Friday, October 3, 2008 – 6.18 pm
A terrific day on the bike today with another 163 kms done and dusted.
The day started at 7.15 am riding off in stormy conditions: thunder, lighting and rain.
Jack and I stopped at a photo opportunity not to be missed. You see, my brother is Peter Sinclair. And it came as no surprise that the Peter Sinclair Bridge spans the Bogan River! (Howdy Pete!)
The Sinclair boys take the best photo opportunity so far!
The rain soon stopped and moved ahead of us at about the same speed we were cycling at. The cooler conditions were a welcome change and we did an easy 61 kms into the beautifully named Nevertire.
Of course we had our photo taken by the town sign with Jack insisting (!) I ham it up!
Jack and Brendon at Nevertire
Our rest was under the cover of a beautiful old shop in Nevertire. One of the many old country town buildings we’ve seen that are slowly decaying.
Old shop in Nevertire
Another 42 kms to lunch as the day heated up to 31 degrees. We passed through the beautiful little country town of Warren, where Jack had his photo taken under the Gilgandra sign.
Jack in Warren
Dave steamed us ahead and we were flying along at 47 km/hr on the flat with no wind.
Dave and Jack ride along towards Gilgandra
At lunch, Chris joined us for the 60 kms to Gilgandra. This was soon interrupted when the Collie Hotel called out strongly as we passed and Chris insisted we support the small country community by having a cool drink.
He’s a big guy so we did what he said!
Donation from Marianne at the Collie Hotel
A beer for the lads and a lemonade for Jack from Marianne was a fantastic relief. Marianne then very kindly donated $10 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia. Thanks Marianne.
The day heated up and our pace slowed down as we rode to Gilgandra. A swooping magpie had Chris, a 6 foot 4 inch man mountain, ducking for cover.
Crashed Straight Over The Handle Bars
He kept such a close eye on the magpie that he rode straight off the highway into a farmer’s field and crashed straight over the handle bars!
We checked he was okay, then spent the next 10 minutes laughing till we almost cried!
The last 30 kms into Gilgandra was a bit of a struggle after the heat took its toll. We’re now safely in the local caravan park about to have Chicken Noodles for dinner.
We’re all tired, but getting excited as we get that much closer to our goal.
Jack at the end of the day
Cheers
Brendon
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Mel and team,
so good to hear your voice tonight from the Gilgandra caravan park Mel. You sound soooooooooo excited by the showers and the washing machine. I know how tough it has been, and I’m so proud of you. Will book those manicures for Sat am on the gold coast, and tell Jack to try to work out how he can eat pavlova whilst having a massage on Friday evening.
Fly the flag for a few more days, love and hugs to you all. Cheers, Ange. xoxox
Have been away for a week and just caught up on your truly inspirational story. Happy Birthday for last Sunday Jack.
I can understand how proud your Mum and Dad must feel mate. Just tell yourself it is all downhill form now.
See you all next Saturday night in Paradise.
Hi Supermel and team paradise
Spoke to Ange tonight and we cant wait to see you all on Friday!!!! Loving the photos ,especially The Bogan River – a very apt Tasmanian saying!
Each Km brings you closer to home and the realization of achieving the massive goal you set Jack – you have shown unbelievable stamina,guts and determination and have a fabulous family, great friends and a terrific support network who all love you very much. With you all the way to the end guys. Juls xxx
Love the ‘bogan river’ sign! The ride would be worth it just for a pic with that sign! Keep up the great work. And the magpie story is gold! Well done guys.I’ll definitely be following the rest of your journey! Mitchell
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