130 kilometres each way.
One big hill and lots of smaller ones.
Headwinds, heat, Heritage Tea Rooms,
Burdekin River, starry night…
Steak sandwiches, lamingtons, vege pies, coffee…
Heritage Tea Rooms were worth the visit at the top of the hill.
Nice and shiny new Surly Long Haul Trucker complete with Ortlieb panniers,
Brooks leather saddle and classy San Pellegrino water bottle…
And one slow leak puncture…how many men does it take to change a tube anyway?
We said goodbye to half our crowd and set off up the road. There wasn’t too much traffic and
those clouds kept the sun at bay…occasionally…
It was a long, hot day…we were excited to reach the Burdekin River about 10 kilometres from the campsite.
Tested out our water filter while refilling our bottles (a bit over 6 litres worth each)…
Everyone felt just a wee bit tired by the time we reached the campsite.
Nothing a campfire, some good food and plenty of wine can’t fix…
We camped out under the stars and a brilliant full moon…
And the next morning we said goodbye to Ian before he continued on his big adventure towards the north…
We set off for home, the same way we had come, with nothing particular to note except a puncture…
…and another quick stop at the Heritage Tea Rooms where the Pedlar may or may not
have had another steak sandwich…