Hydrate, stretch and slap…

Date: 19-03-2010
Day 41: Wagga Wagga, NSW 
Distance cycled: 81km

It was a similar start to the day before. The hills that we have to climb were less. But it also felt like there were less rest areas. We made sure we hydrate and refuel, stretch and slap on enough sunscreen at every opportunity. 

When we had dinner in Gundagai at Niagara Café yesterday, Sue read an article about the first 2 kayakers to successfully pedal 3,500km across the Tasman Sea in 62 days. The owner of the café is friends with one of the kayakers’ father and he has been an avid follower of the expedition since day 1. It was a very inspiring story!

In some way, it also made our attempt to cycle across Australia seemed a little less daunting. Today, there were barely any rest areas to stop but at least we can pull over to stretch our legs after every hill we conquered or whenever we felt like it. Unlike the kayakers, it’s the ocean and only the ocean. They would probably have to risk their life and jump into sea for a stretch in the presumably shark-infested water. Yikes!

Destinations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn - Queanbeyan - Yass - Gundagai - Wagga Wagga

Watch out for giant mosquitoes!

Date: 18-03-2010
Day 40: Gundagai, NSW 
Distance cycled: 109km

We got up at 5am and were ready to roll at 5:45am. It was still pitch black. We cycled for several kilometres from town to the Hume Highway that takes us to our next destination. The golden arches greeted us with a smile. We decided to stop and have breakfast at McD’s while we waited for the sunrise.

There were some hills to climb. But as Sue sees it, the reward of rolling downhill after each climb was worth the while. The surrounding views were breathtaking and given the wide road shoulders, we were able to enjoy them. Sue also noticed quite a few skid marks which reminded her of every possibly near-death experience of someone driving along the highway. It was a unnerving thought. For those of you who drive, please drive carefully.

We arrived at a camping and caravan park by the river in Gundagai around 2:30pm. We were quick to set up and head to town for our first proper meal of the day (apart from the brekkie at maccas). We walked to town to give our bums a break.

Every town is unique in its own way. However the similarities are also evident. As Lukas put it, “In Europe, every town centre has a clock tower. In Australia, it appears that every town has a bottle shop.”

Gundagai, also a historical town, has some nice walkways along its parks too! The walk to town for an early dinner was pleasant until we realised why we were the only ones walking through the park. We were under attack by horrendous giant mosquitoes! Thankfully (we hope), there were not deadly. ;)

Destinations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn - Queanbeyan - Yass - Gundagai