Still the prelude but getting closer
News from the Big Cog

The 17th Maccabia has come to a close and its time to take stock. We had a great tour to masada and I was glad that Daniel was able to see a peice of history stil intact after 2000 years. Masada is a tabletop mountain where Herod built a summer palace. Some 70 years later it was the scene of a seige where Romans down below had to build a ramp to attackto dislodge the Jewish rebels. All the evidence of the conflict remains after that time, its quite amazing.

A Roman Encampment veiwed from Massada

The Maccabi Games was pretty good from the opening where Daniel was the focus of the media (first ever competitor for Japan) to the squash tournament. In the teams (3 per team) David Alperstein and I went through undefeated in the round robin which gave us the Gold Medal. I had pushed very hard and held most of my opponents to less than 10 points. It left me more weary than I thought for the singles and after winning my first 2 matches I lost to the Israel No 1 and finished with 4th place.

2005 Maccabia Masters 50+ Finalists     Peter Kagan's First Match win; note the flying Racket

(Peter Kagan's First Match win; note the flying Racket)

We are now in the North East of Israel in occupied territory enjoying a magnificent still wrm night listening to the desert sounds - the muslims praying from 2 different minarets and the donkeys and the laughing children. Wedding in 2 days and then off to London and the bikes.  

  Email John at John@CycleOdyssey.com.au


News from the Lil' Cog

Wow, what a time i've had; as dad said I've had a chance to see the historical side of Israel but there's so much more thats gone on. Israel is kinda how I expected, but a bit more city-like. I didn't really connect with the historical side of things but that may be something that will come with time, or not at all. It was exiting at first but after a while all the ancient ruins started to blend together - I guess if you've seen one 2,000 year old relic you've seen 'em all. (Though I did enjoy Hiyfa's Batcave... seriously!)

Mount Sinai overlooking Jerusalem     Handstands on Massada's walls

(Next time I don't think I'll forward roll out when I'm on the edge off Massada)

I competed in gymnastics and found myself in another world - the competetive standard was incredibly high and changed my perception of how a real gymnast should be and brought me to a dilema about my own path. Nevertheless I enjoyed the event and became friends with the American team, who all were very supportive despite my crapulance.

Being alone was certainly an experience; heaps of people wanted to come and see the one man from Japan and take a photo... I must have had at least 100 taken during the Opening alone. Being on TV and 3 newspapers wasnt bad either but frankly the calls got annoying.

one thing that bothered me was that although I got to meet a lot of people, there was a lot that I missed from being in a team; you have the mateship, support and connections through other people, not to mention it makes things difficult to get around. Oh well, the Maccabiah is over and its almost time to get on the bike. Things are gonna get serious!

  Email Daniel at Daniel@CycleOdyssey.com.au

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

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