Almost There...

It was a little strange this morning to be leaving for another stage of the Red Shield Ride from home.  It was also a little hard getting out of bed this morning to head anywhere.

With the minibus considerably less cluttered than it has been for the past four days, and with only Stuart and I, with our support drive Dennis, it all felt different today.

Rugging up against the cold and potential rain.

Having rained last night, the roads were wet this morning for the first time since we started in Burnie on Saturday and it looked like it could rain some more for most of the day.  So Stuart and I rugged up when we got to Carlton.  The wonderful folks there gathered to meet us warmly and send us off with a cup of tea - needless to say I was delighted.

Wonderful crowd at Carlton this morning.

Riding familiar roads in today's weather was a blessing - depending on what the weather was going to do we now had a couple of options for alternate routes should be need them.  Neither Stuart or I thought much of descending Grass Tree Hill into the Derwent Valley in the rain.  We set off on time and soon started to warm up nicely.  We didn't get much of a view like we've been getting on previous mornings, but we did ride through some great places. 

Familiar Roads

Richmond

Almost at the end of the stage.

There were lots of laughs today on the road for Stuart and I - I wonder how much of it was relief that we are now so close to the end of this cycling adventure?  The truth is, we just really enjoyed being out on the bikes again today.  The pace was easy; much easier than the day before.  I think also that Stuart and I have become quite used to riding together now that we know each others rhythms and expectations.  It's easy riding with Stuart.

Grinning on the descend of Grass Tree Hill in Hobart

Riding along the roads around Hobart and the surrounding area gave us the opportunity to stop for lunch at Stuarts Dad and Mum's house!  Thanks Tony and Elizabeth for the wonderful soup!  After lunch we set our fastest pace of the day on the road from Austins Ferry to New Norfolk.  To be honest, having ridden this road a few times now, I can't say I've ever really enjoyed it, but today it rolled on by quickly and happily.

After just over 3.5hours (I said the pace was easy) we arrived at the Salvos to be welcomed be Lt's Di and Tim Size.  The hall was warm, the tea was strong, the fruit and nibbles were tasty; even the couch was comfy - ask Stuart.

Stuart's a little worn out

With Lt. Tim Size at The Salvation Army New Norfolk.

This week has been long though.  The days have been full on, and not just with cycling.  I have found myself this evening starting to get a little grumpy - a sure fire sign of me being tired!  But I wouldn't change the last five days for anything.  Stuart and I have ridden over 440kms.  Tomorrow it will all be over!  Only 20km still to go - I'm really looking forward to it, not the finishing, but being out on the bike again!

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