Internet access on Tour.

For those techno geeks who want to stay intouch with the world whilst on tour, I've done some research and came up with the best option whilst travelling across Australia.  Now I'm not a supporter of Telstra nor are they a sponsor of the tour.  Perhaps I should hit them for a small donation to the charity for this update.
  
Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband offers the following;

• Up to twice as fast as our previous Pre-Paid Mobile Wi-Fi in selected areas
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• Connects up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices
• Rechargeable battery
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Active battery life of up to 240 minutes
• OLED display and external antenna port (antenna sold separately)
• Next G® network coverage - so you can get online in more places
• Add up to 32GB MicroSD card to use as an external storage device (sold separately).

Typical download speeds in capital cities and selected regional and rural areas are from 550kbps to 8Mbps. In other areas, speeds will be less. If multiple users access the device, the typical speed range per user may be reduced. Speeds may also vary due to distance from the base station, location conditions, user numbers, hardware and software configuration.  

Now if anyone wishes to purchase the modem and 90day 5 gig offer, I can buy them for you and deliver them to you in Perth a couple of days prior to the start of the tour.  The cost is $129 AUS.   The internet access which the tour will be utilising to update the website each night is not available for participants.  You will have access to internet along the way in major towns, but having your own will be a bonus.  You can come on tour with nothing other than your bike.  Perhaps this tour is the best way to leave the world behind for a couple of weeks and enjoy one hell of a party.  Don't forget you will be expected to participate in all activities, especially if you want to be fed.

Safe ridng
Terry.

Weekly update: 1st November 2011. Queensland.

Over the past 5 days I've been in Queensland with my wife lying about and doing very little.  I did get the chance to catch up with my cousin and her family.  Nicole and her husband Tim own the 'Fishbone Cafe' in Ashmore Queensland.  They serve the nicest fresh seafood on the coast.  I know I'm biased but she is family.  We had a such great day with Bridget, Dylan and my uncle Keith. 

Now back to the 2012 tour.

I've had another cyclist come onboard during the week and numbers are getting close to the magic mark.  Now for those who wander about the spares they should bring, I would recommend foldable tyres like those depicted above.  Bringing wire bead tyres is not advisable and is a real pain in the ass for transporting by the vehicles. By bringing foldables you will be able to store them away in your bag to keep a close eye on them.

Now one of my good friends Mr Rodney Sanders loves the Hilton Hotels around the world, this one has recently opened on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise.  Now back at home it's back to the mad rush of everyday living.

Safe riding until next week.  Remember 2 months to decision day.

Weekly update: My nan turns 97 years of age.

Now nothing could be more important than attending my nans 97th birthday. With all the family around and far too much cake we had a great time Sunday afternoon. 

Now for the tour update.  The Aussie flag is something you'll have to get use to, because it will be flown everyday on tour.  The photo is of me standing at Wollongong harbour, one of the most beautiful harbours along the east coast of Australia.  As I previously mentioned, due to the Opera House being out of bounds, we might be finishing the tour at Wollongong.  I can assure you this will not affect the length of the tour or what you'll receive throughout the ride.

Last week I got another cyclist interested in the tour, this is getting close to the target. 

Well I'm off to Queensland with my wife for a couple of days, so no riding.  Stay safe and don't forget, I need more cyclists.

Move for Mark 13th November 2011, Stuart Park, Wollongong.

Mark Scott, well known local athlete was involved in a very serious accident whilst training on Saturday the 18th of June. We are hoping that the motivation and determination that makes him a great athlete and coach will shine through and help him to recover. On November 13th 2011 we are organising a special event at Stuart Park, North Wollongong to help support & raise funds to assist with Marks care.

If you wish to make a donation to Mark go to; http://www.scottendurance.com.au/moveformark/ and please donate.

Mark remains in a Coma and is supported by his wife, child and loving family.

Weekly update: 17th October 2012. Weather conditions on Tour.

After a bit of research I found the wind roses located all over Australia.  The 2 below show the wind rose at Perth, direction of wind at 9am and 3pm in August over a 60 year period.  These 2 roses are very similar to all others across the continent.  It appears we might have a slight headwind but as the days warms the winds change to stronge tailwinds.

If you look like coming to Australia in March 2012, then this ride is for you.  I've already signed up to compete in the 3 peaks challenge, so come on over and come for a nice ride in the sun.  http://www.bv.com.au/general/great-rides/42359/

Another good ride which supports the program, 'Youth off the Streets' commences in Sydney on the 28th April 2012 and finishes at Seaworld, Surfers Paradise, 7 days later.  http://www.sydneytosurfers.org.au/

I'm still chasing more numbers for the tour, so keep spreading the word.  The staff are all ready for the tour, all I need is a couple more mad cyclists.  Time for me to go for ride.  Until next week, safe riding.

Terry.

Weekly update: 11th October 2011.

Nothing much has happened this week, doing a little bit of work, and enjoying being back on the bike.  I still need more cyclists for this tour.  I've got some really keen people to do the ride, but I need you to pass the word around.

I received a letter this week from the Sydney Opera House Authority who indicated that access to the steps of the Opera House will be off limits from Christmas this year until March 2013.  The steps on the Opera House are made of granite, and the old  place is getting a complete make over. As you can expect things will have to change, but not as to the time we will take to do the ride.

In the worse case scenario the trip will end in Wollongong, NSW.  This is about 80kms south of Sydney on the east coast.  It's a beautiful place and if you google maps you can see the coast line and the harbour where I think we might have to end the trip. You won't be disappointed as this is a spectacular city on the beach.

Where we'll be staying on the last night is close to the rail line which goes directly to the International and Domestic Airports.  For those who need transport from the accommodation point to the train station can be arranged. 

1st January 2012 is decision day.  I will make a decision earlier if I have the numbers to proceed with the tour.


Until next week,
safe riding
Terry.

Weekly update: 3rd October 2011.

Over the past week I've made some changes to the website with the help of my trusted computer guru, Keiran McLeod of Bellambi, New South Wales.  You will be able to see what you get for your money on the holiday on the right of the screeen as you scroll down.  The photograph above is a typical sign you'll see across the Nullarbor Plains and also depicts the type of area we will be camping in along the way. 

Although I will try for registered camping grounds along the way, I do intend for the cyclists to be living in the bush for a couple of nights.

I've had a lot of interest in the tour after the past 7 days which is a good sign.  If you have any friends who would like to participate, give them a nudge and tell them all about this tour.

I'm now back on the bike and feeling pretty good, and I do hope to ride a couple of days on the tour next year, but knowing how involved it is in preparing the tour and ensuring that everyone has a great time, my opportunity to ride with the group will be limited.

The road to the Nullarbor Plains, Western Australia.

Until next week safe riding.

Terry.