Our accommodation last night was at The Bellevue Riverside Motel which was a great step back in time. The business had previously sat directly on the thoroughfare of the Pacific Highway which was redirected back in the 70s. It is soon to undergo another redirection which will see traffic bypass Macksville. The evidence of the changes coming are everywhere with homes and businesses displaying For Sale signs. We were directed to the Star Hotel for dinner which was a very good decision, it was a hive of activity and clearly the centre of Macksville.
With Sydney in our sights, we set off early knowing we had a 145km ride ahead of us and the need to navigate road works regularly until just before the Port Macquarie interchange. Road works aside, the roads have become reasonably good with a generally smooth surfaces as it is mostly motorway these days. The bridges and works being completed are on a level of construction that I have never seen before. We travelled over the Kempsey bypass bridge which seemed to continue on and on for numerous kilometres. It was around this time that a very nice tailwind seemed to clip in behind me. The combination of smooth roads, a nice tailwind and the bulk of the ride completed helped me cover territory quickly.
The terrain that I rode today has been heavily modified by the significant road works being completed. With engineers clearly trying to find the flattest route through, it has reduced the climbing that I was expecting to face. Flora through this area is nicely wooded and the forests appear to be thriving due to the State Forest Management. Great greenery surrounds the roadside with gums, wattles and a sweet scent in the air. The Manning Valley area is brilliantly alive with bird life and a vibrancy in the bush that draws you in. A very enjoyable place to ride through with a very wide shoulder for riding.
Arriving in Moorland earlier than expected, allowed us to consider our options for tomorrow and venture down the road a little in the car to restock on essentials at Taree. We have ‘upped the ante’ a little with our sights set on trying to reach either Raymond Terrace or Newcastle’s outer suburbs by tomorrow evening. Weatherzone indicates there is a nice front coming through overnight with a potential tailwind of around 25+km/h. This will be an incredible assistance for covering greater kilometres and giving us a greater sense of control over our approach to Sydney. We will see how we go. As we move into the last three days of riding there is a building of anticipation.
Tonight, we are staying with a work colleague and his family who have kindly opened their home to us and who have offered us support in trying to market the cause of Amp Camp. A big thanks to John and Paula for their hospitality.
Please donate to Amputees NSW via the following address, http://ozcrowd.com/campaign/3959 or through visiting their website http://www.amputeesnsw.org.au/
If you are a business owner or involved in a large corporation, please consider Amp Camp as your ongoing charity to support.
Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant
You’re drawing ever closer Mike and Grant, not long to go now…three days! The anticipation in being so very close to the end of such a long ride must be great as you think about the kilometres you’ve still to cover.
The countryside you’ve just ridden/driven through looks so lush and green with beautiful clear skies, a sense of serenity. So looking forward to seeing you ride in. Go well and stay safe!