Day 7 - Ahhh Victoria the land of decent shoulders and confronting road signs

Today 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.

Log trucks are not fun to confront on a bike :o(

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...

Cann River Pub

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:

Hey it is a bit further than google said. It is about 38-39 km. The area is signposted well. See you soon XXX

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.

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.

Munchies while playing cards, organic cheese flavored corn chips... ummmmo

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 :( ....

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:

Sleepy? Power nap now!

A micro sleep can kill in seconds

and my favorite...

Drowsy Drivers Die

I hope you are all well.

Stay on the flat.

Day 6 - The point of no return

Half way point (Adam kindly measured and waited there to inform me)

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.

Ok now back to the beginning...

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.

This was the sign at Eden (So close to half way)

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.

Max and Shirley wishing me well on my way

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.

Ian and myself posing for a shot

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 :(

The NSW and VIC boarder, visible by road

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.

Take care and sit in cushioned seats (soft fluffy ones!!!)

Day 5 - Milkshakes, friends and more rain

Today was a late start as the first stop off to Central Tilba 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.

Start of the day pose, ready and raring to go

Before I knew it it was time to hit the road and head to Tilba, in yet again more rain. Once at Tilba 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?

Locking up the bike, it was Adam's idea I swear...

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.

10 years was apparently worth it

After Tilba I had to push on as I was meeting Karyn an the next stop, Quaama. It was great to finally meet Kayrin 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 go here.

Karyn and I start out in the wet

Once at the final rest, Bega 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.

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 Internet 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.

Our spot of dirt for the night

Rest up.

Day 4 - Rest and recuperating in pleasant coastal surrounds

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.

Adam enjoying a cooked meal (AKA Saving the sausages)

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).

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.

Dalmeny boat ramp, they are breakers you see

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.

Australia Rock, can you see it???? I was so happy when I made it out

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.

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.

Me, just taking a little rest from stretching my legs, it's not like they hurt or anything

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.

Take care and please sleep in for me.

Day 3: Let there be light

Mollymook beach as we set out (fantastic picture by Adam)

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 Mollymook beach and headed in towards Batemans 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)

Mollymook beach as we set out (fantastic picture by Adam)

The next stop was Moruya which was a littler windy but sunny enough for us to get out some chairs and sit down to enjoy a sandwich and the river front views. When cycling from Moruya to Lake Brou I came across 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 stretched on the shoulder of the road. Anyway enough of that.

By the time we arrived to Lake Brou it was well and truly sunny, perfect time to set up camp.

Our beautiful camp site

Once camp was all setup Adam and I decided to go for a walk along the beach to stretch our legs. To our total amazement Adam noted some thing running around in the dunes at a fairy fast pace. Curios 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 definitely would have never thought to find them at the beach.

Two beautiful Emu's playing at Lake Brou Beach

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.

I hope you are all well.

Day 2 - Wanted: one pedal boat, must have own shelter

I knew today was off to an interesting start when i awoke to a little more then a pitter-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.

As planned I left Kiama 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 visibility due to the heavy rain, bendy roads with gravel or no shoulder and big trucks. I actually think I could have done this leg a lot faster and with a lot more ease if i had a pedal-boat (that way I'd also still be conforming to the ride rules :oD ... sneaky). However in hind sight I made it safe and sound to Berry, to be greeted with the most welcome reception of my parents cheering and waving just ahead of the rest area, followed by Jonathan from the Nowra Parkinson's 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 friand brought by my magnificent mother.

Jonathan, myself and homemade support sign all dripping in Berry

The next stop was South Nowra, which as a result of the exceptional road quality (ie existence of a cycle-able shoulder) I was able to make on time. Jonathan had also kindly travelled across to here to meet me again which was fantastic.

After Nowra I was blessed with decent road for a while as I headed to the third stop, Sussex Inlet. Here I was greeted by Pat, from the Shoalhaven 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 would 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.

Pat, Heather and myself at Sussex Inlet

On arrival to Mollymook beach I was pleasantly surprised to find my mum and sister had decided to take a detour on their way home from Kiama to see me one last time as well as a great turn out of Shoalhaven Shakers ready to welcome me. Unfortunately 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 Shakers kept waiting until I got there and gave me the most wonderful card. I also experienced a few hours of blue sky and sun, which was definitely needed to de-water log my skin.

The Shoalhaven Shakers welcoming me at Mollymook Beach

Tonight Adam and I are camped at Ulladulla and just about to make chicken burgers for dinner, I honestly can not say just how needed they will be, as will a good night sleep. Tomorrow is to Lake Brou 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 forecast as a few showers with a max of 20*C, definitely a lot more hopeful then today turned out.

Well dinner calls, but before I go I would like to extend a special thank you 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.

Take care and keep warm (and clean)

Day 1 - The Successes and Frustrations of Sydney to Kiama

Today 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 caffeinated myself, Shu and Adam set out for what was to become an epic adventure.

The first rest was set to be at Kareela, 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 surprise 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.

St George / Sutherland Parkinson's support group greeted me at Kareela

The next rest stop was in Helensburg. As was bound to happen I managed to get lost, which was surprisingly easy seeing that we were just following the one road. After our slight detour everything ran smoothly to the rest stop. After Helensburg we moved on to Corrimal, which we arrived late after we managed to loose the Princes Highway when it turned into Bulli Pass, it was after this that I decided I really should have spent the extra money and invested in a GPS.

Shu and I posing at Helensburg

At Corrimal we were welcomed by John from the Corrimal Parkinson's support group. Unfortunately 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 Haywards Bay.

John and I at Corrimal

This stop was by far my favourite only because 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 Haywards Bay gave me more of a boost then a GU Gell (the best energy supplement 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 arrived in Kiama 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 puncture in my rear tire, I guess it was the best place it could have happened.

End of Day 1, I think we are all ready to flop

Currently we are all sitting around fixing my brand new "heavy duty" tires which were cannibalised by a shard of break light penetrating right the way through, even with a glass of champas in hand this is proving a tiresome and frustrating task.

Adam and I resting up

Tomorrows stretch is from Kiama to Mollymook 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.

Stay dry.