Cycle Across Australia!
Aussie Day #43, 12/13/98
Kuttabul, QLD to Airlie Beach, QLD
Today's Milage: 117 km (70 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4180 km (2504 mi)
Weather: Sun, clouds, 35 C.
We've been continuing on through "cane country" for several days now. Believe it or not, we're still riding amongst the flowing fields of cane...at times it can feel like a tread-mill, but has actually been relaxing with gusting tail winds at our rears!
After a quick 100 km this morning, we pulled into Proserpine, looking to catch a ferry out to the Whitsunday Islands, however, after a little research we found they were more of a tourist resort island.
Quick change of plans. "Let's go to Airlie Beach instead," said brutha Motz!
One hour later...poolside at the Reef'o Resort Hostel, enjoying XXXX jugs, taking in all the "international flavour."
Cheers! Nick & Nick
Aussie Day #44, 12/14/98
Airlie Beach, QLD to Guthalungra, QLD
Today's Milage: 132 km (79 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4312 km (2583 mi)
Weather: Sun, 35 C.
Uhmmm...Uhhhh....we're kind of embarrassed, but we must admit a habit that we have developed over the trip...it's become one of Power's favorite things to do...as we pass by heards of cows during the day, we simply yell out, "McDonald's," and the cows take off in a stampede (photo)!
Otherwise, we pulled out of the Reef'o Resort this morning, biking north to Bowen for lunch. On the way, we met Lynn from Atlanta, GA, biking on a six month solo trip from Cairns to Adelaide. We regretfully informed her of the prevailing trade winds she had to look forward to on the coast, and offered her counsel via the internet.
As we've headed north the skies have cleared and the days have become rather HOT, as temperatures approach the 110 F mark. The only other people we see outside working are railroad and road crews and cane harvesters (photo).
Our stop for the evening was a remote BP Roadhouse. As we sat out front crushing VB's and watching the sunset, the owner strolled by and warned us of the "on-the-spot $80 fine" if the cops see us. We chuckled as we explained that an officer had just passed by waving to us!
Cheers! Nick & Nick
Aussie Day #45, 12/15/98
Guthalungra, QLD to Magnetic Island, QLD (Picnic Bay)
Today's Milage: 169 km (101 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4481 km (2684 mi)
Weather: Sun, 37 C.
Hot sun, strong tailwinds, more sugar cane...with riding so easy Powers has taken up a new pass-time of juggling oranges to grab attention from passing cars (showing off)!
Things have been going really well until today when his luck finally ran out! He paid with pavement! Luckily, I was nearby to drag his heaping mess from the road before the traffic got the better of him.
One hour and a roll of duct tape later, we were on our way to Townsville to catch the afternoon ferry out to Magnetic Island, QLD.
Cheers! Nick & Nick
Aussie Day #46, 12/16/98
Magnetic Island, QLD to Thuringowa Beach, QLD
Today's Milage: 43 km (26 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4524 km (2710 mi)
Weather: Sun, 36 C.
6 am: "Dawn patrol swim" inside the stinger nets alongside retiree residents.
Today was island exploration day, as we spent the morning hiking Magnetic Island National Park. Up in the hills we caught our first glimpses of koalas resting in the tree branches (photo). Also, Nick P. gave me my first lesson in the BRT, big rock technique, method of opening coconuts.
By late afternoon, we were back on our bikes heading north. Ducked into the quiet ocean front town of Thuringowa Beach. Remote beach campsite under palms.
Cheers! Nick & Nick
Aussie Day #47, 12/17/98
Thuringowa Beach, QLD to Tully, QLD
Today's Milage: 195 km (117 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4719 km (2827 mi)
Weather: Sun, 38 C.
Timing was perfect for tackling the lone mountain pass north of Brisbane! We nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion as we made the ascent at the hottest point of the day (2 pm and over 100F)!
However, shortly afterwards we came upon a cool, desolate swimming hole (photo). Our sanity was regained soon thereafter.
Fueled by lemon-flavored Lift soda, roasted chickens, and rapidly-approaching Cairns, we biked a few extra miles tonight to ensure finishing by tomorrow afternoon!
Cheers! Nick & Nick
Aussie Day #48, 12/18/98
Tully, QLD to Cairns, QLD!!!!!!!!!!!
Today's Milage: 152 km (91 mi)
Total Trip Mileage: 4871 km (2918 mi)
Weather: Sun, 40 C.
Our last day had quite possibly one of the best morning rides...excited and on the road at 5:30 am...sun rising over our right shoulders...dropped clouds lay in the valleys.
Pounded out the first 50 km before breakfast to beat the heat. However, by 2 pm we were slammed with another wave...40C on the street! We were so pumped on completing the trip, that we forgot to schedule lunch.
Dazed, slightly confused, and at a loss with no kilometers left to ride, we celebrated under the "Welcome to Cairns" sign!!!! It was VB moment (the beer for a hard-earned thirst)!!!!
WE'VE DONE IT! (What can we bike next?)
Cheers! Nick & Nick
