Day 2 - Texas to Inglewood - Abandon

A first. Never abandoned a tour until today. 

I got a really early start. Rain overnight and some drizzle along the way. Rain bought a lot of wildlife to the pools of water on the side of the road, even some pigs. Saw a Euro kangaroo, not sure how common they are but haven't seen one in a long time. A few corncobs on the side of the road as well.

Got in to Inglewood in plenty of time, only to find out that the bus didn't stop in Ioswich. It would take me through to Roma Street, arrival time about 5.30pm or after bike shops closed.  There'd be no new bike pedal today and probably wouldn't get going again until lunchtime tomorrow.

Generally pissed off with a lack action, decided to catch the train home and try again in a few weeks.  Really disappointed but the best use of my time. So until then.

Day 1 - Goondiwindi to Texas - Mechanical Problems

Distance - 118.5 kms

Climbing - 441 metres

View the ride here - http://cyclemeter.com/4539622a02fdb662/Cycle-20160509-0702

Decided to travel on the New South Wales side down to Texas via the Bruxner Highway. Apparently, a lot less traffic.  

Its certainly a quiet stretch of road. In parts it is just a single lane of bitumen and pretty rough in other parts. Great for cycling though.

Things were going nicely until my left pedal fell off. The pedal body had desintegrated and all I was left with was the spindle (see photo). Rode for about 90kms like that. On the flat it was OK but the spindle is tapered and exert any pressure and your foot wants to slide off. F&@k!!

Eventually got in to Texas and discovered the nearest bike shops are Ipswich or Toowoomba.  I won't get over the range to Stanthorpe the way it is, so I plan to travel directly north to Inglewood, and then catch a bus to Ipswich. Should be able to get a replacement there.

Despite the pedal hassle, was still an enjoyable days cycling. The first half to Yetman was as flat as a tack, open plains with cotton farms either side, cotton balls all over the road verges.  Plenty of kangaroos, emus, cockies and parrots, even snuck up on a fox. It then turns undulating over rocky outcrops, before downhill into Texas.

Hydration at the Stockmans Hotel. Happy hour beers washing down a steak sandwich.

About 60kms to Inglewood tomorrow,  bus leaves at 11.30am. Early start, don't want to be late!!

Getting there

A bit of an expedition getting to Goondiwindi. Tracie sacrificed her Mothers Day sleepin and brekky in bed to get me to the train by 7am. I deserve it. Although it wasn't completely from the goodness of her heart, I believe it cost me a new jacket from Myer.  She got a discount so she figures I got a bargain. One of those 'the more spend, the more you save' type of arrangements.

Anyway, caught the train through to Roma Street where I transferred to a coach for the 5 hour trip to Goondiwindi. Must be a country bumpkin at heart as the time went quick - fabulous country out this way. There's some pretty imposing hills out here too, see how I go getting my fat arse and a heap of gear back over them in a few days time. There might be some walking.

Arrived at down town Goondiwindi about 2.30 pm. In case you're wondering what happens in Goondiwindi on a Sunday afternoon, it's not much.

Set up camp at one of 3 CP's and then did a bit of sightseeing.

Tomorrow's ride is to Texas. About 110kms, looks pretty flat.

A wee stop at Inglewood

Summary

This blog covers an unsupported bike ride from Goondiwindi on the New South Wales/Queensland border to the Goald Coast. The route takes me through Texas, Stanthorpe, Kyogle, Murwillumbah, the Gold Coast. Distance is around 550 km over 7 days with climbing of 5000 metres.

Catching a train and bus out to Goondiwindi.

Gear is a Cannondale Lefty hardtail MTB with home made trailer. Towing weight is about 20kg's.

I've hardly ridden a bike since the 2000 km Salt to Summit last October. Only really picked up the treadley last month and have done about 600 km.  There are a couple of days hard climbing so we'll soon find out if that is enough preparation.

Kicks off on the 9th of May. Should be fun!!