As I sit and ponder.......sounds corny, but as tonight is our last night away, it is impossible not to ponder on what has been an amazing time both on the bike and off.  We're at the Meningie Lake Albert Caravan Park and tomorrow we make our way back to Victoria Square. 

We left Kingston this morning a bit later than normal, some of us struggled to get out of bed today.  Our journey was 147kms at an average of 26.2kms/h.  Wasn't a hard day, but then again we have done this 7 days in a row.

We left Kingston, but of course had to stop at the Big Lobster.

Chewy decided this was a bit large for his marinara pizza...

But he did find something more managable....

The ride through to Salt Creek was 84kms and dead straight and boring. I think I saw an 1.1% elevation at one stage and AVO thought he saw a corner, but none of us believe AVO anyway.

Traffic became an issue as we got closer to the coorong area.  Hundreds of 4WD's and the occasional bus to negotiate.

We stopped for lunch at Salt Creek where some of the motorists came by and put some more donations into our tin.

After lunch we tapped along at a good rate with the beautiful Coorong on our left until we hit Meningie and Lake Albert

When we arrived at the Caravan Park, we were amazed to see another cycling crew....40 riders, 2 support vehicles, a truck, a motorbike and 3 masseurs!  (soft!) They are from Sydney riding Adelaide to Melbourne for the Starlight foundation.

Looking forward to our last night together by dining out at the Meningie Pub, only to find that they were closed for dinner and the only other option was the Fish and Chip shop in the main street.

The owners of the shop were very entertaining and fed us well.  They also donated $50 to our fund.  What amazing people there are in this world.  It really is inspirational and highlights the concern the community has about advancing Cancer research.

Fed and watered we return to the Caravan Park and get prepared for tomorrows tough ride.  150+ kms including the climbs up through the hills.

So as I ponder, I think of the S2S team.

The Prof - What a great rider, he just seems to sit there and chug away with ease.  Reckon he's feelin better now that he did when we left.  He's also one of the nicest blokes you'll meet. 

Protein Man - Came into the group late, but has been an awesome contributor.  Each day after the ride he makes up his special mix of powders which we all dutifully swallow.  He is also a genius with his massage and treatments.  On the bike he's been stong and consistent, making sure everyone is on board.

Con the Toolman - C'arn Con, has been a consistent catchcry of the tour.  Con's such a lovely bloke, we stop and he takes photos and chats away and makes sure all the mechanics are good while we just rest and then start to roll off - C'arn Con!  His toolbox has been a goldmine for us on tour.

D-man - D'man rides so strongly, he seems to have a rythym that just keeps on going no matter what.  Derek has come into this with previous experience and was so valuable in setting up the ride

Catherine the Great - Wow, can this girl ride.  We've had some real challenges as you've probably read, but she has come through all of them with amazing strength.  I can't work out where the strength comes from, she so small on the bike, but bounces away all day. 

Chewbacca - What a beast!  Chewy has provided us with constant entertainment, whether it's eyeing off the roadkill for a quick snack or showing us how and where not to apply butt butter.  We love him!  He's a gentle giant with a caring soul.  We've decided there's two things you wouldn't want to be, 1. Chewy's cranks, 2. Chewy's knicks

Bike Belle - For Bike Belle this ride has been more of a challenge than for most of us.  The length of rides and the difficulty of some of the conditions have been a real test.  She is incredibly determined and has achieved personal bests along the whole journey.  She's a good sport who has provided us with an endless supply of laughs and good times.

Smudge - What can I say! Just an amazing man.  Will ride a bike all day, anywhere, anytime.  He has a rare trait in just being able to be happy all the time - ALL the time!  His contributions to this tour have been vital.  Without him, much of it wouldn't have happened or would have failed.

AVO - AVO joined us in Portland and has slipped straight into the team.  He is always chatting and bringing his unique style of humour into the day.  His contribution as the third girl in the group has been greatly appreciated.  Seriously, great guy who has been a part of this right from the beginning.

ARGG - All Round Good Guy,  Argg has driven the bus/support vehicle for 8 days now and has never let us out of sight.  He is exactly the sort of guy you want at your back.  Without his significant contribution, we would have felt vulnerable and unsafe.

Blighty - Me!  All I want to say is that I have loved it! So many times I thought to myself "How good is this!" (Actually I think I have said it a few times!)

So, that's the crew.

The Ride?  Well there will be time for more detailed reflection in due course, but as I think back now, I remember a few highlights.

• Bikeboy meeting us in Fed Sq and the ride down to Sorrento to catch the ferry
• The Great Ocean Rd.  Wow! Just a spectacular ride
• The Otway Forest and Lavers Hill - tough but I'd do it every day if I could.
• Gale Force winds in our face and rain all day for 150 kms
• The ride across the border - great scenery and good run for lots of kms
• Meeting up with other cycling groups
• The SA South East beachs

The Tour?

Undoubtedly the people who have supported us along the way.  Not only with Money, but also with their interest and best wishes.

930 Kms to date in 7 days with 1 to go.  Square2Square - nearly done.  I think for most of us, we can't believe it's the penultimate day and the last night.  We look forward to catching up with some of our cycling buddies tomorrow either meeting us on our ride in or at Vic Square

Seeya Tomorrow or soon.

Cheers

The S2S crew