Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary to South Hobart (8 April 2009)

I left the wwoof farm a few days early to meet Rick and Barbara's (from Tullah) daughters (Rebecca and Sarah) in Hobart. And to give a short talk at some of the schools about my bike trip. As much fun as raking roo poo was, I'm glad I left early because though the animals were great, the people energy was not so great. I think I am done wwoofing in Tasmania for now.

What a scenery change! Lots of farmland, vineyards, and orchards! Really pretty. Was a very mellow ride until I followed the Lonely Planet Cycling Australia's advice to cut through Molesworth. "While it is physically easier to follow main roads along the valley to Hobart, its farm more pleasant to ride via Molesworth, climbing over a spur of the Wellington Range..."

i appreciate how this photo makes this road look flat. so not flat!

I'm not sure pleasant would be the right word for this detour. It's hard to enjoy the scenery when you're sweating buckets and pedaling with all your granny gear might to get up a constantly steep, windy hill with even steeper bits thrown in every other bend, just for fun. I stopped along the way, heaving and contemplating pushing my bike up the rest, but that seemed worse. Though I do feel much more fit at this point in my Tasmania trip, hills are still hills, apparently.

Me looking my best. Molesworth hill, I do not like you.

I reached the top and then zipped down all the way to the outskirts of Hobart. Luckily, I found the intercity cycle-way quickly, cause Hobart is missing bike lanes. I got in touch with Rebecca and got directions to her house, 3k's up towards Mt. Wellington. If only I had taken a picture of the San Francisco like steep suburban streets! (Like that hill by Gram's house in San Diego, x 2 or 3 in length). When I saw it, I didn't even try. I got off Goat and pushed my way to the top. That way of getting up hills is not easy, either. Then I got back on and was met randomly by Maria, a close friend of Rebecca's. We rode together up to the house, and I was so so grateful for distraction for the final uphill climb, as I was exhausted by this point.

Rebecca and Dave's place is so cozy! Three kids, Katie, Claire, and Roseanna. And Zeus the poodle! Amazing food and an incredibly welcoming family. Hooray!

Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary to South Hobart

Total K's: 71.95
Avg Spd: 15.3 k/hr
Max Spd: 54.6 k/hr
Hours on bike: 4:40
KM scary hill rating: 5/7 (toughest hill of trip and my first walk up a hill!)