October 10, 2023
Just Like Riding a Bike
That First Day of Tour Feeling
I’ve learned that there’s a certain mix of feelings on the first day of a tour, even one as unepic as this one. It’s a mix of awkwardness, apprehension, and anxiety overlaid with that special joy of cycle touring freedom.
Thankfully within an hour or two, the uncomfortable feelings evaporated, and the routine of riding a loaded bike returned without any deliberate effort. The hardwired habits fired up and the days ride unfolded beautifully. Riding conditions today were almost perfect. Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, zero to light traffic and mostly favourable light winds.
A surprise bonus was the number of bird sightings and birdsong. Warbling magpies, galahs, wrens, choughs, a kookaburra, swallows, ravens, ducks and of course cockatoos, made themselves obvious for most of the day.
I passed up the opportunity to camp at Warri Bridge on the Shoalhaven River, and rolled into Braidwood hoping to find a pub room. None were available. Two motels were also booked out.
Then I found Torpys Motel Cabins and the super enthusiastic owner Andrew who is gradually converting the accommodation to be fully run on renewable energy. He gave me a tour of the historic house and explained the intricacies of the power and water systems of the cabin. The shower was impressive as it impersonated a disco light show. Thanks Andrew (from Devon) for the free upgrade to Room 6! Big enough to accommodate my bike (from Somerset).
Showered and refreshed I donned my best off-bike footwear and headed to the nearest pub for a quick meal, then back to the cabin to journal and recharge bike lights and the all important phone.
The day in photos:
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Sadly (to me) the pre election polls are indicating that the referendum will fail.
11 months ago
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Today's ride: 99 km (61 miles)
Total: 99 km (61 miles)
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11 months ago