Day 4 North Haven to Nambuuca Heads

To put it simply, this was a day that Clarke Rubber would have been proud of.

We left Nambucca about 7.45am. Laurie had joined our pack. A really nice fella, Laurie seems to have been in more packs then a Disney toy in a McDonalds Happy meal. We were still happy to have him, and laurie almost has the full set of ribbons. Different coloured ribbons are given to each pack. Pack Late (8) wears a red ribbon at the rear of the bike - normally on the carry bag - which helps with identification. Pack 1 refuse to wear a ribbon - which is a statement in itself - both about skill and ego! Laurie now has Red, Yellow, Purple and a couple of others.

The ride from North Haven was on the skinniest road, as we headed north, After 4 minutes 21 seconds, Arnottts Biscuits (dave) had a flat tyre. It took us only about 6 minutes to fix, and near 15 minutes to get a break in the traffic. Back going again, and Sweet (Carole Anne) had a scare from a savage dog who appeared to like rubber. I was able to scare him off, as Starskey and Hutch were patrolling well ahead. We had a fairly busy time of it to the highway, with solid traffic making its way to Lachlans holiday home (Port Macquarie).

We had a tricky cross onto the Highway, and Reg (Johnny) pulled up quickly half way across in front of Michael. We kissed tyres, and somehow we both stayed upright, but again the message was clear to concentrate at all times. Some of Pack 8 were wondering about 'little brother syndrome' as I was having some fun with my older brothers (which was odd as some thought I was the oldest!).

Once we got on the Highway, we had a good ride through to morning tea near Telegraph Point on the Highway. we had a team photo here - which took a full morning tea to organise - and then set off to Kempsey. we had a a great opportunity crossing all the famous rivers on the north coast that we learrned about in Primary school. we crossed the Hunter, Manning, Camden Haven, McClay, Clarence , Hastings, plus several other tributaries. Then we found out how they were filled. It rained, and by the time we got 10 kms from morning tea we were all soaked.

It showered on and off the rest of the day. we had 13 punctures in total. Our best effort at replacing a tube was by the Prodigal Son(Ed) and I when we broke the record to start at 4 minutes. Unfortunately, we couldn't pump the tyre up, as we had lodged the valve within the tyre. My father would have been proud of my mechanical skills.

Arnotts had a rubbery sought of day - probably would have preferred to design biscuits. He sailed past the Investor, having got a flat at Kempsey, and 3 more after lunch. I added a flat whilst waiting at Kempsey to go to 4. Certainly the rain was bringing up the small stones and shards of glass, that Pack 8 was making regular trips to bike shops to top up on tubes. Luckily the stalker (Adrian) was always willing to help out, and was of invaluable assistance. The skipper Rolex also took a blow, doing two tubes.

Lunch was at Clybucca, and we stopped for a little while at a fruit stop, where Mark enjoyed his mandarins which were shouted by Previs (Phil). we made it to Nambucca Heads, after a bit of a sprint to the finish. We also have a had some drink bottles fall off over the trip. Michael Day 1 at the bottom of Bumble Hill, Ray today (in front of Michael and Lorraine - Lorraine ran straight over it), and Arnotts (Dave) who is always looking for a new recipe.

Dinner at the local RSL.

We rode 136 kms at 23.2 in just under 6 hours.

At dinner we purchased Arnotts his lost pump, which he then proceeded to give away!