In 1988, as part of Australia's bicentennial celebrations, a 14 day bike ride was held from Melbourne to Sydney. The distance covered was over 1,200km and we endured all sorts of weather from pouring rain thunderstorms and driving wind to beautiful sunny days.
We traveled along the coastline, climbed through the Snowy Mountains, descended from the heights into Canberra and finished on a hot sunny day in Sydney where several thousand riders celebrated the finish of a wonderful experience. It doesn't get any better than this!
Each day we packed up our luggage (clothes, tent, sleeping bag etc) and loaded it onto trucks that would take it to our next nights stop.
Meals were served from the portable kitchen set up under large tents. Queuing up for meals gave a chance to meet and talk with other riders and share experiences.
Inevitably, dishes had to be washed and dried. Portable sinks with running water were set up near the kitchen.
Lunch was provided at the start of the day and riders usually found a convenient roadside spot to have a rest and eat lunch.
Or alternatively, a more convenient place was found!
At the end of the days ride, we set up camp and had the rest of the day to explore the town where we were camped or just relaxed.
Always something to do around camp (and it's not even my bike!)
The culmination of 14 days on the road; a finish in the Domain Gardens in Sydney where we had a big party to celebrate.
