5th May, 2005 - Mittagong to Sydney
Team left Mittagong 7am, arrived Town Hall, Sydney 1.30pm. Rode 112km. I rode part and finished on 4016km.
Mild morning, good tailwind. A pleasant ride. Also a stop at Krispy Kreme at Liverpool was a welcome stop-off.
It was tremendous to see the Harbour Bridge rearing its head over the horizon as we came on the Hume Highway near Lewisham. It was a sign of the nearness of the end - something we have been looking for.
The whole trip was a terrific experience but not something I will be doing again, I expect. I ended up with no flat tyres and no damage to the bike.
Thanks to all my fellow riders and support crew for their friendship and encouragement along the way.
Wed 4/5 Yass to mittagong
The team left Yass at 5.15am and rode 178km to Mittagong arrived about 3.15pm – cold early and remained cool all day – sunny. Hard days ride with many long hills and some head wind. I rode only part way today on the bike. Now have only 26km to pass the 4000km mark. Still no flat tyres for the trip although the team had 2 or 3 more today.
Had one scary moment today on a downhill run with severe front wheel wobble – probably a result of uneven road surface. Breakfast and lunch on the road and a nice evening meal at the Golf Club followed by a very good evening meeting with some very interested and enthusiastic local people.
Tomorrow is the day we have been longing for – the last 105km to Sydney Town Hall – it will be sad in a way to part company with good friends and the team mates who have worked hard over the last month or so to achieve this goal. Some of the team members wives and children joined us tonight. Poor Kevin seemed a bit lost. He was the odd one out in this regard.
Hurrah for midday tomorrow.
3rd May, 2005 - Tarcutta to Yass
Rode 146km Tarcutta to Yass – quite a challenge with many long climbs, however some compensation with following long downhill runs. Some team members reached over 70kph – the best I could do was in the 50’s.
Cold start at 5.15am in the dark – warm/hot later – arrived Yass 1.30pm. My wife, Winsome, daughter Kerry and her son Jake were at Yass to meet us.
I have now exceeded 3900km and will reach 4000km which was a personal goal. I still have not had a flat tyre during the entire trip, which seems phenomenal. Very close to home now – just 2 days – about 285km. We ride to Yass to Mittagong tomorrow – no doubt an early start again.
2nd May, 2005 - Narrandera to Tarcutta
Rode 148km Narrandera to Tarcutta. Very cold to start at about 6.15am. Warmed up later in the morning – had 2hours stop at Wagga Wagga – had a couple of TV crews record our arrival also Jonathan was interviewd by their reporters. Had lunch at Subway in Wagga Wagga. Confronted with a couple of long steep climbs between Wagga and Hume Highway. Took a shortcut to Tarcutta which saved us 9km and away from the heavy traffic. The scenery was very nice on this back road. Arrived Tarcutta 4.00pm. Some of the team have driven about 50km back to Wagga for a radio interview and a night community meeting.
All in all a pleasant days riding. We set off for Yass at 5.00am in the morning. It will be a hard 151km with a lot of hiils. Just 3 days to go with about 430km. I expect to see my wife, Winsome, at yass tomorrow with Kerry, my youngest daughter, and Jake her 6 month old son.
Still no punctures for my 3767km ridden to date.
1st May, 2005 - Hay to Narandera
Rode 173km Hay to Narandera. Started at 5.05am arrived 12.55pm. Strong tailwind - cool start - colder, cloudy later.
The team team made very fast time - about 30.4kph. I had a good ride with no drafting behind a vehicle - have now passed 3600km. Tomorrow we ride via Wagga Wagga to Tarcutta - about 150-160km.
Team members had 3 punctures today, caused by 3 corner jacks. They have proved to be a real problem. I am now the only one to have escaped flat tyres. I have my fingers crossed for the last 4 days.
We had a good community meeting at Narrandera this afternoon. The people are much involved in dealing with their young people and expressed appreciation for our contribution.
29th April, 2005 - Balranald to Hay
Rode 134km to Hay - left 6.30am arrived 11.50am. Mild to start - strong cold south-westerly tailwind later on and a little rain. Average speed for trip was 30.4 kmh. Breakfast before departure and lunch on arrival.
Kevin had another flat tyre making 9 for the team for the trip. Had a relaxing afternoon with a look around Hay shops. Have a community meeting tonight. Nothing listed for tomorrow. Looking forward to a ride free-day tomorrow before attacking the last 5 days into Sydney.
28th April, 2005 - Mildura to Balranald
This was day 21 of 27 riding days – we left Mildura at 5.15am – rode 162km to Balranald – arrived at 1.00pm.
Once again, a beautiful early morning – mild early but hot later in day – slight tailwind – mostly nice smooth road. We rode at a very fast pace most of the trip. Averaged between 27 and 28kmh, including the slow 6km out of Mildura. Kevin was stung by a bee while riding and also had a flat tyre 7km before Balranald. This was the eighth flat for the team in 3600km. Quentin and myself still have not had one.
We are now over 80% of the total distance – only about 920km to go.
We have a shorter ride tomorrow to Hay – about 130km. We will stay in Hay on Saturday.
The trip so far has been a tremendous experience with a great team – however, I don’t think I will attempt it again. Will be glad to be home next week to my own bed and normal food etc. and no more getting up at 4.00am on a regular basis. I may even put on some of the weight lost on the trip.
April 27, 2005
Rode 146km Renmark to Mildura. Left 5.45am EST arrived 1.30pm.
Beautiful early morning, cool, warmed up to a sunny day, light headwinds. I reached a milestone today, passing 3000km ridden.
The group suffered another flat tyre today. Quentin and myself are the only ones without a "flat" so far. Rode the last 6km into centre of Mildura with some local teenagers from Henderson College. The mayor met us at the mall and welcomed us.
The local SDA school provided us with "homecooked" style meal which we all appreciated very much. After the meal, we were taken up in a hot-air balloon. Quite an experience.
We had a good turnout at the night meeting. All in all a very good day.
April 26, 2005
Left Waikerie at 7.30am after breakfast. Rode to Renmark, arrived 11.20am. Had a stop at Berri for a TV shoot/interview on Channel WIN.
Cool start, warm morning, sunny. Light side wind. A very pleasant ride, fairly flat.
We are only about 20km from Victorian border. Will be good to be back to E.S. Time. Seems we are close to home - ONLY about 1200km to go.
We have further media engagements later today and a night meeting back at Berri where the mayor will be in attendance.
Off to Mildura tomorrow, just over border from NSW.
April 25, 2005
Left Adelaide 5.25am, rode 178km to Waikerie, arrived about 3pm. Breakfast on road and lunch by the Murray River at Blanchetown.
Cool morning, warm sunny later in day. Quite hilly for at least half the trip, quite a hard day’s ride. One team member discovered both front and back tyres had prickles and were going flat. He noticed this at our lunch break.
On arrival at Waikerie we spent some time with local children at a new BMX/Skate facility. We rode our bikes on it also. We also went over and back on a vehicle ferry on the Murray River.
A short ride only tomorrow to Renmark and so will get to sleep in. A pleasant change. We have a community meeting tonight at our hotel.
April 24th, 2005
Rode 148km from Kadina to Adelaide. Departed 7.20am after breakfast, arrived 12.50pm. Lunch beside Adelaide Cricket Ground and Torrens River. Very pleasant and fast ride, averaged 31kmh to outskirts of Adelaide. Final average was about 30.4kmh. On one long steep downhill run, some of the team clocked 72kmh. I restricted myself to 52kmh and had to catch the others along the following flat section.
We had a tailwind from NW. This will turn to SW later today and may assist us tomorrow. We head out at 5am for about 190km to Waikerie. It will be hard work over hilly country northeast of Adelaide.
The team has now passed 3000km, about 2/3 of the total distance.
23rd April 2005
Rest day from riding. Went by car to the South Australia Adventist Camp at Tanunda for church. We took a segment of their afternoon meeting, riding our bikes onto the auditorium stage, dressed in our riding gear.
It was a nice sunny warm day.
We expect to leave Kadina at 7am tomorrow to ride about 160km to Adelaide. Should be an easy ride with a tailwind most of the way.
22nd April 2005
Rode 190km from Port Augusta to Kadina via Port Pirie and Port Broughton. Left 5.15am and saw Ghan early morning returning from Darwin to Adelaide.
Had a long stop at Port Broughton. Timed our arrival at Kadina for 5pm for a reception by the mayor. Was escorted to town hall by a group of local children on bikes. A small group of townspeople attended a community meeting at town hall, including the mayor.
The team had its second flat tyre for the trip when a tyre had a blowout. We had a good tailwind and a fairly easy ride despite the long distance.
We have a welcome break tomorrow when we go by vehicle to the South Australian Adventist camp meeting.
21st April 2005
Left Cowell at 5.15am – rode 180km to Port Augusta via Whyalla – arrived 3.15pm. Cold start, warm to hot later – wind was variable but not too strong.
Nothing spectacular happened today. Some minor bike repairs/maintenance for some of the team. My bike has had no problems and is running well. The team has still only one flat tyre for the trip.
I feel well and seem to be getting stronger with approximately 2500km completed. It is still hard work.
The scenery on the Eyre Peninsula was varied and beautiful.
We have over 190km to ride tomorrow to Kadina, so a 5am start once again. Looking forward to a day’s rest on Saturday.
20th April 2005
Left Port Lincoln at 5.20am and rode 167km to Cowell. Arrived 1.50pm.
Cool morning. Warmed up during morning. Tail wind to start followed by strong headwind which made the ride difficult. Quite hilly.
The midway point, timewise, was reached today.
Late today Jonathan and some of the team are driving to Whyalla for a night meeting, over 200km for the return trip.
Still only the one puncture for the whole team in about 2500km. All the team are fit and well - ready for another long day tomorrow to Port Augusta.
19th April 2005
Left Elliston 5am, rode 170km to Port Lincoln, arrived 2.30pm - we have now passed the halfway point on the Perth to Sydney trip.
Started out today quite cold - turned into a cool but very beautiful morning - saw kangaroos and emus along the road - a most enjoyable day's ride.
Diverted into Coffin Bay by car at our lunch stop.
Our support crew prepare us breakfast and lunch along the road and do an excellent job of it. Today, we rode 76km before our breakfast stop.
Port Lincoln is a very nice town and has a reasonably sizeable population.
Tomorrow we head north to Cowell - a slightly shorter ride than today - no doubt it will be another early start.
18th April 2005
Rode 127km Streaky Bay to Elliston - departed 8am arrived 2pm - cool cloudy start and some sunny periods later - we had cross/headwinds.
During afternoon able to catch up on some washing and take look around Elliston - a sleepy holiday town on west coast of Eyre Peninsula.
Tomorrow we have a 5am start on ride of 170km to Port Lincoln. Will be a much longer day so off for an early night. Some of the team will attend the 8pm community meeting after tea tonight.
17th April 2005
Rode 121km from Ceduna to Streaky Bay (including detours into Smokey Bay and Haslam).
Tail wind for first 80km then strong cross/headwinds. Left Ceduna at 9.35am and arrived Streaky Bay at 4pm.
I had a good ride, average for the day was 27km/h.
We had a community meeting for the town as the closing function of National Youth Week. It was very well attended by a very interested group.
We leave 8am tomorrow for Elliston, a distance of just over 120km.
The group has now ridden about 2050km, myself about 1700km.
16th April 2005
Drove back from Ceduna to Penong – 70km.
I rode about half the distance back to Ceduna with the team – we had a breakfast at the sailing club followed by a community meeting. The small group of locals were very interested in Jonathan’s presentation.
A cold early morning followed by a beautiful autumn day. We caught up with a few chores and some needed rest.
We experienced the first flat tyre for the trip today on the ride back to Ceduna.
Total distance travelled to date is about 1940km for group (about 1570km for myself)
Visited a local aboriginal community of traditional people. Sat around a bonfire and storied with the locals.
Had evening meal at a pizza outlet before returning to our motel at night. Not leaving until 9am tomorrow for a short ride of 110km to Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.
15th April 2005
I rode bike first 96km of the 220km from Nullarbor Roadhouse to Penong. Travelled in car after breakfast stop when wind started to pick up.
The group rode to Penong and travelled by car from there to Ceduna where we stayed overnight. Will take bikes bike to Penong in morning to finish the trip to Ceduna.
Left Nullarbor Roadhouse at 5.10am when it was freezing cold, and arrived at Penong at about 5.30pm.
We had a meeting at Bookabie with an aboriginal community – on a 10,000ha wheat and sheep farm which they operate – a very nice group who received us very well.
Jonathan was suffering a muscle problem in a leg and hitched a ride in a vehicle for part of today’s trip. Hopefully it will improve with some rest.
The group has now ridden about 1860km of which I have ridden about 1530km – still no punctures for any member of team.
14th April 2005
I rode bike only 23km from Eucla (across the WA/SA border) of total of 197km to Nullarbor Roadhouse. I rode in vehicles for remainder of day.
There was a very strong headwind, which made it hard riding for the other 5 riders, who rode most of the day sheltered to some extent behind our support vehicles.
Left Eucla at 5.10am (adjusted ahead about ¾ hour to SA time) – arrived Nullarbor Roadhouse at 3.20pm.
The group then drove in vehicles a further 90km to Yalta aboriginal community and returned for a program planned for that community.
Today was my 69th birthday – the group had a birthday cake for me at the lunch stop and another one at the evening meal at the motel.
Saw some beautiful scenery – the cliffs along the Great Australian Bight etc. Crossed the actual Nullarbor Plains today.
Due out at 5am tomorrow heading for Ceduna – will see how winds are before deciding how far to ride bike etc.
Still no punctures for the group after just over 1600km.
13th April 2005
Rode from Madura to Eucla – 183km. Left Madura 4.50am arrived Eucla 12.25pm. Rode first 83km alone at average speed of 31.4kph (by far my best average since buying bike 2 years ago, and on this trip). Average for this trip was 27.9kph.
Relatively cool day with mostly cloud cover and generally tail wind, turning to a side wind at times.
This was a big change from yesterday. I managed to survive and pull up fit and well. The group has still had no punctures after 1440km (1410 for myself). The weather has closed in this afternoon – heavy cloud, some rain, strong southerly winds, very cool – not too promising for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a long ride, over 190km with strict deadline to finish at Nullabor roadhouse – there is a program later in the day at Yalata Aboriginal Community, some distance from end of days ride. I probably will ride in a vehicle, at least part of the trip.
Visited the old Eucla telegraph station during the afternoon and drove over wa/sa border to a scenic lookout.
12th April 2005
Rode Caiguna to Madura – 157km. I did not ride the last 30km – very hot (40 degrees at Madura) and strong blustery head/cross winds. Rode the first 35km solo. Beautiful morning before sunrise – plenty of kangaroos along the road including one probably the largest I have seen.
Tomorrow is a long ride from Madura to Eucla – over 190km. I expect to travel some of it by vehicle, particularly if it turns out another day like today. None of the group has had a puncture so far. We have now ridden 1257km (30km less for myself).
Today was my 41st wedding anniversary – the team arranged with the motel restaurant to provide a tray of ice creams with strawberry topping – set out on a tray as 41. They also sang ‘For he is a jolly good fellow’. The waitress gave me a kiss and shoulder massage.
The evening meal provided by the motel was excellent, as was their service generally.
11th April 2005
Rode 182km Balladonia to Caiguna – this included the 90 mile(146.6km) straight – very hard days ride – flat/slightly uphill all day – strong easterly wind – cool early – hot later.
Departed at 6.30am after a good sleep and a good hot breakfast at the motel. Once again I set out alone and rode 45km to our first break where the others joined me. By setting out early it allows me to ride a pace that suits me without holding the others up.
At our second stop (at 80km) we reached the 1000km mark and at our night stop reached 1100km (1/4 distance – approx.).
We plan to leave at 5.00am in the morning to ride about 155km to Madura.
Still no punctures for any of the group. All members of the group appear to be well and ready for tomorrow.
10th April 2005
Rode 191km – Norseman to Balladonia.
Departed in the dark at 5.30am – quite cool – wore leggings and arm warmers for first time – removed rack from back to reduce weight. I rode alone for the first 46km, the others were delayed in starting for a ¼ hour or so. Also rode about 30/40km alone later in day when I went ahead from breakfast/lunch breaks etc.
None of the riders have had a puncture as yet. We have now ridden 5 days – 912km – an average of about 182km a day.
We did have a bad experience today – 28km before Balladonia when 2 riders collided, with Steve Andrews having a fall on the bitumen road, skinning/bruising knees/elbows etc. Helmet suffered damage as also his bike. It will be repaired. He was able to ride our spare bike to Balladonia.
Jonathan Duffy also had a minor spill in loose sand as we pulled off the road at our breakfast stop. I pulled up much better today – still suffering sore hands from continual pounding on roads – otherwise seem to be well and fit for tomorrow to Caiguna – 178km.
9th April 2005
After a very nice breakfast at the motel the group drove 200km to Esperance where we took part in the church meetings of the Adventist church. I took the Bible study for the combined class. Jonathan Duffy took a very good church service on the subject of “The Power of Words”.
The church put on a very nice combined lunch. This gave us an opportunity to mix with the church members on an informal basis discussing issues relating to ‘the circle of courage’ cycle tour and the program we are promoting in communities along our route to Sydney.
After a scenic tour of Esperance we were involved in a media photo shoot, followed by a community meeting at the Anglican Centre. About 40 people attended and heard Jonathan's interesting presentation.
The group returned via vehicle to Norseman to prepare for tomorrows ride to Balladonia. It was a beautiful day. We hope the westerly winds will continue tomorrow.
8th April 2005
Left Coolgardie 5.30am for ride to Norseman - 166 kilometres - arrived 12.30pm.
Had breakfast at 8am after riding about 70 kilometres - in the dark initially.
A beautiful morning for riding, not much wind, the sun on our left when it came up (a welcome change from the three earlier days when it was in our faces), but was obscured until well into the morning by a cloud cover. The day warmed up before our arrival at Norseman.
Early in the ride, I had a bad wobble my front wheel which had not been properly fitted the night before. David fixed it and then we had a long chase to catch the other 4 riders.
My right shoelace came undone a little later and I had to stop to sort that problem out.
After our breakfast break, I rode off a bit ahead of the others - Kevin caught me after about 6 kilometres - he suggested we give the remaining 4 riders something to chase.
We rode at high speed and the others did not catch us until 26 kilometres (the first 2) and 35 kilometres (the last 2 who had to ride as much as 58km/h to do so).
A little later, I reached my highest speed since buying the bike 2 years ago - 56km/h - my average for the trip was 27km/h.
I am feeling fit - only problem is with my hands which take a pounding.
The group has still had no punctures after 721 kilometres.
We go to church etc., at Esperance tomorrow - a real "day of rest".
7th April 2005
Rode Southern Cross to Coolgardie – 188 kilometres.
After the previous day’s long and strenuous ride I wondered if I could cope with a follow-up ride of this distance which was quite demanding. However, I set out confidently at 5.30am in the dark and was pleased when the day’s ride was ended at 3.30pm.
There were no serious mishaps during the day. I did have my tail light fall off at high speed. This was retrieved and is none the worse as a result of this minor incident. I also ran off the bitumen into the loose gravel and sand. Was able to control the bike ok and get back into the bitumen.
Weather was hot and a headwind made it a hard day’s riding. Westerly wind and rain has been forecast for our 165 kilometres ride to Norseman. In some ways, a nice change.
6th April 2005
It’s almost 8pm in the Southern Cross Palace Motel now.
Rode the longest distance in one day in my bicycle riding career – 213km. We started in the dark. It was very pleasant before sunrise and was not too cold. But this became a very demanding day on the bikes. It was quite hot again today.
I was able to win one sprint for the last hundred metres or so into one town and third in another.
While riding close behind one of our support vehicles, I had to take evasive action when there was a slight change of pace and ran off into the gravel and sand. However, there was no harm done.
It was a big thing in avoiding a strong head wind to ride close behind our van for 50 or so kilometres.
Having had a hot shower and a few cold drinks and tea, I feel better and hopefully will be fit at 5am tomorrow to attack the 188 kilometres to Coolgardie.
5th April 2005, 8.30pm
Rode 159 kilometres today, the first stage of our Perth to Sydney cycle tour. We started at Murray Street Mall in Perth at about 8.30am and arrived in Cunderdin at 5.10pm.
In training, I had not ridden more than 150 kilometres in a day and so exceeded that for this day. The day was quite hot, about 29 degrees, and the terrain quite challenging prior to Northam, particularly the 5 kilometre steep climb through the Darling Ranges east of Perth. I coped reasonably well, particularly in the latter part of the day.
I am looking forward to a good sleep in preparation for the 212 kilometres ride tomorrow to Southern Cross, the longest ride of the trip.
We plan to set out at about 5am, in the dark.
