Day 63 31st August Goulburn to Picton

Quite a few of the riders who have done a portion of the ride joined us again last night.  Dave, Stew, John G, Paul C, Annette, Dianna, and George.  Also three others who started at Goulburn came along as well.  Hence the groups were larger than usual.  My group of four grew to seven.  The extra legs helped in keeping the speed up.  Managed 33.5km/hr average which is pretty good for such a hilly ride.  Slight tail wind helped.

Morning tea on the edge of the Hume Highway

 

Peter being Peter  (the naughty boy).

Hume Highway roadside litter.

 

 

Popped in to Mel's parents home to say hello at lunch time (their house next door to the park).  Mel was there as well.  Good to see her.  Her Doctor said she wasn't allowed to ride with us.  O well.

 

 

Sitting in Picton town hall at the moment having a chat as a group about the ride.  This is our last night together.  Sad really.  Will miss it.

 

 

Sometimes each day reminds me of the movie 'Ground Hog Day' with Andy McDowell and Bill Murray.   Here is a reminder of the movie.

Like the movie each days starts out the same.  But as the day unfolds the experiences are always different and seam to get better each day.

Tomorrow is our last day of riding. Then it's back to 'normal' life again.  I wonder if I will still fit in.

Day 62 30th August Yass to Goulburn

Another glorious day of riding.   Large hill soon after leaving Yass but after that it was just fun.  Took the back roads through Dalton and Gunning  (Jim's plan so that we ride further than necessary to get from Yass to Goulburn).  The detour was worth every extra cm.    Quiet country roads that wind up and around the hills.  Felt like we could ride with freedom all over the road for a time.  Good tailwinds added to the enjoyment and some brisk riding was achieved.

I was feeling pretty good today but my riding mate Ned was feeling a bit rusty at Dalton

 

 

Lunch at Gunning then a fast print into Goulburn reaching speeds near 50km/hr as we rode the last stretch along the Hume.

 

 

Australia is the land of the "BIG" something or another and Goulburn has arguably the biggest of all the bigs.  The 'BIG MERINO'.  That's the 'D' team at the base of the ram.

Staying tonight in Goulburn UC and being fed by the North Goulburn Anglican Church.  Another fantastic meal and evening.  It just seems to keep getting better and especially so as I had Robyn with me again tonight.

Found a new bike  (electric and all).  Seemed like a good option for the last two days but the lady from the community garden next to the church didn't seem too keen to loan it for two days.  Shame... Will have to peddle the last couple of days after all.

 

Picton tomorrow.

Day 61 29th August Gundagai to Yass

Felt like staying with the dog and just sitting there but another day lay ahead of us and we had to press on.  All day on the edge of the Hume Highway.  Fortunately the shoulder is wide and reasonably free of rubbish and other things that could cause a cyclist grief.  It was a relief to be out of the traffic lane and the trucks were very kind and gave us lots of room (most of them).

 ''D" team at the Dog on the Tuckerbox (the dog is the one in the middle)

Some big hills along the way to test our legs on, but after eight and a half weeks of riding they don't seem so big as they were two years ago when I last rode along this road.

Morning tea was at Jugiong, and lunch at Bowning.  Dinner provided by hosts in Yass.  Staying the night in Yass Anglican Church.

Young Nick has his Aunty Helen along on the trip so he gets special treatment.  We didn't all get chocolate eclairs.  Sob  Sob !!! 

Sergeant Edmund Parry Memorial (looked like he could do with a feed as well).

Off to Goulburn tomorrow.  More hills but Robyn is driving from Sydney to meet us.  (Everyone is looking forward to seeing Robyn again, especially me).

Day 60 28th August Lockhart to Gundagai

Hard day of riding today because we rode as fast as we could.  Also 143km into a slight head wing and a lot of hills.  The most hills in one day since Broome.  Didn't really need to ride so fast but it was our last chance to let loose before a couple of days travelling on the Hume H/W.   Bit tired now as a result.  Good fun though and beautiful scenery.

Staying tonight at Gundagai Baptist Church, which is in an old school building.  The folk here provided a lovely dinner.  Thank you to the folk of Gundagai.

 Only photo I took today.  Not even a good one.  Three of the 'A' group coming in to morning tea

 

Thankfully Peter (accident yesterday) was able to complete the entire ride again today.

 

Off to Yass tomorrow.  Hoping for a good sleep.  Must be careful where I place my bed.  Last night the snorers were in fine form and I had to move rooms at 2am for some peace and quiet.  How's that for the 'pot calling the kettle black'.

 

 

Day 59 27th August Yarrawonga to Lockhart

Crossed into NSW first thing this morning and the road immediately deteriorated.  Typical NSW road.  The rear end bump indicator went straight into the red zone.

Only two groups today as one of our riders had to go to the hospital in the morning due to a fall yesterday.  There are no broken bones but he is very sore and can not ride (barely walk).  He will be going back to Sydney tomorrow.  Unfortunate but that is part of riding and it makes us all that little more careful the next day.

The ride was mostly flat again.  Slower than the day before due to larger groups, but an enjoyable day.  

Another fall today following a major mechanical failure on Richards bike.  Peter (75yrs) run into the back of Richards crippled bike and ended on the road.  Scun knees and a few bruise but he was able to continue riding.  Would have been a terrible shame if he was injured enough to put him of the road as he has ridden all the way from Broome without missing any.  Pleased that he can complete the trip.

Stayed in Lockhart UC and dinner in the RSL club (Chinese).

Jesus Ute and a few of the riders at a 'bum 'break

 

Main St of Lockhart after dinner.

 

Gundagai tomorrow with the promise of hills along the way.

 Praying for safer riding also.

Day 58 26th August Echuca to Yarrawonga

Last day in Vic.  Sad about that as they have the best roads to ride on (with a few exceptions).   The first day after a rest day is always a bit harder.  Need to get the legs going again.

Flat road as we travelled eastward toward Yarrawonga and done at a brisk pace.  It is fun to ride fast when everything is going well.  Today was a day to ensure my riding companions were earning their keep.

Staying in UC church in Yarrawonga and dinner in a club down the street.  Pork belly for me washed down with apple strudel.  Yum  Yum.

Took a couple of dozen photos of the sun set over Lake Mulwala.  Still trying out the new camera.

You will have to come and see me to look at the other 23 photos.  Very peaceful as I waited for dinner.  (After the usual coffee and cream slice at the bakery.. Did I tell you we often spend some of the afternoon in a bakery.   Hence I get so far behind in typing the blog).

Only a few days to go now.  Looking forward to riding into Sydney.
 

Day 57 25th August Rest Day in Echuca

Quiet day today.   Sleep in a bit longer than usual.    Church at Echuca Community Church this morning.  Good number of young families.

Short trip in a steam powered paddle steamer this afternoon with few of the team.

 Dis-embarking the Canberra after our cruise.

  The Emylou.

Steam engine in the Canberra

Then a relaxing walk back to the ECC and a chat with Peter.  Enjoyable meeting with the team where we were given an opportunity to share our 'high lights' of the trip so far.   At the risk of never getting to bed we had to keep it short.  So many high-lights.

Looking forward to the next few days of riding and being re-united with Robyn and seeing Joanne, Ruth and Henry again. (Henry expecting to arrive from Bangladesh by Wednesday or Thursday).  It will be a sad time as it means the end of the ride, but also a very happy time to have my family with me again.

Day 56 24th August Boort to Echuca

Easy ride along flat, quiet country roads today.  Only two groups again so there were 14 riders in my group.  Overcast but no rain though cold.

Staying tonight in the Echuca Community Church buildings.  Was once a drive in theatre complex.  We are staying in what was once the cafeteria of the drive in.  There is currently a wood fire burning in the fire pace behind me as a type this blog. All very cosy.

Sorry it has been a few days since the last entry so look back a few days and catch up with the ride.

Took a walk down to the old wharf on the Murray River for a look around this afternoon.  May go for a ride on a paddle streamer tomorrow.

The V8 Jesus Ute arrived today. It will be travelling back Sydney with us.

 

Day 55 23rd August Donald to Boort

Another cool day as we left Donald.  Sad news for the Halletts has meant we lost another 'beep beep, roadie so we are back to two groups for a couple of days.  Suits me as it slows things up for a while.  It has been good fun riding in a small and fast group but hard work.  Could do with the rest.

Morning tea on top of the world's smallest gazetted mountain.  Mt Wycheproof.  Just a little smaller than Mt Everest I believe.

  Metal Sculpture on top of Mt Wycheproof

 Morning tea on Mt Wycheproof.

Staying tonight in Boort. Boort is the home of my older sister Judy and her husband Kevin.  Great thrill to stay in their home town.  Judy and friend catered for dinner and did a magnificent job.  More than plenty of delicious food,  the apple crumble being a favourite of all.  Enough left over for lunch tomorrow.  Well done Boort and thank you very much for your hospitality.

 Dinner at Boort

Sister and Brother-in-Law,  Judy and Kevin

 

 

Tomorrow we are off to Echuca for a day off.

 

Day 54 22nd August Nhill to Donald

Wow.   What a ride.  Fast, flat, narrow roads with very little traffic.  Better than 35km/hr.  Little bit of rain and cold.

 

 

Comfy night in Donald.  Yet another coffee shop to spend the afternoon in.

 

 

Good company and lots of fun.  Every day has been a new adventure.

 

 

Missing Robyn and though she is not still on the ride I thought I would include a photo of her just to cheer me up a bit.  Bye-the-way, Ruth is improving every day.

 

  Miss you

 

 



Day 53 21st August Keith to Nhill

Crossed another State border today.  Finally in Vic.  Only two states left to cross.  On our way to Nhill today with stiff tailwinds to push us along.  Averaged better than 33km/hr for the day.  Able to ride with the faster group of only four.  Good fun.

Staying and fed tonight in the Nhill UC hall.  Terrific meal and warm hall.  Very comfy.

Morning tea at Kaniva on the Vic side of the border, the only place with garbage bins covered with knitted tea cosies.  Very well looked after town.

  Sheep of Kaniva ?????

Warm Garbage!!!!

Days 51 and 52 19th and 20th August Anguston to Tailem Bend to Keith

Cold getting worse but still able to ride with the faster team (who only number 4 now).  Again cold and showers both days.  Yesterday was tough riding down to Tailem Bend despite some incredible down hill sections.  Wind was so strong (cross wind ) that one dared not to ride fast in fear of being blown off the road.  Some showers also made it very cold.

  Old farm House

Managed to drive the Navara 50km to Peake were I grew up till the family moved to NSW some 48 years ago.  Able to catch us with a cousin still in Peake and to see the farm house we lived in.

 

Cousin Merrill and her husband Terry

Got back a bit late and almost missed dinner that was provided by the local churches.

Today was mostly a flat ride with slight tailwind which allowed us to average almost 30km/hr average again.  Showers again made the ride cold.  Heavy rain coat on all day which keeps the rain out and the swet it so clothing got wet any way.  Still waiting for a warm shower to warm up.

 'A' Team coming in for morning tea.

Dinner again provided by locals.  All very generous and welcome.  Looking forward to a good sleep.

Heading towards the SA/Vic border tomorrow so that will be two state crossed.

Day 50 18th August Rest Day in Angaston

The folk of the Barossa Valley have done a superb job of looking after us during our two night stay.  Each of us were billeted out to various home for the two nights.  Wonderful food, showers, washing done and transport too and from organised events. 

Yesterday evening Chris and my hosts (John and Neadra) who are semi-retired dairy farmers and grape growers took us to Penfold's winery and then out to the farm to watch the cows being milked.  In the evening we were taken to another farm where we were provided with a bounteous meal with all the team and other hosts.
  John, Neadra (our hosts) and Chris

                Dinner with team and  hosts.


Today it was off to church in the morning (divided up between about six local churches).  Most had an opportunity to speak to the congregations about B4B.

The afternoon was spent on a bus tour around the district and another wonderful afternoon tea at an UC building that is now used as a place for local to come and 'connect' with others.  Followed by dinner at our hosts home then off to bed.

My sister, Yvonne, drove over from Mt Barker to see me.  This was very kind of her and it was great to catch up with her for a couple of hours.

      My sister Yvonne and I enjoying coffee and scones in the 'Conections' Church coffee shop.

Weather was cold and showering on and off all day.   I now have a cold so hope I can continue riding tomorrow.

 

 

 

Days 41 & 42 16th and 17th August Port Pirie to Clare to Angaston

Two days of riding through some magnificent country.  The crops through this area are looking terrific.  The riding though has been a bit mixed.  Strong cross winds on the way to Clare made it difficult to stay on the road.  Was wonderful during the brief times that the wind was behind us.  Some showers as well and cold.

The ride to Angaston was much the same.   Cold with some wind.  Beautiful scenery and quite undulating.

Day 47 15th August Port Augusta to Port Pirie

Shorter day today.  Only 92km.  In by lunch.  Mostly flat as we rode along between the Spencers Gulf and the Flinders Ranges.

  Flinders Ranges

Slower pace

Now done 5538km, average speed since Broome 28.6km/hr.   Burnt 149,756 calories.  Off to find a cake shop.

Day 46 14th August Kimba to Port Augusta

Awesome ride today.   Woke up to rain on the roof and feared the worst but God is good to us and the rain cleared before we set off.  Only the wet road to contend with.  By morning tea the sun was breaking through and tailwinds were picking up which continued to strengthen for the rest of the ride.  Average speed 37plus km/hr. for the entire 156km ride.  Some of the last 20km at better than 50km/hr.  Fantastic.

 50km/hr into Port Augusta

 

Found a lovely bakery with all slices etc $2 each.  Decisions, decisions, only solution eat both the 'Granny slice (Yummy) and the 'Apple strudel'.   Then another lovely dinner provided by the Port Augusta Anglican church.

 

 

 Rode past Iron Knob

 

Day 45 13th August Wudinna to Kimba

The shorter days are often the more difficult.  I think it is mostly all in the mind.  Thinking it will be easy, because of the short distance, leads to a fault expectation.  Today, though not overly taxing in terrain or wind, seemed to be harder than many of the much longer days.  Never-the-less we made it into Kimba in good time and were able to spend some much needed down time around a cup of coffee.

 

Kimba (for better or worse) is the home of the 'Big Galah'.  It is in the middle of the farming country on the Eire Peninsular.   Farmers around here are feeling positive for a good year.  Things are definitely looking good at the moment.

It was in Kimba the Robyn celebrated a significant birthday when we rode through here four years ago. (Though this year we are a couple of weeks earlier).  Happy memories.

Found a good way to get nice photo's.  Give the camera to the children and let them take candid snaps.  Seems too work well.

  Jim.

Sarah

 

Toays team name was ' Hakuna Matata'  due to travelling to Kimba (Lion King the movie).  Jim, our 'beep beep' roadie couldn't say it.  So from Jim came all sorts of words including Comatose, Comancheros darda dar dar.  Finally found something Jim can not do. 

 

All is still going well.  Would love to be with Jo and Ruth and missing Robyn.  Better news about Ruth today though the out look is still serious and we would appreciate your prayers for little Ruth and her mum and dad.

 

Longer day tomorrow so it should be OK.  It's all mind game really.



 

Day 44 12th August Streaky Bay to Wudinna

Sad to leave Streaky Bay.  It is such a beautiful place (at least when the weather is fine and calm).  Set off in still, cool conditions.  Easy ride out of town and no hurry.

 

Streaky Bay jetty as we headed off.

 

 

Morning tea at a small locality whose claim to fame is the 'Big Stump'.  Probably why the stump jump plough was invented in SA.

 

 The Big Stump

 

 

Arrived in Wudinna (pronounced Wood-na) early due to favourable winds.  Enabled early showers and plenty of time in the bakery.   Now in SA so Cornish pasties available.  Yum.  So good I had two for afternoon tea (and a coffee of course).

 

Wudinna is the home of a monument to 'The Australian Farmer'.  Very impressive.

 

 

Today our tam was called "Woodies" due to name of destination.





Day 43 11th August Rest Day at Streaky Bay

If you have just looked up this blog I have entered the our previous days blog today so please check them out as well.

Rest Day today so not much has happened.

The group went to three different churches in town this morning.  I went along to the Catholic service.  Found it interesting though different to home.  The folk there were kind and made some considerable donations to the B4B fund raising.  Thankyou to these folk.

Lunch was provided by the Anglican Church,  left over from last nights tea. Just as nice the second time.

Simone left for home in NZ this afternoon, so one more roadie down.  Her husband Mike will continue through to Sydney.  Thanks for your time with us, Simone.

Lazy afternoon.  Blogging, bike care, fuelled the Navara and about to go off and find some tea.

Once again I apologies for the grama, spelllling  etc of this blog.  No time to proof read.

Have fun.

 

Day 42 10th August Ceduna to Streaky Bay

Said good-bye to Robyn after breakfast as she drove of to the airport.  Sad that she couldn't stay but family is more important than the ride at the moment.

Ride down to Streaky Bay was pleasant and not too fast.  More of a celebration ride after crossing the Nullarbor and relief that we have a day off tomorrow.  The 'A team' (slower group) managed to stay on our wheel from morning tea till lunch so we rode this stretch as one bunch. (I think they feel they can do this all the time now.  We will see.)

Morning tea.  Thought it must have been "Funny Hat Day" or something.

Staying in the school hall here in Streaky Bay.  Weather is mild, still and very pleasant.  Dinner tonight was provided by the churches of Streaky Bay in the shore of the Bay.  A very enjoyable evening indeed.

 

Manager to get the washing done this arvo so have all of tomorrow to rest.
 

Day 41 9th August Nundroo to Ceduna

Last day of the Nullarbor crossing today.   Reasonable riding was spoilt by the news of Ruth's (grand-daughter) health.  Now in Westmead Children's Hospital in Sydney.  Couldn't stop thinking about her.

It was good to get the Nullarbor behind us and to be back in some sort of civilisation again (coffee shops and all).  Ride was OK today. Nothing too difficult except for the last few Km into Ceduna as the road swung around to the south and into the wind.  Back to sleeping on airbeds again in halls etc.  Will miss the 'motel style' accommodation.  Also last night for Robyn before see flies back to Sydney to be with Joanne and Ruth.  I will miss her more. (Everyone here will miss her.  She has been an excellent 'beep-beep roadie'.  Though I might be biased).

Dinner tonight provided by the churches of Ceduna and after the meal we enjoyed a sing-along and meeting with some of the locals.  Robyn played the piano.  Considerable prayer was offered for Ruth's health which was very touching.

Dinner at Ceduna  (new camera panorama shot.  Snazzy ahh!!!)

Purchased a new camera here in Ceduna.  The display looks a bit like the flight deck of a jet fighter plane so I hope I can learn how to use it.  Might be a few more pictures from here on.