Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
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Day 28: Back to civilisation
Still not sure about the chain this morning, but at least the weather has improved. I'm heading for Hobart, where the anticipated temperature range is 10-23 degrees C. After the last two days, I might die of heatstroke in that weather. Incredibly, I got a little sunburned yesterday. I actually knew that might happen (yes, even in the rain), but decided that sunburn was a lesser evil than hypothermia - and thus left off the sunscreen.
I left National Park this morning, along the Tyenna River (much larger now) back to Westerway. Thought about buying more Raspberries there, but still some distance to cover so I thought better of it. I followed a quiet back road toward the town of New Norfolk through hopfields along the River Derwent, rapidly expanding on the way to Hobart.
There were a few minor climbs, but nothing really to get excited about. I did find a bike shop in New Norfolk, but the guy didn't seem all that keen to assist with my chain dilemma. Looking around I saw that they largely catered for the children's market anyway, so I took a punt on making for Hobart, and Tassie Cycles again.
Another huge lunch in the bakery at New Norfolk (would you believe I think I've actually put on weight on this tour?) before setting off. I followed the old Lyell Highway for 5km, before another backroad through a couple of villages would lead me to Berriedale at the northern end of Hobart. I negotiated a few rough patches of "roadwork" before the final pass I would climb fully laden.
This climb wasn't massive or difficult, but I had the previous two days still in my legs, so I felt it a little more than I perhaps should have. Nevertheless, the scenery was quite pleasant, and a howling gale was behind me most of the way, so it didn't cause any major problems. A screaming descent led me right into suburban Berriedale. From here I headed directly south toward Newtown and Tassie Cycles.
"We're flat out" I was told. Still, they found time to fix my chain, so again I give another shameless promotion to Tassie Cycles if anyone is touring in this area. I headed back to the old camping ground from four weeks ago at Berriedale - it was packed this time. I managed to find a reasonably quiet spot right by the river, however, so all was good.
Not much else to say - except that I managed to check my e-mail and update the journal for the first time in two weeks. I have another day to have a look around Hobart and put paid to Mt Wellington before going home.
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Posts
9,980
Look at the Tyenna River now!
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Posts
9,980
Just can't seem to escape the Derwent Valley.
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Posts
9,980
The River Derwent, near New Norfolk.
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Posts
9,980
On the last climb before Hobart.
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Posts
9,980
About to commence the screaming descent into Hobart's northern suburbs. If you look closely, you might even see Berriedale.
"I am never going to flirt with idleness again" - Roy Keane
"We invite everyone to question the entire culture we take for granted." - Manic Street Preachers. My blog. My bike tours. Japan tour page under construction.
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