City Street Skate

This morning a small group of roller bladers and roller skaters took part in a 6km ride through the city. The event, organised by SkateSA, provided participants the opportunity to skate on the city street circuit with a police escort.

Similar events are held in many cities around the world. The event in Paris is held regularly on a Friday night and attracts thousands of skaters. Maybe this event today in Adelaide could be the start of something big!

Kite Fighting

One of the events at the Adelaide Kite Festival on Saturday was kite fighing. Over a dozen small white six sided Rokkaku kites were launched and the battle began. The aim was to cut the oponents' line and bring the kite down. The last kite flying was this one.

Port River sailing

Taken in October last year, during the Port Festival; these boats were two of several adding colour to the weekend's events. Alas, I was just a spectator this time.

Go Crows!

Last Saturday the Adelaide Crows played the newly formed AFL team, The Goldcoast Suns.
After a shakey start Adelaide won by a comfortable margin. The game was played at Adelaide's AAMI Stadium.


















This was the first game I have attended for several years; obviously I am not a keen Australian Rules Football follower. I think Adelaide won the last time I attended - maybe I should go more often!

2010 NAB Cup

On Saturday South Australia's two AFL teams played against each other in the first game of the 2010 NAB Cup; a pre season knockout competition. The game was held at AAMI stadium with Port Adelaide defeating the Adelaide Crows.

Thanks to my son Steve for the photos.

Brighton Jetty Classic - 2

It was a rather calm day for the surf boat crews who pitted themselves against each other on Sunday. I suspect the swimmers were happy with the conditions though.

Brighton Jetty Classic - 1

On Sunday saw the running of the 2010 The Brighton Jetty Classic, an ocean swimming race first run in 2006. Judging by the numbers of entrants and spectators there should more to come.

There were 400 metre and 1500 metre races for men and women in 10 age divisions; 10 to 70+ years. Click here to read about the event on its official site.

End of the 2010 Tour

The 2010 Tour Down Under finished yesterday with overall victory going to Germany's Andre Greipel. The event once again was hailed a resounding success, with thousands of spectators lining the routes to cheer on the riders; many of them travelling from interstate and overseas bringing many tourist dollars to the State.

Another spinoff was the increase in numbers of cyclists riding in and around the City; for fitness and leisure. On Friday 8,000 amateur cyclists participated in a personal challenge; the Mutual Community Challenge Tour.

I hope none of the riders finished up like this; one of the many decorations along the route!

The Tour Rolls On

Yesterday was the third day of the Tour Down Under; from Unley to Stirling. Mike Turtor, the race director gives the riders the red start flag about 10 kilometres from Unley, at the beginning of the Southern Expressway.

The start today from Norwood began in a similar fashion. Racing does not get underway in earnest until the riders are clear of the busy suburban streets.

2010 Cancer Council Helpline Classic

Lance Armstrong was a real crowd pleaser when he lead a breakaway group in today's 51 kilometre street circuit preview race; a prelude to the Tour Down Under which starts on Tuesday.

In the final lap of the race Team Sky was being hotly challenged by Team Columbia, but it was New Zealander Greg Henderson from Team Sky who finally claimed victory.

Ride with Lance

A couple of days ago Lance Armstrong, in Adelaide for the 2010 Tour Down Under, gave an open invitation on Twitter to cyclists to join him on a training ride. Over 5000 people replied and even more turned up; my wife and I included. It was a buzz; lots of people lined the route and cheered us on.
















The event attracted not only a large contingent of the lycra-clad racing cyclists, but also many less serious riders of all ages and on all kinds of bikes.

More Wake Wars

What a spectacle! Not only did the riders leave the water, they did acrobatics in mid air.
































It was hard work on such a hot day; not just for the wakeboard riders but me also. I spent quite some time out in the sun trying to get some good shots. This was a real challenge for me; still learning how to get the best out of my camera.

Wake Wars 2010

Airborne! On the weekend at Glenelg's Patawalonga Lake the many of the world's top wakeboard riders gathered in Australia's premier wakeboard event.

Spectators lined the shores for a good view; trying to stay cool on one of our hottest summer's days - 42 degrees celsius.

Hanging about at Glenelg

Jetty jumping! A pastime for many local lads and girls. Some really put on a show, like this lad who dived from a high pole several meters above the top of the jetty. Obviously proud of his achievemnts he came to check out my photos.

Over the years the local authorities have tried to stop this activity as there have been some terrible injuries; but it seems their efforts have been to no avail as the jumping is still going on.

Bay Sheffield Carnival

The Bay Sheffield Carnival is an annual event in its 123rd year, featuring the state’s richest and most famous footrace; a 120 metre sprint. It is a free event, held at Colley Reserve in Glenelg.
This year a near record 714 athletes from all over Australia competed.

There are events for men and women, and even a series of sprints for under 14 year olds; sponsored by Mars, with a prize for each child that runs; you guessed it - a Mars Bar.

Aquathlon

This was the start of the South Australian Elite Aquathlon today at the Bay Sports Festival. The event consisted of a 1.7km run, 500m swim, 1.7km run, 500m swim and a final 1.7km run.

After the run .... shoes off and goggles on

Now for a swim

Out of the water after the last swim and sprint home to victory!

ABC Wednesdays - X for Xtreme Sports

One of the latest extreme sports catching on here is kite-boarding. I took this photo off Brighton last summer. I reckon it is great to watch, but I think I am past giving this a go.

The ABC Wednesday meme was created by Denise Nesbitt. To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions click here.

2009 Ride of Silence

Yesterday I participated in the 2009 Ride of Silence.

The ride is held all over the world to HONOUR cyclists who have been injured or killed, RAISE AWARENESS of cyclists and to ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD.

This year's ride was from the centre of Adelaide and along Port Road to Semaphore. Conditions were conducive to cycling; slightly overcast but fine. We had green lights all the way; escorted by the SA Police.

Sailing kayak

So what shall I do today? Go peddling, rowing or sailing? In this vessel you can do it all!

Spotted off Brighton yesterday this is a Hobie Adventure Island; a 4.88 metre kayak with a difference. See the manufacturer's site for details.

The owner spent quite some time travelling along side us as we were sailing back to Glenelg. He explained the versatility of his craft; especially the unique paddles.

Great Eastern Steeple

The feature race at Oakbank on Monday was the Great Eastern Steeple; a 4950m race - three laps of the course including the jumping of 24 obstacles.

Pentacolo (no10), the ultimate winner, is seen here clearing one of the obstacles.