PUSHING FOR EDUCATION!

WHERE TO FROM HERE? 

It's time to pursue the more practical aspects of life, which of course includes finding that dream teaching job.

Yes, I do have plans for another big ride, so stay posted. 

But until then, I'll continue to study, stay fit and hang with the two coolest guys I know - my sons Luke (left) and Jesse (right).

 

GUEST SPEAKER REQUEST

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 Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

 Could you do it? Most definitely!

 Biggest lesson? Don't let other peoples fears determine what you do.

Next biggest lesson? Learn to accept help. 

This ride was promoted as unsupported. That could not be further from the truth. Mental, moral, emotional and physical support was always there. Nick for trusting me with his Bob; Valerie and John helping with the trailer into Darwin; my sister Claire making things happen in the background (not to mention riding the Stuart Hwy with me - just removing my tongue from my cheek); my mum paying the bills and always there on the phone; my dad and stepmother making daily calls to see if I was still heading in the right direction; my extended family looking after my sons....my sons with their funny phone messages.....my many blog messages.....winner being from my sister Amber and finally strangers who became friends all the way.

The only thing I did solo was pedal the bike. This has been a humbling experience, I have a lot of thanking to do.

 Geelong to Darwin

in 32 days.

I did it!

I cycled from Geelong to Darwin to attend my graduation ceremony at Charles Darwin University.

 Not so mad!

16th April - 19th May, 2011

In a nutshell:

  • Approx 3900 km
  • 32 days cycling
  • Longest day - 175 km
  • Average daily speed ranged from 12 kph to 21 kph.
  • Biggest hill - Pt Augusta to Alice Springs (1500 km)
  • Wind direction - mostly north easterly.
  • 1 rest day (Alice Springs)
  • 1 puncture (on the trailer)
  • Towing weight between 25 - 40 kg
  • Longest stint in the bush was four days.
  • Longest stint without shower was four days.
  • What kept me going each day - sense of achievement, to make my family proud, A HOT SHOWER.
  • Who did I think about most....my family.
  • Best camping spot - 1 km north of Lake Hart
  • Best caravan park - toss up between Wycliffe Well and Hayes Creek - both Big 4 parks.
  • Most useful items taken apart from obvious (like tent etc) -
    • flynet
    • netbook
    • rearview mirror
    • trangia stove
    • Aussie Butt Cream
    • Pegs
  • Crashes - 1
  • Water consumed - 8 to 12 litres per day.
  • Plenty of food.
  • Strange men who asked me if I wanted a lift - 3
  • Non-strange men who asked if I needed anything - heaps...all wonderful.
  • Highlight - the sense of community between travellers.
  • Hardest time?  The first two hours of pedaling each day - then I would be fine.
  • Road trains were great.
  • Telephone reception not too bad.
  • Food craving - French vanilla slice.
  • Fluid craving - plain water and a good coffee.
  • Most depressing time - about 4:30 when I had to get to a town before dark.
  • Best times - between 4:30 and sunset when the whole landscape became my bedroom.
  • Scariest moment?  Never felt scared.
  • Physical problems:
    • Temperature first week.
    • Throat/chest infection.
    • Urinary Tract infection
    • Very bad heat rash.
    • Pressure sores
    • Saddle sores
    • Hot foot
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.
    • Mouth ulcers (only two)
    • Knee pain
    • RSI from waving at all the other road users.

      After a trip to the doctors on my return, I am told that I had probably been suffering the effects of Glandular Fever to top it off.
  • Point of pulling out?  Day 2 - homesick, depressed, running temperature.  Had a sleep.  Woke up 1% better - decided to keep going. 
  • Best choice - to keep going.

TRIP NOTES

 

Education?

You could do worse things with your time!

Thanks for dropping in!