Day 1 Perth to Northam
Trip Start
Aug 16, 2009
1
6
43
Trip End
Sep 18, 2009
Northam, Western Australia, Australia
Monday, August 17, 2009
Early this morning the weather didn't look too good - quite heavy rain, but thank the Lord, it cleared as we rolled out, and it proved to be a very nice ride. No teary farewells - Veronica and Peter came to see me off, which was great. Veronica was probably pleased to see me 'get on with it!"
The countryside from Perth to Northam is very picturesque - rolling hills and green paddocks. The hill climbs weren't too bad - Jim Blaxland, the ride coordinator and 'big chief' advised us novice marathon riders to take it easy for the first 3 or so days. So we did just that! The company was great - Marcus and I are getting to know the other riders as we cycle along and also during our breaks.
Stopped for a nice morning tea after 50kms - plenty of food and a cuppa soup.
Traffic wasn't too bad - quite a few trucks, but with Richard and his bus in the rear, we felt pretty safe.
Arrived in Northam at about 1pm - staying at the Anglican Church. The ladies from the Church here put on a wonderful afternoon tea - including scones and cream!! Nice hot shower at a local caravan park, a rest and then a very filling evening meal - fantastic hospitality.
Looking forward to tomorrow, but a bigger day - 162kms to Merredin.
Comments
hi from peter lee
Hi gatzby
Mark proud is my brother in law. Say hi to him from Peter Lee. Well done on your first day. I look forward to following your journey online. Keep the end-of-day roundups coming as i'll be looking for them.
Peter
1 day dow
Hiya Marcus..
WELL DONE ON THE FIRST DAY...ARE YOU ON A CYCLING HOLIDAY OR AN EATING FRENZY!!!!!!!
bECCS AND jON ERREY.XX
Michaelo
Hi Gary and Mark, I just posted another comment but think I lost it somewhere in cyber-space. Hope you two don't get lost in cyber-space!
So, day 2 - how's it going? Wet and cold if our weather here is any indication.
Do well guys, thinking of you.
jphilippe
so nice to see you're well and discover a little more of your great bike ride with the pictures.
Thinkin of you and all your mates each day and hope the best for this big adventure!
From the other side of the world in Belgium (Europe)
Keep it up
Hi Mark,
Have enjoyed the start of your travel blog & will be watching it keenly to see how you are all going. Raising $7000 each already is tremendous.
Wishing you all safety & a lot of fun.
Rod, Ruth & John