Profile - Ian McLean

Here is the first of a short Q&A with each of the main participants in the MS1000.

From eldest to youngest, we start with Cousin Ian, or as he likes to be referred to now "Gramps."

1. Biggest physical (sporting) accomplishment so far... Completing the Kokoda track (surviving the trip with 5 women)

2. I am best at... Bringing up the rear!

3. Most looking forward to on the MS1000... Torturing my body, Spending time with my cuz, and seeing the country side.

4. The one thing I wish will happen on the MS1000... We all survive the event and are still talking at the end.

5. Who do you think will throw the first tantrum on the MS1000, and what about... Have to say Nick, because he's not related. Sorry Nick!

6. What is your weakness... Trying to help people.

7. Your greatest fear for the event... Being to old too keep up with the young guns.

8. What should our next challenge be... " TOUR DE FRANCE 2013"

Birchip Training Weekend

The lads have been busy training - working up our fitness base, but on the weekend it was a real treat. The Weinert boys (Ian, Andrew, Scot, Cory and Simon) (Nick could not make it) went back home, so to speak, to Birchip, the town our mothers and Ian grew up in. Our Uncle Kevin lives there and was more than accommodating with his wife June, and their two dogs - Princess and Chloe. Birchip is a small town of about 800 people, but with the new water pipe now up and running, their local watering hole - Tchum Lake is full and being enjoyed by all.

We were told stories about our Pop and how hard he was, a real inspiration, and I’m sure we will use that memory during the tough times of the MS1000. We rode 142km on Saturday and 88km on Sunday - riding on roads we will be using in March. Here are some photos of a highly enjoyable weekend.


The house our grandparents lived in. It's tiny.


Our fantastic hosts. Kevin (Spider) and June.


The kids enjoying the recently filled Tchum Lake.


The sun rising as we ride toward Wycheproof.


On top of Wycheproof Hill. From left - Scot, Cory, Andrew, Simon & Ian. That’s Ian Ballard’s face on our jerseys. He is the founder of Foundation 5 Million (F5m) our charity partner.