A collection of long distance ride reports by Melvyn Yap
Touring on a bicycle has always been my dream ever since I came to Australia. In early 2007, I bought a Jamis Coda Sport, a hybrid commuting bicycle that can be fitted with front and rear racks for lugging panniers. I was one step closer to my dream tour… or so I thought. That bike […]
Continue ReadingI have finalised my travel route! I will be riding across the continent from east to west, that is, from Sydney to Perth. Riding in this direction makes more sense since most of the riding will be done in the morning in the direction of the sunlight rather than against. Couple of benefit from this […]
Continue ReadingDeciding what to bring isn’t nearly as hard as deciding what not to bring. In my first attempt of packing, there were a lot of “just-in-case” items, like extra clothing, extra gloves, sport shoe, swim goggles, iPod and even my laptop. Of course, my panniers wouldn’t have enough space to fit all these items, but […]
Continue ReadingMarch 15th, 2011 For the most part of the day, my mind appears distracted due to the overwhelming emotions about the trip. What does it feels like travelling all on my own for days and weeks without the presence of friends and family? What happens if my trike is damaged on arrival? What happens if […]
Continue ReadingMarch 16th, 2011 Sydney to Bundeena Distance: 58km Outside the arrival hall at Sydney domestic terminal, I took my time building my trike, ensuring that all the bolts are tighten and test rode it a few times. I completed the trike after 3 hours, a “record-breaking timing”! Had a pre-packed cheesybite sandwich at the bus […]
Continue ReadingMarch 17th, 2011 Bundeena to Shellharbour Distance: 92km Total distance: 150km The alarm woke me up at 6am but I can hear the rain outside so continued sleeping until 8am. Plugged my phone into the AC outlet in the shared toilet, hoping that nobody would be evil enough to steal my phone while I had […]
Continue ReadingMarch 18th, 2011 Shellharbour to Robertson Distance: 40km Total distance: 190km My day started at 9am due to my unsuccessful attempt of waking up earlier because of the rain. I tend to get unmotivated to start my ride when it’s raining. Consequently I started my journey at 10.15am, very late indeed. As I was checking […]
Continue ReadingMarch 19th, 2011 Robertson to Goulburn Distance: 107km Total distance: 297km I had a very good sleep last night. Certainly made a difference sleeping on a proper bed, and with a constant temperature of 26 degrees. Since I didn’t have to pack up my camping gears, I get to leave early at about 6.15am. I […]
Continue ReadingMarch 20th, 2011 Goulburn to Canberra Distance: 113km Total distance: 410km Today will be my longest ride so far for this tour so I started my journey early at 7am. The morning sees me packing my tent in the rain. Took me a whole 2 hours to get ready, from waking up to my first […]
Continue ReadingMarch 21st, 2011 Canberra Distance: 6km Total distance: 416km After 5 days and 400km of riding, the most sensible thing to do is to take a day off from riding. I did however ride a little to the Flying Furniture recumbent shop to get my brake repaired. Met up with the shop owner Ian and […]
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