Single file, flats, and we need to start a petition!!!!

Our instructions this morning were to ride single file, for the whole day. Officially the police do not wish for any group cycling from Port Macquarie through to the Queensland border. I suspect this is due to the poor condition of the road. So after another superb breakfast, we rolled along Ocean Dr passing through Bonny Hills, looking at the spectacular views and the surf rolling in.

We didn't actually go into Port Macquarie for morning tea so didn't get to catch up with family or friends. Morning tea was under the bridge at Telegraph Point. We had a bit of unnecessary excitement, coming over a particularly narrow section of road, we got 2 flats simultaneously. Michelle's rear tyre exploded with a bang and another group members front tyre. Michelle was very nervous because the flats occurred on a bridge and with nowhere to pull off the road had to keep riding until we could get to a safe section of the road.

The ride to lunch at Clybucca was punctuated by alot of cursing at the condition of the road (our National Highway no less) and the need to write to the local member to complain. The condition of the road combined with the attitude of some motorists was appalling. This reminds me that I should get as many people as possible to have a look at www.amygillet.com.au and support the objectives of this awesome foundation. The mood of todays ride was dampened by the news that one of the riders from one of the later groups fell on a bad sectin of road and was badly concussed and will not be able to continue riding to Surfers Paradise.

We finally made it into Nambucca Heads early afternoon and helped friends set up camp and have a swim. After another hilarious dinner Michelle and I have come home to sleep in our own bed and resume the ride in the morning with everyone.

One thing I have neglected to mention is that there is four kids from the Youth Off the Streets program who are particpating in the ride. Very inspiring to hear how much of an effort they are making to complete this event. They have only just commenced riding and have ridden each daily stage or portions of each day. Our group captain made a great speech echoing the sentiment of many of the people on the ride that they are undertaking an event that requires dedication and commitment and by applying these principles they can accomplish many things in their lives.

Over 500kms completed in four days, we just over half way and tomorrow we ride through our home town, stopping at the Pet Porpoise Pool for morning tea. Rumour is that traditionally the climb up Bruxner is a bit of a race and because we live here we have a bit of home town advantage. Just have to wait and see how the legs feel in the morning I guess.

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