Ran into Robbo who is planning on staying with us tonight and riding with the group tomorrow. Robbo took great delight in telling Cycle Across Oz stories to the new riders.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Day 6: Corowa to Barooga
Woke early to a change in the wind and a big drop in the temperature. Unfortunately the wind has turned around to the west/southwest and it is pretty strong. The riders were lead out of town by Jane today and they were struggling into the wind for most of the day.
Morning tea was at Lake Mulwala and we nearly got blown away. No-one really complaining too much about the wind so let's hope it doesn't go on for too many days. We were into Barooga by lunchtime and the group rode together for most of the day. They took it in turns taking the lead and worked together well. Another flat tyre today- Roger 2 & Gareth 2.
Ran into Robbo who is planning on staying with us tonight and riding with the group tomorrow. Robbo took great delight in telling Cycle Across Oz stories to the new riders.
Ran into Robbo who is planning on staying with us tonight and riding with the group tomorrow. Robbo took great delight in telling Cycle Across Oz stories to the new riders.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Day 5: Corowa Rest Day
The noise this morning was absolutely unbelievable. The kookaburras went to town and then the corellas fired up. I thought the city was noisy- you should try the country side in the early morning. Otherwise a very peaceful night and lovely caravan park.
This morning we had the Snail Bike Race. We had two trials and then the final with the winners of the trials competing against each other. Collis called the race and I was the time keeper. Theo was the official photographer. The rules changed a number of times throughout the race but we ended up with Annie against Melanie in the final. It was neck and neck for most of the race but Annie was the persistent one who has taken the trophy. Her prize is a meal of her choice tonight. Jane, Theo and Roger decided not to participate as competitors but made great adjudicators. Annie is officially the slowest rider on this leg.
Following this we were going to go for a bike ride to some wineries but some riders decided they would rather be driven around so the ride was called off. Melanie, Jane and Gareth came with us to the chocolate factory then onto 2 wineries and finishing off with Parker Pies in Rutherglen. Collis dropped the girls off up the shops for a bit of shopping therapy.
We went to the Fairy Bistro at Wahgunyah for dinner and after walking across the bridge and up the slight incline, we are told that there is no food on a Wednesday night. So, as a group, we marched out, back across the bridge, past the caravan park and up a bigger hill to the Corowa Hotel. Dinner here was pretty good with the special for the night being Parma & a pot for $17.00. All meals were huge and Collis couldn't manage to finish his plus mine so we actually sent some food back.
The three in the unit held a post dinner drinkies. We all sat around outside but the mosquitoes drove us all back to our tents. Lots of alcohol left over. Annie & I stayed up for a little while playing the banana game- don't ask.
This morning we had the Snail Bike Race. We had two trials and then the final with the winners of the trials competing against each other. Collis called the race and I was the time keeper. Theo was the official photographer. The rules changed a number of times throughout the race but we ended up with Annie against Melanie in the final. It was neck and neck for most of the race but Annie was the persistent one who has taken the trophy. Her prize is a meal of her choice tonight. Jane, Theo and Roger decided not to participate as competitors but made great adjudicators. Annie is officially the slowest rider on this leg.
Following this we were going to go for a bike ride to some wineries but some riders decided they would rather be driven around so the ride was called off. Melanie, Jane and Gareth came with us to the chocolate factory then onto 2 wineries and finishing off with Parker Pies in Rutherglen. Collis dropped the girls off up the shops for a bit of shopping therapy.
We went to the Fairy Bistro at Wahgunyah for dinner and after walking across the bridge and up the slight incline, we are told that there is no food on a Wednesday night. So, as a group, we marched out, back across the bridge, past the caravan park and up a bigger hill to the Corowa Hotel. Dinner here was pretty good with the special for the night being Parma & a pot for $17.00. All meals were huge and Collis couldn't manage to finish his plus mine so we actually sent some food back.
The three in the unit held a post dinner drinkies. We all sat around outside but the mosquitoes drove us all back to our tents. Lots of alcohol left over. Annie & I stayed up for a little while playing the banana game- don't ask.
Day 4: Tallangatta to Corowa
The riders were up early today- that is before Collis and I. By the time we crawled out of our bed, most of the riders were packed up and eating their breakfast. They were all on the road by 7.35 am as Roger (the day's leader) decided it was going to be very hot today.
Roger had been chosen as the ride leader for today and he was taking the position very seriously. He instructed at what time they were to leave, where they would regroup if they become separated, and he would ride back if anyone was getting left behind. Well done Roger. Mel has suggested we have a gate keeper who keeps everyone in the group.
The group chose to ride the bike path to Wodonga and it was enjoyed by most. Some comments about some rough areas on the path but much safer than the road. Morning tea was at the
McDonalds which was a novelty for a few of the riders who do not frequent this establishment very often, if at all. Roger then led them to a bike shop so Theo could get a new speedo and then Roger bought a new pump. The group are not too taken with Collis' style of pumps.
Lunch was at 65km mark on the side of the road under a nice shady tree with lots of bull-ants to keep us company. It looks like Collis has over estimated the kms today by about 20 kms. Roger informed everyone that this is quite normal. Quite a few wineries along this road into Corowa but no-one took the opportunity to pop into any. I think this is being left for tomorrow which just happens to be a rest day.
All riders appear happy with the choice of caravan park and B1, B2 and Julien upgraded into a cabin for the two nights. I had a game of frisbee with Gareth and Theo with Annie joining in on occasions as she tried to decide where to put her tent. The group in the cabin braved the Murray River once again and swam across the river. Roger and Theo went out to the pub for dinner as they wanted the lamb shanks and thoroughly enjoyed these- cooked to perfection according to both men. Everyone else stayed in tonight cooking an array of dinner cuisine.
Roger had been chosen as the ride leader for today and he was taking the position very seriously. He instructed at what time they were to leave, where they would regroup if they become separated, and he would ride back if anyone was getting left behind. Well done Roger. Mel has suggested we have a gate keeper who keeps everyone in the group.
The group chose to ride the bike path to Wodonga and it was enjoyed by most. Some comments about some rough areas on the path but much safer than the road. Morning tea was at the
McDonalds which was a novelty for a few of the riders who do not frequent this establishment very often, if at all. Roger then led them to a bike shop so Theo could get a new speedo and then Roger bought a new pump. The group are not too taken with Collis' style of pumps.
Lunch was at 65km mark on the side of the road under a nice shady tree with lots of bull-ants to keep us company. It looks like Collis has over estimated the kms today by about 20 kms. Roger informed everyone that this is quite normal. Quite a few wineries along this road into Corowa but no-one took the opportunity to pop into any. I think this is being left for tomorrow which just happens to be a rest day.
All riders appear happy with the choice of caravan park and B1, B2 and Julien upgraded into a cabin for the two nights. I had a game of frisbee with Gareth and Theo with Annie joining in on occasions as she tried to decide where to put her tent. The group in the cabin braved the Murray River once again and swam across the river. Roger and Theo went out to the pub for dinner as they wanted the lamb shanks and thoroughly enjoyed these- cooked to perfection according to both men. Everyone else stayed in tonight cooking an array of dinner cuisine.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Day 3: Jingellic to Tallangatta
It got really chilly overnight with the temperature dropping down to below 10*C but the day dawned with clear blue skies promising a lovely day. There was a lovely haze hanging over the river for quite some time until the temperature started to rise.
The riders rode off in small groups this morning with B1 & B2 (Bryan and Brian) coming up the rear. The ride before morning tea was just so relaxed and pleasant scenery that we all wished it could go on forever. Leading up to morning tea we start to realise we may have misplaced two of our riders. B1 & B2 were nowhere to be found and we had no reception so we couldn't contact them.
Collis had to then go back, find a spot with some reception and try and contact them. They had taken a wrong turn and had ended up in Tumbarumba. They needed rescuing as this was a steep difficult climb and there was no way they could catch up with the group. Collis went with the van and I followed the group onto the lunch stop.
Got to lunch but then realised Collis had all the chairs and all the food in the van with him. So I rustled up some savoury biscuits, nuts and dried fruit with cups of tea. Everyone was good about the lack of food. Julien rode past the lunch break spot missing the cyclists sign.
Collis dropped the boys off at the top of Mt Granya and they had a lovely ride down the hill getting up to 73.8 km/hr. It wasn't long before we got to Tallangatta for a lovely lunch at the local bakery. The B's weren't far behind and we all settled well into the caravan park.
Nice caravan park on the lake but the sunset was disappointing tonight although Roger got some early shots.
The riders rode off in small groups this morning with B1 & B2 (Bryan and Brian) coming up the rear. The ride before morning tea was just so relaxed and pleasant scenery that we all wished it could go on forever. Leading up to morning tea we start to realise we may have misplaced two of our riders. B1 & B2 were nowhere to be found and we had no reception so we couldn't contact them.
Collis had to then go back, find a spot with some reception and try and contact them. They had taken a wrong turn and had ended up in Tumbarumba. They needed rescuing as this was a steep difficult climb and there was no way they could catch up with the group. Collis went with the van and I followed the group onto the lunch stop.
Got to lunch but then realised Collis had all the chairs and all the food in the van with him. So I rustled up some savoury biscuits, nuts and dried fruit with cups of tea. Everyone was good about the lack of food. Julien rode past the lunch break spot missing the cyclists sign.
Collis dropped the boys off at the top of Mt Granya and they had a lovely ride down the hill getting up to 73.8 km/hr. It wasn't long before we got to Tallangatta for a lovely lunch at the local bakery. The B's weren't far behind and we all settled well into the caravan park.
Nice caravan park on the lake but the sunset was disappointing tonight although Roger got some early shots.
Day 2: Corryong to Jingellic
There was a little rain overnight with threatening thunderstorms predicted for this morning. The riders headed out together and it started to drizzle almost immediately. There was one downpour when the riders were at Towong and they managed to get some shelter for the worst of it. Then it stopped with sprinkles for the rest of the way until Walwa.
We were having morning tea at the Walwa cafe and again it started to pour just as the riders arrived. It went very dark with lightening and thunder but blew across very quickly. Morning tea was nice and the lady in the cafe made a point of coming out and thanking us for stopping at her establishment.
7 kms onto Jingellic. There were motorbike riders everywhere at the camp site but they were friendly enough and didn't make a lot of noise. The boys went for a swim in the Murray as soon as we got there and reported back that it was braising but refreshing. Showers and toilets were a real disappointment with the men's shower virtually unusable. $4 a token this year- up a dollar since last year with a real drop in hygiene. No toilet paper provided so next visit we must bring our own. It was a shame we couldn't get a smile out of the publican either.
Regrouped in the pub (out on the terrace) for a drink and had an enjoyable time. We, the girls had rustled up a coleslaw, potato salad and a tossed salad from the vegie and fruit trays the girls won the other day. Everyone bought their own meat and we had quite a meal with heaps left over. The boys did the dishes. Group is melding nicely together.
Day 1: Corryong- Cudgewa- Corryong
We all managed a bit of a sleep in today because we weren't heading out until around 11 am. Temperature heading towards 34*C but pleasant ride on the way there. Lunch provided by Cycle Across Oz at the Cudgewa Pub and all meals were very nice and the publican and his wife very pleasant and helpful. The cricket was on in the public bar so the boys kept disappearing on/off.
We got our first flat tyre on the way back- Gareth. Went back to the caravan park for a swim and did a little bit of shopping for food.
Shirts were handed out tonight with everyone getting one that fits nicely and everyone seems happy with the new look. 1st briefing seemed to go well although Collis did go on a little bit about enjoying themselves, as if there was a chance they weren't going to.
Annie, Mel and I have decided to do this sort-of diet. It consists of 1. Fasting on the rest days. 2. Only one ice-cream a week. 3. Reduction of alcohol. 4. Not as many biscuits and lollies as our last ride.
See how long it will last.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Pre-ride days
Thursday 26th March. 2 days pre-ride.
Left Melbourne at 0600 hrs today. Some trouble with getting our new spare bike onto the trailer bike rack so it has ended up on my car. Neither of us has had much sleep overnight as we are our usual agitated selves. I think I got around 3 hours last night but I was feeling fine. WE changed our original plans of me picking up Melanie and now Collis will do this and then he will go via Tullamarine to pick up Roger. Roger has flown in from Adelaide.
I catch up with them at Wallan after having my first McDonalds in an absolute age. We travelled in tandem to Albury where we picked up Annie first and then Jane. Annie had been riding around Mt Buller for a few days and Jane flew in from Perth. From here we head to Corryong. Collis gets a blown tyre on the trailer on the road up and lucky Roger was in the car with him to assist with the changing of the tyre. It was shredded.
Went to the pub for dinner which I really enjoyed- I had the fish & squid and everyone else went for the steak- tough.
Early to bed as I was totally exhausted and slept like a log.
Friday 27th March. 1 day pre-ride.
Collis and I headed off early to pick up Theo who was flying into Albury from Sydney. We had to stop first at the Tyre Power for a new tyre and of course it took us forever to find the place which made us a little late picking up Theo. Collected him and drove back to Corryong where Collis had to eat lunch quickly and then turn around and go back into town to pick up B1, B2, Julien and Gareth who were all coming in on the XPT from Sydney at around 3 pm.
We all headed out to the pub again for dinner and everyone enjoyed their meals more than last night. Lots of smoke hanging around town still apparently from controlled burning.
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