Ride Down Under 2

Day 13 Mt Field National Park to Hobart

2010-06-30T18:29:00.007+08:00

Date: 18/JAN/2010
Route:Mt Field National Park - New Norfolk - Hobart
Distance:80 km
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Weather: Fine with light shower
Accommodation: Central City Backpackers ($23 / Dorm)

みなさん、日本は梅雨で蒸し蒸しみたいですけど、最近どないですか。

The last day of this touring trip. I was not able to sleep well last night, as I was too excited about the fact that I was going to complete my trip. It was long way to come here.

I finally fall asleep around 3am and work up at 5am.

Today's goal was the starting point of this trip, Hobart.As soon as I got up, I had breakfast, packed up, said good bye to Michelle, my neighbor camper.

When I left the park, it was sunny but raining. That strange weather made a beautiful morning sunrise. It was a good start.

Rainfall in the Sunshine - Mt Field NP

The ride today was basically flat with one hill (400m) in the end. I stopped at New Norfolk for morning tea. I don't mention the name but a cafe I stopped by was one of the worst cafes I've ever visited. I ordered bacon and egg breakfast. What I got was 2 pieces of bread, 2 PRE-COOKED poached eggs and some slices of bacon. No tomato, hollandaise sauce or harsh brown on side. When I asked for sauce for eggs they said, "20c for Tomato Sauce". Fine, I will never come back there again.

How much for a bunch? - Flower on sale on the side of the road

After the cafe break, I climbed up today's only hill. From the top of the hill I could see Derwent River far under the hill.

From the top - Near Molesworth

Hobart was very close. Just 15km to go. From the top of the hill I had a long decent to the river level. 10km from there to Hobart, there was a cycle path all way down. Too easy mate.

When I was riding in the cycle path, I hear someone calling me and he said "Are you Yohei?" It was Mike! He was from Perth working in Tasmania. He was having his morning ride toward the hillside and I was riding into the city. He was one of very few Tasmanians I know. It was a total coincidence wasn't it!? It made me think how small the world was. We had a brief chat and decided to ride up to Mt Wellington tomorrow. it is one of the highest mountains in Tassie and it's just 20km out of Hobart.

No Polo Players, No Dogs, No Cats on this path - Intercity Cycleway

Great ,there will be another ride tomorrow!

Getting into Hobart, I checked in Central City Backpackers. It's so different from campsite, many backpackers and very noisy. Now I feel like I am survived back to CIVILIZATION!

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Day 12 Mt Field National Park (Rest Day)

2010-02-22T11:34:00.000+08:00

Date: 17/JAN/2010

Route:Mt Field National Park
Distance:0 km
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Weather: Land of the Giants Campground ($10 / Unpowered)

Today was a rest day, so the day has passed in a very simple way with, sleeping, reading, walking and eating.

I woke up at 7.30am. I saw a blue sky. Thanks to the tiredness from yesterday's lengthy and demanding ride, I had one of the soundest sleep in this journey. Feeling fresh made me walk for a while. I went to the Park's famous Russel Fall. The walk was about 30minuites return from the tent. The fall was nice as usual.

Russel Fall - Mount Field National Park

Back to my tent, I took shower and went to the information centre to get some water and information of the Park.

At the information centre, Mark was having a cup of coffee wondering what to do next today. He had packed all his stuff by then so I said bye to him and I went back to the camp. I had another sleep till 1.30pm.

Then, I wrote yesterday's diary, read lonely planet and a novel, Songlines, one of the books I brought for this trip.

I had coffee later afternoon as I haven't had anything hot since yesterday's lunch. Unfortunately, the coffee was not hot enough but the staff at the cafe was warm enough.

Now, its about 5.30 in the afternoon. I will have dinner shortly and get ready for tomorrow.

It's been a nice rest day.

There are heaps of them in the Park - Tasmanian Podemelon

Today's Route

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Day 11 Lake St Clair to Mt Field National Park

2010-02-11T17:23:00.007+08:00

Date: 16/JAN/2010

Route:Lake St Clair - Derwent Bridge - Tarraleah - Ouse - Westerway - Mt Field National Park
Distance:123 km
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Weather: Land of the Giants Campground ($10 / Unpowered)

Today, I had a lazy morning with a dash of hangover as I had some drinks with the guys who had done the Overland Track to celebrate their compilation of the Track plus the strong wind did not give me a sound sleep. Therefore, I work up around 9.00am.

The deepest lake in Australia - Lake St Clair

Before I start riding, I wandered around the Lake. I did a walk called "Platypus Walk". This easy 20 minutes return walk took me to some of the beautiful viewing spots for the Lake and the point you would get some possibility to see platypus. I went to the spot where platypus might appear and waited, waited and waited. After 15 minuets of patience nothing showed up.

Platypus info 1

Platypus info 2

I left the lake about after 10.00am saying good bye to Dermot, one of who I met at the camp.

Near Darwent Bridge an Austrian cyclist, Max, found me and talked to me. He told me that he was heading to Hamilton toady. Since I was heading the same direction, I said that why didn't we go together. Then he said why not. I got a company toady.

Max was from Vienna, the second most livable cities in the world (Perth is 9th btw,). He was way too fit. He rode very fast and he didn't stop. So consequently toady's ride became a very speedy and long ride.

As Max found out the fact that was no proper accommodation in Hamilton, we decided to go to Mt. Field National Park, which was south west of Hamilton.

The general trend of the day was decent, we had a massive descents today. Because some of them were so long down, I felt like I was being dragged to the hell, but it was great fun going 40-50km/h with no effort. On the other side there were some demanding hills as well.

The area we rode today had a number of dams around so we saw quiet a few number of water pipes, rivers, lakes and something watery.

Massive Water Pipes - Tarraleah

We got to the National Park at 7.00pm. The last 40km was crazy fast as we were afraid of getting to the bed too late and ended up with not finding a place to sleep. When we get to here he went to stay in the backpackers hostel in the national park and I went to the campground. So we said good bye and wish our luck and left each other. It was great to meet you Max.

Nice Weather - Near Ouse

At the campground, I met a South Australian bloke (meet so many people these days somehow.) He was a sommelier, who chooses the best suited wine at a restaurant. Since I was a bit interested in wine, it was interesting to make a chat about wine. Although there was no alcohol involed tonight, the Park's beautiful setting made me feel like drunk.

It was a long day with lenghthy ride but its was a very productive day as well.

Today's Route

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Day 10 Queenstown - Lake St Clair

2010-02-07T11:24:00.000+08:00

Date: 15/JAN/2010

Route:Queenstown - (Franklin - Gordon Wild Reserve National Park, Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park) - Derwent Bridge - Lake St Clair

Distance: 100km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Fine

Accommodation: Fergys Paddock (Free / No Facilities)

Today's ride was the in the most beautiful and wild parts Tasmania of my tour so far. There was a number of rolling water falls, deep rain forests, beautiful rivers, magnificent mountains and massive lakes to visit and see. In addition, the weather today was perfectly fine!

Rolling Falls - Nelson Falls

The ride started from a famous 99 Bend Road. This road starts just out of Queenstown. As the name suggests this road has so many corners and hills and as the plantation was destroyed by the past-mining, I felt like riding on the moon.

Like the moon - 99 Bend Road

After that, Lake Burbury came into my eyes. The lake was breathtaking as mountains and the blue sky was nicely reflecting against water surface. Also, it was really calm day and there was hardly no traffic. I felt like the lake was mine. I met Californian couple cyclists at a campsite beside the lake. (Beautiful campsite). They were riding clockwise from Hobart (Opposit to mine). Their bike were also cool mountain bike based touring bike with thick block tyers on.

Picturesque Lake - Lake Burbury

As soon as the lake was over, the way was gradually getting hilly. The next hill was Victoria Pass. During the climbing, I stopped at Nelson Fall 20 minutes walk to check out this famous water fall. No doubt, It was beautiful.

Then, I kept on riding the hill. It was all uphill but as the weather was perfect and steepness wasn't too bad so the ride went pretty well.

After Victoria Pass, I enjoyed the smooth decent for a while. Frenchmans Cap (1,446m) appeared on my right hand side. It's Tasmania's highest cliff. The shape looked like a french beret. Interesting!

Interesting View - Frenchmans Cap

There was heaps of rivers on the way as well. Today's ride was like a condensation of Tasmanian gems. I am glad to have this ride in the perfect weather condition today as it often gets miserable weather even in the middle of summer.

Gordon River

On the last part of climbing, 3 massive mountains Mt William I (1,324m), London Bluff (1,310m), and Mt William II (1,359m) on the right. That was like three mountain brothers.

Mt William I (1,324m), London Bluff (1,310m), and Mt William II (1,359m)

I got to today's bed, Lake St Clair at 3.00pm. The camp site was on the beach of the lake. So the lake was just in front of me. At the camp site, I met a group of friendly trekking blolkes who had just done the Overland Track (One of the Tassie's famous trekking route which starts from the base of Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St Clair. Duration of the trek is 4-6 days) . They were walking four to five days to get here. That must have been a great trip. I am not into trekking and obviously I can't walk that long with massive amount of luggage, but its the way to be wild.... one day...

Lake St Clair is the deepest lake is not a massive lake but in Australia with the maximum depth of 300m. I am explore the lake a bit tomorrow. I've got enough today.

See you tomorrow - Lake St Clair

Today's Route

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Day 9 Rosbery to Queenstown

2010-02-01T11:24:00.000+08:00

Date: 14/JAN/2010

Route:Rosebery - Zeehan - Queenstown

Distance: 76km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Cloudy then fine

Accommodation: Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park ($10 / Unpowered)

I had a laziest morning today by sleeping in till 8.30am! That's because here in the West gets really cold in the morning. It was too cold to do something, even going to the toilet. I assume it was around 5 c ish. I can't imagine living here in the middle of winter.

Today's ride was relatively shorter in distance and less hillier as I decided not to go to Strahan. (Strahan is located in the very west of Tasmania, probably the most popular tourist town in the western Tasmania with its famous Macquarie Habour) I stopped by Zeehan on the way. Zeehan was once a massive town with the population of 10,000 with the mining industry. Time went by, as the minging industry diclined, the town became smaller and smaller and quieter and quieter. Now, Zeehan has a lot of empty house with handful of people.

Empty Town - Zeehan

I stopped by a lunch bar there. I had the traditional burger (hamburger + bacon + onion + cheese), which was really good. The meat was thick and well cooked and bread was lightly toasted.

Queenstown

I arrived in Queenstown at about 3.30pm. As usualy I pitched the tent, took shower, and wondered around the town. Queenstown is such a messy town with massive bald mountain and polluted (looking) water. Tourists are normally hate this town, but I found this place unusal and because of that I liked it. It is extremely to see a bald mountain in the middle of Tasmanian Rainforest area. Whatching the mountain brings me feel the history of prosperity and dicline of the town.

Queenstown

That's it. Tomorrow, I am heading to the famous 99-Bend Road, many hills, rivers, mountains, and water falls so It will be the biggest highlghts of RDU2!

Chips 'n' Gravy and Souvulaki - Tea

Today's Route

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Day 8 Cradle Mountain NP - Rosebery

2010-01-30T11:24:00.003+08:00

Date: 13/JAN/2010

Route:Cradle Mountain National Park - Tullah - Rosebery

Distance: 93km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Cloudy, drizzle, fine, drizzle again then cloudy and finally sunny

Accommodation: Rosebery Caravan & Tourist Park ($10 / Unpowered)

This morning was freezing! I was waring extra clothes but still very cold. That's the mountain weather. What's more this place's weather is so unstable (see the weather above) . One moment sunny but the next moment is rainy. I couldn't believe it was in the middle of summer there.

I went to the national park area of Cradle Mountain before heading to the west. I did the famous 6km Dove Lake Circuit Walk. This lake walk took me to some of the best spots view the cradle mountain. The weather was initially raining but as went on it got better and I could partly see the mountain under the blue sky. The walk was about 1.5h and it was very easy walk with one moderate hill.

World Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake - Cradle Mountain

An alpine plant - Cradle Mountain

After the walk, I packed up all my stuff and headed the west. I got the highest development road of cradle mountain (930m).

I am on the top! - Cradle Mountain

When I was resting the point I came across other cycle tourists. They were German couple and French man. I was surprised by their bikes their bikes were massive, they were probably mountain bikes based touring bike and all the touring equipments were loaded and there luggage was also massive. The couple had been travelling in Australia for 2 years and the man was 5 years! I see that's why. I want to ride like that one day with no time restriction how fun it would be.

The German and French Cycle Tourists - Cradle Mountain

After the highest point, I was going down, down, down, down, down, down, down , and up!!! Then today's bed, Rosebery.

Down, Down, Down! - Road C132

This town is a small mining town so this town is not touristy at all. However, I liked this town, because of its surroundings. (Remark* I tend to like places which is not too touristy.) Although this small town don't have much to offer to tourists it is completely surrounded by mountains so the view from was great and air is fresh and clear.

Well tomorrow I am heading to Queenstown via Zeehan. I assume it will be a great history learning day ride.

It is getting dark. Have a good night.

Today's route

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Day 7 Deloraine to Cradle Mountain NP

2010-01-29T11:30:00.001+08:00

Date: 12/JAN/2010

Route:Deloraine - Sheffield - Cradle Mountain National Park

Distance: 96km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Cloudy then rainy and windy

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Tourist Park ($32 / Unpowered)

Today was the day of climbing.

I woke up at 5.15am and so Mikko did as I suggested him to wake up to early so that he could ride longer. We had long breakfast till around 6.00am because I ate a lot and we talked as well. I packed up all my stuff at 7.00am and so he did. Today, I was heading west and he was heading east. That was time for farewell. I wished him luck and started today's ride.

The first part of today's ride was between Derolaine to Sheffield. It started with flat, relatively down hill ish road. So I was feeling great. And as far as I saw on the map there was no major hill till Sheffield. However, just before 7 or 8 km Sheffield the situation changed dramatically. (Between two towns are about 30km) It suddenly became continuous and very steep uphills. As I didn't expect the hills, I felt like I am fish caught by a fisherman while I am swimming nicely. It was totally unexpected when this happen my body can't react to the fact because my body was not ready as well. Normally this things doesn't happen often but.... Tasmania, what a sharp state you are.

Anyway, I finally, managed the row of the hills and got to a flat area, it was definitely the top as I couldn't find any higher area from there. It was very beautiful road. It was narrow and probably road for farmers vehicles or something but, I could feel it was like riding in the French Alps (although I've never been there). On the right hand side was like a cliff and on the left hand side was farm filled with full of golden pampas grasses (or some sort).

It was like that - a few km before Sheffield

I got to Sheffield at about 9.30am. I had second breakfast and got into the visitor centre. I bought the 8 weeks National Park Entry Pass ($30). I was entering the national park area today and if you got to more than 2 national parks its cheaper to get this pass. I was planning to go to several parks in this trip so I bought this pass.

Sheffield was a very unique town to me. As the town itself was an art gallery. Actually the town called itself as "outdoor art galley" There were few good looking cafes as well.

Outdoor Art Gallery - Sheffield Town Centre

As I was expecting a big and long climbing I did not have much time to waste in Sheffield. After leaving Sheffield, massive and ragged rocky Mt. Rowland was standing in front of me for a while while I was riding the base of the Mountain. Once I was over the Mt Rowland there was a huge decent waiting for me. Normally I get excited with decent but as this decent seemed to go forever, and I was supposed to climbing a mountain. Consequently, I realised that that decent was the last treat of today.

Ragged Mt Rowland with a horse - Mt Rowland

Immediately after this long down hills, there was a long and crazily hilly road was there, and that was i would say the starting point of today's ride.

Steep hills - Between Sheffield and Cradle Mountain

As it was so hilly I had to shift the gear to low and of course had to keep pedaling. When it was hilly I was just going 6km/h. and I was sweating a lot. On the top of the hill, there was a cafe. (Nice!) I had a can of Solo and Toasted Sandwich for $13 all together. It was expensive but was bloody good!

There was about 25-30km left to today's goal point. I though it would be easy as I had done the hardest parts already. Not at all. I think today was the day of hard riding. It started raining and strong wind was blowing against me. So I was wet and very slow for the rest of the ride.

Cold and wet - Near Cradle Mountain NP

I got to today's goal, Cradle Mountain National Park at around 4.00pm. The weather is still not very nice so I will do the walk in the National Park tomorrow morning before I head to Rosebery.

It is fun to see people's reaction here about me, a man riding in the middle of nowhere like here. They look at me as either a crazy person or well done! Maybe 70% react like the first one and rest of 30% react like the second one.

That's it. It was a long day for me today. Good night.

Today's Route

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Day 6 Lilydale to Deloraine

2010-01-28T11:36:00.002+08:00

Date: 11/JAN/2010

Route:Lilydale - Launceston - Perth - Westbury - Deloraine

Distance: 106km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Fine

Accommodation: Deloraine Caravan Park ($10 / Unpowered)

Today's ride can divided into two parts. From Lilydale to Launceston, and Launceston to Deloraine.

The first half's trend was downhill as Lilydale was on the hillside and Lanceston was almost on the sea level. Easy cruising to Launceston. Civilization! Yes, Launceston is the second largest town in Tasmania. Where civilization where good eateries are. I sat in a cafe in a strip in the town centre and ordered its big breakfast. That was spot on! It came with 2 pieces of thick toast, few slices of well cooked bacon, few pieces of sausages, a well sauteed fresh sliced thick tomato and 2 lightly poached eggs. The sauce was hollander. Just right, mate. Having had eaten only cold food for the past day, this breakfast with a cup of latte was real luxurious moment.

Princess Square - Launceston

After breakfast, I wondered around the town briefly. There were some well maintained Victorian style grass gardens with in the city like Princess Square. There was interesting botanical garden as well. I found the town was quite artistic and made it very pretty. I wanted to check out the wine in this region as well, but unfortunately, the time didn't allow me to do it. So after the brief tour of Launceston, I left this town behind. (I will come back next time!)

Well, back to ride. The second half was pretty flat ish rather boring road as I did rode on very busy and not scenic highway by accident.

On the way I did a bit of detour as I found a interesting town in the south of Launceston. The name of the town was Perth. That where I came from. It was small heritage town. I had a chance to talk to a residence of Perth to ask about the connection or relationship between Perth in WA and Perth in TAS. There was none. None at all. It is always interesting to do a detour.

Welcome back to Perth? - Perth

Anyway, from Perth, I was riding toward west. I was riding on the busy highway (HW1) not knowing there was a nice and quiet side road (B54) just next to the highway. Although there was enough space to ride on the road as there was a reasonably wide shoulder on aside, riding next to bullet-speed trucks and road trains was not very present. The terrain was fairly flat so I was just riding and thinking something else in order to make time pass.

I finally realised the existence of the side road when I got to Westbury which was 16km before today's destination.

I stopped at Westbury for the last break for the today's ride. There was a bakery called Andy's Bakery. I had a pie there. It was very good.

During the break. I had a chat with a man who was the principal of a primary school in Tassie. After telling about my trip, we had a short but good conversation about the issue of the private education in Australia. It needs to be changed, it needs a decent quality control to the education and to the system itself. That was our conclusion. (Anyway, it is a bit out of the track from the topic of this blog so I will write about this issue on my blog when I have time.)

Looks like Window's default background - Between Westbury and Deloraine

Back to the saddle, from Westbury to today's goal, Deloraine was flat short ride. I made it to Deloraine at 3.00pm.

Some sort of art? - Entrance of Deloraine

Deloraine is a pretty riverside town with the population of 5,000. Along the main strip there were quiet boutique restaurants and cafes. I really liked this town because this nice cafe feeling with beautiful river, which was swimmable, and the town had a full of bits and pieces of arts everywhere in town. The people seemed very friendly (very used to looking after tourists in a good way) as well.

Beautiful Swimmable River (view from my tent) - Deloraine

I pitched my tent in the caravan park, which was right next to the river. Of course I swam in the river as it was particularly hot day for Tasmaia (probably over 30 c). I met another cycle tourist at this camp site. His name was Mikko from Philippines. He just arrived in Tasmania from Melbourne by ship, Spirit of Tasmania and rode to Deloraine (49km). We had dinner at on the main street's snack bar, then, bought some beer (Boag's Draft, Launceston's Premium Beer) at the bottle shop, walked back to the campsite and had a small party right front of the river with many ducks.

It was a good night. Everything was just right.

Today's Route

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Day 5 Port St Helens to Lilydale

2010-01-27T09:28:00.000+08:00

Date: 10/JAN/2010

Route:St Helens - Derby - Scottsdale - Lilydale

Distance: 145km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Cloudy then fine

Accommodation: Lilydale Falls Reserve (Free / Toilets and Water Falls)

This morning I was up at 5.3oish and had a slow breakfast as there was a TV in the campers' kitchen and it was showing 80's pop music.

As soon as I left St Helens many hills were waiting for me from moderate hills, normal hills, extremely steep hills, short hills to long hills. So today was the day of hills, I would say. Therefore It was a challenging terrain but the scenery was amazing as well.

Feeling like the Jurassic Period - Weldborough Pass Rainforest Walk

Like snow - Near Derby

Fish in the wood - Derby

In Derby I met a group of cycle tourists. They are from Germany, France and Australia. One of the guys were travelling with $175 bike from K-mart so the peddles and seat post was already bent with this rolling hills. That was legend, mate.

That was the major event of today. Otherwise I was riding, riding and riding for whole day from 7.00am to 5.30pm as I wanted to go as further as possible.

The campsite didn't have a shower so I took a natural shower under a fall. I felt like very wild today. Like the Man vs Wild. :)

You have to do this to survive - Lilydale Falls

All good but very tired today. My legs need good rest tonight. Good night.

Tea Time

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Day 4 Bicheno to St Helens

2010-01-26T12:12:00.000+08:00

Date: 09/JAN/2010

Route:Bicheno - St Helens - Binalong Bay - Bay of Fires - St Helens

Distance: 116.90km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Fine then cloudy and windy

Accommodation:BIG4 St Helens Caravan Park ($33 / Unpowered Site)

Started the day with the farewell for James, today's goal was Tassie's most visited natural attraction Bay of Fires where Tasmania's best beaches are. The ride was smooth as I got a reasonable tail wind for the first 30 to 40km. Terrain was basically flat with oceanic and forestry views. There was hardly no traffic!

Ragged Mountain - A3 HWY

I arrived at today's bed, St Helens at 11.30am. This caravan park, BIG3 was extremely expensive ($33/ Camp Site). Well, its a well facilitatd caravan park with new kitchen, clean bathroom and plenty of kids playing ground but I thought they are too profit oriented. It's not my taste, I like more wild places.

St Helens

Anyway, thinking this sort of thing I piched the tent, left all the heavy stuff in the tent, I went to check out the best beaches in Tassie. Bay of Fires was about 12km north east of St Helens. The beachs were massive and beautiful, but I realised one thing. Although there are beautiful beaches and a quiet a few number of tourists here but why no one is swimming in the beach?

I was expecting to swim here so jumped in the beach. I immediately realised why people don't swim there. The water was FREEEEEEEEZING. Couldn't hardly stay in the water for few minutes.

Its a not swimming place, nice viewing beaches.

Beautiful Sandy Beach - Bay of Fires

Like some resort island - Binalong Bay

Then, I went back to St Helens, did shopping, had some snack, and now I am writing this diary.

Another day was over, it seems to be going to be a hard day tomorrow with a lot of climbing so I will do a lot of stretching tonight and go to bed early enough. Good night.

Today's Route

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Day 3 Triabunna to Bicheno

2010-01-25T12:33:00.000+08:00

Date: 08/JAN/2010

Route:Triabunna - Swansea - Bicheno

Distance: 99km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Cloudy

Accommodation: Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park ($10 / Unpowered Site)

I woke up with feeling a need to urinate at 5.30am. Thanks to the feeling, I could have a head start this morning. I left the caravan park at just after 6.00am.

The first half ride for today was supposed to be easy as as there was no hills and very few traffic. But it was not that easy as I got a strong head wind constantly for the first 30km. It was actually pretty hard.

On the way I stopped by a beachfront free campsite, Mayfield Camp Site between Swansea and Triabunna. Although there was no shower facility, it looked like a really nice spot to stay couple of days. (and it's free!)

Apparently, there are a number of free (or very cheap) campsites around Tasmania and they are managed by the state and normally located in a remote area. As cycle tourist its best to have shops near by but these campsites have perfect location to enjoy the nature, so I want to try some during this trip.

After arriving in Swansea, I saw a guy with a bike. It must be a cycle tourist! Yes he was. I was a bit excited as it was my first time to talk other cycle tourist.

We had coffee and had a chat. His name was James from Canada. He was riding from Hobart as he got some time to spare in Australia. What's a nice idea. He was also heading to the north to Bicheno.

As I was heading north but different way, I suggested him a my plan for today, to take a private boat service from the end of Nine Mile Beach to near Coles Bay, which is the closest town to Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania's most famous National Park with its pristine coastline and walking tracks. In this way, we could save 50km easily and able to see and walk the National Park in the same day. He liked the idea and we decided to take a ferry.

But, that day the ferry was not operating due to the wind. (or due to trublesomeness.. who knows) So the plan wouldn't work as bikes cant cross the sea.

oops, travelling is a full of uncertintity.

So we gave up the National Park and headed Bicheno, another sleepy coastal side holiday town.
The first 25km was flat kind of boring road with few traffic with tail winds. After 25km all the suddent the scenery got into beauftiful forest.

Forrest Opens - A3 HWY

Just before Bicheno I stpped at strawberry farm to have its strawberrry sorbet. It was a great treat.

Strawberry Treat - Strawberry Farm Near Bicheno

Finally I got to Bicheno at 1.15pm. It is always best to get to a day's destiation earlier, because I can look around the area. I went to see the town's attractions such as ragged beaches, blow holes, and a swimming beach. Unfortunately, the weather of the day wasn't perfect to enjoy all these places so it was all right for me. But its always fun to explore new places.

Blow Hole - Bicheno

This night, James and I went to a local restaurant for dinner. Great to have a company for dinner and decent dinner. Had a good night and went to bed fairly late 8.30pm.

Today's Route

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Day 2 Port Arthur to Triabunna

2010-01-24T00:30:00.000+08:00

Date: 07/JAN/2010

Route: Port Arthur - Copping - Wielangta Forest Drive - Orford - Triabunna

Distance: 96km

Accident: 0

Puncture: 0

Weather: Fine (Beautiful!)

Accommodation: Tribunna Cabin & Caravan Park ($15 / Unpowered Site)

Good timing - Near Eaglehawk Neck

Another long day ride! I left Port Auther at late time of 7.30am. My alarm clock didn't work this morning plus the wine from the last night made me overslept for an hour.

The first 30 - 40 km to Copping was very smooth not as hard as yesterday even I was going back the same way.

The first stop for today was Copping, a small town end of two peninsulas. I had a extra large chicken burger for breakfast (yum!). When I was eating it, one friendly local cobber* talked to me as he saw my bike in front of the milk bar**.

*a cobber: a man

**a milk bar:a small shop selling milk and other basic provisions

He told me that the road which I was approaching was partly closed as the bridge was down. Down? sounds pretty wild. but he said with grin "you'll be fine, you can carry your bike and cross the river'. and he actually recommended to go ahead on that road as the road was really scenic way and nicely compressed dirt road. So I felt a bit relieved.

If I conclude what happened next, the next 35km was hell hard. As it mentioned on the map it was gravel. It was good at the beginning as the road was nicely compressed but as I get into the forest deeper and deeper the road become more and more bumpy and hilly. It wasn't gravel in the end I guess IT WAS ROCKY. But as the road was partly closed, there were hardly any cars on the way for this 35km and it was really scenic road as well with forest ocean views.

Scenic but Hard - Wielangta Forest Drive

Having ridden the long gravel (rocky) road, the front carrier has got damaged a bit (but easily fixable) but nothing went wrong with the bike because it was a bit of challenge as I didn't set up my bike for gravel roads. Good.

Beautiful Coastlines - Near Orford

From the end of the gravel road there was a small sleepy seaside town of Orford. Form there to today's destination, Tribabunna was easy flat ride of 7km.

Got to a caravan park here and writing this blog. Oh, its 7.30 I have to go to bed soon!

Today's Route

View Larger Map

View Photos of Day 2

Day 1 Hobart to Port Arthur

2010-01-09T15:12:00.007+08:00

Date: 06/JAN/2010
Route: Hobart - Richmond - Port Arthur
Distance: 135km
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Weather: Cloudy + Drizzle then fine
Accommodation: Port Arthur Caravan Park ($17 / Unpowered Site)

The first ride in Tassie. To avoid the surprisingly busy traffic due to the busiest season, I left Hobart fairly early about 6.30am. It seemed didn't work, there ware already a lot of traffic on the road of Hobart and they are not much in number but really fast. So it eventually took me 1 hour to get out of Hobart.

After the busy Hobart and got into a country road near Richmond, there was hardly any cars. That's was what I was after. That was the time when I felt Tasmania for the first time in terms of cycling.

Historic Bridge - Richmond

Got to a historic town of Richmond and checked out its historic bridge, I headed down to Port Arthur via the main road. As Port Arther is located in a peninsula in a peninsula, there were a lot of hills and good distance as well. I made it to Port Arther about 3 PM.

Pushing my heavy body I went to today's main attraction, Port Arthur. Port Arthur was used to be a massive prison for convicts. Because of its unique location (in a peninsula in a peninsula) which was perfect for building a prison, there was no walls around it at all so it didn't looked like a prison for about 50 years without hearing the history by the guide. Very interesting site.

Massive - Port Artur

After Port Arther, back to the camp site, I met two guys in the same camp area. They were travelling on motorbikes and surprisingly they were from Perth! So we talked a bit over a red wine and hit a hay around 9.00pm.

It was a hard day from the first day, but all good!!

Today's Route

View Larger Map

View Photos of Day 1

Ride Down Under 2 - Greeting

2010-01-04T19:23:00.004+08:00

Dear readers

Happy new year and welcome back to the blog. This bolg has been in a long sleep for a year and it's the time to wake up!

This time I am flying to Tasmania to discover the Tasmanian Wilderness of course on the bike. I hope I can spot some Tasmanian Devils alive during the trip.

I am riding form 6th of Jan and I am flying to Hobart tonight. Exciting. Hope the Y2.1K won't hit my flight.

Regards

Yohei

Happy New Year!

The Bike 2010

2010-01-03T12:11:00.007+08:00

The Bike

Bianchi Lupo

The bike is same as the last time. I replaced some parts which were worn to new ones and also added some of the touring items. Followings are the major changes:

1. Front Panias

It is important to balance the bike weight even to make a stable ride. I haven't used the front ones before so It's a bit of excitement how the ride will differ from only back panias. Thanks to Darren and Brad for suggestion and the pania supply.

2. Special thorn resistant inner tube

Inner tubes are tend to be afterthoughts for cyclists but I don't want to get pains in a neck with flat tyre and this time I might go on the gravel roads. Found this creazy thick tube at the Ideal Cycle in Fremantle. This tube's is 3 times as thick as ordinal tubes. That's massive man. See the photo below, that the box of the tube comparason with an ordinal tube box.

So she is ready to go. Upgrading is great thing!

A bit more about the bike. The bike, Lupo, is a cycle-cross bike, which is basically a road bike with more clearance for tyres and the wider geometry of the frame. The bike is not specifically designed for cycle touring but it is a bike which enables me to ride long distance without having a pain in my ass. So that’s all I need for the touring.

Here are the specifications of my bike as follows:

Frame Cr-Mo Steel 700C Cross

Fork Cr-Mo

HandleBar : Alloy

Stem: Alloy

F.Derailleur Shimano: TIAGRA

R.Derailluer Shimano: TIAGRA

Shifter Shimano: TIAGRA STI

Brake: Tektro 992AG

Crank: Shimano TIAGRA 52/42/30

BottomBracket: Shimano BB-UN53 113/68

Saddle: Velo VL-1101

SeatPost: Alloy 26.4

Hub : Shimano TIAGRA

Casette: Shimano 13/25 9s

Rims: DA-16

Tires: DURO THE HYPERSONIC 700x23C

Inner Tube:XLC THORN RESISTANT TUBE

Pedal VP-519A

Color : Navy

Size: 55

About the Ride Down Under 2

2010-01-01T16:17:00.012+08:00

About the Ride Down Under 2

Introduction

Well, it’s been a year since I completed my first bike touring in Australia. Now, it’s time to come back. This time I am heading to overseas. Passport is needed. Yes, the second destination for the RDU is TASMANIA!

Tasmania has been attracting destination for me since I discovered about the fact that Tasmania is one of the most well known destinations to tour by bike in the world with its mountainous country and world heritage listed wilderness.

I hope to successfully and safely complete my ride and enjoy the Tour as I did last year. I hope this blog will be enjoyable one for you to read.

The Objectives

It is essential to have goals to do anything, even for a tiny thing like riding from work to home. So here are the objectives for this time. I will make them all!!

1.To beat the hills of the Tasmania

2.To visit the major tourism attraction which Tasmania offers

3.To discover and enjoy Tessie wines, daily products and natural gourmet.

4.To make the world a bit more bike friendly

And most importantly,

5.To ride safely and have a killer time there.

The plan

View larger Map

Departure Date: 04/JAN/2010(MON): Perth à(Flight)à Melbourne à(Flight)àHobart

[N] Day 1 (05/JAN/2010(TUE)) Hobart àPort Arthur (105km)

[B] Day 2 (06/JAN/2010(WED)) Port Arthur à Ross (169km)

[C] Day 3 (07/JAN/2010(THU)) Ross à Coles Bay (116km)

[D] Day 4 (08/JAN/2010(FRI)) Coles Bay à Binalong Bay (122km)

[E] Day 5 (09/JAN/2010(SAT)) Binalong Bay à Scottsdale (93.3km)

[F] Day 6 (10/JAN/2010(SUN)) Scottsdale à Launceston (67.6km)

[G] Day 7 (10/JAN/2010(MON)) Launceston à Paradise (85km)

[H] Day 8 (11/JAN/2010(TUE)) Paradise à Cradle Mountain Village (59.5km)

[I] Day 9 (12/JAN/2010(WED)) Cradle Mountain Village à Rosebery (75.2km)

[J] Day 10 (13/JAN/2010(THU)) Rosebery à Queenstown (54.8km)

[K] Day 11 (14/JAN/2010(FRI)) Queenstown à Tungatinah (130km)

[L] Day 12(15/JAN/2010(SAT)) Tungatinah à Westerway(71km)

[N]Day 13(16/JAN/2010(SUN)) Westerway à Hobart (65km)

[-] Day 14(17/JAN/2010(MON)) Spare Day 1

[-] Day 15 (18/JAN/2010 (TUE)) Spare Day 2

Return Date: 19/JAN/09(WED) Hobart à(Flight) àAdelaide

Return Date: 20/JAN/09(THU) Adelaide à(Indian Pacific) à23/JAN/2010(SAT) Perth

*Tour route may change subject to my feeling as usual.

Estimated Total Distance: 1,211km (By Google Maps)

The Bike

Bianchi Lupo

The bike is same as the last time. I just replaced some parts which were worn to new ones. So she is ready to go. It’s a cycle-cross bike, which is basically a road bike with more clearance for tyres and the wider geometry of the frame. The bike is not specifically designed for cycle touring but it is a bike which enables me to ride long distance without having a pain in my ass. So that’s all I need for the touring.

View the Full Specification and photos of the Bike

Special thanks

Deepest gratitude toward the following people and organisations for their support, guidance, and advice to make this trip possible.

P.C.P.(Ash, Brad, Tom, Prawi, Nick, Wally, Robby, Bobby, Darren and all other PCP crew)

Hilton Family (All the our Hilton Family)

Ideal Cycles

Greg Stoyles Cycles (KASPER)

Blue Travel (Sayu-san, Taka-san, Yui-chan, Jyunko-Chan, and Yumiko-san and oll other staff at the BLUE)

Information for Aciton (Rowland)

Kyoto Bike Crew (Sanbo, Kondo-kun, Tabacchan(kimi), Sayacafe-san, Hamutaro, Nanbu-san and other all other crew.)

House Mates (Zoe, Lisa and Mat)

Andraj, Jana, Joel, Juraj, Lucia ,Minna, Paul,and all my mates

About Me

2009-12-03T12:41:00.001+08:00

About Me

Hi I am Yohei. I am a travel enthusiast and the writer of this blog. I was born in Japan and now I am a tourism student in Perth, Australlia. On this blog I would like to show you Australia from the prospective of a mad Japanese cycle tourist. I have been obsessed with bike touring since when I was at a university. Since then, most of my trips involved a bike. With the bike, you can see the places way more in detal and you can move in a reasonable speed. It also involve the moderate amount of excercise which keeps you healthy. Saying that, its hard to convince people to actually do it. So hopefully this blog will make you bike touring as one of the next holiday options. Enjoy.

To contact me please email okamotoy@hotmail.co.jp

Ride Down Under Summery

2009-01-09T14:18:00.004+09:00

Ride Down Under Summery

Ah well, this is the last part of the long trip. Summarising the data collected during the trip and read the diary through. These information will be utilized for the next ride. Yes, cycling is science.

Ride Facts

Duration

23Days (From 17-December-2008 to 08-January-09)

Total Cycle Distance

1902.20km

Average speed

21km/h

Visited municipalities

Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah, Dawsville, Myalup Beach, Australind, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Gracetown, Margaret River,Prevelly, Augusta, East Augusta, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Valley of Giants, Parry Beach, Denmark, Mount Barker, Albany, Stirling Range National Park, Bremer Bay, Jerrangup, Ravensthrope, Munglinup, Esperance

Acccicents

Punctures

Course Summery

Perth – Busselton (Flat Busy Ride)

Difficulty: 1 / Fun: 3

Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

Beautiful Coast lines and some forest ride, but a lot of traffic.

Perth

Busselton - Augusta (Fun and Tipsy Ride)

Difficulty: 2 / Fun: 5

Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

There are so many attractions such as caves, beaches, wineries on the way. Cave Rode is thinner road compare to highways but much less traffic and sceneries are beautiful. Need to be careful to ride in the afternoon, as drivers from wineries are getting tipsy.

Yallingup

Nigligi Cave, Margaret River Region Canel Rock, Margaret Rever Region

Wineries, Margaret River Region

Augusta – Walpole (Mountain Hill Ride)

Difficulty: 4 / Fun 5

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

If you like hilly roads this area would be perfect. If you ride in the early morning, you wouldn't see any traffic. And there are so many sealed minor roads which would be ideal for touring. Don’t forget to take a good map.

Great Tingle Tree, The Valley of GiantsWhere the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean meat, Cape Leeuwin, Augusta

Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta

Walpole – Albany Ride (Costal Flat Ride)

Difficulty: 2 / Fun 5

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

This area is also fun part as there are attraction like Tree Top Walk, William Bay, and pretty little towns like Walpole and Denmark every 50km.There is a bit of traffic but wouldn't be problematic.Tree Top Walk, The Valley of Giants

Albany to Esperance (Challenge Ride)

Difficulty: 4 / Fun 1

Suggested Duration: 4-5 days

This part is only for feelings of achievement. Not many major attractions on the way (apart from Bremer Bay and Hopetown). The way is basically flat mostly bush, very few towns (most of them are very small) and shops every 100km. You definitely need need tent and enough food and drink to complete this ride.

Sunrise, Ravensthpope

Great Ocean Drive, Esperance

Over all Course (Perth - Esperance)

Difficulty : 3 (Beginner to Intermediate)

The route from Perth to Esperance via Margaret river region and Albany would be very suitable for beginner to intermediate bike tourists as the ways are mostly flat and traffic wouldn’t be too much concern apart from the part between Perth and Mandura. However, there ARE some steep hills as well particularly near Nunnup, Manjmup and Pemberton. So that you need to be reasonably fit, (but you would be fit enough by the time you get to the hilly area if you start from Perth)

Recommended revel: Very High

Even though I didn’t see many bike tourists through the trip this course particularly from Busselton to Albany is one of the things you must do before you die. There were diverse nature of deserts, bushes, deep forests, mountains, rivers and beautiful beaches. So this changes would made you wonder what's going on next and also the animals. I encountered many animals through the trip, the most memorable one was in the deep forest near Pemberton, I saw 2 kangaroos jumping next to me for a while.

And this part of WA is one of the most popular tourist destinations as well so you would see a lot of unforgettable, interesting and funny people on the way for sure!!

I met so many different types of people during the trip local farmar, worker, tourists, foreing tourists, backpackers, working holidaymakers, students, hippies, and families. From what I experienced, I realised that there were so many people having totally different lifestyles and even they are all diferent they enjoy their lives very much. As I grow up in Japan and haven't seen such a diverse way of living like some people are living in Caravans and moving from one to another in weekly or monthly basis. Can you believe that? Well, there are not many people travelling on bike like me though.

To the end

Well, this is the end of this blog, Ride Down Under at this moment. Thank you for reading my blog patiently since I think my English is partly hardly understandable. I hope you will take your bike in the garage instead of the car or train for your next trip.

If you find this form of travel very interesting and want to know more about bike touring, I would like to help you. If you leave a message on this blog or e-mail me (okamotoy@hotmail.co.jp). I will do what I can.

Then, see you next time. This blog won't be updated for a while but I will still writing something in my personal blog, Yohei's Blog. So If you are kind enough to read my un understandable English, please check out http://yoheio.blogspot.com/ as well.

Have a great year.

09 January 2009

Mad Japanese Bike Tourist

Yohei

"Hey, why dont we travel on bike next time?" "NO WAY!!"

Day 23

2009-01-08T20:21:00.000+09:00

Fast like the wind. The super machine, TransWA

Day 23 (08-Jan-09)
Esperance - (Bus) - Perth
Distance: 5km (bike) / 726km(bus)
Weather: Fine (Cool in Esperance, boiling hot in Perth)
Accident: 0
Puncture: o
Accommodation: My place in Perth

TransWA, you were way too fast. Your 2 hour ride was my one day bike ride. and you took me all way back to Perth in 9 hours from the town of east end, Esperance, which I took more than 20 days to come down from Perth.
I didn't realised that the industrial revolution made our lives so convenient. If you are in the bus, you are either sleeping, chatting, reading, eating or even daydreaming and bang! you are in where you wish to go.

Inside the machine

But the thing is.......

If you are in a bus, you are missing so many lives in the air of countries.The bike ride allow you to feel the fresh mornig breeze (and of course the heat and stupidly strong head winds), enjoy convasations with animals like cows, sheep, kangaroos, and horses (and a lot of flys and bugs) and the sunshine freshens you up with vitamin B (At the same time the Ultra Violet affect your skin.)"G'day mate" conversation with a kangaroo

These were what I was thinking in the bus back to Perth.

Anyway, my first journey in Australia was finished, I'm alive back in Perth! I will write the summery of the whole trip tommorow. Good night!

Day 21 - 22

2009-01-07T21:54:00.000+09:00

Day 21 (06-Jan-09)
Ravensthorpe – Munglinup – Esperance
Distance: 195km
Weather: Drizzle then Fine
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Accommodation: Blue Waters Lodge YHA ($26 / Dorm)

Day 22 (07-Jan-09)
Esperance-Great Ocean Drive – Esperance
Distance: 57.31km
Weather: Fine (Very Windy)
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Accommodation: Blue Waters Lodge YHA ($26 / Dorm)

Day 21
Up at 4.30 as I planned. Today was the last but the longest ride of this bike touring. The day started off with drizzle weather. It’s better than boiling hot but too much drizzle is not good as well, well I’m water proof so no problem anyway. By 9.00 it got better and started getting sunny.
The way wasn’t very exciting as there was only one shop on the way to Esperance otherwise there were, bush, farmland or some mining sites. So actually I don’t remember much while I was riding between 80km to 160km.
I was just counting the distance on my cycle computer. I would say it was definitely a challenging ride. At the point of 175km a family met at the previous town pass me over and cheered me up!
However the last 20km was the hardest part. Wind started against me and my legs tiredness was hitting the peak (means I was very tired). The last 20km was like 200km for me. I couldn’t even keep up with an average of 20km/h. But finally, I found the word “Welcome to Esperance” on the side of the rode. I was so happy to see these words.As I got into the town centre I found a nicely located YHA at the beach front. Checked in and there was group of bus tour tourists when I explained what I had done, they surprised and celebrated me as well. I felt like I was a champion! Anyway my trip was over. I would stay here for 2 nights and I’m heading to Perth!

Day 22
great ocean drive, good!

Day 18 - 20

2009-01-05T14:48:00.000+09:00

Day 18 (3 January 09)
Albany - Bremer Bay
Distance: 189.41km
Weather: Cloudy / Drizzle
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Accommodation: Bremer Bay Caravan Park ($13.50)

Day 19 (4 January 09)
Bremer Bay - Jerramungup
Distance: 105km
Weather: Fine (Hot!)
Accident: 0
Puncture: 0
Accommodation: Jerramungup Caravan Park ($10)

Day 20 (5 January 09)
Jerramungup - Ravensthorpe
Distance: 119km
Weather: Fine
Accident: 0
Puncture: 1
Accommodation: Ravesthorpe Caravan Park ($10)

Day 18
The rest days were over, its time to leave Albany and ride long way to Bremer Bay. I met really nice people here, even we are total strange 3 days ago. We become really good friends, I think this is a really good part of travelling. Anyway, the ride was just long and flat way. The scenery didn't change a lot whole day. But thanks to the cloudy weather, it kept me away from heat and bloody annoying flys. Arrived in Bremer Bay at 16.00. By the time I get there I was totally run out of energy. I set a tent, went shopping, had quick dinner and jump into bed at 20.00.

Day 19
Up at 5.00. Dead slept for 10 hours. Since I couldn't see Bremer Bay yesterday, I did look around the town, well it was even hard to say it was a town as there was only one general store and one gas station in the town. But the beach there was beautiful, the colour of the sand was totally white.
Left the Bremer Bay at 9.00. Today's goal point was Jerramungup, about 100 km up north. The way was not exciting. Got to Jerramungup around 14.00. Checked into a caravan park. There was not much in town but there was 2 pet kangaroo in the Caravan Park.

Day 20
Up at 4.30. I decided to leave as soon as the sun rises. And it was a really good choice. It was really cool in the morning, the sunrise was total beauty, and of course no car on the road. 90 % of scenery I see on the way today was bush. Its totally the same. Continuous bushes made me feel like riding at the same place forever like in a shitty computer game or something. So I was just counting the distance shown on my cycle computer.
Arrived in Ravesthorpe around 12.00. Had lunch at a cafe, checked in a caravan park, realised that the back tire was flat, repaired it, went shopping, and now I'm writing the blog.

No photos for today as I forgot to take cable here.

Day 17

2009-01-02T22:11:00.001+09:00

Tea Time!

Day 17 (2-Jan-09)

Albany –(Car)- Stirling Range National Park – (On foot)-Bluff Knoll –(Car)- Albany

Distance: 180km (Car), 6.4 km (On foot), 0km (Bike)

Weather: Fine (Hot!)

Puncture: 0

Accident: 0

There was no ride today. I extend the stay in Albany to go to the highest point of WA. Even I just trek for 6.4km. I’m totally exhausted (><;) So I just put some photos of the trekking and etc.

Enjoy!

Day 16

2009-01-01T23:32:00.000+09:00

Day 16 (1-January- 2008)
Distance: 68km
Weather: Cloudy – Fine
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Accommodation: Albany YHA ($25)

Happy New Year! Hope you had a great over year party.
Today was a day off. I took a bike trip around the city to Frenchman Bay by and Emu Point with a Japanese girl I met at the YHA. I thought the trip would be about 40km ish but eventually we end up with riding 68km. As she is not used to ride a bike for long distance so it must have been a great start day of year 2008.
The Bridge, Albany
Frenchman Bay, Albany
I need a good sleep for mountain climbing tomorrow. Good night.

Day 13 - 15

2008-12-31T19:47:00.000+09:00

Cows watching me

Day 13 (29-December-2008)

Walpole – Valley of the Giants (Tree Top Walk) – Parry Beach

Distance: 70km

Weather: Fine

Puncture: 0

Accident: 0

Accommodation: Parry Beach Place ($2)

Day 14 (30–December-2008)

Parry Beach – William Bay – Denmark – Mount Barker

Distance: 92km

Weather: Fine (Very Hot in Mount Barker)

Puncture: 0

Accident: 0

Accommodation: Mount Barker Caravan & Cabin Accommodation ($17)

Day 15 (31-December-2008)

Mount Barker - Albany

Distance: 51.3km

Weather: Fine

Puncture: 0

Accident: 0

Accommodation: Parry Beach Place

The ride has been a bit hard these days, as I think I had been riding fairly long without rest for about a week. I was riding the hilly wood Margaret River Region for couple of days with an average distance of over 100 and still didn’t take any rest. But anyway, I decided not to take a rest on the way. But the thing is that even I’m quite tired, once I’m on the bike riding, I feel recovered (for a while though,)!

Anyway, these are what I have done these 3 days.

Day 13

I tried one of the most famous tourism attractions of the area, Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants.

Tree Top Walk

This amazing walk takes you to the top of trees. You can walk on the bridges built between trees. Also, after the walk there is another walk path of giant tingle tree. (Takes 30 minutes / entry $8)

Meet the Proud Supporter of 2 Minutes Nodules on a highway totally by Chance

The Proud Supporter of 2 Minutes Nodules is one of my cycle mates in Perth, who is actually making a bike touring to Augusta soon. He told me before I start the trip that he would be in Parry Beach over Christmas and New Year. So I hoped to see him in down here. It was miracle, I would say. As I approached to the Parry Beach Road, the road to the beach offs the highway. There was a white van at the end of the Parry Beach Road. As I get close to the van, the window open and he was in the car! I think I was in a really good luck. In that night his family treated me with barbie, beer and stayed in the campsite with them. I feel really appreciate for him and his family! Cheers mate, and have a great bike trip to Augusta!

Day 14

Lave Parry beach around 7.00. Today’s destination was Mount Barker, the gateway to the Stirling Range National Park and Porolongup National park, the states highest mountain ranges. I came up with a great idea for the coming new year. Why don’t I go to the highest peak of the states, Bluff Knoll (1,073m), to see the first sunrise of 2009. So I changed the plan of going to Albany to Mount Barker.

William Bay

I stopped by this bay on the way as the Proud Supporter of 2 Minutes Nodules recommended this bay. Sandy Beach surrounded by rocks, this place would be a very safe swimming beach and good fishing spot and the strange scenery of the bay is worth to see.

Arrived in Mount Barker at 12.30. There was not much to do in the town and hot!! Checked in the caravan park, read book, had dinner and went to bed.

Day 15

This morning my legs’ sore was on the peak. So I decided not to go to the highest peak for the new year, but go to Albany to have some rest instead. The way was hard even it wasn’t hilly but a bit windy. It wasn’t a long ride but felt like riding 100km.

Arrived in Albany around 10.30. God luck I got the last second bed in the hostel. Actually the city of Albany was really packed. There were many many cars on the street and many tourists as well. I felt like I was in a big city since I was away from city with the population of 10,000 for a while. (Albany’s Population 32,000). In a meantime I met a German guy and Hong Kong girl and a couple from Scotland and Ukraine. We talked about anything for a while and end up with the conclusion of having a Barbie (BBQ) dinner to celebrate the end of the year. So I’m waiting the Barbie to be ready with a glass of Jim Beans with Coke, yum yum…

This is the last blog in the year of 2008 have a great rest year and have a happy new year, guys.

William Bay
the Proud Supporter of 2 Minutes Nodules and his family
Tree Top Walk, Walpole
Good place to stay a night or two in Walpole, Walpole lodge

Day 12

2008-12-28T19:22:00.000+09:00

Day 12 (28 December 2008)
Pemberton - Northcliffe - Walpole
Distance: 130.87km
Weather: Fine
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Accommodation: Walpole Lodge ($25/Dorm)

It was eventually the longest ride of the trip. I was just riding, riding and riding. I didn't do any sightseeing today. I was just concentrated on completed this mission ride.
Gosh, I'm so glad that I found a proper accommodation and manage to cook proper meal tonight.
That's all from today. Hopefully, I will catch up with the proud supporter of 2 minutes nodules tomorrow.

Chao, good night.

Day 7- 11

2008-12-27T18:04:00.000+09:00

Day 7 (23 December 2008)

Margaret River - Conto Springs - Lake Cave - Giant Cave - Augusta - Cape Leeuwin & Leeuwin Light House - Augusta

Distance:

Weather:

Puncture: 0

Accident: o

Day 8 (24 December 2008)

Augusta - (Cruise) - around Molloy Island - Augusta - (Canoe) - East Augusta - Augusta

Distance:
Weather:
Puncture: 0
Accident: o

Day 9 (25 December 2008)

Augusta

Distance:
Weather:
Puncture: 0
Accident: o

Day 10 (26 December 2008)

Augusta - Nannup

Distance:
Weather:
Puncture: 0
Accident: o

Day 11 (27 December 2008)

Nannup - Manjimup - Pemberton

Distance:
Weather:
Puncture: 0
Accident: o

I couldn't find the access to the Internet for 5 days. This is the good part of being in rural areas. Anyway, Let's start with day 7

Day 7 Margaret River

Couldn't sleep at all even I had been riding on my bike and had some beer as the hostel was too noisy. A guy staying in the same room brought back a girl to our room and had "a good time" for 2 hours from 2-4 am. 2 hours in the midnight, can you believe that? Anyway the rest of the day was cycling toward south. I stopped by place called Conto Springs. There is a really good camp cite there! I tried two caves but didn't get any of them as:

Lake Cave - didn't like the reception, it was one of the worst reception I've ever encountered.

Giant Cave - it was closed when I went there at 9.15 am (It's suppose to be open from 9)

After the ride to Augusta, checked in a hostel, I couldn't help myself lying on a bed for a nap.

Day 7 - 9 Augusta

Well, I would say this small town was really nice town with beautiful green nature, beaches, and stars and one of the cleanest, tidiest, great view, and friendly hostel, and such a friendly bunch people. I met many people from different back ground from the local hippy (well, kind of), German Students, French tourists, worker, local people to bike tourists. Yeah, the first bike tourists I saw in this trip. They are also touring from Perth, but their bike is mountain bikes with suspensions on the front! Gosh I can''t believe how fit they are. Anyway, my Christmas in this small town was yum yum! Did some Aussie barbie with the local hippy (well, sort of) and German students and had some cray fish, sausages and Kangaroo meat! Even though I there was no turkey on the Christmas dish, they are even more yum yum.

Day 10 Nunnup

This small town (population applox 600) in the middle of mountain. Because of the boxing day all shops were closed, luckily find a burger shop open. It seems like not many people are keen on shopping on the Boxing day.

Day 11 Nunnup - Pemberton

It was the most hilly ride of this trip. The distance I did was around 100km which is not that long but, gosh my legs are shaking! But good thing around this area is that there were so many wild animals on the way (not dead one). I saw Parent and kid of Kangaroos jumping alongside the road and I rode bike with kangaroo for around 500m. It was really OZ experience!!

Also, more and more bike riders are in this area. I saw 2 road bike tourists and 2 mountain bike riders in Nunnup, 2 bike tourists between Manjimup and Pemberton, and 2 bike tourists who I met in Augusta. So yeah, I would say Its perfect place to bike if you like hills.

That briefly all about my days. It's shame that I can't put photo as the computer here is crappy, but anyway I will head to Walpole tomorrow if my legs are recovered by tomorrow morning.

Day 4 - 6

2008-12-22T19:18:00.000+09:00

Got a Box of Wine!

Day 4
Busselton -(Car)- Eagle Bay-(Car)- Mountain Bike Ride -(Car)-Cape Naturaliste -(Car)-Sugar Loaf Rocks -(Car)- Dunsbrough -(Car)-Busselton -(Car)-Margaret River -(Car)-Mountain Bike Ride -(Car)-House Warming Party in Margaret River - Busselton

Distance: 35 km ish (Mountain Ride Biking)
Weather: Stormy Rain - Cloudy after
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Day 5
Busselton - Dunsborough - Nigligi Cave - Yallingup
Distance: 49km
Weather Mostly Cloudy otherwise Sunny
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Day 6
Yallingup - Canel Rocks - Gracetown - Cowaramup (Regional Wine Centre) - Margaret River - Ellensblook Homestead - Prevelly -Margaret River
Distance: 110km
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0

Well, there are a lot to tell.
出発して6日がたちました。やっと日本語の使えるパソコン発見。西オーストラリアの南部はみんなゆっくりした生活送ってます。予想以上にチャリ旅行者の少なさにびっくり！でも道は最高なんだけど…。
ではがんばって英語呼んでください。二回同じこと書くのは面倒くさい！
Day 4
Catch up with Gian who is Ash's mate who lives in Busselton. Instead of going furture down south on my bike he took me the tour of the area and mountain bike track and his friend's house warming party.

There are ABSOLUTELY awesome bike mountain tracks in this region, on the tracks you would encounter the scenery of bushes, forests, rocks, sands, and of course beaches. I really impressed with the ride in Margaret River. As we went into the forest of Margret River, we have seen forest all burn out buy the on-purpose bush fire. So the about the half trees are in black and white. Have you seen a forest with the colour of only black and white? We are so lucky! We call it as the Tipsy Hell Ride. (Of course, we had some wine before the ride)

After the ride we went to a house warming party of Jian's Friend, there are quiet a few local people there some were uni-students and some were working. They are all nice people and even though it was the first contact with them, they are really friendly and nice people, thanks mates I had awesome night! (But sorry for coming into your new house in Bear foots and get asleep in the middle of the party!)
Day 5

Well, wake up with a bit of hangover. Left Gian's place around noon.
Thanks Gian. You are sensational and awesome!! I really had good time with you there in Busselton see you later after the trip, I will visit you for sure!

As I had a bit hangover I just had a easy ride to Yallingup via Nigligi Cave. The cave was nice.

Set a camp in a caravanpark in Yallingup had some beer with other campers from Busselton and went to bed. Thanks for the beer!
Day 6
Oh I'm running out of time, so just briefly.
Canal Rock : Must Visit
Resignal Wine Centre : Good Deal on the local wines (I actually bought a box of wine (12 bottles )there, I will hold a wine party some day in Perth.)
Ellensblook Homestead: Closed, but nice walk around
Margaret River: Small, but many people. A lot to do. At the backpacker I'm staying, there are a lot of Swedish people somehow,,,

Well, something like that! All good. Good night, mates!

Photos are down there　写真はこちら↓

Day 3

2008-12-19T15:38:00.000+09:00

Day 3 19/12/08
Bunbury - Busselton
Distance - 76.83km
Weather: Fine
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Accommodation: Jian's place

The night was good fun as I stayed at a YHA instead of Camp site. But the bed was too soft. I like a bed like a wood.

I saw quite a few Korean working holiday makers at this place. (Actually, 6 people in my room 4 Korean, 1 German, and me) They work at a chicken farm from 6am - 6pm nearly every day. I thought that working holiday is not easy holiday.

This morning I woke up at 5.30. They are already gone to work, god they are real hard workers.
Anyway, I had some garlic bread and fruit from last night for breakfast and left the hostel around 7.00.

Today was not a too hard day as the way to Busselton is just 50 km ish. Also, there was a tourist drive on the way, so wasn't bothered with the traffic so much this morning.

Arrive in Busselton about 11.00am. This was actually second time to visit here but, the beach in this town is AWESOME!! I really want to show you the photos of the beach but due to the computer I can't really show you right now. ) It is really like painting or something.

As I had plenty of time to wonder around the town I went town's major places of interest,Old Butter Factory, Courthouse Art Centre, and did some ride alongside the Geographe Bay. (Actually the most popular place of this town is the Busselton Jetty, the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere of the globe, but I've been there already so I didn't go there this time.)

1. Old Butter Factory
This sounds fun isn't it. I went there and there was a paper on the entrance door.

DUE TO RESTORATION WORK TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE MUSEUM, THIS MUSEUM WILL BE SHUT FROM TUESDAY 16 DEC, 2008 until SATURDAY, 27 DECEMBER, 2008

Okay, they are working of restoration during the Christmas as well.
let's move on.

2. Courthouse Art Centre
This art gallery was unexpectedly good, with arts drawn or created by the local artists (Consequently, most arts are related to its beach.) and the building of the art gallery was used to be a real court house so there were cells for bad people and a court room as well.

3. Ride alongside the Geographe Beach
As I mentioned the beach of Busselton is AWESOME. There are beautifully maintained bike path alongside the bay as well, so I rode bike on the path. It was good, but felt a bit too long (10km for one way from the Jetty to the end of the path.)

Something like that from today, I have got a place to sleep at Gian's place, he is Ash's friend and tomorrow he will take me to a mountain bike ride, sound awesome.

But I need rest before, Riding whole day under the sun makes me tired very quickly.

Good night.

Day 2

2008-12-18T20:11:00.000+09:00

Day 2
Dawesville - Myalup Beach - Austrlind - Bunbury
Distance - 103.58km
Weather: FinePuncture: 0
Accident: 0
Accomodation: Bunbury YHA ($26)

There is no time left for the Internet so let's make it short.

Nice Beaches Good ride

I'll put photos later.

Day 1

2008-12-18T19:50:00.000+09:00

Day 1

Perth - Rockingham - Mandrah - Dawesville
Distance: 130.52km
Weather: Fine + Windy
Puncture: 0
Accident: 0
Accommodation: Dawesville Holiday Park (Powered Camp Site : $33)

This is my first day of my trip! Get up at 5, coulndn't really sleep. Left home around 6.30 being saw off by my host mother Dee. Stared the city of Perth smaller as I ride toward south. See you Perth for a while.

The first half of the ride was easy as there was a well equipped cycle path on the way, but the secound half was riding creazy fast cars on the right.

In Mandurah, I went to a popular bakery, the Miami Bake House. Its pie was beautiful, I can't help eating 4 pies, thanks Ash!

Settled in Dawesville as I planned but it cost me a lot, one powered camp site for $33. It's more than hostel. But there was no choice so I stayed there.

Good Night.

Ride Down Under - Greeting

2008-12-17T15:47:00.000+09:00

Dear readers

Welcome to my new blog, Ride Down Under. This bog is for my bike touring around Australia, yes, again a blog about bike!

I don’t know how it came up with me. Travelling anywhere by bike. This feeling started occupying my mind since 2007. By now I can’t really imagine myself travelling without on my bike. May be bike is becoming the part of myself. The best way to fulfill this obsession is simple. "bike it, pedal it". So I do the same thing this time as well.

The first trip aims to Esperance, which is located in the east of the Great Southern of Western Australia.

The details of the trip will come up shortly.

I hope you will enjoy reading this bolg as well and hope you will travel with your bike next time!

Yohei

12 December 2008

About the Ride Down Under

2008-12-14T23:55:00.000+09:00

About The Ride Down Under

Welcome to The Ride Down Under.
This is the official blog of Yohei's bike tour, The Ride Down Under. (Well, no one make unofficial blog for my trip though,,,)
This time I'm riding in Western Australia from Perth to Esperance from 17 December for about 3 week.

The Objective
The objectives of the RIDE DOWN UNDER are:
-To explore WA tourist sites,
- To find hidden and unknown secret sites, restaurants, pubs, etc
-To challenge myself,
- To make people more bicycle and environmental friendly,
-and of course to have heaps of fun :)

The Course

(A)Perth – Mandurah (73km)

(B)Mandurah – Bunbury (106km)

(C)Bumbury – Busselton (49km)

(D)Busselton – Cape Naturaliste – Dunsborough – Yallingup (56km)

(E)Yallingup – Margaret River (41km)

(F)Margaret River - Augusta (50km)

(G)Augusta – Nannup(83km)

(H)Nunnup – Bridgetown (45km)

(I)Bridgetown – Pemberton (67km)

(J)Pemberton – Northcliff – Walpole (125km)

(K)Walpole –Parry Beach – Denmark (78km)

(L)Denmark – Albany (51km)

(M)Albany – Boxwood Hill (118km)

(N)Boxwood Hill – Jerramungup (60km)

(O)Jerramungup – Ravensthorpe (110km)

(P)Ravensthorpe – Esperance (186km)

*the course may change subject to my feeling

The Distance

Perth - Esperance

1,249km
(According to the Google Map)
*the distance may change subject to my feeling.

The Bike
Bianchi Lupo

This is the bike I use for the Ride Down Under. As it is a cycle cross bike, it is not particularly designed for touring, but I'm sure she will do the job well. I put a pair of pania bags on the back of the bike and place a tent and sleeping bag on the carrier. In this trip I use the tyre of 700x23, it might be too thin but hope it will work well as well.

Special Thanks

Thanks heaps for your guidance and encouragement. Can't imagine I'm able to do this without your help!
Information for Action (Rowland)
Fleet Cycle Perth (Jack)
Ideal Cycle Freo
Sunday Fix Crew (Ashley, Alex, Prawi, Eric, Nathan and all other crew)
Kyoto Bike Crew (Sanbo, Kondo-kun, Tabacchan(kimi), Sayacafe-san, Hamutaro, Nanbu-san and other all other crew.)
Paul, Mark, Nishimoto, Yana, Betty, Dee and my mother and brothers.

Well, hope I will safely back Perth alive.

Back to Main Page

About Me

2008-12-12T23:17:00.001+09:00

About Me

It's time to reveal the time line of my sort of average life in brief. It is interesting to see how one's life switches. It has not been a perfect life but I think it is not too bad, can't complain, mate!

1985

Born in Nara, Japan

1991-1992

Spend some portion of Childhood in London, the UK

1992-2000

Become a hopeless and naughty kid at school.(I very good at getting 0 score in any subjects.)

2001-2004

Re-think my future and start playing badminton and studying accounting, and vocal training.

Being obsessed with karaoke

Badminton: Become the best 16 of the city.

Accounting: Pass the 1^st grade certificate in Accounting.

Vocal training: Give up due to Financial Reason

2004-2008

Move to Kyoto, Japan

Become a business student at Kyoto Sangyo University in Kyoto.

2005

Fly to the California and Delaware USA, realise that there is oxygen in the rest of the world.

Start clubbing.

2006

Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand.

Start being obsessed with traveling.

Complete the diploma in tourism at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT).

Start being addicted to the Korean Cuisine.

Travel all around NZ

Travelling and partying becomes my favorite activities.

2007

Stop playing badminton and start riding bike.

Get a cyclo-cross bike (Bianchi Lupo)

Travel the whole length of Japan with Sanbo by bike

Get a fixie (Katakura Silk) from Nanbu-San of Eirin

Win the speech and debate contest of the university.

Become a part-time hotel man.

Travel in Korea taste the hottest Korean dish, Fire Chicken.

2008

Travel in India end up with hospitalisation.

Fly to Perth, Australia.

Become a tourism student at a college in Perth.

20xx

Complete the world bike touring.