Another morning of fog so it was about 9am or so when I left. Father Rob had driven the road the yesterday to see what we were in for so we knew that once we got into the hills we were still going to have some fog.

Once we did get started and into the ride today was a hard day with hills, I had to use Tony's mountain bike so it was the second time this bike got to touch the road so far!!  I got to feel good on the start of the ride with over taking a local who was riding out of town at the same time. The rider was about 1 km ahead and I caught up to him on the hills courtesy of Tony's mtn and overtook, so this felt good intitially.

The hills were definately harder than what I anticipated today. Father Rob said to me before riding out 'you will be right the hills aren't too bad' I think he was trying to give me some positive encouragement and this was soon out the window when I encountered the first big hill. I soon began my own sign language after the first hill back to Father Rob with many different signals and I think Father Rob soon worked out that I was saying he was full of poop and I could also hear the giggling coming from the support car behind me.

No track or kilometer counter today being that I was on the mountain bike, but I rode for about 2 hrs and 58 minutes, and it felt a long time riding as the majority was up hill and the average speed is slow and feels like you are pedaling a heap and not getting anywhere. Thank goodness for Tony's bike though as I definately would have struggled more if I was riding my bike on these hills.

Support vehicle change over occurred with one hill to go, Father Rob was then trying to be funny saying there was 2 more hills to go  when I got back on the bike I physced myself up for 2 hills and when I went down the first I knew that Father Rob was having a lend of me as I was coasting into town instead of climbing another hill and was releaved that it was only one hill.

Mum, Megs and the kids were waiting for me at the top of Maleny and I got to meet the local Sgt as he also came out as we were putting the bike up on the car and chatted for a while. After setting up camp we went back into town and had a great meal at the local cafe and the kids got spoilt and had a slurpee with their lunch, to no surprise the slurpee was gone before their meals. We also couldn't leave Maleny without having one of the well known homemade icecreams from the cheese shop - I wouldnn't have heard the end of it if Megs didn't have an icecream - she had been talking about it for days, the hardest part I think was just trying to get her to choose which one and being realistic with the size, cos I think she would have eaten a tub of it if I let her. Mind you after tasting the icecream I now know why she was raving about it, I ended up having about 2 spoons of my mango as Bella stole the rest of it. I am sure it will be a place that Bella and Griffin take us back to for an icecream as it is to die for and I think Megs might be in on it too if she has a say on it, mind you I won't fight it they were damn good icecreams.

We stayed the night at the Maleny showgrounds and were surprised when the Dunne Family drove into the showgrounds to meet us. Eamon, Wendy, Marie who is 9yrs and Katie who is 6yrs & fellow cycstic had tried to come into Maleny to meet me and even pulled the kids out of school early, but I got in a little earlier than expected so they missed me in the street and came to the showgrounds to see us instead, they did however wave their flags and wore their 'for the love of life' red cf tshirts so it was still a great cheer welcome to be woken up to (yep I was having a snooze when they arrived). It was great to meet them and talk with them about CF and what has happened to me over the years and hear some of the plans and dreams that they have for their Katie. The kids all had a ball climbing and playing on the skate ramps and using them like a slide.

A few disagreements family wise tonight after dinner, I guess being with each other all this time has started to press on each others nerves. It ended up being an emotional night and a late one, so by the end of it all I was very ready for bed and not really looking forward to tomorrow.... so close to home but still so far away.

At Kenilworth showgrounds giving the mountain bike a check over.


Griffin checking out what we are doing.


Bella showing off for the camera's again.


Griffin helping pump up the tyres.


Helping Griffin pump up the tyres.


Father Rob giving the bike a test run, just in case the hills get too much he might help out and do tag team and ride some for me.... well after seeing him do the test run I will have to ride the hills alone - he was lucky he didn't crash to get off the bike. The video is funny.


The kids watching Grandad ride the bike.....


Last preparations



Vesting up for the support crew.


Leaving the showgrounds.


Heading towards the hills.


On my way  - only 41 k's to go today!!


Two little dickie birds - waiting for the camper to be packed up at the showgrounds.


Riding into Maleny.


Arriving in Maleny.




Arrived in Maleny and Phoenix radio called a few minutes after getting in - good timing.


Mum getting some footage.


The Dunne Family, from left to right (back row) Eamon, Wendy & Me.
Front row - Katie, Bella, Griffin and Marie.


Griffin and Marie having some fun on the skate ramp.


Bella and Katie also having some fun.


The kids all lining up at the top of the ramp, Bella, Marie, Katie and Griffin.


Later in the night I got on the ramp with the kids and did some sliding too - was great fun.
My head lamp light looks a little crazy in this pic.




More Dad - lets go again was all that was said when we got to the bottom.

Again alot of fog this morning so we didn't kick off til about 8a, well got to the station about 8.10am (yep running late again) and left the station about 8.30am. We had to change the permit a little as the main bridge in town got hit by a truck a few days before us getting there and we couldn't go over it so a quick divert and on the road again to Kenilworth.

The roads started off pretty good but not much side road, then the hills hit and every time I rode another corner all I could see was more hills and oh crap was the thought process. The legs today were pretty good, energy was again flat but every time I came to a hill the legs must have sensed it and nearly striked and became real heavy real quick.

I ended up doing 57.5k's, 2hours 46 minutes, average speed was 20.76km's and max speed was 65.19km's - gotta love those down hill parts.

Some fantastic views going through the back of these places and some great set ups with houses to capture the best of the views, I created my own special view when I got to the top of the range today on the Gympie - Barooloo Rd, sweat pouring from my eyebrows creating this fresh salt water gorge across my face and plenty of coughing trying to grasp at any fresh air to create some sort of wind more than just a fart. Once I had gathered myself, my breath and some normal colour back to my face I got back on the bike dreading the hills ahead til my surprise they all went down for a change - yippee and if Griffin was with me on the bike he would have been yelling 'whaooo a roller coaster ride' as he does when we drive on any hills.

The kids drove past me on the flat and were cheering me on - I am actually a little buggered to yell anything back, but they are happy to get a smile and a wave and wait for me at the other end. Bella gets very excited when I ride into the towns, I don't know if she is happy to see me or the lycra nicks that I wear as she is quick to run up and start touching the bike pants when ever she gets the chance.


Getting set to leave Gympie and we had some police assistance which was great.


On the road.






Stopping at the top of one of the hills having a breather literally.




One of the many hills.




Arriving in Kenilworth.






Bella yet again touching the lycra - I think one of her favourite materials.

The day started very early and foggy with us taking the kids to Tin Can Bay to see the dolphins, I think Megs and I were more excited by this than what the kids were, the water was freezing cold so they weren't keen to get into the water. They were very happy to have a fish in their bucket for the dolphins but when it came time to actually feeding the dolphins they backed out real quick as they were scared that the dolphin was going to bite their fingers so Megs got the privelage to feed the dolphins twice. There were 2 dolphins at the bay today, Mystic and Harmony, father and son and it was just so graceful and gentle the way they move about and take the fish from people. It was great to see, definately go back again when a little warmer and give it another go.

We then come back to Shirley's house and I had a sleep whilst everyone did their own thing and then we all had lunch, which was nice as Shirley's mother Chris who is 98 came also to visit and she is in such good spirits and mind for someone of 98 years of age, and like she says her legs still carry her around after 97 years. Mind you it must run in their side of the family as Chris was telling me today that her mother lived to 99 and 8mths and was still active and able to look after herself.

After lunch Mum, Dad and I went over to Cliff and Faye's, Dad's Uncle and Aunty for a visit and catch up.

In the afternoon I had planned to have another snooze but the light and surrounds just got me and I had to get my camera out instead. I didn't realise how much I have been missing my camera and so I got to play for a bit and do some different pics.

Not really much happened today as such, but it is always good to have a rest day after the big rides. I did feel a little flat today and the legs were a little heavy, I think more sleep and rest will fix that.

Off to Kenilworth tomorrow so there will be some hills around the place - but only about 55k's so see how it goes. Should be kicking off at 7a depending on fog!!

Dolphins coming into the bay.






Bella with her fish - before going to feed the dolphins


Griffin with his - well you can just see it.


Waiting in line for their turn.


Megs feeding the dolphin, Bella thought it was going to bite her fingers.


Back at the farm Mum and Shirley chatting and admiring the horses.


Griffin playing soccer with Grandma.


Griffin playing soccer with Grandy.


Bella fell in love with the youngest farm dog, Jackie and gave her plenty of hugs and kisses.


Bella proud with Jackie girl as she was calling her.


Some of my pics that I was taking instead of resting - like I say I didn't realise how much I had missed my camera.

Another early morning, and a gorgeous day. Got to ride with some of the team from strack attack triathlons - Kim Watkins, Angie and Hannah Black, Lauren Dixon, Gary Poppi and Allira Noonan rode with me to give me some support and break the winds.

Today was a big ride as we had 100 plus k's to do. For some of the girls this was the longest ride that they had done before and they did a great job, I wish I had half as much energy and stamina that they had today.

Throughout the ride some of the girls had to take a toilet break and it was funny cos they needed to go into the bush and were following each other so they could find a good spot to hide, they then quickly realised that they were all heading in the same direction and area and didn't want each other to be following, it was like seeing ants scattering when it rains.

On the ride I was being a bit silly and having some fun along the way, I had company so I had to entertain a little. I was singing songs, on the flats I sang Proclaimers 'I would ride one hundred miles' and on the hills, which there was plenty of I sang 'high on the hill is the lonely goater', from the sound of music. I made sure that everytime I rode past Kim I would sing!!

Riding with triathlon riders was a little hard for me today, I found that I rode some of the ride by myself and they naturally had a faster stride and pace than me and I couldn't keep up and they found it hard to also go at my slower pace. I seemed to catch up with the group and then they broke away from me and would wait for me to catch up and then when I did they would ride and just get way infront again without even trying - they make it look so easy and I felt as though I was trying to catch up. In some of those moments of just catching up I would break out in puffed song ' I have been everywhere man' so I also entertained myself too.

As we got closer to town we lost some of the group and got lost with where we needed to go, we ended up going down the main street of Gympie, which is one way and had to ride a hill up to the station instead of coming in the back roads and riding a hill down to the station. We all found each other in the end and it was a long hilly ride, I think it was a little bigger and harder than what my body was ready for today - but we all got there and had a good ride overall.

So in the end today we did 102 kms it took me 4hours and 36minutes (Gary and one of the girls got in a while before us, they ended up having an amazing race challenge and got in first and won as the rest of us where still lost and just trying to find our way) my average speed was 22.26kms and max was 63.04kms. Like I say it was a big day. After everyone packed up and headed off back to Maryborough we ducked into town and I had some Red rooster - I was that buggered that I was struggling to stay awake to eat it. So after eatting I went back to my Dad's second cousin, Shirley's farm and had a snooze.

Kids were excited to go to another farm with more animals. Very yum dinner with a a big serve of triffle to wash it down. Shirley put on a big spread of food and we were very spoilt. Tomorrow is a rest day so we may possibly take kids to Tin Can bay to feed dolphins in the morning, morning being leaving the farm before 7a.  I am glad for a rest day tomorrow, bring it on and then some more snoozing in the arvo.

I must say a huge thank you to the Watkin family for letting us camp at their place, it was great to catch up and it was very much appreciated. Thanks also to Kim Watkins, Angie and Hannah Black, Lauren Dixon, Gary Poppi and Allira Noonan from Strack attack for riding with me and being part of this journey.

Some pics of the day.......



Allira, Lauren and Hannah getting ready.


Strack attack team, from the left Hannah Black, Allira Noonan, Lauren Dixon, Me, Kim Watkins,
Angie Black and Gary Poppi.


On the road - with Kim yelling no bum shots to Megs as we rode away.








Hannah Coming in with Allira not too far behind.


Allira coming in.


Angie, Kim and I riding the last hill in.


Feeling the last hill.






Everyone chatting and chilling






I think looking a little better than the legs felt after today's ride.


An after shot after the big ride - well done team and thanks again for your support.


Kim and I - Big thanks Kim for all your help & support.

I ended up kicking off about 8am today as there was a bit of smoke around from more sugar cane burn off so once it had lifted a little I jumped on the bike and set off to Maryborough. Only a 32 k ride today (according to the signs) and I felt like I had more energy today which was great.

Cos the ride was a shorter one I got into town before Megs had finished packing up, so we waited around a little whilst we worked out what was happening and while Megs and the kids travelled into town.

We ended up camping out on the Watkin's acreage as our prearranged accommodation with fellow CF didn't quite go to plan. The power and phone lines were down in the street where we were originally going to stay and when we were trying to ring no lines where working, but the phone our end still rings as if it was so we thought no one was home. We went over to check the house out and see what was happening and no one was home. When we spoke with Bouvea later, she had decided to go into town as she had no power and that is why the phone was not working. Our caravan's and campers would not have fitted so we ended up staying with Watkins.

While Megs was setting up I went back into town to catch up with Bouvea and to see if she had found her dog.... it had somehow got out during the day whilst she wasn't home.

Kids enjoyed the mini farm with the dogs, horses, cats and the man made dam that the dogs swam in. When the Watkins children come home from school our pair were very excited, poor things it was like they haven't seen kids for a very long time. All the kids played well together and had a good time. We had a beautiful stir fry that mum cooked up and by the time 9p came round I was zonked and well over due for bed.

Megs got to catch up on girlie gossip and the guys got to watch a bit of footy so all in all it was a great night. Early morning so off to bed.

Today's riding information stat's wise, 36.7km's ridden today, taking me 1 hour and 32 minutes, my average speed was 23.76kms and max was 49.31km's.

Some pics from the day....

Getting unpacked again and ready to leave Hervey bay.


On the road with Dad and Mum being the support vehicle for this leg.


Off I go......


In Maryborough - waiting for everyone else



Kids all playing a mini pool game - they had a ball.


My turn, Griffin very happy to play any game with a ball and stick!


There was many giggles with this one, Kim was showing me some of her protein powders and
when she picked it up from the pantry and gave it to me the lid fell off and everything went on the
floor. First thing Kim said giggling was 'don't tell Steve as he is always having a go about me not
doing the lids up properly'. 2 seconds later Steve walks into the kitchen with a grin and said to Kim
'told you'. Kim had to vaccum it off my legs so there was loads of loud laughter for a bit with
all of this...... it was funny at the time anyway.

A little tired today, I could hear all the people walking up and down the street last night after them having a few drinks and having a good time. I was happy for another short day today until I saw the sign that said Hervey Bay was 71 k's - our calculations were a little out as we had it mapped for 58k's, it is amazing how much those extra k's can play mind games with you when riding along.

Again we were looked after by Staying at the Hervey Bay PCYC, they were doing some renovations so we stayed down the side, in sort of the car park area, but it worked out well. We got to go to the Pier for fish and chips, this was nice, a little windy and the kids really enjoyed the fish and chips as we ended up having to get two serves - you would think they hadn't eaten for the whole time we have been away. The Pier is quite pretty at night, there was a few people fishing. We didn't get to walk the whole of the pier the kids were getting tired by the time we finished eating and they actually feel asleep on the way there, so we were lucky that they were even interested in eating or checking out the pier while being so tired. Quick snooze in the car tied them over for a little bit I guess.

Whilst riding to Hervey bay, today was another day of having to poop whilst riding, this is such a challenge and I am so glad Megs isn't around with her camera when I am doing this as she would have no shame and take a pic, today was a little scary for anyone who saw or found me whilst pooping as I was completely in the nick this time as I had no leg warmers on.....

Today was the first time I had to get into the car and stop riding - the smoke from sugar cane burning off was that bad that I was finding it difficult to breathe and I could barely see a foot in front of me, so in the car for a bit of fresh air and safety and about a k or so later got back on the bike and pedal again.

The Hervey Bay Independent newspaper was waiting for me when I rode in and I found out that they are affiliated with the Ipswich Independent newspaper and Journo Brooke was going to send her article to Ipswich so they may do a write up in Ipswich also of where I am at (which she did so I featured in both newspapers). 
 
A funny part of when I was riding today was when I had a Mickey bird swooping me, so to avoid getting swooped I had my hand on top of my head like a shark fin and after a few minutes I had people in the cars waving to me cos they thought my shark fin Mickey bird stopper was me waving at them, so when a few people started to wave at me I was wondering what the heck they were waving at, and then realised it was at me and my shark fin protector hand on top of my head!!

This is all good trying to stop the magpies and Mickey birds from swooping but when it is bumpy on the roads I found riding with one hand and shooing birds away a little hard. At least it entertained some passer-bys for a bit and I am sure that people were laughing at me with my hand on my head and getting swooped and then trying to stay on the bike one handed. I wish I had a video of some of today - cos I would have found the playback a bit of a giggle.

Even though the sign said 71k's I only ended up riding 69.9km's, this took me 3 hours and 6 minutes. Fastest speed today being 62.8km's and the average speed was 22.53km's.

Some pics from today..........................................................



Strike a pose


Some stretches  - not really hurting, just entertaining kids.


Just a few gentle stretches




On my way and leaving Childers







Arriving into Harvey Bay


Kids are excited when I ride into town.




Brooke taking some details for the newspaper write up.


Brooke taking some pics for the newspaper

 

Today was a very flat day for me energy wise today, the ride today took me half hour longer just because I lacked in energy. The legs and butt are going great and muscles aren't sore, just the lack of air and energy is doing my head in.  Plenty of hills, hills and more hills again today, nothing like the Miriam Vale hills, but plenty again to know that I had ridden hills for the day.

Phoenix radio phoned and aired me again today, which is great. We stopped in one of the sugar canes whilst we did change over and radio chat today so this was good for the kids as they got to touch and taste sugar cane, so a real sugar rush today....

I rode 52.8ks today and this took me 2hrs 46minutes. My average speed was 19.08 and my maximum speed throughout the day was 55.84 (Yep down hill but I am claiming it!!)

I have ridden 1451 k's total so far and in doing this I have had 66.55 hours in the saddle.

Lucas popped in to see me at Childers on his was home from work (driving from Rocky) so that was a nice surprise. Lucas is a fellow CF friend who is back into work and working hard doing some big K's driving a truck. I think I like the idea of doing the k's on the bike instead.. Thanks Lucas for popping in and saying G'day, it was good to see a familiar face to visit the camp.


Getting set up for the days ride.




Bella putting some moisturiser cream on - just beautiful.




My mini cheer squad yelling as I ride away....

Change over - putting the sign up that Megs and Mum made - I think this is the first time that we are using it....


Chilling out before Phoenix radio rings.


Chatting on radio and stretching at the same time!!




Tasting sugar cane.






Getting organised to get back on the road again.


Go away Megs - One of the toilet stops along the way at the sugar cane.


Back on the road.


Arriving in Childers




Kids waiting for me at the Childers station.


Lucas Forrest visiting at the camp site, behind the old police station.

We started the morning off at 7a with meeting Billy at the local radio station. 93.9hitz fm morning radio had us in early to get us and the morning tea at the CFQ thrift shop promoted. Whilst talking with Billy we found out that a few years back he actually worked on our home local radio of 94.9 River FM back in Ipswich.

The kids were still sleeping when we left so they got to sleep in a little and stayed behind with Grandma and Granddad. After our air time on the radio we did a few things in town that needed to be done for the day before kicking back in to the swing of riding again tomorrow.

After getting some petrol and putting more air in the tyres, Megs and I headed to McDonalds for breakfast to fill in half hour whilst we waited for the Super Cycles shop to open so that we could collect my bike. Whilst we were at McDonald's we bumped into one of the ladies we meet at the Bundaberg bridal expo earlier in the year, so Teel and I got to catch up and made plans to talk photography after she finished work today. We then headed in to the Bundaberg Police station and did the office rounds and sold more raffle tickets, we had a good response, so thanks Bundy Police for your support.

By this time we were nearly running late for the morning tea, we rushed back to Mike and Lyn's to pick up the kids and head back into town for the morning tea. When we arrived in at the thrift shop all the store volunteers were there to cheer and support us. The bakery next door to the thrift shop donated some cakes and sandwiches and Lyn also took some food along. I got to talk with the majority of the volunteers and we had some families come in to visit me and talk with me about their Cystic children and siblings. Talking and listening to these parents is what this ride was about, the awareness - being able to share information and make things possibly better and easier for other cystic families.

LJ Hooker Bundaberg came along and donated money to my ride and also entertained us with Hooker bear. Mother Rob took many photos of Hooker bear - I think she may have forgotten that a person is actually in the costume!!! The kids were excited that a bear was there, but not real sure when they got closer to the bear, Bella ended up happy to have some pics with Hooker bear by the end of the morning tea.

We again got spoilt today by Mike and Lyn as they took us to 'Across the Waves Sports club' for lunch (Well once Megs and I found the club   ). Whilst we were at lunch sports club managers Karen and Tony chatted with us and allowed us to sell tickets to patrons inside and we had a good response, it was funny trying to sell tickets to people playing pokie machines - some didn't find it funny when they said to Megs that they had no money as it was all in the machines and she said that she was happy to wait for their winnings so that they could buy a ticket or two.

After lunch we ducked into the shops for a quick top up of goods for tomorrows ride, my lollies and snacks of course.  Teel came to visit in the later of the afternoon and we got to talk photo's or shop or some may call it and Teel took me out on the town for a tour of some great places where pics for weddings in Bundaberg could be done and we got to share tricks of the trade etc.

We had a very scrumptious dinner at Mike and Lyn's and tonight Mum and Dad and Nev and Chris stayed at Glenlodge caravan park, the park owners Brendan & Denise Haks were very generous and donated their sites for the vans whilst Mum and Dad and Nev and Chris stayed there.

For a rest day today went very quick and I didn't get to have a catch up sleep so very ready for bed tonight.

Some pics from our day....
Me in the radio station with Billy on air. (looks like I am picking my nose in this pic - good on ya Megs).


Talking on air.


Billy and I at the radio station.


Morning tea at the Thrift shop & the Hooker bear.


All of the volunteers in the Thrift shop who helped put the morning tea together and sell goods in the store.


Mike doing his bit at the stall out the front of the thrift shop


One of the volunteers dancing with Hooker bear out the front of the Thrift shop.


Father Rob and Hooker bear having a quiet word.




Volunteers and I outside the Thrift shop - thanks everyone for your support and help in Bundaberg.

I don't know if my body is still in shock from riding all the hills yesterday but I have woken very flat and tired today, so I don't think my body and mind has recovered from the Miriam Vale hills.

We ended up leaving late due to fog lingering around, we also stayed at a caravan park about 20 k's out of town instead of a rest area for the night which was very nice. I got to talk with some back packers this morning and I guess this distracted me a little as I found it hard to get motivated again to get moving and back in the mind set of getting on the bike. It was great getting to talk with the back packers and listen to some of their experiences and stories whilst being in Australia.

As I was getting ready in town this morning to leave I thought I saw Nev and Chris's car coming towards us and being that Chris keeps on saying that she doesn't see me ride I quickly jumped out to the side of the road and pretended that I was riding my bike, my bike was still on top of the car and so I was walk pedaling. As I was doing all this the car went past and would you believe it wasn't Nev and Chris - but the people did look at me very strangely. I must have been pretty strange or entertaining as the same car with the couple that I didn't know went past again - perhaps to see if I would do it again or just to see if I was really some freak in bike gear pretending to ride an imaginary bike. It was very funny at the time - definitely one of those gotta be there moments.

After a bit of a giggle and getting all the gear ready I was back on the road with Father Rob kicking off in the support car, I had my first hill at about 6k's out of town and I felt it. The first hill was a very decent climb and my legs struggled so I got off the bike and walked the bike up the hill for a bit (100m's) and then got back onto the bike again. I was trying to do what Catriona and Mick had taught me with hard down the hill and hard on the flat and the hills would take care of themselves, minor problem though I didn't have Mick and Catriona to lead me out - I found that I had my heart beat racing too fast and running out of air and obviously went out way too hard too fast and couldn't pace myself today when I kicked off so I had to stop to get everything back in order and get the heart and lungs back to breathing easier. This was the first time that I have walked any of the ride.

Father Rob was waiting for me at the top of the hill - he asked how I was, whilst panting I think I got out that I was ok. He had a big smile on his face and a bit of chuckle asking was that one a bit big Rickie Dick.  Just glad there wasn't too many hills after that first one.

When we arrived in Bundaberg we had Mike and Lyndall McKechnie arriving and waiting for us and it was nice to see some familiar and friendly faces ready to meet us. We are staying with Mike and Lyndall whilst we are in Bundy, so after a short catch up we waited for WIN Tv to arrive and do their story on us and then went to the local Super cycle store for some screws and very minor parts that I needed for my chain and wheels (Super Cycles 4 Powers St Bundaberg QLD 4670 (07) 4151 4111‎).

Once we were back at Mike and Lyndall's we had the local Guardian newspaper photographer come and take a heap of pics for their newspaper article. I think we are going to be spoilt at Mike and Lyndall's as they have already feed us well and tonight we will be getting to sleep in a real bed inside their house instead of the camper - which is luxury this far into the trip.

Tomorrow we have an early morning with the radio and then a morning tea at the CFQ Thrift shop - all welcome.


Getting ready at Gin Gin to get on the road, kids watching on.


Sunscreening up.


Some of the salt on my helmet strap from sweating!!


More salt on my straps - fish and chips anyone..........


On the road and on the way to Bundaberg.




In Bundaberg with Mike and Lyndall McKechnie




Photo time - Guardian Newspaper photographer.

Didn't get to set off today til close to 830am due to heavy fog lingering on the roads. Mick and Catriona Newell and Rebecca Mahy all came to Miriam Vale to help ride and guide me into Gin Gin.  Before we took off Rebecca had received a call from work to see why she wasn't in doing overtime that she had put her hand up for - ooops, she had forgotten and of course going on a charity bike ride is way more fun than work on a day off I would expect.

Today was a daunting day that I wasn't looking forward to with all the hill climbs and what was a head of me. I woke up feeling not so bad today, I guess if I was home I would have opted not to go for a ride as I was feeling a little flat energy wise, but was keen on the other hand to still get in the saddle and ride with Mick, Catriona and Rebecca.

Started off with a leisurely stroll and as soon as we got onto the road way with the bikes the hills started rolling. Catriona and Mick rode with me first and at the 35k mark swapped over with Catriona and Rebecca, then later in the ride Catriona jumped back on the bike again.

Mick's average race speed is 42k's per hour and Catriona and Rebecca's are about 33k's - so todays ride at 23 k's was a ride in the park for these guys but a hell of a push for me. Catriona commented at one point that you are allowed to back off and you don't need to ride at the pace that we normally do, obviously my stubbornness kicked in and I was off and the rest was history.

Mick has a GPS device on his bike that he uses for training and this is quite advance compared to my trip odometer below is the graph showing the hills and terrain that we rode on this leg, and when looking at it no wonder I was stuffed at the end of it - I knew I had ridden all those damn hills. I felt as though I learnt heaps from the 3 of them with riding with them, from changing gears, when to ride hard and when to roll - wish I knew some of this a few days ago, there is still so much for me to learn, but thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and the briefing guys.

There wasn't much road kill today but poor Catriona seemed to think there was with riding behind me and copping all my stinky farts, it is either all the wind from Bowen finally coming out or too many apricot bars.

We rode 99.9 ks, travelled in 4 hrs and 10 minutes. Average speed was 23.72k max speed was 65k.

I have now ridden 1347k's on bike and had 61 hrs and 49minutes in saddle. Getting closer to the 1900 k's now.

Got to catch up with Junior Bullocks (aka John Bulowski from Hume doors) - JB was camping at 1770 for the weekend I got to catch up with him about 50k's out of Miriam Vale. It was a nice surprise to see him and I think I surprised him too with still being able to walk and he was quick to ask how my butt was - I do know that he has always been interested in that part of my body, today just gave him an excuse to ask out loud in front of people

In some parts today I was following close to Mick down hill and I felt I was going really well until another hill came again and I found it a little hard to go up hill and concentrate on breathing too, on one hill I think I was only travelling at about 6k and found it hard to keep the bike balanced and moving at that stage. My muscles were burning today and I think I felt every pedal rotation. I am wishing that I had a rest day now in Gin Gin but I am off to Bundaberg tomorrow and I will be taking Catriona's advice on taking things easy tomorrow with the ride into Bundy.

After the ride I feed up on steak burger and chips and feel asleep out front of the coffee shop that we were eating at and as usual Megs seemed to capture this with photos.

Farewell and big thanks to my support riders, THANKS so much for riding with me and giving me the tow rope to help along the way - I am now alone for riding until Maryborough. Thanks Mick, Catriona, Rebecca and Graham for riding, helping, supporting and the encouragement before during and after the rides, you have made this part of the journey so much easier and I think I would still be riding it now if you weren't there along side & in front of me!!! A Huge thank you.

Pics from the day......

Rebecca and Mick getting bikes and gear organised.


Everybody chatting whilst waiting for the fog to drop a bit.


Me now getting my bike and gear ready.


Mick Newell, Me and Catriona Newell - the serious pic (Rebecca was the car driver at this point)


The more casual and relaxed pic.


Saying some good-byes, Aunty Chris whispering in my ear that she will see me on the bike today


Walking out of the showgrounds out to the roadway.


In the midst of packing up Mother Rob falls in the car with the kids.



The sign midway through the hills - should be outlining more than 7k's.. cos the whole 99k's were hills!!


Just one of the many hills.










Coming into Gin Gin




Just after getting off the bike - It was a bloody big ride - felt every hill.






After hills pic - Rebecca, Mick, Me & Catriona.


This is the graph from Mick's GPS from his bike - just a few hills.


Resting up whilst waiting for a bit of food to be cooked - ready for a good feed.


mmmmmm - energy refuel.





Snoozing after the feed - yep fell asleep outside the cafe.