Rolling out of Rockhampton early on a Sunday morning was a very good idea. Traffic was low and the conditions were conducive to cycling. The temperature was hovering around 15 degrees for the first hour and there was a very light wind which was also favourable. Last night we stayed on the northern side of Rockhampton and it was approximately 10km across town before we began to leave the city limits.
The rest day has served me well and energy levels are up, along with a sense of excitement, as we are only a few days from reaching Brisbane. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, we have a few catch ups being planned and it is meeting the young men and women we are riding for that gives us the greatest sense of achievement.
As a cyclist and someone who loves the culture and genuineness of Australia, it is very relaxing riding through rural Australia, exploring new countryside and meeting people along the way. Many of the little hamlets we passed through would have been hustling centres in years gone by. Today was no different as we travelled through areas like Bajool and eventually stopped for morning tea at Marmor having knocked over 50km. The day has been different to most in that we are encountering rolling hills which remind me of the terrain around Mudgee in NSW or Arthur River in WA. These consistent rollers have resulted in over 600 metres of climbing today (For full riding statistics, see STRAVA data to the left). Eventually we passed the little village of Raglan and I thought of my wife and daughters discussing that old fashion genius, the raglan sleeves and where it was devised. As I rode away from the entry to Raglan I thought that maybe this was a town of seamstresses in the past or maybe it still is!
Continuing on down the Bruce Highway, we rolled into Mount Larcum for a brief lunch stop. From here the road seemed to rise and fall with gums and high native grasses lining the road side. The traffic had built up over the day and what was ever present were the convoys of Australian, New Zealand and American soldiers who have recently finished their joint international war games (Talisman Sabre) in the Rockhampton area. When we say convoys, we are meaning in excess of 200 vehicles. Pretty impressive and the Australian Army are a tight looking outfit I must say.
Earlier in the day, there were multiple points on the highway where road works led to reduced edges and on one occasion I was forced from the road, down a small embankment and onto a service road below – you guessed it, by my favourite vehicle…a caravan (sarcasm intended) . As I steadied Blackadder, a young Australian soldier called out to check on my welfare. All was good and I re-joined the road when it was safe to do so. I ended up riding the last kilometre of that particular stretch of roadworks with three New Zealand vehicles providing me a rear-guard action. A thumbs-up from the passenger and a little further up the road they had pulled over and the driver lent out the window to cheer me on.
Not a lot of wildlife today and even less in the way of clothing to put together our first roadside outfit. Hopefully tomorrow!
Initially we had planned to stop in Calliope (pronounced, KAL…I…OH…PEA) but, as we had made good time and I was feeling good, we continued up a number of hills and we are resting tonight at the Hilltop Motor Inn, Benaraby. The proprietor offered us a discounted rate to support our venture. We are very thankful and our digs tonight are very comfortable. We would both recommend this Motor Inn if you are ever passing through this part of the country. They have ensured attention to cleanliness and there is that old-family-run-business atmosphere that makes you feel very welcome. Tomorrow we are hoping to reach Gin Gin which is around 150km.
Please continue to support us @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to the Amp Camp 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