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Today was a tough one.

My right knee was hurting, I felt homesick, the roadkill and insects annoyed me, and frankly, I couldn’t be bothered cycling.

I did, however, manage 54k.
I scored a warm hug from a kind woman in the campground this morning.
I spoke to my in-laws and was reminded that I am missed and loved.
Some gentlemen recognised me (having passed me on the road earlier) and commended me on an incredible effort.
I received some (much appreciated) messages of support from friends from afar.
I found some stunning art at dusk.
The last rays of sunshine flickering through the autumn foliage as I rode into town were truly magnificent.
I’ve checked into a motel (as setting up my tent didn’t appeal.)
I’ve just feasted upon a delicious warm salad, and a cider and a glass of red cost me $14.

I’m tired, and today was a struggle, but as I reflect, I’m grateful for this experience and for all the ‘highs.’

Although my original plan was to cycle from Cairns (in Far North Queensland) to Melbourne, Victoria, I am so happy I rerouted. I had joked that riding south would be ‘downhill’, but starting in my old neighbourhood enabled me to spend quality time with friends, explore the local art scene and get comfortable with camping. Stealth camping is technically illegal in Australia, though I tend to leave places cleaner than I find them...
I’ve had a few bike issues, visited A LOT of fantastic Aussie bakeries, and enjoyed most of my miles (even the muddy ones.)
The Australian Art Trails are absolutely fantastic and while this was never part of my plan, it’s brought me so much joy. Here is just a sample of what I have seen so far.

Thanks to Ash Hall Cycles for getting me back on the road today. What a well-stocked store in Echuca, Victoria!
My rear pannier rack collapsed yesterday (sadly, I was just kilometres from reaching The Australian Beer Museum. 😔) A broken screw meant that I couldn’t ride with my bags, so I used some cable ties to hold the rack in place and handed my panniers off to a kind stranger who stopped to rescue me. I joked that he probably wouldn’t want to steal my dirty laundry (and silently contemplated how upset I would be if I lost my possessions.)
After several nights camping, I jumped online and requested to stay with a cycling family in town, and thankfully they agreed to host me for my first-ever WarmShowers experience. I was treated to a delicious dinner, great cycling conversation and a cozy bed. David and Jodi and their kiddos don’t own a car, as they choose to ride everywhere. They are passionate about travel and soon moving to Canada to continue life on two wheels.
Jodi’s dad popped by, went bag to his workshop to find a suitable screw and then repaired my rack so I could load up and get to the bike store for some final adjustments.
Lastly, Daryl did deliver my bags, he just forgot about my sleeping bag, which rolled under some stuff in his boot/trunk. He had already headed home (to his abode about 80 minutes drive away), so this morning, I took a bus ride to Bendigo to collect it. That little hiccup ended up being another surprisingly wonderful adventure.
I need my sleeping bag for frosty nights in my tent, but it’s the kindness of strangers that truly warms my heart. ❤️

I’m getting used to camping, enjoying waking up to the sound of kookaburras and less stressed about the rustling outside my tent. Sunsets, murals, and a side trip to South Australia have kept me busy. I also had a good chat with a local bike tourer yesterday and saw two others. As my mate said, I’m having a wheely good time. 😉

You know you're in Australia when...

After a long hiatus on this page, I’m back, and I’m not running. 🥰

Back in the late nineties, I decided it would be pretty cool to ride from Cairns, down the east coast of Australia, to Melbourne (where I was living at the time.)

A trip to the USA delayed my adventure, but my desire to cycle never disappeared, so I recently acquired a new ride, outfitted it with panniers and have spent some time getting my butt used to the saddle.

After a few days of catching up with dear friends and eating a little too much chocolate, I’m excited to be finally hitting the road!

I completed my first half marathon yesterday since walking one in May. It’s also the first race I have run solo in a few years, listening to my body, using gravity as my friend - several miles of picturesque Utah mountains and lots of walking intervals so I could still walk today. My finish time is the first one I’ve been proud of in a long time. 2:19:33. An incentive to keep training and get back to running not being so unpleasant.
The joy of seeing so many friends, familiar faces and hugging my run family has been incredibly good for my spirit. ❤️

I honestly don't remember the last time I went for run (by myself) and enjoyed it. Last night, in pouring rain, I headed out for three to four miles and ended up happily doing five. Despite a whole lot of races over the last decade, I haven't done much ‘training’, but I've now added a plan to my calendar and am determined to be running strong by the fall.

Took my first spin class in years this morning. Didn’t fall off the bike so was a successful class...