Anything and everything is possible…

Day 15-18: Queanbeyan, NSW

… when you take it one step at a time. So we believe! Many probably think we’re out of our minds when we say we are going to Perth… on our push bikes. “Isn’t it like 4,000 or 5,000kms away?” is a common expression.

We used to commute approximately 15km one way to work with our bikes that takes about an hour. That makes 30km a day, and we were no pro bikies. Nope, we didn’t have our cycle shoes and jerseys back then. ;) If we commute the same distance each day for roughly 2 hours, in 150 days we would have clocked 4,500km cycling. Easy!

Given the extraordinary characteristics of human physique, our bodies learn to adapt and our muscles grow stronger (provided we nourish them well). For anyone starting to ride, 30km a day would become 40km, 50km and 60km... and eventually 100km a day. Then it would take us less than 150 days to make 4,500km. Easy!

Sue came across much more than a few websites on people sharing their stories about travelling on push bikes whether across Australia or around the world. Check them out!

Clea and Garrett Cycle Across Australia (pic above)
Their story inspired our trip when Sue first read an article about them in the Women’s Health Magazine Australia. Sue has been in correspondence with Clea, who has been very kind to share their experiences, tips and supportive words!

TravellingTwo: Bicycle Touring Around The World
Andrew and Friedel started travelling around the world on their bikes in 2006. When their tour ended in October 2009, they clocked an incredible 48,000km! They moved to the Netherlands and their blog continues to offer an abundance of stories, tips and advices on cycling and bike touring.

The Cycle Strongman Expedition (CSX)
This solo expedition by Chris started in March 2009 from Newcastle NSW. As Chris put it, “The eight year odyssey will involve cycling around the globe (covering Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas), sailing across two oceans and eight seas and (if luck, health and good winds have it) all the way back home again. The CSX is as much a personal journey about self discovery as a catalyst to inspire individuals.”

Across The Nullarbor on Two Wheels
This one-page website shares a story about a couple from Scotland that touches Sue personally. Colin wrote in 1986 about his travel with Louise across the Nullarbor from Perth to Sydney with bare necessities. They shared one towel, one sleeping bag and had neither a tent nor cooking equipment. 

So there you have it. Anything and everything is possible when you take it one step at a time. No matter what your goal is, set your heart to it and learn from the setbacks. Then, take the next step. Easy!

Are you ready?

Canberra, the next cycling capital?

Day 14: Queanbeyan, NSW

It was back on the road, without our packs and panniers! We could not believe the cycleway available. First we cycled from Queanbeyan, NSW to Fyshwick, ACT on bike paths. After a short stop in Canberra city centre, we rode all the way to Dickson for lunch. The giant ‘bagel’ (more like just a bun) made up for the light but frequent meals we had on our ride from Goulburn to Queanbeyan. But it was yumm~~ On our way back to the city, we went on the bike paths along a waterway.

We noticed many more people on push bikes in Canberra than we do in Sydney. Sue thinks when you do see people commuting with bicycles in Sydney, they are normally clad in cycle jerseys, padded bike shorts and pro-looking cycle shoes. Unlike here, where you can see moms with baby on bicycles, girl in dress with cowboy boots on vintage push-bikes as well as those in sporty outfits. Cool! “Not quite like the Netherlands though”, Lukas said. Well, it’s a start. Have a look at Copenhagen Cycle Chic, a fashion blog of people on 2 wheels and you’ll see what Sue means.

We were on the road home at the most inconvenient time: rush hour! Blessed with the bike paths, we still had to ride on-road on some parts. Although the rush hour traffic is nothing compared to Sydney, the stress and impatience of some drivers may be similar. All we have to say: Blink, people… blink! It is not the fault our judgement when drivers do not indicate when they are turning and having to slow down as we crossed.

That said, we both still look forward to our stay here in the next 2-3 weeks. We just need to avoid biking during rush hours. ; ) And not letting Oskar (Dan’s pet ferret) out of his cage. He bit Sue!!

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale – Goulburn – Queanbeyan

Bed? This foreign thing is so soft and comfy…

Day 13: Queanbeyan, NSW

For dinner the night before, Dan cooked up a storm (literally! You should have seen the food flying out of the wok) and made our favourite fried rice (Lee’s version) despite his long day at work. We also finally had a chance to call home and speak with our families.

After yesterday’s milestone, our first 3-digits kms clocked, we had the day off. We made sure that our 5am alarm was turned off and we slept in… on a bed, with mattress! Except for the times in Heathcote and Robertson when we slept in a hotel/motel room, our sleeping bags have become our bed since this New Year. Changing the way we live once in a while makes us appreciate that much more what we have. The rest of the day was R&R after we took care of some logistics. Oww… yeah~

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale – Goulburn – Queanbeyan

And we’re rolling, rolling, rolling…

Day 12: Queanbeyan, NSW
Distance cycled: 100km

Who would have thought?!?! (Not something you would expect to hear from someone – or 2 – who said they would cycle 4,500km to Perth) We made it to CANBERRA!

It was an early start, getting up at 5am for departure at 6am. It was still dark and chilly. Having to put away our tent full-o-creepy crawlies also put chills to our spine. Just a night before, we saw a palm-sized Huntsman spider ‘hanging out’ at the corner of our tent. Any noise we heard, Lukas suggested that the spider is chewing through our tent.

We enjoyed the sunrise as we rolled into Hume Highway towards Canberra. Less than a third of the way to our destination, we passed the Great Dividing Range. From then on, Sue’s imaginary picture came true: we were (mostly) rolling into Canberra! The conditions could not have been better: clearing blue sky, some breeze despite the sun shining, a bit of tailwind if any wind at all, wide shoulders along the highway, and a crazy couple on their push-bikes dreaming away.

We continued along the Federal Highway, partially hoping to find a service station along the way to take a break and have lunch. We never found one. But there were many rest areas along this Remembrance Driveway, which were dedicated to Australians who were awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of valour and extraordinary personal courage in WW II and Vietnam.

One of the highlights of the day was when a Wicked camper honked at us. It was Glen and Gail! We met this ‘Just Married’ couple from Saskatchewan, Canada at the campground the day before when we were making dinner at the camp kitchen. Glen and Gail shared some fun stories including a couple who cycled for a year from Canada to Mexico and back. They were planning to head to Canberra too and said they would pull over if they spot us on the highway. And they did! It was a pleasant surprise. Thanks for the stop and picture, Glen and Gail!

Before 3pm, we arrived in Queanbeyan! WE MADE IT!! It felt good… ;=)

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale – Goulburn - Queanbeyan

Next stop: Canberra/Queanbeyan

Day 12: Goulburn, NSW

And so we will! We decided to stay for another night to rest for tomorrow’s ride more than 90km to Canberra or Queanbeyan (where Dan generously offered us a real roof over our heads). We could also spend the day checking out Australia’s first inland city Goulburn, where the world’s biggest merino standing at 15.2m high and weighing 97 tonne stands as a celebration of Australia’s fine wool industry. Too bad (mostly for Sue) we just missed the Australian Blues Music Festival held here last weekend.

We got to sleep in this morning. It is quite amazing (perhaps a little uneasy) to discover how the creepy crawlies have warmly welcomed us and made our home as part of theirs. As we lay in our tent, we could see so many different types and colours of ants, spiders and caterpillars or worms roaming about and around (thankfully) outside our tent.

We headed into the city centre after breakfast and found ourselves sitting in the public library using wireless internet… gratis (free)... thanks to the Goulburn City Council and you, taxpayers! That is tax well-spent. We are finally able to check our mails, keep in touch with families and friends, and blog again. ; ) Thank you all for your patience! Speak soon from Canberra/Queanbeyan.

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn

Sun glorious, sun!

Day 11: Goulburn, NSW

Distance cycled: 67km

We recharged in Moss Vale and were ready to pedal on. It can make so much difference having a refrigerator and a kitchen to cook in, something to look out for in the next campgrounds.

After a wholesome breakfast, we took off at 8:30am. Humidity was very high. “It is just the highlands fog”, a friendly camper suggested as she gave us well wishes. We hoped the ray of sun will break through the mist.

It was a beautiful ride along Tourist Drive 8 passing one farm or ranch after another. Before long, we hit the Hume Highway. It was less stressful riding along the wide shoulder of the highway despite cars and trucks flying past us. Some even honked for support! Unfortunately, we do see a lot of litter and 2 dead turtles along the highways we took. As a gentle reminder: please do not litter… and give those who do an evil stare if not a piece of your mind. ;p

Yes! Sun glorious, sun! We made good progress and decided to stop for lunch at noon. We were dry! It felt good… ahh… the simple things in life. ;=) Despite the looming clouds, the sun was shining and the breeze kept coming. It was very comfortable to ride. The wind picked up and it became a little more challenging, especially with each gradual but seemingly endless climbs.

Before 3pm, we arrived at Goulburn and found one of the nicest campgrounds so far on this trip to stay at. Governor Hill’s Carapark was clean, has a large camp kitchen (that made us felt like home), seating areas and even singing ants! “Have a lovely stay”, said the office attendant. We sure will!

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn

We are singing in the rain… on Valentine’s Day

Day 10: Moss Vale, NSW
Distance cycled: 24km

Robertson, the town of the big potato, is a small town with population just above 1,000 people. Yesterday, we were checked into the Robertson Country Motel. The room is decorated with a personal touch. We liked it. It was also nice to stay dry once in a while and not thinking about how our tent will hold up to the forces of nature.

We wanted to keep our family updated of our wellbeing. Unfortunately, the credit in both our mobile phones accounts was empty and there were no wireless broadband reception. We hope they are not worried. Happy Chinese New Year, the Ds (Dan & Dad)! Happy Fasching for the Austrian families and friends!

As usual, 5 minutes before the alarm buzzed off, there was a downpour (seriously!). There goes the thought of going for a walk to check out this charming little town. We savoured every minute we had until check-out time at 10am when we had to brave the wet weather again.

It was a smooth and mostly flat ride. The symphony of nature orchestrated by frogs, birds and sometimes cows cheered us on. In 1.5 hours, we arrived in Moss Vale. The thought of retreating to a cabin instead of a tent was very tempting. No chance. All cabins in the caravan park were fully booked. We were told that there is a music festival this weekend (we later found out it was Rob Thomas!) and about 8,000 people will be attending. That might explain the $4 ‘surcharge’ we unexpectedly had to pay despite the price listed on their website checked only a few days ago. Well, at least there is a camp kitchen undercover. Lukas had his fair share of steak and potatoes for lunch.

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale