Thursday 20 Dec 2018

Two kms of dirt road to the Dawson Hwy, then all paved roads. The highway started out nice and level and then a serious climb to the top of the range, all rideable though.

I came by the highway signs alerting people that there is a National Trail, but I continued on a bit further to Coal Road. This climbed a bit further but the I enjoyed the most amazing 7km stretch of continuous downhill. Yahoo! The best one to date.

Lots of prickly pear along this road, too bad there is no ripe fruit

At the end of the downhill stretch it was up and down, up and down, and after 10:00 it already became almost insufferably hot. The air temperature was only about 33º, but the thermometer on my bicycle computer showed 46º, and that is what I feel on my back also I’m sure.

Callide Creek

When I got to the Callide Power Station my rear tire suddenly started to wobble and upon inspection I noticed a great zigzag bulge in it.

Now how can that suddenly develop? I’ve ridden WCB Velociraptors many times before and they last about 4,000 kms at home. This one probably only has 1,500 on it.

I limped into the Lake Callide Retreat, had a couple of cold drinks and called Neil Rideout where I was supposed to arrive tomorrow. He will come and collect me now and on our way home we’ll pick up a new tire in Biloela, or just Bilo to locals. My replacement tire is waiting for me near Toowoomba, so that isn’t of any use now.

… to be continued …

As said, Neil was there pretty soon afterwards. We loaded bike and BOB in his vehicle and in Biloela found an acceptable replacement tire, not tubeless but quite alright. Then to the bottle shop to get a supply of Coopers Stout (same stuff as I brew at home sometimes, but ready made). It’s basically just for myself since Neil and Annette hardly touch this vile liquid. I’ll be taking a few days off to spend some time with my exceedingly gracious and hospitable friends!

Today’s totals: 58k 4:45h 780m up 670m down