Jeff & Mark's South Coast Trike Tour
Sunday, 30 April 2017
Friday, 20 November 2015
Last leg to Unanderra
Today is the final day of the journey started 10 days ago. It began as usual early in the day with a steep climb overlooking Seven Mile Beach and Geroa.

The road continued through Gerringong and turned into a full blown Motorway when it merged with the Princes Highway. With wide shoulders and a marked cycle lane the road began a long climb to the the top of a ridge approaching Kiama, where it suddenly reverted to a narrow shouldered blind curved speedway. We took the first exit we could to take us to Kiama, breakfast and, of course, the blowhole.
Unexpectedly on particularly nice downhill run and a slight bump over a piece of plasterboard, the rear end of my machine began to shimmy. Upon bringing the beast under control and stopping I found my rear tyre was flat. This was the only flat over the 400km trip. I inspected the tyre and tube and it appears that the tube must have been pinched when I fitted the tires in the first place as there were no abovious signs of puncture anywhere on the tyre itself.
We were soon back on the road, when Mark spotted this sign.
We tried to use any cycle paths of the main road where we could but eventually we found that they just didn't connect together as expected so we rejoined the motorway to reach Unanderra, lunch, and the end all a fantastic, if at times challenging, road trip on three wheels.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Beating the heat to Geroa
Today we took our last look at Huskisson and Woollamia and hit the road early.
Found a new peril beyond scrappy shoulders, rumble strips! When the shoulders get narrow you need to run your wheels along the while lines, with a rumble strip you get quite shaken up!
Our last major hills for the day were on the way to Nowra where afterwards there was a very nice wide cycle path leading for several kms to the city's outskirts. After breakfast in Nowra, we spent the rest of the day following the coast to take advantage of the sea breezes keeping the temperatures down. We found shady avenues of trees like this on the way to Shoalhaven Heads, where we took in the shade as much as possible.
After passing alongside the coastal rainforest at Seven Mile Beach we arrived early afternoon in Geroa and grabbed an ice block. At the Discovery Holiday park we made our way to our cabin which was close to the river. We took refuge in the air conditioning, until cooler winds arrived in the afternoon.
Far fewer hills today but tomorrow we start with a steep climb into Kiama as we head for Unanderra and the end of our trip.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Ulladulla to Woollamia (Near Huskisson)
Got out onto the road by 6am today. Trying to beat the heat as much as possible. Had a nice breakfast at the Heritage Bakery at Milton before climbing the hills towards Wandandia.
Generally the road shoulder was nice and wide and smooth on the Highway, which made it lot easier than dodging the pot holes.
Reached Wandandia as the sun was reaching it's highest point. Had a nice meal at the Blue Dog Cafe and tried to stay out of the sun for an hour before rejoining the trail. The place seemed quite popular.
From this point on the temperature continued to climb as we headed for Huskisson. Due to a misreading of the map we passed the turnoff and had to double back, costing us a few k's.
We passed through the hamlet of Tomerong and stopped to buy ice blocks from the somewhat taciturn locals in the store.
By the time we reached the Jervis Bay Caravan Park we had clocked up 62kms for the day.
Tomorrow the forecast is once more for high temperatures. We'll be setting off early again and shrouding ourselves once more from the sun before hitting the road to Geroa, the last stop before Wollongong.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Ulladulla rest day
Preparing once more to meet the heat on the road tomorrow. Washing, downtime and good food.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Bateman's Bay to Ulladulla
Managed to capture some shade as the temperature started to rise throughout the morning. Some beautiful rainforest scenery, unfortunately still hilly. Did I mention the hills?
Mark was looking a bit like a ninja with his cool snood, trying to keep the sun at bay.
Reached Lake Tabourie after lunch, and found the now disused caravan park we used to holiday at as kids.

Around here and later at Burrill Lake we took advantage of a new cycle path which went all the way through to Ulladulla. This was a welcome break from the noise and rough shoulder of the highway in parts.

Rolled into the Ulladulla Headland holiday park around 4pm, with stiff knees an sunburnt toes. The view from the cabin is lovely.
Hot day on the road to Bateman's Bay
On a hill out of Tuross heads Mark lost his bottle! This time however he also ran over it.
We started early again today to try and beat the heat and some of the traffic on the highway. The hills continued to appear in front of us today as the temperature rose to 30 C.
I found a new friend somewhere on the way towards Moruya with apparently the best prawns on the coast.
Soon after we were approached by a farmer who was very interested in our trikes. He said he was looking into getting one to ride around Australia on.
Reached Moruya in time for second breakfast at the cafe with the biggest writing. From Moruya we continued north to Mogo an historic town with lots of bric-a-brac shops and stayed for lunch.
The final 9 kms to Bateman's Bay was the hottest and hilliest for the day.
We got to the Zorba hotel around 3 o'clock, a bit stiff and tired but feeling better than yesterday as it was downhill for the last km or so.
We travelled about 50kms today. Tomorrow we head for Ulladulla and the second rest day for the trip.
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