Day 8 – Forster to Hawks Nest – 120kms

Day 8 – Forster to Hawks Nest – 120kms

‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ – Margaret Mead

This morning’s breakfast was served along the Forster foreshore. The sunrises we have encounterd over the past week have been so memorable and sometimes indescribable. Stunning…Picturesque…Breathtaking…barely seem adequate.

Trent and the documentary team who have followed us the whole way looked a little frazzled. The waterfront, the Dolphins cruising under the bridge, the Pelicans perched on the rocks, the fishermen welcoming the sunrise… there were almost too many ‘perfect shots’.

With only just over 100km on the run sheet today and a route snaking its way through the Myall Lakes National Park, the energy at the start line was like Day 1. Not only would we be riding along some of the most rugged, untouched coastline of the mid-north coast, but we’d be finished early enough to fully appreciate it.

The only hurdle between us and Hawks Nest was a quick 10km section of lumpy, corrugated dirt road. At times it felt like our bikes had transformed into washing machines stuck on spin cycle. Luckily, everyone today made it through unscathed.

There were a few steep climbs along the way and at the end of the dirt road was something to behold. As one of my fellow riders put it best “The trees formed a complete canopy over the road. Sunshine streamed through the gaps, speckling the roads surface. Beyond the trees, on the left of the road, the white sand dunes parted to reveal pristine, empty beaches. To the right, a glassy lake, complete with water birds sunning themselves on overhanging branches. It was like being stuck in a tourism commercial, all the best bits of Australia crammed into a smooth, quiet 20 km section of road.”

Thanks Renee C.! I’m going to fess up and admit I have used much of your words along the way and will continue to do so for the rest of the journey. Without you my blog would be all photos and just a few words…THANK YOU!!

We could’ve done laps of it all afternoon, but Hawks Nest beckoned.

The energy at the finishing line was bordering on euphoric. Not only had we just completed one of the greatest afternoons of riding, but we were greeted by a horde of the TDC family – they were certainly out in force.

After we arrived at Hawks Nest a group of us rode over to Tea Gardens to visit the local school, Bungwahl Public School. You would think after 1,200+kms we wouldn’t want to ride any further than we had too, but what’s a few more k’s to go and see the kids who made it so worthwhile – too say they were excited was the understatement of the day. We were treated like absolute rock stars once again!

After our presentation we were treated to a skipping demonstration. I tried to take a selfie or two but failed miserably.

Note to self – when i get home I will need a few more lessons from Caitlin & Alyssa!

They even designed helmets for our visit which they so proudly showed off to us all. I’m just sorry I didnt get any photos – although I am trying to track down a couple for you and will try to post tomorrow.

Well folks enjoy the below pics I took today whilst I get some rest for the last two days – tomorrow 160km’s to Wyong and then the home stretch 100kms to Sydney and the finish line!

Chris Richardson

Rider #100 – 2016 TDC Signature Tour