Another beautiful sunny day in Queensland as we woke for today’s ride.  We headed along the beautiful beaches of Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba before turning down the road to the river where the local Dragon Boaters had put on a fantastic breakfast for us!

Fruit, great coffee, juice, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and of course sausages!!  The local Mayor Joe Natoli came out to see us and speak to the group along with a local councilor, and the Dragon Boaters surprised us all with a copy of the local Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper with our photo and story on page 5.

Local television news turned up and did an interview with Leanne and some of the others in the group, and then with a roar of engines a group of Ulysses Club members who had supported Michelle in her fundraising and riding, turned up on their bikes and some trikes.

Several of the girls went for a spin on the back of the trike, as did some of the Dragon Boaters who borrowed helmets and rode on 2 wheels and three.  A highlight was the arrival of a local we met the night before on his original 1932 Indian Scout – the same model bike featured in the World’s Fastest Indian.  A classic motorcycle and beautifully maintained.

Then we headed out on the road in convoy with the Ulysses Club members riding behind.  We took off down the motorway and pulled off at Landsborough, where Michelle took over leading the group and Leanne took over her sweep role in the middle group.  Gail moved to the last group for a different view from the rear and we took off again on the back roads to Peachester and Woodford before heading into Kilcoy.

Beautiful twisty roads and Michele road like she owned it.  As we came into Kilcoy we rode in patrol formation up to the local high school and into their assembly ground blaring horns and revving engines while all the kids came out to wave to their teacher “Mrs Aitchison”. 

Then it was back down the road to the local Primary School where the entire student body was waiting with teachers for us to arrive.  Michelle was swamped by the kids, including her own children, and the groundsman had made a fantastic banner for our arrival.  It was very emotional for all of us and one of the best moments of the ride.

The teachers had put on a morning tea for us and there was a further surprise for Meredith in store when one walked in and asked “is there a Meredith Bullock in here??”  It was Cathy Bradbury (nee Brace), her 7^th Grade teacher that she hadn’t seen since primary school.  Meredith told the group how “Miss Brace” had been her favourite teacher ever, and although she was on playground duty they had a few moments to catch up.

Then it was back on the road and in our usual formation, and out of town on the broad sweeping curves and switchbacks around Somerset Dam, and on to the town of Esk, where we stopped for lunch and said goodbye to the Ulysses Club.

Our final leg was another wonderful twisty road up to Hampton.  Meredith saw a kangaroo sitting by the side of the road but once again it hopped off before Gail saw it!

Then into Toowoomba in good time and to Vacy Hall, the historic home where we had taken over almost every room.  We had a special last night together in this beautiful house with canopied beds and antique furniture, ordering in pizza and sharing drinks, laughs, tears and our thoughts on this incredible journey.

Tomorrow we ride in to Brisbane for our finish!


Jo and Gail go for a ride on a trike


A bicycle policeman provided a much needed block getting out of the gas station


Maroochyshire mayor Jo Natoli speaks to AH participants and supporters


Michele surrounded by her "kids"


Welcome sign at the Kilcoy primary school


Meredith and her grade 7 teacher - Cathy Bradbury (nee Brace)


Leanne is interviewed for the Sunshine Coast evening news


Local motocyclists ride with us for part of the day - a great bunch!!


Pancake has another wild night and falls in love with our mascot - Fatso the fat assed wombat!