Bike Forums - Day 3: "Richmond never seemed so far away!"

Things are looking up, last night I DID manage to get a decent night's sleep for the first time in a week. Today's ride would involve a return to Hobart initially. This would, of course, mean backtracking. However, the backtracking only went as far as Margate - after which I had an alternative route which involved some climbing.

For some reason I felt a little stronger this morning, perhaps Mt Mangana yesterday was paying dividends today! After backtracking to Margate I headed inland, a gradual climb with a couple of descents thrown in for good measure. After riding up and down I reached the old Huon Highway about 20km south-west of Hobart. Now the real climb to Fern tree started. Nothing overly steep, just a long constant gradient to climb another 400 metres. The scenery here was excellent.

Along the way I paused to take a photo of the view (I'll upload photos when I get home, too much time at computers on tour otherwise), I saw a local go past on a road bike. I thought about giving chase for a while, however it's amazing what carrying a load does to one's climbing speed - perhaps I would ease off this time. I also passed the turn-off to Mt Wellington. I would be back for you.

In Hobart I finally got to meet up with Rowan, who was very generous in buying me a snack at a local pancake shop, before we set off together for the second leg of the day's ride - toward the historic town of Richmond. On a small climb leaving Hobart I heard my chain come off. Nothing major, I would just put it back on - except that it then came off a second time. Further inspection revealed it had somehow become twisted. Great!

I suppose I should just be glad that it happened near Hobart (where there are actually a couple of bike shops) and not in the middle of nowhere. Eventually I followed Rowan's directions once again to a bikeshop in Glenorchy - they had moved to Moonah. After proceeding to Moonah and enquiring about a replacement chain, the owner claimed not to have any! Next stop was Tassie Cycles in Newtown. Service here appears to be much better - they fitted the new chain immediately, and didn't even charge me for labour on the repair job. If ever you're in the area, I advise heading there for any work you need done (and thanks to Rowan once again for leading me to them).

Now I was finally on my way toward Richmond - a little later than anticipated (and hence no updates until now). The ride to Richmond was through dry barren country, with only the small hill at Grasstree hill of any major interest. I bid farewell to Rowan just before the 4km climb - and arrived in Richmond tired and a little dehydrated. I haven't been drinking enough water - something I am in the process of rectifying right now in no uncertain terms.

Another recommendation from today - Richmond bakery. Visit there for a snack or a meal and you will not be disappointed!