Betten On Bike: DAY 16 - 23RD APRIL 2013

Day 16 - Cloncurry to Mt Isa (122 kms)

Cycling Stats: 122 kms
Cycling Average: 30 kms per hour

We had been warned in Cloncurry that the hills going out over the range from Cloncurry would be pretty tough and they were especially with the strong headwind Walter had for the first 80 kms. Walter was working really hard just to achieve an average of 27 kms per hour.

Luckily for Walter the wind flipped around to a great tailwind after the 80 km mark.

The scenery was spectacular with bright brownish dramatic red mountainous outcrops surrounding us.

At around 40 km before reaching Mt Isa we had a wonderful surprise !! Kylie & Geoff from the ISA Rats Tri Club had come out to meet us accompanied by Heiner to ride with Walter into Mt Isa City including State Member Robbie Katter who joined us for the last 15 km. We were welcomed by The Lord Mayor Tony McGrady and Council staff members outside Council Chambers. What a warm welcome !! Council staff members held a collection & handed us a heavy envelope which contained around $165 for our fundraising campaign for Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation. Local newspaper and council journalists also interviewed us & took photos which were published in the local paper the next morning.

A group of us went to the ISA for a lovely lunch and then Kim Coglan, one of the local councillors kindly invited us to camp at her house which we loved - she has a lovely family and I enjoyed helping Zoe, the youngest with her reading. We enjoyed a lovely home cooked meal. Thanks so much KIM !!