Day Three - Bundanoon to Canberra

Today was a disaster that turned into a blessing. I got a puncture because I'd wore right through my rear tire. I needed a new one. I went to a bike shop in town who admonished me for not carrying a spare. As it turns out I have quite an unusual wheel size and it was looking like I would not be able to get a new tire. I tried another bike shop: the Green Grocer bike shop. They managed to find something that they could make fit and really sorted me out. The lovely old guy there even changed it for me and gave me some handy tips from his touring days. I can't recommend these guys highly enough.

Fed up with carrying more stuff than I needed, I decided to send a bunch of crap ahead of me to Melbourne. All this took many hours and I didn't have enough time to ride to Canberra. I caught the bus instead. So today I hardly did any riding at all. I think I needed a bit of a rest after that freakin' ball-breaking Jamberoo Mountain Road.

I checked out Parliament House and loved it. I actually got to see the Senate debating the ETS bill. It was a very lively affair. It reminded me of childhood playground arguments – only these guys were 50 years older and wearing suits. It was slanderous and entertaining. The free tour of Parliament House was very informative too – did you know that to choose the green colour of the House of Representatives they picked some gum leaves from the Bathurst area?

Tonight I checked out some of Canberra's restaurants and bars with Sam and Dan. I was surprised at how much I liked Canberra. It was a Friday afternoon and the streets were packed with people enjoying a bevvy in the sun. We drove up to the lookout over Canberra too: very pretty.

The big sheep in Goulburn.

One of the great bridges leading to Parliament House.

Canberra, the grass really is greener.

Fun and games overlooking Canberra.

Myself, Sam and Dan messing around with our mobiles and time exposure.

Day Two - Wollongong to Bundanoon

Distance: 117.43 km
Riding time: 6:25:09
Average speed: 18.2 km/h
Maximum speed: 46.9 km/h
Bum soreness: 6/10

Today nearly wrecked me. It started off well enough: some nice bike paths south of Wollongong past the industrial heart of Port Kembla. Then I cut inland through the strikingly-lush and green hinterland. I stopped for a photo at the big KM sign and that's where the hurt began.

Climbing Mount Jamberoo Road was an absolute killer. There were parts so steep that I couldn't not ride up them. Firstly I just don't think I was physically capable but also the incline was so great that my back panniers were tipping the bike over!

Every metre was hard-won. It was a tough slog getting up that son-of-a-mountain. Finally I did and had some nice curvy roads. Unfortunately there was almost no shoulder to speak of and was very nearly killed by a huge track gunning it along the road.

I stopped at the Robertson pie shop that I'd heard so much about and had two as a snack. Riding all day gives you the appetite of several horses. The pies were good and just what I needed for the rest of the day's journey.

I finally made it to Bundanoon, absolutely exhausted. I stayed in the pretty, Tudor-style pub and was pleased to see they had an all-you-can-eat special for dinner. I think I nearly ate them out of business. I had a pint of Guinness and watched a couple of episodes of The Wire before a well-deserved sleep.

A good hearty breakie for the hard slog ahead.

Many kms to go.

I was absolutely stuffed riding up that road!

Wildlife!

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!