tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30529358822413949382024-03-12T21:16:01.874-07:00Pedal 4 Parkinson'sSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-59265020384797839802009-11-24T17:36:00.000-08:002009-11-24T17:38:01.155-08:00New Blog for Pedal4Parkinson's 2010Hi All,<br /><br />It is that time of the year again and you can keep up-to-date with the progress of Pedal4Parkinson's 2010 by visiting the new blog at:<br /><br />http://pedal4parkinsons2010.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Look forward to hearing from you soon,<br /><br />SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-26817597250661951352009-02-26T02:19:00.000-08:002009-02-26T22:29:01.238-08:00Day 13 - Final Stand when your legs would rather sitI have to say it was exceedingly easy to get up this morning, my alarm went off at 4AM and I was up like a flash. For Adam it did not appear to be so easy. Once we were up we rushed around to pack up camp so we could make it back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ballam</span> Park to meet with Max. I was so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grateful</span> to have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">caravan</span> park kitchen as it meant I could have a pipping hot coffee and egg on toast, which was required give n the cold <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">temperatures</span>.<br /><br />We ended up being a few minutes late for poor Max who had begun to question if he had come to the correct <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">location</span>. Once we arrived we introduced ourselves, checked bikes and went on our way. Along the ride I was able to find out a bit more about this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mystery</span> rider. It turns out Max is also about to head off on the same pedal for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parkinson's</span> in Vietnam as Karyn, who I rode into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bega</span> with. The first leg with Max was 19km and was perfect conditions and a wide shoulder so we could chat more. After the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">first</span> rest we called those meeting us at the finish and informed them we were on time then headed of on the final leg of 28km. This leg would have been great out of peak and without drivers like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">registration</span> number WOT:007 (Green ford) who thought it would be smart to get close enough to knock Max with the side of his car. After simply brushing it off we moved on.<br /><br />I was amazed by the number of people that cycle in Melbourne, it walks all over Sydney. On that note though I do see why, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">city</span> is made for it. It was just so simple to get into the city, no one way streets no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ridiculously</span> tight one lane roads and well signposted, I thought I was in heaven.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCv-4Rm5dwx3u5nP36vDy6iyFuzXKUhlrysOnzMMHxCzhjAgR8Y2NvhaLdjehtiWo_-VddDP4zvkvYCxVZ1W3LATVsk4B_8xrG68e2YGsrTx_Xt2bVrC30o_b0ZRdqMZAoJf9kXS4ZjI/s1600-h/day+13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCv-4Rm5dwx3u5nP36vDy6iyFuzXKUhlrysOnzMMHxCzhjAgR8Y2NvhaLdjehtiWo_-VddDP4zvkvYCxVZ1W3LATVsk4B_8xrG68e2YGsrTx_Xt2bVrC30o_b0ZRdqMZAoJf9kXS4ZjI/s400/day+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307049626676642850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Yay we made it!!!! Still hasn't hit home yet.</span> </span></div><br />On arrival we were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">greeted</span> by Glen and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Cath</span> (from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pakinson's</span> Victoria) as well as a sleepy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Adam</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Again</span> this was the first time I had met both Glen and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cath</span> and I was very lucky that they had the time to sit down for some coffee <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">and</span> breakfast (on a seat much more comfy then my bikes).<br /><br />Eventually we all had to head our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">separate</span> ways, Glen and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cath</span> to work, Max to his car, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Adam</span> and I to shopping then home. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">original</span> plan was to get some clothes that fit while I was in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Melbourne</span> but that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">failed</span> as I am the worlds worst <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">clothes</span> shopper, I get frustrated, thus we began to drive home. We are currently entering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Yass</span> and will be spending the night in Canberra with my parents who are very excited to see me, then we will head back to Sydney tomorrow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6hWaZlL3R7ZEHEqDQ_q9wVwj6wNvJAHc_HDawOgyQoVz8ZElK2SK9XUBo2qvbuscwHGAsVPa-mdQuR1Pd4ciFoQ3LDfRa3qvuZCC896OgBSqk1cOp2z0QsWexW7nQUM3rKEPZgHSYqs/s1600-h/adam+day+13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6hWaZlL3R7ZEHEqDQ_q9wVwj6wNvJAHc_HDawOgyQoVz8ZElK2SK9XUBo2qvbuscwHGAsVPa-mdQuR1Pd4ciFoQ3LDfRa3qvuZCC896OgBSqk1cOp2z0QsWexW7nQUM3rKEPZgHSYqs/s400/adam+day+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307050038109689090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Adam eating lunch in a classy Melbourne Cafe (Anyone would think he didn't like my camp cooking...)</span></span><br /></div><br />I would like to thank all of you for keeping up-to-date and reading my stories as this cycle has meant a lot to me and I have most certainly been touched by all of you along the way. Please don't be a stranger, email me, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">let</span> me know how things are and your ideas as to how we can make next years ride even better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M-FrP9z1hKbYrXwvLLRJq5rzPf-vQ7DnKToW5KUP7kcyOTx9gFWESSq_V3fP8chE15sQ9Vzi1DLlTa5Zu6FGi-VwxqMYCu23WbUsKMTO4inC7bwLhbuWHOIY5JcNiQrjaSP9lPE7vmM/s1600-h/toilets+day+13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M-FrP9z1hKbYrXwvLLRJq5rzPf-vQ7DnKToW5KUP7kcyOTx9gFWESSq_V3fP8chE15sQ9Vzi1DLlTa5Zu6FGi-VwxqMYCu23WbUsKMTO4inC7bwLhbuWHOIY5JcNiQrjaSP9lPE7vmM/s400/toilets+day+13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307050490955723458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Toilets on the way home, you have to ask do they mean under the age of 18??? and why?</span><br /></span></div><br />Look forward to hearing from you and seeing you all again next year (If not before).<br /><br />Love<br /><br />SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-76867306360666183452009-02-25T01:13:00.000-08:002009-02-25T02:05:18.384-08:00Day 10 - The budget GPS will get us there...Firstly I would like to let everyone know that I discovered this morning the "creature" previously thought to be a marsupial mouse was in fact a big rat... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YUKO</span>. Secondly you will all be please to know I got rid of him this morning so we now have a nice clean car and my iron pills can be reassured that only I will be consuming them.<br /><br />Today was a long day, but lucky for me it didn't end up hot as we had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">originally</span> thought. Our first stop was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Warragul</span> where we were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">met</span> by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Warragul</span> Parkinson's Support group who kindly pried themselves from bed on such a drizzly morning. Even after getting lost on the way to the meeting place I still managed to find time to eat an egg sandwich, some nuts and drink tea while talking with the group.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJcgtPbxKclyeC9gX_D4MRuqMDJX8OdPEXYtnSmHMt52KVKJBKz3e0MVdhPQYpQ7YQqZmUCUI4JnXjUWp74OcbIFtqkPDZEm-RzQQx3KoKfVJ1gWP6UDdyEJhXcM2bbA8q2BTe7z8tnk/s1600-h/Warragul+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJcgtPbxKclyeC9gX_D4MRuqMDJX8OdPEXYtnSmHMt52KVKJBKz3e0MVdhPQYpQ7YQqZmUCUI4JnXjUWp74OcbIFtqkPDZEm-RzQQx3KoKfVJ1gWP6UDdyEJhXcM2bbA8q2BTe7z8tnk/s400/Warragul+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306670613362717410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" >Warragul</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Support group, a lot more awake then I was </span></span> </div><br />The next stop was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bunyip</span> North, it was a fairly quiet rest stop here and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Adam</span> and I decided we'd cook toast. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Well</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">originally</span> decided then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Adam</span> stole some while I wasn't looking, then thought he should cook his own as gluten free bread doesn't really do it for him. It was here I also discovered a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">favorite</span> toast topping, peanut butter and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">sultanas</span> (best energy kick ever!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6qmp1nTZjg6syamRPiFpmjc0L-LqKUWgyon0VzG1ix__GEVj_Hbn_oSUNpAdf7fu94NLWs1Kk1G4iXcmJzr174x_bm5t3IXfv17m5-eBEeO1Z4xrLXyjf507cyJOoyHd-bEb-_Q_as0/s1600-h/power+food+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6qmp1nTZjg6syamRPiFpmjc0L-LqKUWgyon0VzG1ix__GEVj_Hbn_oSUNpAdf7fu94NLWs1Kk1G4iXcmJzr174x_bm5t3IXfv17m5-eBEeO1Z4xrLXyjf507cyJOoyHd-bEb-_Q_as0/s400/power+food+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306671016726719314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Yes I understand you may think it looks gross but it is really quite nice, just try it.</span></span><br /></div><br />On the way to the third rest as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Berwick</span> show ground I was making fantastic time, then I passed an elderly couple having some car trouble and gave them a hand sorting things out. I would have still been ahead if it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wasn't</span> for the strange sign <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">posting</span> and weird way of getting off the Princes Freeway onto the C101. Not only did I get totally lost and confused (which would happen if you told me to follow a straight line) Adam also got thrown off track. Good news is I have discovered a fool proof budget GPS, permanent marker on legs. There are still a few bugs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">I'm</span> ironing out but it's better then nothing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKPcQhOA2qzj9Hf2j-FsN08aJbR4Clvvhyl7a4dkxyVyP6o7zlmbNHgQiP0Usp_Btoso3nQnWkj_EvQdfYGWQl1T0Jg9ENIzJ_vnGutsKwr6Z_OGYKnOadw0IHHepvSWIddg_aqlwQV0/s1600-h/GPS+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKPcQhOA2qzj9Hf2j-FsN08aJbR4Clvvhyl7a4dkxyVyP6o7zlmbNHgQiP0Usp_Btoso3nQnWkj_EvQdfYGWQl1T0Jg9ENIzJ_vnGutsKwr6Z_OGYKnOadw0IHHepvSWIddg_aqlwQV0/s400/GPS+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306671437713644834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Worlds cheapest and easiest to work GPS</span></span><br /></div><br />When we finally made it to the show ground we were provided with a warm welcome by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cranbourne</span> Parkinson's Support Group and their most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">magnificent</span> sign. Here we stood around and chatted for a bit over a very much needed coffee. One of the members of this group Anne has started Paint for Parkinson's within Victoria which provides an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">opportunity</span> for sufferers of Parkinson's to express themselves and socialise through art. If you would like further information as to weather there is a group near you or how you can start your own group drop me a line and I will put you in touch with Anne.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkOQ4a8LczlisK02xhk74coDpSuSCr5BuTgOt2CUnlTKFqxlaydj2Sd2BZjo4t4vvgck4Ii4qHqLk1DZxFB51eBmZAebmNiFckIpig_3u-haSjJNWT0IyIQeI5kDG5awVA9W2MOluTD0/s1600-h/cranbourne+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkOQ4a8LczlisK02xhk74coDpSuSCr5BuTgOt2CUnlTKFqxlaydj2Sd2BZjo4t4vvgck4Ii4qHqLk1DZxFB51eBmZAebmNiFckIpig_3u-haSjJNWT0IyIQeI5kDG5awVA9W2MOluTD0/s400/cranbourne+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306671846082704786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" >Cranbourne</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Support Group and there fantastic sign.</span><br /></span></div><br />The final stop for the day was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Frankston</span> and bot was this leg painful. Between having to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">navigate</span> through roads, avoid very rude truck drivers who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">knock</span> you off and keep my legs moving I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">surprised</span> I made it. But I did, which means only one more leg to go :o)<br /><br />For dinner tonight Adam and I decided we'd go out as we really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">didn't</span> want to shop and cook tonight. To our great amazement we found an all you could eat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">restaurant</span> which served <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">mussels</span> and prawns as well as a decent salad selection all for $16.90 each. So while <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Adam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">stocke</span>d up on everything and three deserts I raided the seafood and salad bar and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">definitely</span> ate more then three times the value we paid (I don't think they expect cyclists who've ridden from Sydney much).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a9mKREuML3J9ZQgHFbAcmBBR1FJH5zcg5APMP2CZVLfFRoIBlPsM4XDTozuuGuwx_LYfvqj9dL6KpsZsXBTnAHKBlL0FKbyk0Ij43kFmsTBEpD9GMo48SXkUhK0XZ-iuGAoYNGZz3-o/s1600-h/dinner1+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a9mKREuML3J9ZQgHFbAcmBBR1FJH5zcg5APMP2CZVLfFRoIBlPsM4XDTozuuGuwx_LYfvqj9dL6KpsZsXBTnAHKBlL0FKbyk0Ij43kFmsTBEpD9GMo48SXkUhK0XZ-iuGAoYNGZz3-o/s400/dinner1+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306672321279456402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Look at my yummy seafood, plate 1 of god knows how many</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfh1jhJRwGmz8mcaNHI5fknZo0j1yI00y6p84RtuixXmfAys_URYqrBUVZreY2V0M7Xqgw6FliSs0f-HHcm72tb7FFy0Sdnbr9CKFt3mosoeYay7O-vsy60irhxob4iaRH7F2qpOyTGY/s1600-h/dinner2+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfh1jhJRwGmz8mcaNHI5fknZo0j1yI00y6p84RtuixXmfAys_URYqrBUVZreY2V0M7Xqgw6FliSs0f-HHcm72tb7FFy0Sdnbr9CKFt3mosoeYay7O-vsy60irhxob4iaRH7F2qpOyTGY/s400/dinner2+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306672720232790962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Now this may have been a world first for Sizzler style dinning... a whole plate of salad??? YUM! </span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hjjtEEshhQUTvSawCHLG3ztQPiET72K2w_tR4_yN1uFx-z4Dminia9grRFq6h8QvoIM5pwPZk4HwTalCqTfcbIMrcdes9VNJZ_TjMMFtrFRSaZq0Q29iitr9wY-ZcGGqYbEQvtJrbKE/s1600-h/dinner3+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hjjtEEshhQUTvSawCHLG3ztQPiET72K2w_tR4_yN1uFx-z4Dminia9grRFq6h8QvoIM5pwPZk4HwTalCqTfcbIMrcdes9VNJZ_TjMMFtrFRSaZq0Q29iitr9wY-ZcGGqYbEQvtJrbKE/s400/dinner3+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306673288689148546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Adam became traumatised after the 3rd bowl of dessert, I just went back for more seafood.</span> </span></div><br />On a totally random note the bellow picture of a tap had to be added in as the most random thing we have seen as it is not just attached but it is apart of the show ground fence.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">ummmm</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFeu8B1qzUphBhKwPm-qeLG1lHHoFacY1uA4Xcr6NwarsBqbVKGPzuY5GIaIU9LjOAhDAjdNwBya4HRW9olZ_ml2TqxJM8r65P6gT22luzcIfSblFHHXktAP_94QSbmJmbIEXW7omjEg/s1600-h/tap+Day+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFeu8B1qzUphBhKwPm-qeLG1lHHoFacY1uA4Xcr6NwarsBqbVKGPzuY5GIaIU9LjOAhDAjdNwBya4HRW9olZ_ml2TqxJM8r65P6gT22luzcIfSblFHHXktAP_94QSbmJmbIEXW7omjEg/s400/tap+Day+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306673674288588162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Yes that is a tap-fence you see, it works too! </span><br /></span></div><br /><br />Hope you are all as excited about tomorrow as I am.<br /><br />Sleep well.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-34570148098852426902009-02-23T22:45:00.000-08:002009-02-23T22:54:36.734-08:00Day 11 - Hide and seek in the car<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjDnpFnTd2jJsKQkswkof6RLrj3pc2wIx2zEf_oGVfIWMJQMpKC2FngCyJYIdNX4do2ifKEOCwBf-fgyiK6PT_7U26IPli-lIsOZxzNKHn7AlmeElowPKQmhZ5U_UurSfa-NcX8unte0/s1600-h/shoe+day+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjDnpFnTd2jJsKQkswkof6RLrj3pc2wIx2zEf_oGVfIWMJQMpKC2FngCyJYIdNX4do2ifKEOCwBf-fgyiK6PT_7U26IPli-lIsOZxzNKHn7AlmeElowPKQmhZ5U_UurSfa-NcX8unte0/s400/shoe+day+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306252292130626674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The fantastic tape job holding together my shoe</span><br /><br />I would like to start by simply saying the mouse remains in our car. That's right despite our ingenious plans, traps and various methods it still remains. As the mouse had previously eaten my entire collection of iron pills I felt I best be careful as to where I put my replacement pack, and nothing is more safe in any car than a glove box. This morning I was proved wrong, just as I was about to leave I remembered I had to take my iron and opened the glove box to find again that the lid had been totally consumed along with my tablets. I don't want to know how the mouse got in there and I really dont want to know where else in the dash/car internals it is going and what it is eating along the way, I just want it out!!! So far the following things are on the list of what I have learned the Australian marsupial mouse likes to eat:<br /><br /><ul><li>Iron Tablets</li><li>Orange GU Electrolyte powder (GU20), he doesn't like lime at all</li><li>Potato</li><li>Drink bottle tops (the rubber pop top bit)</li><li>Pain killer gel<br /></li><li>Road Cycling shoes (particularly smelly ones)</li><li>Used coffee grounds</li><li>Egg shells</li></ul><br />I really can't wait to totally unpack the car to find out what else he has indulged in.<br /><br />Today was again a bit of a late start as Adam and I wanted to be on top of the fire situation before I began cycling. Lucky for us we appear to dodge all fire activity at this time but we are keeping an eye out, particularly as the winds and temperatures increase.<br /><br />The first stop was at Rosedale where Adam kindly cooked me an egg and made me a coffee before I rushed off to try and catch up with time. The next stop was Traralgon where I was greeted by a pleasant surprise of a group from the Moe Parkinson's Support group. Lucky I had caught a bit of time and was able to have a chat with the group while I fed myself a very needed dose of protein and carbs before heading off to tackle the last leg.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViLaeOTWW8PUp6Q7jKSWP0Fx1RvocgH537wgeRH8rMHtdSOZNhzdyprveU562ejbkNprA7rLNOkwxVby144F6iaEzkJ6r1KQdG9s1dPtTy7A0vWg6whhPplXuXIYElCUVFObgY3jYpM0/s1600-h/moe+day+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViLaeOTWW8PUp6Q7jKSWP0Fx1RvocgH537wgeRH8rMHtdSOZNhzdyprveU562ejbkNprA7rLNOkwxVby144F6iaEzkJ6r1KQdG9s1dPtTy7A0vWg6whhPplXuXIYElCUVFObgY3jYpM0/s400/moe+day+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306252620775899298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >First part of the Moe support group who met us in Traralgon</span><br /></div><br />On arriving in Moe we encountered some drama as the name and location google maps had given us for the Oval we said we would meet the support groups at was wrong. So after cycling around town to try and find Moe Oval and the support crew who we had been informed would be waiting my legs finally gave in and we headed to tonight's caravan park while I tracked down a contact number for the support group to apologise. On arrival to the caravan park we were greeted by the support group who as it happened thought that was were we were going to meet all along. So it all got sorted and I finally got to meet the rest of the Moe support group.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_CieYMbl4a6NEK9WpcYGxS4Zma94wMY5dqv2FF7STKnfZYCchoX86nRgmcOoFjp8h7H3wZpewdzfVF3wHqVuKluCRMfbZ5ance9ccs-1w0KqdnkhM3QtwxPSynEo2IicAJeFBbIw7_A/s1600-h/moe2+day+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_CieYMbl4a6NEK9WpcYGxS4Zma94wMY5dqv2FF7STKnfZYCchoX86nRgmcOoFjp8h7H3wZpewdzfVF3wHqVuKluCRMfbZ5ance9ccs-1w0KqdnkhM3QtwxPSynEo2IicAJeFBbIw7_A/s400/moe2+day+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306252964153546578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The rest of the Moe support group who came to greet us at Moe.<br /></span></div><br />So far this afternoon Adam and I have been exploring the town to find essentials like more iron tablets, another plastic tub to store all the stuff we thought wouldn't get eaten but still did and dinner for tonight. We have also unpacked and repacked the car in a hope of again getting rid of the mouse. Oh and Adam dis some work.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV7ncwuk7oZCtJJtvSVokZambWnPnlSHpScJEf7N_iYFHyBenI_oQ722nBoY5dC-G0TiPkDCXGMUWBBdcB1VGu5UMWfmzFd3S6_Sq7_qsXhEd1izLjQMiNofkKdywk2c0V4RSKF7fY9E/s1600-h/Adam+doing+work+day+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV7ncwuk7oZCtJJtvSVokZambWnPnlSHpScJEf7N_iYFHyBenI_oQ722nBoY5dC-G0TiPkDCXGMUWBBdcB1VGu5UMWfmzFd3S6_Sq7_qsXhEd1izLjQMiNofkKdywk2c0V4RSKF7fY9E/s400/Adam+doing+work+day+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306253309511667634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Adam busted doing work, no rest for this boy.</span><br /></span></div><br />All in all I know today was meant to be an easy day and it would have been a very pleasant ride, if it wasn't for the head on winds the entire way. I honestly do not think my legs have ever hurt that much ever, to the point I had tears in the last 5 km. I really do hope tomorrow the wind is either behind me or just not there as I have my last big day and I am tired as anything now.<br /><br />Hope you are all well, only two more days to go.<br /><br />Eat lots of yummy food.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-32378514109961647752009-02-22T22:29:00.000-08:002009-02-22T22:36:08.333-08:00Day 10 - The flat, sun and fire trucksToday started with a massive reminder as to just how lucky i am. I awoke to not only find the car packed ready to go but also my clothes for that day laid out ready for me to put on. As you would imagine I was totally wiped out the night before and had dosed off after dinner, meanwhile Adam had stayed up to the wee hours packing and organising.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY8Xck3Qpr9Eh22HbpW_zkRp2y29yIIVqxHAtV8B8pQJ1iqkCP6htPCNrG43qW2_pZs1xQA80MHqIbHlJlcNhNevWk8PQnYRhjhbfO267v8oj4a9snDwS-r4mhuxnvXS1CFczJJohpzc/s1600-h/start+Day+10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY8Xck3Qpr9Eh22HbpW_zkRp2y29yIIVqxHAtV8B8pQJ1iqkCP6htPCNrG43qW2_pZs1xQA80MHqIbHlJlcNhNevWk8PQnYRhjhbfO267v8oj4a9snDwS-r4mhuxnvXS1CFczJJohpzc/s400/start+Day+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305876746223880930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Adam definitely had a good eye for shots, this was taken at Apex Park. </span><br /></div><br />Once we were both up and ready we headed out to Apex Park and got the bike ready to go. Here we had to wait to recieve a call from ABC Gipsland who wanted to conduct an interview. Once the call was done it was back on my bike and pedal, pedal, pedal, no matter how much my legs told me it was a bad idea. Now I have dreaded leaving Lakes Entrance the entire trip because a few months ago I drove down the hill I'd have to cycle up. I must say I had no troubles up the hill this morning and was very chuffed at the fact that I screamed up it without raising so much as a sweat. The rest of the day was exceptionally flat, with gradual ups and even more gradual downs. I found myself just continuously spinning and my bum could feel every turn. As it turned out, even with the late start I still arrived early to the rests and I really did appreciate that extra 5-10min rest.<br /><br />Today heated up quite fast and being a dry heat this was not the best section of road to be on. I was however very good and forced myself to drink double what I would normally. An interesting game I've leanned to play on the road to pass the time and distract from the pain is called count the fire vehicles speeding in my direction... Today's tally was 7 and they were all on the last 10km of the ride. So far fire safety seems fine but we are staying alert.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuitskCNEqkL-NB8pb6lUiSD2l3rIFLB9cAHOHdKGKnG3XvvB9UCahYpw-gTAFJbMzVK0m4gn1ce1NN7WAYLurMmhxxv4SHYqiqWGrg_9xoABkJ6UhUiE8e24XaNDfS_q3OMkea4Hl7Y/s1600-h/Pedal+boat+Day+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuitskCNEqkL-NB8pb6lUiSD2l3rIFLB9cAHOHdKGKnG3XvvB9UCahYpw-gTAFJbMzVK0m4gn1ce1NN7WAYLurMmhxxv4SHYqiqWGrg_9xoABkJ6UhUiE8e24XaNDfS_q3OMkea4Hl7Y/s400/Pedal+boat+Day+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305877218738186962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I finally found my pedal boat, not so sure I'll need it any more given this heat</span></span><br /></div><br />Once we got to Sale we were greeted by the Sale / Maffra Parkinson's Support group at the Sale Showground. Given the heat we all took shelter and a seat under the shade and chatted for the better part of an hour, which was so very nice especially after riding alone. It meant a lot that this support group went to such lengths to get out to say hello and I thank them. I would also like to thank Rob, the grounds keeper at Sale Showground, who provided us with a lot of support.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSe41Lnw_9hshO-ZAQMJZ9P9WAM8tKawsN0eEpdeuV0vcXSgQKV9lmZc77e8g_UPjK4DN_vSAVvbFtS5lTZvMPwAYYFvmQAPH9Znj9w-GE0r6VhQxkY6wKeTkoq8jyn_XzY1-h0ylTQI/s1600-h/sale+maffra+support+day+10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSe41Lnw_9hshO-ZAQMJZ9P9WAM8tKawsN0eEpdeuV0vcXSgQKV9lmZc77e8g_UPjK4DN_vSAVvbFtS5lTZvMPwAYYFvmQAPH9Znj9w-GE0r6VhQxkY6wKeTkoq8jyn_XzY1-h0ylTQI/s400/sale+maffra+support+day+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305877583142814370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sale / Maffra Parkinson's Support group and I shading under a tree.</span></span><br /></div><br />The afternoon was spent setting up camp and heading into town to collect supplies. One of the required supplies was Araldite as at the first rest stop the sole of my cycling shoes sheared off and has since been held on by duct tape (not the most sturdy). Tonight Adam and I plan to go the the Greyhound's Club and play some Bingo if we can (I've never played Bingo before).<br /><br />Tomorrow is a fairly short day into Moe which my legs are grateful for.<br /><br />Rest easy.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-35710418179116443052009-02-22T22:22:00.001-08:002009-02-22T22:28:57.856-08:00Day 9 - A day of rest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV9n_Nujk50lYMaugVHseozY3Wt7l0ztBfa7XkqMxuPGAiRhCNRdPKWYCMYXI-uZVVL1_2tWKhoEU-7n8sTvkZQyMGTKcDU2GJntVOF4SiaLrw143XM9xJTlGPAcXipRzgWvQm0DtJ1g/s1600-h/Dinner+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV9n_Nujk50lYMaugVHseozY3Wt7l0ztBfa7XkqMxuPGAiRhCNRdPKWYCMYXI-uZVVL1_2tWKhoEU-7n8sTvkZQyMGTKcDU2GJntVOF4SiaLrw143XM9xJTlGPAcXipRzgWvQm0DtJ1g/s400/Dinner+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305875007812670418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dinner the night before, I only had 1/2 a glass I swear!</span><br /></span><br />After a light day cycling into Lakes Entrance yesterday we were fortunate enough to have our rest day. Although dinner wasn't massively wild, it was actually quite pleasant, we felt we would all sleep in until the grand hour of 7AM. Once we dragged ourselves out of bed we made a scrumptious cooked breakfast, washed and then headed out to our first destination for the day, Caves.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vY_JydoKFToOyj2f4Qpm-YhBVpvl7n-fHZbK7n-ydFw7lW2GyiVJq8kPk6qPMv7tp30zl5pN6u0JK6tl_YHUiDxWkNf3VoLvkpp6aGJ9XkVZyylg1Nt4NOvRuG8MNxxq5exb2zXpd7s/s1600-h/Caves+Day+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vY_JydoKFToOyj2f4Qpm-YhBVpvl7n-fHZbK7n-ydFw7lW2GyiVJq8kPk6qPMv7tp30zl5pN6u0JK6tl_YHUiDxWkNf3VoLvkpp6aGJ9XkVZyylg1Nt4NOvRuG8MNxxq5exb2zXpd7s/s400/Caves+Day+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305875354139964466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Exploring the caves</span></span><br /></div><br />Adam had never been in a cave before and what better time to reward him for all of his help then the rest day. We were very fortunate as our tour group ended up just being the three of us, I presume everyone else was still in bed. After seeing the caves we went for a nice stroll up to the spring and then into town for a coffee. Lunch was a picnic back in Lakes Entrance which we indulged in by the water as we watched the sardines be brought in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobkgbwuDajzhlIjn62_NCr7dLD0H9llpmfiJ2mm2mL0ZIW4P7HW2_Eid0T4ct149MCGNKFLveaTuABJ4QSOCPRVjNrGRX-aExwN2MAPnyGVLLmgdCqNp4BYVRDoFRkoEDa5oeS82oY3s/s1600-h/Sardines+Day+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobkgbwuDajzhlIjn62_NCr7dLD0H9llpmfiJ2mm2mL0ZIW4P7HW2_Eid0T4ct149MCGNKFLveaTuABJ4QSOCPRVjNrGRX-aExwN2MAPnyGVLLmgdCqNp4BYVRDoFRkoEDa5oeS82oY3s/s400/Sardines+Day+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305875648580361202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">There were so many sardines on this boat! It was unbelievable! </span><br /></span></div><br />The rest of the day was really very lazy as we were both extremely tired, we went for a stroll, fair welled mum and got ready to go early the next day. We also checked how our mouse removal plan had gone. The night before we cunningly set up a drop trap with some peanut butter to lure the mouse out of the car. It did appear to work but we wanted to be sure he hadn't crawled back in.<br /><br />Tomorrow is just over 100km and my legs are starting to feel it. Not long now.<br /><br />Put your feet up.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-89376756753434614112009-02-20T22:55:00.000-08:002009-02-20T23:05:31.358-08:00Day 8 - The importance of the morning coffeeI guess it is my own fault for not being bothered last night to fill the furnace with hot water but today I discovered first hand the shear importance of my morning coffee when putting myself through the early mornings, late nights and long cycles. Today was only a short day consisting of only two legs however the first of these I almost did fall asleep at the handle bars. It wasn't until I got to the first stop and sucked back a coffee that I realised why. I guess the combination of everything just got the better of me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGamB7P0zcedEBg3v41Y_6axTJ7ZKgOZ_Xxg5zWL2HEAaJ5c0pZJ_JzqvpenzaPEYr4uuxJcnYwdHEdAq8M2WTByH6QyP9nVkHf-zTu6oxPUymCJsEya1_TJWH1Sn0-GfVZU6LTl5YLk/s1600-h/Coffee+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGamB7P0zcedEBg3v41Y_6axTJ7ZKgOZ_Xxg5zWL2HEAaJ5c0pZJ_JzqvpenzaPEYr4uuxJcnYwdHEdAq8M2WTByH6QyP9nVkHf-zTu6oxPUymCJsEya1_TJWH1Sn0-GfVZU6LTl5YLk/s400/Coffee+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305141748215445394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">mmmmm coffee.... It's amazing how easy it was to cycle after that</span><br /></span></div><br />The reason we didn't get a chance to pre-boil water last night is however rather amusing. A few days ago we left the boot open while hanging around camp, only to find the next morning that an empty UHT milk carton left out had been eaten by something. We presumed that this happened the night before and moved on as we had been very careful to ensure all food is in either the esky or plastic cartons, we did however decide to not leave the boot open for extended periods of time from that point on. The next evening we were in Alfred National Park and had no access to bins, as a result in order to avoid animals rummaging while we sleep we locked the rubbish bag up in the car. The next morning we awoke to fine a hole eaten through the bag and egg shells scatted throughout the boot. At this point both Adam and I were sure the other had left the boot open too long at one stage but simply moved on. Last night however after a few games of ping pong we headed back to camp to make dinner, Adam opened the boot only to see something run before his eyes and rest in a corner, tail hanging out...<br /><br />We have a stowaway!!! We tried for so long to scare and lure him out with no luck what so ever and today we have unpacked the entire cars contents and checked all bags with still no luck. We know he is still in there and are leaving the car open in the drive in hopes that he runs out. What else can we do?<br /><br />Anyway more about where we are. Tonight we are staying in Lakes Entrance, not only that my mother decided to take the time to come to greet me so instead of spending the next two nights in a tent as planned we have the most luxurious apartment you have ever seen. On arrival to the apartment I indulged in my replenished stocks of gluten free bread which mum transported from Canberra and then had the longest, hottest, most amazing shower ever imaginable. We then put everything in the wash (with double powder), meaning I now have clean undies :o) and headed to the shops to get lunch stuff.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4q1e505RamHlXctONUPflR4A1d3Qv4DgOZqPTED3ex6_WMGFfovq1tzLS4kEAIh4C_4QcnhRj-Kp9fTK-rfPq5sTQSdIpZPBLoyyFaM46n9l_4q665yPsO9T96hjrPZUpwlmr2iMkXk/s1600-h/Feast+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4q1e505RamHlXctONUPflR4A1d3Qv4DgOZqPTED3ex6_WMGFfovq1tzLS4kEAIh4C_4QcnhRj-Kp9fTK-rfPq5sTQSdIpZPBLoyyFaM46n9l_4q665yPsO9T96hjrPZUpwlmr2iMkXk/s400/Feast+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305142015162500514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What a lunch, we felt like kings!</span></span><br /></div><br />Lunch was pure bliss and can not be compared on the same level as our meals in a tin, we had fresh prawns and oysters with salad and bread. It was the most amazing feast! Tonight we will be hitting the town for a deluxe seafood platter at one of the local restaurants (best rest day ever!!!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsxk-MCzfmRdFVGjCqZ8EP0kDBsetEOc11eYql66evUwyEPrZbFpCMELu2BkW9ADJD5OfW-O1DMVQFTVS8dpVg_7JckM0iVgKj-2sAsbjni_yTkGWB5u97WvHPOynyZZM2qfn4EsnK9w/s1600-h/Pirate+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsxk-MCzfmRdFVGjCqZ8EP0kDBsetEOc11eYql66evUwyEPrZbFpCMELu2BkW9ADJD5OfW-O1DMVQFTVS8dpVg_7JckM0iVgKj-2sAsbjni_yTkGWB5u97WvHPOynyZZM2qfn4EsnK9w/s400/Pirate+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305142350556904434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Arrrgh I just cant decide between the Putt Putt courses</span> </span></div><br />After lunch mum had to catch up on some work so Adam and I headed out to play some serious mini golf. Now I have a little confession to make, I am actually not sure I have ever played mini golf before. I have played pitch and putt but never your classic windmill obstacle putt putt. As lunch would have it there are two courses in Lakes Entrance, right next door to each other. Given the affordable price of $6 per 18 holes as well as our inability to decide on a pirate theme or classic putt putt we decided to do both. Now I have learned from this that I am not the safest person to be around while playing this game as well as the fact that I would be the best at this game if only they doubled the Par... In conclusion if you ever intend on playing putt putt with me bring a helmet and patience.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_dHGlaLaU8u8dVWg38TfPCd_xX4HUPa7WclPRykp_2cApcoWFwy3KKg5q2d3wFvB2xdZvWA84mGDgrQGViK1hK8CrX-NpuJRCab9xRTmVweh5D_QMocNwUDpJFjsvwPKbNcHGHod4p4/s1600-h/Putt+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_dHGlaLaU8u8dVWg38TfPCd_xX4HUPa7WclPRykp_2cApcoWFwy3KKg5q2d3wFvB2xdZvWA84mGDgrQGViK1hK8CrX-NpuJRCab9xRTmVweh5D_QMocNwUDpJFjsvwPKbNcHGHod4p4/s400/Putt+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305142695652758082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Everybody duck!!!!!</span> </span></div><br />Currently we are all still digesting lunch and will be heading out for dinner in a few hours. Adam was about to go do something but it appears I have worn him out with all the early mornings and phhhhoww all that driving he's doing, he must be dead :oP<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuZSbyOjJlkveGGP5N-wrwULfOsrG7GJC196AcbCYLHcfVqmUXYkUb32f0Y-049tIrN4cHqdyR1e6zZC8ENM6ans9BXTsvltKQX1g7bQXMFKHimRvlVrsHx27qQ5MY7aNd8x2i1cC0Co/s1600-h/Adam+Day+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuZSbyOjJlkveGGP5N-wrwULfOsrG7GJC196AcbCYLHcfVqmUXYkUb32f0Y-049tIrN4cHqdyR1e6zZC8ENM6ans9BXTsvltKQX1g7bQXMFKHimRvlVrsHx27qQ5MY7aNd8x2i1cC0Co/s400/Adam+Day+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305142961581358738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sleeping beauty, I can tell you now he isn't waking for anything</span><br /></span></div><br />I hope you all get a dinner as yummy as mine will be.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-31860223641980180842009-02-19T23:53:00.000-08:002009-02-20T00:01:45.904-08:00Day 7 - Ahhh Victoria the land of decent shoulders and confronting road signsToday began for me with the soothing sound of log trucks screaming through Alfred National Park at 4AM in the morning, all I can say is that my alarm seems like a pin drop in comparison. Like every other day I some how managed to detach myself from the sleeping bag, awake Adam (I'm needing less and less effort each time), pack up camp and scoff some muesli. I decided given the frequency of log trucks passing at high speeds I would hold off starting until it was light.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4yBsb0GFn7Thu7d_uNKg2oiXVRdgWdKyWyRP7f4X7k0QmfzpDjIKSvVrXNyoMKQw_A1RjFVriNmD8iVEI8hipdZEXlwOT_IjS7pCIabbSuwoOz22kWKkhoga5XnRBdEx81XZWrut8NY/s1600-h/Log+Truck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4yBsb0GFn7Thu7d_uNKg2oiXVRdgWdKyWyRP7f4X7k0QmfzpDjIKSvVrXNyoMKQw_A1RjFVriNmD8iVEI8hipdZEXlwOT_IjS7pCIabbSuwoOz22kWKkhoga5XnRBdEx81XZWrut8NY/s400/Log+Truck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304785821059377890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Log trucks are not fun to confront on a bike :o(</span><br /></span></div><br />The first leg of the day was to Cann River, a nice easy run of 23km. The first half was pretty bad, consisting of windey hills and narrow roads throughout the national park, but Adam kindly tailed me through this rough patch (He saw how the log trucks drove through there too). Once at Cann River I demolished some toast and tea and moved onto the next leg, which at a short 19km winded up in National Park again. The following leg was a different story...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOy8kplAbBYOKuSh1gS95fqa1sIPiymTymdHUrQIKf5T5fkQ50Qt3GXQ5jy3tMsW4TDMULLvP5SIoJ3JOYVAHa1Tk5bBJ1Dd_BECNUHcraYrQoyEjnZqoAzZTl-TnfWfX2GTDtaO3sAA/s1600-h/Rest+1+Day+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOy8kplAbBYOKuSh1gS95fqa1sIPiymTymdHUrQIKf5T5fkQ50Qt3GXQ5jy3tMsW4TDMULLvP5SIoJ3JOYVAHa1Tk5bBJ1Dd_BECNUHcraYrQoyEjnZqoAzZTl-TnfWfX2GTDtaO3sAA/s400/Rest+1+Day+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304786071277438626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cann River Pub</span><br /></span></div><br />Due to a lack of rest stops the third leg had been set at 35km, distance wise this would not be bad at all however the hills were horrible!!! Once I had finally made it 20km into the leg I received a message from Adam saying the following:<br /><br /><blockquote>Hey it is a bit further than google said. It is about 38-39 km. The area is signposted well. See you soon XXX</blockquote><br /><br />At that stage I had over come many hills, ducked into the bushed, had a drink and was feeling fantastic. Phhht whats another 3km I thought, and went on my way. It would have been about the time I was meant to arrive at the originally planned distance where I decided I was really quite pooped tackling all the hills (yes I had more) only to look up to see a sign saying "Rest Stop 5km". Firstly I would like to say from the point of view of a cyclist that's just mean as 5km in a 35-40km hilly leg is a long way. Secondly I would like to say that I did not appreciate the sign directly behind it saying "Mt Something State Forest" (Clearly I only paid attention to the Mt bit of that sign. As sure as my luck would have it the next 4.5km were up, and up and up some more and boy had I well and truly had enough. However I made it!!! To be greeted by darling Adam standing by ready to make me a Tuna Sandwich with the last piece of my Gluten Free Bread.<br /><br />The last leg in to Orbost was easy and filled with paddocks and rolly-poly hills which seemed like mosquito bites in comparison to the earlier leg, I would however have hated to do that leg on a hot day as it was very exposed. Once I arrived at the intended camp site I was informed that we couldn't camp there anymore so instead we drove into town and booked into the Orbost caravan park. This was a fantastic decision as it meant I could finally wash, 4 days of cycling and camping with no shower was getting a bit much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCVlWwAb9oBPwT3p3y1-2mimpdLPXeDLrxo8ySKXOHtHOTacKmlT4aQLfYWZNPrpjK_41pk06-kYCGnyf1tvZOxCaBvV-KIV1Ehx_K2qC-I8Z91fs5krjIy1HQp_5Fq11TMg-22urovk/s1600-h/End+Day+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCVlWwAb9oBPwT3p3y1-2mimpdLPXeDLrxo8ySKXOHtHOTacKmlT4aQLfYWZNPrpjK_41pk06-kYCGnyf1tvZOxCaBvV-KIV1Ehx_K2qC-I8Z91fs5krjIy1HQp_5Fq11TMg-22urovk/s400/End+Day+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304786362858884258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Munchies while playing cards, organic cheese flavored corn chips... ummmmo </span><br /></span></div><br />So far the evenings activities have consisted of the already mentioned showers, playing cards and table tennis as well as a very unsuccessful hunt for gluten free bread as I have none left :( ....<br /><br />Before I end I just wanted to share some observation of the day. The first is one I have recently discovered and really should have worked out sooner and that is the "Over Taking Lane" signs. In a car you always get so excited about these signs as it means you can get in front of that darn truck which has been slowing you down, well today I learned that cyclists should dread these as they indicate an uphill which is long enough and steep enough for the potential energy of a logging truck which comes screaming down the down hill before not to be enough to get up the other side, translation is it means work, lots of it. Second observation is those cute Vic Roads signs warding people off unsafe driving habits such as not resting, these read slogans like:<br /><blockquote><br />Sleepy? Power nap now!</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>A micro sleep can kill in seconds</blockquote><br /><br />and my favorite...<br /><br /><blockquote>Drowsy Drivers Die</blockquote><br /><br />I hope you are all well.<br /><br />Stay on the flat.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-7388092809578688872009-02-19T23:42:00.000-08:002009-02-19T23:53:25.704-08:00Day 6 - The point of no return<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSMq2spv0cKgJaZblOkZl_MPnoYTuyDCvW3O859Hu0Enmsyz3PFZ5voUMx4edImboUPTnwSj-TW30gG-Ggw_csX03pbf_1lFXKBXeDbwuyAl1sOUn46UTXwHzKu2QZhb2LFUxvjz2Gec/s1600-h/Half+way+Day+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSMq2spv0cKgJaZblOkZl_MPnoYTuyDCvW3O859Hu0Enmsyz3PFZ5voUMx4edImboUPTnwSj-TW30gG-Ggw_csX03pbf_1lFXKBXeDbwuyAl1sOUn46UTXwHzKu2QZhb2LFUxvjz2Gec/s400/Half+way+Day+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304783649618724434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Half way point (Adam kindly measured and waited there to inform me)</span></span><br /></div><br />I know I normally start from the beginning of the day but I'll get to that soon enough. I am just in celebration mode as I passed the 1/2 way mark (YAY!!!), which is now 50 km behind me. I can honestly say that it didn't matter how saw my bum was I pedaled harder then I have ever pedaled, which was not easy given the length and terrain of the day.<br /><br />Ok now back to the beginning...<br /><br />The first stop for the day was Eden, the trip there was fairly pleasant. There was definitely a range of ups and downs but the weather was perfect and sunny with a few white fluffy clouds so the time flew by. On this leg I made a little bit of a boo boo I never thought possible and broke the speed limit by 10km which I did correct as soon as I realised.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTc23UtOSyfPY4F_sk13VhFWF4hTWFvjApWRHcCSHpgwCOVhY6SpvoLL8ZWXbhDTgfB1Y71aUa2sVwPGreZHK-ZUNL_MCsl90cpi3-jZBIIOVMi7ti8BMjNdFCevDXPzKrLqPDvPeypI/s1600-h/Sign+at+Eden+Day+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTc23UtOSyfPY4F_sk13VhFWF4hTWFvjApWRHcCSHpgwCOVhY6SpvoLL8ZWXbhDTgfB1Y71aUa2sVwPGreZHK-ZUNL_MCsl90cpi3-jZBIIOVMi7ti8BMjNdFCevDXPzKrLqPDvPeypI/s400/Sign+at+Eden+Day+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304782612514829410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">This was the sign at Eden (So close to half way)</span></span><br /></div><br />I arrived in Eden nice and early and decided I'd spend the extra time doing the dished we had left because of the poor weather the night before along with the morning rush. I guess after a week into things you don't realise how funny it may look for passes by to see a women clothed in licra with bike and helmet washing the dished on the side of the road in the main street of a town, apparently it was quite amusing. Anyway just as I was up to my last few items we were greeted by a local couple Max and Shirley who had heard about the ride via ABC and came to wish me well. Both Max and Shirley are apart of the new Parkinson's Support group for that area, based in Bega. Soon after my riding partner for the next leg arrived, Ian Campbell. Ian and I have been taking a lot over the past few weeks and he has put in an amazing effort to assist in raising awareness of not just the ride but Parkinson's disease as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG-90h1VAbOgnHdZFcKk03L7wm4i8kwRCz9k-g_LcRdM4g3WuKLS5mHXBenWJLvfaBUFkwoZeF8DrPFpB1nuMMlJCMLojUjDzkjFfLgOLqKXsrn8gB-hAcUYqwuX6QO9vYAZAQOMyQaI/s1600-h/Max+and+Shirly+Day+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG-90h1VAbOgnHdZFcKk03L7wm4i8kwRCz9k-g_LcRdM4g3WuKLS5mHXBenWJLvfaBUFkwoZeF8DrPFpB1nuMMlJCMLojUjDzkjFfLgOLqKXsrn8gB-hAcUYqwuX6QO9vYAZAQOMyQaI/s400/Max+and+Shirly+Day+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304782837581853394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Max and Shirley wishing me well on my way</span> </span></div><br />Once on the road Ian and I managed to get a bit of a chat in however due to a combination of logging trucks and shoulder-less road most of the talking was done at stops. Ian cycled through to Scrubby Creek with me and once we were rested he decided he'd cycle back (to even more hills). I really can not thank Ian enough as he has really put a great effort into ensuing everyone knows about this ride and the cause and I have been getting toots and well wished from every direction as a result.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf7L64HeErOb_dK_phhQEAkeS67ny-7glhcSl2WvwAXkgmiAwZaXvGK-cQAFh1ED4lRsKBvqLZPcdf4Fm7LzF6AUNea42HoGbUOs4ubs7-qFHGT_vHjTwi4RaGbrzl_cXTsbKnADRt8w/s1600-h/Ian+Day+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf7L64HeErOb_dK_phhQEAkeS67ny-7glhcSl2WvwAXkgmiAwZaXvGK-cQAFh1ED4lRsKBvqLZPcdf4Fm7LzF6AUNea42HoGbUOs4ubs7-qFHGT_vHjTwi4RaGbrzl_cXTsbKnADRt8w/s400/Ian+Day+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304783333272880610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ian and myself posing for a shot</span></span><br /></div><br />The trip from Scrubby Creek was a relatively long one, given it was only the half way marker, and the sun had begun to beat down. However as said before my day was made when I passed the half way point of my ride, followed by the NSW /VIC boarder 10km after. Adam and I are camped in Alfred National Park tonight where there is no phone or internet signal so this post will again be late. Today ended up adding up to 121.55km and to be honest I was not only stuffed by the end of it but I have broken skin :(<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw1IaXlLkuLeL3TkAgbWMgX6kbOnAd1CbnPDPyCPj4XSB1mbGs53z8CPjGHxXfHDOZ0moe90DhEUN8VPTfkkfV1pw0tPFXYXpkNRrLiTc3eCCr17iiGkAovQaA8c4n1tkk52WcnRESPQ/s1600-h/Comp+of+roads+NSW+vs+VIC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw1IaXlLkuLeL3TkAgbWMgX6kbOnAd1CbnPDPyCPj4XSB1mbGs53z8CPjGHxXfHDOZ0moe90DhEUN8VPTfkkfV1pw0tPFXYXpkNRrLiTc3eCCr17iiGkAovQaA8c4n1tkk52WcnRESPQ/s400/Comp+of+roads+NSW+vs+VIC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304783987381938274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The NSW and VIC boarder, visible by road</span><br /></span></div><br />Alas the ride must go on, while I can now be sure that more people in NSW know and understand Parkinson's disease and the support which is out there just that little bit more, I have only just entered VIC and have a long week ahead of me.<br /><br />Take care and sit in cushioned seats (soft fluffy ones!!!)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-27233363857128515682009-02-18T01:19:00.000-08:002009-02-19T23:42:29.896-08:00Day 5 - Milkshakes, friends and more rainToday was a late start as the first stop off to Central <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tilba</span> was extremely important and required the shops to be open. As a result we started out day at a relatively leisurely pace and even managed to listen to my interview with ABC presenter Ian Campbell, who will be cycling with me on one of tomorrows legs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_4Edk66DExr21mJQfTsrnNeWVj3E9WhI3irKeuL0LbiIQ2ihXombb1UUndjjQ_4zB2d6PYL7d8OUNRH9PuVFrzf31prc6yPi0GSiddpwLqcPaP5Mm1Hi19YFM0rWFERxvEoswQXfCa8/s1600-h/Start+Day+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_4Edk66DExr21mJQfTsrnNeWVj3E9WhI3irKeuL0LbiIQ2ihXombb1UUndjjQ_4zB2d6PYL7d8OUNRH9PuVFrzf31prc6yPi0GSiddpwLqcPaP5Mm1Hi19YFM0rWFERxvEoswQXfCa8/s400/Start+Day+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304779978952325794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Start of the day pose, ready and raring to go</span> </span></div><br />Before I knew it it was time to hit the road and head to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tilba</span>, in yet again more rain. Once at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tilba</span> we faced a dilemma as to where to chain the bike, which resulted from a combination of laziness and urgency to get coffee and milkshakes from the ABC Cheese Factory. The solution? Chain it to the cars rear suspension, how could you not guess that?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVtxe89UKhLe4dfGAnVKvlUitE-DLVXn6csUUnBdihemPcuThvmA3Fj-MInMrF8YEa88z6rLJf5KWUrvfsPlXJFdOlyZSyVhOkxUAFpx-WTskPklZxWw46VWmCnDTLAH-p6FUzaT9E9s/s1600-h/Rest+1+Day+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVtxe89UKhLe4dfGAnVKvlUitE-DLVXn6csUUnBdihemPcuThvmA3Fj-MInMrF8YEa88z6rLJf5KWUrvfsPlXJFdOlyZSyVhOkxUAFpx-WTskPklZxWw46VWmCnDTLAH-p6FUzaT9E9s/s400/Rest+1+Day+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304780386234640450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Locking up the bike, it was Adam's idea I swear...</span></span><br /></div><br />As some of you will know Adam has been waiting around 10 years to get another milkshake from here and today he finally got it, as proves in the below picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ4JjPpRHzsjiP9RKpsJM2f79mqtZhqFuNtQXsX042eJz2wNczsRGWVGGahJHDTJZQ5N5wJHR4PpsxR6589xVi14F4jTBYrdZAqS5c3TnRd5HEKozYACmeaJg5qfp0MUEjA50qLwjWWA/s1600-h/Rest+1+Day+5_milkshake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ4JjPpRHzsjiP9RKpsJM2f79mqtZhqFuNtQXsX042eJz2wNczsRGWVGGahJHDTJZQ5N5wJHR4PpsxR6589xVi14F4jTBYrdZAqS5c3TnRd5HEKozYACmeaJg5qfp0MUEjA50qLwjWWA/s400/Rest+1+Day+5_milkshake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304780794928034978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">10 years was apparently worth it</span></span><br /></div><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tilba</span> I had to push on as I was meeting Karyn an the next stop, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Quaama</span>. It was great to finally meet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kayrin</span> and I would like to thank her for her company and stories as they definitely kept me going for the day. Karyn will be participating in her own Pedal for Parkinson's this year in Vietnam with Parkinson's Victoria, for more information <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/Karyn_Spilberg">go here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8vKyF5xQiYVYHGA4gMCsBJmI_msy331-iwlWwDETKRf6cD-H_lJ74E7I9za9T1EfSUUa4MdarysMQiBN93HoMW9ciCVPza7yFX1fg9BlxuSXzvZKgELNjlOy5g9EH3spNj9NKO4KKvY/s1600-h/Rest+2+Day+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8vKyF5xQiYVYHGA4gMCsBJmI_msy331-iwlWwDETKRf6cD-H_lJ74E7I9za9T1EfSUUa4MdarysMQiBN93HoMW9ciCVPza7yFX1fg9BlxuSXzvZKgELNjlOy5g9EH3spNj9NKO4KKvY/s400/Rest+2+Day+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304781074332517682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Karyn and I start out in the wet</span></span><br /></div><br />Once at the final rest, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bega</span> Lookout, Karyn and her husband departed to continue on with their holiday. Here Adam also informed me that we would be waiting on another rider who had called not long ago after getting our details from ABC radio. This mystery rider was Ross. I can honestly say I have never met a person so genuine, with such a drive for life itself. Ross was truly inspirational in more ways I think he could ever know and I thank him for his company. His fitness and cycling form clearly out did mine but that did not seem to phase him in the least. I hope this will not be the last I hear from Ross and at very least ask that he join me next year for a leg and that if he's ever around Sydney to drop me a line.<br /><br />Ross and I arrived at Yellow Pinch dam camp ground, after the most horrible hill you could ever imagine (particularly after 114km). Adam had a site all sorted and had begun to set up, no sooner had the tent come out to be put up the rain started. It was a very wet evening which was spent playing cards, drinking hot chocolate, struggling with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Internet</span> connections (hence why this is late) and of course mingling with our most interesting pro drug neighbors. Given the rain dinner was kept simple and eaten fast. Now we are just about to head off to bed and rest my weary legs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJdC9bMlEe_TsrcnH6aHichlaU5PvZzC6U95l0WIpeziV4hr4zh6XZou85qN9EuAPnl5_V_dC3U496kt1_P0ECqoUxjOu3iBWCj2qH3WmsR4dYxlcew4fYeWNBwkwbQUIAQqv3ojrNoA/s1600-h/End+Day+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJdC9bMlEe_TsrcnH6aHichlaU5PvZzC6U95l0WIpeziV4hr4zh6XZou85qN9EuAPnl5_V_dC3U496kt1_P0ECqoUxjOu3iBWCj2qH3WmsR4dYxlcew4fYeWNBwkwbQUIAQqv3ojrNoA/s400/End+Day+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304781464702197266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Our spot of dirt for the night</span></span><br /></div><br />Rest up.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-43444359817218698452009-02-16T22:28:00.000-08:002009-02-16T23:29:43.250-08:00Day 4 - Rest and recuperating in pleasant coastal surrounds<p class="MsoNormal">Despite my original concerns today remained nice and dry with only a light mottling of cloud cover. Adam and I decided a sleep in was in order so all alarms were silenced. As expected we the actual sleep in was no where near as grand as we had planned, I began to stir at six and we were will and truly into breakfast by eight, however I must say it is an improvement on the reading of 3:45AM I've been seeing on my phone every other morning.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnfwBCpzUWdPpaGo0pLbDxhDWpELUYIYtaQNeQpmarIcVXnQjHz43e3T0MSvZGPG7JYhlVOYqgroyezfQz8YjQlEoR8cGImiFPDoTOcOGb8fKnYVxu_q1CIahBRlSHXgFDmkZvdfRp-M/s1600-h/Start+Day+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnfwBCpzUWdPpaGo0pLbDxhDWpELUYIYtaQNeQpmarIcVXnQjHz43e3T0MSvZGPG7JYhlVOYqgroyezfQz8YjQlEoR8cGImiFPDoTOcOGb8fKnYVxu_q1CIahBRlSHXgFDmkZvdfRp-M/s400/Start+Day+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303662755230083970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Adam enjoying a cooked meal (AKA Saving the sausages)</span> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br />We decided to be slightly more adventurous with breakfast this morning, now weather this was because we had the time or because all our ice had melted and the sausages needed eating you will never know. Adam cooked up some eggs and sausages while I scoffed some of my special gluten free muesli (I am endeavoring to get as many carbs as possible for the hills I am about to face). The toast was slightly more interesting matter as technically it was fried bread and although Adam's went crispy like you would expect toast to be mine went soggy (I blame the lack of gluten).<br /><br />After breakfast we packed up camp and went into town as the weather forecast was for rain. Taking the scenic rout into Narooma, via Dalmeny, was a fantastic decision on Adam's part as it meant I wouldn't have nightmares about tomorrows ride. Dalmeny is a gorgeous little town which is honestly picture perfect, unpolluted, green and peaceful. Questions did however have to be asked about the positioning of the boat ramp.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpoA1VAnpDIAnw7PHVxaesSAviTIVq8e7_ynXS2PSeCL4qRNiwNZ3xYGPWwJQ2quqUqsp7TkKASD59azGIZZolev-KqukujCqleHd5loDQ1l75n7V4kVTxA1CXgCf62CzzivqCgyovSE/s1600-h/Dalmeny+Day+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpoA1VAnpDIAnw7PHVxaesSAviTIVq8e7_ynXS2PSeCL4qRNiwNZ3xYGPWwJQ2quqUqsp7TkKASD59azGIZZolev-KqukujCqleHd5loDQ1l75n7V4kVTxA1CXgCf62CzzivqCgyovSE/s400/Dalmeny+Day+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303663671909934738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dalmeny boat ramp, they are breakers you see</span> </div><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Once in Narooma we called into the visitors centre and sussed out if they still had the evening Montague Island charters and tours I had done as a child, unfortunately we had missed the only one for today. The information centre did however point out a few nice areas and walks to visit including Australia Rock, as you will see below, and a beautiful boardwalk along the shore.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXOD4iWTdLmDrbe46Y9GgeD6Ebz_3BQduuRZHGT2rGsTEngTMa46gyD_XXbLj32Erp-X6Oz_sj1QO4YkCys-kmwPCb-yM2WwiQFHrUfI7GJyCJeiL_Bvta3WLIXPEZe4zXu8-NJYwSvI/s1600-h/Aust+Rock++Day+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXOD4iWTdLmDrbe46Y9GgeD6Ebz_3BQduuRZHGT2rGsTEngTMa46gyD_XXbLj32Erp-X6Oz_sj1QO4YkCys-kmwPCb-yM2WwiQFHrUfI7GJyCJeiL_Bvta3WLIXPEZe4zXu8-NJYwSvI/s400/Aust+Rock++Day+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303663223540476402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Australia Rock, can you see it???? I was so happy when I made it out</span></span><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br />After our little touristy activities Adam and I indulged in lunch, being a tuna sandwich, then headed to the shops to get necessities such as ice and gluten free bread. You would not believe how hard it was to get gluten free bread here, it would appear that while most places get it in they sell out and all orders come in tomorrow morning, which isn’t much use. Luck for me we stumbled across this beautiful little shop called Grandpa's Garden which I would highly recommend you go to if you are ever in the area, it is in the Narooma Plaza across from Woolies. I had a great chat with the lovely gentleman there who happened to have a gluten free Sourdough, which I have never come across and can’t wait to try. Those of you who know me will understand how exciting this is, unfortunately due to many other issues I can not just wander into Coles or woolies and grab a commercial loaf as sometimes these cause me more trouble, but after going through all the ingredients of this sourdough I am sure I'm in for a treat.<br /><br />Once we collected everything we needed, excluding lettuce ($3.69 for two wilting leaves of iceberg seemed a tad rich) we headed back toward camp, via a little walk. This was a 2km loop walk which starts from the rest area just south of the Lake Brou road turn off, on the Princes, and it was very pleasant. The track itself wasn’t overly maintained but it was definitely a pretty little walk which enabled me to stretch my legs ready to pedal again tomorrow.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayy3SlzvrN5XhgOepvbHGdh8omPL3zT4On5wTpAlv01dq-Ce5PvEdBEsDIlVSk4p5PAd1y9xP7DSdj-_I5sm1FbOI3xm2-_dCFdSU918-QNrtjoCUn6bXe4xD2K0-rm7eoKA-qptUQ2c/s1600-h/Walk++Day+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayy3SlzvrN5XhgOepvbHGdh8omPL3zT4On5wTpAlv01dq-Ce5PvEdBEsDIlVSk4p5PAd1y9xP7DSdj-_I5sm1FbOI3xm2-_dCFdSU918-QNrtjoCUn6bXe4xD2K0-rm7eoKA-qptUQ2c/s400/Walk++Day+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303664114926960018" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Me, just taking a little rest from stretching my legs, it's not like they hurt or anything</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Currently we are back at camp and just about to cook dinner, pasta's on the menu tonight as I need to eat for survival of the conditions ahead. I am excited about tomorrows ride, not only to I pass through Central Tilba but I also get to finally meet Karyn, a lovely lady who I have been exchanging emails with and will be joining me on part of the ride tomorrow.<br /><br />Take care and please sleep in for me.</p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-20908828536292221662009-02-15T23:51:00.000-08:002009-02-16T00:16:04.479-08:00Day 3: Let there be light<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIineflweQsIDw8pv4OUm1EbDEacau9KCUAzdoF1y6SNiHjrm4oqVI6rWGI6KB3-u9CniS2CqInvNRxs14XVyxAldNvSCvrNuRRYkBcsaZ76A-RbOln2A9T65-IVfVjmDQYxRCONMT_M/s1600-h/Strart+of+Day+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIineflweQsIDw8pv4OUm1EbDEacau9KCUAzdoF1y6SNiHjrm4oqVI6rWGI6KB3-u9CniS2CqInvNRxs14XVyxAldNvSCvrNuRRYkBcsaZ76A-RbOln2A9T65-IVfVjmDQYxRCONMT_M/s400/Strart+of+Day+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303300582457318002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mollymook</span> beach as we set out (fantastic picture by Adam)</span> </span></div><br />Today fell into place quite nicely, while there were patches of rain in the morning things cleared up enough to show a bit of sunlight. We started the day back at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mollymook</span> beach and headed in towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Batemans</span> Bay, with a small stop in the middle. As expected while the rain manages so well to hold off in the first part of this ride as soon as I came close to the Bay it poured, which is very typical of the Bay if i say so myself. Here I rested and then moved on while Adam wend and bought a card reader so we could begin uploading images :o)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mg13YcGqwDIDIG0JU0gwKDJ6MGOsQTTBJ4SjiIlpr-iR1Z2HNxnz__awo-Yc0i8KT__HiccZsM64ICxlOMbQB2xSjEStrfKp-KspP7NPh74pK4Xe5WmTEemDugTBE4x8wSIB-NhxpvE/s1600-h/Rest+2+Day+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mg13YcGqwDIDIG0JU0gwKDJ6MGOsQTTBJ4SjiIlpr-iR1Z2HNxnz__awo-Yc0i8KT__HiccZsM64ICxlOMbQB2xSjEStrfKp-KspP7NPh74pK4Xe5WmTEemDugTBE4x8wSIB-NhxpvE/s400/Rest+2+Day+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303301779903280226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mollymook</span> beach as we set out (fantastic picture by Adam)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div> The next stop was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Moruya</span> which was a littler windy but sunny enough for us to get out some chairs and sit down to enjoy a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sandwich</span> and the river front views. When cycling from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Moruya</span> to Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Brou</span> I came <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">across</span> one of the most interesting things I have ever seen, it was a dried frog. I just wish I had my camera at that stage, it was perfectly formed just dried and out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stretched</span> on the shoulder of the road. Anyway enough of that.<br /><br />By the time we arrived to Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Brou</span> it was well and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">truly</span> sunny, perfect time to set up camp.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI9SxGBkGc-5iC5IGZ0m_DHUPasLs8vqwWQmfYbJ4gYiczkbY6SpsWq8la_bCYE2cP2i9JN7H4PTlWhtrpzt-I1OHTZW-80ltAP1VOrFzbhlkny88dCF_77Jz743BzACriUCDfw-ulLc/s1600-h/Tent+Day+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI9SxGBkGc-5iC5IGZ0m_DHUPasLs8vqwWQmfYbJ4gYiczkbY6SpsWq8la_bCYE2cP2i9JN7H4PTlWhtrpzt-I1OHTZW-80ltAP1VOrFzbhlkny88dCF_77Jz743BzACriUCDfw-ulLc/s400/Tent+Day+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303303656669975410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Our beautiful camp site<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Once camp was all setup Adam and I decided to go for a walk along the beach to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">stretch</span> our legs. To our total amazement Adam noted some thing running around in the dunes at a fairy fast pace. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Curios</span> we walked towards it only to find two of the most beautiful Emus. Now I am not sure were Emu's have their natural habitat but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">definitely</span> would have never thought to find them at the beach.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcpnucRewkGtpPth5NnoZacF7FD3fVqGGvYHF5UbeevrsLfVuz7YuvXz25oaycyBBUDWW1zZz66Vv5v0UrHIAtIXWpdUP9r2JjvNQkoQOCRKZ7YFk0XyHnLamU0QVttblGOj_ASqRYTU/s1600-h/At+Camp+Day+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcpnucRewkGtpPth5NnoZacF7FD3fVqGGvYHF5UbeevrsLfVuz7YuvXz25oaycyBBUDWW1zZz66Vv5v0UrHIAtIXWpdUP9r2JjvNQkoQOCRKZ7YFk0XyHnLamU0QVttblGOj_ASqRYTU/s400/At+Camp+Day+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303304931812606242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Two beautiful Emu's playing at Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Brou</span> Beach<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">All up today was a quiet day and if all goes to plan tomorrow will be a nice restful day off before continuing toward Melbourne. I will need to dust off my fishing gear I think.<br /><br />I hope you are all well. <br /></div></div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-10404697251375838052009-02-14T23:04:00.000-08:002009-02-16T00:24:08.566-08:00Day 2 - Wanted: one pedal boat, must have own shelterI knew today was off to an interesting start when i awoke to a little more then a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pitter</span></span></span>-patter of rain. In short today was not just wet, it was soaking. At one stage I even got water wrinkles on my fingers and heard the swish-swash of water in my shoe when i pedaled.<br /><br />As planned I left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kiama</span></span></span> at 6am, even with the heavy rain, and headed toward berry with Adam (support) and my parents in toe. To be totally honest this leg happens to be the longest, scariest and wettest 25km I have ever cycled. I can honestly say that I was traveling faster on the uphills then on the down hills as a result of the water gushing down, low <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">visibility</span> due to the heavy rain, bendy roads with gravel or no shoulder and big trucks. I actually think I could have done this leg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">a lot</span> faster and with a lot more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ease</span> if i had a pedal-boat (that way I'd also still be conforming to the ride rules :<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">oD</span></span></span> ... sneaky). However in hind sight I made it safe and sound to Berry, to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">greeted</span> with the most welcome reception of my parents cheering and waving just ahead of the rest area, followed by Jonathan from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nowra</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parkinson's</span> support group who kindly waited in the icky weather even though I arrived late. In order to ensure I wasn't late to all other stops this rest was kept at a minimum, talking with Jonathan in between gulps of nice warm coffee and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">friand</span></span></span> brought by my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">magnificent</span> mother.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrfC1DkMVoxHhPvvgEyuAiLIBRclNNF8L8bccXs6wBFyAu6wHqT3x5CeFfr0bmBzi4Bj_GK6sIsETtIGjxkrlbwB_NkIygErCAqoaWZ1TqMRwGwOBgn5Tkck950eGlyFE1zqtKdzvD2w/s1600-h/Rest+1+Day+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrfC1DkMVoxHhPvvgEyuAiLIBRclNNF8L8bccXs6wBFyAu6wHqT3x5CeFfr0bmBzi4Bj_GK6sIsETtIGjxkrlbwB_NkIygErCAqoaWZ1TqMRwGwOBgn5Tkck950eGlyFE1zqtKdzvD2w/s400/Rest+1+Day+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303306330493416946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jonathan</span>, myself and homemade support sign all dripping in Berry</span><br /></div><br />The next stop was South <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nowra</span></span></span>, which as a result of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">exceptional</span> road quality (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ie</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">existence</span> of a cycle-able <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">shoulder</span>) I was able to make on time. Jonathan had also kindly travelled across to here to meet me again which was fantastic.<br /><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nowra</span></span></span> I was blessed with decent road for a while as I headed to the third stop, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sussex</span> Inlet. Here I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">greeted</span> by Pat, from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Shoalhaven</span></span></span> Shakers, and friend Heather. As I was able to catch time I managed to stay around and have a decent chat with these lovely ladies while sipping a very much needed tea and drying off. As my luck <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">would</span> have it the rain stopped for enough time for me to have a nice dry break, only to start up again as soon as I got back on my bike for the final leg of the day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGeqCxMPFTz-PI8jZmlPowkxuA6p0wQ0wrP9CJ-ajJqYW-ytVCCXsmu5dtK5c6ukmfmXjyCrjVsg3Y7J2AdEpDq6qo89Ru6RVpgD3H6u-WE86QSKs7c6XjPE4-5KN6qm_Ktmvmp11pJU/s1600-h/Rest+3+Day+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGeqCxMPFTz-PI8jZmlPowkxuA6p0wQ0wrP9CJ-ajJqYW-ytVCCXsmu5dtK5c6ukmfmXjyCrjVsg3Y7J2AdEpDq6qo89Ru6RVpgD3H6u-WE86QSKs7c6XjPE4-5KN6qm_Ktmvmp11pJU/s400/Rest+3+Day+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303306946732455234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pat, Heather and myself at Sussex Inlet</span></span><br /></div><br />On <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">arrival</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mollymook</span></span></span> beach I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">pleasantly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">surprised</span> to find my mum and sister had decided to take a detour on their way home from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kiama</span></span></span> to see me one last time as well as a great turn out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shoalhaven</span></span></span> Shakers ready to welcome me. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Unfortunately</span> due to roadworks and those yucky hills heading into Milton I was slightly late and as we have no markings on the support car the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Shakers</span> kept waiting until I got there and gave me <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">the</span> most wonderful card. I also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">experienced</span> a few hours of blue sky and sun, which was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">definitely</span> needed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">de</span></span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">water log</span> my skin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedXECYAiOHVZx7HUfhCstXfllTwzhl_jHgkng-27S9q4aexvWKujSgMw102Cb4YNHigafW-dC6z1XciMexQKxlfZDCxeQhpYR0rQuUJci90BSlkxxAed8AjGGHDOYEPqNNaq7z7vmjnU/s1600-h/End+of+Day+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedXECYAiOHVZx7HUfhCstXfllTwzhl_jHgkng-27S9q4aexvWKujSgMw102Cb4YNHigafW-dC6z1XciMexQKxlfZDCxeQhpYR0rQuUJci90BSlkxxAed8AjGGHDOYEPqNNaq7z7vmjnU/s400/End+of+Day+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303307666471922178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The Shoalhaven Shakers welcoming me at Mollymook Beach</span><br /></div><br />Tonight Adam and I are camped at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ulladulla</span></span></span> and just about to make chicken burgers for dinner, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">honestly</span> can not say just how needed they will be, as will a good night sleep. Tomorrow is to Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brou</span></span></span> and will be another long day of 110km with both hills and not the best of roads, but that is expected as you get into National Park country. The weather for tomorrow is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">forecast</span> as a few showers with a max of 20*C, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">definitely</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">a lot</span> more hopeful then today turned out.<br /><br />Well dinner calls, but before I go I would like to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">extend</span> a special <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">thank you</span> to everyone who has been supporting me over the last few days. Be it coming to cheer me on, reading the blog or sending donations to Parkinson's Australia I really can not thank you enough.<br /><br />Take care and keep warm (and clean)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-17620273344880102992009-02-13T23:57:00.000-08:002009-02-16T00:32:28.018-08:00Day 1 - The Successes and Frustrations of Sydney to KiamaToday has been an eventful one to say the least. After arriving at the Sydney Opera House with minimal sleep we were greeted by a group of friends who had not only managed get out of bed to see us off at 5am but some had traveled as far as Canberra just to pass on their well wishes. Once we had been fed and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">caffeinated</span> myself, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Shu</span> and Adam set out for what was to become an epic adventure.<br /><br />The first rest was set to be at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kareela</span>, 25 km out from the start, which was a hassle free journey filled with light hearted chatter about holiday happenings and the etiquette of Sydney drivers towards cyclists. We were welcomed to the rest stop with a nice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprise</span> of the St George / Sutherland Parkinson's support group who had come to wish us well on the ride. After spending some time chatting the time had come for us to move along and begin the next stage of the cycle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSXj23l-DGbOSy77fsDQYXVle9VmHAv9RIfHowVpkvQzbALpiSLinl5DVtO0TjCtAjGbLObTQxIB7z4dSF3vLMz_itIU9e8jUxrd0a3fFl8-84-6fkR4VrrBqF7bPhyphenhyphenPi26_rGna1bZw/s1600-h/Rest+1+Day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSXj23l-DGbOSy77fsDQYXVle9VmHAv9RIfHowVpkvQzbALpiSLinl5DVtO0TjCtAjGbLObTQxIB7z4dSF3vLMz_itIU9e8jUxrd0a3fFl8-84-6fkR4VrrBqF7bPhyphenhyphenPi26_rGna1bZw/s400/Rest+1+Day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303308378751087858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >St George / Sutherland Parkinson's support group greeted me at </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" >Kareela</span><br /></div><br />The next rest stop was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Helensburg</span>. As was bound to happen I managed to get lost, which was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">surprisingly</span> easy seeing that we were just following the one road. After our slight detour everything ran smoothly to the rest stop. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Helensburg</span> we moved on to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Corrimal</span>, which we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">arrived</span> late after we managed to loose the Princes Highway when it turned into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Bulli</span> Pass, it was after this that I decided I really should have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">spent</span> the extra money and invested in a GPS.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF2gmK6IPCPrtqqBLVveznr44yBcNPMSV6Ho-bVT69mwHgVRnA3cz2-WiEh0bx3G7CMP2m-48giD3SAcAC5nT1z7vLR_BUmMNOGsrmjuva9sEL9F1f_1zPtupd6LdFRyCS3i6YAUUJR0/s1600-h/Rest+2+Day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF2gmK6IPCPrtqqBLVveznr44yBcNPMSV6Ho-bVT69mwHgVRnA3cz2-WiEh0bx3G7CMP2m-48giD3SAcAC5nT1z7vLR_BUmMNOGsrmjuva9sEL9F1f_1zPtupd6LdFRyCS3i6YAUUJR0/s400/Rest+2+Day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303308845651507954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Shu and I posing at </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" >Helensburg</span><br /></div><br />At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Corrimal</span> we were welcomed by John from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Corrimal</span> Parkinson's support group. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Unfortunately</span> due to the fact that we were already late I was unable to spend as much time as I would have liked talking with John but we had to move on to the next stop at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Haywards</span> Bay.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7UFonCK0mYHJLxjpkO6T0fT9x-GCLOxhzZI7vbVwqS2ojyMmY3OAPtPi4CJLesWXyN-Cpn4JlE9m7oq0dUF0Jsiz0YyKqWnt0RuQAkC1nzzuc_gmvSeXWiXZwC8jUpCEW-0LhMV7N8I/s1600-h/Rest+3+Day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7UFonCK0mYHJLxjpkO6T0fT9x-GCLOxhzZI7vbVwqS2ojyMmY3OAPtPi4CJLesWXyN-Cpn4JlE9m7oq0dUF0Jsiz0YyKqWnt0RuQAkC1nzzuc_gmvSeXWiXZwC8jUpCEW-0LhMV7N8I/s400/Rest+3+Day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303309161324007794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">John and I at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" >Corrimal</span><br /></div><br />This stop was by far my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">favourite</span> only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">because</span> it was here that my dad was to join me for the final leg into Sydney. Just the thought of my dad waiting for me at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Haywards</span> Bay gave me more of a boost then a GU <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gell</span> (the best energy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">supplement</span> a cyclist could ever ask for). Sure enough as I arrived at the rest my dad was ready and waiting, bike at side. After we had all been fed up on much needed tuna sandwiches we all headed out on the last leg of day 1. As luck would have it it was on this last leg that the wind and rain started to pick up resulting in us just taking it nice and slow. Once we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">arrived</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kiama</span> our spirits were lifted by the sight of the Lighthouse. As would be expected we were not even 100m from ending what turned out to be a 130.3km day when I managed to get a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">puncture</span> in my rear tire, I guess it was the best place it could have happened.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihs_LxxagToR1zbkn81_R_tbKvo41Ghxg2YoKWpjwQQK_adpiZpyNKXXPF_vl8Iw7IueshIDgsMeJKRIBIvyk8XMMPCAWbboeig-4pvS4hyphenhyphennYsDxzsHg1mkk3grTWJjqxEJV3UAU2Q0A/s1600-h/End+of+Day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihs_LxxagToR1zbkn81_R_tbKvo41Ghxg2YoKWpjwQQK_adpiZpyNKXXPF_vl8Iw7IueshIDgsMeJKRIBIvyk8XMMPCAWbboeig-4pvS4hyphenhyphennYsDxzsHg1mkk3grTWJjqxEJV3UAU2Q0A/s400/End+of+Day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303309520905071362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">End of Day 1, I think we are all ready to flop</span></span><br /></div><br />Currently we are all sitting around fixing my brand new "heavy duty" tires which were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">cannibalised</span> by a shard of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">break light</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">penetrating</span> right the way through, even with a glass of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">champas</span> in hand this is proving a tiresome and frustrating task.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDIXtqNMizNfO8C0V06I7PRJe-EEoZd06j18-EZKDLFNoUlgIh2wEHNdzligkq3QCSibAfYKrqFeaJqwyFW8OyenrofZ_q-EiJYpWqLaMwmJTqXBTQ3Lx9B__YIbps_6lTTLMTlOSVtU/s1600-h/Resting+up+after+day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDIXtqNMizNfO8C0V06I7PRJe-EEoZd06j18-EZKDLFNoUlgIh2wEHNdzligkq3QCSibAfYKrqFeaJqwyFW8OyenrofZ_q-EiJYpWqLaMwmJTqXBTQ3Lx9B__YIbps_6lTTLMTlOSVtU/s400/Resting+up+after+day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303310045028864082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Adam and I resting up</span></span><br /></div><br />Tomorrows <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">stretch</span> is from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Kiama</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Mollymook</span> and the weather seems to be staying wet. Even though I am tired I am still really looking forward to the adventures which lie ahead.<br /><br />Stay dry.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-11143437448488431032009-02-12T15:36:00.000-08:002009-02-12T22:53:18.859-08:00Oh the RainWell it would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appear</span> that this weeks forecast is not ideal for the ride with showers predicted each day along the way and a storm predicted for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thursday</span> (YUCK!). While I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">probably</span> should be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">grateful</span> for loosing the scorching heat I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dreading</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">continuous</span> dampness that will linger for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">at least</span> the first half of the ride. This may be made a touch worse by the fact that we are camping along the way so not only will we have wet cycling clothes we will have wet everything, and no real place to dry them.<br /><br />All in all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">preparation</span> and packing has been going well. I have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">managed</span> to wrestle my way through all the kind hearted shoppers who chose to spend this fine rainy afternoon shopping at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Woolies</span> as for today all their profits are being directed towards Red Cross in aid of the Victorian Fires. Fantastic idea if I say so myself and as a result I too chose to buy all my non perishables today as well as the first few days of perishable supplies.<br /><br />Now that I have everything I am currently playing the lets get obsessive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">compulsive</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">zip lock</span> bags game. For those of you who are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">unfamiliar</span> with this game you simply section everything you can in to serves, place 1 serve per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">zip lock</span> bag and mark out what it is and when it is for with a permanent marker. Once all serves are sectioned out and marked you select a range of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">zip locked</span> serves to create a "meal", putting all the selected serves into a larger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">zip lock</span> bag and marking what meal it is and when it is to be eaten. After <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">arranging</span> a collection of "meals" you simply select the meals you will consume in one day and place these in an even larger <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">zip lock</span> bag marking it with your name and the day you plan to eat it. Anyway I am sure you get the point. My hope is that this will make my life a zillion-billion times easier to make no fuss food when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">I'm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">exhausted</span>, soaking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">wet</span> and cold, I guess we will see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMsGBJibdj_t-r_I3o5p2LJVqAPBv7hOJDhT3SXMebC3ARPMGwtlp7DK_iLXRDjHFF4HqSC9C8Vo1EW7kEAjDmvao9IqmuRPc-Tx2fADWpL-ESQHl8n3l3BjAdMx7uLXZSnsmAPfzFgs/s1600-h/Around+Home+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMsGBJibdj_t-r_I3o5p2LJVqAPBv7hOJDhT3SXMebC3ARPMGwtlp7DK_iLXRDjHFF4HqSC9C8Vo1EW7kEAjDmvao9IqmuRPc-Tx2fADWpL-ESQHl8n3l3BjAdMx7uLXZSnsmAPfzFgs/s400/Around+Home+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302170725375546498" border="0" /></a><br />Other events of today have included <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">triple</span> checking all camping gear, as a result I have learnt that my living area can fit two fully assembled 3-4 man tents with out having to move anything <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">around</span>. Granted that you may have problems <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">navigating</span> your way to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">entrances</span> or across the room, but that's not really the point is it.<br /><br />Well I believe I have had well and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">truly</span> enough of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">procrastination</span> break and better get back to it as I could really do with a good night sleep tonight. I look forward to seeing some of you at 5am tomorrow outside the front stairs of the Sydney Opera House.<br /><br />Take care, stay dry.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-70153303659998243182009-02-12T03:51:00.000-08:002009-02-12T04:27:28.687-08:00Launching the Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAIr-mbCWRD0E3HQjomv0NlIbezHQw5lW-mgB-maArwtAxTv-J0yWe3BZpBKb3uRDN99X1NWaN3ytQwnqC6CdvdqryhfG7XABRIMUPJTmg8LJN7jPGjSgMFjSejTmamxr6tMcNmS3cY/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAIr-mbCWRD0E3HQjomv0NlIbezHQw5lW-mgB-maArwtAxTv-J0yWe3BZpBKb3uRDN99X1NWaN3ytQwnqC6CdvdqryhfG7XABRIMUPJTmg8LJN7jPGjSgMFjSejTmamxr6tMcNmS3cY/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301885663978611122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With only 2 days to go all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">participants</span> have been running around madly. A fair proportion of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">today's</span> running around involved the Launch of the 2009 Pedal for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parkinson's</span> Sydney to Melbourne Cycle. The launch was held at <a href="http://www.manningbar.com/">Manning Bar</a> and was attended by a range of people including riders, friends, family, Parkinson's sufferers as well as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Parkinson's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NSW</span>. Attendees had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">opportunity</span> to review the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">schedule</span> the cyclists will be following as well as learn more about Parkinson's and how it effects <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sufferers</span> as well <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">as</span> those close to them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP7XNLD1U5h0ZDUcHQrxAWqC1I0eeQdmTXa8yGFngrEvsPy37YX0xlgeMZEiObmL_854qdDHiGrN47imM1dvlYJPKB3tSzTEm8OR0wmg4yibr70RIMPh3cXmfkrB_-kfSBpP5yP1DjT0/s1600-h/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP7XNLD1U5h0ZDUcHQrxAWqC1I0eeQdmTXa8yGFngrEvsPy37YX0xlgeMZEiObmL_854qdDHiGrN47imM1dvlYJPKB3tSzTEm8OR0wmg4yibr70RIMPh3cXmfkrB_-kfSBpP5yP1DjT0/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301884234615453634" border="0" /></a><br />A special thank you goes out to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Winey</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Suen</span> who made the launch a reality and shared her touching story and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">experiences</span> with Parkinson's. Further thanks goes goes out to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Miriam</span> and the Parkinson's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">NSW</span> crew who took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">the</span> time to come talk the launch attendees about Parkinson's Disease and provide support to the riders. Finally a big thank you to everyone who helped and attended the launch you support and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">encouragement</span> meant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">a lot</span> and we look forward to keeping you all updated on out progress over the next 2 weeks.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-8805956030495229792009-02-08T22:58:00.000-08:002009-02-08T23:35:24.989-08:005 Days to Take Off - Victorian Fire ConcernsI have had many people express their concerns about me cycling through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Victoria</span> in two weeks. I would just like to let everyone know that I am keeping a close look out on the Victorian fires and the areas the have been and may progress too. So far all seems well with the only slight concern is the fires around the pictured area as we will be cycling down the Princes (A1) and spending a Night in Moe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrMnlExS6EhqSzm2udnpMc7xViEgqOx88-m5_4njCNLt_5K5xXrA1yTJ42Tb3SSG4_N1B4TyhIIMkrRrwl5hoOCA3sD-eu2Zt9U-9rZ6qJ3f8hVM3KNZ19nAq4eCgLutOq9o2-Gv4yk/s1600-h/Fire+Map+as+at+9_02_09.PNG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrMnlExS6EhqSzm2udnpMc7xViEgqOx88-m5_4njCNLt_5K5xXrA1yTJ42Tb3SSG4_N1B4TyhIIMkrRrwl5hoOCA3sD-eu2Zt9U-9rZ6qJ3f8hVM3KNZ19nAq4eCgLutOq9o2-Gv4yk/s400/Fire+Map+as+at+9_02_09.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300697432753761570" border="0" /></a><br />If any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">one</span> else is interested in keeping tabs a useful map is updated regularly and can be <a href="http://mapvisage.appspot.com/fires/FireMap.html">viewed here</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span><a href="post-create.g?blogID=3052935882241394938#" onclick="togglePostOptions(); return false"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052935882241394938.post-43551139145590658752009-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:002009-02-06T20:04:16.670-08:00Negative 7 and Counting<span style="font-family: arial;">With exactly one week before I leave on my big adventure the nerves have well and </span>truly<span style="font-family: arial;"> begun to kick in. Between the 40 degree plus temperatures, bush fires along the roads and the usual organisational </span>kayos<span style="font-family: arial;"> which goes hand-in-hand with organising these things I am still amazed how collected I am remaining.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I went for a short cycle today as I decided given the expected temperatures I would be best not killing myself trying to get more training, even if the rides that tiny fraction harder because I only rode 3/4 of my training ride one day I'll at least be alive. So far training has been more or less going to plan, I have been good at ensuring I do the required distances as well as cross train to avoid injury while boosting my fitness further. I must say given my history I am most surprised that I am still in one piece and touch wood it remains that way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Currently I am having what i feel is a well earned break from preparation of maps, camping gear, launch logistics, schedules </span>et<span style="font-family: arial;"> </span>al<span style="font-family: arial;"> and reflecting on the </span>wod<span style="font-family: arial;"> of work that needs doing over the next week. Here is what I need to do (for my benefit and your interest):</span><br /><br /><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Finalise maps and ensure the rout is ride-able (By Sunday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Work out a schedule of where we will be when, including times we will pass through/near towns in attempt to rally up support (By Monday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li> Write a list of everything we will need and check it against a list of what we have (By Sunday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Put bike in for service and get all the required parts (TODAY!!!!)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Check my cycling Buddy is still alive (By Tuesday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Pick up "Cyclists Ahead" signs (On Wednesday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Build map poster for launch (By Thursday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Set up and attend Launch (On Thursday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Double check EVERYTHING... and then again (On Friday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Arrive at Opera House (On Saturday)</li></ul><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Start Cycling (On Saturday)</li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;">Now I have no doubts that I have missed something of great importance but that is looking nice and long as it is, especially since this is only a list of the ride related things I need to do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I guess I better stop procrastination... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Post soon. </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057612227365457826noreply@blogger.com4