The end of the road!!

Day 54 Gympie

Patricia commenced her long drive back to Darwin and this time she had a motor under her. She said her heartfelt thanks to Jenny, Leon and Lynne and headed north.

The Every Day Hero site   http://www.everydayhero.com.au/patricia_magee_9 (where you can donate online) will continue for a few more months.  Continue to watch this space for other veteran stories that have been collected on the ride.

Day 53 Gympie

Patricia’s “Ride Around The Corner” may officially be over however the fundraising and fun continues in Gympie.  Jenny and Leon, residents of Gympie had planned a sausage sizzle in the Memorial Park with the “lycra girl” riding 5kms into the park. Gympie is renowned for the wonderful display of flowering jacarandas at this time of the year. The Memorial Park had several of these purple beauties in full bloom with a carpet of purple petals on the green lawn.

The Pethick’s friends, Brice and Fran Kaddtz had organised an editorial on Patricia’s ride for the local Gympie Times. Unfortunately this was not published prior to the function. Brice planned the day and neighbours and friends rallied to help. Brice had invited the Mayor, Ron Dyne to attend and also Patricia was on the air with the ABC radio and a journalist and photographer from the Gympie Times were there to record the event. This was the opposite to our previous functions where we had a crowd and no media and no Mayor. We had few customers for the sausage sizzle but willing helpers, a glorious sunny day and a great article in the paper the next morning made it yet another special memory.

The girls with Fran who had been very involved in fundraising prior to the ride walked up and down the main street with the “lycra girl” and called into various businesses that had made donations for raffles during the year. The business community appreciated meeting Patricia and hearing about the success of the ride.

Towards the end of the ride Jenny had organised a dinner at the Gunabul Homestead for Patricia, the team and friends in Gympie who had supported the venture.

The evening was a great success and the Rotarians in the next room were also very generous buying raffle tickets. All guests at the dinner were touched by Patricia’s heart felt recollection of her earlier life and the level of support that Legacy had provided to her family.

Day 52 Gympie

Today Patricia was interviewed on the Gympie ABC radio program and she highlighted that a fund raising sausage sizzle is planned for the 16^th October 2012 at Memorial Park at 1145.  Locals are invited to meet at the Wood Museum and ride into Memorial Park with Patricia. This fun experience comes at a cost of $5.00 towards Legacy.

Day 51 Bundaberg to Gympie

We had a slow start to the day and we all packed up camp and said our goodbyes and prepared to set off in different directions and resume our lives after the ride.  

Talina and Winston decided to travel straight back to the Adelaide Hills to fix the irrigation problems and then resurrect the garden.  

Lesley and Peter planned to do the touristy thing around Bundaberg and visit Peter’s old work colleague in Yandaran prior to Lesley flying to Adelaide to catch up with a friend and Peter driving home to Darwin.

The “big ride” may be over but Jenny and Leon returned to Gympie and they had plans for further fun and fundraising in Gympie with a group of friends who had also become Patricia’s keen supporters.

Jeffrey returned to Bundaberg in time for planned surgery to his eye and was then heading to Victoria for a family reunion.

Lynne had planned to travel back to Gympie to spend time with the Pethick’s and was not going to miss the Gympie functions prior to catching up with family in Townsville before flying home to Darwin.

Patricia’s Trojan bike was gone and certainly would not be forgotten. She drove the Britz van for the last leg of the trip from Bundaberg to Gympie to spend four days with the Pethick’s for a bit of a rest and recreation prior to her travelling back to Darwin. 

This has been an amazing journey and the team never doubted that Patricia would not achieve her goal of riding from Darwin to Bundaberg. During the ride Patricia always maintained her focus, showed great determination and powered on through all obstacles.

At times Patricia had a job to keep the team focused and was heard several times saying to the team “getting you together is like herding cats, stay focused or make it snappy, snappy, snappy”.  The team members came with different skills and life experiences but none specific to a marathon road ride. We learnt much along the way and as team members it was a privilege to be there to support Patricia to fulfill her long time promise to Legacy and be part of her epic journey.

Day 50 Bundaberg

Today was a relaxing day and the girls headed off to the hairdresser to glam up for the evening’s Annual Legacy Dinner at the Bundaberg RSL Club.

Patricia and her Support Crew

  

A mini bus collected Patricia, the team and the Trojan Bike from the showground’s and we set off for the RSL Club.  On arrival we were escorted to the first floor function room and enjoyed welcome drinks and nibbles on the balcony overlooking the Burnett River. 

The Military Band

On queue a lone piper piped Patricia and the team into the room and she was given a standing ovation.  This was a very touching moment.

Patricia was the guest speaker and her heartfelt speech touched all the guests and several people either spoke personally with her or asked for her autograph and this was a very humbling experience for her.

Autograph hunters :-)

At 2100 the lights were dimmed and Rudy Valzan, Secretary of Bundaberg Legacy recited the Legacy Ode and the Army bugler played the Last Post followed by a minute’s silence. This was a moving experience for all and the true focus of the ride.

The dinner was magnificent and the Military Band played a range of music for the revellers.  The Trojan Bike was raffled with two keen bidders, Cousin Warren and Legacy Lexie.  Warren was the best bidder and he said that he would donate the bike to the Hinkler Museum as a long lasting memento to Patricia’s epic ride.  This was a wonderful gesture and touched Patricia very much.

Raffling the bike!

It was a fantastic night and a wonderful finale to Patricia’s epic “Ride Around The Corner For Legacy”, which is a great cause. 

Day 49 Bundaberg

Today was a sleep in day and Patricia went into 4BU Radio Station to be interviewed by Billy Healey for the morning session and the Bundaberg News Mail had written an excellent story on Patricia’s Ride Around The Corner For Legacy complete with her journey highlights.

Prue joined the team members for a Legacy collection at the Sugarland Shopping Centre and at Bunnings and raised over $700 on the day.

Jenny, Prue & Ken

 That night we went to a dinner held at the Across the Waves Club that had been organised by Patricia’s cousin Warren.  He had organised with Josh, the Club Manager for Patricia to ride her bicycle into the Club and up to the stage where she was given a standing ovation.

This was a wonderful night and a time for Patricia to catch up with her extended Bundaberg family and friends. The Club Management were very generous and allowed the team to do a Legacy collection within the Club.

Boogie Sister Patricia

Patricia's Bundy Family

Patricia's Bundy Family

Ted Lake & Warren

Day 48 Rosedale to Bundaberg

Today was the last leg of the ride and we set off at 0600 saying our goodbyes to Margie, husband Lindsay and Granddaughter Josie.  We travelled back to the turnoff and hugged Patricia as she set off on her bike on the back road, the Bundaberg Lowmead Road.

The road was again very hilly and rough with few passing lanes and the traffic was heavy with vehicles including numerous cane trucks as we had reached sugar cane growing country.  On this stretch Patricia lost her tail light and helmet rear vision mirror due to the jarring road conditions.  The journey was made even more difficult due to strong cross winds and three swooping magpies who took a liking to Patricia’s red helmet.

Leon does a test run

We arrived on the outskirts of Bundaberg at 0915 and had a cuppa as we had arrived too early for the planned welcome reception.  Prue Brinkley (who has shared a story on this blog), a friend of the Pethick’s was waiting for Patricia on the side of the road to accompany Patricia on the last 5kms to the Hinkler Museum.  While we were biding time a vehicle pulled up and a man approached and introduced himself as Peter and he was a second cousin that Patricia had never met.  He had heard about Patricia on the two way radio and decided that he had to go out and meet her.

Prue Brinkley joins the final leg with Patricia

Patricia, Prue and the convoy set of at 0940 down the Bundaberg Gin Gin Road to the Hinkler Museum where Patricia’s family and a police escort were awaiting to welcome her home.  This was a very emotional welcome and family reunion.  WIN TV was there to record the event.

Patricia, Prue & Jenny 

A Police Officer then escorted Patricia through Bundaberg to the RSL Club where the Mayor, Malcolm Foreman and the RSL Committee, family, friends and her support team were there for the official welcome to Bundaberg reception.  Patricia was congratulated for her fantastic personal achievement of riding her bicycle 3,340kms and promoting the work of Legacy and collecting over $35,000 along the way and for fulfilling her long awaited promise to repay Legacy some day for their great support given to her mother, brother and herself as a child.

Welcome Home Patricia

Police Escort in to town

Crossing the 'finish line' at Hinkler Museum

A family welcome

a warm embrace from Cousin Warren

Cousin Peter

Rudi from Bundaberg Legacy & President Lexi 

Old friends from Caboulture

Patricia's sisters Vanessa & Yenda

RSL Welcome by Mayor Mal Forman & Mrs Forman

Family, friends and the support team gathered at the RSL Club to celebrate with a bottle of champagne for this wonderful achievement. This was the first alcoholic drink that Patricia had had in over 10 months.

Today’s ride was 59.9kms and took 2 hours 24 minutes and 3 seconds with an average speed of 24.9kph and a maximum speed of 53.1kph.

That night the Bundaberg Legacy put on a seafood and cold cuts dinner for Patricia, family, Legacy members and the team at the showgrounds where we had set up camp. This was a delightful night and a fitting way to end the day and the epic ride.

Day 47 Miriam Vale to Rosedale

Another 0400 wakeup call and today we packed up the caravan ably assisted by Leon’s check list.  Today the girl’s rule in the Pethick’s caravan and hey everything went tickety boo and we were standing around waiting for first light.

Today with Leon absent there was a different formation of the convoy with Jenny leading some 100-200 metres in front of Patricia and the second vehicle approximately two bike lengths behind Patricia and the rear vehicle 1-2 kilometres behind advising the truckies and keeping the forward vehicles advised of the rear approaching traffic.  The road seemed to be a continuous climb with variations in gradients and some had nasty kick ups at the crests.  There was one good descent and Patricia reached 54.8kph whee!!  This was a small reward considering the number of inclines.  Patricia compared today’s ride to riding over the Drummond Ranges.  Patricia’s focus, strength and tenacity never fails to amaze us as a team.

Today the travelling distance was 54kms and Patricia averaged 24.7kph and reached a maximum 54.8kph speed.  This was another fantastic effort under very difficult conditions.  Today’s ride was tough.

Margie’s daughter Fiona owns the Rosedale Tiny Teahouse, a delightful café in the original station master’s house set among shady trees and cottage garden.  This was our destination and we enjoyed breakfast while waiting for Margie.  The breakfast menu bears testimony to the history of the building with Station Master’s big breakfast and a Porter’s breakfast.  The teahouse has a great reputation and was well patronised.  The reunion when Margie arrived was joyous and heartfelt and we all enjoyed a great time of reminiscing about nursing in the NT.  The convoy followed Margie to Royal Gully, a property 3kms out from Rosedale and the camaraderie continued over lunch, happy hour and dinner.

Day 46 Miriam Vale

We all started our rest day sitting around the camp fire cooking toast on the coals and a flock of magpies were eager to share our breakfast.  Leon had packed his special Rockhampton port and we saw him off on the Tilt Train bound for Gympie.

             

Camp fire brekky

Like the cricketers we had a lay day and explored the delightful town of Miriam Vale and every local that we met was very proud of their small town and one and all were very interested in Patricia’s epic ride for Legacy.

The rider...becomes the masseuse

During our daily meeting Jenny had a surprise for Patricia about accommodation for the following night.  Jenny had spoken with Margie McLean, a long time Remote Area Nurse and colleague of Patricia, Jenny and Lynne, who had retired to a property in Rosedale and she was delighted and excited at the prospect of having us stay for the night.  In the evening we went to the historical Miriam Vale Hotel (built in 1895) and had a drink with a small group of locals and passed around the tin for Legacy.

Peter taking a break from it all

 Day 45 Benaraby to Miriam Vale

Another early start to the day at 0515 and we crept out of the overnight stop for the leg to Miriam Vale.  A Miriam Vale, local “Jeeves” described the road today as “nothing but a goat track”. It was corrugated, patchy and potholed and had large stretches of road works and Jenny had difficulty advising the best place for Patricia to ride.  We arrived in Miriam Vale at 0650 and we pulled into a back street that had delightfully restored shops and a manicured park by the railway station.

A watering hole at Miriam Vale

Patricia invited the team to a great breakfast in a little café as it was our last day travelling together before our “Head Taskmaster” Leon was to leave to travel to Gympie but like MacArthur “he will return and be at the RSL Dinner in Bundaberg.

No rest for the wicked!!!!!!

We set up camp on the green grass of the Miriam Vale Showgrounds that was on the outskirts of town and we made ourselves at home with the massage table set up for Patricia on the veranda of the “Old Bucker’s Bar”.

The Ol' Buckers Bar Miriam Vale

Today’s ride was 50.56kms in 1 hour 35 minutes and 9 seconds. The average speed was 31.2kph and maximum speed of 42.3kph. This was another great ride for Patricia under very difficult conditions.  Greg Realf and members of the Miriam Vale Lions Club organised a wonderful campfire dinner for Patricia and the team at the showgrounds. The Miriam Vale Lions Club is a small active club that has been serving the community for over 40 years. We had a great night of fun and friendship around the campfire and the Club presented Patricia with a cheque for the Legacy Ride Around The Corner.

Lions Club Presentation to Patricia

Friends around the camp fire

Day 44 Mount Larcom to Benaraby

Even though we had a late night we were up with the sparrows and hit the road at 0530. The air was crisp and cool at 8 degrees. The journey started with an uphill climb and this was a challenge for Patricia as there was no time for her warm up. As always she was not to be beaten and she powered on.

The road was undulating with long climbs with some nasty kick ups near the crests. We passed through foggy patches and Patricia felt the cold mist on her face and our windscreens continually fogged up. Again the road was rough and patchy and there were long stretches of road works. We were very fortunate that there were less trucks and traffic on the road as it was a Sunday.

Boyne River

We had our first morning stop and cuppa for the day at 31kms in hilly eucalyptus country and again Patricia had to start off with another climb.  We arrived at Benaraby at 0700 and we had to wait for other campers to leave the overnight stop before we could set up camp. The roadside stop was next to the Boyne River and some fishermen had caught some bream.  Two of us drove into Gladstone and collected at the large Bunning’s store raising over $600.  The trucks started coming through at 1800 heading north and there was a continuous rumbling all night.

Dinner in Benaraby

Today’s ride was 50.56kms with an average speed of 31.8 kph and a maximum speed of 54.3 kph and the riding time of 1 hour 35 minutes 9 seconds. Patricia continues to do a great job under very challenging conditions.

Day 43 Mount Larcom

Today was another rest day and we took the opportunity to have a sleep in and we were treated by Laurie and Mal from the Mount Larcom RSL Club to a bacon and eggs breakfast.  The girls and Winston headed off to Gladstone to collect at the Stocklands and Bunning’s shopping centres and raised approximately $400.

Mt Larcom BBQ

Bajool BBQ Supporters

Laurie Robertson from the Mount Larcom RSL called into the camp to escort our convoy of vehicles to Warrena, Ronnie and Nancy’s property which was about an hour’s drive away out of Calliope. There is a strong group of local singers and musicians who meet for a jam session to celebrate special events and one had been organised to coincide with our visit.

Jam Session

Clyde Cameron from the Mount Larcom RSL Club was a very talented entertainer and he played guitar, mandolin and banjo and he sang solo “Lights Coming over the Hill” and this brought the crowd down. 

The team all had a fabulous night and it was such a delight to hear Nancy our host singing, harmonising and yodelling, Grandad, Ronnie singing, playing the guitar and harmonica and 12 year old Grandson Brendon, nicknamed Brennie singing like the consummate performer. Music was certainly in the blood of that family. 

Day 42 Bajool to Mount Larcom

Another early start today, leaving at 0520 for the leg to Mount Larcom which was 32.9kms.  The road was rough with potholes, corrugations and road works plus the constant stream of road trains, trucks and cars.  The road conditions played havoc with Patricia’s hands and wrists and she also cramped up in her left thigh during the ride. Patricia powered through this and finished the day’s ride without a stop and she is a real hero in our eyes.

At one stage the rail line was parallel with the Bruce Highway and Patricia kept pace with a coal train for a couple of kilometres. What a sight to see.  Many truckies sent CB messages of encouragement through the support vehicles to Patricia while others waved or tooted as they passed.

The Gang

We arrived at the Mount Larkin Showgrounds at 0630 and were met by the caretaker, Cheryl and her husband Mal and they were the perfect hosts opening up the RSL Club for our use.  Clyde Cameron, the Mount Larkin RSL President came to the camp and introduced himself and made arrangements for the team to attend a night of country music at a nearby property the following night.  

Today’s ride took 1 hour and 3 minutes and her average speed was 30.9kph and a maximum speed of 42.2kph.

Day 41 Gracemere to Bajool

The team had a sleep in today hoping that the traffic would be lighter after the early morning peak hour rush. This proved to be a fallacy as the traffic was very heavy all the way.  Patricia’s friend Del came to Gracemere and gave a donation from her family and at 1000hrs she escorted Patricia and the team out of Gracemere on a back road to miss some traffic. This was a wonderful gesture and a great way to start the day’s ride.

The road was rough in many places and there was extensive road works and the support vehicles pulled over several times to allow traffic to pass.  We arrived in the small township of Bajool at 1100hrs and we were again welcomed by Barry and Cheryl who had cooked up a plate of pikelets with fresh cream and jam for the team made from his mother in law’s secret recipe. The team made short work of the pikelets and tea and were again thankful for their wonderful gesture and friendship.

Distance travelled today was 32.2kms with an average speed of 31.2kph and a maximum speed of 42.4kph and travelling time of 1 hour 8 minutes. This is another fantastic effort under difficult conditions.

Barry and Cheryl had planned a BBQ function at the Bajool Pub at 1600hrs and they were very unsure how many people would attend given the community’s small population. About 50 people turned up as Barry had spread the word to the truckies over the CB radio of a great feed to be had and he spoke of the great opportunity to meet Patricia.  The Bajool Pub Manager Joe and off sider Vicki and the barmaid Kate did a wonderful job setting up for the BBQ and for organising a lucky door prize and several generous raffles.

Patricia was welcomed by a Pub patron who said “that Patricia had rocks in her head” and he was quick to ask if he could feel her leg muscles and after feeling them he said “that he was very impressed”.  The BBQ was fantastic and the burgers were bursting with steak, bacon, egg, onions and salad and proved so popular that we ran out of meat and this was immediately replenished by the Bajool Pub staff.

It was a fantastic night and the Bajool Pub was a rocking with goodwill, good cheer and friendship and raised $850 and a patron Jim said to the people “let’s make it a thousand”!  After another quick run around by Barry the final total was $1,279.40.

Day 40 Gracemere

Today was a rest day and we all had a welcome sleep in and set off to travel into Rockhampton to attend a welcome reception put on by the Rockhampton Legacy Group.

Fantastic welcome reception at Rockhampton

Del, Margo, Barry, Patricia & Mother Kedig

Patricia, dressed in her lycra rode into the grounds of the Archer Park Railway Station and Museum and she was welcomed by Paul Howkins, the President of the combined Rockhampton and Yeppoon Legacy Groups.  The media were there from WIN TV and the Morning Bulletin to interview Patricia with the program aired on the evening news and in the Thursday’s and Saturday’s papers.

A wonderful morning tea was put on by Rockhampton Legacy in the old station refreshment rooms and it was hosted by Lorraine McConnachy.  Patricia addressed the group and gave a heartfelt speech about her passion to one day repay Legacy for the support given to her mother, brother and herself as a child after the death of her father from his war wounds.  

 

Patricia had planned yesterday’s long ride so that she could spend extra time with her dear friends Del and Margo who she had done her Midwifery with in 1969 and Del’s wonderful mother, Mrs Irene Keding aged 90 years and known to friends as Mother Keding.  The team spent time collecting for Legacy in the Rockhampton shopping centres, clubs and pubs.

Cheryl, Barry and Jeff 

Patricia’s dear friends Barry and Cheryl from Bajool cooked up a lamb roast and delivered it to the team at Gracemere and we all had a wonderful night of fine food, friendship and fun.

Day 39 Duaringa to Gracemere

Today was a big day with a 112. 20km ride and we set off at 0530 at the crack of dawn.  Patricia described the road as “the other Drummond Ranges” as there were many steep hills with nasty kick ups near the top. The road surface was rough in many places and there were several stretches of road works and the traffic has become more congested with many road trains, trucks and cars and we had to pull over several times to allow the traffic to pass.  Safety for everyone is paramount.

Winston the Birthday Boy & Talina

A Grinning Birthday Boy

 At a stretch near Stanwell the rail line was parallel with the Bruce Highway and there was a coal train with 102 carriages. The train driver tooted and waved to Patricia.  The coal train slowed and Patricia passed the train and the driver again tooted and waved his encouragement.

Lesley & Winston

Jeffrey

It was another challenging day and Patricia and Patricia continued to power through and overcome the obstacles and her focus and determination is an inspiration to the team and everyone that we have met along the way.  We travelled 112.20kms in 3 hours 34 minutes and 4 seconds. Her overall average speed was 28.8kph and her maximum speed was 57.1kph.  This was Patricia’s top speed on the ride and was another fantastic effort.

Our support member Winston celebrated his 21st birthday in Gracemere and we all went out for a celebratory dinner!!

Patricia & Peter

Peter

Day 38 Blackwater to Duaringa

Patricia woke up and gazed out her van window at the Southern Cross and decided that this was a good omen for the day. The morning was crisp and clear and the first sunrise glow was spectacular.

Early morning mist

We set off at 0530 and saw a large group of mine workers who had finished their night shift and they looked like a group of striped ants crossing the road in their reflective gear.  We had to pull over and stop to allow two police escorted vehicles carrying massive dragline mining scoops to pass. The police, drivers and passing cars all tooted and waved to Patricia and the Team.

Duaringa Camp site

Today’s ride was 85.9kms with a travelling time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 12 seconds. The average speed was 31.6kph and Patricia reached a maximum speed of 47kph. Each day Patricia goes from strength to strength and just continues to power on.

We arrived at the small town of Duaringa which started back in the early 1800s as a railway town and had 3 churches and 1 pub. We set up camp and today we squared instead of circling the wagons and there was not an Apache in sight!  The town was well maintained with beautiful parks and the overnight free camp was spacious, had excellent toilet and shower facilities and was top class. This was the only free camp that we had been to that had hot showers for a donation to the Information Centre.

Peter setting up camp

The Information Centre was across the road and was manned by Margaret aged 80 and Flow 76 who were both mines of information on Duaringa and the district. Margaret and Flow have maintained excellent records of all weddings since the 1950s, memorabilia of the district and a cemetery book, an amazing commitment to historical records for future generations.

Massage time!!

It was wonderful that Jeffrey Mewburn, Patricia’s dear friend from Jabiru pulled into Duaringa to rejoin the team for the rest of the journey. It was hugs and kisses all round and we celebrated his arrival over a campfire dinner. 

Day 37 Emerald to Blackwater

This was a cold and rainy morning and the team set off at 0545 with Patricia again wearing her “milkman’s vest” of newspaper under her riding gear.  Stewart, a member of the Emerald RSL stood outside his news agency and yelled out words of encouragement to Patricia and she gleefully waved back.

Today was hard going with the cold weather, rain, rough road and cross winds. At the first 30kms stop we wrapped Patricia up in a towel and a warm jumper and massaged her legs and back and warmed her up with a hot cup of tea. Through all this Patricia stayed focused and determined as ever and she maintained her sense of humour telling a few jokes.

A wet day inside

We arrived at Blackwater at 0900 and drove to the Blackwater Mine Workers Club which is also a sub branch of the Blackwater RSL Club and were made very welcome by the staff who provided us with morning tea.  We were then escorted to the Country Club where we set up camp on the grass for the night.

We travelled 79.55kms today and the travelling time was 2 hours 33 minutes 28 seconds and the average speed was 31.1kph with a maximum speed was 44.9kph. It was a rainy day and the gutters overflowed and the temperatures dropped and we were all hoping that this would not continue for tomorrow’s ride.

We later returned to the Blackwater Mine Workers Club and they showed us great hospitality and generosity with proceeding of a BBQ, football sweep and raffles given to Patricia for her Legacy ride.  Megan from the Blackwater Herald visited the Club and interviewed Patricia and took photos for the next edition of the paper.

This was another memorable evening and the RSL provided a courtesy bus for patrons and us to attend the function.

Day 36 Anakie to Emerald

Today we had a later start to the day as the Emerald Cyclist Club had suggested that they may ride in with Patricia into Emerald. This didn’t happen so we set off from Anakie at 0750 on the 44km leg.  The road had more gentle ascents and descents and we reached a top speed uphill at 40kms per hour. Today we reached a cruising speed of 38.2kph.

Loading the bike!

Emerald Post Office

We set up camp in the showgrounds compliments of the Emerald Shire Council and we went into town collecting at the major shopping centres.  The Emerald RSL Club kindly put on a social function at Janine and Brad Cowley’s home and over 40 members, partners and visitors attended.  Janine, Mary and Brad put on a wonderful home cooked dinner and Gladys cooked the deserts and the Club’s  generosity, friendship and support for the Legacy Ride Around the Corner was overwhelming.

Emerald RSL Dinner

Di Stanford, the Editor of the Emerald Central Queensland News came to the dinner and interviewed Patricia with the story going to press in the Monday’s edition.  The Jonathon Cantwell bike was also a big hit on the night with several people having their photo taken with it.

This will be a night that Patricia and the Team will remember and cherish forever.

Day 35 Bogantungan to Anakie

Departed at 0535 just prior to first light and in a light hills fog and commenced with a downhill start.  Today was another testing day due to the mountainous terrain and the descents were a welcome relief with downhill speed reaching of 48kms per hour.

We experienced a few problems with the speed blending between the first vehicle, Patricia and the second vehicle. There was a long stretch of undulating country for 10kms and Patricia reached a speed of 40-41kms per hour.  The travelling time was 2 hours 7 minutes.

Anakie is a small gem mining town with a pub, railway station, bowling club, school and caravan park.  Patricia, Leon and Peter spent a relaxing day at the caravan park while the others travelled into Emerald for shopping and arranging accommodation and media appointments.

Day 34 Alpha to Bogantungan

0545 start on an idyllic morning with the kookaburras laughing as we left the Alpha Show Grounds.  The sunrise was picture perfect and the trees were tall and country side was very green and an occasional standalone boab dotted the landscape.  At one stage the distant mountains surrounded us on three sides.  There was a long stretch of road works and the Barcaldine Regional Council staff stopped and formed a welcome cheer squad. This was great encouragement to Patricia riding in this difficult hilly terrain.

Looks like Halloween has arrived early!!!!

The Drummond Range was 535m above sea level and gave Patricia a great roller coaster ride on the descent reaching 45.5kms which was a reward for the uphill slog. The climb to the crest was hard going and was a real challenge for Patricia and she was ecstatic that she did not have to get off the bike.  Patricia did a fantastic job today and conquered the Drummond Range which was made even more difficult due to the strong cross winds.

We arrived in the small township of Bogantunga at 0930. Today this town has a population of 20 and it was declared a town in 1881 and the railway line between Bogantunga and Emerald was opened in 1880 with extensions across the Drummond Range developed in 1883. It once had 28 hotels, numerous churches and sporting clubs and even a race course.

There had been a major rail accident involving the Midlander train at the flooded Midway Creek in 1969 resulting in 7 deaths and many casualties. The Bogantungan township was the first on the scene and there are many stories of bravery of the men who assisted at the accident site.  A memorial has been established at the railway station gardens in memory of those who lost their lives in the accident.

We were very impressed with Bogantungan town with the historic railway station, tearoom and museum.

Don't try this at home kids......

We set up the massage table in the centre of the one and only street and gave Patricia a much needed massage and this caused amusement to other tourists passing through.

Day 33 Jericho to Alpha

Another early morning sunrise spectacular. Since leaving Darwin on the 25th August and heading east our departure time has changed from 0745 to 0545.  Today was the elusive dream ride for Patricia from Jericho to Alpha a short run of only 54kms with long slow climbs over the Great Dividing Range at 440m above sea level. The downhill runs were great and the vehicles one leading and the other calling the speeds were work hard to overcome the problems of the lag due to the automatic gears.

Alpha Town Centre

The Mayor of Balcaldine had organised a morning tea reception at the Alpha information centre for Patricia and the team for 0900.   Due to a good run our arrival time was 0800 so we waited on the outskirts of town and had a cuppa under a tree to pass the time. The locals came down to the Information Centre to welcome Patricia and had put on a large morning tea spread for us.

Mayors Morning Tea

The Alpha Community showed great pride in their town with several murals painted on buildings depicting the history of the town and the new fossilised wood carving dating back 250 million years was a testament to the community and their cohesion.   

Snow!

Day 32 Barcaldine to Jericho

0545 early start at first light. Today was a smoother ride for Patricia with better country allowing improved speed control. It was an uneventful ride taking 3hrs of riding time and averaging 28kms per hour.

Jericho Pub

The team tarted up and hit the town of Jericho and the walls nearly came tumbling down with the camaraderie and hospitality at the Jericho Hotel which had a sign out front advertising “Great Food, even the cook eats here”. Our hostess, Jessica was the minister of everything for the night as her parents, the publicans were away.  It impressed Jessica that the team had booked a table for dinner and this was a first for the pub.  A cook had been called in for the night for the catering and we had a fine time.

Patricia had a wonderful reunion with her long-time friend Elaine Storch who had been in the same midwifery group with Patricia in 1969 and they have remained friends ever since.

Wildflowers

Day 31 Pack Saddle Creek to Barcaldine

Today was almost a rest day for Patricia as it was just a 30km ride. Two vehicles left the camp at 0830 and went into Barcaldine and Patricia was later escorted into the outskirts of the town by Peter in the lead vehicle with Leon close behind for a 1220 reception into the town.

Patricia rode the last leg into town on the Jonathon Cantwell bike. Patricia may not have been in the Tour de France however today she had her backside on the saddle of a bicycle that had been in the Tour.

A great welcome reception in Barcaldine

The Barcaldine Regional Council had been very positive about offering assistance from Jenny’s first visit on the logistics run in December 2011. Today the sausage and steak sizzle was held on the lawn beside the Tree of Knowledge and was most enjoyable as we are in the best beef country. The function was well patronised by the Council staff, locals and visitors. The Mayor Rob Chandler welcomed Patricia to town and had a chat with the support team and enjoyed the BBQ.  Jonathon Cantwell’s “bike” was a great attraction and was the subject of many photographs including some with the Mayor.

Sausage Sizzle

That evening Brett Walsh the Council’s Executive Manager came over to the Showground Van Park and he presented a cheque to Patricia with the proceeds of the lunch.  The township of Barcaldine was very well maintained with the Tree of Knowledge a great attraction for the history of the tree as the alleged site of the beginnings of the Labour movement. The mantle of green lights at night is well worth a nocturnal visit.

Tree of Knowledge

Today was a good day for Patricia and the team and a big thank you goes to Sarah Baker, the Council’s Event’s Organiser for making our day in Barcaldine so successful and enjoyable.

Day 30 Longreach to Pack Saddle Creek Rest Area

Departed from Longreach with the first stop as Isisford where there is a great museum of old machinery lining the main street.  This was a difficult ride for Patricia as we were trying a new method of regulating the speeds between the lead vehicle and Patricia.   Today was a reasonably flat run with enough variations of gradient to make the establishment of a constant speed difficult and the cross winds added to the problems.

As the Pack Saddle Creek Roadside stop was cut off by road works Patricia and the team continued a further 4kms until we found a suitable roadside stop.  During the night Patricia was encouraged by several passing vehicles that tooting and waved and we are confident that we had met these revellers in Longreach for the Anniversary celebrations.

Campsite

The earlier sunrise has been very noticeable the last few days. So glad it is towards the end of our journey otherwise we would be setting the alarm at 0400 and not 0430.  

Sun set

Day 29 Railway Siding to Longreach

Headed off from the railway siding into another glorious sunrise. Winston and Talina took the rear position today and enjoyed a rest from the stress of being the lead car.  So far we have raised round $8,890 in total since leaving Darwin.  Longreach is another generous town; again we collected round $1,277 today.  It was a special day for Longreach with a street parade celebrating the125 year anniversary of the town a race meeting and a band at the RSL club tonight.

A couple of old timers 

Patricia coped remarkably well on a very hot day (someone told us 45 degrees) with a complete change around of the team. She averaged 33 kph travelled the 90 km in 3 hours 15 mins and that included a 15 min stop while a wide load went through.

The well maintained Top Tourist Caravan Park gave us a discounted rate. Brolgas strolled around and flew overhead making a remarkable display. The park seemed almost empty as we arrived and is now apparently full.

Dinosaur Country

Day 28 Winton to Railway Gateway

Today’s ride was 89.5 km and the temperature keeps on soaring. Patricia is coping incredibly well but lack of sleep made today exceedingly tough for her.  Luckily Leon’s generator is strong enough to power the air conditioner and she is able to sleep on these very hot days after the ride.

The routine when the ride is over (usually around morning tea time in any one else’s day) Patricia has a couple of grainy bread sandwiches and when possible a shower then a sleep.

Railway Camp

Today we pulled over the railway line and cattle grid onto a dirt road leading to a station somewhere in the great outback.

Massage and hilarity was the order of the day using the time reserved for collecting and to relax. Winston and Talina took a run into Longreach to give the car a run and because they had never seen it before.

Groucho Marx

Peter receiving a massage

Day 27 Wanora Roadside stop to Winton

Luckily we had only 1 more semi overnight in the Wanora roadside stop, but the wind was so gusty Talina dreamed the van was tipping over at midnight. Winston was woken too and rushed out to check all was OK.

A great way to start the day

We started before 0600 concerned that the persistent winds would slow Patricia too much as it was unusually gusty still. The wind on the Barkley tableland usually doesn’t start until around 0900. Patricia got off to a flying start, hitting 30 kph within a few hundred metres. It was too dark to see her in the camera and she couldn’t see her speedo, lots of roos again, all of which we managed to avoid. The terrain has been dry, almost treeless golden waving grasses with occasional golden balls caught on the fence posts.
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The sunrise was glorious with a few scattered clouds and off to the left instead of straight into our eyes. So far we have raised nearly $7,000 since leaving Darwin.  The support crews and Patricia pay our own way and 100% of the money goes to Legacy.

In Winton we witnessed another stunning sunset it’s lovely to see the day begin and end. An eclectic collection of motors, a motor bike, washing machine, sink, hubcaps farm equipment is cemented into a wall called Arno's wall near the free caravan park behind the pub.

We all had very little sleep despite the quiet park as it was so hot overnight (32degrees at night over 40degrees in the day). Patricia rode 89 km today and any one passing would have thought we had a 30yo cyclist. Once again we were lucky to be well supported by the Manager, Aaron of the Gregory Hotel and the local businesses and residents gave generously to Legacy.

Day 26 Kynuna to Wanora road side stop

On the road just after 0600 today and we saw lots of roos. A big red loped over the road just as we left camp. A wallaby caught between road and fence leapt into the fence and bounced off apparently unhurt. Cattle and sheep stopped chewing to stare. A pair of bustards promenaded along the highway. A kangaroo behind the fence decided to give chase and he was clocked at 30kph but Patricia was too fast for him, he'd met his match and returned to the mob.

Good Morning!!!!!

 

  

A kite sailed along the top of the fence posts apparently looking back at the convoy and leading us on. This is a frequent occurrence possibly because there are so many of them. It was exceedingly difficult to find a safe place to pull over for morning tea which is a break Patricia really needs after around 30km, it was 47 km before Lesley found us a safe place.

Massage time with Jenny

The camp tonight is a roadside stop with well functioning toilets, no shade and room for semis between campers and the road. A couple in a Winnebago parked at one of the entrances on the opposite side from the rest of us and a huge semi had difficulty avoiding him. We hope to hear no crunches or brakes squealing in the night.

A thirsty motorcyclist

He is as stunned at Patricia's efforts as the rest of us!

A delightful couple in their late 80s from NZ came and introduced themselves and donated, he had been in Milne bay with Talina and Lynne's Dads. He told a lovely story of how he met his lovely wife of 50 years, they both look remarkably young (which they ascribe to a good sex life – Kiwis hey!!!).
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Kiwi couple & Jenny (another Kiwi)

Day 25 Mckinlay to Kynuna

We set off again soon after 0600, bypassing herds of fascinated cattle, a dead pig guarded by a wildcat for Kynuna where our host Pat, a real outback sheila welcomed us warmly.  Pat has been here for many years and supported many charities in her time. She donated free sites for the caravans and wouldn’t hear of Lynne sleeping on the ground and gave her a donga to sleep in.

Blue Heeler Caravan Park

Blue Heeler Pub, Kynuna & our Banners!

The pub has large breezy areas to sit in, graffiti (stories) of the best kind in the bar, including all over the ceiling.  Look out for our white cap on the wall saying thank you to them all if you should drop in. We’d highly recommend the facilities, the food the staff and the atmosphere.

Lesley & Patricia

Jenny

As we toddled off having read some of the poetry and stories, we met a staff member whirling burning brands, and a living legend poet on the back verandah. The poet Allan John McPherson circa 1950 recited his poem called “Just Passing Through” about swaggies, then another about the stresses of his job. He uses his poetry as a way to work through difficulties in life and was proud to win a poetry competition at Winton.

Louisa (the young woman behind the bar) on a 2 year visa from Worcestershire had a long yarn with me about her favourite books and authors. She has worked in many interesting areas and towns and will continue down the east coast of Oz. The trees blossomed with galahs, a pair of brolgas and a pair of magpies came for afternoon tea.

Brolgas & magpies

Leon & Lesley

Day 24 Cloncurry to Mckinlay

The home of “Crocodile Dundee” pub from the movie was our destination today. A Bustard startled from his slumber soared up taking a wide berth and gliding in a thermal to the opposite side of the road. An emu gave up trying to race Patricia and simply stared in awe over the fence. The grasses this morning have been stunning, glistening silver and gold in the early morning light. Yellow and purple wildflowers abound and the wild hibiscus continues countless varieties of flora made Talina itchy to get out and take photos. An emu trotted along quietly and went bush rather than crossing the road. 

Crocodile Dundee's Walkabout Creek Hotel

Truckies as always have been great and very patient. One stopped came over and gave a generous donation at the second morning tea break, he was doing an elderly woman a favour and transporting her bus and trailer on his semi. He (Les Mills) stopped at Mckinlay and gave another generous donation.

 We arrived at the roadhouse to find not only did the pub have no beer but the town had no water. So no toilets and unable to book into the only caravan park until the water was turned back on and the owner returned. The delightful staff at the roadhouse were most welcoming and informative. We had a lovely time talking to the locals and travellers passing by outside the pub and roadhouse sitting at a table in the shade. The wait was worth it the caravan park had very roomy and clean ablution block with each shower set up as a large ensuite.

The most exciting part of the day for Patricia was when our advance team met a bike rider/driller David who’s brother Jonathan Cantwell rode in the Tour de France. (Jonathan completed the ride as part of the Saxo Bank Team). David insisted Patricia borrow the bike his brother rode as he wasn’t using it, was merely transporting it home and hoped it may help Patricia if hers breaks down. This is yet another example of the warm generosity of total strangers.

Meeting David Cantwell & Patricia

Chatting about bikes!

David hands her the bike

The pub was rather quiet and forlorn and we could imagine the excitement Mick Dundee and the filming would have generated.




Day 23 Fountain Springs to Cloncurry

Lots of quiet shuffling of vans was required to get out from between trees, boulders and other vans at 0600. Patricia set another record this morning as she set off at a brisk pace downhill at 52kph with freezing muscles and a song in her heart.

Riding behind Talina & Winston

Great wind protection

We arrived and Cloncurry and set up camps before morning tea, telling Patricia if she gets any faster, the tucker box (Lesley’s bus) will have to leave before her. We all went into town by shanks pony, pushbike and car to join the wonderful local Lions group who put on a sausage sizzle in front of Food Works from 1000 until 1300, making a record $940 including the generous donations from around the park and at the pubs at night.

Chatting to truckies

Boab Tree

We met a bloke in a bus who had been travelling 5 years, taking on a passenger a year ago they now both drive large buses nonstop keeping each other company, finding work here and there. One of them had a bush turkey fly into his bus window while he was travelling at 80kph, the window caved in so he couldn’t steer and he had a semi right behind him. It was spectacular seeing 2 huge buses one with the front windscreen folded driving into the park.

Getting ready for a massage

Day 22 Mt Isa to Fountain Springs

Fountain Springs is a very popular roadside stop right next to the Barkley Hwy but well supplied with loos which unfortunately were blocked bubbling from one loo to the other then up through the floor every time one was flushed. We had to brave it with the black Brahman bull and nip into the paddock next door. Some campers had luxurious rigs with showers and toilets but we often wonder how they afford to run them with the extra weight when petrol is up to $2 a litre. One French couple had the campfire going to cook tea, a small tent and were talking on Skype to France! Such contrasts and characters make the trip fascinating.

Lynne recognised that Talina & Winston could put up our awning in a much more space saving way (they’ve only had the van 4 years and never worked it out!).  Lynne and Talina walked into an old mine site where they found a Boab tree apparently pushing up huge slabs of rock, on closer inspection it may be that a bird who likes Boab fruits sat on the huge slab and dropped a seed many years ago.

Although it was a bush camp Peter fired up the electric saucepan on the generator and after some hilarity trying to work out the instructions without the manual and being unable to find it on Google, Lyn once again came to the rescue and worked it out so at least we only had to reset it every 30 minutes. Poor Lynne nearly froze in her tiny pup tent when the temperature plummeted to 7 degrees. Most nights since we left the temperature has been between 26 and 28 overnight and 32 to 40 in the day. Cloncurry boasts the highest temp on record of 58 degrees if the road side sign is correct!!

Mt Isa Campsite

Day 21 A Day off in Mt Isa

What a delight to not have to be up at 0500 and on the road by 0615, we all slept in apart from Patricia who was up and pedalling before 0630 as always, only this time checking out the roads for tomorrow.

Mt Isa at night

We spent another entertaining and fascinating night at the Irish Club, entertained by Danny Timms with his great voice, lovely wife and inclusive style.

Danny Timms

We found many had heard Patricia's radio interview from yesterday a delightful aboriginal woman was intently reading the article while waiting for the bingo to start. Many people gave us their last $1 or emptied their purse into the bucket in the gaming room. 

We raised around $1000 in Mt Isa the best since day 1 where we collected a similar amount.

Off to town in our courtesy bus

We were taken to the club by a courtesy bus driven by an ex nurse called Sandy who knows many of the people Jenny, Sue and Lesley know. Sandy showed us all the highlights of town on the way to and from and introduced us to the most delightful 84 year old living legend, Kathy Swift.  

Patricia & Kathy Swift

Swift by name and nature, Kathy is highly involved with the nurturing of and fund raising for leukaemia.  Polished to the nines and groomed to perfection in the 40's style, she was probably the best dressed in the bar.

Day 20 War Memorial to Mt Isa

Patricia & Lynne Lawrence

 Today we picked up another team member Lynne Lawrence, an ex Director of Nursing in Katherine who comes with many years experience, travels lighter than anyone we've met and is a bundle of fun to have along. 



We spent the first day shopping, fixing broken parts washing and collecting mail and donations in the shopping centres. 

Melbourne Tea Tram

Patricia & Duncan

Deciding to have a meal out, we went to the Irish club for dinner. There was excellent food at great prices with giant beef ribs and all the trimmings, fabulous staff and generous interested patrons. A table of miners donated generously and wanted a photo with Patricia for Facebook.

 Fun at the Irish Club

The nights are now cold enough to require a doona and Patricia wears a "milkies vest" (a newspaper) under her Lycra until lunch time. A delightful young lady from Best and Less ran to the ready teller to donate $20, emblematic of the generosity of country Queenslanders. People stopped us in the street to offer donations, telling us their stories of how legacy had helped them, others asked questions about an organisation about which they hadn't heard of.

Day 19 Roadside Rest Area to War Memorial

Patricia did a sterling job once again but this time with many mountains, road trains, high winds and rough roads all on the one day.  We made time for stretches as taught by Bonza Brian and all who participated felt the benefit. We made a loaf of bread using the generator, an interesting experience as it shows just how much energy it uses in pulses as the bread cooks!

Stretching classes begin

Day 18 Camooweal to a roadside camp

Jenny and Lesley flagged us into tonights accommodation.  Another roadside stop which had been recently burned all along one border still had lovely shady trees, Peter and Leon once again set up the shower, going bush with a shovel for the toilet. 

Flagging us in

Patricia had us all in fits of laughter as she strolled in using Peters chair as a Zimmer.  We have seen lots of windmills in this very dry country, and they still stand as a signature of the tough bush life. 

We had the site to ourselves overnight with a young chap sharing a drink at happy hour after he'd cooked dinner over a campfire.

Sweeping up the campsite

********************           Interlude for Pascal!!!!           ********************

 



Day 17 Avon Downs to Camooweal

We knew about road works between us and Camooweal which seemed insurmountable but not to be daunted Patricia rode above us on the new road, while we bounced along on the rocky dusty bypass. Semitrailers' coming from the opposite direction showered Patricia with fine loads of bulldust .  She was touched by the generosity of the police who stopped and donated and was thrilled to find Mick Moss waiting at the border crossing.

Border Crossing

Precision dismounting!

Steaming ahead

Lost in a cloud of bulldust

Ben Alix and Emma

Ben, Lexi and Emma made us most welcome with another night's free accommodation in a delightful green and shady park. Washing cooking and exploring, emailing and shopping was enjoyed by all by various parts of the team before sunset. What a welcoming and delightful town, we will be back. Lesley, Winston and Talina drove along the free camping sites by the river and stock yards, another idyllic setting with cows wandering freely and dotted with brolgas.

Day 16 Soudan Homestead to Avon Downs

We camped opposite the Police Station where we were generously allowed to shower in their visiting officer's quarters. A group of Territory police from Darwin were motor cycling to Canberra as part of "Wall to Wall" to commemorate National Police Remembrance day. What a coincidence that on one side of the highway we had a group supporting fallen soldiers families, and on the other supporting the families of fallen policemen. Lots of fabulous motor bikes, tents people and dogs gathered for the fray. We witnessed the most spectacular sunset we have seen this trip.

Day 15 ‘Radio Mast’ to Soudan Homestead

Ponies come to greet us

A stop none of us will forget!  We arrived in time to do the washing in the river, the intrepid Patricia and Jenny leaning over from the pontoon /jetty filling their washing tubs. Peter and Talina went for a ride along the old highway, past the airstrip. 

An unusual washing day

getting ready to wash

bush clothes line

Gracie

Ryan & Gracie

We had a warm welcome from the hosts Ryan and Nicky with their delightful children Gracie and Emma. They gave permission for us to put in the yabbie pots and to our delight we had a huge feed of yabbies all caught by our intrepid Peter the fisherman. A divine feast was had by all. We had enough left for the next meal and a pot of seafood chowder the following day. Gracie came inside our dolls house trying on all the hats and glasses in a mini fashion parade wearing a tea infuser as bling, while Patricia cradled Emma until it was her tea time too.

Dinner in style

Day 14 Barkley Homestead to ‘Radio Mast’

Once again, we witnessed a stunning sunrise, thanks to the bushfires, the golden orb of the sun apparently taking up the whole width of the road. We noticed every insect splattered on the windscreen. Our camp site was near an apparently abandoned radio mast, well off the road with room to circle the wagons on very rocky soil.

Gardeners at work

Massage Time!!!

What!  No table cloth??

table center piece...of course!!

Winston, Leon and Peter immediately took to gardening, clearing the site of very spikey prickly grasses and some of the bigger rocks. Delightful setting, found by Leon and Jenny in an earlier trip, it was full of wildflowers and waving grasses and very quiet. The milky way was so close we could just about touch it! We had to resort to toilet cairns for solid deposits and wonder if some day in the future there will be some significance attached to these constructions once all the biodegradable matter has gone. Leon set up the massage table for Patricia's massage; she'd missed a few days due to our hectic schedule. Tonight we slummed it with seafood cocktail, made by Lesley, but because of the howling gales through our dining area we left the table cloths off for the first time ever!



Day 13 Barkley Highway Road Stop to Barkley Homestead

We arrived once again before lunch, met as always the most fascinating tourists. Patricia noted a BMW with a UK registration plate, the riders had brought from the UK and travelled from Sydney. A woman (Lesley Venning) in the bar recognised Winston from Cleve days 12 years ago, she came over and we had a great chin wag about old times. We had shady parks once again generously donated by the owners.

A shady camp

Sunrise after the bush fires

Barkley Homestead

UK Biker

All talk...no riding!!

Morning Tea!

Day 12 Attack Creek to Barkley Highway Road Stop

‘Murphy’ felt obliged to pay us another few visits.  First thing in the morning the same car needed another jump start, then the chap from Wonthaggi needed his van jump started too so Leon stayed behind to help.  Patricia and the 2 lead vehicles pushed on down the road.  It was 40 degrees by the time we set up camp at our roadside stop on the Barkley Highway and large flocks of finches continuously wheeled and chattered in and out of the scrub.

One of the biggest challenges has been getting access to make email and phone contact. Leon made time for a few bush mechanic repairs. Peter and Lesley, as always set up the campsite dining lounge area with floor matting, tables, with cloths and chairs. We had our first BBQ meal.

After setting up Winston and Talina decided to give their car a good run on the open roads into Tennant Creek. Driving at 20 to 40kph for days, is something the Kluger is simply not used to.  Had a new battery fitted in the car, spent considerable time looking for a hat and torch for Peter, filled the jerry cans with petrol found a kindly bloke who let us fill our water bottles and containers from his filtered tap in the kitchen, and picked Jenny up from town who was dropped off earlier by Lesley. Finally on the way back from Tennant, as we rounded a bend a police car with lights flashing appeared to be wedged between 2 semis. Jenny and Talina made a quick decision to offer help when the armed policeman strolled up to our window, he explained it was a fire and we'd have to wait until the road was clear. In the daylight there appeared to be 2 smallish fires and we were told a possible 40 minute wait, so realising we couldn't contact base camp we settled in to send and collect more emails. The woman waiting in the car next to us was a health worker from Tennant Creek investigating the best way to rid the NT of dengue carrying mosquitoes; her house was right in the path of the fire. We didn't like to go back to Tennant for a snack or drink in case we lost our place in the ever increasing queue. 3 hours later when we were allowed to move over the crest we suddenly realised the gravity of the fire, the whole western horizon was ablaze. We passed banks of semi-trailers all held up by the fire.  At least it made the sunset and sunrise beautiful with all the smoke, and luckily it appeared to be away from the health workers house we had met earlier.

We radioed continuously to let the others know we were safe but had no reply.  We returned to a darkened camp at 2130, no dinner and a sign on the door stating a 0615 start, we guessed they weren’t too interested in our whereabouts!!. Quietly we dug our toilet trenches in the dark so as not to wake the whole camp with the generator.  The fridge had also been off since the generator stopped, so we switched it to solar hoping it would last the night...sadly it didn't.

Day 11 Renner Springs to Attack Creek

Rain water top up at Banka Banka

After heading off from Renner Springs we stopped for a break at Banka Banka where the delightful owners Robert and Marie Warde allowed us to fill our bottles & tanks with spring water. There will be a story about Robert's dad later on the blog. Their daughter and delightful children were visiting from Queensland. The affection we saw between grandparents and children was delightful, 2 of the children combing Granddads beard was gorgeous and this positive interaction continued throughout our short stop.

Morning Tea at Banka Banka

Banka Banka Station

We then travelled on to Attack Creek where the explorer Stuart met up with the aborigines and was pushed back. This site was well laid out and due to Patricia's excellent pedalling skills despite some really steep climbs, we arrived very early and secured a site near the picnic tables, shelter and solo long drop loo.  A tata lizard waved us in and the shower tent and BBQ fire was quickly set up by Peter. Showering was a joy as the little half moon shaped window formed an excellent frame to the brilliant sunset. All the travellers were fascinated by Peters very practical invented fire stand with all the tools, fire pot and BBQ plate.

A couple from Perth Jamie and his partner, were stunned how quickly Patricia had covered the miles when they found it was a long and tiring journey by car. Another couple from the Grampians and one from Wonthaggi were all impressed by Patricia's effort came and had a chat and donated. The young couple  from Perth have been travelling for nearly a year and will contribute to the blog later. He has served in Afghanistan. We would have liked to spend an evening chatting with him but cleaning, washing, preparing for the morning all called.


Day 10 Elliot to Renner Springs

No luck here with discounted sites but we drew the wagons in a circle where the unpowered sites were, leaving Patricia in partial shade on a powered site. Jenny and I explored the pool which seemed surprisingly cold. As we walked to the pool we watched a couple of peacocks obviously waiting for an ice cream as they peered through the shop window. A gaggle of gorgeous Indian children were utterly captivated by the birds and tried to video them but the peacock led his flock to the roof of the roadhouse and out of harm's way.  We were all pretty tired from the heat and only spent a short time collecting.  We all slept well despite the proximity of the road.

Day 9 Dunmarra to Elliot

I noted while checking the toilet shower site under a golden setting moon at 6 am that the entire area was crisscrossed with snake tracks. Just as well we were forewarned by the locals about their nocturnal snakes and always carried a torch at night.

We had a peaceful sleep and attempted to sneak out so as to not wake our neighbours who had pulled in behind us despite our generator noise the night before.

Murphy’s Law prevailed and as superstitious nurses know, the rule of 3 applies

1. One vehicle wouldn’t start, jumpstarted after 5 minutes to the tuneful wailing of the horn as the alarm reset itself at 0625!

2. As we pulled away Patricia fell off her bike and landed in the bulldust

3. The chain came off her bike and ...that’s not all folks

4. Another vehicle backed noisily into a road sign. Straightening it from its previous bingle in the opposite direction, collateral damage and casualties thankfully nil!!  Although our ears were burning for the next 10 km

massage time!!

Another great day, Patricia seems to be gaining strength and endurance, riding more comfortably with shorter recovery times. Kept between the 2 lead vehicles, Patricia is maintaining optimum speed for effort.  28km from Elliot we had the road to ourselves apart from 2 trucks, 2 cars and 2 splendid boats. Our lone spectator was a wedge tailed eagle who glided down onto a small tree to stare at the first vehicle and blink as Patricia and the entourage passed.

Denise & Patricia

We were welcomed to Elliot by a fellow remote area nurse Denise, who anticipated our every need even before it was verbalised. We rural medical people had a great chin wag. We had a guest fellow remote nurse, another Peter from Tasmania join our meal and conversation.

We have a regular debrief on the days ride each night where the whole group listens without interruption while each team member speaks. This helps iron out any irritations or problems before they fester.  On this special Sabbath (Father’s Day) we had another meagre bush dinner, roast chicken with all the trimmings even gravy. Yes we’re doing it tough on the road! Following the fruit platter, we had a few Banjo Patterson poems read by Talina and our Evensong daily reading from the Bible by Spike Milligan. Going to bed after prolonged belly laughing seems to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Day 8 Hiway Inn to Dunmarra               

We left our gracious hosts and headed for Dunmarra roadside stop. The flora varied from spindly gums interspersed with tombstone like termite mounds to majestic white trunked gums flanked by red craggy rock cliffs.  Now and then a termite mound would be dressed in clothes or hat, some looked like family groupings.

A fellow traveller from Childers Qld

 a remote erection






At our first real bush camp, we drew the wagons in a circle established maximum shade and shelter, quickly erected a shower tent and loo. Leon the timekeeper / safety officer / senior organiser and chief whip quickly repaired the broken stay wire on the old telegraph pole. The roadside stop has the Todd Memorial to the popular outback South Australian pioneer/engineer extraordinaire who joined the overland telegraph line here to connect Adelaide and Australia to the rest of the world in 1872.



 A lone spectator

 Dunmarra bush camp

The campsite is really just a siding off the main road and we worried needlessly that road train’s noise and lights would keep us awake. None of that occurred; we had our usual humble meal, dinner in style with lace tablecloth with the mandatory G+T and a good belly laugh after the meeting. Tourists stopped to look at the plaque and gave generously. Dinner was presided over by a rising red desert moon.

 cyclists from Sweden

 Memorial at a bush camp



Day 7 Larrimah to Hiway Inn              

Collecting a Diggers Story

We left the quirky Pink Panther at Larrimah to a chorus of colourful lorikeets and parrots. The service station had fallen down some years ago and now bid us a forlorn farewell. The guinea fowl that supervised our meal last night had thankfully slept in. We’re now well into a routine, up at 0500 (Leon at 0430). We set off at 0630 with Winston and Talina in the lead with flashing lights and a big sign advertising ‘Cycle Ahead’ on the front of the van. Patricia sits just behind them, giving an effective windbreak. Talina scans the road for potholes ruts and roadkill and describes the upcoming slope. Winston has a radio tuned to channel 40 as does Leon who stays behind a few road train lengths. Talina, Peter and Patricia are all on channel 18. Leon explains to truckies about to overtake what is ahead and usually they are very cooperative giving us a wide berth especially those loaded with cattle. No one wants that kind of blue bird of happiness deposit landing on her shoulders. We’d like to say a big thank you to the road train operators who have patiently waited behind our slow entourage. We realise their pressures, huge road tax costs and we salute them.

Daly Waters - Odd Collectibles!

Nana Naps

Lesley & Winston

We arrived at the Hiway Inn in plenty of time to set up camp for massage and ‘Nana naps’. Two gangs of apostle birds sat in the huge shady tree spitting pellets of gold and dropping moist messages as we massaged Patricia. Our mate Jeff who’d been visiting and helping out in Katherine re-joined us much to everyone’s delight. He has been a great scout arranging free or discounted accommodation. He brought his guitar and songbook and we had a great singsong, inviting the gorgeous young French woman from the next camp to teach us the words to Aluetta.

Doing it tough again!

Irish Bar staff in the middle of Oz!

Hmmmmmm

We slummed it again having Lesley’s delicious homemade spaghetti bolognaise for dinner with the lace tablecloth and serviettes. Donned hats and wigs after the fruit platter and continued laughing and talking until Winston carried the bucket full of small change over to the roadhouse to exchange for notes. They needed change, we needed notes.

Only in Oz

A tart by any other name...

Dinner????

Fancy dress...

Learning some French songs

We found Clare and Peter our welcoming hosts at the Hiway Inn both generous and helpful. Just listening to the Irish accents in many of the remote bars is music to our ears, it seems a lot of young Irish travellers are working their way round Oz.

Daly Waters

Lone anthill

Jeff's Sing Along

Day 6 Mataranka to Larrimah

Larrimah Pink Panther camp grounds had hot pink buildings and car. The bar was full of saddles slung over the rafters.  Patricia met up with a patient from Jabiru who was delighted to see her. He recognised her from Boroloola where she had stitched up his scalp post fracas!

Ice for the knees

Laurie Wilfred, Mrs P, Sean & Willie Wilfred



Uncle, Mrs P Willie & his wife, Patrica & Laurie

Day 5 Katherine to Mataranka

Mataranka Territory Manor had divine settings with shady trees and strutting peacocks a crystal clear swimming pool and spa.  An experienced remedial masseuse ‘Bonza Brian’ taught us all about stretches and massage technique, demonstrating on Patricia.

Day 4 Pine Creek to Katherine

Boab caravan park in Katherine gave us a very welcome reduction in fees, and the Katherine Club was extremely generous in their support of Legacy  and the entire team. We were welcomed on arrival by Alison and informed that dinner and drinks were complimentary. Trevor welcomed us at dinner and we met a most generous group of patrons, a bus load of Kiwis, and people from WA to KI, all of them interesting and keen to learn about our endeavour.  A huge thank you to the Katherine Club from all of us.

Goodby Pawell, Hello Mick

Patricia speeding past

Mick from Oregon riding for Movember

Day 3 - Hayes Creek to Pine Creek 

Tilley and daughters

We left at 0630 and arrived at Pine Creek in time to do a load of washing.  Once again we were granted our accommodation gratis. Patricia and the team would like to thank Tilley Todd, Hunter and the staff at Pine creek Clinic for their generous welcome and support. Thank you to Ellie for joining our happy hour and for supporting Patricia. Thanks Tilley for introducing us to your lovely daughters.  Bolda an amazing artist appeared in the darkness bearing a gift of his beautiful painting of Blue Kingfishers. He told us the story of the painting and his art.  A big thank you to Bolda for his generosity, we will raffle this enroute.

Butterfly Gorge Swimming Hole

Day 2 - Adelaide River to Hayes Creek

Brahman cattle stood in silent salute as the first cheer squad of the day. Joe met us and welcomed us to Colleen and Jason’s Hotel at Hayes Creek. They too allowed us to camp free. The ugly barman Craig (himself raising money for cancer) looked after us well at happy hour and a great nosh up was had by all. Patricia picked up another young man called Pawell riding 9000 km from Perth to raise money for Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital.  Another everyday hero.  Betty and Noel followed us to Hayes Creek.  Early the next morning prior to our  0630 departure they kindly drove Peter all the way back to Adelaide river to look for his backrest. The outstanding kindness of strangers warms our hearts daily.

Lone Mudcrab



Bolda Hunter's donated art work

Hayes Creek

A well earned massage

Pawell & Patricia



Day 1- Darwin to Adelaide River

After more than 2 years in the planning, 'Ride Around the Corner for Legacy' is officially on the move.  Bunnings put on a great sausage sizzle and made getting there at 6am for the start of the ride more than worthwhile. The entire Pethick clan and many of Patricia’s friends made up the cheer squad as Patricia set off on the first leg of her epic ride. 3 caravans, 2 mobile homes and 5 bike riders set off at 8am from Darwin. Craig stayed with the peloton until Virginia Rd. Geraldine and John and stayed with Patricia until Noonamah and Jean Pierre stayed until Coomalie turnoff at the 45km mark.  Patricia made good time despite 37 degree heat. We camped at Adelaide River arrived in plenty of time to set up happy hour and watch the last race of the day.

 The wonderful locals made us very welcome and were overwhelmingly generous with their donations. A local guitarist/ singer called Lone Mudcrab had us all on our feet dancing with one of the best most eclectic selections of music.  Patricia danced and loosened up those tight quads and hammies. A delightful family of big hatters set the pace. The local music teacher Jackie stunned us on the dance floor in her swirling red dress and wooed us with her singing. We met up with Betty and Noel who live in their 5^th wheeler with their 2 Jack Russell’s.