Chris L

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has almost come. This tour has been on the agenda for some time now, in fact, I made reference to it in my very first post on this forum (scroll down that page a little).

Strange that I should start feeling nervous about all this right now -- given that I've just survived commuting through Surfers Paradise during Schoolies' Week (probably the biggest hurdle of the lot) in gale-force winds, but there are a few nerves there. Nothing major of course, and I'm sure they'll disappear in two weeks time when the tour proper rolls around. There are still a few loose ends to tie up.

For one thing, I seriously need to replace the cables on my bike -- that will come next week. Actually, you can add brake-pads to the shopping list because these ones may not have enough wear left on them for the mountain passes in the west. I have the tent-pole I broke last year currently under repair, already worrying about whether it will be ready on time. Even if it's not, I can still pitch the tent without it or just buy a replacement somewhere. It really shouldn't be a problem, but I still worry about these things.

Going during the tourist season still worries me a little. Again, this is something that should not concern me, given that the alternative is staying here (the tourist capital of Australia), but it's still there nagging away. Again, this is something I'll forget when the tour itself starts. It's amazing how you can plan a route, leave an extra day for a little flexibility if need be and still worry about these little trivialities.

I have, however, survived the traditional "pre-tour calamity" that always seems to strike before one of my tours and never seems to be as bad as first thought. That came on Monday -- hit by a car whilst riding through a hail storm. Absolutely no damage done -- at least not to me. Given that I was totally blameless in this situation that may be a bit of justice.

Enough ranting, it's getting closer, and the excitement builds...

Jean Beetham Smith 

Don't worry so much. Even though we went camping at Acadia National Park, the most heavily used Park in the system, at the peak of the season; it was just great. We didn't even feel crowded. You've waited a long time, so some pre-trip jitters are to be expected, but they just add to the pleasure of the trip when it actually starts. Have a great ride, take lots of pictures and share it with all of us. Tail winds uphill, headwinds downhill.

Gordon P

I know this is a stupid question, but which way will you go - clockwise or counter clockwise?
Best of luck and have a blast.
Gordon p

Chris L

Going counter clockwise on this one. I'm not really sure why. Guess it's just because I want to save the best (the west coast) for last.

catfish

Happy pedals Chris L
catfish

AdrianB

Be prepared for anything... even snow! Tasmania and busy don't mix at any time of the year... even Sydney to Hobart is not that bad. In the west drivers are usually very considerate - they have to constantly be on the look out for echidnas, wallabies and other things. A gorilla on a bike should be hard to miss

You'll have a blast!

timothym

Look out for those logging trucks!!
I've never seen so much native fauna in my life as I did during my three weeks cycle in tassie.
Problem was most of it was roadkill.
Enjoy it all mate (especialy the cold boag's and cascade's)