Day 1 Cairns to Yungaburra 70 kms (roughly)

The day has dawned for the first day of our new adventure. It's raining, actually pouring but it is 4.30 

am and hopefully it will pass over us before take off at 8 am. Not sure how long Collis has been up and about but he never sleeps well the night before a ride (even though he won't be riding). Our break in Cairns has been very enjoyable and probably just the right amount of time (although we didn't get time to go up to Cape Tribulation; maybe next visit).

We have 6 new riders joining us on this leg and they include Melanie, Bob, Jacquei, Pat, Gill and Peter S. Everyone was looking quite relaxed last night at the briefing even though Jan was trying to stress the 20 km climb they have ahead of them today (no-one seemed too phased by the idea and seem to be prepared to take it in their stride). I better help Collis with the packing and get back to you later today.

It's now 9.30 am and morning tea has been and gone. All riders have made here safely although there was one incident reported where they were riding in a group and the tail rider was just watching the rider in front and didn't see or look for the car coming her way and we had a very near miss.  The front riders were a little shook up and we will have to have a chat with them all today about riding in groups when in heavy traffic. We unexpectedly received notification this morning that Alf & Anna were withdrawing from this leg for personal reasons. We don't have to do much with supporting Alf as he has Anna along on every ride but he will be sadly missed and Anna will be missed by all riders as she is a great support to them and us. Happy cycling to you both and enjoy your trip O/S.

Melanie, Ben (who started later than everyone), Georg and Woody didn't stop for morning tea as they were on a roll and decided to keep going. Peter & Jacquei have decided to do a scenic tour which will include Devonshire teas and maybe a swim in Lake Eacham or Lake Barrine. Other riders have been invited but will decide once they finish the 20 km ride up to the tablelands. From now until they have completed the next 20 kms is the part I have been dreading since we mapped out this ride. Not being a huge cyclist and definitely one who has trouble on small inclines, I have trouble working out how anyone can possibly ride these huge hills.  Morning tea was kindly supplied by Theo's wife, Caroline, who made us lovely homemade cookies.

Everyone has made it up the hill and most have arrived at the hostel, although some have gone out sightseeing. The hostel said we could all camp out the back but when we arrived we have found a very small area provided. We may be able to fit 9 tents on the area at a squeeze. Looks like we will have to upgrade the others in the dorm rooms. Not sure who gets the best deal as I haven't sighted the dorms as yet. We can't sort it out yet as there is no-one on the desk at the moment.

                                                       What did you do today 
I went to the church today
No sign of God around
Just lots of people
Praying, and taking communion, at the ATM's
Lord please show me a dollar sign.
I sat under the dome
Just outside Muffin Break, (always fresh)
And talked to my friends on the free WiFi
We were all together
But worlds apart
My marshmallow muffin looked good
Sugar coated, pink and fluffy
But only on the outside
Inside was not so much
I went to the Hair and Beauty shop
The lady said they had just run out
And could I call back tomorrow
I went to the confession booth
Forgive me Lord for I have sinned
For I have lost my credit card
That's Ok son take this $100 loan
You'll be fine again soon.
John Tracy 

Well my worries were all unfounded and the riders are tired , some admitted to feeling tired and that it was a tough ride but some thought I was mad. Most enjoyed the ride and the challenge. I was pleased to note that since we were last up this way, they have installed strong barriers on all the steep edges and this has made it all so much safer.

We have sorted out the accommodation issues with 9 camping in very squashed conditions, 4 in dorm rooms and Jan in a couples room. Collis & I are in the back of the truck as usual.

Because of the cramped conditions we took all of them out for Pizza tonight at Nick's pizzeria, who opened especially for our group as they are usually closed on Mondays. Very nice service and pizzas which I think everyone enjoyed. Melanie and Peter went out for dinner with Peter's uncle, who I think lives in the town.

Early to bed tonight.

Oh yes, we shared a bottle of red before dinner and John gave us a reading of his new poem.  It was written during his stay in Cairns.