Day one was a simple intro back to biketouring with just 20kms to the station for a train trip to Brisbane. Caloundra threw in a steep hill, but lots of bike lanes on the way out, so all in all, it was a good start. Landsborough had a bakery coffee shop where I waited for the train. Then it was an easy trip to Brisbane and on to Darra where I had a few kms to get to the Mortons – old friends and fantastic hosts
Day 2
I had to get to the Gold Coast today as there were track closures on the weekend – and riding from Brisbane to the Goldie didn’t sound like fun. On the way, I stopped in and had a cuppa with my sister who lives conveniently close to the Gold coast line. Well done Trish, excellent location choice many years ago.
I’m also going to try some sun sleeves so I don’t have to cover my arms in sunscreen every day. I picked up a pair from a place near Nerang station and rode on to Broadbeach to stay with Martin and Sal for two nights. Again, great hospitality.
Day 4
On Sunday morning I packed up and got underway around 8:30am. This was always going to be an easy day as it was almost flat along the coast. However, on Sunday morning, it seems like all of the Gold Coast goes walking, running and cycling along the beachfront path. It was slow progress but a relaxed way to travel.
I stopped at south Tweed Heads and caught up with a hockey friend from Ipswich days, then I headed to Kingscliff. By the time I got there, I was starving, so I stopped and had a late lunch, and it rained the whole time. It stopped when I was done and I got going through Casuarina, Cabarita and stopped in Pottsville for the night.
Its quite strange not having a timetable to stick to, and only some loose arrangements about when I get to Sydney. It feels like real retirement and relaxation and it’s something I will happily get used to.
The only complication before getting to the Coffs Harbour region, is the flood damage in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Apart from some roads being closed, I really don’t want to tour through other people’s misery and sadness at the destruction and loss in the area. However, speaking with people here at the campground, it looks like I’ll be able to get through as well as camp or find accomodation along the way.
