Nigel says... Gordon was still packing his makeup bag at 0530hrs so we set off at 0545hrs. Outside, it was pitch black with no ambient light at all. I put on a headtorch and led Gordon down the steep track and along the cliffs. I'm not sure in normal circumstances that I would welcome Gordon invading my personal space like he did this morning!
The early start was well worth it, not only because it enabled us to finish the day on schedule and in daylight but we saw dawn in the National Park with all the attendant wildlife and noises and the sight of the sun rising. The route was hard work, however, and very undulating. After 26 kms (16+ miles) we reached Tidal River both nursing blisters, but happy to be there. The ice cold cokes and large bowls of chicken soup were very welcome. We walked a total of 49 Kms (31 miles) over the two days. It was definately more demanding than we had anticipated.
We sorted our kit and set off on the 60 kms (38 mile) ride to Foster. We were boosted by our 'cottage mates' stopping by the road to cheer us on . Thanks guys, much appreciated. If the photos are any good, please can you send one?
Most of the ride was flat and really good, but there were two very steep hills early on which tested us both and has resulted in Gordon re-appraising his 'Christmas Tree' approach to equipment carriage. It looks like he is going over to the dark side and adopting my 'one pair of underpants only' approach! So that you understand what I mean, this brief comparison may make thinks clearer:
Panniers: Nigel x 2 Gordon x 4
Underpants: Nigel: x 1 Gordon x 4
Platform shoes and flares: Nigel x 0 Gordon x lots
Manbag: Nigel x 0 Gordon x 1
Nail Varnish: Nigel x 0 Gordon x what colour?
Result - Gordon is sending 2 x panniers of kit back to Brisbane.
We start tomorrow at 0730hrs - a lie in!
The early start was well worth it, not only because it enabled us to finish the day on schedule and in daylight but we saw dawn in the National Park with all the attendant wildlife and noises and the sight of the sun rising. The route was hard work, however, and very undulating. After 26 kms (16+ miles) we reached Tidal River both nursing blisters, but happy to be there. The ice cold cokes and large bowls of chicken soup were very welcome. We walked a total of 49 Kms (31 miles) over the two days. It was definately more demanding than we had anticipated.
We sorted our kit and set off on the 60 kms (38 mile) ride to Foster. We were boosted by our 'cottage mates' stopping by the road to cheer us on . Thanks guys, much appreciated. If the photos are any good, please can you send one?
Most of the ride was flat and really good, but there were two very steep hills early on which tested us both and has resulted in Gordon re-appraising his 'Christmas Tree' approach to equipment carriage. It looks like he is going over to the dark side and adopting my 'one pair of underpants only' approach! So that you understand what I mean, this brief comparison may make thinks clearer:
Panniers: Nigel x 2 Gordon x 4
Underpants: Nigel: x 1 Gordon x 4
Platform shoes and flares: Nigel x 0 Gordon x lots
Manbag: Nigel x 0 Gordon x 1
Nail Varnish: Nigel x 0 Gordon x what colour?
Result - Gordon is sending 2 x panniers of kit back to Brisbane.
We start tomorrow at 0730hrs - a lie in!
Gordon says ...
Only three points to make here
1) Nigel's frenzied yomping through the Prom has resulted in us both having huge blisters - I've even lost three toenails. In spite of my natural courage, I don't think the military would have been for me.
2) I am starting to think I've got way too much stuff. My bike is almost unpeddlable - but am wary of following Nigel down the 'filthy pig' route. Hmm - decisions, decisions ... Nigel genuinely only has one pair of underpants, and they are the same ones he took on the John O'Groats ride, and I'm fairly sure he hasn't washed them since then. Unlike Nigel, I do not consider basic hygiene a sign of effeminacy.
3) Having wandered around the Prom with my little video camera - like a half-assed Tarrantino - I have since found out that the tiny little computer I've brought along isn't even remotely up to the job of processing the data. What a waste of time. I guess it's a written blog for me.
Well done boys! No turning back now! Go, go, go!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Nikki :0)
going well dad and nigel
ReplyDeletemaybe a bit to much luggage dad
Buddy,Ella And Mum
:p
xxxoooo
Hi -- great to see you both in Melbourne. We had a great evening and a pleasant drive back. Good luck on the trip and I'm glad you're sorting out the underpant controversy. You can send kit back but what about the manbag in G's head?
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