Not that I expect any sympathy, but prepping for this trip
in the UK had it’s down sides. Apart from everyone explaining the plethora of
ways I was going to die, and listing out films about attacks in the Outback,
practice riding the week before leaving was brutal. With one glorious exception
on the River Test, it was cold, wet and miserable rides everyday.
However all this made the final week’s preparations all the sweeter. Below are the two locations where final plans were made. Jet Lag aside, I really couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to set up and set off for the trip.
After a rather undignified night sleeping on Perth airport
floor, I flew into Melbourne to stay with two friends, Mike and Claire, who are
getting married in the summer and moved back to Claire’s hometown 3 years ago.
With an awesome flat in the cool Ripponlea area of town, the beach 10 mins away
and all of Melbourne at their disposal they have a seriously cool life out
here.
Quite apart from showing and sometimes shepherding me around
town to get the final bits and bobs required, they showed a seriously good
time. With trips out to the beach, cracking bars and restaurants, a cycle round
most of the city (including the beautiful Yarra trail) and a belting night out
for Claire’s uncle 70th that included drinks in a suite 40 odd floors high in
the Crown casino (the largest in Oz no less) and a huge and delicious Chinese
meal.
It was a very cool way to start the trip, and I can see why
everyone always raves about Melbourne. It’s cracking.
It was then over to Sydney staying with my cousin Emily and
her family who moved over 2 years ago. From the moment I arrived I realised my
departure would need to be delayed a day. It was just too cool to see their
life there, rushing straight on seemed silly. Also a technical hitch with the
bike chain meant one final trip for a bike service.
So instead of rush in, rush out, I got to see what a great life they have in the space and sunshine of North Sydney. Beaches short drives away, huge houses, lovely neighbourhoods, and a way of life that would be the envy of almost any Brit.
The two highlights though were a trip out to Dee Why beach
for a swim and fish and chips on Saturday night. And starting the cycle trip
with a ride round the block with my little cousin Ellie.
Rather than spend the first day flogging out to the beach
before heading south west I decided to head off to do the beach bit in the cool of late Sunday evening. So
the trip started the moment I headed off to the beach. As I was going cycling,
Ellie wanted to show me round her local area. So pre the beach, the whole cycle
started with a quick cycle round the block to see her school and the local
shops. Surely how all adventures should start.
It was then a hilly ride back out to Dee Why Beach to dip my
wheel in the Pacific and question why I wasn’t just spending 5 weeks sitting on
a beach.
Then back for supper, final adjustments and packing.
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