‘China’ goes to Italy
Cycling is a growing passion in the Cobram district, and locals are increasingly interested in testing their strength, ability and determination on a tour through challenging terrain in various parts of Europe.
While considered relatively new to cycling, Brendan ‘China’ Brooks, aged 62, joined the Cobram Barooga Cycling Club in 2015, which today boasts a broad mix of people, including club president and revered ‘spiritual leader’ Ray Jarrett.
Brendan thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the club.
He was encouraged by brother-in-law David McKenzie of Shepparton to join a cycling tour of Italy he was putting together.
David is a former road cycling champion who competed overseas in Europe for almost a decade as a professional rider.
He has organised several overseas rides, which excited Brendan so much that he decided to join in.
Brendan enjoyed the tour so much that he arrived back in Cobram ready to go again next year.
Perhaps it will be to Vietnam, Spain, Majorca, Tasmania or on the trail of the Tour de France, which fellow cyclist John West followed recently.
The ride in Italy was more than 10 days, and the group of determined riders covered a distance of 500km, encompassing 10,000m of elevation.
After their first night in Milan, the next five days were spent in Varese, an hour north of Milan.
The group headed out on their best ride, an 80km loop encompassing Lago Maggiore (Italy’s second largest lake), then to Bormio, where the group was tested with three decent climbs.
Next, it was Mortirolo, which they found hard going, particularly a climb up Passo Dello Stelvio with its height of 2760m, which seriously tested the riders with 48 switchbacks, or U-turns, up the hills.
Then they drove on to Corvara in the Dolomites, where they marvelled at the magnificent scenery as they rode the Sella Ronde loop.
The temperatures generally remained ideal, ranging from 15-25°C generally. While the roads were not super busy, considerable groups of cyclists were happy to share the roads with flashy sports cars, motorbikes and E-bikes.
September isn’t a peak tourist period in Italy, so they could pick the best restaurants and eateries.
“We were either riding, climbing hills or eating and drinking!” Brendan, who loved the total experience, said.
“We enjoyed four-star accommodation, and the food everywhere was fabulous in true Italian style! David did a magic job in organising the entire tour.”
Riding on the other side of the road, concentration became vital to their safety, and the group was grateful for their experienced leaders, David and Dr Matt Conron, a friend of David’s who was also part of the ride.
“I used just to ride a mountain bike and then started with one of the ‘plastics’ used by ‘pretend’ cyclists, then Alison bought me a road bike for my birthday, and I really became serious,” Brendan said.
“In Italy, we hired our bikes, which were great. Although it was not a race and we were all amateurs apart from David. But we were still determined to give it our best!”
“There is a cult following of events held around the world, and next year Adelaide will host the Tour Down Under for overseas riders. It’s a race in five stages, and I believe very popular,” Brendan said.
Where to next, I wonder.
Locals enjoy Melbourne Cup week
Melbourne Cup Carnival is generally considered one of the most popular social events of the year.
There’s catching up with friends, entertaining at home or throwing on your finery and joining special friends on a day out, either at the races or to a special luncheon.
A group of eight locals headed out to Monichino Winery on Derby Day, where winemaker Terry Monichino and his team prepared fantastic antipasto options and delicious spicy tapas, the perfect accompaniment to their French-style bubbles, Blanc de Blanc, which is estate grown in Katunga.
The sparkling champagne-style wine is bottle-fermented from 100 per cent chardonnay grapes, which Terry and visiting French winemaker Marine Fouchet are justifiably proud of.
Good company, good food and copious glasses of good wine in the shade of glorious trees was the order of the day.
On Melbourne Cup Day, a popular luncheon tradition continued, which began some 15-20 years ago at the home of Anne Hoban.
Held each year in the garden, today it is a smaller event in her delightful unit where guests are treated to wonderful hospitality, food and wine.
Bookmaker Cathy is kept busy throughout the day organising a sweep on each race. While there are no big gamblers, with bets at $2 per horse, it’s great fun nonetheless.
Years ago, the dress code was to dress for ‘a day at the races’ complete with hats and stilettos; now it’s about looking good but being comfortable.
Anne is considered the matriarch among her friends and loves a party.
It’s possibly the result of being a mum to six children and regularly organising a party for someone in the family.
Anne loves racing and has a passion for thoroughbreds, which she inherited from her father, J J Parnell, beginning when she was still at boarding school in Melbourne.
“I remember getting off the bus from Melbourne and walking home to be told we were going to the races in Berrigan, and Mum and I would dress up in our best clothes and have the absolute best day out.”
“Mum loved fashionable clothes and wearing the best labels,” laughed Anne as she recalled the fun she and her family had at the annual event so many years ago.
Support the Tri-State Games
The 2023 Tri-State Games was officially opened on Monday morning after hundreds of excited competitors with either a physical or mental disability marched from Federation Park to Mivo Park in Cobram for the ceremony.
During the afternoon, keen athletes from parts of Victoria, NSW and South Australia competed in a range of indoor sports at Cobram Sports Stadium.
On Tuesday, swimmers travelled to compete at the Yarrawonga Swim Centre.
Wednesday is a rest day, offering time for athletes to explore the sights of both Moira and Berrigan shires.
Thursday is athletics day at Barooga Recreation Reserve, commencing at 9.30am for track events and 1.30pm for field events.
Friday at 9.30am will be team events at Cobram Apex Park and the Cobram Showgrounds.
If you meet any competitors in their sports gear, do say hello, have a chat or give them a wave.