Soaked through! Kempsey to Nambucca

We woke to find that it had rained during the night. Kempsey was shrouded in a heavy mist.

The forecast was for rain and rain it did - starting with a light drizzle and developing into a downpour.
With the rain, spray from passing traffic and spray from our own rear wheels, we were soon soaked.
We arrived at Nambucca cold, wet and grubby.

We took a cabin at the Aurora Caravan Park on the Pacific Highway and close to a small shopping centre. Spent the afternoon cleaning up and drying off.

Did 62kms today.

Yet another bridge to cross! Kew to Kempsey

And we thought that the hills were behind us! Had to walk a couple today and the information centre in Kempsey tells us that there are more stinkers ahead of us!

It was cooler today and we had the odd light shower so jackets were worn to start today's ride.

New South Wales is endowed with numerous rivers and creeks.
Crossing bridges is always a challenge and we seem to have crossed more than usual today.

Whether long or short,  bridges have a single lane each way and rarely have a cycle lane. We have to pedal like mad as close to the left as possible until we reach the end where there is usually a small shoulder. Meanwhile the traffic roars past in both directions, so we have to keep our cool - and keep a straight line!

Today we crossed the bridge over the Macleay River into Kempsey. It's claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of country singer, Slim Dusty.

We took a motel unit in the city centre. For the first time we were advised not to lock the bikes outside because of the risk of theft, so we wheeled them into our unit. 

Did 68kms today.

The final map! Taree to Kew

Glorious weather! Flat, easy cycling! What more can I say?
We decided that, in lieu of a very overdue rest day, we'd have a short cycle today to allow for a bit of relaxation and planning in the afternoon.

Kew is a sleepy little settlement with a garage, pub, general store, motel and a spacious, well manned information centre. Kew's claim to fame is that a famous aviatrix, Nancy Bird Walton, was born here in 1915.

Del spent the afternoon studying our last remaining area map - Merimbula to Tweed Heads - and working out stopovers.

We have decided to avoid cycling into Brisbane because of the heavy city traffic. Instead we are contemplating finishing our ride in the Gold Coast at Coolangatta for the convenience of finding accommodation, bike shops (for bike boxes), and airport within close proximity of each other.

The end is in sight!

Did 46kms today.

 

How we are tracking:

Eye for an 'i'! Bulahdelah to Taree

A little hillier today on the Pacific Highway with fabulous downhills that we could confidently freewheel and enjoy on the wide, smooth shoulder.

We set off at 7.30am as usual and, taking short breaks every 10kms to break from the saddle, we arrived in Taree at 1.00pm.

Our first port of call at every destination is the local information centre. Manned mainly by volunteers, they are so helpful in locating accommodation, the nearest food store and the best way to rejoin the highway.

Taree is a bustling country town beside the Manning River. It too has been bypassed by the new Pacific Highway, but, unlike Bulahdelah, it is thriving.

Did 71kms today.

Pedalling the Pacific Highway. Raymond Terrace to Bulahdelah

So far we are most impressed with the cycling conditions on the Pacific Highway - wide cycleway with a good surface and mostly flat. There were even several rest areas along the way with toilets and picnic tables - providing a welcome break from the saddle.

We set off at 7.30am and even with stops every 10kms, we were in Bulahdelah by 1.00pm.

The highway quickly took us back into the countryside, the roadside flanked with native bush hiding farmland behind.

Bulahdelah has just over 1000 inhabitants. It's a small village with at least 6 cafes! It has recently been bypassed by the new highway and, sad to say, is slowly dying.

There is little accommodation available here so tonight we have a cabin in a very basic motel.
Did 68kms today.

Pedalling the Pacific Highway

Mountain View Motel Bulahdelah

Coals to Newcastle! Swansea to Raymond Terrace via Newcastle

A good day's cycling on the Pacific Highway. Very heavy traffic but an adequate cycle lane most of the way.

At Newcastle, decided to visit the information centre to verify today's route. Big mistake! Followed signs which eventually petered out resulting in 5kms of riding in circles through the city. Eventually used our instincts and found our way to Raymond Terrace.

Newcastle is an industrial city and port, famous for its coal. Long coal trains rumble through the city regularly.

South of Sydney we would often see nothing but trees all day. Since Gosford we have been cycling through cities and suburbs.

The temperature was 25 degrees C today. Never sweated so much in my life!
Did 55kms today.

North of Sydney at last! Gosford to Swansea

We took the scenic Central Coast Highway out of Gosford and, after a couple of very steep hills, had a dream run through The Entrance and Budgewoi to Doyalson, where we joined the Pacific Highway.
Although busy, the Pacific Highway has a good cycle lane, which allows for enjoyable, carefree cycling in spite of the heavy traffic.

We arrived in Swansea around 1.30pm and, for a change, had time to shop for food and explore the town.
Swansea is a small town on the edge of Lake Macquarie and is a popular fishing spot.

We're hoping that the good road conditions continue tomorrow!

Did 65kms today.

Words of wisdom on our motel wall, Swansea