The road sign said it was 8 kms to Yelarbon, which was today's destination on Cycle Queensland 2017. However, what it didn't say was that after having already cycled 50 kms this final stretch was head-on into a stiff breeze with the day temperature approaching 30 degrees. Then there was the added discomfort of my very tender bum, but we made it, so far a total of 105 km in two days.
I am told Cycle Queensland is renowned for its organisation an attribute that is clearly on full-frontal display. Something like 750 cyclists are participating in this year's event, the majority accommodated in a relocatable mini tent-town each night, complete with abolitions, kitchen, entertainment, etc. The whole set-up majically reappears at each successive overnight stop.
I entered the cycling event with some slight treperadation. Who might be the participants? Well, a quick first glance around and one could easily assume the event was a retirees convention. Wow, I was in like company!
Tent town set-up in Goondiwindi.
The ride into Yelarbon was through Australia's most easterly spinifex desert, the result of a geologically distinct area characterised by a naturally occurring salinity scold.
Where's my bike?
Posing for a photo at the Goondiwindi start line
Another interesting fact about Yelarbon is that in 2016 three quarters of the town was auctioned with a reserve of $1. Seven shops plus a house sold for $156,000.
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