Probably My Best Day - So Far....

Where to start....?

Today was a full day of experiences.  At about 6:20am this morning, the heavens opened with thunder and lightning!  We had been expecting it and had spent a good amount of time yesterday evening discuss how it might impact the day's ride.  But at the time it didn't stop me heading back to bed for another hour and a half of sleep!

Our overwhelming conviction this morning was to make good choices in regard to our safety - the weather forecast predicted more rain, increasing winds and the possibility of another storm.  I was however quietly determined that if we could, then we should make a start, even if we didn't reach our end.

Sharing with the folks at Launceston

We shared in fellowship with three Corps today; Launceston welcomed us, blessed us and gave us a good send off.  Kings Meadows welcomed us louds and warmly with a beautiful spread and one of the Junior Soldier, Harry even worked the crowd with the donation tin for us - thanks Mate!  Then finally, we joined with the folks in Scottsdale who had got the BBQ out for us which we were and are so grateful for.  It really was wonderful to meet and share with so many people today!

A Kings Meadows Junior Soldier doing some Red Shield Collecting

The wonderful people at Scottsdale

The ride was a mission in almost every sense of the word!  The first 20km of the ride was a constant uphill grind.  Added to that was the wind and the rain which both were constant with increased gusts thrown in periodically.  I was really please we started and really enjoyed myself riding today despite being wetter than I was on Friday at Gunns Plains.  I had my mind set on riding up 'The Sidling' and even after a reassessment at Nunamara, I really didn't want to stop until I got to the top.

Abels Hill Road - Stuarts Favourite!

Adrian again hit the front and plowed through some terrible gusts of wind.  At one stage we were both pedalling really hard for our 15kmph.  Even after I offered and tried to take a turn doing the pulling, Adrian wouldn't come off the front and lead me all the way to the bottom of the Sidling where we both cycled side by side up the climb grateful for the relative shelter of the trees. 

The Top of 'The Sliding' - first time for both of us!

Going up was one thing, but the idea of coming down the other side was becoming more and more risky.  The debris and water we encountered crossing the road on the climb hinted at more of the same on the longer steeper descent and that was the point at which we decided that was enough.  I'm sure that one of us was likely to fall foul if we went on, so we gave it up at the lookout and hoped in the bus for the last run into Scottsdale.

Today's conditions going up The Sidling

Today was a challenge with the weather, but I had a really good day; an enjoyable ride even with the weather and great company at each of our stops.

Some days are simply this good!

We are still eager for sponsors and so please make sure to click over to the website and be generous!?  There is so much for The Salvation Army to do here in Tasmania and your generosity gives us opportunities to keep on keeping on.