Departure Day – Torch testing, fragile tape finding and meeting IPWR Derek at the Brisbane airport. What a day!

It was an early morning start and a mad rush to get stuff done.

I’ve had two years to prepare and still a trip to bunnings was a must for last-minute stuff. Go figure.

Went to Officeworks to grab some fragile tape for the bike box kindly boxed up for me by legend Kane at Currumbin Cycles. One roll was $50! So I walked out of Office Works as quickly as I walked in and found pretty much the same tape at Bunnings for $7. Bargain.

Grabbed some batteries for the ole spot tracker while I was there and I was on my way.

Got a haircut – looking snazzy is important while you cross the Nullabor. You never know who you might run into.

I made sure to mow the lawn still. The Moderator made me stage the poser shot below. Although Ginny was in her same natural pose.

Lawns done – and off I go to say one last farewell to the boys at Mariner Shores to say thanks to Tony for the best head torch I’ve ever seen. The thing is going to light up the entire Nullabor. From now on Tony will be referred to as Mr Christmas. The man that keeps on giving. Thanks Tony!

We hit the airport wayyyy too early but better than getting stuck in traffic. Had to wait until the oversized baggage area opened. Felt like a kid waiting for the bus on his first day of school.

All boxed up the bike and gear attached (Apidura bag with the lot) came in at 32Kg. Lucky. Just under the oversized baggage allowance. The box was an electric bike box from Kane. Cheers again mate.

Carbed up on some snakes and whatnot while I waited before having a final beer and a wine with the moderator.

Then who should walk in but fellow IPWR rider, Derek. What a great bloke! I knew it had to be another bike rider because instead of a beer he asked the bar attendant to fill up his bike water bottle. It was great to hear Derek’s reasons for doing the ride and to know there’s someone as mad as me wanting to.

Thank you to family and friends for your well wishes today. Your texts and calls were great to receive.

Getting real now.

I will post after I arrive when I’ve got some piccies of Perth.

Cheers – Willy Maykit.