Round Australia - 2008
Reports and Messages
Assisted by
Peninsula Cycle Centre
1/276 West Street
Umina Beach NSW 2257
Tel: 02 4341 5673
Wyoming Cycle Centre
Five Ways Shopping Centre
17/482 Pacific Highway
Wyoming NSW 2250
Tel: 02 4324 0260
E-Mail: pencycle@internodeon.net
Messages of encouragement to Dave and sighting reports will be published here during the ride. If you wish to pass on your own words of encouragement, send an email to feedback@davebyrnes.com.au
| Date | From | Message | |
| 16/6 | Kerry |
Hi Dave, here's
hoping you are still on the road if you are able
and still willing to. It is now Monday 16th june
and there has been no sign of your reports for 5
days. Hoping you are OK and if not that things
are not too bad for you. Hoping to see some sort
of report ASAP.
Your friend, Kerry
|
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| 15/6 | Di Hayter |
Dave, Diaries are great. Hope you are OK, holding together physically for as long as it takes. Your trek is reminding me of an episode of Andrew Denton, probably "The Money or the Gun" - so long ago. Norwegian adventurer Liv Arnesen was being hailed as the first women to walk solo to the South Pole, in 1994. Andrew asked her, as one would, what she thinks about during the long, long hours of solitude. She said she tended to get songs stuck in her head - one in particular was Queen's "I Want To Ride My Bicycle". Somehow the story, and the song, reminded me of you on this ride. You could, perhaps, start singing "I Want to drag my one-man sled", or something, maybe release the single when you get back. Best wishes, Di Hayter |
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| 13/6 | Larry |
Dave, less than half way to go now
and it's all down hill and westerlies. The Bagley Bunch (the
guys Irish and I ride with) will dedicate Sunday's Eastlink 65km
ride to you. Regards,
|
|
| 12/6 | Leigh |
Congratulations on getting over
'the hump' Dave and past the point of the injury last time.
Well done. You are an absolute legend and I'm as jealous as
all get out of you. Keep up the brilliant effort and
fantastic journal updates. All strength to you Dave.
Leigh
|
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| 12/6 | Ray |
Hello dave well you are at the half way mark now dave so keep pushing those pedals and when not if you get to Melbourne and you need a place to rest ,have a kip,warm bath you are more than welcome to stay with my family.. |
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| 12/6 | Marty |
Gday Dave,
I wrote this after I
cracked my first 150km last week and was considered a
little mad by the "S"aint "H"uberts "I"sland "T"riathalon
"C"lub as known as the SHIT Club. After receiving your a
second update from Leon of Terrigal Trotters I wrote to
them, Ahh SHIT club, And this bloke has time to
write emails!!!!!!!! I reckon Saturday in any weather we
should be able to knock over a quick 200k. suggestions?
(joking)
I have given it a lot
of thought. "read carefully his secrets that non of us
adopt are,"
He enjoys a big fatty
breakfast.Lets drop the mugs of coffee and adopt that
one!!! He doesn't have to make it home again if he over
extends himself.That gives you motivation.My wife is
happy for me to ride but if I don't make it picking me
up is another story.I'm scarred of that!! See a
unassembled tent and a wet jacket for a pillow would
keep me on the bike too. Anyone seen "Wolf Creek"?
That's how he gets his average up. He's scarred.We don't
want to leave the sheds at Terrigal at any pace at
all.Most of us are looking back at the rowers.
Finally talking to Grey
Nomads!! You blokes are doing your best not to
either.See another motivational mind game. This crazy
blokes no legend, just a product of his environment!!!!
Wouldn't it be good to
meet up with him on his final legs somewhere
and share some of his
trip. Anyone keen? marty.
I then logged onto your
website,
Dave, Truly
inspirational,and when asked if you agree your a little
mad...... Your answer could be the same as a base jumper
I saw on 60 minutes that uses a carbon suit to fly like
a bird.
He said,
Madness is turning up to a
job for 8 hours a day 5 days a week motivated to make
the most of 48 hours until you have to
turn up again and repeat
the same process just like the week before.
That's mad isn't it??
Congratulations on your
progress and keep up an excellent effort,
marty
|
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| 12/6 | Vladimir |
i cant believe how far you are covering and your
doing it so hard! ie you have no aero bars, your eating junk
food as fuel, didnt get fitted up by steve hogg in sydney and
are riding a heavy bike.. i only imagine what your mental resolve could achieve had you 'done all the right things' as you truly are a stellar endurance athlete. hats off to you. keep eating that junk food and riding a bike that doesnt fit you properly..otherwise guys like me that are half your age will look like lazy pricks! your diet is full of acid..im not sure how your tendons, joints etc deal with it all. keep on smashing out the miles its giving us spectators plenty of smiles! |
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| 12/6 | Allen Pearson |
Dave, you are in the right place : Qld thrashed
NSW last nite (30-0) so middle of WA is the best place to be.
2000km from any qlder and talk about that game last nite. Now to serious stuff! GREAT WORK mate! Sensational stuff - keep it going champ - STRONG! All the best. |
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| 12/6 | Freelea |
Wow Dave you are really inspirational! Keep up
the good work! I'm currently riding solo from Adelaide to the
Gold Coast. Take care :-) |
|
| 11/6 | Greg T | A sign of encouragement from fellow Terrigal Trotter, Greg Tegart. On display 9km out from Port Hedland. Click here to view | |
| 11/6 | Irish |
Hi Dave, Irish here, keep it up. We are all thinking positive - I’m sure the wind will turn around soon. Cheers |
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| 11/6 | David |
It may be wet now but think of the goal, think of that finish, within your time limit, all the very best for your very positive finish. I hope to see you on the road sometime as I go round, I’m as young as you are. Regards David |
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| 11/6 | Jo |
Hi Dave, I don't know what I keep doing wrong (techno phobe), but hopefully you will get this one!. I was sat at work the other day, reading your blog, got to the part with the cow, someone walked in, & all I could do was laugh. The more I tried to compose myself, the worse I became!! Anyway, great to see you still have your sense of humour. I can remember when I did my first marathon, & my workmates couldn't beleive that if they started work at 9.00 that I had run continously untill lunchtime at 1.00pm. With the GNW "I" couldn't beleive that I was still going after the equivalent of 2 working days. But this, I totally cannot comprehend. I come to work everyday, go home again & after a month you are still going, it's mind blowing!!!!!! We are in awe of your physical capabilities & your iron will power. We wish you so much luck, & cross our fingers for some decent weather. My Dad has recently been dragged into the 21st century, & can now use a computer. He is following your trip in a virtual sense, & loving it, so I'll take this opportunity to say" Hi Dad" ;-) Keep safe, love Jo Graham & Eric PS: I only just realised I can out do you!! try 2 litres of icecream, now you're talking |
|
| 11/6 | Erik |
Hi Dave
Yes, that could very well be my
tracks in the sand you have seen. I too used these signs for
my reststops!
I must congratulate you with the
Tableland leg!! I didnt dare take it :-(
Best of luck for the rest of
your trip, you are doing very well and are only slighty
behind my average mileage, at this point, YOU CAN DO IT!!
Best regards
Erik Straarup
|
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| 10/6 | Ken & Val |
Hi Dave we've been following you this time with
your e-mails not with the motorhome as we did on your previous trip. So far so good and you've reached the point where we left you last time so good luck and maybe we'll cross paths towards the end of your trip. We are still at home at this point but plan to get away soon. Ken and Val (Singleton motorhomers) |
|
| 9/6 | Sue |
Hi Dave
Cant believe that you have kept
going after all the problems you initially
encountered. Well done you are showing great
courage.
Look forward to saying Hi when
you pass through Melbourne.
cheers
Sue Smith
|
|
| 9/6 | Philip Murphy |
Keep rolling along Dave, it's so inspiring to
watch you tackle this monster. Love the reports and podcasts. |
|
| 9/6 | Monica |
Hi Dave, Just checked into your
website and listened to some of your earlier podcasts. I
couldn't seem to download any of the more recent diary
entries but it could be my computer so I will try another
time.
Hope your Achilles is going OK
and no nagging injuries. Make sure you stock up on some meat
and protein/eggs and fruit and veg etc although it is
probably not easy to come by in the small take away shops.
We are all missing you at the
Thursday training sessions and hearing reports on your
progress. The first Thusrday you were gone it was raining
and we deliberated for a while but agreed on a short session
in the carpark and felt pleased with ourselves that at least
we did something!
Steve and I took the kids to
the Powerhouse Museum yesterday and there was a big feature
on the first man to cycle around Australia unassisted. You
never know but you could have a feature at ther Powerhouse
Museum in years to come!
Keep up you mental and physical
stamina ! you are a real inspiration!
Monica Nicol
|
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| 7/6 | Jan |
Hi Dave, Very happy to see how you now routinely complete those insane "on target" days, and great to get a very positive vibe from your daily reports. Many thanks for mustering the energy after all the riding to keep us updated! Great news about the Achilles too. Very wet here for the last week, wouldn't mind swapping the weather with you for a while to get some heat training... Wishing you good tailwinds and smooth roads. Ride safely, Jan |
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| 6/6 | Phil L |
Good on ya Dave, looks and
sounds like you are over your bad patch, it all makes great
reading for us 'stay at homes'
Keep it going mate,
All the best
Phil L
|
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| 6/6 | Debbie |
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| 5/6 | Dale |
Hey Dave
You are inspirational. I
remember hearing your name associated with great running and
here you are doing a fantastic ride at a break neck speed.
You make me feel like getting properly fit rather than
tinkering around with semi fitmess. I wish you a slight
tailwind and fair skies for your journey in the tracks of
the Dane. Go well!!
Dale Thompson
55 year old slow runner
|
|
| 5/6 | Robb |
David
Lori and I are
following your trip through the daily journals.
We again follow you with fascination. We wish
you the best of luck.
Take care
Robb
|
|
| 5/6 | Bruce and Elva |
Hi Tiger Elva and I are intrigued with your journey while over here in Norway. Your multi-tasking ability will only be exceeded by your successful circumnavigation - you keep getting your tips in (AND winning, although I bet you didn't tip Pies v Cats). We have just visited Polar Museum in Tromso, Northern Norway, and were inspired by the story of Roald Amundsen whose systematic analysis, focus and physical fitness in his exploration of the North West Passage, North and South Poles could only be a model for your modern-day epic journey around Australia. Keep it up. We'll see you at the Springs. Bruce and Elva Abrahams |
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| 5/6 | Bern |
HI, Dave
where the devil do
you get all the guts to spend all the time
pushing the peddles round , from midnight to
dark again ?
Talk about suffering
is optional, you are a beacon of light , go
DAVE remember that last push of the wheels
around is one less to the finish
bern
|
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| 5/6 | Jon |
Hi Dave Sounds like you're doing well with fewer problems- fantastic! You're in good shape approaching halfway! I'm in Vancouver with the Australian triathlon age group team; over 200 Aussie athletes here for the sprint & olympic distances. The ocean temperature is familiar to those who swim train in Melbourne & further south- 12C! Cool even when wearing a wetsuit. It's Vancouver summer - overcast, cool & intermittent rain! The spring ski season in ending this weekend, and there's still snow on the mountains. All the best! Jon |
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| 4/6 | Norbert |
Hi Dave , Just want to wish you all the best of luck for this monumental task; I will be following your daily entry with interest. Norbert Plenty Cycles |
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| 4/6 | Rod B |
Dave great to read of some improvement on the pain scale with the achilles tendon. winter now and you seem to be getting into a good rhythm although I hope the 374km days like June 2nd are sparing. Enjoying the descriptions of passing scenery and wildlife including injured tiger snakes - reading it makes me feel like I'm there - but without the pain !!! Keep it up bro ! |
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| 4/6 | Greg T |
Hi Dave
Thought I would send
you an email to say goodai. I have been enjoying
your journals and picturing
in my mind the places you have been
talking about. As so far I have been to most of
them. But soon you will be in areas I have not
seen. anyway,
Keep having a
enjoyable and safe trip.
Gregt
|
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| 4/6 | Dave & Fran |
Dave It’s great reading your daily updates and I just had a look at your email support. Loved your comments, plus Phil’s comments, about Dave Bedford. I’ve worked at the IAAF World Road Running/Half Marathon Championships the past couple of years with Dave and I don’t think he’s changed too much! I can’t even imagine the daily schedule you’re keeping so congratulations on your progress to date and keep on rolling. As much as we all enjoy your daily updates, remember to keep your focus on the bike. Far too wet here for golf! Best wishes Dave C |
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| 4/6 | Makio |
Go Go Go!
Makio
|
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| 4/6 | Kerry |
Hi Dave, I continue
to enjoy reading of your exploits and put my own
less challenging existence into a better
perspective. I am also challenging myself this
year to better 500km in our local heated pool.
The pool was completed in Jan05 and since then I
have swum on 868 days. In 2006 I reached 482km
before falling off the bike and breaking the
left hip (kneck of the femur) and missing about
6 weeks. Recovery was gradual and i missed
4months of work with recovery walking sideways
in the pool and a little backstroke. No
freestyle was permitted until the hip was fully
recovered after 4 months. In 2007 I made only
425 km in the pool. To break 500km I need to
average 42km a month - about 60 laps or 1.5km a
day - and so far this year the total is up to
245km. So i am over target for now with an
average of 48km/month. Barring another accident
or illness I should bolt it in this year! The
cycling has improved too and last week the
Leongatha Cycling Club raced the Pound Creek
circuit (2 laps of 26km) where 19 keen cyclists
raced. I managed to stay with the faster bunch
and sprint at the finish, finishing in 7th out
of the bunch of 10. Average speed was nearly
35km/hr.
Glad to hear your
achilles problem has eased. Hope you can
continue to feel comfortable and reach your
goals. So far you have done just great. Riding
under the stars must be awesome with so little
traffic to worry about.
Thinking of you.
regards, Kerry Pritchard
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| 3/6 | Marg & Rob |
Dave
Glad to hear the
Achilles has settled... We are very envious ot
the starry nights... it has been overcast many
nights on the Coast. We held the monthly 3000m tonite
in heavy rains and felt justifyably proud of the
efforts of 20 odd that showed up to race...
however this heroism pales against your
efforts! No need to apologize for not replying
to messages.. we'd be annoyed at you for wasting
valuable riding/sleeping time!
Heres wishing for
tailwinds to assist
Cheers
Margaret and Robert
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| 3/6 | Allen P |
Dave, great work - like everyone I hope you can
complete this epic ride this time round - I'm sure you can mate! All the very best. Allen Pearson (Trotter) |
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| 2/6 | John G |
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the inspiration.
The guys at Cappuccino Club here in Melbourne
are all looking at your reports and
marvelling at your ability to have a good
time out on the road.
As all committed cyclists know :- even when
it's bad, its great!
Keep smiling while you pedal and without even
noticing it, you'll be back on schedule.
I'm expecting you will be riding through
Melbourne in a few weeks and I hope we can join you for a
few K's in passing.
Cheers
John (Gumby) Gould
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| 2/6 | Phil |
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| 2/6 | Al |
Keep those legs
pumping for just over the next hill is a beautiful valley, but
you must climb the hill to see it. And remember, if you get
up one more time than you fall you will make it through. Can't
think of any other cheesy sayings but you're a bloody legend
brother Dave. Following with great interest and willing your
forward. Al. |
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| 1/6 | Leigh |
Good on you Dave. You are an
inspiration. All strength to you. Your journal entries are
brilliant and give a great insight into how tough it is, yet
how brilliant what it is you are doing. Keep up the great
work.
Leigh
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| 1/6 | Phil L |
Hi Dave,
It occurred to me that if your
attempt was fully supported, ie campervan with you etc, you
would have worn out all your assistants by now. Or perhaps
they could throw you out of the van at four am, go back to
bed, and let you do the first 100k before catching you up
for breakfast !
I think you are right about the
element of luck required, it reminds me of how often first
time good 10k men run their first marathon, and 'get' away
with a blinder, then have problems thereafter getting back
to their debut time. I think its a case of the more times
you put yourself out there, the more opportunities there are
for things to go wrong.
This sleep deprivation thing
must be similar to Cliff Y on the Sydney-Melb. He certainly
wasn't the best athlete, but probably coped best with the
sleep deprivation factor.
Perhaps when the 'task' at hand
is of more than a week's duration, the 'athletic' ability of
the person is less of a requirement..
I have similar memories as you
of Dave B, in '68 I think, when he was 18 and we all ran
from the North Harrow track, getting back first to the rooms
after his 10miler in 52 he would be first into the showers
and turn them so hot that up that he would be bright red,
and be standing in the shower and defy anyone else to join
him. And we didn't because we were too soft, or so he said.
During this same period, his
coach, Bob Parker, went on holiday he asked Dave to look
after his house, so Dave threw a party and ended up setting
fire to some of Bob's furniture in the garden !
You might also remember Dave
winning the Southern XC Junior 6 miles at 1pm, then fronting
up for the Senior race over 9 miles at 2.30, and winning
that too !
Mad as a snake, un-coachable,
and probably his own worse enemy.
Martin Grey from Shaftsbury was
out here a couple of months ago, and tells me Dave still
runs 5 miles a day, and still trys to burn everyone up,
probably because the blokes he now runs with
couldn't run 27.31 for 8K let alone 10K.
And this is the man who now
'runs' the London Marathon. he probably put those
cobblestones in at 24 miles deliberately !
Anyway, mate, now that I've sent
you to sleep, all the best, hang in there, and just keep
those pedals turning, you didn't mention the sore achilles
in the last couple of days, we all hope that's come good
Regards
Phil L
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| 30/5 | Marg & Robert |
Hi dave
Law of averages says
this has to get easier... Sounds like you are
still able to enjoy the ambience of your riding
despite your tiredness. Your efforts to make 4am
revellie(sp) sound like a sleep in are in
vain... Hang in there.
Robert and Margaret
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| 30/5 | James L |
DAVE
your going great mate i cant
wait 4 my retirement i wanna see u make it in fifty days u
know u got in you and its your final attempt so dont waste
it mate.. keep ur mind in a good place n watch those missing
kms go beneath you.
COME ON LEGS from james
lamb
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| 29/5 | Jan H |
Hi Dave, Thinking of you twice every (work) day - in the morning when I ride to work I know you're already in the saddle for 2 or 3 hours at least, in the evening on my way home I know you're probably still going. Sure gives me inspiration to move those legs! I hope you have some days of flat terrain with good tailwinds and a decent night's sleep ahead. Stay safe and watch your achilles before it becomes a showstopper. Keep it up, Jan |
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| 29/5 | Carl B |
Hi Dave, Hope you can stay on this punishing schedule and can get the computer glitches sorted so we all keep up to speed with your incredible journey. Good luck with your challenge. Carl. |
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| 29/5 | Leon |
Dave, The pain,the sleep deprivation and the sheer daily slog add up to so many negatives but remember that there are so many people arond the world who are following your progress and willing you on every pedal stroke. There is an old saying "A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams"--Live the dream and hang in there Leon |
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| 29/5 | Bruce |
Hi Dave, In case you don't know, there are a million of us out here that would like to think that we could do what you are doing (and have done) but never will or could. A would be if I could be. bruce, sydney |
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| 28/5 | Ray |
hello dave I have read your article that was featured in the Audax magazine and have been hooked on your exploits,so when i complain about the cold i will look to you as a source of inspiration just to get out of bed and think of how dave is suffering!! I will be following your ride and just keep on pedalling!!You kon if you ever think of doing this again why not try a two wheeler recumbent?? You won't get a sore backside..Take it from one who owns one.. ray |
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| 28/5 | Paula H |
Dave - Sounds like you're experiencing (understandably) a bit of deja vu in the low spirits department. But even attempting this adventure (twice no less!) speaks volumes about the amazing person that we all know you to be. I'm loving the daily reports, although you're scaring me with the 'asleep at the wheel' stuff. Please take care of yourself, and I wish you both easier days ahead and improved spirits. Fondly, Paula Harrington |
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| 28/5 | Pete |
Dave, First time in my 56 years l've heard you say something is "beyond me"!!! what about all those times you tried to beat me in table tennis! (l was sure you would have said "beyond me" then, but even then, you didn't!) We are all thinking of you and admire your resolve. Just don't kill yourself please, we'd like you to be able to defend the "Harold Trophy" for family golfing excellence one day! regards brother Pete |
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| 28/5 | Wendy |
Hi Dave, I hope you get this email. I just want you to know that I have been reading with great excitement each journal entry of your second attempt around Australia! I am so proud of you and know that you are going to make it this time. I admire your strength to keep going despite the lack of sleep, Achilles heal pain, trucks, bee stings, technical difficulties and the elements! I must tell you that I cringe every time I listen to your podcast because the truck and cars sound sooooo close to you while you’re talking. Again, good luck and be safe! Warm regards, Wendy |
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| 28/5 | John G |
Hi Animal
Have been following you
everyday and I am sure that this time you are going to make
it! All the guys from the TACK kayaking mob send their
regards. Go! Man Go!
Regards John Greenway
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| 27/5 | Scott J |
Hi David. I followed your last
journey and only just discovered today that you are trying
again and that you passed through Cairns recently. Bummer. I
would have had a ride with you for while. Never mind.
You might remember my atrocious
poem about your layup with the sore leg at end of last
journey.
I can see you are going through
your ups and downs in spirits again. If that archilles
tendon doesn't do you in, try to remember that there are
many of us whose spirits are with you on your journey. It's
not just Dave out there on the bike.
Go bro!
Scott Johnston
Cairns
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| 27/5 | Madhu J |
Hi Dave,
Looks like some challenging, interesting and
adventures moments. Hope to hear you catch up on your
deficit (not much! easy to say sitting on a couch at home in
NY).
Keep it going - Wish you the very best. Stay
healthy.
regards,
/mj
Madhu Jain
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| 27/5 | Jon K |
Hi Dave
Sounds like you're having
another exciting adventure! We wouldn't have much to discuss
if you were having an uneventful trip. There's lots of time
to catch up with your schedule.
Wishing you all the best!
Jon K
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| 26/5 | Warwick Y |
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| 26/5 | Lisa H |
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| 26/5 | Phil L |
Hi Dave,
Just returned from a 3 day jaunt
around Killarney, Warrick, Stanthorpe, taking 3 days to do
what you do in a day,
and clocked on to your page and
found out about your troubles.
As you say it aint much fun when
things go wrong, but its not supposed to be fun, didnt your
Mum tell you that.
As a previous writer said, dont
be in too much of a hurry to pick up the 138k.
If you divide the 138k by the
number of days you have left, it works out to be an extra
11 minutes a day, providing you can keep up the
Gabrelsilesie pace !
(you know who I mean)
Hang in there mate, and keep it
going,
Regards
Phil L
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| 26/5 | Geoff D |
Hi Dave Your doing well, hope the body is holding up well, your web site & pod casts are very entertaining, keep going we are all keen to see you have a safe trip. Cheers Geoff Dominguez |
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| 26/5 | Rodney G |
Dave
Best wishes from my class.
If you have time, would
love you to drop in at the school for another chat with my
class.
We are checking your
progress everyday.
Cheers
Rodney Gregg, Senior Teacher
Casuarina Street Primary School
Katherine NT 0851
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| 26/5 | Aaron N |
Dave:
Wishing you the best from the campus of
Thomson Reuters in St. Louis!
Cheers,
Aaron Nauman
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| 24/5 | Leon H |
Dave, Your progress makes interesting reading---those small pieces of wire are a bummer aren't they---hope your catchup goes well --Good Luck Leon |
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| 23/5 | M. Beardslee |
Hey dave
After day 6 we were thinking to
tell you to suck it up and get a grip..... looks like you
did!! Well done!
Cant believe the bike shop didnt
pick up the wire... Serves you right for having such good
tyres and not getting any practice changing flats for the
last 15000km!
Hope the tailwinds eventuate...
and take your time with the catch up I remember some story
about the hare and tortoise... now how did that go again...
stay safe
M & R
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| 23/5 | Mike O. |
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| 19/5 | Peter JB | G'Day Dave you in bed yet and if the anwer is
no...why arent you?? lol hope things are going well and it sounds like alot of traffic, wouldnt it be easier to just hitch a ride???? Do you remember me or do i come under the people that may not remember you....hahahaha. talk soon Regards Pete |
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| 19/5 | Mike O. |
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| 19/5 | Craig G |
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