Day 34 Wed. 16th July Townsville (Rest Day)
Early start today, 7:00am appointment with ABC Radio Townsville with Michael Clark.
8:00am back to the Bulletin and Channel 7 to get some of the media footage and photos. Hoping to catch up with CCC Townsville today. Must admit it feels funny not to be on my bike, feeling a bit fidgity wanting to get on the road again!
I'll be heading to Mackay tomorrow to stay with "Mutley" and his wife, thanks for the accommodation mate - looking forward to meeting you!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 33 Tues. 15th July Townsville (Rest day)
Day 33 Tues. 15th July Townsville (Rest day)
Busy day today, Channel 7 wanted to do a story on my quest. It never ceases to amaze me how much filming takes place for such a minimal outcome (ie the team were here for an hour and half to make less than 2 minutes of story). I must say great filming and great interviewing, the final news story made a statement but missed the point by not including any mention of of the inspire foundation or reach out program. However at least we got a TV station to cover the story, TV has been conspicuous by its absence from the ranks of the media prepared to touch this story up to now. I have had strong support and coverage from regional news papers and radio stations but the big Channels haven't wanted to know, with the exception of Channel 10 who filmed me leaving CCC Sydney on June 14 - thank you Channel 10 Sydney and thankyou Channel 7 Townsville.
Busy day today, Channel 7 wanted to do a story on my quest. It never ceases to amaze me how much filming takes place for such a minimal outcome (ie the team were here for an hour and half to make less than 2 minutes of story). I must say great filming and great interviewing, the final news story made a statement but missed the point by not including any mention of of the inspire foundation or reach out program. However at least we got a TV station to cover the story, TV has been conspicuous by its absence from the ranks of the media prepared to touch this story up to now. I have had strong support and coverage from regional news papers and radio stations but the big Channels haven't wanted to know, with the exception of Channel 10 who filmed me leaving CCC Sydney on June 14 - thank you Channel 10 Sydney and thankyou Channel 7 Townsville.
Day 32 Mon. 14th July Hughenden and Townsville
Day 32 Mon. 14th July Hughenden and Townsville
This section of road improved dramatically soon after Hughenden. Soon after Hughenden I crossed the Great Divide and was pleasantly greeted by fog, clouds and rain, after 14days of fine weather it was great to see that there were other weather conditions.
My daughter wanted to contribute to my ride and booked me into a great hotel, Seagulls Resort, thank you Lisa, nice to have a comfy bed and some where to do my washing!
Soon after arriving, 4BC radio Brisbane called for an interview. Later the Townsville Bulletin came around for a Photo Shoot and later an interview for a story for Tuesdays paper.
This section of road improved dramatically soon after Hughenden. Soon after Hughenden I crossed the Great Divide and was pleasantly greeted by fog, clouds and rain, after 14days of fine weather it was great to see that there were other weather conditions.
My daughter wanted to contribute to my ride and booked me into a great hotel, Seagulls Resort, thank you Lisa, nice to have a comfy bed and some where to do my washing!
Soon after arriving, 4BC radio Brisbane called for an interview. Later the Townsville Bulletin came around for a Photo Shoot and later an interview for a story for Tuesdays paper.
Day 31 Sun 13th July Mt Isa to Richamond Via Cloncurry
Day 31 Sun. 13th July Mt. Isa to Richmond via Cloncurry
The plan today, Sunday was to ride to Richmond, however, there was minimal traffic and a clear warm day so I decided to head the extra 100km to Hughenden.
After to riding over 10,000km around Australia, the actual road conditions were by far the worst I had experienced especially the Cloncurry to Hughenden stretch. While there is some work being done, the temporary road is often better than some of the new sections of road, the undulations in the surface are horrific and rather jarring and given to the volume of Road Trains and tourists I have to wonder whether the poor road construction and poor condition generally of roads contribute to traffic accidents in Qld.
To give you soe idea of how bumpy it was I had to stop several times to rearrange my luggage because it kept shaking loose, so far this is the only time I've had to do this.
The plan today, Sunday was to ride to Richmond, however, there was minimal traffic and a clear warm day so I decided to head the extra 100km to Hughenden.
After to riding over 10,000km around Australia, the actual road conditions were by far the worst I had experienced especially the Cloncurry to Hughenden stretch. While there is some work being done, the temporary road is often better than some of the new sections of road, the undulations in the surface are horrific and rather jarring and given to the volume of Road Trains and tourists I have to wonder whether the poor road construction and poor condition generally of roads contribute to traffic accidents in Qld.
To give you soe idea of how bumpy it was I had to stop several times to rearrange my luggage because it kept shaking loose, so far this is the only time I've had to do this.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day 27 10th July Kahterine to Mt Isa via Elliot and Barkly roadhousess 800Km
Day 27-29 10th -12th July Katherine to Mt. Isa via Elliot & Barkly Roadhouses total distance 800km
This Blog will possibly not be updated during this time as you will find that I’m in transit from one place or the other of these destinations with no mobile contact/reception, however if you were after further info call my wife Cathy on 0400 411 508 she will be more than happy to chat with you. Hopefully I''l be online again in Mt Isa on the 12th of July!
This Blog will possibly not be updated during this time as you will find that I’m in transit from one place or the other of these destinations with no mobile contact/reception, however if you were after further info call my wife Cathy on 0400 411 508 she will be more than happy to chat with you. Hopefully I''l be online again in Mt Isa on the 12th of July!
Day 23-26 6th - 9th July Broome to Katherine
Day 23 to 26 or 6th to 9th July Broome to Katherine
This part of the journey is very interesting to say the least; first stop was Fitzroy Crossing, followed by Warnum (Turkey Creek) via Halls Creek, then Timber Creek via Kunanarra, then onto Katherine via Victoria River.
Most of this country is considered the Kimberlys with the terrain being considerably varied from flat flood plains to magestic and colourful mountains and escarpments, from dry river beds to substantial flowing rivers.
This is a very colourful area in more ways than one and for those weary travelers who would like to have a beer after a hot day behind the wheel, be mindful that alcohol restrictions are in force in parts of this area.
The two areas that appealed to me were Victoria Creek and Turkey Creek.
If you are with Optus forget any phone connection until you get to Katherine.
Katherine has become a really nice town, I was last here about 15 years ago and it is now really well presented with great facilities catering for the large number of Babyboomers visiting the top end on their retirement trip around Australia.
This part of the journey is very interesting to say the least; first stop was Fitzroy Crossing, followed by Warnum (Turkey Creek) via Halls Creek, then Timber Creek via Kunanarra, then onto Katherine via Victoria River.
Most of this country is considered the Kimberlys with the terrain being considerably varied from flat flood plains to magestic and colourful mountains and escarpments, from dry river beds to substantial flowing rivers.
This is a very colourful area in more ways than one and for those weary travelers who would like to have a beer after a hot day behind the wheel, be mindful that alcohol restrictions are in force in parts of this area.
The two areas that appealed to me were Victoria Creek and Turkey Creek.
If you are with Optus forget any phone connection until you get to Katherine.
Katherine has become a really nice town, I was last here about 15 years ago and it is now really well presented with great facilities catering for the large number of Babyboomers visiting the top end on their retirement trip around Australia.
Day 22 5th July Broome Another Day off!
Day 22 5th July Broome Day Off
I had organised to have my rear tyre replaced here while I was in Port Hedland, tyres for Beemas generally need to be ordered 2-3 days in advance, fortunately they had one here.
I had an Interview with the Broome Advertiser.
I visited Cable Beach in the afternoon which was quite beautiful. Cable Beach for those in the East is a little like a smaller version of Cairns.
I had organised to have my rear tyre replaced here while I was in Port Hedland, tyres for Beemas generally need to be ordered 2-3 days in advance, fortunately they had one here.
I had an Interview with the Broome Advertiser.
I visited Cable Beach in the afternoon which was quite beautiful. Cable Beach for those in the East is a little like a smaller version of Cairns.
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