Ride to Mandura

Friday morning we left home just after 7 o'clock in the morning. Mark was already up to get the Van ready the Bike and Canoe as he had planed to go to Lancelin. He is the photographer of our farewell Photo. In the beginning we had planned to go for 3 days with Bobby and take the Tent and all other gear with us to try it out. Because we had to be back for Sundays open home, we only could go away for 2 days and used only the Panniers and the Handlebar bag.

Our planned route was going from Warwick along the Freeway into Leedervile and then find our way along Cycle ways to the Narrows. Then following the Freeway Cycle path all the way to Mundijong Rd, where we would leave the Cycle way and go through the back way to Lake Rd into Mandura. Did a print out on Bikely with all the turns. It gave us a reading of 95 km all up to the Motel we had booked.

We expected a lot of people in the City, because of the dawn service for ANZAC, but hardly anybody was walking on the Cycle path. Only problems was a lot of groups riding up along the Freeway and not giving us room. After we past Roe Hwy it started to get quite enjoyable to ride. The first real stop was planned in South Lake by the shopping center. we stopped at Mac Donald for a Coffee sitting outside and watching all the people coming and going.
1/2 hour later it was time to start moving again. About 5 km further down the track I suddenly realized I have not put the GPS back in my back pockets before we left. Because I put it on the chair next to me as he was pushing into my back. Stopped, did a U-turn and heading straight back, doing a lot of swearing and cursing to myself. We said to each other, by the time we get back the GPS will be gone and the trip to Mandura will be getting very expensive.
As we arrived back, a Lady with 2 kids was sitting on the same Table. Jenny went and ask her, if she has seen a GPS sitting by itself on the chair. She told us, that she handed it to the guys behind the counter. We got it back and just could not believe how lucky we have been. Just shows you there are still honest people around.
Back on the Cycle path for the second time. At Mundijong Rd we turned left, cycled for about 4 km but could not find the road we been locking for. So back we went and took another road south.

After we past Karnet Rd we decided on another stop. Made ourself a Coffee with the hot water we took with us in a flask. The Sandwiches Jenny made before we left went down well and for Desert we had a Banana each. Only problem was, we had nowhere to sit down as we stopped way out in the whoop whoops.
From here we carried on south for almost 5 km before we were supposed to leave this road. As we got to the corner where the road turned left towards the hills, and we should have carried on straight to Lake Rd. there was no road whatsoever. Even the GPS said there is a road going south. Nothing we could do only move on and follow the other road. Soon the road turned into gravel and we ended up riding for about 12 km on that stuff. By the time we joined Lake Rd, turning a couple of times left then right we just about managed to go to North Dundalup. Once we turned towards Mandura we had a nice tailwind that pushed us nicely towards our destination.

We arrived at the Motel at about 3-15 pm. Unloaded the Tandem and lock it outside the room. We each had shower, made us a nice Coffee and eat some nice Biscuits we bought with us. Time was calling for a Nana and Pop sleep for 1/2 hour. We ended up doing about 125 km with all the shortcuts. Not bad when you think the ride should have been only 95 km.

Around 6 pm we went for a walk along the shore and had a Cappuccino and hot Chocolate. Jenny made most of her free hour on the Mob to ring everyone and let them know that we are still alive and kicking. On the way back to the Motel we picked up something to eat. Jenny had a 6 inch bun from Subway and I fancied some Noddles in the Box. We decided to bring the Tandem inside the room and not store it in the garage, as we had planned to leave early in the morning.
By 9 pm we were sound asleep.

Up at 6-15 am and had Coffee and breakfast. Loaded the Bike up again and by about 7-15am we started our ride home. This time we did not take any shortcuts. Traveled along a busy Mandura Rd towards Rockingham. In Safety Bay we headed towards Baldivis. Had a couple of rest stop before we joined the Freeway Cycle path that would take us all along to Perth and Home. We got into a routine of having every 15 km a break and it worked out well.

Had a big rest in Applecross for Coffee and 2 Cakes. Usually we do have 2 different Cakes and share them. The Carrot Cake was not nice at all and tasted like rubber. Next time we know not to stop there. Last break was at the end of Lake Monger and from here we had only another 12 km to go.
Today we rode 95 km and it was 1-30 pm when we arrived home. Overall it was a good experience for both of us. This was Jenny's first 100 km plus and we had lots of gear in the Panniers. I have to say she did very well.
I'm more and more confident of Cycling around Aussie as soon as we have sold the house. With the plan I have done, there will not be many days, where we will have to ride further. This is another reason why we are taking Bob with us. We will be able to carry lots of water and food when we need it and other times for spreading the load.