We rode most of the day as one big pack. After leaving Portsea we made our way down the coast. It was great riding with sunshine, a following breeze and some great descents next to the bay on smooth tarmac. Near Mount Martha we had our first sharp climb out of the tunnel. After Mornington we hopped onto the highway and stopped a few times on Beach Road as we got closer to the city. Melbourne’s skyscrapers rose gradually over the horizon, seeming to beckon our tired muscles to keep going just that little extra.
We turned into Fitzroy Street St. Kilda and made our way through a maze of traffic lights. As usual, we had a welcoming party (most of Briony’s extended family amongst them) who made lots of noise with their cow bells. Rose was there all lycraed-up with her sling— it was great to see her there. Lunch and photographs were at the St. Kilda Bowls Club. We said our goodbyes with many man-hugs and kisses. Today’s ride was ‘only’ 95km but our grand total for the week was around 1100km.