June 20th - North Wollongong to Sydney

Nigel says.......Today has been an excellent day in all respects. We had some of the most pleasant cycling so far in Australia, the weather was perfect, the scenery along the coast and in the Royal National Park was outstanding, my children wished me a happy Father's day and yes...Gordon caught up after a monster ride.

The day did not start auspiciously. Whilst I was cycling past a "young man" at 0730hrs he said "You look pretty this morning!" I pedalled fast out of Wollongong towards the sea - watching my back!

The ride along the coast was flat. A good cycle track for a large part of it. People were surfing, cycling, jogging etc. Perfect. I stopped at Thirroul beach to watch people surf where I got chatting to another cyclist. Chris gave me good advice about the route and bought me a cup of tea once he found out what we were doing. Thanks for the tea Chris much appreciated.

The route climbed gradually and culminated in a shocker hill to get over at Stafford Park to get in to the National Park. Prior to that,however, was one of the most spectacular downhills (possibly in the world?)across the Sea Cliff Bridge which hugs the cliff face for approx 1km giving fantastic views of the ocean and the coastline. A fantastic piece of architecture. Once in the Park I turned of the road and along a rocky track through the rainforest to Audley . The rainforest was great, although the route was much slower. Audley in the sunshine is also a special place.

I then had to brave the Highway to start my journey into Sydney - negotiating the horrendous traffic, but seeing regular glimpses of the Sydney skyline.

I need to tell you that arriving at Sydney Opera House after the journey from Wilson's Prom just as the sun was beginning to set was special. Then to hear Gordon was an hour away was tremendous news.

We met up again in the Rocks with much back slapping. Ben, one of my son Marcus', friends took photos and showed us where the nearest hotel was and joined us for several beers at the Gordon/Nigel reunion.

Some thoughts and comments:

• Today I cycled in shorts for the first day.
• My iPod is now charged.
• The Stafford Park Hill was probably the steepest we have done so far with loads of switchbacks.
• Sydney does not appear as well organised as Melbourne for cycling.
• The traffic is really heavy!
• Fact of the Day: DH Lawrence wrote poetry and is reputed to have written some chapters of 'Sons and Lovers' at Thirroul.
• Tune of the day: Dire Straits -Brothers in Arms
• Snack of the day: Big Mac meal at the Rockvale drive thru en route City (I was starving - sorry Piers)

A big day to Newcastle tomorrow - early start. We are both up for it.

Gordon says ...

Well ... I still feel like shit, but at least I'm back in the game. I think the virus is on its way out - hopefully.

Got up early, after yet another bad night's sleep, and peddled all day - probably the first days peddling I've actually enjoyed - maybe because it was fairly flat, and I wasn't weak as a kitten.

I've stayed in some real crap-holes over the last few days, the one exception being with the lovely people who put me up at the exclusive Gypsy Point Lodge, and looked after me, when I was at my lowest - Ian and Libby Mitchell - an incredibly beautiful place, for which they charged me absolutely nothing. My thanks again. I would probably have quit if it wasn't for you.

I'm shagged. I'll probably write more tomorrow.