Chris L

Hard to believe this thing is over already, although on the other hand it feels like the epic has been going on forever. The time has passed quickly, but I feel like I've seen and done so many things. Either way, I have resolved to come back one day, if only because there are so many more things here that I haven't seen or done yet.

Rowan again kindly agreed to meet me for a ride to the airport. Actually, the route he chose was the one I wish I'd taken to begin with. A very pleasant ride down Hobart's Eastern shore, with a rural interlude through Cambridge to the airport. My chain is jumping around like crazy on this ride, and jumps out of the rear derailleur a.k.a. Tasman Peninsula style at one point.

Seems I've had a lot of problems with chains from Tassie Cycles on this tour, and after all the wonderful press I gave them earlier! Perhaps next time I will look at other bike shop options in Hobart after all. Interestingly, after jumping out, the chain's jumping problems seemed to decrease a little, and decrease even more as we got closer to the airport.

Here it was time to pack the bike, say farewell to Rowan (although I will keep in touch) and board the flight. As if I wasn't already reluctant to go home, I had a few screaming small children on neighbouring seats. Oh well, it's only a three hour flight back to Brisbane. Getting off the plane was an experience in itself. The legendary Queensland humidity soon had me wishing I was back on Mt Wellington.

About the only other thing of note was readjusting to Queensland's anachronistic ways, such as the almost impossible task of finding a supermarket open reasonable hours on a Sunday on the Gold Coast, and making sure the bike survived the flight OK (it did).

Zin

Chris, thanks for the great read! I have been following your progress with great interest.

Glad all ended well.

Regards,
Bob

SamDaBikinMan

Did I miss something? I thought Chris was just riding his bike like he always does. Nothing so unusual about that

Chris L

Hey, it was actually cold down there. I haven't had to deal with that for about nine years!

Incidentally, there will be some pictures on the way shortly.

Rural Roadie

Thanks for the epic tale.

Chris L

Posing on Hobart's eastern shore - no bike shorts because I didn't really feel like wearing them on the plane.

Chris L

One last lingering look at Tasmania, just before Hobart Airport.