Martin Parker Broome to Newcastle Bike Ride 2009

Day 17 Avon Downs to Camooweal 71 ks Cum 2710

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A short day means a sleep in. You can enjoy the dawn glow and the sunrise from your swag rather than a bike. The colours are glorious. But you have to get up eventually. We bring a buz to the roadside rest area as we get fed and ready to ride. Off onto the plains for our last day in Norther Territory, wow. After 50 ks we cross the border, take some photos and have a few laughs. We are in Queensland.

Its Micks birthday today, 62 and we sing for him more than once. He also leads us into Camooweal and takes us to the pub in time for a swim, some lunch and a rest. Tonight might be a special night for Mick in Camooweal.

Todays 71 took 2.42 hours averaged at 25.8. max 32. It was flat to up.

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Maurie Doughan is the only male support crew and leads Mauries Angels. Hes been with us on two big tours before so he knows his stuff. Always having a shot at each stop but comes into his own when we are in the pub. A great bloke and always ready to help a tired rider. He used to ride himself so he knows whats going on.

Day 16 Barkly Homestead to Avon Downs 192 ks, Cum 2639

Its dark again as we rise. Cereal, scrambled eggs on toast, tea then ride. The landscape is the same as yesterday, some stunted wattles in golden bloom, a few malleys, knee high grass and scrub all on a red carpet. It never changes. Ride, ride, ride across Northern Territory. The crew are a bit flat from yesterdays pace, struggling with dead legs but still having a go. For 130 ks nothing changes, its flat to up. Then we break into cattle country and the trees disappear. Its a big sky out here, spin around and you see 360 degrees of blue, it works on your mind, its like riding on top of the world.

But a tired mob struggle into Avon Downs, just a roadside rest area. Roll out the swags, dehydrate then sit around cheap shoting eachother having a beer. The Chinaman entertains us putting up his stretcher, others put up his tent.

Dinner is special, chicken and vegies in the outback. To thank to Angels we do the dishes and treat them to a foot massage while they drink a wine and watch the sun go down. Again we are in bed early.

Today was 192 ks, Max 38 Average 26.6, Ride Time 7.14 Road Time 9.00

Day 15 Three Ways to Barkly Homestead 190 ks Cumm 2447

You might have noticed the itinary has changed. The crew checked things out on the way over and changed a few things to get a better result. But the total trip is much the same.

Today we go again at 6.45. We ride 2oo meters and turn left onto the Barkly Highway just our third major turn in 15 days. Its just one long straight road, waves rather than hill or lumps. But no headwind so no dramas. The numbers tell the story, 190 ks averaging 28.6, ride time 6.35 hours, road time 8.15. Noit bad on a big day.

The team was pretty happy out there today even daring a few sprint finishes to morning tea, lunch and our last water point. The temperature is still in the 30's so the session in the middle of the day is tough. We rode through Waramungu Aboriginal Lands today, tough but beautiful country. Then past Rockhampton Downs a property they are restocking with 60,000 head of cattle. Consequently we see lots of roadtrains, three trailers each. But they radio ahead so give us plenty of room. There is also an army movement on from Darwin to Rockhampton and the huge convoy also knows we are out here and make room as well. Then its just the grey nomads and they all bip their horns in support. We are just another curiosity out here.

So another day closer to home, living in a comfortable roadhouse, dinner in the bar, nice. The Dog and Jack are in late tonight, 9.30 to bed. Beer, red, port and gin brings the Dog undone.

Garry Brown, the Dog was also a late inclusion for this trip. He has done a bit of ridding, including Perth to Newcastle so he knows what he is in for. He struggled a bit on the first four tough days but is now fit to tour. He rides his Giant like he is still on a mountain bike but Moyley and Rossco will belt that out of him. He is a good man to have around. He is vulnerable to late night rampages with Jack

Day 14 Renner Springs to Three Ways 137 ks Cumulative 2257

The desert, or the outback holds rare beauty in the pre dawn morning. As we ride out , 13 in the bunch the cool morning is aglow with subtle color. The sky is a mix of purple blue pink and greey as the sun rises. The grasses are a mix of light brown, fawn, straw with a green backdrop of scrub. The wildflowers are out. All this on a carpet of red dirt, its serene. For a while we enjoy our journey south between the Barkly Tablelands and the Tanami Desert, through Elliot, Banka Banka Phillip Creek. Then the middle part of the day turns ugly as we strike slow roads, long drags up and the strain of 7 consecutive days wears on a few of the riders. The Chinaman is suffering. Tiredness stalks us for about so k's until we get a bit of a move on and amble into the roadhouse at about 1.45. Most refresh with a swim, a shower, some food and do some washing. The Chinaman drags in an hour later, assisted by Jack and Tony, he has had a hard day on the bike. But he is in, says he's good and all is well.

All up a grind of a day, but its over.

Dave Hearne was a late starter on this trip, only got in three weeks before it started. But hes a seasoned rider, a bloke some of us have toured with before. He is a good bloke to travel with, acts quiet but is always having a go. Sits back in the mob and loads bullets for someone else to fire.

Day 14 Renner Springs to Three Ways 137 ks Cumulative 2257

The desert, or the outback holds rare beauty in the pre dawn morning. As we ride out , 13 in the bunch the cool morning is aglow with subtle color. The sky is a mix of purple blue pink and greey as the sun rises. The grasses are a mix of light brown, fawn, straw with a green backdrop of scrub. The wildflowers are out. All this on a carpet of red dirt, its serene. For a while we enjoy our journey south between the Barkly Tablelands and the Tanami Desert, through Elliot, Banka Banka Phillip Creek. Then the middle part of the day turns ugly as we strike slow roads, long drags up and the strain of 7 consecutive days wears on a few of the riders. The Chinaman is suffering. Tiredness stalks us for about so k's until we get a bit of a move on and amble into the roadhouse at about 1.45. Most refresh with a swim, a shower, some food and do some washing. The Chinaman drags in an hour later, assisted by Jack and Tony, he has had a hard day on the bike. But he is in, says he's good and all is well.

All up a grind of a day, but its over.

Dave Hearne was a late starter on this trip, only got in three weeks before it started. But hes a seasoned rider, a bloke some of us have toured with before. He is a good bloke to travel with, acts quiet but is always having a go. Sits back in the mob and loads bullets for someone else to fire.

Day 13 Dunmarra to Renner Springs 195 Kilometers 2130 Cum

The pre dawn roll out is full of energy, the team is fit and well. We sleep pretty well, in bed at 7.30 and up at 5.30. Its a must if you want to survive. We are up on the pedals straight away, perhaps a little too strong for the up hill grade to the plateau. We are on the edge of the Tanami Desert again today and pretty soon the trees disappear and its real tough country again. But its cattle country and where there is grass its 3 foot high. The sprint to 100 ks is perhaps the best morning we have had, the tempo is good and there are plenty of laughs. Then the cycling gods take control, they add more uphill and plenty of heat. This makes for perhaps the hardest afternoon we have had for a while. But the job has to be done so its just an afternoon of discomfort that takes us to another roadhouse haven, Renner Springs.

Bryan and Mick are so light that they do it tough in the wind and heat, so hats off to two hard men of the road.

Alan Moyle (or Captain Black Dog as he is known on this ride) runs the show. He put the ride together and for that we all thank him. He is such an understanding man, always takes time out to help you. If you are a bit untidy on the bike he goes out of his way to explain things, sort of coach you along. Placid someone described him as today. His tolerance is unique and the patience he displays is something to take a lesson from. He is particularly kind and helpful to Dennise our only lady rider, so willing to listen and give advice. Thank you Alan from all the riders.

Day 12 Mataranka to Dunmarra 220 ks Cummulative 1925 ks

We were all a bit apprehensive about a big day in the heat so again we pedal before dawn. 6.40 on the raod and the tempo is up right from the start. The track is a smooth flat tar surface, a good start. The terrain is flatish with no major climbs, another good sign. There is no wind rto speak of and not much traffic. Things are good and they remain good all day. By the time we pull in at 4.10 we are all smiles and a few rate it the best 200 they have done. So 220 ks average speed today 28.5,  Max 38 Ride time 7.40 Road time 9.40, nice stuff. We beat the heat, had lots of laughs and nobody came down. Dennise had another PB, well done.

Tony had a flat, thats enough to send him to the funny farm. It took three coal miners, 10 minutes to fix it.

Phil, Spear, the Chinaman, call him what you like. He is first picked for a ride tour. Not for his ability but for his steel. He is generally last, draging his arse into stops on his big Raceline.  "How are you Phil" someone will always ask. "Good" he replies every time no matter how done in he is. He can bring any situation back to its basics so hes good to have around when its tough. His only mistake this trip is hanging out with Farnham a bit too much, he  can bring a man undone. Annette his wife is an Angel on tour. She fusses over us at breakfast and doesnt give up till we are all in bed. She is making a dent in the beer supplies but generally doesnt start before morning tea.

Day 11 Katherine to Mataraka 121 ks Cummulative 1715 ks

A late start but a good one, a bit of traffic and a narrow road. So we are single file for 93 ks up hill. Its another slog. Just tap on the pedals, make these kilometers go away. We have a good day to Mataranka, stop at the pub for barra burgers, cool drinks and beers. Then we get the rest of 121 done into camp. Its a refuge, shade, a pub and hot springs. We all enjoy a swim, a relax and a recovery from the heat.

Craig and Denise Sorenson are the youngsters of the tour, real good people. Craig can really motor on his slick Canondale and Dennise on her Merida just keeps getting it done. They are country music freaks so because they own the Winebago we have to put up with their music. Geoff Evans at morning tea is hard to bear, but for them , we put up with it.

Todays stats, 121 ks, Average 25. Hot and hard

Ita State of Origin night and Jack and Brown Dog have been talking uop a party. Jack was unconcious before Greg Inglis and had to be told the score in the morning, the Dog was there at the end

Day 11 Katherine to Mataraka 121 ks Cummulative 1715 ks

A late start but a good one, a bit of traffic and a narrow road. So we are single file for 93 ks up hill. Its another slog. Just tap on the pedals, make these kilometers go away. We have a good day to Mataranka, stop at the pub for barra burgers, cool drinks and beers. Then we get the rest of 121 done into camp. Its a refuge, shade, a pub and hot springs. We all enjoy a swim, a relax and a recovery from the heat.

Craig and Denise Sorenson are the youngsters of the tour, real good people. Craig can really motor on his slick Canondale and Dennise on her Merida just keeps getting it done. They are country music freaks so because they own the Winebago we have to put up with their music. Geoff Evans at morning tea is hard to bear, but for them , we put up with it.

Todays stats, 121 ks, Average 25. Hot and hard

Ita State of Origin night and Jack and Brown Dog have been talking uop a party. Jack was unconcious before Greg Inglis and had to be told the score in the morning, the Dog was there at the end

Day 10 Victoria River to Katherine 192 ks Cum 1594

Leaving pre dawn is good, we get to see the glow of dawn and the beautiful sun rise from the comfortable seat of the bike. Its bumpy country and picturesque. The small climbs are too much temptation for some and the games begin. Everyone is fit and healthy and the run to 100 ks was sweet ridding. Then the sun took over. We were in a fight we couldnt win. You just have to hang in and survive. You know you are going to be bashed and you just cop it. At lunch at 115 Dennise vomits with heat exhaustion, she looks done in. But shes tough, she goes back out withy the rest of us for a heatwave belting. We drag in at 5.00, amazingly happy. To get through we had to trhank the support crew. The fare is always first class but fresh paw paw, oranges, grape fruit, apples today were perfect.

We have had Julie Gillard on tour as an Angel to date but she leaves us for home today. She has been great having a dig and making things happen, We will miss her as will Jack. I think she might have been the ring leader in getting the girls on the dring so we are looking for improved behavior from those still with us.

Jack, on the other hand is still here. On his KHS he is powering along. He had two goals, to complete and to lose weight, I think he will complete.He is also the camp snoring champ and excells with the wind instrument. He is also copping heaps from Moyley.

Toays stats, 192 ks, Max 51 Vareage 25 Ride Time 7.50