Longford to Hobart. Leg 1

Longford to Ross. A short tour to start building some stamina before our March Victorian trip.

Colin and I planned to start this mini-tour by cycling the western back road along the Macquarie River valley down to Ross. It’s a good ride and we were looking forward to it. So, why didn’t we?

Too bloody hot, that’s why.

The forecast was correct. 33C by lunchtime and 37C not long after. Too hot for us so we packed trikes and bags in cars and drove leg 1 instead. We had ridden the previous day and finished the ride in 33 degree heat. A lot of water was drunk. There is no opportunity to refill bottles on the way to Ross.

Today I loaded the car in the morning as the heat started to build and at 14.30 Sue and I began the drive south.

We passed through roadworks at Perth and Epping Forest. Each time there was a long tailback heading north so Sue decided she would take the back road home.

On arrival we emptied the cars and the ladies set off home.

A walk by the river was followed by tea. By then the temps had dropped a bit, the wind died, the smoke from local bushfires came in and the mossies came out.

It should rain over night and tomorrow. Yippee!! I think?

Sue called. She missed the turn for the backroad and sat for 1 hour in the traffic jam at Epping Forest. Unheard of delay in Tassie. Jeanette called. Ditto.

Let’s hope it rains tonight and we get a clear run to Oatlands tomorrow.