Arrived in Australia 10 days ago, and have enjoyed a great time in the summer sunshine. Amazingly, entry into the country was a breeze; didn’t even need to take Scotty out of the bike box to clear customs. So much for all the cleaning of the bike prior to flying out. At least the bike is in good(ish) nick for the ride starting tomorrow.

My brother’s wedding went off in great style and we have all enjoyed some truly heart-warming Aussie hospitality. Fishing and hunting trips, a tour of Phillip Island Moto GP circuit, Melbourne sightseeing and New Years Eve Fireworks have been memorable highlights of the trip so far.

I even managed a 55 mile ride from Melbourne down to Phillip Island (via Stony Point passenger ferry). The roads were great, and strong tailwinds helped me eat up the miles in the 38+ degree heat. The influence of Tour De France winner Cadel Evans was evident in the number of cyclists with expensive looking bikes along the route. The Aussie cyclist was born in nearby ‘Barwon Heads’.

Early tomorrow morning we will drive into the high country on route to Mount Kosciuszko. A slight change of plan – it looks like I will have to do the ride in reverse with an early attempt on the summit of ‘Kosci’ and then riding back to Melbourne.

Initially I had hoped to have ridden from Melbourne to Kosci and back, but time restraints have scuppered these plans. Don’t worry dear reader; I still have plans to flog my bike and body over some tough mountain terrain so that all of you who have sponsored me will get their money’s worth!

After hopefully getting up Kosci, I plan to transfer to ‘Bright’ and then cycle over Mount Hotham towards the southern coast, and then westward back to Melbourne.

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