Arrived at the airport early to allow for delays due to the normal bikes in bags confusion. Forty-five minutes and $90 excess baggage later  we watched with trepidation while our green machine slid off into the oversized luggage abyss, hoping like heck she’d come off safe and sound at the other end….. and she did!

With 5 hours to kill before we could check into our B&B, we decided to rent a car and do some exploring. Set off along the Great Western Tiers Touring Road – beautiful little towns full of  old cottages, cafes and craft galleries. Pored over the realestate windows for that perfect renovators delight but sadly no luck!

Arrived at our gorgeous cottage in Launceston late arvo – three hours later (and much groaning) we had the bike set up…..almost…

Note to selves- if you’re going to buy a new super dooper pump, test it out before you absolutely need it! We now have great bike with two flat tyres! Never fear- have located a bike shop and will be on their doorstep first thing. 

Two years, three knee surgeries (for the old boy) and lots of hard work and training, and at last we have our next cycling adventure on its way.
On Cup Day we head south for 3 weeks cycling the east coast of Tasmania.

For the first time we’re totally self directed- carrying everything with us (no baggage transfers). After much cursing and paring back we’ve managed a respectable 26 kg of on-bike carry on – which will gradually reduce as we apply the toothpaste and butt cream (not to the same place!) we have squeezed everything into 4 pannier bags, a frame bag and a handlebar bag. David’s clothes came in at 4.1kg- 200g less than mine. The rest is tools, first aid & electronics.

As usual we’ll blog as we go internet coverage pending- just 8 sleeps to go!