RAILWAY HOTEL ON DEPARTURE TODAY
FIRST UP…
Gotta say.
How ridiculous and awesome is Otttttters!
Wow.
Probs finishing tonight at the Opera House. Exceptional effort.
After following Mr Maykit’s journey thus far, knowing KM to KM the grit required, his effort is astounding.
Aside, this is a ride. Not a race. But ya know. It is really a race.
Whether, like Willy, it is against just yourself and your own body and how far you can push – or against others.
Anyone who starts this ride DESERVES to finish.
First place or last.
5471km on a bike. Across Australia.
Respect.
Congratulations Otters. Unbelievable!
CAROLYN DA BOMB HEYFIELD – “BEAUTIFUL LADY”
A late-night arrival after a massive ride and the consummate host, Carolyn, at the Heyfield Railway Hotel stayed open to welcome Willy.
The rooms were great and, with a crackling fire in the pub, a definite return to this non-hustling place is on the horizon in the near future.
Today started bright and early – hard to leave the cozy rooms at the Hotel – but the Bakery was a godsend and a sight for hungry eyes at 5 am.
Munching away on fresh breakfast goodies and then – ohhh – wee dilemma.
Text to the moderator around 6.32 am (well, precisely 6.32).
“Morning. At bakery and realised I have left my water bottles back in the room”.
Facepalm. A great start.
No water. No go.
Not sure what the ‘no receptacle for water’ game plan was as not too much communique today.
Romantically I am thinking, as a true survivor, he’d be scouting it out and scooping it Bear Grylls style with blistered palms, out of the freshwater creeks along the way?
He’s got the beard look for it now, at least.
The reality is probs just a few bought Gatorade bottles.
A RIDE RIGHT UP WILLY’S ALLEY…
Based on the swift sending of a few pics and random texts today all I can gather is this would have been a ride in heaven for Willy.
Old historical towns and buildings filled with character.
The romantic soul he is.
It’s generally the purpose for the big rides out into remote areas in the Northern NSW hinterland when escaping for the day.
Check out this butcher shop just outside of Heyfield today.
Left as it were, filled with so many stories.
Love the letters “freezer packs” on the left-hand side.
With freezers a ‘luxury’ back then I guess, this would have been a marketing drawcard for the landed gentry folk.
The short telephone number.
Such simplicity.
MOVING ON….COUNTING SHEEP AS HE RODE
KIDS FROM YESTERYEAR SAYING AN EXCITED HELLO
A quick chat at Bairnsdale to advise he was good for water bottles revealed the cutest story.
Peddling their bikes trying to keep up, kids on their way to school today in these yesteryear town environs were yelling out “Hello Mr”.
Excited to see a stranger on a bike in their town I guess.
Maybe it’s the Santa beard.
I’m liking it too kids.
Cute!
Willy was excited to see them peddling ferociously on a bike, just like him, and like him when he was a boy too, engaging with each other, not sitting at a busy highway bus stop engaging only with their iPhone.
A nice reminiscence.
Ohhhh….just before the sign-off tonight…piccy just in.
Dinner in Omeo!
220km today.
Can I have the family meal deal, please…
And ohhh again…is that a beer I see before thee?
Go Willy!
Bottoms up gorgeous man.
Go Toddy keep those legs pumping.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Kelly gang??? love Betty
I hope the beautiful countryside is a fit reward for all your hard work! Another fantastic ride today Todd and you just keep pushing the kms behind you. Well done, mate, you’re doing so well!!!