Route Map 7 August
Rain threatened early but did not eventuate, and I had a dream run – a beautiful ride with no wind – for the first 45km to the gorge turnoff. I exchanged photographer duties with a passing German tourist in a hire car. Result as shown. OK, a bit stilted, but he was so slow.
The remaining 40km into the gorge itself were more difficult due to a headwind, but not too onerous, and I arrived into the Takarakka ‘Resort’ caravan park by 2pm. I was allotted a nice tent spot near the bar – clever thinking on their part – and I made the most of the 4pm to 5pm ‘Happy Hour’. So too do the kookaburras who are adept at swooping down to steal the cheese and bikkies that come free with the drinks.
Tuesday was a rest day – from riding anyway – but I got up early and did the standard 12km hike in to see the gorge’s more popular features.