Vanderpants Oz Tour

62km’s

and the first leg of 3 weeks with this legend below

We are calling ourselves ‘The Redlegs” well because have a look at that HAIR from both of us……

His name is Alex and he is good mate of mine who for what reason I don’t know, has decided to join the pain, I mean adventure for the first 3 weeks of my YEAR AND HALF JOURNEY around Australia. Have I gone nuts again – what am I thinking? Has he gone nuts? does he know what he is in for – I don’t know however, I do know we will smash whatever is in our way and bloody get this 3.5 weeks DONE – then i’m left to my own weird mind all on my own 🙂

That’s right people, it’s TAKE TWO TIME. If it wasn’t covid (two waves), major bushfires, fractured ankle, sick dogs, moving houses, basically shaping my whole life to this point ETC ETC ETC I won’t go on, but I AM GOING TO DAMN WELL COMPLETE THIS THING SOMEHOW SOMETIME and aint NOTHING going to stop me hahaha.

I’m super excited to start this adventure with some good company because this thing can get lonely sometimes and it’s nice to share it with a mate and shoot the breeze all day and share some of that ‘load’ (wink)

It’s been a huge journey to get to this point and i won’t go on about it but let’s just say today’s start was pretty big for me – so many big life changes along the way some good some bad but all life changing in a good way, has shaped this very moment – it’s so hard to believe that the first day is done and dusted and although it wasn’t the most adventurous it also was at the same time for so many internal reasons. Not only for me but also Alex – I could see it in his eyes hehehe It was BIG but moreso in my head. The people in my life who know me, KNOW (wink wink you know who you are and you KNOW i’m talking about YOU hahahaha)

Ok so enough about the emotional BS – I have so much time to get into that later like chasing butterflies which everyone tells me i’m soooo goood at 🙂 – yeah yeah I can hear you now….’you’re chomping at the bit to hear about me writing 100 paragraph about ants or butterflies hahahahahah – wait what, i got sidetracked 🙂 . If you don’t remember from my last journey, you will be reading an unedited, unfiltered version – I don’t pretty it up – what you read is ME. Another exicting thing is that this time I HAVE TAKEN A DRONE WITH ME THIS TIME – I can’t wait to show you all some of the beauty of this land on two wheels.

first off, shout out to my best mate Schnitzel who a couple days ago, passed away with an auto immune disease. It was a very unpleasant and difficult 5ish days as he slowly declined and then it was so strange to then take off straight away after such a sad experience. This dude had the best but very short life – RIP lil buddy, i’m truly going to miss your guts and thought about you for most of the day.

SO the day started off leaving from my mates house and it was a lovely farewell with Pancakes (thanks NOMES) and kisses and hugs and lots of excitement.

This is me looking and researching what a relationship looks like – I feel awkward because I don’t know anymore 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 bwahahahaha

We made our way up busy portrush road as Alex tells me off for texting and cycling up a busy road during peak hour #usedtoitalex #je 🙂

We reached the Mt barker freeway bikepath which is approx 8-9 km climb in which we said – ‘seeya at the top’ and for me, this was a good headspace to be in and for the first time actually took in the enormity of it all and also attempt to leave behind the last few busy and difficult months of planning, life events and big changes. I do admit it did hit me quite hard and I had ‘sand in my eyes’ for a lot of that hill. HERE WE ARE AGAIN – approx 20,000km’s aaggghhhhhhh

The day was pretty straight forward and we chose a short day for the first day so we can both get into the swing of travelling together – this is a first for both us (first for alex touring and first for touring with someone else). First time I have to think about someone else on the road and negotiate and discuss and share. I’m looking forward to seeing how we work together as a team and discuss things like logistics, food, destinations, injuries, weather etc etc – it’s all new for both of us – stay tuned for updates hahaha – who knows, Alex is probably going to roll his eyes at me alllllllllll day because i just don’t SHUTUP hey – I chase butterflies at work and on the bicycle hahahahahahaha – I think Alex is going to go home and need therapy after travelling with me – I’m DEFINITELY on the spectrum and i’m ok with that HAHAhahahahaha he is the one suffering NOT ME bwahahahahah

The day had some rain, some sun, good chats, tailwinds, some bike repairs, good bakery, OK coffee, good ending, a small hike, a glass of red wine and finished up in a hotel room so we can fully reset and relax as we slowly enter the hardship that is bicycle touring. If you were to unpack today, in all aspects it was a brilliant start.

I think I need some time to get back into the swing of blogging again as it doesn’t feel as though tonight came naturally to be honest however, hang in there people, i’ll ‘loosen up’ i promise. At the end of today I feel just bloody happy and greatful A F for so many reasons.

KM’s today – 63

Vertical Gain – 830 mtrs

KM’s to date – 63

Im already smiling thinking about some of the random and funny shit I KNOW is going to happen hahahaha but for now…..

here’s some of our day…..

ME BUSTED PEEING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC

Ok peeps this is Redman logging off and thanks for reading the first blog – I already know in the back of my mind how awesome it’s going to be but also foreseeing the very very challenging days and I can’t wait for you all to share them with me..

Want to know WHERE WE ARE – go to the main menu and click ‘Locate Me’

Signing out………..