Stephen Andrew's Journal
5th May 2005 - Mittagong to Sydney
This is the day we have been looking forward to, since the day we left Perth.
After leaving Mittagong at 7am, we had a great run down the freeway to Liverpool. We covered the town in 2 hours at an average of 35km per hour. Dr Errol and Phylis Thrift came down to Mittagong to support us and wish us well as we rode into Sydney. We really appreciated their thoughtfulness.
Morning tea at Krispy Kreme, was very nice.
The run into the Sydney Town Hall was a littly hairy with all the traffic etc.
On to the Town Hall for the finish.
I would like to express my thanks to the support crew who have looked after us over the last 5 weeks.
To the riders - it has been great getting to know you all, and riding with you.
Weds 4/5 Yass to mittagong
The hills continued today with a number of fairly long hills. The best thing, is the rest going down the other side. It was great to catch up with Helen when we arrived in Mittagong. We completed 178km today. With one more sleep before reaching Sydney one has mixed emotions. Very excited to have accomplished the ride and really looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality. On the other hand there is afeeling of sadness that the event is nearly at an end.
105km to go tomorrow, where the ride will finish on the Sydney Town Hall steps.
3rd May 2005 - Tarcutta to Yass
We were expecting to hit a few more hills today, and believe me, we were not disappointed. There were a couple of long climbs which hurt the average today.
Another cold start. We stopped in at Gundagai Macca's for an early morning snack (hash browns) which gave us a chance to warm up our fingers and toes.
Even though there hill climbs we a little challenging, it was well worth it. The views were spectacular and the run down the other was exhilurating.
We arrived at Yass at about 1.30pm after completeing 148km. With two more riding days left, the boys are looking forward to getting home.
Thank you to everyone who have been following our progress. We have appreciated the messages of support you have sent us.
2nd May 2005 - Narrandera to Tarcutta
It was very cold this morning with ice on the windscreen when we left. My fingers were so cold I could hardly move them for the first couple of hours. By breakfast things were starting to warm up, but still not warm enough to shed the winter woolies.
We arrived in Wagga Wagga to a lot of media interviews. Two TV stations, two radio stations and a newspaper photo shoot. By the time we got through all of that it was nearly 2.00pm. We still needed to ride another 53km to Tarcutta.
The meeting tonight is in Wagga Wagga so we needed to hurry to make it back to Wagga Wagga for another media engagement by 5.00pm.
I am very tired, will have a late night tonight and another 4.00am start tomorrow.
We are all looking forward to riding into Sydney on Thursday and completing the ride. We are starting to hit a few hills today. Rode 148km @ 26.5kph today.
1st May 2005 - Hay to Narandera
We left Hay at 5.00am after a great rest day in Hay yesterday. I certainly feel rested and ready for the last five days riding before we arrive in Sydney. The temperature didn't reach any great heights today, in fact at breakfast time it was decidedly freezing. We suffered a number of flat tyers today, but it didn't hold us up for very long. For the third day we had a the south westerly wind which was right behind us for most of the way. This helped us to once again average over 30km per hour, (30.64) for the 173km. We arrived in Narandera at approx 12.30pm which allowed us to relax for a while before a 3.00pm meeting.
30th April 2005 - Balranald to Hay
Today was the last ride for the week, and I am really looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. Once again we experienced a nice tail wind for much of the way-two days in a row is unheard of. This enabled us to record our highest average speed since leaving Perth. We average 30.64 km per hour for the 134km. We also experienced our first shower of rain, since we started in Perth, even though it only lasted for about 10 minutes. We arrived in Hay at about midday, which gave us a little bit of time to walk the streets of the town and have a little look around. The motel is great and has spa baths in the rooms, which was very relaxing after a long week. With only 790km to go next week, it is feeling more and more like the home straight to Sydney.
28th April 2005 - Mildura to Balranald
A 5.00am “on the bike” call was heard again this morning. With a 162km ride today, we wanted to make sure that we arrived with a few hours to relax before the meeting. With a strong tail wind, we made good time, and averaged 27km per hour. We arrived at Balranald at 1.00pm. The local newspaper reporter interviewed Jonathan and took a photo of the team.
27th April 2005 – Renmark to Mildura
We were up at 4.00am again this morning, so we could leave at 5.00pm. We had a great ride today, with allot of the way lined with orchards and vineyards. We completed the 146 km in good time. It’s funny, but 146km now seems like a short ride. The local TV and press were waiting for us on our arrival. There has been a lot of work by the local community in organizing the events on our arrival in town, including the meeting in the evening. We meet a number of kids from a local school about 5km out of town. They rode in with us to the town mall, where we were welcomed by the Mayor. The school community had organized tea for us and a ride in a hot air balloon. The balloon is used by a local organization to teach under privileged kid’s skills, which in turn helps to build self esteem and confidence. That was fun.
The evening meeting was well attended with much enthusiasm and support for the “Circle of Courage” message. Mildura is certainly and pretty town, on the banks of the River Murray. We are all feeling very tied, so lets hope we can get through the next two days ok.
26th April 2005 - Waikerie to Renmark
A very short day today, only 81km. Left at 7.30am, had a TV interview at Berri. Arrived at Renmark by 11.30am. Explored the town. Meeting at Berri.
25th April 2005 - Adelaide to Waikerie
We left Adelaide early (5am). There were a lot of people wondering the streets. Some were just heading home after a big night out, while others were arriving for the dawn services (ANZAC day).
The road conditions were the worst we have experienced since we left Perth - very narrow and very bumpy. There was also a lot of traffic on the road. Had lunch by the Murray River just out of Blanchetown. A beautiful spot which made it hard to get back on the bike. Waikerie is also on the Murray so we couldn't resist a quick swim to cool down.
24th April 2005 - Kadina to Adelaide
For the second time since we left Perth, we were able to enjoy a tailwind. It also seemed to be downhill for much of the way. This helped us acheive an average speed of just over 30km/h.
We arrived in Adelaide where we had lunch by the river. After checking into the hotel, a group of us went for a walk into the mall. No meeting tonight.
23rd April 2005 - South Australia Adventist Camp Meeting
We travelled to the SA camp meeting by vehicle and spent the day there.
22nd April 2005 - Port Augusta to Kadina
We left Port Augusta at 5.00am, as we had a big ride of 190km ahead of us. The sunrise was spectacular as it lit up the Flinders' Rangers.
Stopped for breakfast just before Port Pirie. We headed down the York Peninsular towards Kadina. On the way we called into Port Broughton which is a seaside fishing town on the eastern side of the Spencer Gulf. We had morning tea in the park overlooking the inlet and jetty. Very pleasant!
On our arrival at Kadina we were joined by a few kids who escorted us to the town hall where we met the town Mayor an conducted a meeting.
Gavin I met your Mum and Dad, which was very nice. There was also the local newspaper reporter covering the story.
21st April 2005 - Cowell to Port Augusta
Today we had another early start. Once again it was cold for the first couple of hours. We covered approx 187km and arrived in Port Augusta just after 3pm.
The Southern Cross television station were waiting for us, and conducted an interview with Jonathan. There has been increased media attention to the event recently.
We stopped in at Whyalla for an interview with a local youth group leader. While this was happening, David and I rode into the bike shop in the town centre to have my rear derailleur adjusted.
I had a night off from attending the meeting tonight so enjoyed an early to bed experience.
20th April 2005 - Port Lincoln to Cowell
Today once again we had a very strong headwind which made the ride very challenging.
I am feeling much better today and and my feet feel much stronger on the bike.
I am going with Jonathan to Whyalla tonight for the meeting. It is 105km north so it will be very late by the time we get to bed. Not looking forward to the 4am wake up tomorrow, nor the 180km ride to Port Augusta, but it will be OK on the day.
Thanks to everyone who is supprting the initiative and ride.
19th April 2005 - Elliston to Port Lincoln
Today we continued down the peninsula to Port Lincoln. 173km.
I have felt a little flat today and experienced a bit of muscle pain in the quads (not enough stretching Brian). The ride was a good one with a few more longer uphill stretches.
We arrived at the turnoff to a holiday destination called "Coffin Bay", so decided to head in for a look. It is a beautiful big expanse of water, that once again is renowned for fishing.
On to Port Lincoln where we spent the night in a motel overlooking the harbour.
18th April 2005 - Streaky Bay to Elliston
We continued down the Eyre Peninsula from Streaky Bay to another small coastal town called Elliston - 127km.
The scenery was very similar to yesterday with rolling farmland, used for sheep grazing and cropping. The weather was a little cooler today which made the riding conditions very pleasant.
We arrived at Elliston at around 2.30pm which gave us a few hours to look around the town. The town is situated on a big bay and is a destination for fishos (rugged coastline).
I experienced a little bit of discomfort from a "saddle pressure spot" today, which made it a little difficult to get really comfortable. Apart from that, I am feeling well.
17th April 2005 - Ceduna to Streaky Bay
We had a shorter ride today of 122 km from Ceduna to Streaky Bay. After a sleep in to 6.00am we had breakfast and packed the van etc. We finally left Ceduna at around 9.30am.
The wind was behind us today for the first 80 kms, which made the ride very pleasant. We stopped in a Smokey Bay for a break. Smokey Bay is a beautiful sleepy holiday destination with an oyster farm industry. Apparently the fishing is very good also. I’ll have to come back with the boat sometime.
We had lunch at Haslam, another little community on the coast. Once again, a very picturesque location. During lunch the wind picked up and became more south easterly, which was more into our face. We needed to work pretty hard to meet out time commitments at Streaky Bay.
We arrived at Streaky Bay at 4.00pm to a great reception from the local community. We rode in to the town on the last day of their Youth Week, and Jonathan made a presentation to the group that came out to meet us.
We had a great day!!
16th April 2005 - Penong to Ceduna
Rode the 73kms from Penong. Had a sleep in today – 5.00am the alarm went off. Had breakfast with the townsfolk as part of their youth week festivities.
Relaxed at the motel in the afternoon.
Ceduna is a very picturesque town. Good fishing too I believe.
Visited an Aboriginal community close to town this evening. Sat around a fire with the locals and spoke to them about the problems they have in their communities. They really do have huge problems with alcohol and disease.
15th April 2005 - Nullarbor Roadhouse to Penong
We left the Nullarbor Roadhouse at 5.00am. The temperature was freezing. Not sure what the temperature was, but believe me it was very cold. My fingers were frozen until well after sunrise.
Today we left the Nullarbor Plains behind us, and are heading for the Eyre Peninsular on our way to Adelaide. The wind was still from the South East which meant it was still in our face. Not quite as strong as yesterday, but strong enough to make the day difficult.
Today was the biggest day so far, having completed 226 kms. We jumped in the car at Penong and travelled to Ceduna where we are to stay tonight and Saturday night.
We will return to Penong tomorrow to ride the short 71kms into Ceduna where the community have organised a breakfast for us.
It has been a long week and we are all very tired. We are looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.
14th April 2005 - Eucla to Nullarbor Roadhouse
We experienced a very strong headwind today. I think the forecast was for 18 – 23 knots, and believe me it felt every bit that strong coming straight off the ocean.
We followed the Nullarbor Cliffs for much of the ride today. They are truly spectacular.
We had a meeting planned at the Yalta aboriginal community at 3.30pm so the pressure was on to complete the 199 kms by early afternoon.
The visit to the community was an experience that highlighted the problems experienced by the aboriginal people. This was a closed aboriginal community which is not open to people unless invited.
I am feeling tired and a little tight in the legs. The game is now becoming a mental one.
We are staying at the Nullarbor roadhouse tonight.
13th April 2005 - Eucla
We have had a great ride today, completing 183km in just over 6 hours. The wind swing around to the south west overnight which was a great help as it was at our backs for the first time since we left Perth. The first 80kms in the early hours this morning saw us average about 35km per hour. Not a bad effort!
We arrived in Eucla at 12.25pm. Eucla is on the coast, so it was great to see the ocean again, and smell the salt air.
This afternoon we are planning to do a little sightseeing around the local area.
Tomorrow morning we cross over the border into South Australia.
Apparently the fishing in this area is fantastic, but unfortunately we don’t have time to wet a line. A little frustrating.
12th April 2005 -Norseman to Madura
The last 3 days have been difficult. Not only has the road been long and straight, the heat has been very draining.
Before we started the ride we had hoped for a westerly wind across the Nullarbor, however we have had a stiff wind (NE) all the way so far. The temperature was in the 40’s today.
On top of that I have been nursing a few bruises and scratches after an unfortunate incident on Sunday which ended in a potentially nasty fall. My angel was working overtime and I only suffered minor bruising and scratches. The bike suffered some damage, so I am riding the spare bike until we can get new parts. Apart from that I am still feeling well and fit.
We have now just reached the ¼ mark of the ride having completed 1257km since we left Perth.
There are no meetings at night this week because there aren’t any communities across the Nullarbor, only roadhouses, so we are getting to be early each night which is certainly helping recover. Thanks for your interest and support of this great event.
8th April 2005, 8pm
Today we rode 166km from Coolgardie to Norseman. We managed to average a speed of 29km/h, which was by far the quickest so far.
Once again, we left at 5.15am and arrived early afternoon after spending 5.48 hours in the saddle.
Norseman is a gold mining town, and felt like you were stepping back in time when walking down the main street.
Physically, I am holding up well, although I am feeling a little tight in the legs tonight. Thank goodness for the rest day tomorrow.
Thank you everyone that has sent emails to myself and the team. We do appreciate your prayers and good wishes.
7th April 2005, 8.30pm
Another long day in the saddle today. 188 kilometres from Southern Cross to Coolgardie. We departed at 5.15am to try and get as many kilometres out of the way before it got too hot.
Since we left Perth, we have been riding with a headwind. We are still waiting for the westerly to kick in.
The scenery has changed from wheat farms to scrubby bush which we were told is cattle station country.
Tonight we are presenting the Circle of Courage concept to the people of Kalgoorlie.
We are all starting to feel tired after 3 long days. One more ride tomorrow of 160 kilometres before our first rest day on Saturday.
My legs are holding up well at this stage so the training over the last few months is really paying dividends now.
6th April 2005, 10.20am
I’m in the town of Merredin on my way to Southern Cross as I’m writing this. It’s 10.20am and we are just about to have breakfast.
Have just completed 102 kilometres and am not feeling too bad. Feel a little sore in the butt, but the legs are feeling reasonably strong.
The relationship is starting to develop between the riders and there have been some funny conversations as we ride along
One of the most significant moments for me so far happened just before we left Perth where I was talking to a young guy in the bike shop. He told me that three of his friends had recently committed suicide. It really brought this cycle tour into perspective.
I am missing the family, but my pillow is something I would like to have with me today.
