Everyone up early for our last ride for this stage. Annie left first as she had someone meeting her in Cairns before lunch. Alf headed off so he could get in and have a shower before lunch.
The rest of the riders stuck pretty much together. We stopped at Fishery Falls (50 km mark) for morning tea on the side of the road in front of the closed hotel. Pretty hot day and difficult to find any shade.
Collis asked all the riders to gather outside the Coconut Palm Caravan Park so they could all ride into Cairns as a group and in single file. Georg turned off in the wrong direction and had to be chased down and brought back and Robbo came in a little distressed with his sore shoulder but got a quick massage from Fliss and with Peter assisting. Then they were off and being led in by Jerry. Probably not the best choice with directions but with a bit of horn bipping to redirect them we managed to find the finish line at the Marina.
Lunch was supplied by Cycle Across Oz at The Boardwalk Cafe in Cairns and was enjoyed by everyone. Theo's wife Caroline met us there so we had a small reception party. Once everyones bags were dropped off at the hotels etc, Collis and I could eventually relax for a few days before it all starts again with 6 new riders joining the group. We have decided we won't be able to provide this service at Darwin or Perth due to the logistics of the size of the cities so in these cities the riders will have to organise their own transport of luggage.
At the end of this leg we are losing Danny (a surprise withdrawal), Lew, Fliss and Jerry. It is a sad time as this has been a really good group who were just so easy to look after and who appeared to enjoy themselves, each other and the scenery.
We have raised $440.00 via the collection tin on this leg. We hope to double that this new leg.
From this blog we will now be broadcasting on www.cairns2darwin2013.blogspot.com.au
Well done to all of you.Great to complete such a challenge. Ye seem to have had a bit of everything along the way. i enjoyed following your progress and appreciate the time and effort in maintaining a daily blog after a long busy day.
ReplyDeleteEmotions on the last day....really an occasion of mixed feelings, isn't it - elation at realising a dream but the impending break-up of the group is a bit of a downer. Know the feeling.
Enjoy the short break. Ye deserve it and best of luck on the next stage.
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