Day One - Sydney to Wollongong

Distance: 59.52 km
Riding time: 2:55:08
Average speed: 20.3 km/h
Maximum speed: 44.2 km/h
Bum soreness: 3/10

Today was a measly 60 km and will probably turn out to be the shortest day on the whole trip. Just as well too as it took my until 2pm to get ready to leave Surry Hills. I left Surry Hills with a heavy heart (and panniers!). I've loved living in Sydney for two years but I'm also looking forward to coming home to Melbourne.

Within the first kilometer my panniers had come completely off. Note to self: be careful of bumps at speed. Otherwise it was a good, sunny day and I made reasonable time to Wollongong. I stopped at the beautiful Stanwell Tops for some pics. I loved the coastal road leading into the 'Gong. A feat of engineering with a beautiful view.

I stayed with the wonderful Catherine and dinner with her awesome (and hilarious!) housemate and uni friend.



It was a pretty uneventful run until I got to the picturesque Stanwell Tops. Some great views to be had down to the coast.

Me, pretty happy with my progress so far.

A beautiful little cottage on the coast.

My wonderful hosts in Wollongong and their fantastic view.

My route

I've decided on a rough idea of a route. I've decided against the coast and opted for the mountains. Aparently it's much prettier. My route will be as follows (ignore the coastal one):


View Sydney to Melbourne ride in a larger map

Before setting off

I'm sitting here in my lounge room in Surry hills. The couch is comfy and I'm imagining that this is probably about as comfy as I'm going to get in the next two weeks.



Here is my ride:



I've longed and loathed this day. I'm stoked about the chance to ride to Melbourne and experience a great slice of Australia. However, I could really have used some more training... more, I mean any training!