April 19th, 2011
Melbourne to Torquay
Distance: 130km
Total distance: 1408km
Started my journey at nearly 6am after saying goodbye to Grace. Another sad moment for us. I was very keen to beat the morning rush hour so the moment I hit the road I pedaled as fast as I can. Turns out this wasn’t necessary since I was using dedicated bike paths almost the entire journey to Werribee. Speaking of bike path, I rode through this 26km bike trail called the Federation Trail which is very much like a rail trail, flat and only cyclists and pedestrians are allowed to use them. The first 10km of the trail was surrounded by industrial buildings and let me tell you this stretch truly stinks, literally! Heaps of unpleasant odours including paint, fertilizers, and some other unknown but offensive odours. Not a big deal, I just rode faster to passed them as quick as I can. Low and behold, I surprised myself by reaching Geelong by midday, after riding 100km. The road was nearly all flat the entire length from Melbourne to Geelong and there was very little wind.
My mind seems particularly determined today, but my body couldn’t cope. After lunchtime I felt like I just came out from a very bad body massage. I only have 30km more to my destination Torquay, but I faced headwind and an undulating road. Undulating roads are psychologically draining because everytime the road switches to downhill, I can see the next uphill, sort of like someone telling me I’m going to have a crappy dessert while I’m enjoying a nice main course. Given a choice I prefer doing all the climb in a single long climb and enjoy a no worries downhill afterwards. Or at least don’t let me see the uphill when I’m going downhill.
A couple of hours later I checked in at the first caravan park I see in Torquay. It wasn’t cheap cuz it’s one of those 4-star chain caravan park but I was too tired to enquire the other two caravan parks nearby (I later found out that the other two were around same price too so it was all good). I’m trying out my Exped tent for the first time today. Setting up was so quick and easy! And the interior is about 50% more spacious than my previous tent, so awesome! Tonight I’m going to sleep early since I didn’t had any last night, due to pre-tour anxiety 😛
