Month: July 2017

With very few options for accommodation in Marlborough, we stayed at the Marlborough Caravan Park. Our accommodation was very basic in the form of a workman’s donga and communal showers. Dinner was a buffet which was a very welcome sight and definitely satisfied the need.

Setting off earlier than other days, we were on the road by 7:10am and heading back to our mate Bruce (The Bruce Highway) and on our way toward Rockhampton. The temperature was a nice 1 degree and the roads were quiet. For the first time on this trip I had a gentle tailwind which was blowing nicely and giving superb assistance. We were making good time as we traversed the now rolling hills between Marlborough and ‘Rocky’ and stopped only for a quick drink before heading off again – not wanting to waste the tailwind.

We soon arrived in the little hamlet of Yaamba for a quick break which consisted of 500ml of milk and an ice cream. It was a quaint little spot and a great location to just rest and watch the streams of traffic that had now entered the Bruce Highway.

A few kilometres down the road, I stumbled upon a sight of yesteryear. I met David, happily mounted atop his horse, and stopped for a brief chat with him as he kept a watchful eye on the cattle gently grazing along the roadside – he was content in his workplace.

Again, we had hoped to present our new ‘Fashion Found on the Side of the Road’ segment today: however, the Rockhampton Shire have cleaned up the sides of the road and there was nothing to be found. We will attempt to bring this to you when we can.

We arrived in Rockhampton without fanfare and in great time by stopping the ride at 1:00pm. The difference for us today was the tailwind, cooler conditions and a keen desire to get the day done early so that we could enter our rest day. Locating a truck stop that offered a shower, we quickly used their amenities before heading into Rockhampton where we decided on Chinese for lunch. A quick buzz cut later (yes you may laugh – all three hairs had to be trimmed) and we were now travelling to our rest stop 63kms in the beautiful seaside town of Yeppoon. We are staying the night with friends and looking forward to some down time.

Arriving in Yeppoon early gave us a chance to grab a coffee and check out the beachfront. It has a pretty cool water park which we have been told is very busy in summer. We were treated to dinner at the Yeppoon Sailing Club which was a great way to finish the day with friends.

Tomorrow we are off to Rockhampton (City) where we will try and catch some rest and just relax from not being on the bike for a day. We will set off on Sunday with the objective of reaching Benaraby with hopes of reducing some of the daily kilometres on Monday.

If you are not linked to @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page we recommend you link in there as well to follow some of our day’s events. A big thank you to those of you have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading the blog who would like to donate this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Another late start after a cold night due to a front coming through and, honestly, a tired body. Grant cooked up some nice eggs on toast with butter beans and cumin seeds. We decided today was our ‘We’re on Holiday’s Day’ and we will take it as it comes. The terrain has switched it up a level from being flat runs to long distances and a bit of extra climbing. From the moment we hit the road, the wind was a constant 20+km/h with the temperature a lot cooler this morning than most other days.

Our first objective was only 13km up the road where we stopped for morning tea at the Clairview Service station. After a break, we were off again. Today was a case of just battling the wind and achieving the objective of reaching our selected destination. It was a relaxed day and, although we only had to cover 105km, we still took around 8 hours due to the stops and conditions. The countryside through this region is traditional Australian bush with mountains in the distance and open paddocks dotted throughout which are usually home to large Brahman cows and bulls.

Eventually we arrived at Waverley Rest Stop for lunch, consisting of Ryvita biscuits and peanut butter (the staple diet I learnt to enjoy with Rev Mel Macarthur on our ride across Australia last year). It was here we met a couple travelling to Cape York. A discussion ensued about the reason for our ride and the gentleman soon disclosed that he had lost a digit on his right hand as a 22-year-old in a farming accident. Now in his 60s, he related to the teens from Amp Camp and learning to live with the loss. They wished us well and gave a few dollars toward the AFSG donations. It is incredible how many people have been affected through injury, accident, birth and illness. What strikes me is that each person we have spoken to so far, appears resolute and they are each getting on with life. It is a strong reminder that raising awareness for Amp Camp can Make A Difference in the lives of these children and their families. Also, it has seen a connection with others in the wider Australian community who may have never considered the whole topic of living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference.

As the day drew closer to an end, I started seeing Kangaroos moving closer to the road and feeding in the table drains. Interestingly, they remained still when cars would pass, but a weird looking two wheeled, fluro-lycra monster was enough to make them dart off into the scrub. It was about 20km out of Marlborough that I came upon a little Echidna on the side of the road, walking peacefully and without concern for the dual-trailer road trains passing a mere two metres away. So, I stopped and watched this beautiful Australian for a few minutes as it foraged for food. It is not very often you have the pleasure of being able to see Echidnas in the wild, so this was a very special moment. After filming this unique and protected little Aussie I was on my way.

Now we had hoped to bring you a new segment tonight called ‘Clothing Yourself With Items You Find Beside the Road’. However, the abundance of clothes we had seen prior to today seemed to have dried up. We will try again tomorrow. If you are a cyclist, you will know that you can find the oddest and coolest things while out for a ride. Today we found what I initially thought was a drum from a drum kit; however, when Grant returned to inspect the item it was a near new portable dunny! We did leave it but, at the next opportunity, advised a traveller that they could get a free dunny for their caravan – just up the road, round a few corners and on top of the next hill.

Tomorrow we are off to Rockhampton where we will reward ourselves with a rest day on Saturday. If you are not linked to the @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page, we recommend you link in there as well to follow some of our day’s events. A big thank you to those who have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading this blog who would like to donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Some days just roll along and are memorable, not for the ride but rather for the things you see…

Today was such a day.

Leaving Proserpine, the road was not dissimilar to the day before. The occasional cane farm, open paddock, bush-land and mountains all around but not impeding our route. We had made our first stop in the little hamlet of Bloomsbury. Yes, a name that could easily have drifted out of a chapter in a Jane Ayre novel or even a Harry Potter story. However, there was no romanticism or wizardry at play here, just lots of raucous laughter. Let me go back.

Sitting in the Bloomsbury roadhouse whilst eating my standard ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwich and Grant enjoying his breakfast of bacon and eggs, we were suddenly drawn to giggles of the staff member stacking shelves and the sniggers of a customer nearby. Casting a glance out the window to the service station driveway, we were immediately hit with a spectacle one can never forget. A man walking with the backside ripped out of his shorts so that both butt checks were completely visible. The rear of his shirt had the bottom section ripped out exposing his torso with frayed edges. If you can imagine a man getting out of a creek and just as he launches onto the sand, a crocodile grabs at his back but just gets hold of his clothes with the man making a very lucky escape – well that’s what this guy looked like. Immediately all the patrons at the road house began to laugh raucously as he made his way to his work ute as if there was no issue, climbed in and drove off. There was a group of ladies travelling together who were in fits of laughter as it was a very unexpected sight. Now Grant and I have seen our fair share of bazaar things but this was a complete game changer. I didn’t take a photo as it would not be printable in this blog!

Having completed our feed stop and still laughing at the event that just took place, we were off again. About 30km down the road, we came upon a police car stopping all traffic. I was given the wave through while all other vehicles were waiting and this gave me a good clear road for about ten minutes. Rounding a corner at the crest of a hill stood the biggest bulldozer blade I have ever seen, with its width taking up both sides of the road. It was stopped, which was a little difficult to understand, until I rounded the next corner to see a motor home being inspected by three police officers. Immediately my eye was drawn to the deep gash in the side of the van which looked as if a can opener had been at work. Clearly, they had tried to fight the Bulldozer’s blade and lost.

Otherwise, today was relatively eventless on the bike. I’m still trying to manage the fatigue from yesterday and we will be providing a revised itinerary which is more accommodating for the ride toward Rockhampton and then Brisbane.

On reaching Mackay, we caught up with another young man from the Amp Camp family. Brayden and his mum Amanda came to visit us at the motel we are staying at and talked about the importance of Amp Camp for both of them. For Brayden, it’s about meeting other teens who he said, “are like him”; the community connection and worthy respect they share for each other. For Amanda, it was about letting her son develop and grow in his independence and recognise he is not alone. For Grant and myself, it was interesting to hear Brayden and Amanda’s story as it provided yet another example of how determined, perseverant and committed these extraordinary parents and their children are. We recorded a short interview with Brayden and Amanda and we hope this will be available via the Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Following dinner, my cousin Karl came to visit which was a great time to catch up and finish the night off splendidly. Karl also gave us some local insight into the roads ahead and where to possibly stay, so we are taking this on board in our redeveloped itinerary.

Please donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. Every bit we add will Make A Difference in the lives of these young people and their families. Donation links are on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

What a day! After all my complaints of it not being cool enough in the morning, we walked out of the motel into a new world from the last four days…a very civilised 10 degrees. We set off close to sunrise as the challenge would be to cover close to 170 km and reach our goal of Proserpine. Entering the road and heading south, I was no more than two hundred metres out of Home Hill and the fog was proving to be a hazard I hadn’t considered. The cool air was very refreshing compared to previous days and there was no breeze for the first 10 km. A slight elevation in the topography and the fog was behind me. It wasn’t long after this that our ever-present companion “The Wind” also returned.

The day was split into two sections: Home Hill to Bowen (100 km), and then the final run into Proserpine (70 km). The first section was completed in good time as the winds were not challenging like the last few days. Instead, they were steadily increasing, so that by the time we reached Bowen, they were now blowing consistently between 16-20 km/h.

Only a few kilometres from Home Hill, the cane fields gave way to natural bush vegetation. This was a nice change and provided the occasional shade across the ride in the morning hours. Although starting relatively mild, the temperature continued to rise with the Garmin recording 33 degrees Celsius as our highest daily temperature. The heat in the middle of the day was compounded by the warm wind and no shade across the road as the sun shifted overhead.
Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!

It wasn’t long before we passed through the little hamlet of Gumlu with its Big Pumpkin in the paddock next to a shop selling all the local produce. A quick snap for the Big Stuff picture book and we were off again. I was fascinated to watch the eagles and black hawks soar on the heat thermals, dive down to the road, or into a grass patch, to retrieve their bounty of food. They would then instantaneously fly back to the heat thermal to begin the task again. Australia’s Wedge Tail Eagles have always caught my eye with their graceful and masterful flight. That tilt of the head as they fly over you, inquisitively checking you out from only 30 metres above. Dare I say it, there is a gentleness to these masters of prey.

Now, for those of you who followed last years blog of the Bunbury to Bondi ride, you will remember my love for the ever vigilant and highly aggressive Australian Magpie, who seem to get around in well coordinated squadrons throughout Victoria as they run sorties at unsuspecting cyclists. Well, today saw the first such bombing run from an excited trainee Magpie just before Bowen. There was nothing to fear. He was just showing that, although it’s not yet breeding season, he wanted a bit of practise before the real cyclist head shots started in Spring. Hopefully he will be the last eager little fella!

Riding into our next little town, Guthalungra we stopped at the road house for morning tea – a strawberry milk and a ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwich. Grant had arrived earlier and a lady in a caravan made a donation to Amp Camp which was greatly appreciated. We pondered as we sat there, “What is the population of Guthalungra?” When the young woman from the roadhouse came out, we asked and she thought it was between 20-50, mainly property and station owners. Great service was our lasting memory from the staff at the Guthalungra Roadhouse. Now Guthalungra is one of those names that needs the drawling “Maaate” added at the end in my books. You know like the little town of Koorawatha, Canowindra, they all need the word “Maaate” at the end! A wide load, with police escort passed and we were glad we were parked up as the monstrosity seemed perfectly poised to take the head off an unwary cyclist.

Our next objective was Bowen. However, we skirted around town and made for the roadhouse for lunch. Having our fill, we hit the road again. Cresting a hill overlooking the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands, I happened upon another cyclist heading the other way. Ben was en-route to Cairns and wisely was heading north with a very nice tailwind. We passed on on our best wishes and we were away. Soon after, I pulled into the Big Mango (another snap for the Big Stuff picture book) and then as quickly as I arrived, I was gone.

The afternoon was one of placing one crank in front of the other, knowing we would eventually arrive in Proserpine. A re-emergence of cane fields and a westerly setting sun made a great photo opportunity of me chasing my shadow along the cane crop. Unfortunately, due to the angle of the road, the shadow won. Oh well, it helped deal with the encroaching loss of light in what was a particularly long day.

Our accommodation tonight is at the Prince of Wales Hotel where we had a great meal topped off by the staff giving us a complimentary dessert. One thing Grant and I have been noting is the excellent service being provided as we travel down the Northern Coast of Queensland.

Tomorrow we are heading to Mackay where we are hoping to catch up with one of the teens from Amp Camp and his family. It is these catch ups that bring us the greatest joy on this ride. Please continue to consider and donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. Donation links are on the home page of Go-Mad.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

What an amazing morning. On leaving our hotel, we made our way to Wulguru Park to meet with Amp Camp teen, Jordan and his mum Renee. We discussed the importance and significance of Amp Camp from both their perspectives. Jordan was clear that it provided a place for him to connect with other youth who also live with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. For him, it has built friendships and given the opportunity to be accepted for who he is. He spoke of how Amp Camp gave him confidence and an inner happiness. He said, on a number of occasions, how it just made him happy when he was there and he encourages all youth with limb loss and limb difference to get involved.

Speaking with Renee, we gained an insight into the joy it brings her when Jordan returns from Amp Camp as an energetic and happy person. She also spoke about the challenge of the first time she sent Jordan alone to Sydney from Townsville and the challenges a parent goes through in releasing their child into that phase of independence. I am realising that there is the added burden on parents with teens who have limb loss or limb difference, and it is not just in the physical matters, but also the question of whether they will be accepted, embraced and engaged without judgement. I was humbled by Jordan who identified his desire to continue in archery after recognising his skills at Amp Camp. But more importantly, Jordan inspired me that physical challenges may impose barriers and limitations; however, it is also about the inner person and that is what truly defines us.

Saying our good-byes, I was on the road again this time bound for Home Hill. There is only one road I know now… The Bruce Highway!

Along today’s route we had only a few kilometres of cane fields with the road primarily lined with small scrub and gums and of course the ever-present threat of crocodiles. Haven’t seen a live one yet and I have passed my share of rivers, creeks, lagoons and other water courses. Today, I passed Easter Creek, Christmas Creek, both of which I now regret not stopping to photograph. Another of those regrets was Didgeridoo Lagoon with its beautiful still water which was covered on the edges with a carpet of pink water lilies and bordered by gum trees and blade grass. Unfortunately, there was little room to stop.

Today’s Weather – same. SAME as every other day!!! 29 degrees, SE winds between 16-20kms, no cloud cover and the sun had an incredible bite to it.

We elected to by-pass Ayr and cut through farm lands to the south for our final approach to Home Hill. Grant had gone ahead to where we had planned to turn off the Bruce Highway and discovered a Driver Reviver that was …hmmm… closed! However, there was a great undercover area with a cold concrete floor which, we joked, he had actually laid in time for my arrival as a place to rest and cool down.

After a break and some food we were away, this time using the UHF radios to communicate. We discussed the man shed of man sheds that someone had built. The outside was completely lined with solar panels (roof and walls) and it was the size of a house. Every blokes dream! Weaving our way through, we re-joined the Bruce Highway just north of Home Hill where we were met by the incredible Burdekin Bridge with its steel girder construction. Below lay the Burdekin River with only a trickle running through. The vast expanse of this river is to behold and in full flow would be something. I had to leave the road to cross the bridge by using a service bridge – down a few stairs at one end and up a few at the other (try riding that!). A few more kilometres and we arrived at our night’s accommodation, ‘The Burdekin Motor Hotel’.

I have resorted to my favourite meal of salmon and veggies again, with Grant opting for steak and ribs with veggies. You cannot beat a good pub meal.

An early rise tomorrow as we have 170kms to cover and the weather is predicted to remain… yep… the SAME!

Mike and Grant

I’m sitting here in Townsville outside the laundromat while our clothes return to a state fit for human usage. I’ve had a day in the rain, humidity, wind and road grime. Sitting here provides me with the opportunity to reflect and recall the day that has passed.

Overnight at Ingham, the clouds had gathered and the rains had returned. Interestingly, they seemed only to be falling in Ingham, or so I thought. Stepping out and making my way along the Bruce Highway, it became clear that I would be saturated before the city limits. The opening 25kms was punctuated by a constant stream of rain from above, the water lined road from below and spray from passing trucks. Then, as if someone had turned the tap off, the rain stopped and the road was dry. Now to dry off. The temperature was the lowest it has been so far, between 15 and 20 degrees. Later in the day it rose to 28 degrees.

The terrain changed again with the foothills to the right and the occasional cane plantation. The land flattened with open areas lined with Blue Gums. Early on there was a gentle breeze and the going was comfortable with no real strain on the already fatigued and tired legs. Could it be that Weather Zone had incorrectly predicted winds? Nope, I experienced the equivalent of a nurse in the Emergency Department using the ‘Q’ word (Quiet). As I crested a small climb, there it was, blowing as it had been for the last two days – I wasn’t feeling the love. I felt it was taunting me, tempting me to go harder early on so that it could break me at this precise moment. Day three of riding into a headwind was now underway.

It was not long before we happened upon the famous “Frosty Mango” where I had been advised that I had to stop. You see, when your boss says you should stop somewhere, you probably should! Having consumed our ice cream and Grant his coffee, and tart lime and basil ice cream, it was time to make for the road again.

The roads here in North Queensland have a good edge for cycling and, although there are considerable road works and mixed surfaces, they are still quite wide compared to many I’ve ridden on before. The bridges are often tight, as we have mentioned previously, and this is where Grant becomes invaluable in ensuring I and other traffic are aware and alert to the narrowing road. For those who followed the blog in 2016, you will recall I had high praise for the truck drivers of Australia. Well, I strongly echo that statement again for Queensland truck drivers. I have found them courteous and considerate especially on the tightened bridges.

After a few more stops, including lunch, it was a welcome relief to see the outskirts of Townsville. We tracked into town via the industrial route and this was when the wind seemed to go up another notch as if warning, “Wait until tomorrow!”

We are staying the night at the Grand Hotel and Apartments here in Townsville and looking forward to a good rest before heading to Home Hill tomorrow. First thing tomorrow, we will be catching up with Jordan who lives here in Townsville. Jordan is one of the teens who attends Amp Camp and everyone I’ve spoken to who knows him, says he is an inspiration. We will be meeting him at Wulguru Park in Edison St, Wulguru (a suburb of Townsville). There is always something humbling about meeting the people you are raising support and funds for.

Please continue to support Amp Camp through this Riding4AmpCamp adventure. One of the media outlets asked how much we were hoping to raise. Initially, I embarked on this trip with the hope of raising $10 per kilometre traveled. If we could double or even triple that, we would place Amp Camp in an extremely healthy position. One which would see even more Australian Youth who live with amputation, limb loss and limb difference being able to attend Amp Camp.

If there is anyone who knows how to switch off the South Easterly blowing wind tunnel in North Queensland, please do!

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

What a morning! We walked out of our room expecting the wind and rain of the previous day, instead we found a gentle breeze and clear skies. Our first stop was a local café for breakfast. Now please note: Innisfail Show Day means Innisfail is in shut down. A public holiday was the measure of the day so we were limited to one café which every other local and tourist was accessing for breakfast too. We had a pleasant meal and then we were on our way south. Leaving later than first planned meant the wind had now picked up.

Today our objective would be Ingham via Tully and Cardwell and needing to cover 150kms of predominantly flat terrain with a few climbs. As we travelled out of town, the first noticeable difference was the dead fauna. Numerous snakes, a few cane toads, kangaroos, rats, possums and a small very flat crocodile. A cassowary made brief appearance so I peddled faster. Thankfully, there were no live creatures to cause us any grief. The signs kept us from venturing down near the rivers and creeks. Now… I’m not sure if the petrified cane toads became that way after seeing a male cyclist in lycra barrelling down the Bruce Highway, or if it was just the period of time it had been ‘resting’ in the sun. Fortunately, there had been numerous trucks and cars that had ensured the croc was beyond use for even a belt.

Caressing the foot of the range led to a return of the dreaded headwinds, albeit a little gentler than Day 1. The cane fields continued and it was interesting to see the harvesting in action along with the cane trains that crisscrossed the highway. The road had a reasonably good verge, although I estimated we crossed between 30 and 50 bridges, which narrowed greatly and left very little room for passing traffic. Grant spent most of the day going ahead and establishing where the dangers were so that we could minimise traffic interruptions and maintain safety. We will begin trialling the UHF radios tomorrow to see if this can make for even smoother travelling.

We made two significant stops today. The first being at Tully where we had hoped to get a nice photo of the Tully Golden Boot; however, it is currently under repair and surrounded by scaffolding. After a quick feed and Grant teaching the local barista how to make his favourite caffeinated drink, a long macchiato, the barista was happy to have mastered a new coffee. Before long we were off again. I led off only to have to wait at a set of traffic lights for three complete sequences before Grant arrived to trigger it and allow me to roll on. Hmmm… universal issue? Well at least national.

Heading down the coast, we made our way to the beautiful seaside community of Cardwell and sat for a while gazing out over the bay while sitting beneath the Big Crab! As we left Cardwell, the rains began to fall… a common theme in North Queensland.

The vegetation and terrain was soon to change as we encountered Blue Gums, pine plantations and some elevation. A final climb of around 70 metres, with a superb view from Hinchinbrook Lookout, was only bettered by the incredible race down the other side. On hitting the base of the hill, the winds had all but abated and it was a nice run into Ingham.

We are staying the night at Lee’s Hotel which is an ‘old school’ hotel with Friday night meat tray raffles and live music; a beautiful historic building with many of the trimmings of yesteryear. It’s a great way to rest after a long day on the bike and Grant in the car.

Tomorrow, we aim to leave earlier than the past two days enroute to Townsville, the home of the Queensland Cowboys (NRL). A shorter day than today but still not to be underestimated, as the predictions are… Yep… Wind and Rain!!

Until tomorrow,

Mike and Grant