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Sunday, April 28, 2013
Day 22 last day
Too many wines last night so I woke with a massive headache, hangover, and a sore hip which i assume i did during my fall. Going to be tough today. 40 km of wonderful pea gravel.
Packed early, i hear peter treasure packing his tent up before i even crawed out of my sleeping bag. Bt of rain last night, enough to wet everything but not enough to help that nasty pea gravel go away. Some soft patches early and my body was rejecting me. Mother sandy just said self inflicted and gave me no pity leaving me in her dust on most hills early. One instruction before we left was stick to the left hand side on any forks in the road. A couple of big climbs but not much of concern as least until we started taking log over drop off and jumps then realised we were off the munda biddi and on the mundaring cicuit. That perked me up and was having fun until the rest of the group decided we were on the wrong track and had to turn back. We forgot to stay left.
Back on track and some steady climbing and after about 30 km I was starting to recover from last nights celebration. Fairly cruisy from there and we arrived almost at mundaring at 1130 before realising we were meant to stop 2 km back to regroup. Doh! Back down the track to where healthy KFC was waiting for us for lunch thanks to Jenny.
We arranged ourselves in the order that we siged up for the trip ron first and headed on the last 4 kms of the journey. We could here commotion in the distance drums and loudspeakers and we rode though the finish to photographers family and friends wow a great greeting, the drums topped it off. Shortly after Minister jacobs presented us with our numbered rider jerseys one by one and then officially opened the munda biddi trail unveiling a plaque.
We had a few more photos and then said out fairwells to our new found friends before gradually peeling off one by one. In the distance peter was first to leave, as normal, but on his bike to ride 20 km back home. Ahh whats another 20 km after close to 1100 km.
Packed early, i hear peter treasure packing his tent up before i even crawed out of my sleeping bag. Bt of rain last night, enough to wet everything but not enough to help that nasty pea gravel go away. Some soft patches early and my body was rejecting me. Mother sandy just said self inflicted and gave me no pity leaving me in her dust on most hills early. One instruction before we left was stick to the left hand side on any forks in the road. A couple of big climbs but not much of concern as least until we started taking log over drop off and jumps then realised we were off the munda biddi and on the mundaring cicuit. That perked me up and was having fun until the rest of the group decided we were on the wrong track and had to turn back. We forgot to stay left.
Back on track and some steady climbing and after about 30 km I was starting to recover from last nights celebration. Fairly cruisy from there and we arrived almost at mundaring at 1130 before realising we were meant to stop 2 km back to regroup. Doh! Back down the track to where healthy KFC was waiting for us for lunch thanks to Jenny.
We arranged ourselves in the order that we siged up for the trip ron first and headed on the last 4 kms of the journey. We could here commotion in the distance drums and loudspeakers and we rode though the finish to photographers family and friends wow a great greeting, the drums topped it off. Shortly after Minister jacobs presented us with our numbered rider jerseys one by one and then officially opened the munda biddi trail unveiling a plaque.
We had a few more photos and then said out fairwells to our new found friends before gradually peeling off one by one. In the distance peter was first to leave, as normal, but on his bike to ride 20 km back home. Ahh whats another 20 km after close to 1100 km.
Day 21 jarrahdale to carringbar
Peter treasure was up at 5 as normal well before the birds and started the chain reaction to get us ready for the ride today. It was a 60 km ride to carringbah today and we are still exhausted from the ride yesteray. Today we took it very easy to ensure we made it through but apparantly not easy enough for me. I got caught out on a technical downhill when the back slid out I clipped a tree and did a spectacular barrel roll. Bit of bark off the knee and broken pride but otherwise still in working order. We arrived around 1 pm and rested until we could pitch our tents for the last time on this journey. It was then i noticed that I had also broken a spoke but luckilly I had a spare and was able to fix it.
DEC really put on a special show for us with fried spring rolls ,dim sims, prawns and many other mouth watering treats including an esky full of freshly cooked and cleaned blue manna crabs. They had heard about the marron we had in Collie and didnt want to be outdone and from my point of view i think they did it well . Wow out in the wilderness sleeping in tent and we are eating prawns and crabs gosh its tough in the bush oh and for desert we had Icecream of choc wedges and magnums how good is that?. Followed by lamb chops steak and sausages to build up the reserves for tomorrows last ride. We have been scamming that we want ron to ride through the finish line first tomorow but we have not told him yet so we have secretly been passing around the message. The boys sent a car down to purchased a few ales and wines to help celebrate the last night in the camp. Ron recognised assistance given by others during the ride by presenting them with Munda Biddi marker tags a really nice touch. Late one at 930 pm and most are either now not capable of driving or in bed.
I'm very tired after a bottle red wine and the legs wIll be glad for a couple of days off after this. Its been a tough journey, tougher for others than me. I have seen some very inspiring stories amongst others. I have met some terrific people on this trip.
DEC really put on a special show for us with fried spring rolls ,dim sims, prawns and many other mouth watering treats including an esky full of freshly cooked and cleaned blue manna crabs. They had heard about the marron we had in Collie and didnt want to be outdone and from my point of view i think they did it well . Wow out in the wilderness sleeping in tent and we are eating prawns and crabs gosh its tough in the bush oh and for desert we had Icecream of choc wedges and magnums how good is that?. Followed by lamb chops steak and sausages to build up the reserves for tomorrows last ride. We have been scamming that we want ron to ride through the finish line first tomorow but we have not told him yet so we have secretly been passing around the message. The boys sent a car down to purchased a few ales and wines to help celebrate the last night in the camp. Ron recognised assistance given by others during the ride by presenting them with Munda Biddi marker tags a really nice touch. Late one at 930 pm and most are either now not capable of driving or in bed.
I'm very tired after a bottle red wine and the legs wIll be glad for a couple of days off after this. Its been a tough journey, tougher for others than me. I have seen some very inspiring stories amongst others. I have met some terrific people on this trip.
Day 20 dwellingup to jarrahdale
Slept terribly last night and it seems many others did too, not sure why, but the temperature was hot at first and then chilly in the morn,that might have had something to do with it.
Massive day on the bike, i found it very draining and was spent by the time we reached jarrahdale. The first part from dwellingup to marrinup and then turners is very familar and was quite easy but after that, Wow some sections of the track would be unridable with panniers or a trailer. Very technical and very challenging. I found them lots of fun but still very draining. Today the hills beat me. Until today i had riden every hill but some of the hills today up were extremely steep and contained deep pea gravel which made short sections unridable. I had to push up two hills for 20 or so metres, i was hoping to reach my goal of riding every hill but not so. Many had spills today on some of the more difficult downhill sections but thankfully noone seriuosly hurt, just minor cuts and bruises. Friar tuck performed the death defying act of landing upside down in the rushes in a creek bed after losing balance on a small bridge and wondered what all the fuss was about. Completed 70 odd kms today on some difficult track.
A big feed of spag bol to recharge the batteries for another 60 km day tomorrow. Most have had enough and just want the next couple of days to finish, three weeks is along time. I'm still enjoying my riding but could do with a few days rest feeling fatigued now. Have crossed the 1000 km mark today. My tyres are looking weary with weep holes all over. Do i change them or see if i can get them through another 2 days?.
Massive day on the bike, i found it very draining and was spent by the time we reached jarrahdale. The first part from dwellingup to marrinup and then turners is very familar and was quite easy but after that, Wow some sections of the track would be unridable with panniers or a trailer. Very technical and very challenging. I found them lots of fun but still very draining. Today the hills beat me. Until today i had riden every hill but some of the hills today up were extremely steep and contained deep pea gravel which made short sections unridable. I had to push up two hills for 20 or so metres, i was hoping to reach my goal of riding every hill but not so. Many had spills today on some of the more difficult downhill sections but thankfully noone seriuosly hurt, just minor cuts and bruises. Friar tuck performed the death defying act of landing upside down in the rushes in a creek bed after losing balance on a small bridge and wondered what all the fuss was about. Completed 70 odd kms today on some difficult track.
A big feed of spag bol to recharge the batteries for another 60 km day tomorrow. Most have had enough and just want the next couple of days to finish, three weeks is along time. I'm still enjoying my riding but could do with a few days rest feeling fatigued now. Have crossed the 1000 km mark today. My tyres are looking weary with weep holes all over. Do i change them or see if i can get them through another 2 days?.
Day 19 lake brockman to dwellingup
Up before sunrise for our dawn service for anzac day. The guys found a sleeping bag that had an australian flag on it and someone else had the last post on an ipod, others made wreaths of what could be found in the bush along with some noodle wrappers for colour and rob and kaye prepared the ceromony so that we could show our respect to the anzacs. Great ceremony and proud to be there.
Fairly long ride and technical in places, some long climbs and some steep climbs but now in very familiar tracks for me into Dwellingup. Pity we had to ride the munda biddi as i know much better tracks that lead to dwellingup and are more fun but had to do the right thing and stick to the marked track.
The front group took a wrong turn and ended up on a mining haulage road for bauxite. Luckily the drillers were doing test bores and helped us on our way and a lunch break. We back tracked a couple of kms and found the sign we missed and were back on track. A nice ride along the murray river and then into nanga mill. A site of an old mill and now a camping ground. Absolutely packed out with holiday makers for the long weekend.
Tackled some masive hills around the logging operations and then came across one of our volunteers whom had set up water fruit and gatorade for us near the bridge crossing on nanga road. Short break to restock and off again. Rumour has it that charmaine on her touring glider overtook nath on a 29 during an uphill today!. Great to back in dwellingup my home training ground after such an epic journey so far. Still 3 tuogh days to go and everyone is in survival mode and taking it easy downhill to ensure we can complete the journey. Today we
Passed the points where i snapped my collerbone and where i split my elbow open so the potential for injury is still high and we need to be careful.
We went to great little cider factory thanks to nathan. Karen greg and charmaine demonstrated their musical and dancing prowness while the rest had kebads rice puffs and sausage rolls along with a nice sample of cider. Later we went to the school of fine wood and viewed some brilliant timber furniture and had a great roast beef dinner. Kevin jumped at a snappy gum coffee table , bueatiful piece. I has my eye on a buffet tale but will have to consult. I did cost the same as a new 29 nr so it is a difficult decision. Back in camp at 830 pm and to bed after a tiring day with tomorrow potentially the hardest day of the tour.
Fairly long ride and technical in places, some long climbs and some steep climbs but now in very familiar tracks for me into Dwellingup. Pity we had to ride the munda biddi as i know much better tracks that lead to dwellingup and are more fun but had to do the right thing and stick to the marked track.
The front group took a wrong turn and ended up on a mining haulage road for bauxite. Luckily the drillers were doing test bores and helped us on our way and a lunch break. We back tracked a couple of kms and found the sign we missed and were back on track. A nice ride along the murray river and then into nanga mill. A site of an old mill and now a camping ground. Absolutely packed out with holiday makers for the long weekend.
Tackled some masive hills around the logging operations and then came across one of our volunteers whom had set up water fruit and gatorade for us near the bridge crossing on nanga road. Short break to restock and off again. Rumour has it that charmaine on her touring glider overtook nath on a 29 during an uphill today!. Great to back in dwellingup my home training ground after such an epic journey so far. Still 3 tuogh days to go and everyone is in survival mode and taking it easy downhill to ensure we can complete the journey. Today we
Passed the points where i snapped my collerbone and where i split my elbow open so the potential for injury is still high and we need to be careful.
We went to great little cider factory thanks to nathan. Karen greg and charmaine demonstrated their musical and dancing prowness while the rest had kebads rice puffs and sausage rolls along with a nice sample of cider. Later we went to the school of fine wood and viewed some brilliant timber furniture and had a great roast beef dinner. Kevin jumped at a snappy gum coffee table , bueatiful piece. I has my eye on a buffet tale but will have to consult. I did cost the same as a new 29 nr so it is a difficult decision. Back in camp at 830 pm and to bed after a tiring day with tomorrow potentially the hardest day of the tour.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Day 18 yarri to lake brockman
Cool this morning to say te least. Up and away aerly but not before nathan had the job of te day to get to the drop tiolet working again with a big stick and a bucket of water. Seemed to be back log and more than one person was heard gagging early this morning. Think the curry last night might had something to do with it. Happy to say that nath was successful, a better man than me thats for sure.
Nice easy ride today pretty much all single track but typical munda biddi type track , nothing too technical apart from a couple of badly rutted dowhills that caught afew off guard otherwise steady inclines which allows you to climb without really noticing. Had another puncture but the tubeless resealed okay just needed to add some more air. Poor tyres are just abut shot bt should be okay for a couple more days.
Arrived at camp just after 12 for feed of left over curry, coffee and scones from the cafe and the now traditional recovery food of a chocolate milkshake, a few fries , oh and a bar of chocolate. Kaye and terry have decied a swim is in order, people watersking on the dam at the moment. Big caravan park and quite nice. All these places i never knew about to come back and explore.
Big feed of tuna cassarole and then sit around an open fire something we cant do when using the huts. Jokes a sing along and a clear sky to take in the stars.
Nice easy ride today pretty much all single track but typical munda biddi type track , nothing too technical apart from a couple of badly rutted dowhills that caught afew off guard otherwise steady inclines which allows you to climb without really noticing. Had another puncture but the tubeless resealed okay just needed to add some more air. Poor tyres are just abut shot bt should be okay for a couple more days.
Arrived at camp just after 12 for feed of left over curry, coffee and scones from the cafe and the now traditional recovery food of a chocolate milkshake, a few fries , oh and a bar of chocolate. Kaye and terry have decied a swim is in order, people watersking on the dam at the moment. Big caravan park and quite nice. All these places i never knew about to come back and explore.
Big feed of tuna cassarole and then sit around an open fire something we cant do when using the huts. Jokes a sing along and a clear sky to take in the stars.
Day 17 collie to Yarri
Freezing tis morning as expected collie lived up to its reputation. Didnt want to get up all snug and warm in my sleeping bag but the bladder decided otherwise.
On the homeward trail now and getting close to familiar territory. Short sprint to yarri today but we took it easy and were there in no time at all. The track today was fairly flat, we back tracked from collie on 15 km of the track to coolie before the turn north. A little bt of single track but nothing too challenging. Another 30 km and we were there. Could probably have gone right through to lake brockman today another 40 km but we are here now and the first 6 km tomorrow looks uphill. Tiny campsite but we managed to squeeze all the tents in all sorts of available spaces and everyone seems quite happy. The sun was shining and weather looks like it is going to warm up over the next few days compared to the great riding weather we have had up to now. Nice little camp in the middle of nowhere.
Its 230 pm the tent is dry and its already starting to get cold now the sun is behind the trees. I had my sponge bath , no showers here. Looks like a cold one tonight. 5 more sleeps and we are done. 3 more tent pitches. The legs are continually sore now with lactic build up after each ride, my shorts are loose so i think i have lost weight despite eating continuously during and after the rides. The good thing is that noone feels guilty eating anything because it will burn off with the 2000 cals + we use each day for a ride. And most have consumed more wine and beer than they would normally drink, secretly i thin its to kill the pain in the egs oh and the butt. My poterior was alittle tender this morning after te rest day. I now understand why the tour de france cyclists ride on their rest day. Resting actually makes you feel worse.
A few intrepid travellers went fr hie to the dam a 10 km return trip and anaged to get back just before sunset safe and sound. Quite a few took te opportunity for a nap fr an hur or so.
The notes at the hut say that regularly gets to minus 2 and that many wild pigs have been spotted in the area and that we should sleep with a knife! I'm sure the smell will keep them away. We have chicken curry foe dinner and now a few more bottles of wine and game pigs a game i havent seen for 20+ more years . Karens birthday today and liz bought a princess cae for her to make te occasion.
time to call it a day , a late one tonight at 930 pm.
On the homeward trail now and getting close to familiar territory. Short sprint to yarri today but we took it easy and were there in no time at all. The track today was fairly flat, we back tracked from collie on 15 km of the track to coolie before the turn north. A little bt of single track but nothing too challenging. Another 30 km and we were there. Could probably have gone right through to lake brockman today another 40 km but we are here now and the first 6 km tomorrow looks uphill. Tiny campsite but we managed to squeeze all the tents in all sorts of available spaces and everyone seems quite happy. The sun was shining and weather looks like it is going to warm up over the next few days compared to the great riding weather we have had up to now. Nice little camp in the middle of nowhere.
Its 230 pm the tent is dry and its already starting to get cold now the sun is behind the trees. I had my sponge bath , no showers here. Looks like a cold one tonight. 5 more sleeps and we are done. 3 more tent pitches. The legs are continually sore now with lactic build up after each ride, my shorts are loose so i think i have lost weight despite eating continuously during and after the rides. The good thing is that noone feels guilty eating anything because it will burn off with the 2000 cals + we use each day for a ride. And most have consumed more wine and beer than they would normally drink, secretly i thin its to kill the pain in the egs oh and the butt. My poterior was alittle tender this morning after te rest day. I now understand why the tour de france cyclists ride on their rest day. Resting actually makes you feel worse.
A few intrepid travellers went fr hie to the dam a 10 km return trip and anaged to get back just before sunset safe and sound. Quite a few took te opportunity for a nap fr an hur or so.
The notes at the hut say that regularly gets to minus 2 and that many wild pigs have been spotted in the area and that we should sleep with a knife! I'm sure the smell will keep them away. We have chicken curry foe dinner and now a few more bottles of wine and game pigs a game i havent seen for 20+ more years . Karens birthday today and liz bought a princess cae for her to make te occasion.
time to call it a day , a late one tonight at 930 pm.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Day 16 collie rest day
Slept in until the urge was just too much to resist. I really need that ensuite. Light breakfast and then domestics like washing etc until it was time to visit town and put my bike in the que at crankin cycles. Man did they work hard today. There were many bikes in need o.f repair. I think the rainy day down south did most of the damage. A dozen new chains bearings regreased adjustments bottom bracket bearings and now hopefully all ready to go again.
I walked over to upload video at the local library whist others wet on mining tours and tours of the local church. A nice relaxing day in my tent reading a magazine, mtb of course and then a wander down to pick up my bike. Fiddling as you do and not concentrating on where i was going i ran straight into a curb then crashed ad burned. Luckilly noone as there to see it or it could have been quite embarassing. So after 750 km of screaming down technical declines i finally fell off my bike on a tarmac road by hitting a curb. Bruised my leg and a bit of port on my left arm but thankfully nothing more serious.
Most went out for dinner at a local pub for steak night and had a steak special oh and a few ales.
So the rest day is over and i feel worse. Think i need to get back on my bike and ride. Probably the toughest week still to come. Off to a hut tomorrow so it will probably be a couple of days to the next update. Cheers for now.
I walked over to upload video at the local library whist others wet on mining tours and tours of the local church. A nice relaxing day in my tent reading a magazine, mtb of course and then a wander down to pick up my bike. Fiddling as you do and not concentrating on where i was going i ran straight into a curb then crashed ad burned. Luckilly noone as there to see it or it could have been quite embarassing. So after 750 km of screaming down technical declines i finally fell off my bike on a tarmac road by hitting a curb. Bruised my leg and a bit of port on my left arm but thankfully nothing more serious.
Most went out for dinner at a local pub for steak night and had a steak special oh and a few ales.
So the rest day is over and i feel worse. Think i need to get back on my bike and ride. Probably the toughest week still to come. Off to a hut tomorrow so it will probably be a couple of days to the next update. Cheers for now.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Day 15 lake Wellington to Collie
Today we did something different and packed and started before breakfast. We rode 4 km to Honeymoon Pool and had breakfast on the bbq there. Due to school holidays the camp sites were full but at 815 am the bbqs were still vacant. Some brave hearts from canberra Terry and kaye(where else would it seem warm) decided that another swim was in order while the rest of us sat around eating breakfast.
The munda biddi from honeymoon pool is somewhat different in that we actually thought we were on walking track, it was very technical to start which pleased me, but glad we were not carrying any panniers as it would be walk only and even then it could be difficult for the first kilometer. It then runs into tachnical switchback and a climb to remember. Good training for the masohcists and I have few in mind that would love it so will have to take this way next time we venture to honeymoon pool. ,but just when you have reached the top and about to pop a heart valve there is another one just as mean as the first, followed by some sweet single track and yet another mammoth climb. Hard on the legs and we progressed only 12 km for the first hour or so and i wasnt sure i could keep the energy levels up at that rate. But it calmed down and we were soon making good time again with some drafting in the woods .. A couple of locals rode out to meet us and escort us in which was nice. We arrived in collie just after midday and straight to the cafe for milk shakes pies and coffee in that order. My dearest was in waiting at the cafe which was a pleasant surprise.. Spent the next few hours getting tents up and organised and then some serious bike maintenance while my tools were around. New cluster, new chain, new brake pads, front fork service, seat adjustment and general clean. It almost looks like a bike again . It would not have made the rest of the journey how it looked. Unfortunatey this didnt leave much time for my wife who had to leave for home just after 5.
Nice touch wth a big electronic billbord welcoming the munda biddi riders to town this afternoon.
So far rain showers and sunshine in collie as if the weather cant decide what to do. Todays ride was once again very pleasant riding conditions overcast and cool.
Off for another function in collie and a very nice meal of marron for entree with lasagne or apricot chicken to follow with beers and cider from little creatures and some great chat with the locals. Eric from crankin cycles was there and we had some great bike chat. He says everyone should ride pugsly once in their life. He has almost sold me on the bmc 29 er. I need to visit his shop tomorrow for a nasty sounding rear hub that has seen a little too much sand and Needs a regrease. I wonder what else I might come home with? Rest day tomorrow, the legs are fine but i could do with a sleep in.
The munda biddi from honeymoon pool is somewhat different in that we actually thought we were on walking track, it was very technical to start which pleased me, but glad we were not carrying any panniers as it would be walk only and even then it could be difficult for the first kilometer. It then runs into tachnical switchback and a climb to remember. Good training for the masohcists and I have few in mind that would love it so will have to take this way next time we venture to honeymoon pool. ,but just when you have reached the top and about to pop a heart valve there is another one just as mean as the first, followed by some sweet single track and yet another mammoth climb. Hard on the legs and we progressed only 12 km for the first hour or so and i wasnt sure i could keep the energy levels up at that rate. But it calmed down and we were soon making good time again with some drafting in the woods .. A couple of locals rode out to meet us and escort us in which was nice. We arrived in collie just after midday and straight to the cafe for milk shakes pies and coffee in that order. My dearest was in waiting at the cafe which was a pleasant surprise.. Spent the next few hours getting tents up and organised and then some serious bike maintenance while my tools were around. New cluster, new chain, new brake pads, front fork service, seat adjustment and general clean. It almost looks like a bike again . It would not have made the rest of the journey how it looked. Unfortunatey this didnt leave much time for my wife who had to leave for home just after 5.
Nice touch wth a big electronic billbord welcoming the munda biddi riders to town this afternoon.
So far rain showers and sunshine in collie as if the weather cant decide what to do. Todays ride was once again very pleasant riding conditions overcast and cool.
Off for another function in collie and a very nice meal of marron for entree with lasagne or apricot chicken to follow with beers and cider from little creatures and some great chat with the locals. Eric from crankin cycles was there and we had some great bike chat. He says everyone should ride pugsly once in their life. He has almost sold me on the bmc 29 er. I need to visit his shop tomorrow for a nasty sounding rear hub that has seen a little too much sand and Needs a regrease. I wonder what else I might come home with? Rest day tomorrow, the legs are fine but i could do with a sleep in.
Day 14 donnybrook to lake wellington
Lots of tarmac for the first 20km today , then dirt roads and last 10 km was track. Some nasty hills hills through the ferguson valley but got thru them okay. Feel close to home now having just crossed pile road and into familiar territory near the pile road mountain bike track. Just a short ride from honeymoon pool. A few went for a spin down to honeymoon pool and a swim but the ride back was uphill. Pitched wet tents that dried with the afternoon sun and now all snug for another night in the wild at the hut. I had another puncture today but it resealed itself thanks to the goo i use, but had to add a bit of air. Dave also had a flat. Phil lost his rear suspension pinion on his scott so we had another mercy call to collie for repairs , Eric has been great at crankin cycles. I think there are quite a few bikes booked in for a service on monday during our rest day there.
Out in the wild doing it tough again tonight. Oh the beer and wine has just arrived. But I didnt hear it over the generator . Ahh the serenity!
The camp cook couldnt get very close to us today as the hut is in the bush and down some steep slopes so the meal was precooked at the top and delived down to us we were all starving by the time it arrived and there was feeding frenzy but the hunger pains were well satisfied.
The camp site was a bit of a squeeze and tents were pitched all over and in the bush. The temperature dropped to less than 10 degrees all of a sudden we know this because captain gadget produced a temperature gauge from somewhere showing both inside and outside temperature. We couldnt quite work out what was considered as Inside temperature because everything seemed to be outside. There were a few suggestions where the probe could go to measure inside temperature but we left that alone. Most skipped off to bed to snuggle up in their sleeping bags and read while a fews others finished off a bottle of red over a pack of cards. There are a lot of cards in this group thats for sure.
Tough climb into collie so i'm putting my head down. Week 3 of the tour de munda biddi about to commence.
Out in the wild doing it tough again tonight. Oh the beer and wine has just arrived. But I didnt hear it over the generator . Ahh the serenity!
The camp cook couldnt get very close to us today as the hut is in the bush and down some steep slopes so the meal was precooked at the top and delived down to us we were all starving by the time it arrived and there was feeding frenzy but the hunger pains were well satisfied.
The camp site was a bit of a squeeze and tents were pitched all over and in the bush. The temperature dropped to less than 10 degrees all of a sudden we know this because captain gadget produced a temperature gauge from somewhere showing both inside and outside temperature. We couldnt quite work out what was considered as Inside temperature because everything seemed to be outside. There were a few suggestions where the probe could go to measure inside temperature but we left that alone. Most skipped off to bed to snuggle up in their sleeping bags and read while a fews others finished off a bottle of red over a pack of cards. There are a lot of cards in this group thats for sure.
Tough climb into collie so i'm putting my head down. Week 3 of the tour de munda biddi about to commence.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Day 13 Nannup to Donnybrook
A few riders elected to stay at the local accomodation in Nannup last night. Some at the pub and some at the blue house b&b. Rave reviews about the blue house.
Fresh this morning but off at nine as 2 groups. Front group pushed hard and arrived in Donnybrook at the bakery for a hot pie and choc milk just after 1pm having covered 72 km. Boring ride with the first 27 km following the rail trail with a six inch wide sweet spot so had to focus and then mainly badly corrugated dirt roads after that. I found it hard going but we were really moving today with an average speed of 19km/hr. Sweet drafting oter riders in the forest. Nothing much else to share today.
Set up camp showered and settled by 2pm and just enjoying a nice cold pale ale thanks to little creatures. Strava doesnt seem to want to play so i dont have the track today but have uploaded Stuarts. Think i killed it.
Had a look at my bike as it wasnt sounding right when we arrived and found the bottom bracket bearing was shot so i had to make a quick dash to collie for a new one. All fixed and good to go. Wow what a great shop crankincycles in collie has everything and more. Dangerous though saw a nice 29 r bmc dually frame mmmmmn, but i resisted the temptation. That will make my wife happy.
A hot chicken curry and now a bit of blogging and that the day. Tomorrow looks like lots of climbing so need to sleep today off.
Fresh this morning but off at nine as 2 groups. Front group pushed hard and arrived in Donnybrook at the bakery for a hot pie and choc milk just after 1pm having covered 72 km. Boring ride with the first 27 km following the rail trail with a six inch wide sweet spot so had to focus and then mainly badly corrugated dirt roads after that. I found it hard going but we were really moving today with an average speed of 19km/hr. Sweet drafting oter riders in the forest. Nothing much else to share today.
Set up camp showered and settled by 2pm and just enjoying a nice cold pale ale thanks to little creatures. Strava doesnt seem to want to play so i dont have the track today but have uploaded Stuarts. Think i killed it.
Had a look at my bike as it wasnt sounding right when we arrived and found the bottom bracket bearing was shot so i had to make a quick dash to collie for a new one. All fixed and good to go. Wow what a great shop crankincycles in collie has everything and more. Dangerous though saw a nice 29 r bmc dually frame mmmmmn, but i resisted the temptation. That will make my wife happy.
A hot chicken curry and now a bit of blogging and that the day. Tomorrow looks like lots of climbing so need to sleep today off.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Day 12 Donnelly River to Nannup
Up early after a great sleep and feeling much better today. Bit spooky in the hut last night when i led in the bed of the old cottage at 1am and wondered how many people had been born and had died in that room over the years. Too tired to worry so I slept until daylight.
Off to an early start at 9am and a short sprint to Nannup. Fair bit of bitumen today so easy going. We arrived before midday and found the blackwood cafe for milkshakes, coffee, and lunch while we waited for the others. Off to camp for washing, showers, tents and wow its still only 1pm. Time for some relaxation and plenty of bandwidth for catching up on some news. Nice little town Nannup. But bit of a concern when Peter asked for an ATM and was told that the only one in town had been stolen! Banjo jamming lessons are available according to the sign in the camp laundry. Hmmn?
Spent the afternoon over a couple of beers in the pub and then off to the bolpwling club for dinner. Wow for a club with only 12 members they put on one hell of a spread. Cyclists food of rice chickpea curries taboli and fruit rice and more. That should stock the carbs up for tomorrows 70 km ride to donnybrook. Complete with cake to mark the occasion.
We are now over the halfway mark on this epic journey, and we have had agreat time so far.
Off to an early start at 9am and a short sprint to Nannup. Fair bit of bitumen today so easy going. We arrived before midday and found the blackwood cafe for milkshakes, coffee, and lunch while we waited for the others. Off to camp for washing, showers, tents and wow its still only 1pm. Time for some relaxation and plenty of bandwidth for catching up on some news. Nice little town Nannup. But bit of a concern when Peter asked for an ATM and was told that the only one in town had been stolen! Banjo jamming lessons are available according to the sign in the camp laundry. Hmmn?
Spent the afternoon over a couple of beers in the pub and then off to the bolpwling club for dinner. Wow for a club with only 12 members they put on one hell of a spread. Cyclists food of rice chickpea curries taboli and fruit rice and more. That should stock the carbs up for tomorrows 70 km ride to donnybrook. Complete with cake to mark the occasion.
We are now over the halfway mark on this epic journey, and we have had agreat time so far.
Day 11 manjimup to donelly mill
Slow start after yesterdays mammoth ride and the body was really feeling it today. We had a 10am departure time so most slept in. We rode 2 km down the road to a breakfast of scrambled eggs with truffle bacon hazelnut toast and coffee to give us inspiration to move on. Finally got away around 1130am. Very late start.
Excellent track probably the most technical so far withsome awesome switchbacks low hanging trees to duck under lots of leave trash and twigs with some logs to bunny hop over. A few bits of fire trail to link it all toether but loads of fun and although tired i seemed to dig deep to enjoy them, hence tonight i feel even more shattered sat here at 730pm and thinking of bed. I hear we did 48 kms today. A few minor stacks with some grazes a couple of flat tyres and damaged bottom bracket bearing amongst the crew. I had a minor stack from a two wheel slide on the switchbacks which i have on the go pro so that will be interesting to look at. No phone coverage here but a great little spot to bring a family. Tonight we are in the huts thankfully as we have just had a thunderstorm and huge dowpour that i am sure my tent would not have coped with . A few beers a good feed of sheppards pie and greetings from the local kangaroos and emus. Tamest kangaroos i have ever come across . Scored a double bed so looking forward to a good rest.
Cant seem to get my gps working so may not be able to upload the track but well see later when i get back into phone range.
Excellent track probably the most technical so far withsome awesome switchbacks low hanging trees to duck under lots of leave trash and twigs with some logs to bunny hop over. A few bits of fire trail to link it all toether but loads of fun and although tired i seemed to dig deep to enjoy them, hence tonight i feel even more shattered sat here at 730pm and thinking of bed. I hear we did 48 kms today. A few minor stacks with some grazes a couple of flat tyres and damaged bottom bracket bearing amongst the crew. I had a minor stack from a two wheel slide on the switchbacks which i have on the go pro so that will be interesting to look at. No phone coverage here but a great little spot to bring a family. Tonight we are in the huts thankfully as we have just had a thunderstorm and huge dowpour that i am sure my tent would not have coped with . A few beers a good feed of sheppards pie and greetings from the local kangaroos and emus. Tamest kangaroos i have ever come across . Scored a double bed so looking forward to a good rest.
Cant seem to get my gps working so may not be able to upload the track but well see later when i get back into phone range.
Day 10 pemberton to manjimup
There was a little bit of concern that some in the group would struggle to complete the required 82 km today within the required daylight hours. It was therefore decided to split the group in 2 with 10 of the faster riders in the front group. The second group were planning to meet the car with the bike trailer at alloted 10 km intervals afer the 50 km mark to pick up any that could not continue.
I put my geocache out today somewhere between pemberton and quinninup on a nice bit of trail.
I am pleased to say that all completed the 82 km well within daylight hours. The first group arrived around 3 pm and headed straight for the local bakery for choc milk ,wedges, and cakes. After which we then rode to fontys pool another 12 or so km out of town. The second group headed for the pub to quench their thirsts and turned up shortly after at the camp at Fontys Pool. All up we did 94 km today and the legs are a little sore.
The tracks today were good, lots of single track , some sections lots of fun some uphill sections quite challenging and some quite picturesque sections along the warren river. We stopped at quininup pub for lunch and cuppas.
I have footage of various parts but poor bandwidth is making it difficult to upload any significant sections so ill do that when i can. Perhaps collie.
Later we had a meal put on by fontys pool and the local commnity. Excellent spread with wines from the truffle winery next door. Everyone enjoyed he food followed by sticky date pudding and beer again put on by little creatures,.. I have travelled through manjimup hundred of times but never saw a reason to stop but now i know different. Some excellent Food wines truffles and fontys pool what a great place to spend a summers day.
I
I put my geocache out today somewhere between pemberton and quinninup on a nice bit of trail.
I am pleased to say that all completed the 82 km well within daylight hours. The first group arrived around 3 pm and headed straight for the local bakery for choc milk ,wedges, and cakes. After which we then rode to fontys pool another 12 or so km out of town. The second group headed for the pub to quench their thirsts and turned up shortly after at the camp at Fontys Pool. All up we did 94 km today and the legs are a little sore.
The tracks today were good, lots of single track , some sections lots of fun some uphill sections quite challenging and some quite picturesque sections along the warren river. We stopped at quininup pub for lunch and cuppas.
I have footage of various parts but poor bandwidth is making it difficult to upload any significant sections so ill do that when i can. Perhaps collie.
Later we had a meal put on by fontys pool and the local commnity. Excellent spread with wines from the truffle winery next door. Everyone enjoyed he food followed by sticky date pudding and beer again put on by little creatures,.. I have travelled through manjimup hundred of times but never saw a reason to stop but now i know different. Some excellent Food wines truffles and fontys pool what a great place to spend a summers day.
I
Monday, April 15, 2013
Day 9 rest day pemberton
Slept in a bed last night as my wife Marilyn was in town to greet us and i woke up with a sore back, I missed my self inflating mattress. Funny how the body adjusts. Friar tuck Gost lost after sampling too much christening wine and couldnt find his hotel and was then chased by the devil looking like a big black dog into one of the luggage trailers only to appear later while some others were still reflecting on day activities. Not sure where he slept last night. JM on the other hand slept for 14 hours!
A half dozen of us met at the local Millhouse cafe for breakfast as I had discovered this gem on previous visit. Big breakfasts all round and those field mushrooms have more flavour than any i have tasted before. We booked out the local health spa from 8am till 530pm at half hour intervals for massages and it was oh so good on the sore legs and back. Poor girl looked somewhat shattered when I went in at 3pm but didnt dissapoint. Hot rocks scented oils and good hands. Look her up in the main street next time you're in town.
A group of fellow travellers went on Tours to the dunes complete with our own ecologist peter to add to the tour guides comments. All said it was well worth doing.
Bike maintenance cleaning and drying clothes and tents ready to battle the wild again was what most others we up to, besides the od coffee sweet slice, smoked trout, marron......lets just say eating of local produce. Personally i think another rest day would be good here. Plenty to do (and eat) in pemberton.
Couldnt help myself just had to give the single track at the back of the caravan park a try and was pleasantly surprised how good it was. Quite a technical climb which my legs didnt appreciate but made it to the top ok before stopping for some air. Great downhill section with big timber berms and great jumps and log overs. Plenty of fun but I took it easy as there is still a long way to go and have been known to break bones on similar ones around.
Have clocked up 430 km so far on the odometer with the little extras along the way.
Special thanks to Marks son at the pemberton camp school whom sacrificed his new derailler hanger that he just fitted to allow gregs bike to be fixed for the ride tomorrow.
Evening prayers about tomorrows plans and then most scurried of to rest in prep for a big day with 80 km planned. An early start and plans to put sweeper car with trailer for those that arent confident. Personally I think everyone can do it. Its just a question of whether daylight will allow.
A half dozen of us met at the local Millhouse cafe for breakfast as I had discovered this gem on previous visit. Big breakfasts all round and those field mushrooms have more flavour than any i have tasted before. We booked out the local health spa from 8am till 530pm at half hour intervals for massages and it was oh so good on the sore legs and back. Poor girl looked somewhat shattered when I went in at 3pm but didnt dissapoint. Hot rocks scented oils and good hands. Look her up in the main street next time you're in town.
A group of fellow travellers went on Tours to the dunes complete with our own ecologist peter to add to the tour guides comments. All said it was well worth doing.
Bike maintenance cleaning and drying clothes and tents ready to battle the wild again was what most others we up to, besides the od coffee sweet slice, smoked trout, marron......lets just say eating of local produce. Personally i think another rest day would be good here. Plenty to do (and eat) in pemberton.
Couldnt help myself just had to give the single track at the back of the caravan park a try and was pleasantly surprised how good it was. Quite a technical climb which my legs didnt appreciate but made it to the top ok before stopping for some air. Great downhill section with big timber berms and great jumps and log overs. Plenty of fun but I took it easy as there is still a long way to go and have been known to break bones on similar ones around.
Have clocked up 430 km so far on the odometer with the little extras along the way.
Special thanks to Marks son at the pemberton camp school whom sacrificed his new derailler hanger that he just fitted to allow gregs bike to be fixed for the ride tomorrow.
Evening prayers about tomorrows plans and then most scurried of to rest in prep for a big day with 80 km planned. An early start and plans to put sweeper car with trailer for those that arent confident. Personally I think everyone can do it. Its just a question of whether daylight will allow.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Day 8 to Pemberton
Had a good night at Round Tuit caravan Park in Northcliff then packed and ready to roll early am. I think that everyone is looking forward to the rest day tomorrow and keen to get today over with. But the Sun was shining for a change and it looked like good tracks. Looked like DEC had been through a matter of hours before and cleared some of the trees for us. Some cool single track and I could'nt hold back and wait for the others as i dug deep to see how it was. Only stopping every half hour or so to make sure the others were still coming. See video links.
The last climb up to the gloucester tree is a killer. 1.5 km of switchbacks to climb around 200metres in soft dirt. Greg showed us how to completely destroy an xt rear derailer and bracket hanger when your chain drops off on a climb. Winding around some of the biggest trees in the forrest. I think i'll be back to do this section again but in the other direction pemberton to northcliff. 42 km. Funny it seemed like all the best sections were uphill but looking at the profie at the end of the day it doesnt show it this way. Worth doing anyhow. Down to the cafe and coffee and food while we waited for the others to get up that hill to the gloucester tree, they came by just as we finished so we travelled to the accomodation with them to sign off for a rest day. A few beers and then my wife arrived for the rest day only to tell me the hotel we are staying at is at the top of the hill . My legs did not enjoy that ride.
We met with the locals at 4pm to celebrate the opening of the track with and then went off to the pemby pub for a meal and some refreshments. An early night for me to catch up on some blogging, my wife,and much needed sleep.
The last climb up to the gloucester tree is a killer. 1.5 km of switchbacks to climb around 200metres in soft dirt. Greg showed us how to completely destroy an xt rear derailer and bracket hanger when your chain drops off on a climb. Winding around some of the biggest trees in the forrest. I think i'll be back to do this section again but in the other direction pemberton to northcliff. 42 km. Funny it seemed like all the best sections were uphill but looking at the profie at the end of the day it doesnt show it this way. Worth doing anyhow. Down to the cafe and coffee and food while we waited for the others to get up that hill to the gloucester tree, they came by just as we finished so we travelled to the accomodation with them to sign off for a rest day. A few beers and then my wife arrived for the rest day only to tell me the hotel we are staying at is at the top of the hill . My legs did not enjoy that ride.
We met with the locals at 4pm to celebrate the opening of the track with and then went off to the pemby pub for a meal and some refreshments. An early night for me to catch up on some blogging, my wife,and much needed sleep.
Day 7 hut to northcliff
Great to see nathan back on the track. Some good single track past the borora tree familiar territory for me being a stopping point for the karri cup mtb race in march. No mishaps no dramas. A little bit of rain to start but that cleared to again give us great riding weather.
Awesome farmer from canterbury cottage bed and breakfast is right on the track about 20 km from northcliff and not far from the barrora tree. He had set up chairs coffee and tea and scones for us in the middle of nowhere. See photo A much welcomed break and much appreciated.
Geocache was found at the borroa tree and we placed another goecache. Oh. I havnt said much about this yet. Geocaching is where you set up little treasures or trinkets for want of a better word of little monitary value and log the gps coordinates on the internet for others to find on their journies. Its best to put them in places difficult to get to. We each have one with our names engraved on the container to place during our journey. We have been putting down about 2 per day on our journey. My turn tomorrow. The gps found one set by others by the borora tree. Dave scored some small plastic animals and replaced it with something else.
Great track today through karrie jarrah and marrie forrest some really big trees. About 15 km from town ron the ride leader let us loose as the track which was fairly straight forward. A pack at the front pushed hard to motor to northcliff at a very fast pace to get the tents pitched and washing started before the others arrived. Ill have to check the pace on strava.
At round tu it caravan park just after lunch so we made good time and have been able to do some washing and dry some clothes and also pitch the tents and allow then to dry for a change. Also gave us some time to relax. Much needed by many and we are looking forward to the rest day tomorrow at pemberton.
Kay was trying to figure out why her jeans wouldnt stay up. I think few might have lost some kilos this week . Wow its gone so quick and we have been so pushed for time it has gone very quickly. Riding all day set up tents getting organised and bike maintenance and then functions in town. Yet there is still a long way to go. With the tachos showing around 350 km to date.
Into town and a function put on by te northcliff visitors centre. We walked around the sculptures exhibition well worth seeing and then a bbq to feed to hunger pains from another days ride.
Awesome farmer from canterbury cottage bed and breakfast is right on the track about 20 km from northcliff and not far from the barrora tree. He had set up chairs coffee and tea and scones for us in the middle of nowhere. See photo A much welcomed break and much appreciated.
Geocache was found at the borroa tree and we placed another goecache. Oh. I havnt said much about this yet. Geocaching is where you set up little treasures or trinkets for want of a better word of little monitary value and log the gps coordinates on the internet for others to find on their journies. Its best to put them in places difficult to get to. We each have one with our names engraved on the container to place during our journey. We have been putting down about 2 per day on our journey. My turn tomorrow. The gps found one set by others by the borora tree. Dave scored some small plastic animals and replaced it with something else.
Great track today through karrie jarrah and marrie forrest some really big trees. About 15 km from town ron the ride leader let us loose as the track which was fairly straight forward. A pack at the front pushed hard to motor to northcliff at a very fast pace to get the tents pitched and washing started before the others arrived. Ill have to check the pace on strava.
At round tu it caravan park just after lunch so we made good time and have been able to do some washing and dry some clothes and also pitch the tents and allow then to dry for a change. Also gave us some time to relax. Much needed by many and we are looking forward to the rest day tomorrow at pemberton.
Kay was trying to figure out why her jeans wouldnt stay up. I think few might have lost some kilos this week . Wow its gone so quick and we have been so pushed for time it has gone very quickly. Riding all day set up tents getting organised and bike maintenance and then functions in town. Yet there is still a long way to go. With the tachos showing around 350 km to date.
Into town and a function put on by te northcliff visitors centre. We walked around the sculptures exhibition well worth seeing and then a bbq to feed to hunger pains from another days ride.
Day6 walpole to hut
Woke to pouring rain about 4 am with that urge that can only be satisfied by an ensuite. Why doesnt my tent have an ensuite? Two chioces lay as snug as a bug and hold on or get up and get wet. So i led there for 2 hours until daylight hoping the rain would subside but it only got worse. We had to drop the tents in the wet which means tonight will be interesting if its still raining.
Hard day of riding a bit of single track but mainly uphill and it rained all w ay. Lots of sandy trial which made it hard going. Not many highlights. Tough day overall.
Tj lead the pack on the climbs, the dark horse finally showing his cards w ith a break away finally pressing on for the last few km to the hut. Great site for the hut with spectacular granite rock located adjacent to the campsite. The hut is smaller than the first two but we managed fit in somehow. It sleeps possibly 24 in a squeeze. Out of the spping wet clotes, but no showes out here.
WE had Spag bol for dinner which i inhaled it as my body was screaming for carbs after another 60 odd k day. Went back for seconds which was nearly as big as the first and was able to eat slower and enjoy it. A few beers and wines (gosh s tough here in the bush) and then heads down for another night. A few adventurers set up their tents which in hindsight was probably a good idea as i could swear there were seven chainsaws ripping thriugh the forrest that night. The corrogated iron was actually resonating with the shear power of one seasoned snorer.
Hard day of riding a bit of single track but mainly uphill and it rained all w ay. Lots of sandy trial which made it hard going. Not many highlights. Tough day overall.
Tj lead the pack on the climbs, the dark horse finally showing his cards w ith a break away finally pressing on for the last few km to the hut. Great site for the hut with spectacular granite rock located adjacent to the campsite. The hut is smaller than the first two but we managed fit in somehow. It sleeps possibly 24 in a squeeze. Out of the spping wet clotes, but no showes out here.
WE had Spag bol for dinner which i inhaled it as my body was screaming for carbs after another 60 odd k day. Went back for seconds which was nearly as big as the first and was able to eat slower and enjoy it. A few beers and wines (gosh s tough here in the bush) and then heads down for another night. A few adventurers set up their tents which in hindsight was probably a good idea as i could swear there were seven chainsaws ripping thriugh the forrest that night. The corrogated iron was actually resonating with the shear power of one seasoned snorer.
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