Day 7 Daily Digest Sydney to Surfers: Ballina to Surfers 130kms.
BIG KUDOS for a Big Ride
“Day 6 Daily Digest Sydney to Surfers: 1 million kms Grafton to Ballina. Ok, so I might be exaggerating a little. It was 165km, with the biggest hill to date thrown in for good measure at the 130km mark (Lismore hill). Finally! A decent hill. But why NOW??
Madonna Velo Storm Sydney to Surfers …A fabulous “RideRotary event”
This was the longest ride I’ve ever done, along with three other Madonnas (Julie, Jodie and Tina). I put my hand up and say I broke today. Just 5km from the end of the ride I was happy to get off, hand my bike to the nearest bystander to keep forever, vomit, and go and curl up in the foetal position. I didn’t, and I finished (thanks to support from some of my fellow pack 3 riders – the camaraderie is awesome) and THEN I curled up in the foetal position for 90 mins while the other Madonnas hit the pub looking fresh as daisies! I think I had nutrition issues, which was quickly fixed with a meat lovers pizza for post recovery food. It was our hottest (and did I mention longest?) day yet. Most of the day was riding the quiet, undulating roads of the Summerland Way. We went through some beautiful countryside, (what I could see when I could take my eyes off the rear wheel in front). Then the road was super busy between Lismore and Ballina.
Tomorrow we anticipate being at Storm Cycles around 1:30pm and Terry will have some “refreshments” ready for our rider packs, and for anyone who’d like to come and visit to welcome us home. Then the official end is at Seaworld carpark, possibly around 4pm. We will post with updates.
Now I have to go make friends with my bike again, or I won’t be able to face our final 130km ride home.”
Day 7 Daily Digest Sydney to Surfers: Ballina to Surfers 130kms. Last day they said! It’ll be easy and flat they said! Let me tell you, I learnt something new about our beloved northern NSW today. The coast road between Lennox Heads and Suffolk Park, which has previously been heralded as flat … is NOT! There are volcanic-sized hills along that stretch. Or so it seemed ?
Another glorious day for our last ride. We left Ballina a little early to beat the Byron morning traffic. Before we knew it, we were having morning tea on the banks of the Brunswick River. A couple of rolling hills later and we turn right onto Wooyung. And BAMN!! As instantly as a light switch, with that right turn, I was home. Filled with happiness at being home, yet a touch of sadness that the adventure would very soon be over. A few minutes later, our first welcome home party, Sandy, was waving madly at Cabarita (I think it was Caba!). Due to my local knowledge navigating the highway, Sextons Hill, Boyds Bay Bridge etc, I was appointed LAC (Local Area Commander). Me?? Leading a group??? Well…. If you insist, despite my shyness ??
After lunch on the Tweed River, I was truly home, leading the pack to a rousing welcoming party at Storm Cycles where Terry, our boys, my family, and some very dear friends and supporters were waiting with warm hospitality and cold beers for our pack. I didn’t want to leave, but we had to finish at Surfers. As we rode on Hedges, we came up behind the YOTS kids and were proud to ride in behind them to end our final day, our final ride.
It was fantastic to have so many welcomers at the official end at Seaworld. We were definitely spoiled, especially with some MadonnaVelo pom poms flying about in enthusiasm.
7 days, but it’s such an all-consuming 7 days with one single focus in mind: “ride bike north”.
To everyone who has been reading, following and liking our Facebook posts, it honestly makes a difference knowing you’re out there in cyber-land cheering us on.
To my fellow Madonnas: Julie, Judi, Lauren, Jodie, Marina and Tina. The journey was infinitely more enjoyable having you alongside. We had a bla
Leave A Comment