Roller Coaster Ride

Sydney to Melbourne Stage 9 – Tue 14th March 2017 – Wallaga Lake to Kalaru (near Tathra) (61 Km)

Weather: 20⁰C min – 24⁰C max, rain showers

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“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you” ~ Bethany Hamilton

Our hearts sank when we awoke to the sound of torrential rain on the roof. What have we done to deserve this? All we could do is pack our panniers, lubricate the chains of our bikes and hang around waiting for the rain to ease. But at least it gave us an excuse to linger a little longer, enjoying the company of our delightful hosts Jack and Mary.

We were expecting that the 60 Km stage from Wallaga Lake (north of Bermagui) to Kalaru (just past Tathra) was going to be tough, with a total elevation gain of 880 metres for the day. However, I don’t think we were aware that it was going to be such a roller coaster. Altogether there were nine steady (sometimes steep) ascents followed by nine exhilarating descents.

For the initial 7 Km from Wallaga Lake to Bermagui we followed a nice coastal bike path that Jack had recommended, then from Bermagui we headed along Tathra-Bermagui Road which we followed all the way to Tathra. Traffic was fairly light, so the fact that the road was narrow did not bother us much.

When we were not grinding up hills with our eyes glued to the road in front of us, we managed to notice the scenery consisting of the usual ocean vistas, rich green pastures and the omnipresent eucalyptus forests. Since leaving Sydney last Saturday week we have been treated to incredibly beautiful country. The NSW coast has so much natural beauty that we are almost becoming blasé about it.

After stopping for the usual coffee and chai at Tathra, we were just heading up the steep hill out of town when a car tooted us … it was our hosts Ken and Judith who captured our climb on video. Ten more scenic kilometres and we reached their fabulous house where we have been spoilt by their wonderful hospitality. The reason this blog is so late in being published is because we sat around the dinner table enjoying the company of Ken, Judith and Bev (another keen cycle tourer) while feasting on the superb meal that Judith had prepared mainly from fresh home grown produce.

And so to bed after another incredible day of what so far has been like one continuous dream. What has made it so special is the people we have encountered and the hospitality we have received.