Day 7 Kyogle to Southport

Day 7

Finally the last and final day was upon us. The last 127 kms to go, after about 800kms already in the past 6 days. Packing up the tents for the last time, we headed towards the Bowling Club for our breakfast, which had the best sausages of the trip; obviously local Casino snags. We again got an early start out, following Pack 9 and had a leisurely 3-4 km ride out of town to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

Someone had told our group, that there were 4 hills, and the climb lasted anywhere from 12 to 18 kms. Truth is that there were 3 or 4 significant climbs, but there seemed to almost 100 smaller climbs for 26 kms. This was the most challenging section of the ride, and although there was a good climb of about 4 kms it simply continued throughout the next 20 kms. A lot of the later climbs in this stretch were sharp and short, with a steep incline. There was some respite with some downhill runs, and the scenery (for those in the mood) was fantastic, with valleys and the like. We passed Mount Warning which is the first point on the Australian mainland to receive sunlight each morning. The downhill ride to morning tea was understandably fast as we came out of the mountains. Errol led the way up the mountain today, and was excited when at morning tea there was a local fruit shop. More so when Conticki bought $5 of mandarins, and he was offered one by one of the ladies on the tour. The Investor had a much needed sugar hit at morning tea, having had his own worries coming down the first climb, with a four wheel drive approaching him in the middle of the road. Ray managed this well, but again it showed how important concentration was when riding.

After morning tea, we took off for Ukai, and Errol, The Investor, Reg and myself drafted at the back of Pack 6. They set a good pace of over 40kms an hour, although some of their riders dropped off as well. Eventually Ray and Johnny dropped off after about 5 kms, I dropped off after about 9, but Mark continued to Ukai with pack 6. We all alighted at the Ukai Pub for much needed rehydration, and there was an air of expectation and exhilaration as we were in the home stretch. Just for a change we were the last Pack to leave Ukai – but in a relaxed and jovial mood.

After lunch we had Terranora Hill which was our last sharp climb rising about another 4 kms, then across the ridge rolling up and down for about another 5 kms. This was great last climbing stretch, and extra the value when we saw the Gold Coast from the end of this stretch. We then road into South Tweed, and onto Surfers through residential streets, as well as along the coastal strip from Burleigh Heads. All the riders gathered at Broadbeach for a photo shoot, and then rode with police escorts to Seaworld at Southport.

Once there, it was a strange feeling – almost anti-climatic – as everyone collected their bikes and set off to their destination. We had covered over 910 kms in the 7 days.

Dinner was at Royal Pines Golf Club (I think) and it was a great spread, and a classy way to finish a great week!

127 kms in 4 hours 38 minutes