Tuesday 30th - Ride Nowra in the rain (yay!).Stay with Angus, Hiromi & George (tony)
We awoke to the relaxing sound of rain falling on the roof. We had been extremely lucky with the weather, but today there was no escape - we HAD to ride in the rain. After sad, and much photographed farewells to Helen, Andrew, Patrick, Mathew & Alannah, we headed off. This was the first day for a while that we were a complete team - Great, Matt was back!!!
Kelly, Rachael, Alice & Matt headed north into the rain, while Ania, Tim, Marieke & myself rode to the local bike for some spoke work on one of Marieke's wheels. What started as drizzle, soon became heavy rain, but Bart from Ulladulla cycles soon provided a refuge for us. As we watched a video about the world mountain bike titles, drank his coffee & relaxed in his waiting room, he worked away on the bike.It would have been so easy to stay there all day, but we reluctantly decided we better head out into the rain. When Marieke went to pay him, he said he wouldn't accept anything because he appreciated what Otesha was doing. He is a great example of a business man, who believes that business as usual is not an option. He runs film nights for his customers, runs a bikeclub out of his club & is organizing a bulk buy of electric bikes to make them more affordable. He is happier making less money, if people live more sustainable lives. Onya Bart, long may it continue
Riding in the rain was quite pleasant as it wasn't cold & we were soon reunited with the others in Nowra. We stayed with Angus, Hiromi & George, a friend of Alice's. George, who is quite an accomplished musician soon arrived with the members of his band - "Feral Highway" - Matt, Will & Ben. Another very pleasant evening was passed eating, listening to great music(including George's) & chatting.

Wednesday 31st March (ania) The day we began the climb over the Great Dividing Range. Who chose the route again? Oh that's right, Rachael. And why? Because we had a contact there, which turned out not to be a contact. But in all seriousness, our tyres were super pumped for the ride and we wanted to prove everybody wrong - every person in each town from Melbourne and beyond who told us we were crazy.

But let's back track to the morning in Nowra where we gave two smashing performances to primary school kids, and received a whole bunch of freebies from Bicycles NSW who were there that day for Ride to School Day. Big thanks to teacher Ingrid for her enthusiasm!

It was in the afternoon that we began our steep ascent, aiming to get to Kangaroo Valley that day. I'm proud to say, I had the trailer for this one, eager to test out my body's limits and/or potential, take yer pick on word choice. Had quite the endorphin rush half way up that winding sharp never-ending hill, but guess what? There was a downhill on the other side, and it was kind of amazing rushing down a mountain with lush forest on either side of me! And camping at Kangaroo Valley was so beautiful. Loved that last bit of sunshine. But nobody could answer the question of the day: why can't you get Kangaroo Valley yoghurt in Kangaroo Valley?

Thursday 1st of April (Rachael) Moss Vale hill. Fitrzoy Falls.
"We can do anything" calls out Alice as we reach the top of the dreaded Moss Vale hill sweaty and smiling.
For the past 7 weeks the most common statement thrown our way has been "you're going to Moss Vale??? You must be crazy!!" We have had this hill looming over us since we left Melbourne, and I have to say I have copped a bit of slack from the crew for my route planning. This is the hill we have been building up our thighs for, and what a hill. Word up to the trailer pullers for the 2 hills- Ania, Tim, Alice and Tony totally spiflicated it, Ye-yah!!! Lots of encouraging honks from passing cars and few dumbfounded glances kept out legs pumping and wheels rotating.
Such steep long climbs but such beautiful views all the way, how could we not enjoy it. Stop over in Kangaroo Valley involved an evening at the local pub with birthday beers kindly sponsored by Alice's beautiful mum and some pool, yay! Poor Matty missed out, stuck in Nowra recovering from his tummy troubles.
The long climb up to Moss Vale lead by Tonstar on the trailer, a true ox, head down arse up-great work. Lunch break at Fitzroy Falls, wow, what an unexpected beauty! Then an easy cruise into Moss Vale welcomed by our lovely smiley host Kimba.
Woohoo, Moss Vale Hill conquered! Otesha 2010 unstoppable!

April 2nd - (ania) Day off Moss Vale. We all watched too many movies to count or remember. Alice embroided bikes onto our clothes. Ania got a hair cut and now looks like astro-boy. Tim & Matt played musical instruments & hung out with Trevor and son, Nick. We all had a dance-off in Kimba's lounge room. Tony and Kimba went on a tour of a nearby town, Berrima, and Alice went there, too, only to find it was full of yukky tourist shops. Kelly didn't leave her sleeping bag & became "the worm". Trevor mistook Rachael for his 12 year old son (and it wasnt that dark)...Marieke did nothing productive all day but climb a tree.

April 3rd - (Marieke) So close to the end. So sad. But today was beautiful. Sunny skies and Kimba rode with us for some of the way (cheers to Kimba, such a legend). Halfway through our ride we stopped at a local sportsground and played a great game of soccer. We ran around and sweated and used muscles we haven't used in 7 weeks, it was weird and fun and giggly and we are all a bit sore from it. Alice showed some hidden soccer talent, Ania pulled off some freaky latino magic, Rachael had enthusiasm, Tony was so excited he fell over, Tim was actually a decent soccer player, Matt defended the goals superbly, and unfortunately the only thing I brought to the game was a lot of cheating and whinging about not kicking the ball (and lots of laughter). Kelly was ref, but refused to leave her seat to retrieve stray balls "well I didnt kick it out!"...
Fun had by all. And a relaxing riding day towards Bargo. Staying with a lovely family, Sally, John, Hugh, and Gordon, in their big backyard. Loving it. Cheers
April 4/5th - (Tim) Woah, last stop before sydney sydney, sy sy sy sydney, wowsers, wo wow wo wowsers, and a pretty relaxing one at that. Easter weekend... yeah. A feast on each of three nights and a breakfast pancake buffet by your's truly (end is nigh, modesty is receding). Sally is the founder of a local bike riders group and took us on a couple of delightful morning tours. The first was to the Nepean Dam; massive pond that supplies sydney taps; and second to the mermaid pool; a deep water-hole, with water fall, in a stunning gorge. It was great to get out and see some natural wonder, and relax before we hit the city again. Ania says she is nervous about hitting the city, but I don't believe her. We were all presented new musical instruments in a grand ceremony staged by our hosts. Those of you coming to the end of tour party on wednesday will be treated to a full orchestra. (look out for tony's dulset tones: he practised at all hours).