Day 10 - Stanthorpe to Brisbane QLD 208km
Today: 208km
Total: 2085km
The final day!
Do we have another two hundy in us?
Up earlier than ever this morning as we had worked out our trip today would take us about 10 hours inclusive of our 50k stops and an extra stop at Sam’s house as we were passing by on the route.
We started where Sam finished last evening about 35k north of Stanhope, so a short drive before we clipped in for the exciting day. The ride took us ever up (what is it with all these hills) but then came some glorious descending winding down from the ridges into a river gorge. Luckily we had taken our jackets as it was freezing cold in the mist. At one exciting point Sam disappeared into the mist and out came a longie, on the other side of the road of course, but nevertheless nerve racking as the vehicle just popped out of nowhere.
The descents gave way to rolling hills for the next 150k as we made our way every closer to Brisbane city. Then we hit the highway and unfortunately the bogans who zapped past us taking little care how close they got and others screaming obscenities. What is it with young men!
Unfortunately for Sam today wasn’t his best. Something to do with last night’s lamb shank at O’mara’s pub maybe? Fast rides between toilet stops became the order of the day. Andy was shuffled into lead position with some talk about him waiting ten days and the obvious connection to pro cyclists protecting their team captain for glory on the finish line!
In reality Sam led the way into Brisbane having ridden the entire 2,100k to be met by family and friends. With banners waving, balloons held high and confetti raining down, the A2B adventure came to a close in a spectacular fashion. As we reflected on the past ten days, it became clear that this was some of the best riding we had ever experienced. However, with each story we shared, the memories seemed to blur together, making it impossible to recall the order of events, our stops and the highlights of the trip. It all went by so quickly, yet it felt like an eternity.
As we basked in the afterglow of our journey, the inevitable question arose: where to next? Terry was quick to suggest the B to C, Brisbane to Cairns - and who could blame him? The prospect of new adventures, unknown roads, and breathtaking scenery could just be to tempting to resist. Although he didn’t seem to keen to join us!
But for now, it's time for this dynamic duo to rest and recharge. Until we ride again, the memories of the A2B will keep us going.
