Across the Border
Sydney to Melbourne Stage 11 – Thur 16th March 2017 – Eden to Genoa (63 Km)
Weather: 14⁰C min – 22⁰C max, mostly cloudy, a little rain
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible” ~ Arthur C. Clarke
The 64 Km ride from Eden to Genoa was uneventful, with nothing to see but trees and asphalt road and nothing to listen to but the constant chiming of bellbirds and the roar of trucks, timber lorries and cars. It was another one of those days when we just put our heads down and our tails up, grinding our way up the many steep climbs then rolling down the other side at speed. Traffic was heavy at times and the shoulder of the road was narrow in places, but we didn’t feel we were in great danger.
A significant milestone was reached today when we crossed the border from NSW into Victoria. Having ridden 584 Km (in 11 stages) we now have 581 Km (spread over 9 stages) until we reach Melbourne, which means that in terms of distance we are exactly half way. The thought of crossing the border pulled us along like a magnet today, but when we got there it was an anti-climax. Instead of an impressive sign welcoming us to Victoria there was just a drab sign barely worth stopping to take a photo of.
Fourteen Km further on we reached Genoa where we are staying at a real Aussie country pub tonight. Wi-Fi is non-existent, the shower is cold, and the water is not potable, but at least there is a tub of natural spring water to drink. Electricity didn’t arrive in Genoa until 1971 and the only eating place in town, the Berlin Café, is closed for business. Hopefully we will be able to get a pie at the pub.
We chatted for a while to one old-timer in the bar. When we jokingly asked whether he knew of anyone who might be interested in giving us a lift to Melbourne he said he could teach us how to hot-wire a car!
NSW is done and dusted and now Victoria here we come!
kevin you have made it look so do able
Not only do able but an incredible experience. There are so many great little towns along the NSW south coast and the scenery everywhere is supurb. The section from Genoa tomorrow is the only stretch that worries us a bit,so we will be getting a lift past the worst part,
Well done both of you for crossing the boarder and to date all is well.
Let’s hope the rest of the journey will continue to be just as good.
No Wi-fi it goes to show that some parts of Aussie land is still “sleeping”
It’s time they get with the “programme”!
Good luck and safe ride on the next stage..