ago when Polar seemed to be the bees knees and everyone had a Polar of some description. Except the Pros of course, they had SRM's. Well now there appears to be a real blur between what technology is available to the pros and what the rest of us are able to both afford and utilise in their training. Whether it be to analyse you ride and every hill and speed increase you had, or to use as a serious training tool to inform your workout prior to starting the new Garmin Edge 800 has it all covered. The 705 was sensational and you'd think what more can they do? One thing is a touch screen. Every tried to use your iPhone with a glove on, doesn't work. Well drop into Freedom and get your hands on one of these things and try it out gloves or bare fingers, works the same. Also added among other new features is the ambient temperature, thank you Garmin, it's the one thing I missed about my Polar. Of course, all the good things like ANT technology are still there so you can link up Power Meters without wire or extra boxes on your handlebars. You may have also heard that the screen is bigger. Yes it is. But the unit is smaller! Bonus on both counts. Get into Freedom and have a look!

On the TFM-Celtic Decor website ...

Currently these bikes are on sale via TFM  for $8999. Through the TFM-Celtic Team you can still pay almost $1000 less. Soon we will not be able to control the price of these immaculate bikes.

These bikes can now be offered without the Zipp 404 ZedTech Wheels. This is a substantial saving as the ZedTech wheels with Ceramic Bearings and Dimpled hubs retails for around $4000.
These bikes are classified by Giant as shop demo bikes and as such come with a full GIANT warranty that's lifetime for the buyer), and a TFM bike fit to ensure your riding in the correct position.

I'm sure that you have heard the buzz by now about the Di2 electronic Dura Ace components ... silk like gear changes and a battery that only has to be charged every once in a long long while. I wish I could get that sort of like for my phone! These bikes have internally routed cables and if you are thinking of upgrading to Di2, a specifically made frame such as this is the way to go. Added to all this they come with Zipps ceramic bearing ZedTech 404 wheelset.
These bikes are 5 months old and in immaculate condition and come with the remainder of the new bike warranty as well as 12 months free servicing and a Dialed in Motion dynamic fit.

For those that are genuinely interested please email

   * TFM-Celtic or
   * call/sms to 0487 110080

Sizes - Small, Medium (sold), Large, Extra Large.

Useful Resources

Get off that sofa and onya bike!!!  For a full list of Cycle Sport Victoria Metro riding clubs click here

The Freedom Machine :: Port Melbourne
265-267 Bay St. Port Melbourne 3207
Tel (03) 9681 8533
Fax (03) 9681 8609
portmelb@freedommachine.com.au