Flipper is trying to get himself accustomed to life out in Oz, he’s doing the right thing by watching Neighbours and drinking but he told us he’s been drinking Shipstones Crew Fine Amber Ales which is from from New Zealand and eating curry.
Come on Flipper, crack open the 4X and start throwing the shrimps on the barbie Bruce.

Big Mike would never forgive me for going to Oz and not returning with
images of the largest marsupial in the world … the Kangaroo .. well
technically these aren’t the largest as this is a Grey Kangaroo and
not a big ol’ Red. But I’m sure this pic with the sun setting over
Mount Stromlo makes up for my Kangaroo spotting skills.

It wasn’t downhill practice that started today, the 4X riders got their
chance to tackle the Glen Jacobs signature course. Dirt favourite,
Anneke Beerten was due to ride DH here but with the 4X World Cup title
within reach she decided to leave the double race weekend for
Schladming if all goes according to plan this weekend. But she did get
some extra riding time in by riding back up the 4X track.

As you would expect, Aussies and Kiwis make up the bulk of the entries
here in Canberra, with 28 riders from Australia and 17 from their
southern neighbours in New Zealand – not Tasmania – racing here. Brook
Macdonald is from NZ and was booting the end of the Triple Treat from
1st practice run .. methinks he has been here before.

Another Aussie on course today is Will Rischbeith – who has done his
fair share of World Cups this year – was once again running his
inflatable body armour … given that Canberra is in the throes of a 5
year drought that may be more rain insurance than we need … or is it
given that weather forecasts predict rain on Sunday!

Once the sun goes down here it gets cold … and then the ever present
wind appears to come straight off the Antarctic ice shelf! Rachel
Atherton took precautions though with a custom gangsta / wild west
outlaw scarf depending on your TV influences.

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Canberra WC Day 2:Flipper’s 5-a-day