There is 152km between Mackay and Airlie Beach and for me it's the first time I have ridden with the panniers on. I pack somewhat light - (change of clothes, second pair of cycling knicks for the way home, sleeping bag, swimmers and towel, toothbrush... and of course my snorkelling face mask - very important!), get on my bike and go for a ride. My housemate reckons I'm crazy.
One thing about cycling in Australia to be wary of at this time of year are the magpies. I got into a major kefuffle with one not so long ago... these birds really do not like cyclists. On the way to Airlie I get swooped once. Past experiences though have made me wise and I'm peddling along with a heap of 3ocm zip ties coming out at various angles out of my helmet. The perfect magpie repelling device!
50km into the ride and the wind picks up... it's a crosswind - sometimes a crosstail wind but definitely more noticable when it's a crrossheadwind! I begin to question why I'm doing this again? Something reminds me strongly of work in Africa on TDA. Only there's no other cyclists, no vehicle support, just me and my bike.
Plenty of sunscreen applied regularly through out the day but 10 hours in the tropical QLD sun means my sexy cycling tan is well and truly returned!!!
I spend 2 nights and one whole day in Airlie beach chilling out - sailing and diving - before jumping back on the bike and peddling the 152km back home. I put my feet up for a few hours, drink up, and then toddle off to work (night duty is calling)!
