Chris L

After all the anticipation it's finally here! Incredibly, the traditional pre-tour scare that I always seem to get hasn't happened yet. Mind you, I didn't particularly like the "lift out of order" sign I saw at Nerang station to catch the train to Brisbane Airport (the one that meant I had to haul the fully loaded bike up two flights of stairs). Not a lot of fun, even if I did break into a hysterical fit of laughter at the top.

The flight was blissfully uneventful, about the only thing of interest was the view of Australia's East Coast. Arrival in Hobart (for those flying with Virgin Blue) requires the lifting of one's own luggage off the luggage train - probably a safer option if travelling with a bike. The first things noticable on disembarking were the clean air of Tasmania, and the westerly wind that I would be riding into immediately from the airport.

Two things come to mind on the approach to Hobart. One is the scenery (mountains all around), the other is the lack of urban sprawl (12km from the city centre and not a building in sight). I crested a small hill shortly after, there, a cluster of buildings either side of the Derwent River, extending into the foothills of the massive Mt Wellington.

I followed an up and down route along the Eastern shore before having to cross the Tasman Bridge - not much fun when the wind is this strong. At times I had to fight for control of the bike. I won the fight (convincingly), and then proceeded north along the river to Berriedale (on the northern end of town) and tonight's campsite - an alternative after hearing that the old Sandy Bay caravan park had closed down.

Tonight I have a beautiful campsite on the edge of the river, with Grasstree hill in the background adding to the scenery. I also managed to get in touch with Rowan, a local cyclist who has thus far provided me with invaluable information (and once of this great forum). Our schedules didn't allow for a meeting today, but I'll be backtracking through Hobart in a couple of days, perhaps then...

Guest

Dude, how long is your trip?

Keep us informed of your progress and keep those pics going! Have fun!

Koffee

Chris L

I'll be here until Jan 11. The pics will appear when I get home.

Chris L

This was the first view of Hobart, coming across the Tasman Bridge.

Chris L

Not sure how to describe this one. This was what I could see from a campsite just 10km from the centre of the "capital city".