So here we are about to leave Tasmania. Over six months since I left the shores of England for New Zealand. In that time I’ve cycled countless miles (yet to tally up), conquered many BIG l o n g hills, visited family, worked at a backpackers, welded an ailing bike, fought mind bending headwinds, endured countless road kill, ran away arms flaying from sand flies, grew a handlebar moustache, had a haircut, fell of the bike twice, broke and lost…
On my second attempt to leave Launceston my route is better planned 🧭 I opt for a minor road (the old highway) which follows the newer Bass Highway. Not sure where I’m heading, just west! One place I’m interested in visiting is a town called, Bracknell. When my parents moved back from Ghana, we settled in Bracknell, Berkshire, England. So always nice to visit a name-sake. Gives one a direction ➡️ As I arrive in Bracknell an Aussie rules 🏉…
Leaving the coastal town of Bridport, I head slightly inland to catch the Bridport Road eastwards to George Town. The road is relatively flat, with only a slight headwind 🌬️ As previously, road kill remains the theme of the day. A 20 to 30 kg lump of Wombat is going to stink, as does everything else! Fortunately, the weather is well into autumn, so not the hot days that would worsen it’s effects. I seem to be stopping every twenty…
After a glorious two nights rest at the Weldborough Hotel 🏨 (camping though!), I’m pointed in the direction of a track that circumnavigates a lot of unnecessary road to Legerwood. It’s the most direct route I’m told. As before, I’m a tad weary of dirt tracks! Will the rear rack handle any more corrugations? But, as before, the adventurer in me sets off up the track …hmmmm! It starts with a salutary climb. I’m already off the bike and pushing…
John escorted me to the perimeter of Hobart City. It was a genuine pleasure 😊 to follow someone without having to stop and browse a map. We still managed to get lost, though! Missing the turn-off for the Downing Point Bridge. The smaller of the two bridges 🌉 🌉 spanning the Derwent River. I head towards Richmond and the eastern coast of Tassie. Richmond been an exceedingly pleasant town with many historic buildings. One could be mistaken for been in…
I drag myself away from the creature comforts of my first ever Warm Showers host. I decide to adopt the more direct route over to Cloudy Bay. That’s then up Mount Mangana ⛰️ John informs me it’s steep in places, but I’m nevertheless going to give it a go! Can’t be that bad I muse! 571 meter climb over what seemed like no kilometers in length, is a very steep climb indeed. I had to walk frequently, which is harder…