The End of the Road

I have arrived in Sydney.

Having reached the endpoint of my ride, I am sad in a way. No more new delights. No more new destinations. No more new discoveries.

The last day began drearily, befitting of the mood. I started off late because I was waiting for the rain to abate. I pretty much had a rain-free six months, but here I was, donning rain gear, which I had not used the whole trip. Heading out of Gosford for Sydney, I had a cloudy day, which stayed with me the entire ride. Luckily though, there was only a slight drizzle going south.

Road conditions were not the best. Since I went off the New South Wales Coastal Cycle Route to get to my Sydney destination, the shoulders were sometimes lean, or worse, totally absent. And cars were more abundant. What a way to end the ride.

I was to meet Belinda, a person I had never met, but who graciously offered her home as a place to stay. I originally planned to get there between 3 and 4 pm. I got there at 5:30. But unlike the ride, the arrival was such a boost to the dreary day.

Belinda, knowing that her apartment unit would be hard to find, waited on the street for close to an hour for me to arrive. And what a welcome! A wonderful surprise.

The gate of her unit had a ” Congratulations!” banner, in celebration of me completing the ride.

There was a celebration cake, and sparkling wine, which we popped in glorious style.

All together, a memorable end to the last day of my ride. All thanks to Belinda’s warm touch.

9 comments

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    • Lori Arita on October 6, 2019 at 5:20 pm
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    Congratulations!!! Sounds like Belinda was the angel sent to make sure you arrived safely!

    • Wendy Vogt on October 6, 2019 at 5:29 pm
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    Congratulations Thuan! You did it! Thank you for letting us tag along.

  1. !!! Thank you for sharing adventures, Thuan.

  2. !!!! Thanks for sharing your adventures, Thuan.

    • Patricia Wood on October 6, 2019 at 5:53 pm
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    Congratulations Thuan!!! You did it! Patti

    • Cindy Kratzer on October 6, 2019 at 7:39 pm
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    Thuan, what an amazing accomplishment to complete your epic ride across Australia! We have loved the posts and pictures and are so glad you made it safely to your final destination. We look forward to celebrating with you in L.A., and we can’t wait to read your book (hint, hint).

    Cindy and Hank

    • Doug Peters on October 6, 2019 at 8:24 pm
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    We really loved watching and reading about your journey. What a feat! Congrats!

    • Kenneth Kugel on October 6, 2019 at 9:48 pm
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    Loved your journey Thaun – Can,t wait till your next one !

    • Tina on October 10, 2019 at 1:30 am
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    I followed your whole ride. So happy you made it safe and sound. Congratulations!!!

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