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