mbazza's Blog

This last day started early in Shellharbour with a trip back down to the harbour to see what the pelicans were up to. They were sitting waiting for the fishermen to finish work and come fishing. I did find surfers and boogie borders enjoying the 2m plus surf.
On the road I had the thought that I needed to be careful on the last day of this bike hire trip.
The morning ride was through the suburbs and cities of Port Kembla, Wollongong, Bulli, Coledale and the great engineering newness of the sea cliff bridge near Scarborough. This is about 800m of bridge that skirts aroung a cliff carrying the Pacific Highway. Great riding country, slow, gives good view of how ordinary Aussies live!
Best part of the day was the 50k's through the Royal National Park. Tree lined bikers heaven! Met three cops, one with a hand held radar who waggled a finger, 96kmph showing on bike and 94 on the GPS. Had to hold of giving him a single finger salute. U-turn and a wee chat. He was a bit surprised to have to justify his actions.
"Was I going to fast?" I asked.
"No, about 95'"
"Was I too far to the right?"
"No!"
"Well why waggle your finger at me".
"Well . . . . . . . . you were close to the limit and we've had a lot of bike accidents on this road! He must have been thinking.
"Could be the poor road surface" I commented as I wrote down the car numbers, his number, the time and GPS location!
Pays to keep them on their toes!
Plenty of bikes. All of whom waved back. Great roads with distant views of Sydney.
What an excellent day to be riding.
Into Sydney, GPS'd may way into Ananadale and had the bike cleaned at The Pink Car Wash. Good lunch too.
Had an hour to spend and looked up 'Scooteria' in Parammatta RD. Great place, excellent stock and very welcoming.
Only a few minutes to return the bike and become a suitcase rolling taxi needing tourist again.
It was reassuring to see Mount Cook come up over the port wing on the flight back to Queenstown. Aussie tour over for 2007.
I don't think my school will help fund the next trip in 2009. Better get saving! Cheers