Mike's Blog

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

Welcome to Go-MAD!

Final preparations are underway  for the start of Riding4AmpCamp. My trusty Polygon Bend RV (known as Blackadder) is now clean and serviced awaiting being packed in readiness for the trip to Cairns tomorrow night.

The next few days will be taken up with with travel, media engagements and finalising all the loose ends before we set off from the Esplanade Cairns on the morning of Thursday 13 July.

Check out the face book page for @Riding4AmpCamp which is on the front page of this site.

Donations to support Amputees, Families Support Group can be made via the Donate QLD link on the website or homepage.

Donations to support Amputees Association of NSW can be made via the Donate NSW link on the website homepage.

We hope this site keeps you up to date with the adventure which is Riding4AmpCamp.

Mike