It looked like we would get away early as we were both up and about early but discovering the trailer tyre was flat delayed our departure until our usual time (8.oo am). The flat tyre was a portent of things to come. Tyre fixed, we set off down the Pacific Highway.
Our first stop was Kempsey where we visited the Information Centre and took on the board the suggestion that we continue on to Frederickton another 6 kms to have morning tea at Fredo's Pies.
Fredo's have 56 different pies on offer including crocodile, camel and venison, (and maybe platypus). I had Beef Strogonoff and Steak, Bacon and Cheese. Tony had Chicken. Asparagus and Cheese and Mongolian Beef. The trailer tyre was flat again so we fixed it again. Still 50 kms to Macksville our projected next stop.
Next 30 kms went quickly, with Tony riding ahead when you guessed it the trailer tyre went flat. Knowing there was a roadside rest stop 5 kms on I kept going guessing correctly that Tony would be wait,ing there. Finally got there and fortunately there was a sheltered picnic area as it was getting quite hot. Removed the tyre and attempted to fix the tube 4 tims. Each time we put it back it went flat. Old patches were coming unstuck and new patches were not sticking. In the end we decided to bind the biggest problem patch with duct tape and then race for Macksville where there was a bike shop. Set off with Tony to follow behind and raced towards Macksville hoping and not daring to look that the tyre would stay up. Passed two riders with Bob Trailers going the other way. Would have loved to have had a chat but couldn't stop. Tony caught up with me just I reached Macksville and the tyre finally gave out.
Found the bike shop behind the main st and bought 2 tubes and new tyre. The owner was very helpful and help me fit the tyre while Tony shopped for dinner. We went to the local pub, the Nambucca hotel, were Tony bought me a schooner of heavy which went down very quick followed by another one. The pub was pink and pretty rough so thought two men in bike knicks ordering a pony of light might get us bashed.
Decided to push on to Nambucca Heads only another 11 kms. Not wonderful riding on narrow roads with the feeling I should not have had the second schooner particularly when dehydrated and hungry.
Found ourselves at the Foreshore Caravan Park where we were given a brilliant campsite by the river. Set up our tents, showered and had dinner (salmon and chinese rice). Finished off the night with a few lemon squashes at the local RSL.
It looked like we would get away early as we were both up and about early but discovering the trailer tyre was flat delayed our departure until our usual time (8.oo am). The flat tyre was a portent of things to come. Tyre fixed, we set off down the Pacific Highway.
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