Day 2: Into the Hills

We started today with breakfast in the open air.  It certainly was a cool one - which means two cups of tea with toast and cereal for me!  Stuart happily got his camp stove out and made himself porridge - he had a 'happy little camper' look on his face.

After sitting down to dinner last night and discussing the possibility of an earlier start today, we ended up sticking to plan which I'm sure was for the best as the sun only started to come out as we began and I'm sure that's the reason we didn't encounter any fog today.

We must say a big thank you to Samantha and the rest of the folks from Camp Banksia in Port Sorell for their provision of our accommodation last night; clean, warm and compfy - what more could we ask?

Thank You Camp Banksia for hosting us!

Our quartet was reduced to a trio today - Phill's back tomorrow!  It was clear after only a few km's that day going to include a lot more up and down.  We stuck to the plan though and pulled up every hour for a stretch and to take on a bit of food.  I was conscious of the climb coming at the 25km mark - but I was happily reminded that what appears on an elevation table doesn't always collorate to what you end up pedalling up! 

Each of us hit the hill at our own pace and each of us made it up without too much bother - of course Aaron was lying in the sun on the side of the road when Stuart and I joined him with Dennis in the bus; he looked pretty settled.

There are a few hills ahead.

Some of today's climbs felt a little like this.

Drafting.

Despite the hills, I'm really happy with the pace we set.  We reached Exeter at lunch time and sat in the glorious sunshine eating an assortment of dim sims, chicken wings, corn jacks and chips - oh and don't forget the gingerbeer.

With 25km-ish to go from there, we set our best pace coming down the West Tamar Hwy, hovering somewhere between 30-40km/h.  But the highlight of the ride for me was hitting 75km/h+ coming down the hill into Glengarry.

Rosevears Drive along the west bank of the Tamar River

We all reach Launceston fit and well.  We're all clean and relaxing now before heading to Phill and Catherine Abram's for dinner. YUM. 

Tonights Dessert!  Thanks Phill and Catherine

Two days in and all is well!