NEVER. AGAIN. DUDE.
The box that will encase the pink beast back to the GC once Willy returns.
Well hello Sydney!
Let’s start by discussing the finer points of unconditional love.
I do love you unconditionally, Willy.
But if “unconditional” altruistic love means a 1km traipse through Sydney city side-saddling a massive farrrrrrrking bike box, trying to bust some quick running moves in the pouring rain, with the Sydney Saturday shopping crowd assuming I’d just stolen a bike from Trek Cycles, I may need to rewrite the contract and make it a little more “conditional”.
FFS.
What a mission.
That box was huuuuge.
Never again dude.
Mind you, there was a silver living once I arrived at the Soffy.
I was greeted by one of my favourite peoples in the world – Madam Emma.
Being (clearly) an integral part of today’s blog, I asked her if it was OK I made mention of her and published a piccy.
She said “Of Course”!
So diff to me. Such an extroverted ‘get me in the social pages won’t you darling’ media tart.
Piccy down below of us swanning around the diamonds, marble and gold-encased Crown Casino.
Rather lush and possibly a vulgar display of wealth splashed all over the walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, toilet seats, reception desks…
Mind you, the hot pink lounges in the Tea House were on point.
Loved the decor and the view. Superb.
Barangaroo is pretty awesome, in fact.
Just to fit in, I pretended the Louis Vuitton-looking “handbag” I was strutting so confidently around with, was definitely NOT the foil-lined $2.95 shopping bag picked up last night from the Tugun fruit market when buying a stash of dog food.
Picture of possibly now the latest “eco-chic hession” handbag trend for the Crown crowd below in the gallery shots.
Back to Trek.
A big shout out to Wally (def Wally and not Willy – I double-checked) and the team at Trek who helped me grab a box for the return trip home.
Very gracious and so very helpful.
If you live in Sydney, go buy a bike from Trek Cycles.
If you’re on the Goldy – go HERE.
Helpful Wally at Trek Cycles in Sydney City
Ok so Willy’s where’s and why for on Day 22 of the IPWR…
The day began at Cooma after a massive rest and now in Bundanoon.
That’s oh 290Km’s ONLY today.
Which excites me to no end because it means, if all goes well – no bad weather, wind, or the Warilla gorillas don’t pull him into the pub for a tipple, he should definitely be frolicking into Sydney late tomorrow night
Eeeeeeeeeeee.
A quick chat and a few texts with pics during the day has revealed that Willy is feeling GREAT today.
So much so…
“You know what…I reckon I could keep going to the Gold Coast”.
FFS.
No. No. No.
And funnily enough – this was an outcome predicted by sister Betty Makesit.
Some special moments today…
One primarily was the time Willy spent paying respects to the great endurance rider Mike Hall – an IndyPac rider (when it was an official race) who was sadly killed just outside of Canberra during the race in 2017.
Todd took a few moments at the spot where the biking community have created a fitting monument.
Some beautiful pictures below.
Sad.
Moving on from there were some great chats had with Mark – a dot-watcher. Willy had many great things to say about Mark and relished his ride into Canberra where Willy gave the thumbs up to a dot watcher and then the rude finger to ScoMo before going on his merry way.
Rebel.
He also rode with, and raved about an IPWR legend, Rohan – the first IPWR arrival into SOH last year.
“Top Bloke”.
Tonight’s accom is in Bundanoon – just outside of Canberra – and Willy was blessed to find a place to stay just off the beaten track a little.
Not sure of the couple’s name but “best muffins”, “such lovely people”, “restores my faith in humanity”, “wow even ham and cheese and bread here”, “god this bed is so awesome” etc.
EDIT: 9:18am – Place was called “House on the Corner” with hosts Pam and Brian – shout out to both of them. Willy just called to ask me to do a big shout out to them – he tried to write in the guest book but – yep – the right hand ain’t working too well still!
Mr Maykit is one happy chappy tonight.
So there it is.
Possibly, fingers crossed, the second last day of the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022.
Can ya believe it.
Below are some random piccies in no particular order that I’ve referred to above.
Without normal editing software I’ve unfortunately had no way of optimising them for the web so apologies if they take forever to load or the page breaks the internet on you.
Until tomorrow. XX
Been waiting at SOH since yesterday
So sozzled ?
almost there Todd ! please dont think you have to make it to QLD !
Cant wait to see you after a mammoth journey, with so many ups and downs, so many storys to tell !
Cant wait ! xxx
On the home stretch now Uncle Todd! Such an incredible effort and journey, looking forward to cheering you on in Sydney!!! ?? ? shout out to catie thank you for all the bts updates!
Almost there, Todd. Such incredible determination and commitment and strength of mind! One final push today and you’ve done it… extraordinary!! I hope you have an opportunity today, as you roll out these last kms, to reflect on what a tremendous, amazing, feat you have accomplished. You are a legend, mate. I can’t wait to see a photo of you on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Well done!!!