The day started with a cold frost covering camp. A dense fog had descended upon the area through the night.
Taralga Showgrounds camp shrouded in fog.
It was cold as we climbed out of the sleeping bag. The tents were covered in frost from the mist. Packing up the tent was tough as it was so wet and cold. But that is how we start our days. 😳
The group that made us fish and chips last night arrived bright and early to make us egg and bacon sandwiches. They were fantastic!
We set out upon the days ride while it was still tough to see due to the fog. We rode through the small town of Taralga and out into the countryside. It was in the 40's or single digit Celsius. We came to a downhill just out of town. Normally that is something that I enjoy extensively. Not necessarily so this morning. As we sped downhill the wind increased the feel of the cold. My cheeks felt etched by the frigid wind, my fingers began to lose feeling and my vest and windbreaker did not do the job of keeping me warm.
But the fog made the scenery eerily beautiful.
The sun was obscured by the veil of fog that hung over the hills. It made for a wonderful early morning ride.
As the day progressed the sun burned off the fog and the landscape popped.
You can see the moon just above the trees. The moon was full and could be seen through a good part of the morning.
It was such a good day. I approached the day as an experiential day. Meaning... I rode to see and experience as much as I could today. I rode not to get through the day but to be in the day. It was quite enjoyable.
We saw a number of kangaroos out in the fields.
Today's ride was just over 100 kilometers with 1,500+ meters of climbing. There was one section of the ride that was 2.5 kilometers long and had grade of 18 percent. It was a tough fight up that one. The story for the day was updulating hills. We would climb to the top of a set of hills then descend a bit and reclimb. This made for some great sites.
Tomorrow is to be a killer day. It is to be 135 kilometers with 2,000 meters of climbing. Need to rest up to be able to take that one on...
Mike, It seems like your hosts have found every hill in Australia for you to ride. Kosciusko is only 7,200 feet and it is the biggest hill in the country. Are you sure they are not just riding you around in circles over the same half dozen hills? BTW, Glad you enjoyed Canberra. No doubt they told you it was 100% designed by Walter Burley-Griffen (an American, I believe if I remember my Australian history). The place did not exist before federation. I bet you never thought Australia could be this cool and cold... Regards, Scott.
ReplyDeleteMr. Griffen was not only an American, he was a Chicagoan!
DeleteThey sure are doing a good job of showing us the Bush country and all its beauty. But that does seem to entail a great deal of hills. It is gorgeous!
DeleteMike, So that explains why he had to have a lake. But really, is Chicago that boring? Canberra is where fun and excitement goes to die. Canberra is where chastity, abstinence and temperance flourish. But now you are out in the bush.... Rabbit rules! Scott.
DeleteA baby kangaroo?!?!!? Oh!!!!! That has to make your day!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe/she was so cute. He hopped away and I thought I got it on video but I was so excited I didn't turn it on first. 😳
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