Podcasts about wagga

We love celebrating a milestone and today Pottsy marked his 25th year with us in Wagga! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Harris and Stephanie Broadbridge joined Jamie & Leigh to chat all things Wagga Comedy Festival, in which Steph will feature as part of Breaking: The Musical, and Jamie & Leigh will also be jumping on stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shad & Pete are in Adelaide for Fringe and (sort of) apologise for the pod being late. But to make it up to you, we’ve got a wild LIVE SHOW from Wagga Wagga featuring the legendary Dane Simpson! This one’s loose—real loose. We expose Wagga’s best-kept secrets and even host a “wedding” for a brand-new relationship. What could go wrong? Follow us to submit your own problem, watch clips, or get along to a live show – @shadandpetesavetheworld

Lisa Simpson from the Wagga Kids Kottage/Ronald McDonald House is turning 20 this year, with massive celebrations planned for the occassion! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roll up, roll up! The Great Moscow Circus is in Wagga, and Jamie caught up with three of its star performers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Ross loves his freshwater fishing, especially land-based fishing for Murray Cod on creek and river systems. Based in the Wagga region and growing up on the Murray River, he has been surrounded by premier cod rivers. In this episode Alex shares a wealth of knowledge on his experience bank walking, and what he has learnt along the way, including how to avoid snags, gear to pack and the approach for fishing land based in rivers. He has also kitted out a Stand-Up Paddle Board for fishing along these rivers, and has had some good success. He shares his journey of purchasing the board, and what he has learnt along the way. You won't meet a nicer guy, who is happy to help and do anything for anyone! Enjoy this episode with Alex Ross!   In this episode: 03:30 – Previous podcasts with Alex from our river drifts 13:20 – Alex's fishing story and where it all started 26:20 – Gear for Fishing Landbased for Murray Cod   36:30 – Technique & Approach from the Bank 52:00 – Fishing from a Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in the Freshwater 1:18:00 – Using the Correct Rod for the Situation – Understanding Rod Action 1:26:30 – Fishing in Your Comfort Zone V Pushing to Try Something New 1:39:10 – Final Lesson from Alex 1:45:30 – Alex's Top Fishing Moment

Mark from Moscow Circus gave us the details on the upcoming Moscow Circus, which gets underway from Thursday at the Showgrounds in Wagga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wagga Women's Health Centre needs people to take a survey around attitudes towards domestic violence to better understand our community. Jamie & Leigh caught up with Penny and Kylie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday will be a huge day at the Riverside precinct in Wagga, with David Bridle from South Wagga Apex running Jamie & Leigh through the return of the duck race!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'd lost count of the number of country racing fans who'd requested a podcast with retired jockey Graham Power. Whenever the subject of top Riverina jockeys had come up over the years, Graham's name was always on the list. A phone call to check his availability and some quick research followed, and we were good to go. Great to present a podcast with a horseman who never rode a winner as an apprentice, but sure as hell made up for it later. Graham begins by looking back on his final day as a jockey at Wagga in 2000. He says he was delighted to ride a winner on a very emotional day. Graham talks about the way in which he handled the withdrawal symptoms. He talks about his current involvement with the famous St. Vincents De Paul charity organisation in Wagga. The former ace jockey refutes the theory that he's a native of the Riverina.  Graham talks about his childhood in Tamworth. He says there was no racing in his family background, but reveals that his grandfather Tom worked as a street sweeper in the 1920's using horse and dray. He remembers his first job on the ground in a Newcastle stable before a return to Tamworth and a short lived first apprenticeship. Injuries sustained in a race fall saw him walk away from racing and find a job at the local abbatoirs. Graham recalls the chance conversation at a Tamworth race meeting that led to the renewal of his jockey's licence. He looks back on his friendship with trainer Bede Delaney whose move to Gundagai would change his life.   Power reflects on the deeds of one of the best horses he rode for the Delaney stable, prolific winner Aurilandy.  He talks of Aurilandy's two wins down the famous Flemington straight and the opportunity to ride the horse in the famous Epsom Hcp. Nothing went right at his only Gr 1 ride. Graham talks about his move to Wagga. He acknowledges some of the handy horses he got to ride over the next few years.  Graham looks back on a Cootamundra Cup win on a future Melbourne Cup winner. He thought very little of the horse at the time. He remembers with affection wins in the Albury and Wagga Cups. Graham remembers the Richard Freyer trained Prince Tone, a talented horse provided he didn't have to travel too far to race meetings. He pays tribute to several other bush Cup winners. Graham delights in telling the story about his two rides on champion Kingston Town. The former outstanding rider looks back on some special race days when he rode multiple winners on the programme. He reels off some of the many jobs he's had away from racing. He talks of some of his favourite Riverina trainers and delights in the fact that he rode the first winner ever trained by Gary Portelli, now entrenched in the top bracket of Sydney's trainers. Graham pays tribute to a select group of his favourite country jockeys. He looks back on some serious race falls including one in which he appeared to suffer no injuries.  By the time he got home the situation had changed dramatically. The 79 year old talks of past involvement in racing administration and a current “on call” role for Racing NSW. The versatile veteran talks back on his experience driving harness horses and a stint as a newspaper columnist. He looks back on one of his proudest moments as a jockey-the occasion of his 1000th win on SDRA tracks. Graham looks back on his two marriages and a double tragedy in his life. He pays tribute to daughter Tracey, and sons Steven and Ben. A nostalgic  trip down memory lane with a man dubbed “the George Moore of Riverina racing” in his era by Sky Thoroughbred Central host Graeme White.

End of the year and we talking Wagga as full tilt had their last show 

We catch up with Wagga based trainer Gary Colvin who added to his metropolitan record when Cambar scored a tradesmanlike win in the TAB Highway on Nov. 30th. Gary's hoping Cambar will emulate the deeds of stable favourite Another One who won a Championship Final  in 2022 after having finished second the year before. Gary begins our podcast by talking about Cambar's two early wins at Wagga when ridden by stable apprentice Holly Durnan. He looks back on his purchase of the little colt at the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne. He got a second opinion from Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman who'd trained the colt's sire Pierata. Gary says Cambar has been a thorough professional from the day he was broken in. The trainer retained a part ownership of the horse while the remaining shares were snapped up by old friends. He says one of the quartet is a first time participant. Gary looks back on childhood days growing up with his six siblings on the family farm at Tullibigeal. He says his father was never without a horse or two on the property. He pays tribute to uncles John and Noel Colvin, both very successful jockeys. Gary says he was 17 when he joined three of his siblings in Wagga. He pleased his parents greatly when he registered for an apprenticeship in joinery. He talks of his progress in the old world trade. He talks of his passion for Australian Rules Football, and reflects on his involvement with the Wagga Tigers and the Collingully side. He plays down reports that he was a very accomplished player. Gary remembers his short stint in a coaching role. He looks back on Fred Colvin's move to Wagga and a renewal of his trainer's licence. He assisted his father for eleven years while training a small team of his own. When Fred retired in 1997, he was ready to train in his own right. Gary hasn't forgotten the mare who provided the first win of his full time training career. He acknowledges the special horses to get him up and running as a commercial trainer with special mention of Baltra and Lock the Key. The accomplished trainer takes us through the circumstances leading up to his purchase of Another One at an Inglis Classic Sale. He's never forgotten the instant he first saw the chestnut colt.  Gary talks of Another One's pedigree and the 15 strong syndicate who got together to race the horse. The trainer recalls setting the talented horse for a maiden 2YO at Wagga. He and the owners were stunned when a Randwick trained youngster from the John O'Shea yard turned up for the same race. He takes us through Another One's progression to his first tilt at the Country Championship. Gary followed a similar path the following year and the gelding again made the final at Randwick. This time he prevailed in the highly prized event.  He pays tribute to Another One's regular rider Nick Heywood who wages a fearsome battle with weight to stay in the saddle. Gary talks of Another One's Kosciuszko failure and his most recent wins in the Riverina. The trainer speaks highly of Danny Beasley who rode the horse to victories in the Canberra National Sprint and the Wodonga Cup. Danny recently joined the Wagga training ranks and is situated right next door to the Colvin stables. Gary talks of wife Karen's picture framing business in Wagga, and his willingness to lend a hand in the early days of the operation. He says his assistance was not needed.  Gary talks of daughter Gabby who's currently a highly regarded member of the Melbourne Women's AFL side. Her dad's pretty chuffed. He makes mention of sons Brodie and Matthew. One prefers the thrill of trying to back a winner- the other enjoys being around the horses. Good to catch up with yet another talented member of the country training ranks.

Jamie & Leigh caught up with the man behind the music, Reg Dury. Hear how the show comes together and a bit of the behind the scenes magic that brings the carols to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given the choice Peter Morgan would rather be spending time with his horses than standing around with a mobile phone. He very kindly made an exception for us last week, and we've been able to capture some of his recollections of a life with horses. Peter talks firstly about his talented galloper Burrandana whose first up win at Gundagai recently proved he's on track for a TAB Highway mission. The veteran trainer talks of Burrandana's troublesome feet. Peter says he actually bred the horse. He looks back on Burrandana's form line with special mention of the Wagga win that was taken off him. A substance used on another horse in the stable showed up in Burrandana's post race swab. Pete says a very hefty fine ensued. The trainer talks of Burrandana's five TAB Highway attempts. He hasn't been able to win one yet, but he's knocking on the door. Peter speaks of Burrandana's owners, long time clients David Lloyd and Geoff Miller. He mentions another recent winner from the stable in Unique Prince who's due back in work following a break. Peter looks back on early days in Melbourne under the tutelage of his grandfather Frank Kernaghan. He says Frank was a skilful trainer who was rarely without a handy horse. He had one very talented hurdler. He says one piece of advice offered by his grandfather has remained with him over half a century. Peter was apprenticed to Frank Kernaghan and had a short stint as a jockey. He rates his talents in the saddle. He talks of the legendary jockeys he got to know in the 1960's. He says one of them took an interest in his progress. During his apprenticeship at Flemington Peter got to know some famous trainers. He makes mention of a couple. Peter says he eventually borrowed boxes from his grandfather to get his own training career under way. He runs through a list of horses who helped to get him up and running as a professional trainer. Peter moved to Albury in 1974 and brought with him a promising apprentice jockey. The trainer acknowledges other talented jockeys who've given him good service since moving to the Riverina. Peter says the art of horse training has changed dramatically in recent times. He talks of the accessibility of racetracks from his Wagga base. Peter mentions some of the trainers he's most admired. In naming the best horse he's seen in six decades, the veteran plumps unequivocally for Tobin Bronze. We share a few memories of the great horse. The laconic trainer doesn't waste words in taking us back over his journey in racing.

What do Chiko Rolls, Wagga Beach, and AI have in common? This episode! I sit down with Chris Roe, an artist and TV producer, to chat about his creative journey and unique projects. We cover:•

15 - Wagga Councillor calls for nationalisation of Rex Airlines by Australian Citizens Party

Jamie welcomed WWHS students Jaz, Chelsea, Yindy, and teacher Mel into the studio to chat about the upcoming Schools Spectacular!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jolene Green, Treasurer with Wagga Crows Junior Rugby Union, joined Jamie & Leigh to talk about the award they won at rugby's night of nights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great to catch up with our new representatives, Miss Wagga Amy Hickey and Community Princess Maggie Enever after their crowning on the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly and Nicole joined Jamie & Leigh to talk them through the very spooky Halloween House at Forest Hill, and update them on the fundraising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embers and Ash is the new album from Isaac Staines, and he is back in Wagga at The Curious Rabbit on Saturday, November 2nd. He caught up with Jamie & LeighSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From inspiration at Millenium Stadium in Wales, to performing on stage in Wagga and around the world, it has been a remarkable 20 year journey for the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir. Dave Mundy joined the 5 O'Clock Wave Podcast to tell us all about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wagga singer Nathan Lamont launched his new single, and he came in to chat with Jamie & Leigh!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mangoes, bowls, crownings, and raffles - it's a huge few weeks for the Miss Wagga Quest, and Miss Wagga Velika Hayes and Community Princess Jess Barclay joined Jamie & Leigh to talk all about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wagga's newly re-elected mayor joined Jamie & Leigh to talk about the new council and their priorities for the next 4 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the world, and, more importantly, their attention spans, getting smaller almost by the day, it has become increasingly important for bands to maintain a high standard of productivity.Gone are the days where a band would put out an album, tour on the back of it for the next two years, spend 12 to 18 months writing and recording the next one before repeating the cycle. Most people - even hardcore fans - would have like;y moved on to another band or another fad long before the first half of the touring cycle was completed.In the modern age it's pretty basic in the sense that if you aren't offering the musical landscape something fresh and new every six months or so, then you may as well become a DJ.Knowing this, Melbourne-based rock outfit Sordid Ordeal have wasted little time following up on last year's debut album When I Left Town, releasing the first single from the next album just eight months later.Tigress is the first sonic introduction to Sordid Ordeal's second album Nothing Was The Same Again - which is the companion piece to When I Left Town and will be unleashed early next year.So diverse with their sound, the term Stout Rock has been coined just to try to simplify things for the fans, but there is little need to simplify things for Sordid Ordeal any more than they already are.What you see is what you get. And hear.A refreshing breath of flippant fresh air in an increasingly sanitised music industry, Sordid Ordeal refuse to yield, playing music for the enjoyment rather than potential adulation. Their sound is an amalgamation of folkish story-telling and ballads with blistering, mangy rock and epic anthems. They weld together the abrasive and heavy with the gentle & intimate, creating an incendiary mix of subversion and hedonism.See. Stout Rock.With several live appearances in the bands near future, including a headline spot at Metal In The Mountains in Beechworth on November 30 alongside DarkHorse, Mammon's Throne, Munitions and more, frontman Laurence, guitarist Jake and bass player Joe sat down with HEAVY for an entertaining chat about anything and everything.We start things off in the relatively safe place of talking about the new single Tigress."The song is about a woman who breaks out of the expectations of conservative rule in Australia and decides to move to the city and live her own life," Laurence explained. "She left Wagga in the 80s - it is a woman I know, but I can't elaborate too much more on the details - but it was a direct inspiration. I drew a lot of comparison to what my journey was like. Although it wasn't that of a woman growing up in a country with quite a problem with misogyny and chauvinism, my personal journey was breaking out of a militantly religious family and going to the city to find myself. Although there's different versions of the message, the result is very much the same. That song falling out of me was quite an easy one to write. As for the video… not everybody gets a band full of so many good-looking roosters, so I think I just wanted to feature everyone in our video clip. The last two video clips with the previous line-up I wanted the next clip I was gonna record - although there's gonna be a narrative aspect to it which is where the burlesque dancer comes into it - first and foremost just putting the current line-up of the band in there. I just wanted people to see this is what it is now. This is how much better it is. Look at the beard on that man over there and how good it is (laughs). There was actually a bit of a conundrum in deciding how to portray the narrative of the character that I created for this, Alistrina, because you wanna portray that liberation, that breaking out of the mould in an exciting way but if you did it in a business corporate sense, there's not a lot to that. I think it was a matter of trying to find something that represented it in a dignified way."Listen/watch the full interview to get a full rundown on what Sordid Ordeal have been doing, what they should be doing, and what they plan to be doing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

The Gears & Beers Festival is back for the long weekend in Wagga. Phil McIntosh spoke with us about the history of the event,the pilgrimages that are made, and why it works so well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bear from the Black Dog Ride joined Jamie & Leigh ahead of the trip to Busselton which starts tomorrow in Wagga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wagga's Liam Dedini is heading to Spain as one of the coaches of the Pararoos. He caught up with Jamie & Leigh about the experience and the fundraising that is going on to assist in getting them there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Henderson from folk supergroup The Good Behaviours joined Jamie & Leigh ahead of their show at The Curious Rabbit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie & Leigh caught up with these two incredible young women as they come to the end of their year representing the city. They also put them through a round of Fakin', Bacon, On-This-Day-kin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan  Pottie, chair of the Wagga Relay for Life Organising Committee joined Jamie & Leigh to wrap up the weekend that saw a very succesful event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brianna Brown joined Jamie & Leigh for the last minute Wagga Relay For Life details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big news this week with Nick O'Hern snagging an Ace last week in the Wagga Pro-Am, we start the show by finding out what happened. To be fair we probably couldn't have stopped Nick telling us as he basks in his well deserved moment. Very exciting, and capped off a wonderful trip to Wagga for Nick!Tigers new clothing line is out, and the comments online are brutal. Nick and Mark give their thoughts, and they're not positive.Mark talks through the controversy at 13th Beach Golf Club, who we spoke to a couple of weeks ago on the pod. Three members have played a prank to highlight their views on the new female membership fee structure, leading to a suspension. The membership is divided, Mark says that a petition for change has momentum.Nick watched some of the final individual LIV event of the year and explains how the promotion/relegation system works, and those players currently in the danger zone. We discuss the captains exemption, we're unsure if it still is in place. If not, is Bubba in trouble? We have a Voicemail on rakes in bunkers, asking whether we even need rakes. Nick and Mark both have a strong view.After the turn, we chat about the Irish Open. Nick loved it and talks through some of the key moments. Mark loves watching golf at Royal County Down, and would love to visit one day. Thanks to Southern Golf Club, this leads into Marks Top 5 - the Top 5 Irish courses that he'd love to play, by name only as he's never been there. And Nick tells us the Irish course that he has a picture of on his wall at home.Nick and Mark decide they want to get Nicks old caddy Wilbur on for a bonus pod, and they explain what 'chiselling' is in the caddy world. Plenty to discuss in the PING global results, starting with the Solheim Cup, but plenty more to discuss - including the winner of the Wagga Pro-Am!Feedback is thanks to Flinders Golf Club, an historical treasure, but it may as well be sponsored by Nick O'Hern as 90% of the feedback was on Nick's Ace in Wagga. See the video here. And our Masterclass this week comes from Nick, for the watchMynumbers app, and Nick is talking us through tips for playing uphill lie bunker shots.A fun show, and if you're enjoying the podcast, please tell a friend or two about it. The more listeners, the more episodes we can do. A big thanks to our great Talk Birdie partners:PING will help you play your best, like they have for Nick O'Hern. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;The new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store or Google Play;Golf Clearance Outlet, join GCO Live for great member benefits and comps. They're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and the Sunshine Coast, or online here.Southern Golf Club - Home of the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January 2025, entry is free!Flinders Golf Club, an historical treasure!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great to catch up with Belinda Kyatt about her time in the Miss Wagga Quest and the events they have coming up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George John, chair of Wagga's Local Health Advisory Centre spoke with Jamie & Leigh all about the RUOK Day event being held for high school students in Wagga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie & Leigh caught up with Kathryn Dedini, one of the entrants for the Miss Wagga Quest for this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are fortunate to have an overwhelming band of supporters and followers with Copy Southbound but none fly the flag for us quite like Mike Minogue of Coolamon near Wagga in NSW. Like so many, Mike has a story that stems back to his childhood where a physical setback didn't stop him from pursuing his dream. He drove for many years and we are fortunate to call him a friend of the podcast and a true mate of ours. You're an inspiration Mike and a true Cowboy of the Transport Industry, sincerely in its truest form.

After just 14 years of race riding Don Terry was clearly established as one of the best country based jockeys in Australia. He was approaching 700 winners when involved in a life changing race fall at Grafton. After six months in Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital he settled on the NSW north coast, and began the long road back. His achievements have been extraordinary. It's a privilege to welcome him as a very special guest on this week's podcast. Don talks about the way he manages his problems day by day. He says his temper is not as volatile as it once was.  Don talks about the layout of his Lennox Head home. The former outstanding jockey talks about his role as the manager of Brisbane rider Justin Stanley. He proudly describes his curiously named fishing boat. Don acknowledges the support of his loyal fishing mates and talks of the sea miles they travel to find the best location. He talks about some of the fish species they encounter. The resilient Terry enjoys nothing more than driving his car. He talks about a marathon trip to the Riverina recently to visit his elderly mother. He takes us back to childhood days on the family farm and remembers the days when he taught himself to ride. Don talks about his apprenticeship to leading Riverina trainer David Heywood. He shares clear recollections of his first winning ride at Wagga and his initial city win on an amazing old horse. Don talks of his association with Ken Callaughan and pays tribute to some special horses he got to ride for the top trainer. He recalls a Rosehill win on the day of the infamous “flag start” at Rosehill. Don looks back on some important country wins and his two SDRA premiership wins. The former jockey talks of his relocation to northern NSW and the fateful day he rode at the South Grafton Cup meeting. He describes the way the accident unfolded. Don looks back on the aftermath of the fall and his many months in the Princess Alexandra Hospital. He says he was anxious to get back into circulation and talks of his first foray into jockey management. Don remembers the surprise invitation he received to train a couple of horses. He decided to give it a go, and met with immediate success. The ever courageous Terry took part in early trials for a revolutionary concept called “robotic legs”. He takes us through the procedure involved and the side effects he encountered. Don pays tribute to daughter Laura Kate and son Lyle who are doing well in their chosen careers. This is an inspiring podcast with a very special bloke.

Kevin Sweeney was one of those ever reliable jockeys who did his job with total dedication for an amazing 46 years. Had it not been for a high spirited horse dumping him at a Nowra meeting in 2015, he may well have pushed on for a bit longer. Kev spent the bulk of his career at Canberra and on southern districts tracks, where he forged strong associations with many stables. Despite a few current health issues the seventy year old pays us the honour of joining the podcast for a good, old fashioned trip down memory lane. Kev begins by revisiting the occasion of his last race ride when he was unceremoniously dumped by a quirky horse. He recalls a winning treble at Wagga just two days earlier. Kevin talks about his move to the far NSW south coast, and the health issues he's been battling for the last four years. He remains philosophical. The former respected jockey takes us back to childhood days, and the love he received from his single mum and a doting grandfather. He's never forgotten the day his family took him to Randwick races. He's happy to admit that his aversion to school brought much grief to his mother Grace. Kevin remembers his apprenticeship to Reg Cook, brother of Bill and uncle of Peter. He shares his memories of the famous Cook family. He remembers his first two wins on a horse trained by Reg Cook. Both wins were at Hawkesbury. Kevin has never forgotten his first city win. His second metropolitan success figured in a little piece of racing history. The  veteran takes us back to Reg Cook's move to Canberra in the early 70's. He talks about a switch of stables to Terry Rutzo who would become a staunch supporter. He explains the reasons for his sudden relocation to Wyong at the invitation of local trainer Ron Tilley.  Back in Canberra Kevin forged a great association with trainer Keith Dryden. He believes he rode 220 winners for the Dryden stable. Sweeney reflects on his association with talented Dryden trained mares Coolroom Candidate and Bacchanal Woman. He went to NZ with Bacchanal Woman. He acknowledges another Dryden runner De Lightning Ridge. He won four races on the mare including two in the city.  The dedicated jockey pays rightful homage to the ageless gelding Digger Stakas. He rode the veteran on many occasions, and actually gave him a home in his twilight years. Kevin fondly remembers 13 wins on the consistent Comanche Prince. He talks about his long association with the John Morrisey stable with special mention of an AJC Country Cup win on China Garden.  Kevin remembers another ride on China Garden which landed him in hot water. He was given three months by the stewards for an unsatisfactory ride. Sweeney's commitment to country racing deprived him of opportunities in feature races. He says he was 49 before he won a decent race.  He looks back on the days when he was the “go-to” jockey for bush trainers who were bringing their horses to Canberra meetings. He tells the story of a win on a plunge horse at Canberra trained by a man destined to reach dizzy heights on the turf. Kevin reflects on his good fortune when it came to injuries. He and partner Michelle were the parents of three boys. He says only one has made a career in racing. The former jockey pays tribute to later partner Libby who's doing a great job on the Keith Dryden team. Libby is close to commencing a new role in the stable. This is an overdue acknowledgment of a long and distinguished riding career. 

It's just over three years since Molly Bourke won her first race on Mouse Almighty at Wagga. Another 131 wins have followed, complimented by an SDRA Apprentices Premiership. Molly's talents were clearly evident when she skilfully nursed $58.00 “pop” Secret Plan over the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. She's now with John Sargent at Randwick and rode 20 city winners last season. Great to catch up with the little girl from Tumbarumba who has to pinch herself to believe she's competing successfully in one of the world's toughest markets. Molly talks about her move to the big smoke just over a year ago. She looks back on her first taste of Sydney racing when she won on bush galloper Zakeriz at Canterbury late in 2022. Molly talks of her first win for new master John O'Shea at Wyong. She acknowledges a recent story about her career by Ray Hickson in the Racing NSW magazine. The apprentice looks back on the shock of her relocation to the bustling city of Sydney. Molly says it's quite an experience to ride regularly against some of Australia's best jockeys. She pays tribute to two Sydney female role models. The talented young rider takes us back to childhood days on the farm at Tumbarumba, and her early education on stock horses. She looks back on other riding pursuits. She says it was her next door neighbour who alerted her to the excitement of horse racing. Molly remembers her first experience of trackwork and an apprenticeship to local trainer George Dimitropoulos. School wasn't Molly's favourite place, but  she did well in one particular subject. Sport was a different matter. She showed plenty of ability in several endeavours. Molly vividly recalls her unimpressive race riding debut at Leeton on Mouse Almighty, and the magic of her first win at Wagga on the same little mare. She looks back on her transfer to a much busier environment at Canberra with trainer Doug Gorrel. Molly talks of the great support she received from another well known Canberra trainer, and the thrill of winning the SDRA junior title. The young jockey takes us through the freakish accident in which she was involved on the way to Albury races with Doug Gorrel. Molly has no doubt the fact that she was asleep in the passenger seat, may have saved her life. She talks about Doug's serious injury and the sad loss of a promising filly in the accident. Molly gives high praise to a select group of southern districts jockeys who helped her along the way. She makes special mention of valuable tutelage given by former jockey Darryn Murphy of the Skillinvest Employment and Training Company. Molly acknowledges the support of her master John Sargent, and the well known training talents of the expat Kiwi horseman. She was gobsmacked when given the opportunity to ride in this year's Doncaster. She talks of a few special horses to help her along the way since moving to Randwick. The Tumbarumba product says she's had to deal with one particular problem in her race riding technique. Molly says she enjoys sneaking back to her old stamping ground from time to time. Her mother Jacqie lives at Bega nowadays.  The 21 year old speaks of the downside of living in Sydney with her partner Ed Waters still in Wagga. He expects to join her at the completion of his electrical trades apprenticeship. Molly isn't a movie buff but there's one she's seen many times over. Not surprisingly it's about a horse. The apprentice expresses her gratitude for having no weight problems. It's a nice yarn with a most amiable young lady from a tiny town near the Snowy Mountains. Is it any wonder this girl can ride!

On Thank God It's Friday, Richard Glover is joined by Dane Simpson, Tommy Dean and Rebecca de Unamuno live from the Wagga Comedy Festival.

On Thank God It's Friday, Richard Glover is joined by Dane Simpson, Tommy Dean and Rebecca de Unamuno live from the Wagga Comedy Festival.

Horses carcasses found on a Wagga farm.

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Tito Nazar, the founder of Gravel de Fuego, discusses the growth of gravel cycling in Chile and the unique challenges and beauty of the Patagonia region. He shares his personal journey from mountaineering to ultra running to gravel cycling, and how he was inspired to create the Gravel de Fuego event. The event features a sprint loop of 252 km and a 1000k race, both showcasing the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Tito emphasizes the importance of experiencing nature and the sense of adventure that comes with ultra cycling. The event takes place in April and participants can fly into Santiago before traveling to Punta Arenas. Gravel Del Fuego Website and Instagram Episode Sponsor: Dynamic Cyclist (15% off with code TheGravelRide) Support the Podcast Join The Ridership  About The Guest(s): Tito Nazar is a gravel cyclist and race organizer from Chile. He grew up in Patagonia and has a deep connection with the region. Tito is the co-founder of Gravel de Fuego, a gravel race that takes place in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Summary: Tito Nazar, a gravel cyclist and race organizer from Chile, joins the show to discuss the Gravel de Fuego race and the beauty of Patagonia. Tito shares his background in mountaineering and ultra running before discovering gravel cycling. He talks about the growth of the gravel community in Chile and the unique challenges of gravel riding in Patagonia. Tito then dives into the details of the Gravel de Fuego race, including the sprint loop and the 1000k event. He highlights the breathtaking scenery, the logistics of the race, and the opportunity for riders to connect with nature. Tito also discusses the importance of timing the race in April to avoid extreme winds and rains. The conversation concludes with Tito explaining the process of crossing the waterway and the unique experience of finishing the race. Key Takeaways: - Gravel cycling is growing in popularity in Chile, particularly in Santiago. - Gravel de Fuego offers riders the opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. - The sprint loop of the race showcases the iconic Torres del Paine mountains. - The 1000k event takes riders through diverse landscapes, including flat pampas and mountain ranges. - The race provides support and accommodations for riders, ensuring their safety and comfort. Automated Transcription, please excuse the typos: [00:00:00] Craig Dalton: Hello, and welcome to the gravel ride podcast, where we go deep on the sport of gravel cycling through in-depth interviews with product designers, event organizers and athletes. Who are pioneering the sport I'm your host, Craig Dalton, a lifelong cyclist who discovered gravel cycling back in 2016 and made all the mistakes you don't need to make. I approach each episode as a beginner down, unlock all the knowledge you need to become a great gravel cyclist. [00:00:28] Craig Dalton (host): This week on the podcast that got the great pleasure of welcoming Tito Nazar founder of gravel Delph Wigo out of Chile. To discuss the event, the growth of gravel in Chile and Patagonia. And the beauty of the region of Patagonia, he's going to share his personal journey from mountaineering to ultra running to gravel cycling and how he was inspired to create gravel the flag out. As an homage to his home region. Of Patagonia. As someone who's had the great pleasure of visiting Patagonia on a hiking trip previously, I would double click on that and encourage you to run over to Instagram and follow the gravel dove Wagga site. To see just what we're talking about. As we have this conversation. Before we jump into this conversation. I need to thank this week sponsor. Dynamic cyclist. If you're not familiar with dynamic cyclist. It's a video base, stretching and strength program focused on cyclists. The team over there has created a vast library of stretching and strengthening routines. Focus specifically on those problem areas that us as cyclists constantly endure as someone who's always struggled with mobility and flexibility, I've really welcomed these training sessions. Because there are only 15 minutes long, which means you can fit them into almost any day of the week. They focus on the various body parts that we overuse at cyclist and even have specific stretching programs for those problem areas. For me, it's the low back. So each winter. I follow their six week low back training program. In addition to the general stretching and strengthening training advice. They provide. Go on over to dynamics, cyclist and check it out. You can use the coupon code. A gravel ride. To get 15% off any of their plans, they do have a free trial. So there's no reason. Not to head on over to dynamics, cyclist.com and give it a try. With that business behind us, let's jump right into my conversation with Tito. [00:02:35] Craig Dalton (host): Tito, welcome to the show. [00:02:38] Tito Nazar (guest): Hello. [00:02:39] Craig Dalton (host): I'm super excited to have this conversation. It's been a while in the making. [00:02:43] Tito Nazar (guest): Thank you so much for your patience. Um, it required a lot of work on my side, but you've been very kind to me, so thank you for having me. [00:02:52] Craig Dalton (host): You had me at Patagonia. The moment you said that in your first email, I was like, I need to find out what Tito's all about. And the more I've learned over the years have left, left even more excited to have this conversation today. [00:03:08] Tito Nazar (guest): Yeah, Patagonia, well, it's such a powerful word. Uh, probably you agree with this. Um, yeah, Patagonia is very far south, don't you think? Close to Antarctica, maybe? [00:03:19] Craig Dalton (host): Indeed, I think it's the farthest South I've ever been and just putting it out there to those listening. I've been on a trekking trip in Patagonia, which covers the and jump in, correct me if I'm wrong, but the sort of southern area of Argentina and Chile is kind of the Patagonia region. And I had the pleasure of seeing some of the most beautiful mountains in the world on this track. And also some of the longest bus rides I feel like I've ever taken across the region to get from one point to another. [00:03:48] Tito Nazar (guest): And windy, maybe, no? Yeah. [00:03:51] Craig Dalton (host): A hundred percent. I think the first day, the sort of the female guide, she was wearing a ski hat and it was, it was not a cold time of year. And she was just basically like, Hey, if you're going to be out in this ripping wind all day, it's just nice to have something covering your ears. [00:04:06] Tito Nazar (guest): Patagonia, it's crazy. Um, I'm a very, I want to believe I'm a big fan of history, but also, yeah, I have a deep connection with the past and I think Patagonia is powerful because of our, of the aesthetics, the mountains, of course, but the history that surrounds, uh, the mountains is something that is hard to grasp and maybe to find. Uh, but of course I was born and raised there. So. I want to believe that I have a deep connection with my land. Uh, and that's why I'm very excited about this event because, um, of course, um, I want to show the world a different perspective, even, even to myself. Like I know my region climbing, ice skating, uh, skiing, but, uh, but graveling is a new thing in Chile and even more in Patagonia. [00:04:57] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah. We'll get into it in a minute because I know you described the sprint loop as being one of the most spectacular rides you've ever done. But before we get into the event itself, let's just talk a little bit about you and your background and how you came to the sport of gravel cycling. [00:05:14] Tito Nazar (guest): Mm, Mm, I began doing mountaineering. Uh, there is this guy, Ulishtek, have you heard of him? Um, may he rest in peace. Uh, okay. You know, the Banff, uh, festival was in, it was still taking, it takes place in Chile. So of course, if you were a rock climber following Chris, Chris Sharma, you know, Adam Ondra now these days, uh, and eventually Ulishtek show up in one of those videos, climbing the North face of the Eiger. So I was one of those fans and I've been. I was talking this with my girlfriend. I, I think I am very obsessed with going fast and light. I never liked trekking really, which I've been a trekking guide, but it was not my thing. I was always cutting grams and stuff, ounces, you would say. But what I'm trying to say is that, uh, I got into mountaineering, then I understood there was something called trail running and I became an auto runner, I guess around Leadville, 100. I did it. I got the big buck, big buckle. I don't know how many hours you have to do it. I don't remember the hours. Um, it was the only time I trained in my life and ultra. Then I knew it took me too many years. I had like a very conventional education, private schools and Catholicism. And I had to become an engineer. Nothing of that worked. And it took me many years to understand. I have like a deep passion for ultra stuff. We'll try whatever. So one person told me that if you had a bicycle, I could go super far over 200 Ks. That might be 160 miles. So maybe two months after I bought my first road bike, I hated it, but I just used it. And have you heard of this, uh, concept crack called Brevet? Brevet? This [00:07:07] Craig Dalton (host): Yes. Yeah. In fact, we just, I just had a friend on talking about Perry Russ Paris and explaining the Brevets and that whole culture. [00:07:15] Tito Nazar (guest): You see? Okay. So I did the 200, the 300, the 400, the 600 Ks. And I ended up not liking it. It was too easy because it's just road bikes. I'm not saying it's wrong, but it was lacking to me of a real adventure because, you know, it's everything too under control. And I don't know how gravel cycling showed up and I got myself another bike. And it was a gravel bike. And before it was something here in Chile, just before it became something, I was already graveling. And just exploring and, I've begun doing everything that you were supposed to do with a mountain bike. I was doing it with the gravel because it reminded me more of having like a steel frame when we were kids, probably. So that's how it went. And then the community began to grow and [00:08:05] Craig Dalton (host): And were you, were you living in, in Santiago at then at this point, I believe you grew up in Southern Chile, but you went to Santiago for college, right? [00:08:13] Tito Nazar (guest): that's right. Uh, sadly, yes, college. And then I, I went back to home and yeah, but I, but I was running a lot. So I've been running a lot, a lot. And cycling, it was basically the same thing. And graveling became an explosion just before COVID in Chile, just before, maybe a year before, uh, graveling culture exploded. So I took my bike to the South. Um, I am from Punta Arenas, very far in Patagonia. Very far South and I was just grappling, trying to understand what this was. And, uh, of course I had the, everybody's drama, uh, what tire with, uh, suspension or suspension bike packing, not by packing gravel racing. Um, how error should I be? Yeah, but, um, yeah, after, and after COVID, I came back to Santiago [00:09:06] Craig Dalton (host): Maybe to help people understand a little bit about what graveling is like in Chile. Where did you, where did you arrive with your bicycle setup? [00:09:16] Tito Nazar (guest): when, [00:09:17] Craig Dalton (host): When, when, what type of bike did you end up? Did you buy an aero bike? Did you buy a bike packing bike? What seems to be the best for the type of terrain you were enjoying? [00:09:27] Tito Nazar (guest): well, that's going to be a complicated discussion because, um, okay, I have to give a short perspective of how gravel behaves in this lovely country of mine. Uh, we don't have the, we talked about this, right, Craig, um, our gravel is not like this thing you get to see in unbound gravel or. Some of the races where you're like flowing and aero bars and everything is so nice and smooth. We have a more aggressive gravel. It's more rugged, uh, with more bigger rocks. It is very safe, but it's just not so fast rolling. This concept is different. So usually our gravel bikes in the, in this country, we have. Wide tires, at least 38 millimeters, 38C at least. Everybody's now going over 40s and suspension may be, it might be a topic, but you know, it makes it more expensive. Um, myself, I have an, uh, a racing, uh, frame because I'm obsessed with grams. I'm a weight weenie. I'm super weight weighting. My gravel bike must be 7. 3 kilos. That's like a pro tour bike, aero pro tour bike. It's the same weight as mine. So, but it's, but I have like a super amazing, can I say the brand or no? [00:10:39] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah, sure. [00:10:40] Tito Nazar (guest): I have René Hersey, René Herse. I've tested all the tires in the world and yeah, those are like by far the best. Um, there are two, you say supple, I think, absorption. My God, they're magical. So you can use, well, that, that's just my personal experiment. But, um, going back to the concept, um, I use a gravel racing bike, uh, not aero. But to ultralight, but people prefer to have more chunky tires, um, maybe heavier, but they focus, of course, more on, on comfort because that is the priority in a country such as this. [00:11:15] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah. When you, when you talk about sort of gravel beginning to take off kind of just before COVID and, and then the years afterwards, were you finding other gravel cyclists? Were they starting to crop up? Did you find a way to bring that community together? [00:11:32] Tito Nazar (guest): Well, in Patagonia itself, no, that is the honest, the honest truth. We were like three guys and it is growing. I will not lie, but it's, it's slow because in places such as Patagonia, where the weather, whether it's very unpredictable, mountain biking makes more and people were doing mountain biking on gravel. You know, so now it's a matter of, you know, the, the concept has to penetrate, um, over the, the community. Santiago is faster. Everything goes faster because, you know, Santiago is a capital of, I don't know anymore, 10 million people. So that means there's just too much going on. Events, of course, just everything takes place here and then it spreads, uh, all over the country. So I think something fascinating is not really connected to this podcast, but Chile is one of the most. Connected people to cell phones in the world, like whatever you do, if you show it on Instagram, people will know you can, maybe you will be on TV, nobody will see you, but on Instagram. So I guess we are more connected through, through social media. So I can tell you how much is growing maybe in Santiago and slower in the rest of the country, but it is growing, but the rates are different. The closer you are to the capital, of course, it's faster. [00:12:51] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah. And then at some point you got the bright idea to put on your first event and that was closer to Santiago, right? [00:12:59] Tito Nazar (guest): very close, like two hours and a half, and it, it was not done in Santiago because we don't really have real gravel in Santiago. So we thought, okay, where's the closest place for real gravel? And it's like, yeah, it's in a place called Navidad. The, we are separated in regions, and those region regions are separated in municipalities. I don't know if that the word. [00:13:20] Craig Dalton (host): Yep. Sure. [00:13:21] Tito Nazar (guest): the municipality of NIDA is where we take place because. We thought it was one of the best gravels we have found in the entire country, really. But it was not myself. It was, um, two friends of mine, um, that, uh, Juan and Luis, he was just here and we are partners and friends. Um, and we invented this crazy race called Gravel Coast. That was our first event almost four years ago. [00:13:48] Craig Dalton (host): And what, what's the Gravel Coast event like? [00:13:53] Tito Nazar (guest): Well, we call it, we invented it somehow inspired in unbound in what's happening in the North Amer in North America. We feel very connected, especially my friend Luon. Uh, Luis, uh, Luchon likes, he knows all the athletes of your country, what's happening there, what's happening with the bikes. He likes the technology and everything. So, and I also feel very connected with many events over there because of Lifetime company. You know, it's, you know, they, they, they have some understanding about marketing, so it hits all the way down here. So we, we try to make an, let's say an adaptation. Of what you are, what these people are building over there and maybe adapted to our reality because we don't have this once again, even though it's a great gravel quality, it's not like a super fast rolling concept. It is more, it is a, it is a real challenge to finish a gravel coast race. Don't get me wrong. Anything can do it. I mean, many people, but you have to, you have to be prepared. I mean, our 200 miles are just insane. You know, there's too much climbing. So that means you're going to be on the saddle a bunch of hours. You're going to be proud of finishing gravel coast. That's why we say [00:15:07] Craig Dalton (host): and is it, is it a 200 mile event? The Gravel Coast? [00:15:11] Tito Nazar (guest): we have last year, we had 70 Ks, a hundred, I forgot my members so weak, but 120 Ks, a two 40 Ks and a three 20 Ks, which is a, which is a 200 miles now for the final event that is taking next year, that is 2024. It's in October. That is our spring. Um, it's going to be. Um, 50 miles, a hundred miles and 200 miles. [00:15:37] Craig Dalton (host): Gotcha. Gotcha. Now let's talk about the event you're going to be kicking off in 2024. What inspired you? Yeah, the big one. What, what inspired you to take the mantle and create this event yourself? What inspired you of where you're placing it? I have so many questions about Gravel Del Fuego. [00:16:01] Tito Nazar (guest): Oh, I really love my country. Uh, especially Patagonia. Um, it's hard to explain, but okay. I'm, I'm, I'm super lucky person because my father taught me how to fish, hunt, and some scuba diving. And Tierra del Fuego Island, it is a place that everybody wishes to see. But there is no development. There is no, there's not many, unless you're like a person who likes fly fishing and can pay on a helicopter, that is the only way maybe you can access to the island. Now it's getting more popular, but 20 years ago, I mean, if you were not a gaucho, you know, these people that take care of their cattle over there, or if you were not like a fisherman or maybe crazy guy, you had no idea what, I mean, you, you knew what the island was, but. No way you will dare to dive into it. I think that thing is still happening, but I am so lucky. I know the island because of my father. He took me fly fishing all the time with a truck. Don't get me wrong, not on a helicopter. And we will just, you know, get into river rivers and he will bring his boat and we will just try to catch some salmons and trouts. And so I had that first approach. And I saw the island just like that, but then I ended up being working for a king penguin colony. I mean, not for the penguins themselves, but from the owner of the, of the park. And I began to understand that was tourism. This was like, this was the real future of the islands. And then I ended up working for some company of the government for a commercial. I can show it to you on YouTube. I look very pathetic. And believe it or not, I was the model. They call me and I was like, have you seen pictures of me? I'm not a model. They were like, no, but we need somebody adventurous, blah, blah, blah. So I saw once again, the entire island. Without this tourism vision, time passed and it took me like three years to launch this race. I was not daring. I was wondering if I had the experience, but after all the events we've done these days, I mean, accumulated until today, it gave us the guts to, okay, now we know we have the capacity. I have the understanding. I've been in races where people have been in trouble in Patagonia. So I saw what was wrong. So I was able to understand how I can provide some safety. to secure people to enjoy the experience and not to be, you know, traumatized. Um, so it's been a long process. I don't know if that response answers the question, but, um, it was maybe a lack, a matter of luck of having one vision and then to have a more modern vision of how tourism come dive into the island. And show it to the world. [00:18:48] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah, I think it's a fairly common kind of expression from race organizers that they've just been somewhere where they want other people to see And a very small number of you out there in the world, take it upon yourself to map something, to organize something, to bring people together. So I'm always super excited. And I was bemused by the distance of your sprint event. Your sprint is 252 kilometers, which is only a sprint in relative to the grand daddy event, which is how many kilometers for the full full event. [00:19:27] Tito Nazar (guest): uh, actually I did the conversion. Um, the, the, the sprint is 150 miles. I know it's a sprint. It's an irony. It's an irony. And then that we have the big, uh, uh, route that is a thousand case that is, uh, roughly 654 miles, 600, 654 miles. [00:19:48] Craig Dalton (host): Okay. So let's, let's talk about them quickly independently of one another and let's start off with the sprint event of roughly 150 miles. Can you just sort of walk us through what the vision was? And I believe you were telling me earlier, this was the loop that really was magical in your mind. If you were going to do any one thing, do it for one 24 hour period. This is the loop you would want to share with the world. So let's talk about it. [00:20:17] Tito Nazar (guest): Well, I have to, I have to confess. Um, I have to confess that everything was born from Tierra del Fuego. I, one of the obsessions I like to do is I like to do things that people have not done ever because it's more adventurous when something is done and you're trying to break the record, you have one warranty, which is. You can make it because it is already done, but when something has never been done, there is more mystery. There's more uncertainty and I crossed the island from the north to the south in gravel racing non sleeping mode for the first time ever and back then I was already building the idea of making a race. But I wasn't sure and then the upper section of the entire race, I speak of the 600 miles race. I've done it many times driving because I was a guide and also I was hunting with my father in some sections too, uh, birds. Um, when I say high hunting, whatever I killed, I ate it. So please don't be upset people. Um, having said that, um, what was the question? Sorry. [00:21:20] Craig Dalton (host): Well, I wanted to talk through both of the distances and sort of the vision and starting with the sprint loop. Like, what is, what would the riders be experiencing? [00:21:30] Tito Nazar (guest): Yeah. Okay. My apologies. Uh, the short loop was kind of logical because it is. It enters the famous park, national park, uh, called Torres del Paine. Torres del Paine are these granite towers, um, that are super insane. These spikes elevate thousands of meters up the sky and they're breathtaking. [00:21:52] Craig Dalton (host): quick, quick aside, I literally have a picture of the mountains you're describing in my kitchen. [00:21:57] Tito Nazar (guest): You see, it proves something, [00:21:58] Craig Dalton (host): it's amazing. [00:22:00] Tito Nazar (guest): right? Um, so, um, sadly, because of a matter of logistics, we cannot make it shorter. Uh, we will have to bring people to, I don't know, closer to the mountains, but that would mean to move the people and their bikes, and that is just impossible. Chile is a very expensive country, so, sorry, that's the best we can do. And what you're going to see is that, I mean, from the mile 60, you get to see the towers right away. Uh, the videos are, are on the Instagram of the, uh, gravel del fuego. That is the name of the race. And yeah, I mean, as you are pedaling, correct. You're just looking at the towers from one angle. Then you get to see more of the three towers because there are three towers. Uh, and then one of the towers hides. And then you just get to see two, but then you see this cold mountain called Almirante Nieto, which is full of glaciers. And yet you get to see the entire faces of the, of these, of these guys. I mean, I'm sorry, of the Almirante Nieto. You leave away Almirante Nieto, and then you see the horns, Los Cuernos, the horns of the Paine, which are these granite, once again, towers that on top, they have, uh, volcanic material. Which is the black dots on top of them. And that is amazing. Like I just, today I just put some stories on the Instagram, how beautiful they are. And then you final finish, finish with the final peak, the highest one, which is called Paine Grande, Big Paine. Then it has a huge plateau of just glaciers. Um, I'm sorry, I get excited, but I don't know if that So that is the point of the sprint. I know it's not a sprint, of course, but we made it. Available for all people because they have 20 hours to finish the race. That is a lot of hours. You can contemplate, you can stop, you can eat. And, but it's just, I don't know. Uh, I wish people, I guess I have to invite them to get into the website and see the pictures, like we went on April. So people would see how the landscape is going to look for them. It's just amazing. I mean, contemplating mounting as you pedal, it cannot be any better. Don't you think [00:24:01] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah, no, I agree. And your enthusiasm is absolutely warranted. And again, I encourage everybody to follow gravel. If I go on Instagram and go to the website, you'll see the pictures, you'll see what we're talking about, and you'll see that even the most monotone individual can not help, but be effusive about how beautiful that region is. When you think about that loop and you think about the writers, they have 20 hours, you know, inevitably there'll be some person, some people who are racing it. What do you think one can get around the loop in with 20 hours being the maximum? What do you think sort of the minimum winning race time might be? [00:24:39] Tito Nazar (guest): that's a big one? Um, well, I already have my cartoon one possible winner. His name is, I'm going to say him because he saw the race. When I invented the race, he was the first guy who saw the circuit, the final circuit. Some other friends helped me, uh, I have to name him because he's a very. Great inspiration for ultra community. His name is Canuto Razoris. We've done some crazy stuff together. Actually, we did the Everest thing, road cycling together. And next week, Andres Tagle, the, uh, maybe the best graveler we have in the country. He saw the circuit. I mean, next, next week he did the Everest thing. Since then we became friends and. He saw the Gravel de Fuego concept and he was like, Tito, I'm so in, this is the best, the best race ever. Let's do it. He, he will not do the sprint. I think he will go for the thousand, but if somebody of that caliber will go, he can make the race in nothing. I don't know. I would have to do the math, but it would be 23Ks. I can, let me do it real quick. But people that are very fast and it's legal to draft, so they can do it very quick. Um, they can do it under seven hours. If not less. Andres is detonated. We say in Spanish, Andres is detonated. It's, it's, he's reaching levels that are, he's going probably, I'm guessing he's going to unbound and he's going for something big. Um, let's pray for [00:26:03] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah, interesting. We'll have to keep our eyes open for him. And then the, the um, The 1000k event, totally different, you know, ball game. You're, you're talking about six and a half days [00:26:16] Tito Nazar (guest): Yes. [00:26:17] Craig Dalton (host): To complete it on the, on the outside, talk a little bit about that experience. You mentioned earlier that it goes down into, um, Tierra del Fuego. So you'll, you'll do the same loop as the sprint, but also head way down to the very, very Southern tip, right? [00:26:33] Tito Nazar (guest): Yes. That's right. Allow me to say just a little thing because when people hear Patagonia, they hear, they think wind, wind, and then they think rain, rain. And this is very important, uh, Craig, uh, we did the racing on April with, that is autumn is fall. It's not summer. And the question is why don't you do it in summer? I mean, it's warmer. The answer is yes, but yes, it's warmer, but the wind is way stronger in our spring and our summer way more. So that's why people think of wind because they come in the high season when, when they think it's better. But the thing is in fall, the amount of wind is way less, it's way less, like, I don't know, way slower. I'm saying 80 percent of the max wind speed you get to have in summer, uh, you have only 20 percent that speed. In April, and the same happens with the rains when it rains. It rains a lot in summer, but if it does in April, it could be more like a shower. So eventually you just can keep pedaling, but it's, it is colder. Of course it is colder, but it's not extreme cold. So it's what, and the, and finally is the landscape because Patagonia is great. But sadly, what people don't know, and I guess I don't know if it's sad or not, but what I'm trying to share is the most beautiful contrasts of colors you get to have them in, in April because it's fall. So the, the trees are orange. So you have the glaciers that are already, and then you have the high mountains already with snow because it's freezing on top of them. But you get to have this contrast of these trees with green and the farther you go South is orange. And that's why. And finally, we did the circuit in a way where if there is wind. It's going to be on your tail. That's why it [00:28:19] Craig Dalton (host): I was going to, [00:28:20] Tito Nazar (guest): to south. [00:28:21] Craig Dalton (host): I was going to ask you that because the coast of California is the same way. It can have a ripping wind, but you know, nine days out of 10, it's always going to be from the North to the South. [00:28:31] Tito Nazar (guest): Exactly the same here. I mean, I'm speaking from a point of view of mathematics, something, some, this is Patagonia. Everything is unpredictable. Sometimes, of course we can have great wind, but if it does, once again, it should be on your tail, not on your head, not in your head, which is awful. So. Yeah, that is very, very, very important to be mentioned because there is an explanation for choosing not summer, right? [00:28:56] Craig Dalton (host): exactly. So this, this, um, 1000 K course also has a pretty significant amount of climbing. So you're obviously picking some of that up in the, in the first sprint loop, but then as you go South, are you going over large mountain peaks along the way? [00:29:15] Tito Nazar (guest): No, it's very fascinating because when you go to Torres del Paine area, as we talked, you get to see the mountains, but then you go south and it's fascinating because. Eventually, when you go south, then you're going to go east following the extreme border of Argentina. Technically, many places you're going to look to your left, and that is going to be Argentina itself. Like you, you can literally cross illegally to Argentina. Um, not that I have done it, uh, but, uh, it's fascinating. I promise you. that area is so flat. It's so flat. It's, I have pictures posted already. I've never seen something like that, not on gravel, like infinite flatness of a straight road for miles, for miles, I promise you, and then you go South once again, and then you are as soon as long as you're going more and more South, you're somehow approaching a mountain range, which is not famous is called Darwin mountain range that is just before the ocean that touches the Antarctica, the farther you go South, You get to climb, but, um, but it's very graveling, rolling, very decent pace, most of the circuit. And when I say this, I'm saying of 70 percent of the circuit, the rest of it, especially at the end, very, very end, you get to have mountains for real. And they're beautiful, but it's the final challenge. [00:30:38] Craig Dalton (host): That's right. How do you imagine cyclists approaching the thousand K in terms of where will they be sleeping? What does that end up looking like? [00:30:48] Tito Nazar (guest): That's a good question. Um, what, what we did is in the website, we created something called. I don't know English, but it's like, uh, it's like, um, we call it the guide of the race and we put every single campaign, hostel, hotel where you can sleep. So you somehow you can make a schedule of where you can sleep, where you're going to go. So, or maybe as you are writing, you can arrange a bed for you to be waiting, to be waiting for you. Um. I think I'm pretty sure it's something like not many races of this distance to have, and we're very proud of it because you can somehow be more safe because in other races, it's like from point A from point B follow the circuit. Good luck. See you soon. And you have, you have to fix it for yourself to give more safety for the people we did so, so I can tell you, and actually we have 12 checkpoints. Many races of this distance, they have only, I don't know, two or three, by a miracle, five checkpoints. We have twelve. And most of them, they're hotels, hostels, so if you're tempted to, for a hot shower, you'll have it. If you don't have money, or you don't want to spend money, many of them, they have, like, a place for you to put a, set a tent. I have friends that they're coming like this, that crazy, um, more sacrificed style. Um, but also if you're graveling and you want to crash it, um, you can program very well many places to stay, even though there's not many, much traffic, not many cars moving along the circuit, just ourselves. Um, when I say ourselves, the, the organizers where we have eight vehicles for safety. Um, there are many places where you can be sleeping and you're not going to be so, so. Abandoned in the nothingness of the Patagonia, [00:32:38] Craig Dalton (host): And will, will the same, uh, would you make the same comment about the ability to resupply with food and water? [00:32:45] Tito Nazar (guest): um, for the two 50 case, they're very safe in the, actually there's the, um, the big loop also. I mean, the big circuits, because the force, the first four checkpoints, they will have water isotonic and some fruits. So that will make it for most of it. I mean, especially for the sprint, but the, for the rest of the guys, uh, I have arranged a few spots where. Uh, where they can buy food, uh, and many places, as I said, they have, they have hostels, hotels and nice people that they want to be involved with the community and this event. I have seen them a few, a few times making sure that it will be open and many of them are just waiting these people like, and so, yeah, they will find food. But of course, the thousand K's have to be a little more careful. You know, the type of nutrition they require is different. The amount of calories, uh, but it's all mostly settled. Yeah, [00:33:42] Craig Dalton (host): Gotcha. And it looks like at some point you have to cross a waterway. Is there a ferry that the riders will be taking? [00:33:48] Tito Nazar (guest): that's right. Um, yeah, I'm very excited about it because that requires logistics from the point of view of the, the, the athletes, right? Um, I've done the math and, um, and most of the winners. Uh, they shall not have to wait for the ferry to, I mean, here's the thing. The ferry works from, I don't remember, I think from eight in the morning until 23 PM. Uh, 23 hours that, so that's a huge gap, but that doesn't guarantee everybody will cross. So first of all, just before the ferry, 2016 miles before the ferry, maybe there is a town that I already have talked many, uh, have had many meetings with them. They're going to supply us, uh, like a gymnasium where they have beds and everything for emergency. If people want to stay, if people want to pay for more comfort, that's no problem. Um, But I would say like the 40 maybe more, maybe 55 percent 40 percent of the strongest of the racers will make it without waiting for the ferry, because this ferry is crossing from the continent to the island. Um, every 30 minutes, maybe an hour at the most it's a 20 minute minutes cross. And it's beautiful because you're crossing what is called the Magellanic Strait. Before the Panama channel, the only way you can make it to the other side, right. I think it was discovered in [00:35:06] Craig Dalton (host): That was the farthest I ever made it. I made it to the side of the Straits of Magellan on the northern side to look at the strait, but I didn't make it across. [00:35:15] Tito Nazar (guest): You see? Yeah. So I'm not lying. You see? Um, so yeah, I think there is like a deep symbolism in it because it's also brings adventure. It brings more, more of a challenge, but also. Maybe once again, maybe you want to take it slow. I have, we have people from Spain and they want to take it slow. They want to take the six days and a half and they want to sleep just before the ferry, because they just want to see everything on daylight. So everything has been done like thinking of that, like gravel races, but they don't want to wait for the ferry. Would they just want to get to the other side as fast as possible? I think we are going to manage that slower. People can make it to the other side without waiting. Yes. Some others. We'll be forced to be waiting. Of course. I mean, there is a schedule, but, um, I think it's, I want to believe it's well, very well [00:36:03] Craig Dalton (host): it was the perfect, you mentioned the, those final mountains. I think they were, they were the Magellan mountains. Are they on Tierra del Fuego? [00:36:13] Tito Nazar (guest): Yeah, no, but they are the Darwin mountain range. We are, as you are getting close by. Yeah, that's all right. Um, so many names. It's like, there's no way I know all the mountains in your country. And no worries. Um, the Darwin mountain range, as I said, yes. You're getting so close to them that that's why you have this, um, this, we call them peaks. Um, and it's funny because in between, before every climb, there is a lagoon on, not a lagoon, um, how do you say, a lake on the other side. And they're very famous for fly fishing. Actually, my father. Walked to the first lake. It took him three days to get there because there was no road before you had to go, no GPS, like it's crazy. I have pictures of my father climbing those mountains that now you can do go on a bicycle in a super safe way. Um, but yeah, it's beautiful. I mean, the last 300 case. I mean, everything has its beauty, right? Because, um, Torres del Paine National Park, it's mind blowing. There are no words. You have to see it until you see it. And then you see, and then you understand. And it's going to be in your heart forever. Then you deal with the Pampa, which is the steep, you say in English, with this total flatness that drives you crazy. But it's like super graveling, fast rolling. Uh, there is a video where I'm pedaling, I don't know, 20 something miles per hour. On aero mode, like flying over the course, and then you have some sections of the Pampa and the final 200 miles are just too impressive. It's too beautiful because then you get to dive yourself into the, into the forest. And there are some sections where it's just, you're in caves covering this beautiful, um, I don't know. It's hard to say it in English. Um. Because I do believe this, I do feel this race is, I don't know for me, but here's the point, Greg, uh, if you do a race for one point for point a point B, it can be an experience, right? But I want to believe that ultra cycling, any ultra thing we do. There is an opportunity to know yourself and one of the best ways to know yourself is to be dive, like super dived into the nature, like in immersed, you know what I'm saying? There is a moment in life where you feel you're aware that you are you, but also you are somehow aware this is going to be too romantic, but you can be aware of the leaves. You can be aware of the dirt. You can be aware of the, of the water and somehow you really feel part of everything. I want to believe this race can give you that, especially in the beginning and at the bottom. [00:38:54] Craig Dalton (host): I, I love it, Tito. That was perfect. And I totally agree with you. There's something that that's sort of transcendent when you're on the bike for multiple days in a row, whether. It's as simple as bicycle touring or as adventurous as an event like this, you just become closer to nature than you ever could on a, on a day by day long bike ride. [00:39:15] Tito Nazar (guest): I meant to that, [00:39:16] Craig Dalton (host): Yes. So Tito, at the very end of this race, you're quite far away from where you started. What happens at the end? [00:39:26] Tito Nazar (guest): uh, well, I have to extract people. Here's the thing. Um, remember we spoke about the wind and everything we could make the race somehow to make you for you to return by yourself, pedaling from the South to the North. But as we talked before, the wind comes from the North from the Northwest. So that means probably the wind is going to be in your head. And even though it's, um, slower, less powerful compared to the summer, uh, we are taking everybody by ourselves. You get to the finish line. There is a sign that says end of the road. It's very perfect. And we're going to set up tents. And every time we gather four people, we get them on a, on a vehicle, on a pickup truck, and we have to drive them. We have to extract them from the islands to the main city, which is called Portvenir, where my mother was born. Um, and yeah, and, uh, that's how then they can take another ferry. This is another ferry because there are two access, uh, through the island. A small ferry that is in the race, but then there is a longer one, which is like an hour and a half on this ferry to where you get to the capital of the region that is Punta Arenas. Um, so, so, but it's a long road. I mean, we have to drive them like, I don't know, from this, from the finish to the city, Porvenir. Oof, almost four hours. And before that, we fall, we drop them to the, in the city. We give them as a gift, the, uh, the, I don't know the gift, I guess. I'm sorry. We give them the access to see the penguin. Remember I told you we work in, I work in the King penguin. Protected area. Okay. Um, we already talked to the owners, um, to the people over there and the money of the entrance for the pink king penguin is goes directly into the protection of these king penguins and, and participants can see them directly as a gift [00:41:15] Craig Dalton (host): That's, that's so much fun. Tell it, tell us again when, when is the event happening? What's the event date? [00:41:23] Tito Nazar (guest): April 13th, all the way to the 20th. A bunch of days. [00:41:29] Craig Dalton (host): And when the listeners of this podcast want to book their tickets and come to the event, how do you, how do you get there? Do you fly into Santiago and then fly south? [00:41:39] Tito Nazar (guest): Yeah. If, for example, in your case, like anybody, everybody's case, um, situation, they have to fly to Santiago. Well said, uh, to the capital of the country, that's Santiago of Chile. And from Santiago of Chile, there are too many flights, uh, all the way. My recommendation would be to fly to Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas, which means, it means Sandy Point. Um, Punta Arenas is P U Q, um, if you want to look for the airport and there are buses all the time going to Puerto Natales, where the race really starts. Um, it's for a small fee must be like, well, with the bike might be. 10, 000 Chilean pesos, which is, I don't know, 14. Um, but yeah, my recommendation would be to fly to Santiago, Santiago, Punta Arenas, Punta Arenas, a bus, which is three hours bus from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales. It's crazy. [00:42:30] Craig Dalton (host): like that's part of, it's part of the Patagonian experience spending some time on a bus. [00:42:35] Tito Nazar (guest): If you want to see the beautiness and loneliness of everything. Yeah, that's how it is. [00:42:40] Craig Dalton (host): Yeah, amazing, amazing. Tito, thank you so much for coming on and telling us about Gravel del Fuego. I hope the event is a big success. I know from experience the region is absolutely stunning, and it's amazing that you've taken the time to put this route together, and I can't wait for gravel cyclists all around the world to come and experience this region. [00:43:02] Tito Nazar (guest): Thank you for your time, Craig. Um, I want to put this, uh, recorded you're welcome. Uh, if you want to come to the race, just, um, let's see if you are crazy. And when I have this crazy adventure with me and experience the Patagonia one more time on two wheels, um, it will be an honor. I do mean it. I mean, I listened to your podcast. I mean, it will be an honor. So yeah, I want you [00:43:28] Craig Dalton (host): would, I would love that and appreciate it, and I will a hundred percent get to Patagonia again in my lifetime. It's just, it's too special a place not to revisit in, in, in my lifetime. Once again, [00:43:40] Tito Nazar (guest): Thank you. Thank you for your [00:43:41] Craig Dalton (host): again, Tito. That's going to do it for this week's edition of the gravel ride podcast. And in fact, at December 19th, that's going to be our last episode for the year and we'll pick it up again. In 2024. Huge. Thanks to all you listeners for supporting me this year. I wouldn't do it without your feedback and encouragement big, thanks to all the sponsors, including this week sponsor. Dynamic cyclists. If you, as an individual are interested in supporting the show, one of the best things you can do for me is leave me a strong rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that really helps with discoverability or feel free to visit. Buy me a coffee.com/the gravel ride. If you're able to support us financially. Until next time. And until next year, here's to finding some dirt under your wheels.  

For the past several years many Yezidi refugees have been resettled in Wagga Wagga. We speak with Laura Johnston who is the Community Development Officer for STARTTS in Wagga Wagga about the services they provide to people of refugee backgrounds. STARTTS is a specialist, not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1988. It provides culturally relevant psychological treatment and support, to help people and communities heal the scars of torture and refugee trauma and rebuild their lives in Australia. - STARTTS rêxistineke ne-qezencê ye ku di sala 1988-an de hatiye damezrandin. Ew dermankirin û piştgirîya psîkolojî bi taybetî pêşkêşî penaberên ku êşkence û troma dîtine dike. Em bi Laura Johnston re ku Berpirsiyara Pêşvebirina Civakê li Wagga Wagga ye li ser xizmetên ku STARTTS pêşkêşî penaberan û bi taybetî penaberên Êzdî dike diaxafin.

On Thank God's Friday, Richard Glover is joined by Jean Kittson, Tommy Dean and Jennifer Wong as they discuss tips for tourists, the death of the cheque and a joyful prison release - all live from the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

Last time we spoke about the disastrous first Arakan campaign and the Pacific Military conference of 1943. Yes Mr. Irwin had royally messed up the Arakan offensive, so much so it was gradually bringing his bitter rival General Slim into the mix. While Irwin failed, Slim gradually was placed in operation control and would soon unleash a box strategy against General Koga's forces in Burma. On the planning front, the war between MacArthur and King raged on, but compromises were finally hashed out. The July 2 directive, became the Elkton plan which in turn would evolve into Operation Cartwheel. The allies were learning how to play nice together in the Pacific at last. MacArthur was gradually shifting the war towards his own personal goals. However while all of this was going on, the Japanese were also forming their own plans, which would soon be unleashed. This episode is the Operation I-GO Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  It is April of 1943, a year ago, the Empire of the Rising sun stood proud and victorious over the Pacific. The Japanese had taken Malaya, the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, Burma and pretty much anywhere they went, victory was at hand. Yet as Admiral Yamamoto moved his flag from super battleship Yamato to the Musashi, he looked quite withered down. The past 14 months since the great raid on Pearl Harbor had aged him considerably. His close-cropped hair had turned almost entirely gray and his eyes looked discolored. It was rare to see him leave his quarters and whenever he did it was quite briefly, usually him waving his hat in the air as a departing sign to a squadron of aircraft. Rarely did he join his fellow staff officers for a game of ring-toss on deck. In a letter he wrote at the end of January of 1943 he asserted he only set foot ashore 4 times since the previous august, only to check in on the sick or wounded men at the hospitals or to attend funerals. Critics of Yamamoto would claim he actually made considerable amounts of visits to the “naval restaurant” on an island in the lagoon. This “naval restaurant” was actually a well-known brothel near Yokosuka Naval base in Tokyo Bay. The commander in chief seemed resigned to his fate. When he was asked in October of 1942 what he would do after Japan won the war he replied “I imagine I'll be packed off either to the guillotine or to set Helena”. On most occasions he would openly declare he did not believe he would live through the war. Yamamoto mourned the loss of so many IJN officers and sailors and was especially saddened by the loss of the commanders who refused to leave their doomed ships. Yamamoto had actually campaigned to reform the principle that a captain could and should honorably survive the destruction of his ship, but it was to little avail. The belief was so hard-wired into the Japanese naval officer corps.  Yamamoto knew Japan was staggering towards a catastrophic defeat, but he could not openly say it to those around him. He had tossed everything he could to thwart the war in the first place, warning everyone of the great industrial power of America that would gradually overwhelm Japan. His operation against Midway in june of 1942 was a major gambit aimed at forcing a decisive victory to bring the Americans closer to the negotiating table. The utter failure at Midway had ensured the war would be prolonged, it would become a war of attrition and one that Japan could not hope to win. On the morning of April 3rd, 1943 Admirals Yamamoto and Ugaki accompanied by more than a dozen officers of the combined fleet staff boarded two Kawanishi flying boats enroute for Rabaul. The battles of Guadalcanal and Buna-Gona-Sanananda were extremely heavy setbacks to Yamamoto's plans of extending the defensive perimeter towards the east of Australia so it could be strangled of supplies. The disaster that occurred at the battle of the Bismarck Sea showcased how vulnerable their shipping lanes were. The state of their land-based aviation was abysmal, it failed to protect the convey sent to Lae resulting in the terrible loss. As Commander Toshikazu Ohmae stated “The land-based air groups at Rabaul were not effective, largely because there were only a few experienced pilots in them.  Vice-Admiral Ugaki was even harsher, adding “We cannot expect much of the land-based air force partly because of a passive atmosphere among them.”  Admiral Kusaka's 11th air fleet had suffered tremendous losses from a series of serious ongoing issues, but two were of vital importance; 1) the poor health and low morale of those at Rabaul. Men were succumbed to widespread diseases, such as malaria and chronic diarrhea. And 2) the terrible situation when it came to replacing men such as their valuable veterans. As Yamamoto put it “They used to say that one ‘Zero' fighter could take on five to ten American aircraft, but that was at the beginning of the war. Since losing so many good pilots at Midway we've had difficulty in replacing them. Even now, they still say that one ‘Zero' can take on two enemy planes, but the enemy's replacement rate is three times ours; the gap between our strengths is increasing every day, and to be honest things are looking black for us now.” The new recruits were unfamiliar with the aircraft employed by Kusaka's command, requiring to be re-trained upon their arrival to Rabaul. Without their veteran pilots to train these men the task took longer and resulted in less capable pilots and crews. The replacement issue for aircrews was a fleet-wide issue forcing the IJN to shorten their training syllabus for commissioned and enlisted pilots by 2 months. To achieve this reduction, the amount of instructional time devoted to skill areas like tactics, gunnery and formation flying were reduced or in some cases even eliminated. The veterans who began the war in a third position of a 3-plane sector and were still alive now took upon the role of shotai or chutai leadership. Shotai leaders were responsible for flights of 3 aircraft and Chutai leaders were responsible for 9 aircraft or better said 3 shotai. However many of these men did not really have the necessary experience to assume such responsibilities. On March 25th a directive was established to quote “create a superior and impregnable strategic position”. In other words, Tokyo was demanding the Army and Navy come up with a plan to stop the allies southern offensive. Tokyo wanted the two services to actually work together so they could defend the precious gains they had made in the early part of the war, like their holdings in New Guinea which were currently being hammered upon by MacArthur's forces. To implement the new directive, General Imamura summoned a conference on Rabaul for April 12th. Commanders of the 17th and 19th armies, the 6th air division would be in attendance. During the conference it was decided General Hyakutakes 17th Army would take on the responsibility for defending the northern solomons in coordination with the Navy. They would also have to help assist the navy who was expecting allies attacks directed at the central solomons. General Adachi's 18th army was given responsibility to defend Lai-Salamaua, but because of the shipping lane crisis this would have to be done mostly via land routes. They were going to establish a major overland and coastal supply route linking Madang and Western New Britain to the Lae area to aid this. Furthermore naval and air bases would be built up in eastern New Guinea to aid Lt General Itahana Giichi's 6th air division to operation in the region. Despite all these grand plans, American air power was already making Tokyo express runs to places like Finschhafen impossible. The Japanese war effort in New Guinea was gradually being torn apart by constant air raids. Therefore, the only way to get men and supplies to places like Lae would be using the ever glamorous submarine or barge methodology. Now that is all for the Imperial Japanese army boys planning session, but what about Yamamoto and the Naval gang. By the time of the conference, MacArthur's efforts in New Guinea had basically ruined Yamamoto's expansionist strategies. A complete strategic rethink was now necessary. Yamamoto was quartered in a cottage high on a hill behind the town of Rabaul. He spent the following week inspecting airfields and other military installations, meeting with the local army and naval commanders all around New Britain. As was typical of him, he bid good luck to the departing air squadrons, with his usual wave of his hat. Yamamoto set to work creating a new offensive directive erected as part of the March 25th plan. The IJN planned for an air campaign against allied positions in New Guinea and the Solomons. The 11th air fleet, on its lonesome would not able to mount an effective strike, thus Yamamoto called upon the 3rd fleet to augment them.  Admiral Ozawa who led the 3rd fleet voiced opposition to this, not wanting his precious elite units to be squandered. But he eventually gave in and provided aircraft carriers and agreed to supervise plans for the new operation. At the same time it was decided that Yamamoto and Ozawa would shift their headquarters temporarily to Rabaul, this would prove to be a fateful mistake on his part. You see him doing so was announced using a radio message. His operations officer Commander Yasuji Watanabe would go on the record complaining that the information about Yamamoto's visit to the Ballalae Airfield should had been done by courier and not by radio, but the communications officer replied “this code only went into effect on april 1st and cannot be broken”. It would be broken, but more about that later. Now the Zuikaku, Zuiho, Junyo and Hiyo would toss up 160 aircraft: 54 Vals, 45 Kates and 96 Zeros to augment the 155 aircraft of Admiral Kusaka pushing them to a strength of over 350 aircraft. The aircraft were dispersed to multiple airfields such as Buka and Kahili on Bougainville and Ballale in the Shortlands.   Now before Yamamoto and his team launched their new offensive, Admiral Kusaka decided to do a preliminary fighter sweep down the Slot on April 1st. He hoped to draw out large portions of the allied airpower on Guadalcanal to soften them up. Kusaka launched a first wave of 32 and second wave of 25 Zeros which intercepted 42 fighters of Admiral Mason's ComAirSols command. The allied force consisted mostly of Wildcats, some P-38's and a few new F4U Corsairs. They were intercepted over the Russell Islands causing a giant melee of dog flights lasting over 3 hours. The Americans had home field advantage over the Japanese, managing to shoot down 9 Zero's at the cost of 5 Wildcats and a Corsair. It was not exactly a promising start for the Japanese. As usual both sides of the air battle submitted exaggerated reports. The Americans claimed to have taken down 18 Zeros and the Japanese claimed to have downed 47 American fighters. So yeah the Japanese claimed to have shot down more aircraft than they even encountered haha. Now it was on April the 3rd when Yamamoto and his staff arrived in Rabaul and he personally took command of the upcoming operation alongside Admirals Ozawa and Kusaka. Now Yamamoto had accurately anticipated the allied advance into the solomons and New Guinea would focus on the subjugation of Rabaul. Within five days of the battle of Guadalcanal being officially declared on February 9th of 1942, Lt General Kenney had authorized a plan to take down Rabaul. This plan commence on the night of February 14th with a bombing raid consisting of 12 B-29's from the 63rd bomb squadron. They targeted the fuel dumps and munitions. A second wave of 10 B-29's from the 65th bomb squadron came in dropping incendiaries upon the town of Rabaul. The Japanese had managed no fighter interceptions. Yamamoto had further predicted the allies would launch a double-pronged advance through New Guinea and the northern Solomon islands. To meet this advance he had set up a ring of airfields around Rabaul. His visit to Ballalae airfield was part of developing the rings and it would be his death sentence in the end. The result of these plans led to a triangular combat zone with Port Moresby on its west point, Guadalcanal at its east and Rabaul as its northern apex.  Yamamoto knew the US forces would advance under the cover of air superiority which in turn depending upon their ability to build forward airfields. In anticipation of his Yamamoto had as we mentioned gathered a massive build up of aircraft with the intent to hammer the allies ability to supply materials and build further airfields. The battle for Henderson field on Guadalcanal was the first of these contests and many would follow. Yamamoto hoped the shorter lines of supply from airfields closer to Rabaul would give them an advantage over the Americans, but despite all the claims of great air victories, Yamamoto's personal tour was revealing the opposite. In fact, as Yamamoto used the post-guadalcanal lull in action to bolster his defenses for a anticipated battle ahead, Halsey had likewise prepared his forces for their advance into the central and northern solomons.  Halsey would have a number of new toys to play with such as the Chance Vought F4U Corsair and Grumman F6F Hellcat. 4 new airbases were built upon Guadalcanal and during march of 1943 allied bombers made sporadic attacks on the Japanese airfields at Ballalae, Kahili, Shortland Island and Munda. On top of that large scale reconnaissance efforts were made to get a good picture of the Japanese build up of their airfields. When reconnaissance found out the Japanese were developing a seaplane off southern bougainville, the Japanese launched a dawn fighter attack on March 28th. Led by Captain Lanphier of the 70th squadron, 6 P-38's destroyed 8 Japanese seaplanes. Now after a week of sporadic bombing raids from both sides, allies watchers on the New Guinea coast indicated a major offensive was afoot.  Yamamoto's grand air campaign was codenamed operation I-GO with attack day X set for april 5th. The first target was to be guadalcanal, but bad weather forced a postponement of 2 days. Japanese reconnaissance since March 25th had indicated the allies had roughly 300 aircraft on the island, alongside transports, cargo ships, warships and other goodies going between Lunga Point and Tulagi. In the early hours of April the 7th, Yamamoto unleashed a massive strike force consisting of over 224 planes, the largest striking force since the attack on Pearl Harbor. 67 Vals and 157 Zeros were enroute to smash Guadalcanal. But the allies enjoyed great intelligence and received several warnings of the impending offensive. The coastwatchers were hard at work transmitting their sightings. Rear-Admiral Marc Mitscher , the new commander of AirSols scrambled 76 fighters consisting of Wildcats, Lightnings, Airacobras and Kittyhawks from Hendersonfield, Milne Bay and other outlying airfields. Despite the prior warnings, the allied scramble was rather disorderly and to make matters worse the Japanese cleverly split up their attack force into 4 groups to confuse the allied radar systems. 4 squadrons of Vals were preceded by 2 sweeps of Zeros which were intercepted by 3 squadrons of Wildcats. Marine 1st Lt James E Sweet of the VMF-221 was credited with shooting down7 Vals and possibly an 8th using his Wildcat. His aircraft was badly mauled during the combat forcing him to make a water landing outside Tulagi harbor. He would be awarded the Medal of Honor for this great feat.  Despite valiant efforts made by the allies, the Vals laid havoc to the Tulagi anchorage. The destroyer USS Aaron Ward, New Zealander corvette Moa and US tanker Kanawha were sunk. THe crews over in Henderson field were fortunate as it was not hit too hard as the dog fights broke up the Japanese Vals and Zeros who were forced back towards Bougainville. For their efforts the Japanese lost 12 zerosand 12 vals. The Japanese pilots claimed to have downed 41 allies aircraft, which turned out to be 7 Wildcats and 12 major warships which were the 3 previously mentioned. With what seemed to be a large success for operation X, Yamamoto felt confident and decided to launch operation Y of I-GO. While operation X of I-GO was directed at Guadalcanal, operation Y would hit New Guinea. On april 11, 27 Vals and 73 Zeros departed Rabaul to hit Oro Bay which was adjacent to the rapidly expanding airdrome complex at Dobodura. The allies scrambled 50 aircraft consisting of Lightning and Warhawks of the 7th, 8th and 9th squadrons. The vals managed to sink a US cargo ship, heavily damaging a transport and an Australian minesweeper. The next day Yamamoto traveled to Vanukanau airdrome to personally send off another strike and announced he would do a tour of the forward bases of Buin, Ballale and Shortland island. The signal was picked up by allied listening posts. Cryptanalysts at Station Hypo led by Joseph Rocherfort decrypted the message and pronounced it a jackpot. The message referred to Yamamoto was easily deduced, and the geographic designators for Rabaul, Ballale and Buin were easily extracted. Better than that the message contained the specific information that Yamamoto would be traveling on a medium bomber escorted by 6 fighters, and would arrive at RYZ at 8am. This would put Yamamoto's aircraft over the southern end of Bougainville on the morning of the 18th, a location just within the fighter range of Henderson Field. I will not be speaking anymore of this as it will be discussed in depth in a future episode, just a tease I know. At Vanukanau Yamamoto presented himself in his crisp white uniform, waving his hat to the crews of 43 Bettys followed up shortly by 65 Zeros. A second group of 66 Zeros assisted the raid to perform a sweep, leaving a combined total of 174 aircraft. They flew in two large formations with an initial course direction going towards Milne Bay. Allied radar picked them up prompting General Kenney to scramble every fighter had in the area. However the course the Japanese took was a feint and without warning they broke out going across the Owen Stanley range enroute for Port Moresby. 44 allied fighters were able to intercept them, but many of the bombers managed to get past them. The bombers hit the airstrips, damaged installations alongside 15 grounded aircraft. The Japanese would claim sinking a transport anchored in the harbor and the destruction of 28 enemy planes in the sky, though only two P-39's were shot down at the cost of 2 Zeros and 7 Bettys.  On april the 14th, Yamamoto again personally waved off another attack, this time targeting Milne Bay. 23 vals and 75 Zeros were launched from carriers Hiyo and Junyo joined by 54 fighters and 44 Bettys from the 11th air fleet for a total of 196 aircraft. Here the Japanese scored some luck, because as a result of the air raid against Port Moresby the allies had actually rerouting most of their shipping to Milne Bay. The allies scrambled 44 fighters, 36 Kittyhawks from Milne Bay and 8 lightnings from Dobodura to intercept them. Despite the efforts of the allied airmen, Japanese bombers broke through making their way to Milne Bay in several waves. The high level bombers dropped at least 100 bombs over the anchorage, while the dive bombers attacked the allied shipping. The Dutch troop transport Van Heemskerk was forced to beach itself after suffering several hits lighting her ablaze; the British cargo ship Gorgon was also hit many times and lit on fire; the Dutch transport Van Outhoorn and Australian minesweepers Wagga and Kapunda were damaged by near misses. In the battle in the sky one Kittyhawk was shot down, 4 p-40's were severely damaged and 1 lightning was forced to make a crash landing. The Japanese claimed to have sunk 3 large and 1 medium transport, heavily damaged 6 transports and shot down 44 aircraft. During the air battle one Lt Richard Bong was starting to make a name for himself having shot down a pair of Betty's. He would earn a lot of attention from General Kenney who described him “as a little blonde-haired Norwegian boy. Best watch the boy Bong”.The Japanese claims was so incredible, upon hearing of it Emperor Hirohito sent a message stating “please convey my satisfaction to the commander in chief, combined fleet, and tell him to enlarge the war result more than ever”. To contrast this, General Kenney made some remarks about the intense air raids “the way yamamoto had failed to take advantage of his superiority in numbers and position since the first couple of month of the war was a disgrace to the airman's profession”. The reason he had this scathing remark was because apart from the rare exception of mass attacks, the Japanese attacks were marked by their use of aircraft in Penny-packets. What Kenny did not know was how the IJN's air forces were being hampered heavily by logistical issues. Their inability at this time was a result of lack of experienced aviation engineers, ground crews, adequate airfield facilities and airfield equipment. They simply were not the same aviation force that had hit Pearl Harbor, the spear had been heavily blunted. Yamamoto planned to perform another fighter sweep of the 16th, but reconnaissance flights failed to turn up adequate targets on New Guinea's northeast coastline.  On April the 17th, Yamamoto's chief of staff, Vice-Admiral Ugaki Matome held a conference to review the lessons learned from their air offensive. The staff were reluctant to admit a startling and horrifying truth. Hundreds of aviators had been burnt to a crisp because the aircraft engineers messed up installing the protected fuel tanks. This led to countless aircraft catching fire from minor hits, even tracer rounds. When Japanese aircraft saw they were on fire, they assumed they had been scored a fatale hit from the enemy, though in most cases their aircraft were minorly damaged. Many of the pilots in these situations chose to kamikaze their aircraft. Thus Operation I-Go was finished, but despite all the unrealistic exaggerated reports from the Japanese pilots, the entire operation only really amounted to setting back the American operations in the Solomons for about 10 days. While the Japanese believed they had inflicted tremendous damage, in reality the only real insignificance for the allies was to postpone some bombing raids and minelaying activity. The most significant consequence of operation I-Go would actually end up being Admiral Yamamoto's decision to personally carry out a tour of the forward airbases, as he tried to raise morale for the men like he had done at Rabaual. This would have a very dire effect on the future of the Empire.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Operation I-Go was quite the lackluster offensive, despite what the Japanese pilots were claiming to their leadership. The leadership likewise believed the claims or were unwilling to see the truth of the matter. They had only accosted the allies about 10 days in the solomons.

Show Sponsor AnyQuestion - https://link.anyquestion.com/Greg-Bennett   Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=26936856 "The Greg Bennett Show"   In this episode of The Greg Bennett Show, Greg is joined by an Australian Triathlon legend: Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, 3x ITU World Championship Medallist, Multiple 70.3 Winner, Dual Olympian, and ITU Hall of fame inductee ... Brad Kahlefeldt.   After an incredible professional career spanning almost two decades, Brad started his coaching business, BKR coaching, and has helped Professionals win major titles, young athletes compete on the world stage, and amateurs smash through their goals. Brad is married to Ironman 70.3 legend and Olympian Radka Kahlefeldt, and together they own and operate their hometown swim school, Wagga swim hub.   We've been mates for 25 years. We have trained together and raced against each other all over the world.   Press play and listen to why Brad epitomises the saying "Success comes to those who endure One Moment Longer"   Timestamps 2:07 - Greg and Brad chat about how, after retiring, he still is running up to 2 marathons a year at a pretty decent pace. 7:21 - So who is Brad Kahlefeldt? Greg and Brad 'rewind the clock' and he describes his sporting upbringing and his running pathway through little athletics. I was swimming up to 80km a week 13:55 - Knowing that his swim wasn't going to come naturally to his skill set, he did what the coach told him and focussed hard and worked even harder to become better and stronger. 17:33 - Greg & Brad share training stories in the Australian summer back in the day. Hardcore! It would take you to breaking point 25:45 - Brad describes the moment where he believed he had the chance to make an Olympics and create a career from triathlon. 29:35 - Brad Kahlefeldt epitomises the theme of the show, giving it 'One Moment Longer'. His grit and determination and persistence proved to everyone he deserved the success he achieved. Brad tells the story of this young kid coming through the racing ranks named Javier Gómez Noya and how he raised the bar for everyone competing. I'd always look at his toenalis before a race 38:22 - Brad describes through his eyes, some of the great highs of his career.   The most mongrel and the most grit 48:33 - Transition from a professional sporting career can be tough for any athlete. Brad and Greg discuss his decision to retire and how he has found a new purpose in his current businesses. 55:04 - What would Brad Kahlefeldt tell his 18-year-old self? 56:10 - Who would you want to have dinner with (nonfamily, living or dead)? 57:35 - Where do you see yourself in 3 years? 1:00:10 - To finish up this epic chat, Greg and Brad run through some rapid fire questions. One book you would recommend? Two most-used apps on your phone? Toughest race? First job? Out of 10, how cool are you? Who would you want to play a movie of your life? Which decade of music is the best? Favorite race? Where is somewhere you haven't been, you'd like to go? Greatest movie of all time? 1:07:33 - Interview concludes.   Links Be sure and check out bennettendurance.com Find Greg on social media: Twitter @GregBennett1 Instagram @GregBennettWorld   And follow Brad Kahlefeldt facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sticksy1 linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brad-kahlefeldt instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sticksy1 twitter: https://twitter.com/sticksy