Excited!!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Tomorrow, I fly off to East Timor to do photography for a team as they race the Tour de Timor in support of an NGO called Timor Aid. I'm madly stressed out and excited at the same time. I've been itching to race it this year (mad long distances? Totally my kind of thing.) but things didn't work out, instead, I get to go as a team photographer! :D I've never been to East Timor before despite being so close to it. Can't wait to go and see the gorgeousness everyone who've been there keeps talking about and take some awesome photos of the race. *Dances around*

[channlluv]

What a fun gig! Have a safe journey!

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

Cool!!! I'd love to do it but the mountains in East Timor scare the crap out of me! It's so close for us as well~!

Great event to support & love how the ADF helps with logistics!

Have fun & if you see Chris Jongewaard or any other top Aussie mtn biker...drool for me!

[Zen]

You must know someone.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Crazucanuk, I'll try to get a shot or two of him then. And I'll be sure to drool. =D Come on and race the TDT next year!

Zen, I got this thing through a friend of a friend who was looking for a photographer with mountain bike racing experience. Love the way the universe works. =)

[crazycanuck]

Umm I don't think i'm ready for that yet..they have things called "Mountains"...:eek: We don't have mountains in Western Australia...we have blips compared to mountains..

It would be a cool thing do to & would love to support the E.T. people somehow. I've heard it's very very well organized and all reports from the AMB & Enduro mags were super duper positive.

[Catrin]

Sounds like serious fun - and I think Zen is right :)

[alexis_the_tiny]

I know, I can't believe it, its like a once ina lifetime adventure! =D

Crazycanuck, I pm-ed you something you might be interested in for E.T. But yeah, it has a rep for being one of the toughest epics in the world.

[OakLeaf]

Exciting! Have fun!

[Bike Chick]

What a great opportunity!!! Have fun and share some pics with us when you return (if you are allowed)

[PamNY]

That sounds so wonderful. Look forward to hearing about it.

[alexis_the_tiny]

I'm back! And Timor-Leste was insanely FANTASTIC, we even got a chance to meet the President during the course of the tour. Is that nuts or what? The country was breathtakingly gorgeous, the people were amazing and warm, the ride (I was on a motorbike trailing after the cyclists), thrilling. I'd highly encourage mountain bikers to go and race the Tour de Timor at least once, its an experience you'll never forget. Can't wait to race it myself next year!

Anyway, I managed to get some photos. Stages 2 to 5 have been uploaded and are on these links. I'm still cleaning up photos from stage 1. Not much action shots especially on stage 2 when I was busy clinging on to the motorbike for dear life over the dirt tracks but plenty of the country and the people.

Stage 2 -Balibo to Suai: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=230838&id=717771794&l=0200d659be

Stage 3 - Suai to Ainaro: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=230757&id=717771794&l=7004fd573c

Stage 4 - Ainaro to Aileu: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=230582&id=717771794&l=9397e5e75b

Stage 5 - AIleu to Dili: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=230569&id=717771794&l=bafe71017b

[Bike Writer]

Great photography and what an experience! Um, #193 & #260 in track 3, double wow...nice...