Update to the Third Day starting

Using my little keyboard on the floor of the tent to write this. On my second day of biking and I haven't gotten as far as planned. The first day leaving Cairns had a large climb to get over and it was steep enough that controlling the heavy bike in low gear on the very narrow road was too dicey. I ended up walking the bike about 4K to get over and ended up really tired. Made about 50k only and stayed with a very nice couple, Arlene and Ian who treated me like a king. You know the old saying, "always be kind to fools and madmen" and I probably seem like a little bit of both to them.

They fed me and offered a spare bed, but I slept in an open shed overlooking their creek. Very sweet and I could see the stars and hear things that go bump in the night. Off early the next morning and had a very hard time with a headwind and still not recovered from the day before. Stopped a little short of Atherton with another 50k day at only noon to rest and recover more. I found a free campsite at a War Memorial Park with many Caravan Campers (Trailers in the US).

I will turn in early and see if I can do better tomorrow. I hope to get to Ravenshoe or even a little farther, but I am really trying to listen to my body and not risk an injury that would end the trip.

The country around me looks kind of like Idaho around Emmett and there is a large River called the Atherton that I passed over today. Arlene said that many of the landmarks are named for early explorers and that name sounds familiar, but I don't know the history...one more thing I should have done! Oh well, it is what it is. I am happy and seeing cool things. I will post some pics when I get to an internet cafe.

Quick add on... I'm in Atherton now having a nice breakfast and feeling better this am. Still hard riding because it is constant long but not steep climbing with very few flats and no descents to speak of. I am getting tired of the small chain ring lol.

written by

Mike_Veine on July 28, 2012 from Atherton, Australia

from the travel blog: Mike's Magical Mystery Tour

Send a Compliment

Hey Bro,

I'm on Mom's computer reading your blog.

It sounds like you have had a couple of hard days, don't push too hard, you definitely don't need an injury. Please be very careful!!!

Love You!!!
Your Sis

written by Kris Martin on July 29, 2012

Mike

please be careful, you don't have to rush just get there safe.

Love Dad & me

written by shirl veine on July 29, 2012

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