109.3km ridden today
1945.8km ridden so far
282.6km to go
1188m up
901m down
3784 calories burnt
4/10 pain factor
Strava that shit: https://www.strava.com/activities/18302676079
So firstly, I decided on a rest day in Dubbo for day 24. I did manage to get a new rear rack. Guy at the shop was busy with bike repairs so let me grab tools and sort it out in the shop. Neat. Anyway, by the time I finished phaffing around it was going on midday and I decided to chill in Dubbo. Not a lot really to report. Just a day in the life of; so not worthy of a blog post. Just caught up on some emails, phone calls etc… I considered a visit to Western Plains Zoo, but I don’t think half a day would have done it justice. Some other time….
So an interesting start to the day. I was awoke to a call from mum and a random number. Seems mum dobbed me in to 2GB since I commented on wanting a way to thank the truckies. So next thing I know, I am talking to Ben Fordham live on air at 2GB. I tried to be as coherent as a non-morning person can be at 6:30am. Anyway, courtesy of Aramex, I get a donation of $1000 to my Make-a-Wish page. How cool is that! That provided a bit of motivation to get on with the home stretch to Canberra. Thanks 2GB and thanks Aramex!
So after that, it was a slightly later start. A really pleasant ride out of Dubbo (part bike path) to connect onto Obley Rd (which is where Western Plains Zoo is as well).
I took the scenic route which goes via Yeoval to Molong (not the normal Mitchell Highway). I knew I had to gain about 300m to get “up” to Molong, but didn’t factor in the upsie-daisies which saw me climb a total of 1100 metres. And to flog the dead horse, hills are fine. Just keep that wind at bay and I’m a happy boy.
Yeoval was a quant little town just over half way. This must be a cycling route as there were regular signs about watching out for cows on bikes… I should have take a few photos of the Tour-De-France sculptures along the way… like the one with the biker falling off with their head stuck up the cows clacker. Sorry!
It seems out here every one pub town must call the pub the Royal Hotel….
I got another flat today. Surprise surprise. Didn’t get too cranky. A nice lady went past, then turned around to check if I was ok (despite the thumbs up). Thanks random lady!
Today was another ride that would be MAMIL city if it were in cooee of Sydney. It was scenic, challenging, up, down, convenient stops etc. Probably one of the more enjoyable riding days so far.
The mind over matter thing is interesting. Seems when I know how far I need to get each day the brain subconsciously programs the body for the distance. The shorter days have often turned out to be more challenging when the mind expects less of the body.
Kind of getting used to expecting the whole heading into town = downhill, leaving town = uphill. Towns are usually in valleys or river depressions. Here is my view of the final 10 or so km into Molong…
Ben Fordham asked me what I think about during the long days of riding. It was a bit early so didn’t answer how I should have. I am trying to solve the worlds problems. I should have it sorted by Canberra (ironically). I half listen to music but half just think. Let my mind wander BUT always being very aware of my surroundings. I also love just watching the countryside. Like a fire, I could look at it for hours and not get bored. Today I must admit I spoke to the road a lot. A hill, then a crest, then another hill, “Another one Mr Road?, ok fine, lets do it”.
Anyway, todays Song of the Day. Well, I guess it has to do with the radio now doesn’t it? I was going to choose “AM Radio” by Everclear, but most of you won’t know that. So how about some Buggles for you: “Video Killed The Radio Star”. Well, its 2026 and I was on radio, so maybe The Buggles got it wrong?