When I first planned my Australia ride, it was primarily to ride the Outback. The specific route was meticulously planned because I had to know when and where I would get my food and water. Riding in the desert required this attention.
The outback ride was a coast-to-coast journey, from Perth to Townsville. What I was going to do after that had not been determined. I had a flight home from Sydney, but how to get there from Townsville was uncharted. I figured that there would be abundant places for food and water to just play it by ear.
Well, two things have emerged that I think is going to make this phase fun. First, several people I met along the way invited me into their homes. They assumed I would be riding down the Bruce Highway ( it’s the main highway down the east coast, connecting Townsville with Brisbane and Sydney), and they lived off of it, so they invited me to stop by. Perhaps I’ll take then up on it. Second, I mentioned to several people that I preferred calm roads, preferably gravel or dirt roads, and several routes were opened up for me. Now I have options to consider.
So it’s going to be a ride determined by people I meet. Whereas I planned my outback ride, my ride south on the east will be essentially shaped by the people I meet. How fun is that.
I am in Moranbah as I write this. Peter, my warmshowers host in Townsville, helped devise my route down to here, and a little beyond. It’s been a great ride, one I would not have thought of on my own.
The route obviously is not desert. It’s rural, but that’s pleasant. It’s green, but that’s refreshing. It’s quiet. It’s car-less. And I’m enjoying it.
Let’s see what surprises I’ll get on my way to Sydney!
Here’s a rough plan I have so far, if you’re interested: