Cathy and I spent an amazing couple of hours Blokarting at Sandy point. The wind wasn't quite in the right direction to sail on the beach but we found a small patch of exposed sand at the inlet. With the wind blowing at 30km/h and gusting to around 50km/h, we had enough room to set maximum speeds over 40km/h!!
Cathy managed to flip the Blokart after one particularly strong gust. Fortunately, just a few bruises. David's Blokart almost went for a swim as he jumped out to render assistance :)
I thought I had immunity to most things but have recently became the patient in home isolation.
I drove home from work on Wednesday thinking I must have been tired as I had a sore throat and it felt a bit thickened on my cheeks - too much smiling or grimacing!
The next morning I awoke to a swollen face with bilateral parotid gland swelling - an anatomy lesson on my own body!
I found my infant welfare book that recorded I had unilateral mumps back in 1969 (thanks mum for your diligent record keeping :)
My GP confirmed that I had an MMR booster immunisation in 2008. Surely it must be another virus.
I went off to the hospital for blood tests and a nasopharyngeal swab with infection control and ID confirming I had to be off work for 5 days unless we could exclude mumps. The tests for other viruses came up negative and the mumps tests take ages. I took the opportuniy to catch up on emails and other work from home, but was getting itchy feet by Friday afternoon. After establishing that my patients had been immunised against mumps and giving the option of having their appointment rescheduled, I consulted with a face mask on. David had suggested I wear a burqa for the day but I thought that may offend or start unnecessary rumours!!
Days 2-5
Finally I was able to return to work on Tuesday; but wondered why I was constantly thirsty with a dry mouth. It was only as I was seeing a little baby with excess secretions and thinking about ways to manage that, I realised my salivary glands were not working properly to make saliva to keep my mouth moist. You see we learn from our patients all the time!
Anyway, after a good night's sleep and a lighter workload today (being a public holiday), I am finally beginning to feel back to normal and prepared to share the photos I took on my iphone each morning of the stranger in the mirror. It's scary to see what I might look like if 20kg overweight and older with a jowly neck! David thought I looked like Minnie Driver the first day, Rambo the next couple of days and was hoping that Dolly Parton might turn up as the swelling descended!
Hoping to get back into training for my half marathon now which is less than a month away.
After 15 years of running bike tours, they really know how to do it. You will not find a better group to tour with - everything is geared to a safe, enjoyable and satisfying cycling experience.
Phil "The Chief" - The leader in all meanings of the word. A distinctive voice that gets attention and the message through.
Susan "Organiser par excellence" - everything (and I mean everything!!) is preplanned, prepared and perfectly executed.
Peter Mechanic and Slow Driving expert. Forgotten more than I know about bikes. I was never forget passing him on the way into Queenstown - sorry :)
Ben Weatherman, Photographer and understudy to "The Chief". Also useful as lightning rod.
Midge Always happy to accept your money :) Someone has to stay at home and keep the office running.
I won't give away all their secrets, but here's what to expect:
Communication You get pages of documentation including maps, profiles, meeting points, WWALs and helpful tips.
Briefings It's talked about (for those who left their Day Sheets behind) including any topical items (eg Road Kill)
Food Susan organises the most extraordinary morning teas and lunches. Full of healthy variety and the essential staples (bananas, water and coffee). You can ride all day and still put on weight!!!
Safety With a lead vehicle, a sag wagon, regular regrouping and excellent communication, you can cycle safely despite travelling new territory.
Most of all, I was welcomed like a family member away on a Summer Holiday. Like many others on what was my first trip, I'll be back.
"The long and winding road , with a few hills is waiting....Let's Go."
Thanks to Dennis, I have just spent a magnificent week with the AllTrails crew travelling from Hobart to Devonport by bike. 741km pedalled and 8128m of climbing, *more* than a "few hills"!!
Saturday 24th March - To Hobart After a wild Bass Strait crossing, I stopped for the most amazing waffles at the Raspberry Farm in Christmas Hills.
Unfortunately, they don't deliver.
Sunday 25th March - Mt Wellington 42km ridden, 1237m climbed
Climbed Mt Wellington to find snow and strong winds at the top - situation normal.
Monday 26th March - Hobart to Hamilton 74km, 740m - Tour Total 116km, 1977m
Cool and Sunny as we were escorted out of Hobart. A nice flat section to morning tea followed by some long climbs into Hamilton. Great food and accommodation. The cafe owner served more than 30 people single handed and all to his extremely high standards. We shared a lovely cottage with brothers Phil and Warwick.
Tuessday 27th March - Hamilton to Derwent Bridge 115km, 1761m - Tour Total 231km, 3738m
The first decent descent!! WoooHooo :)
Also took the optional ride into Lake St Clair. The dancing girls promised by Dennis must have had the day off. Rumor has it that some pretty mermaids were spotted swimming off the beach.
Awesome veggie lasagne for dinner (had seconds)
Wednesday 28th March - Derwent Bridge to Queenstown 101km, 1160m - Tour Total 432km, 3898m
Very chilly 1 degree and fog to start the day. It persisted for 50km. Rewarded with a special ride into Franklin River.
Lunch at Nelson River and a WWAL Waterfall.
The ride down into Queenstown was so good, I went back up to do it again (and make my 100k)
Thursday 29th March - Queenstown to Strahan 41km, 488m - Tour Total 473km, 4386m
A short mainly downhill day. Amazing afternoon off with magnificent weather, views, food and friends. Life is good :)
Friday 30th March - Strahan to Tullah
101km, 1404m - Tour Total 574km, 5790m
A flat ride alongside the Henty dunes eventually turned into a Luna Park rollercoaster ride into Roseberry. Rode Black Mountain twice (too enjoy another downhill and too make 100k)
Everybody is sure I'm crazy
Saturday 31st March - Tullah to Cradle Mountain
57km, 991m - Tour Total 631km, 6781m
A mild but wet start to the day. The accumulated tiredness hit home especially as it got colder and windier as we climbed higher. Morning Tea was like standing in a freezer with a 747 jet engine blasting over us. I had trouble getting instant coffee into my cup!!
Repeated warnings about the cattle grid at the bottom of the hill. I firmly intended to get off and walk over. Honest.
Ended up bunny hopping it at about 70km/h. Now, everybody knows I'm crazy.
Sunday 1st April - Cradle Mountain to Devonport
110km, 1347m - Tour Total 741km, 8128m
Early morning optional ride to Dove Lake.
World class scenery almost to myself :)
A 7km climb after morning tea, then basically a fast downhill to the finish.
An awesome trip that I did not want to end. Thanks to AllTrails, Dennis and everyone who shared the road with me. Don't forget the East Coast in 2014!!
