We had a great birthday breakfast at Jan's in Broadbeach before pedalling north through Surfers Paradise and Paradise Point to find a route towards Brisbane. Thank you Jan for putting us up.
The route alongside the beach was really pleasant, the sun was shining and we made good progress. We were not completely sure of how to get into Brisbane as cyclists are barred from the Freeway and it was difficult to see a clear route on the map we had. We also had a big gap between one map finishing and the other starting.
However, we found a spare road which ran alongside the Freeway, not marked on the map and with relatively little traffic which carried us along quickly towards Brisbane. We then met up with a cyclist, Bevan, who was going our way who took us right where we needed to go and to the point where Gordon knew the way home. (About 2kms from Bardon as far as I could tell) It was great to be led directly towards Brisbane, but Bevan was on a road bike and so we had about 25kms of quite a fast and furious pace.
We had a really pleasant ride along the Brisbane River stopping for lunch with Amir before dropping our bikes off for a much needed service and arriving at Gordon's place at 1430hrs. We cycled exactly 100kms (63 miles) - a rest day!
It was great to get to Gordon's place where we could get at all the kit that had been sent home. Gordon's make up bag and platform shoe collection was waiting for him and needed to be seen to be believed - it dwarfed Buddy when he stood next to it. Buy shares in Australia Post if you can!!!
Ella has asked what our bikes are called - an important question given all that they have been through. Suggestions welcomed - names will be revealed in due course.
Thoughts and comments:
- Saw a big mountain bike near Surfers Paradise and a big gun at Springwood. The collection is growing.
- Still cannot understand how we missed an 11m long banana at Coffs Harbour.....
- Brisbane is a hilly place.
- The performance of the England football team was a disgrace! I thought Buddy was having me on when he told me the score at 0630hrs this morning.
- The weather in Brisbane was really good today - 21 degrees .... apparently it was a chilly start so people were wearing overcoats......
- Tonight we wear underpants!!
- Packing for the pedal north - complete sort out of kit tonight (in between partying)
- Snack of the day: Tognini's - cheesy raviolli - thanks Amir.
- Tune of the day: Happy Birthday To You
Morale sky high - tomorrow Nambour.
Gordon says ...
Well I'm shattered. It's been a long day - good cycling for the most part - a speedy 100 kms to Brisbane - followed by some bike repairs, and some organisational stuff at QUT. I'd like to thank John for getting our bikes back into good order at short notice, but most of all, I'd like to thank my colleagues at QUT for being so understanding about our revised schedule for the ride. Not only have I been given extra leave, but my work-mates have kindly taken on some of my workload until I'm back on deck. I can't thank them enough.
It's been a good birthday - got to see my family and friends (most importantly), but also got to see 'the dream' (see above picture) - the road bike I've wanted for about a decade. Thanks to Anthony for doing most of the arranging, Belinda for paying for it, Amir for telling me I'll still be a shit racer, even with a decent bike, Mary for putting up with Amir, and Debbie for ... well, I can't think of anything really (but that's just me), but thanks anyway.
I finally got my book from the publisher today. If you're having trouble sleeping "Philosophy, Behaviour Disorders and the School' by Gordon Tait. You'll be zzzing in no time (I'm very proud of it, actually).
There a rumour that a friend (Colin) may be driving up to the Cape with his brother at the same time we're cycling there - sort of watching over us, and keeping us company. While I know he's got a wrecked shoulder, and I don't want him to do any damage to himself, I'd feel a lot happier if he's there. Nigel says we'll be fine either way, but I don't think he necessarily grasps just how big and dangerous the Australian wilderness can be ... or maybe he does, but he's just an idiot.
OK - birthday over. Time for bed. We're heading north again tomorrow. Not looking forward to saying goodbye to the family for a month.
Well done boys! Almost half way to the Cape! It was lovely to see you last night - you both look incredibly (or surprisingly?) fit and well.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Gordon (I'd call you an old codger or something... BUT you're older than me by a fair shot, and I wouldn't even THINK about what you two 50-year-olds are doing, let alone attempt it, so I'll leave any 'old' jokes aside until I've climbed Mount Everest without oxygen, or something similar!)
Hugs to you both. Cycle safely - and watch out for the sugar cane trains!
Nikki xxx